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ECE 4284 - Power Electronics Laboratory (1C)

Course Description

Design and testing of electronic power processing systems for commercial and aerospace applications.

Why take this course?

This is the only undergraduate power electronics laboratory course. It provides the opportunity to experimentally verify the design techniques taught in the ECE 4224 Power Electronics course and to learn experimental techniques that are specific for power electronics.

Learning Objectives

  • Search, explore, and verify the design options based on given specifications.
  • Design and build the power stage of dc-dc converters and experimentally verify it.
  • Design and build high-frequency inductors and transformers.
  • Design and build feedback controller for dc-dc converters.
  • Measure and experimentally quantify steady-state, small-signal, and transient characteristics of power converters.
  • Design and build a complete dc-dc converter prototype and verify the design through analysis and interpretation of the experimentally collected data.

    • Resources & Links

    Two-Semester Major Design Experience

    ECE’s two-semester Major Design Experience (ECE 4805-4806) provides teams of students with simulations of the post-college world via projects specified and directed by industry partners. For more information, contact class instructor, Dr. Joe Adams.

    Textbook List

    Take a look at the Fall 2024 ECE textbook list.
    Take a look at the Spring 2025 ECE textbook list.

    Current Prerequisites & Course Offering

    For current prerequisites for a particular course, and to view course offerings for a particular semester, see the Virginia Tech Course Timetables

    ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission

    The B.S. degree in electrical engineering and the B.S. degree in computer engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

    Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) & Student Outcomes (SOs)