Introduction to Power Electronics and Switched-Mode Converters

Efficient energy management is at the heart of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and renewable energy grids. Understanding how to control and convert electrical power with minimal loss is an essential skill for aspiring hardware and electrical engineers. This course guides you through the foundational principles of power electronics and switched-mode converter circuits. You will build a solid theoretical framework to analyze steady-state voltages, currents, and efficiency, enabling you to design and evaluate power conversion systems. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of switched-mode power conversion and efficiency. - Analyze steady-state voltages and currents in basic DC-DC converter topologies. - Apply volt-second balance and capacitor charge balance to solve converter circuits. - Evaluate the performance and efficiency losses in power electronic components. - Explore the role of modern wide-bandgap semiconductors like GaN and SiC in high-frequency design. - Model converter behavior using mathematical analysis and simulation design concepts. The course starts with essential terminology and fundamental circuit laws before moving step-by-step into converter topologies, steady-state analysis, and modern efficiency optimization techniques. This course is designed for beginners in electrical engineering, physics students, or hobbyists looking to understand power supply design, with no prior advanced power electronics experience required. Start reading today to master the foundations of efficient power conversion.