| Abstract |
The paper presents a concept of labwork in “switched mode power supplies” for students at
universities as a supplement to the lecture. Aim of the labwork is to make power electronics more attractive
to students, especially to those who originally preferred non power related subjects. Three power circuits
have been prepared to be built by the students. These are a step down chopper, a flyback converter and an
electronic “DC-DC transformer” based on a series resonant converter. Within the course the students learn to
design and build reactive components, they use a smart power IC, insert a voltage control loop and they get
an impression of resonant topologies. Thus, the laboratory work covers many different subjects of electrical
engineering. The theory is presented in the lecture while most information of the labwork (e.g. datasheets)
are available via internet. Up to now the labwork has been carried out 2 times at the FH Köln and the RWTH
Aachen. It found high interest among all participating students who enjoyed building their own SMPS
circuits. The success of the labwork can also be seen in the fact that many of the students have been
encouraged to chose power electronics as a subject for their diplom thesis. |
