Automated PSpice simulation as an effective design tool in teaching power electronics

• Published in: IEEE transactions on education Vol. 47; no. 3; pp. 415 - 421
• Main Authors: Chamas, I., Nokali, M.A.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.08.2004; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Circuit synthesis; DC-DC power conversion; Electronics engineering education; Power electronics; Rectifiers; SPICE
• ISSN: 0018-9359; 1557-9638
• DOI: 10.1109/TE.2004.825509

In this paper, PSpice is used to deepen the student understanding of power electronics and to serve as a design tool for power converter circuits. A library that includes automated versions of dc/dc converters and rectifiers is built in PSpice using ideal switches. The automated version permits students to design converter circuits that meet a set of design criteria. The performance of various designs are tested by plotting the current and voltage waveforms using the graphics postprocessor Probe. The library was introduced to students in a power electronics course, and they have been asked to augment its contents through mini-design projects. The response was positive, which will encourage the extension of the approach to other subjects.