Power Electronics Lab Manual

L A B
M A N U A L
Power Electronics
Lab Manual
Version 1.0 11 November 2014
Preliminary Content This document may not include the latest updates and may
contain errors.
Power Electronics Lab Manual

This introductory lab series was
created in collaboration with Dr. Afshin Izadian of the
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. It
introduces students to basic power electronics circuits
and the analysis techniques used to characterize them.
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Contents
Lab at a Glance.................................................................................................................... 7
What You Will Do ................................................................................................................ 7
Time Required..................................................................................................................... 7
Background Knowledge ....................................................................................................... 8
Gate Driver Lab........................................................................................................................ 9

1.1 Goal .............................................................................................................................10
1.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................10
1.3 Pre-Lab Activities ..........................................................................................................10
1.3a Get to Know the Topics ........................................................................................................................ 10
1.3b Pre-Assessment Quiz ............................................................................................................................ 11
1.4 Lab Procedure............................................................................................................... 12
1.4a Design the Circuit in Multisim .............................................................................................................. 12
1.4b Perform an Oscilloscope Analysis .........................................................................................................13
1.4c Simulate a Power Transistor with Gate Drive ....................................................................................... 14
1.4d Build the Gate Driver Circuit on a myProto Breadboard ....................................................................... 16
1.5 Create a Lab Report ....................................................................................................... 17
1.6 Final Observations ........................................................................................................ 17
Buck Converter Lab ................................................................................................................. 19

2.1 Goal .............................................................................................................................20
2.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................20
2.3a Get to Know the Topics........................................................................................................................ 20
2.3b Pre-Assessment Quiz........................................................................................................................... 21
2.4 Lab Procedure............................................................................................................... 21
2.4b Perform a Transient Analysis ............................................................................................................... 22
2.4c Perform a Parameter Sweep (Resistive Load) ...................................................................................... 24
2.4d Perform a Parameter Sweep (Corner Frequency) ................................................................................ 26
2.4e Perform a Parameter Sweep (Inductive Load) ......................................................................................27
2.4f Build and Explore the Buck Converter on a myProto Breadboard ..........................................................27
2.5 Create a Lab Report ...................................................................................................... 29

2.6 Final Observations ....................................................................................................... 29
Boost Converter Lab ............................................................................................................... 31

3.1 Goal ............................................................................................................................. 32
3.2 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 32
3.3 Pre-Lab Activities .......................................................................................................... 32
3.3b Pre-Assessment Quiz ............................................................................................................................33
3.4 Lab Procedure............................................................................................................... 33
3.4a Design the Circuit in Multisim ...............................................................................................................33
3.4d Perform a Parameter Sweep (Corner Frequency)................................................................................. 38
3.4e Perform a Parameter Sweep (Inductive Load) ..................................................................................... 39
3.4f Build and Explore the Boost Converter on a myProto Breadboard........................................................ 39
3.6 Final Observations ........................................................................................................41
Buck Boost Converter Lab ....................................................................................................... 43

4.1 Goal ............................................................................................................................ 44
4.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................... 44
4.3 Pre-Lab Activities ......................................................................................................... 44
4.4 Lab Procedure...............................................................................................................45
4.4d Perform a Parameter Sweep (Corner Frequency) ................................................................................ 50
4.4e Perform a Parameter Sweep (Inductive Load) ......................................................................................51
4.4f Build and Explore the Buck Boost Converter on a myProto Breadboard ................................................51
4.5 Create a Lab Report ....................................................................................................... 52
4.6 Final Observations ........................................................................................................ 53
Full Bridge Inverter Lab .......................................................................................................... 55

5.1 Goal .............................................................................................................................56
5.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................56
5.3b Pre-Assessment Quiz ............................................................................................................................57
5.4 Lab Procedures ............................................................................................................ 58
5.4a Design a Multisim Circuit ..................................................................................................................... 58
5.4c Perform a Parameter Sweep ................................................................................................................ 61
5.4d Build the Full Bridge Inverter on a myProto Breadboard ...................................................................... 62
5.5 Lab Report ....................................................................................................................63
Rectifier Lab ........................................................................................................................... 65

6.1 Goal ............................................................................................................................ 66
6.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................... 66
6.3 Pre-Lab Activities ......................................................................................................... 66
6.4 Lab Procedure Part 1: Half and Full Wave Uncontrolled Rectifiers ......................................67
6.4c Perform a Parameter Sweep (Half Wave Rectifier) ...............................................................................70
6.4d Perform a Parameter Sweep (Full Wave Rectifier) ................................................................................72
6.4e Build and Explore the Uncontrolled Rectifier on a myProto Breadboard............................................... 73
6.5 Lab Procedure Part 2: Phase Controlled Full Bridge Rectifier .............................................74
6.5a Multisim SCR Simulation ..................................................................................................................... 74
6.5b SCR Transient analysis .........................................................................................................................75
Lab at a Glance
Lab
Gate Driver
Overview
Discover power transistors and the importance of the gate driver
circuit
Buck Converter
Simulate, build and experiment with a DC-DC step down

converter
Boost Converter
Simulate, build and experiment with a DC-DC step up converter
Buck Boost Converter
Simulate, build and experiment with a DC-DC step up and step

down converter
Full Bridge Inverter
Simulate, build and experiment with a DC AC converter
Rectifier
Simulate, build and experiment with a Half, Full bridge and

controlled rectifier
What You Will Do

Throughout these labs you will use NI myDAQ and LabVIEW and Multisim to simulate and test basic
Power Electronics circuits. These labs will allow students to quickly see the differences between ideal
and real circuits. Students will learn the importance of the additional circuitry needed to drive power
transistors as well as how to test various component values on these circuits to decide how to optimize
the output.
Time Required
The labs should take around three (2-3) hours, but this can vary depending on your prior knowledge and
rate of learning.
Background Knowledge
It is recommended that you have some exposure to LabVIEW, but it is not required. The instructions for
the exercises cover all necessary steps to complete the task. Note that you are expected to learn basic
tasks as you progress, and the instructions become less detailed and require that you retain some of the
knowledge.
You are expected to be familiar with using a computer, mouse, and keyboard.
L A B
Gate Driver Lab

One Hour
1.1 Goal
To understand the importance of using a gate driver when controlling power transistors and to become
familiar with National Instruments hardware
1.2 Objectives
In this lab you will:
Simulate a circuit in Multisim software.

Build and interact with a gate driver circuit. You will design the circuit to sweep various
frequencies of square waves to output to an insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT).
Create a lab report to present your data, observations, and conclusions.
1.3 Pre-Lab Activities

1.3a Get to Know the Topics
Review the following resources to familiarize yourself with the topics listed before you begin
the lab:
Textbook References:
Hart, Daniel W. Power Electronics. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2011.
Section: 10.
Mohan, Ned, Undeland, Tore M, Robbins, William P. Power Electronics:
Converters Applications and Design. Danvers, MA: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.
Sections: 28.1 28.3
myDAQ References:
Get Started Using NI myDAQ with LabVIEW for Education
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsD2tHbuAF4
DAQ Lesson 1
https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-11624
10
1.3b Pre-Assessment Quiz

Complete the following quiz to check your understanding of the relevant topics before you
begin the lab.
a. What is meant when a circuit is Unipolar or Bipolar? List the benefits of each.
b. Draw a MOSFET front view and label each of the following parts:
a) Gate Metal
b) Gate Oxide
c) Drain
d) Source
e) Body
b. Explain how the MOS capacitor contributes to the need for gate drive circuitry in 3-5
sentences. Include information on charging and discharging capacitors and suggest
different ways to charge and discharge at different rates.
c. Draw and label a transistor with a gate drive circuit. Draw the path for current to and from
the gate when the control circuit produces a high and another when the control circuit
produces a low.
d. List the different regions of operation for a BJT and MOSFET. Using the data sheet for your
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), list the voltages needed to put the transistor into
its different regions.
e. What are the voltage and current specifications of the analog output channels of the
myDAQ? What region of operation do you estimate the myDAQ can drive the IGBT into
without a drive circuit?
11
1.4 Lab Procedure

1.4a Design the Circuit in Multisim
Designing the circuit in Multisim allows you to gain an understanding of the circuit you will
prototype on a breadboard later.
Simulate a Power Transistor with No Gate Drive
Step 1: Design the following circuit in Multisim
Figure 1 Transistor Circuit with No Gate Drive

Finding Components in Multisim
V1/V2 DC voltage sources, V2 is being used as a reference voltage for the PWM signal being
generated while V1 is the voltage source of the switching circuit. Found in Group: Sources;
Family: Power_Sources.
U1 PWM function used to generate the square wave signal for the transistor, found in Group:
Power; Family: Power_Controllers.
IRF520 Power transistor used to switch the DC supply based on the square wave signal from
the PWM function. Found in Group: Transistors; Family: Power_Mos_N.
12
XSC1 Oscilloscope used to monitor runtime signals from the circuit.

You can use wires or on-page connectors to wire up the circuit.
For more information about working in Multisim, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ntspress/search?query=multisim.
1.4b Perform an Oscilloscope Analysis

An oscilloscope allows you to probe different portions of your circuit and gain an
understanding of the inputs and outputs of your circuit during simulation runtime. You will
observe the output of an IGBT as you apply higher frequency square waves to the input.
Step 2: Double click on the PWM function and enter the following configuration settings:
Reference signal frequency: 250 kHz
Reference Signal minimum voltage: 0V
Reference Signal maximum voltage: 1V
Output voltage amplitude: 5V
Output rise/fall time: 1ns
This will allow the PWM function to output a signal based on the comparison between the
input voltage provided by V2 and the sawtooth wave used as a reference. The function will
output a high when the input voltage is higher than the reference and a low when it is lower.
Since the input is a constant, the output signal will maintain a constant ratio between time
spent high and low. The input voltage is set to 0.5 which makes it so that it is high higher than
the reference sawtooth voltage (set to 1V) for half the time. This ratio will remain the same
even as the frequency of the sawtooth reference signal is changed.
Click Ok to accept the settings you entered.
Step 3: Double Click on the Oscilloscope function to open the graph panel as seen in Figure 2.
Click on the green arrow in the main Multisim window to let the simulation run for a few
seconds, and then stop it by pressing on the red stop square in the main Multisim window. On
the Oscilloscope panel, increase the Timebase: Scale field to 100ns/Div and use the scroll bar
to move to a point on the graph where there is a rising edge for Signal A.
13
Note: You will need to change the Scale of channel A and B in order to see all of the signals
you are simulating.
Figure 2 Oscilloscope graph panel

Step 4: Move cursor T2, using the left and right arrow buttons, to the point on signal A that is
approximately 90% of signal As maximum amplitude. Move cursor T1 to approximately the
10% point. Record the time for T2-T1 as Rise Time and take a screen shot of the graph for
your lab report.
Note: The cursor controls are right below the scroll bar on the oscilloscope panel.
Step 5: Using the scroll bar again, move to a location where there is a falling edge of signal A
and repeat the process you followed from step 4, this time with T2 being the 10% point and T1
being the 90% point. Record the time for T2-T1 as Fall Time and take a screen shot for your
lab report.
Step 6: Change the Timebase: Scale in order to see multiple periods of signal A. Take a screen
shot of this for your lab report and record the maximum amplitude of signal A.
1.4c Simulate a Power Transistor with Gate Drive

Step 7: Modify your current circuit to match the following.
14
The additional components can be found in Group: Transistors: Family: BJT_NPN and BJT_PNP.
You can search for them by the model numbers listed in the figure. The additional power
supply provides a higher voltage and current signal that can be switched by the control signal.
Figure 3 Create Measurement Expression

Step 8: Repeat steps 3-6 on the new circuit to accumulate information to use for comparison
between the power transistor output with and without the gate driver.
Challenge Question 1: Explain in detail why the output rise and fall times are so different
between the two circuits.
Challenge Question 2: Go back and calculate the power dissipated in the transistor in both
cases. Explain why there is a difference between the two and reference the regions that the
transistor is in.
15
1.4d Build the Gate Driver Circuit on a myProto Breadboard

The circuit you built in Multisim utilized power transistors in its design, these will be replaced with
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors in the breadboard design, and two integrated chips will be used
to provide isolation and gate drive.
Step 9: Using the schematic provided in Figure 4, build the gate driver circuit on a myProto and
wire the appropriate lines from the circuit to the breakout bank of the myProto. Connect the
myProto to the myDAQ, and plug the myDAQ into your computer using the USB connector.
Figure 4 Isolation and gate drive integrated chips
Step 10: Open the Gate Driver Lab.vi, select the appropriate myDAQ from the Devices drop
down, and run the VI. Observe the output waveform and comment on the amplitude and rise and
fall times of the signal. Vary the frequency of the output square wave and observe the change in the
output waveform.
Step 11 (Optional): Directly connect the myDAQ control signal to the gate of the IGBT and rerun
the Gate Driver Lab.vi. Vary the signal frequency and examine the output waveform for any
changes. Comment on the influence of the gate driver in your lab report.
16
1.5 Create a Lab Report

Complete a 3-5 page report which includes all pictures, observations and answers to questions
presented in the lab. Label all pictures with descriptive captions that relate them back to content in
your lab report. Include an introduction, conclusion and 3-5 sentences that talk about the effects of
a gate driver on a power circuit. Discuss how the circuit can be improved to allow for less power
dissipation and suggest ways to maintain performance at even higher frequencies.
1.6 Final Observations

Record other thoughts and observations you made throughout the lab and connect them to something
you have observed or experienced in the real world.
Challenge: Explore PCB Design

Attached are schematics for the gate driver circuit. These can either be used to add to the lab
experience with an additional PCB design section or help reduce prototyping time for students if
boards are created before the lab by lab assistants.
Boost Converter Lab
17
Boost Converter Lab
18
L A B
Buck Converter
Lab
One Hour
Boost Converter Lab
19
2.1 Goal
To understand the basics of a buck converter circuit, common transistors used in power electronics, and
National Instruments hardware
2.2 Objectives
Simulate a buck converter circuit in Multisim software.

Build and interact with a step down, DC to DC converter circuit, commonly known as a buck
converter. You will design the circuit to output a switch DC voltage that varies according to
switch frequency and duty cycle.

the lab.
Hart, Daniel W. Power Electronics. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill 2011. Print
Sections: 1.4, 8.1-8.4
Mohan, Ned, Undeland, Tore M, Robbins, William P. Power Electronics: Converters
Applications and Design. Danvers, MA: John Wiley and Sons 2003
Sections: 2.1-2.8, 7.2-7.4
myDAQ References:
DAQ Lesson 1
Boost Converter Lab
20

Complete the following quiz to check your understanding of the relevant topics before you begin the
lab.
a. Create a table that compares at least four transistors and provides a ranking of the
transistors based on power capability and switching speed.
b. Describe at least one method for reducing power loss in your circuit. Explain how the
method can be implemented in a practical application.
c. Draw the two modes of operation for the buck converter. Label the flow of current for each
mode. Write the expression for duty ratio and comment on what makes the duty ratio so
important
d. Write the equation for output voltage ripple for a buck converter. Comment on what this
equation implies about switching frequency and the corner frequency of the low pass filter
in the buck converter.
e. List all the steps and I/O lines needed to generate a continuous pulse train from the
myDAQ using the on-board counter.
2.4 Lab Procedure

prototype on the breadboard later. Note that MOSFET Power transistors are used in the
simulation instead of the IGBTs used in prototyping, and the gate driver circuit from Lab 0
Gate Driver has been purposely removed in order to emphasize the buck converter
configuration.
Design the following circuit in Multisim.
Boost Converter Lab
21
Figure 5 Buck (Step Down) Converter Circuit

DC_Source DC voltage source found in Group: Sources; Family: Power_Sources.
PWM_Generator PWM function used to generate the buck converter control signal, found in
Group: Power; Family: Power_Controllers.
DC_PWM_Controller DC signal used as a reference for the PWM generation. See DC_Source
for location.
VCVS Voltage Controlled Voltage Source used to provide a constant voltage regardless of the
current requirements of the load, in this case the MOSFET. Found in Group: Sources; Family:
Controlled_Voltage_Sources.
Power_MOSFET Q1 Power transistor used to switch the DC supply in order to provide an
alternating signal for the buck converter. Found in Group: Transistors; Family: Power_Mos_N.
https://www.youtube.com/user/ntspress/search?query=multisim
2.4b Perform a Transient Analysis

A transient analysis gives you an idea of how your circuit will respond over a set period of time.
It allows you to apply some input and observe an output through simulation.
Boost Converter Lab
22
Step 2: Label the wire at the top of the resister branch by right clicking on it and choosing
Properties. Then under the Net name tab, update Preferred net name with a descriptive
name of your choice, and click Ok.
Figure 6 Wire Properties

Step 3: Click Simulate on the top toolbar and navigate to Analyses>>Transient Analysis. In
the pop up configuration window, choose the Analysis parameters tab and set the following
parameters:
Initial Conditions: Set to zero
Start time (TSTART): 0
End time (TSTOP): 0.05s
Step 4: Navigate to the Output tab, click on the descriptive name you just made to select
that node to monitor from the Variables in circuit field and click Add. Select anything that
may be in the Selected variable for analysis field that you are not monitoring and click
Remove.
Boost Converter Lab
23
Step 5: Click Simulate to run the transient analysis. Take a screen shot of your results to
include in your lab report.
2.4c Perform a Parameter Sweep (Resistive Load)

A parameter sweep gives you an idea of how your circuit would respond with different values
for components such as resistors and capacitors. This sweep can be fine-tuned to allow you to
find the optimum point of operation for you circuit, so when you prototype your circuit with
real components you can have an idea of the range of component values you can use to
achieve a satisfactory output. In this lab you will perform parameter sweeps on the control
signals duty cycle, the buck converter capacitance, inductance, and load inductance.
Boost Converter Lab
24
Step 6: Click Simulate on the top toolbar and navigate to Analyses>> Parameter Sweep. In
the pop up configuration window, navigate to the Analysis parameters tab and set the
following parameters:
Sweep Parameter: Device Parameter
Device Type: Vsource
Name: vdc_pwm_controller (the name of the PWM_controller on your schematic)
Parameter: dc
Start: 100 mV
Stop: 950 mV
Number of points: 6
Analysis to sweep: Transient Analysis
Verify on the Output tab that the Selected variables for analysis field shows the resistor
load branch as selected for analysis, the same that was chosen for your transient analysis step.
Click Simulate to run the parameter sweep. This will create six instances of your buck
converter output, which correspond to the six different PWM duty cycles created from varying
the PWM_Controller voltage.
Take a screen shot of your results to include in your lab report. Find out what the PWM
switching frequency is from the PWM generator function (done by double clicking on the
function) and label the screenshot with the frequency where the analysis takes place.
Step 7: Pick five different frequencies evenly spaced out in the range from 50Hz to 20 kHz.
Change the PWM generator frequency to each of these values, and rerun your transient
analysis from steps 2 and 3 for each frequency value. Take a screen shot of all of these trials for
your lab report and comment on the effects you observed of changing the generator
frequency.
Boost Converter Lab
25
2.4d Perform a Parameter Sweep (Corner Frequency)

The corner frequency of your LC (inductor capacitor) lowpass filter can be increased or
decreased to change the high frequency content allowed through your buck converter. Next,
you will explore how you can change the response of the filter and its effects on the buck
converter DC output.
Step 8: Navigate to the Parameter Sweep analysis and select the following parameters to
perform a sweep of the inductance:
Device Type: Inductor
Name: L1
Parameter: inductance
Start: 1 mH
Stop: 100 mH
Number of points: 6
Step 9: Click Simulate to run the analysis. Take a screen shot of the output for your lab
report and comment on the impact of the inductance in your buck converter. Include in your
comment a theoretical explanation of the inductor and its response to change in voltage and
current.
perform a sweep of the capacitance:
Device Type: Capacitor
Name: C1
Parameter: capacitance
Start: 1 uF
Stop: 200 uF
Number of points: 12
Boost Converter Lab
26

report and comment on the impact of the capacitance in your buck converter. Include in your
comment a theoretical explanation of the capacitor and its response to change in voltage and
current.
2.4e Perform a Parameter Sweep (Inductive Load)

In most applications, your DC-DC converter will not be tied to just a resistor. Most hardware
includes some form of capacitance and inductance. You will now explore the effects of having
an inductive load in your circuit.
Step 12: Modify the 1k ohm resistor in the load to 50ohms. Add a 10mH inductor to your
circuit in series with your 500 ohm resistance (the resistor and inductor should still be in
parallel with the capacitor in your circuit).
Step 13: Click Simulate in the top toolbar and choose Parameter sweep. Use the same
configuration you had from your previous run and click Simulate. Take a screen shot of your
results for your lab report and comment on what changed in the resulting output and why.
Challenge Question 1: Voltage ripple relies heavily on the switching frequency and corner
frequency of your LC lowpass filter. Calculate the corner frequency of this buck converter,
determine a switching frequency that will increase V ripple, and modify the PWM generator
with your new switching frequency value. This can be done by double clicking on the PWM
function and changing the reference frequency. Rerun a transient analysis and comment on
whether the change gives the expected results.
Challenge Question 2: There is a significant amount of power lost in the buck converter diode.
Explain why this is the case and suggest ways to improve the efficiency of your buck converter.
For example, you might suggest additional circuitry.
2.4f Build and Explore the Buck Converter on a myProto Breadboard

The circuit built in Multisim utilized power transistors in its design, these will be replaced with
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors in the breadboard design and the gate driver from Lab 0 will be
used to control the transistors. Comment on how this will influence the results of the breadboard
circuit in your lab report. Also talk about the importance of the diodes placed across each transistor.
Boost Converter Lab
27
Step 14: Build the Buck converter on your myProto protoboard using Insulated Gate Bipolar
Transistors (IGBTs). The design should follow what you designed in Multisim, and you should build
the gate driver from Lab 0 to properly control the IGBTs. Use values for the resistor, capacitor and
inductor similar to that used in the initial Multisim design. The PWM generator will be replaced with
the Analog output 0 line from the myDAQ. You may use the block diagram in Figure 5 to assist in
building the buck converter circuit.
Figure 5 Buck Converter Block Diagram

Step 15: Connect the myProto to your myDAQ and plug the myDAQ into your computer.
Step 16: Open the myDAQBuckBoost.vi and modify the Frequency (Hz) and Duty Cycle (%)
controls to 1000Hz and 10% respectively. Run the code and observe the instantaneous signals. Use
the myDAQBuckBoost.vi to fill in the Table 1 (included at the end of the lab). Include this table
along with a screenshot of the instantaneous signals from the VI front panel in your lab report.
Step 17: Choose three other capacitor and three other inductor values to test in your circuit. The
capacitor and inductor values should fall in the same range as those used in the parameter sweep
with one value falling at the low end, the second at the high end, and the last in the middle of the
range. Swap pairs of these components into your circuit and fill out a copy of Table 1 for each using
the myDAQBuckBoost.vi. Include all of these tables as well as screenshots from the VI front panel
of the instantaneous signals that correspond to each table in your lab report. (You do not need to
have more than three tables for your lab report).
Step 18: Explore the block diagram of the myDAQBuckBoost.vi and gain an understanding of how
signals are generated and what form of analysis is being used.
Boost Converter Lab
28

Complete a 3-5 page report that includes all pictures, tables, observations and answers to questions
your lab report. Include an introduction, a results section, and a conclusion that also explains one
practical application of a Buck Converter.

Challenge: Explore the PCB Design

Attached are schematics for the buck converter circuit. These can either be used to add to the lab
Boost Converter Lab
29
Switching
Duty Cycle(%)
Vout DC(V)
Vout RMS(V)
Iout DC(A)
Frequency(Hz)
Iout RMS (A)
DC Output
Power (W)
Inductance(mH)
Capacitance(uF)
Table 1 Experimental Observations
Boost Converter Lab
30
L A B
Boost Converter
Lab
One Hour
Boost Converter Lab
31
3.1 Goal
To understand the basics of a boost converter circuit, common transistors used in power electronics,
and National Instruments hardware.
3.2 Objectives
Simulate a boost converter circuit in Multisim software.

Build and interact with a step up, DC to DC converter circuit, commonly known as a boost
converter. You will design the circuit to output a switch DC voltage that varies according to
switch frequency and duty cycle.

the lab.
Sections: 1.4, 6.4
Sections: 2.1-2.8, 7.4
myDAQ References:
DAQ Lesson 1
Boost Converter Lab
32

begin the lab.
a. Explain the principles of voltage increment in a boost converter.
b. How is the PWM signal generated and applied to a transistor? Explain the switching
procedures in a turn-on and turn-off process.
c. What are advantages and disadvantages of a boost converter?
3.4 Lab Procedure

Gate Driver has been purposely removed in order to emphasize the boost converter
configuration.
Design the following circuit in Multisim. Double click the PWM_Generator and set a Reference
signal frequency of 5 kHz.
Figure 6 Boost (Step Up) Converter Circuit

Boost Converter Lab
33
PWM_Generator PWM function used to generate the boost converter control signal, found in
for location.
Power_MOSFET Power transistor used to switch the DC supply in order to provide an
alternating signal for the boost converter. Found in Group: Transistors; Family: Power_Mos_N.

Boost Converter Lab
34
parameters:
Remove.
include in your lab report. In this setup we have achieved a duty cycle ( ) of 40%, use the
Boost Converter Lab
35
following equation to calculate the expected output voltage then use the cursors in your
transient analysis to measure what the average voltage of you output is. In your lab report
document the calculated and simulated output voltages. Calculate the percent error of your
data and comment on why you believe there to be an error.
Equation 1 Boost converter output voltage equation

signals duty cycle, the boost converter capacitance, inductance, and load inductance.
Parameter: dc
Start: 100 mV
Stop: 950 mV
Number of points: 6
Click Simulate to run the parameter sweep. This will create six instances of your boost
Boost Converter Lab
36
Step 7: Pick five different frequencies evenly spaced out in the range from 50Hz to 20 kHz.
frequency.
Boost Converter Lab
37

decreased to change the high frequency content allowed through your boost converter. Next,
you will explore how you can change the response of the filter and its effects on the boost
converter DC output.
Name: L1
Start: 1 mH
Stop: 100 mH
Number of points: 6
report and comment on the impact of the inductance in your boost converter. Include in your
current.
Name: C1
Start: 1 uF
Stop: 200 uF
Boost Converter Lab
38

report and comment on the impact of the capacitance in your boost converter. Include in your
comment a theoretical explanation of the capacitor and its response to change in voltage and
current.

Challenge Question 1: Explain the critical values of a boost converter. Describe how the
frequency, inductance and capacitance values determine the operation modes.
Challenge Question 2: Explain the discontinuous current mode and continuous current mode
of operation. What differences are observed in each mode?
Challenge Question 3: Describe a 1-quadrant, 2-quadrant and 4-quadrant converter.
3.4f Build and Explore the Boost Converter on a myProto Breadboard

Step 14: Build the Boost converter on your myProto protoboard using Insulated Gate Bipolar
Boost Converter Lab
39
building the boost converter circuit.
Figure 9 Boost Converter Block Diagram


practical application of a Boost Converter.
Boost Converter Lab
40


Attached are schematics for the boost converter circuit. These can either be used to add to the lab
Switching
Duty Cycle(%)
Vout DC(V)
Vout RMS(V)
Iout DC(A)
Frequency(Hz)
Iout RMS (A)
DC Output
Power (W)
Inductance(mH)
Capacitance(uF)
Boost Converter Lab
41
Boost Converter Lab
42
L A B
Buck Boost
Converter Lab
One Hour
Boost Converter Lab
43
4.1 Goal
To understand the basics of a buck boost converter circuit, common transistors used in power
electronics, and National Instruments hardware
4.2 Objectives
Simulate a buck boost converter circuit in Multisim software.

Build and interact with a step up step down, DC to DC converter circuit, commonly known as a
buck boost converter. You will design the circuit to output a switch DC voltage that varies
according to switch frequency and duty cycle.

the lab.
Sections: 1.4, 8.1-8.4
Sections: 2.1-2.8, 7.2-7.4
myDAQ References:
DAQ Lesson 1
Boost Converter Lab
44

begin the lab.
a)
b)
Obtain the relation of the output voltage, input voltage and duty cycle in a buck-boost
converter. Explain how the circuit operation reduces and boosts the voltage.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a buck-boost converter.
4.4 Lab Procedure

Gate Driver has been purposely removed in order to emphasize the buck converter
configuration.
Design the following circuit in Multisim. Double click the PWM_Generator and set a Reference
signal frequency of 5kHz.
Figure 10 Buck Boost Converter Circuit

Boost Converter Lab
45
PWM_Generator PWM function used to generate the buck converter control signal, found in
for location.
Power_MOSFET Power transistor used to switch the DC supply in order to provide an
alternating signal for the buck converter. Found in Group: Transistors; Family: Power_Mos_N.

Boost Converter Lab
46
parameters:
Remove.
include in your lab report. In this setup we have achieved a duty cycle ( ) of 40%, use the
Boost Converter Lab
47
following equation to calculate the expected output voltage then use the cursors in your
transient analysis to measure what the average voltage of you output is. In your lab report
document the calculated and simulated output voltages. Calculate the percent error of your
data and comment on why you believe there to be an error.
Equation 2 Buck Boost converter output voltage equation

signals duty cycle, the buck converter capacitance, inductance, and load inductance.
Parameter: dc
Start: 100 mV
Stop: 950 mV
Number of points: 6
Click Simulate to run the parameter sweep. This will create six instances of your buck boost
Boost Converter Lab
48
Step 7: Pick five different frequencies evenly spaced out in the range from 50Hz to 20kHz.
frequency.
Boost Converter Lab
49

decreased to change the high frequency content allowed through your buck boost converter.
Next, you will explore how you can change the response of the filter and its effects on the buck
boost converter DC output.
Name: L1
Start: 1 mH
Stop: 100 mH
Number of points: 6
report and comment on the impact of the inductance in your buck converter. Include in your
current.
Name: C1
Start: 1 uF
Stop: 200 uF
50

report and comment on the impact of the capacitance in your buck boost converter. Include in
your comment a theoretical explanation of the capacitor and its response to change in voltage
and current.

Challenge Question 1: Draw a non-inverting buck-boost circuit, and illustrate the

circuit operation.
Challenge Question 2: Explain the technical issues of a transistor using a voltage
controlled voltage source.
4.4f Build and Explore the Buck Boost Converter on a myProto

Breadboard
Step 14: Build the Buck converter on your myProto protoboard using Insulated Gate Bipolar
51
building the buck boost converter circuit.
Figure 13 Buck Converter Block Diagram


practical application of a Buck Boost Converter.
52


Switching
Duty Cycle(%)
Vout DC(V)
Vout RMS(V)
Iout DC(A)
Frequency(Hz)
Iout RMS (A)
DC Output
Power (W)
Inductance(mH)
Capacitance(uF)
53
54
L A B

Lab
One Hour
55
5.1 Goal
To understand the basics of a full bridge inverter, common transistors used in power electronics, and
National Instruments hardware.
5.2 Objectives
Simulate a full bridge inverter circuit in Multisim software.

Build and interact with an inverter circuit on a myProto breadboard. You will design the circuit
to output a sinusoidal voltage that you will then observe under different load conditions.

Review the following resources to familiarize yourself with the topics listed before you begin the
lab.
Sections: 1.4, 8.1-8.4
Sections: 2.1-2.8, 8.1-8.3
myDAQ References:
DAQ Lesson 1
56

Complete the following quiz to check your understanding of the relevant topics before you begin
the lab.
a. What are the desired characteristics of ideal controllable switches?
a) Block arbitrarily large forward and reverse voltages with zero current flow when
off.
b) Conduct arbitrarily large currents with zero voltage drop when on.
c) Instantaneously change between on and off state and vice versa.
d) Negligible power required to control the switch
b. List 3 controllable switches, draw and label their circuit symbol, and draw their i-v
characteristics curve.
a) Bipolar Junction Transistor
b) Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor
c) Thyristor
d) Isolated Gate Bipolar Transistor
c. Draw a full bridge inverter circuit and label the path of current in the forward and reverse
states. Discuss where the load should be as well as how the direction of current is changed
during operation.
d. Draw the timing diagram that can be used to achieve the PWM signal needed to control
the full bridge inverter. Label the reference control signal and switching triangle signal
then, using the switching scheme, draw the resulting PWM signal.
e. List all the steps and I/O lines needed to acquire an analog signal and output that same
signal using myDAQ and LabVIEW express VIs.
57
5.4 Lab Procedures

5.4a Design a Multisim Circuit
Designing a circuit in Multisim allows you to gain an understanding of the circuit you will
prototype on a breadboard later. MOSFET power transistors are used in simulation instead of
the IGBTs used in prototyping, and the gate driver circuit from Lab 0 has been purposely
removed in order to place emphasis on the full bridge configuration.
Build the following circuit in Multisim.
Figure 14 Full Bridge Inverter Circuit

PWM_GeneratorA/B PWM function used to generate the inverter control signals found in
Control_Signal/Control_Signal_Delayed Reference sinusoidal signal used to generate PWM
control signals. The two are used in order to create control signals for the positive and negative
peaks of the output sinusoid. They are found in Group: Sources; Family:
Signal_Voltage_Sources.
58
VCVS_A/B Voltage Controlled Voltage Source used to provide a constant voltage regardless
of the current requirements of the load, in this case the MOSFET. Found in Group: Sources;
Family: Controlled_Voltage_Sources.
Power_MOSFET_1-4 Power transistor used to switch the DC supply in order to create an AC
output signal. Found in Group: Transistors; Family: Power_Mos_N.
You can use wires or on-page connectors to wire up the circuit.
For more information about working with Multisim, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ntspress/search?query=multisim.

Step 2: Label the wire between your capacitor and inductor by right clicking on it and choosing
Properties. Then under the Net name tab, update the Preferred net name field with a
descriptive name of your choice and click Ok.

Step 3: Click on Simulate on the top toolbar and navigate to Analyses>>Transient Analysis.
In the pop up configuration window choose the Analysis parameters tab and set the
59

Navigate to the Output tab and click Add expression. In this configuration window, seen in
Figure 16, you can add variables that are signals from the diagram then you can use a function
step to carry out an operation. Double click on the signals to populate the Expression field. You
are trying to differentially read the voltage across the capacitor, this means you want to take
the voltage at the node between the capacitor and inductor and the node at the other end of
the capacitor and subtract those two values. Once completed, press Ok; the expression
should already be included in the Selected Variables for analysis window.

Click Simulate to run the transient analysis. Take a screen shot of your results to include in your lab
report.
60
5.4c Perform a Parameter Sweep

A parameter sweep gives you an idea of how your circuit will respond with different values for
components such as resistors and capacitors. This sweep can be fine-tuned to allow you to find
the optimum point of operation for you circuit, so when you prototype your circuit with real
components you can have an idea of the range of component values you can use to achieve a
satisfactory output.
Step 4: Click on Simulate on the top toolbar and navigate to Analyses>> Parameter Sweep.
In the Pop up window, navigate to the Analysis parameters tab and set the following
parameters:
Start: 1uF
Stop: 100uf
Number of points: 5
Verify on the Output tab that the Selected variables for analysis field shows the expression
you created during your transient analysis step. Click Simulate to run the parameter sweep.
This will create five instances of your inverter output, which corresponds to the five different
capacitance values tested during the sweep. Take a screen shot of your results to include in
your lab report.
Challenge Question 1: The two sinusoidal reference signals, Control_Signal and

Control_Signal_Delayed, are out of phase. Explain why this is important then experiment with
different phase angles and see how the output changes. Include your explanation as well as
any observations you make when changing the phase angle between the two signals.
Challenge Question 2: The voltage controlled voltage sources in the inverter circuit are used
to supply a voltage regardless of the loads current requirement in the ideal case. Describe
another circuit that can be built as a voltage controlled voltage source. Include your
explanation in your lab report.
61
5.4d Build the Full Bridge Inverter on a myProto Breadboard

The circuit built in Multisim utilized power transistors in its design. These will be replaced with
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors in the breadboard design, and the gate driver from Lab 0 will
be used to control the transistors. In your lab report, comment on how this will influence the
results of the breadboard circuit. Also talk about the importance of the diodes placed across
each transistor.
Step 5: Build the Full Bridge Inverter on your myProto using Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors
(IGBTs). Follow the design you did in Multisim. The gate driver from Lab 0 should be built and
replicated four times in order to be used to properly control the IGBTs. Use values for the
resistor, capacitor, and inductor similar to that used in the initial Multisim design. The PWM
generators will be replaced with the Analog output 0 and 1 lines from the myDAQ. You may
use the block diagram in Figure 17 to assist in building the inverter circuit. Connect the
myProto to your myDAQ and plug the myDAQ into your computer.
Figure 17 Full Bridge Inverter block diagram

Step 6: Open and Run the Inverter Lab.vi and observe the output waveform. Comment on
whether this waveform matches the simulation waveform. Are there any factors that would
cause this signal to be different from the signal received in Multisim?
Step 7: Choose 3 other capacitance values to test in your circuit. The capacitor values should
fall in the same range as those used in the parameter sweep with one value falling at the low
end, the second at the high end, and the last in the middle of the range. Swap these capacitors
into your circuit, run the Inverter Lab.vi, and take screen shots of the results for your lab report.
Rectifier Lab
62
Step 8: Open and observe the PWM control signals.vi. The implementation purposely did not
follow the theoretical solution for the PWM signals. Devise a means of realizing the theoretical
solution in LabVIEW, implement it and run it without being connected to the inverter circuit.
Take a screen shot of your generated signals for your lab report.
5.5 Lab Report

Complete a 3-5 page report that includes all pictures, tables, observations and answers to
questions presented in the lab. Label all pictures with descriptive captions that relate them
back to content in your lab report. Include an introduction, a results section, and a conclusion
that also explains one practical application of a Full Bridge Inverter.

Record other thoughts and observations you made throughout the lab and connect them to
something you have observed or experienced in the real world.

Rectifier Lab
63
Rectifier Lab
64
L A B
Rectifier Lab
One Hour
Rectifier Lab
65
6.1 Goal
To understand the basics of an uncontrolled and controlled rectifier circuit, common transistors used in
power electronics, and National Instruments hardware
6.2 Objectives
Simulate a half and full wave uncontrolled rectifier circuit in Multisim software.
Simulate a full wave controlled rectifier circuit in Multisim software.
Build and interact with a controlled rectifier circuit. You will reference the AC signal in the
control mechanism to determine when to switch transistors.

the lab.
Sections: 1.4,
Sections: 2.1-2.8, 5.3-5.4, 6.2-6.3
myDAQ References:
DAQ Lesson 1
Rectifier Lab
66

Complete the following quiz to check your understanding of the relevant topics before you begin the
lab.
f. Explain the operation of a thyristor and its principle differences with a transistor and a
diode.
g. How does the line commutation stop the current in a thyristor?
h. What happens if a highly inductive load is connected to a phase-controlled rectifier?
6.4 Lab Procedure Part 1: Half and Full Wave

Uncontrolled Rectifiers
Gate Driver has been purposely removed in order to emphasize the boost converter
configuration.
Design the following half wave rectifier circuit in Multisim.
Figure 18 Boost (Step Up) Converter Circuit

V1 AC Power source found in Group: Sources; Family: Power_Sources.
Rectifier Lab
67
The diode resistor and capacitor are fundamental components that can be found at the top
toolbar of Multisim. The two sections to look under are Place Diode and Place Basic.


parameters:
Remove.
Rectifier Lab
68
Figure 20 Selecting rectifier output

include in your lab report. Use the following equation to determine the ripple voltage of the
current circuit configuration. Compare and comment on how close the simulated data is to the
theoretical calculation. You can find the ripple voltage of your signal by using the cursors of
the parameter sweep display and setting one to measure the lowest point of the voltage signal
and one to measure the highest point then taking the difference. The cursors can be obtained
by selecting Cursor>>Show Cursor from the top toolbar of the simulation window. You can
then move the cursors on the graph to your desired points. Calculate the percent error of the
theoretical versus simulated data.
Equation 3 Half wave rectifier ripple voltage equation
Rectifier Lab
69
6.4c Perform a Parameter Sweep (Half Wave Rectifier)

achieve a satisfactory output.
Name: C1 (the name of the discrete capacitor you placed on your schematic)
Start: 1 uF
Stop: 10 uF
Number of points: 5
Click Simulate to run the parameter sweep. This will create five instances of your rectifier
output, which correspond to the five different capacitor values in your sweep.
Take a screen shot of your results to include in your lab report. Make a prediction as to what
the output will look like for the full wave rectifier state why you believe this will be the case.
Step 7: Design the following full wave rectifier circuit in Multisim.
Rectifier Lab
70
Figure 21 Full Bridge Rectifier
Rectifier Lab
71
6.4d Perform a Parameter Sweep (Full Wave Rectifier)

The full wave rectifier has a load between its two diode branches. We will conduct the same parameter
sweep done in section 6.4 but now the output will be taken as the difference between the two points of
the load instead of just with reference to ground.
Step 8: Double click on the wires on either side of the capacitor and resistor as seen in Figure 22 and, in
properties, give them each a descriptive name.
Figure 22 Rectifier load labeling

Step 9: Navigate to the Parameter Sweep analysis and select the same parameters from the previous
parameter sweep this time still choosing the capacitor as the component you will be sweeping.
Step 10: Navigate to the Output tab and choose Add Expression. Double click on the name you
gave to the wire branch on the left of the load, double click on the subtraction function then double click
on the name you gave to the wire branch on the right of the load. Click Ok then click Simulate
Step 11: Click Simulate to run the analysis. Take a screen shot of the output for your lab report. Use
cursors on the signal with the largest swing, which corresponds to the 1uF capacitance test, and find the
difference between the lowest and highest point in the signal. Comment on how this compares to the
half wave rectifier ripple voltage. Comment on why this is the case making sure to provide equations to
support your answer in your lab report.
Challenge Question 1: Draw the circuit for a three phase uncontrolled rectifier circuit and
provide and explanation on how it works and its benefit.
Challenge Question 2: Explain what would happen to the output signal if the frequency of the
input signal were to increase while everything else stayed the same
6.4e Build and Explore the Uncontrolled Rectifier on a myProto Breadboard

Step 12: Build the full bridge rectifier circuit following the design done in Multisim. You may follow the block
diagram in Figure 23 for a reference on connecting to your myDAQ.
Figure 23 Rectifier Block Diagram

Step 13: Connect the myProto to your myDAQ and plug the myDAQ into your computer. The NI ELVIS
Instrument launcher should appear on your desktop letting you know your device has been detected.
Step 14: Open the myDAQRectifier.vi, select your myDAQ device from the device drop down control and
run the VI. Navigate to the Uncontrolled Rectifier tab to observe the input and output waveform.
Comment on how this compares to the output signals from your simulation in your lab report.
Step 15: Vary the input signal frequency and note how this influences the output signal. Comment on this in
your lab report.
Rectifier Lab
73
6.5 Lab Procedure Part 2: Phase Controlled Full

Bridge Rectifier
6.5a Multisim SCR Simulation
Step 16: Design the following Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) circuit in Multisim.
Figure 24 SCR circuit
Step 17: Double click on the pulsed voltage source V2 and set the following parameters:
o
Initial Value: 0
Pulsed Value: 5
Delay Time: 5m
Pulse Width: 5m
Period: 20m
Step 18: Double click on the pulsed voltage source V3 and set the following parameters:
o
Initial Value: -5
Pulsed Value: 0
Delay Time: 12m
Pulse Width: 8m
Period: 20m
Rectifier Lab
74
Setting these values for the two pulsed voltage sources creates two pulse trains, one for the positive half of the
AC input and one for the negative half. These pulse trains will trigger the SCRs at specific times in order to
control how much signal is transmitted to be filtered for the DC output.
6.5b SCR Transient analysis

Step 19: Label the wire branches on both ends of the resistor load with descriptive names. This will be used to
aid in creating an expression for these two branches.
Step 20: Click Simulate on the top toolbar and navigate to Analyses>>Transient Analysis. In the pop up
configuration window, choose the Analysis parameters tab and set the following parameters:
Step 21: Using the same technique from steps 9 and 10, create an expression that will take the voltage at the
load as the difference between the voltages at each end of the load.
Step 22: Click Simulate to run the analysis, comment on what happens when the output signal has a zero
crossing in your lab report. Also include how the output signal as seen here will influence the DC signal that will
be derived from this. Explain how changing where you trigger the SCR affects the DC output. Include a picture of
the output in your lab report.
Step 23: Vary the delay time and pulse width of both signals making sure that they always add to 10ms for V2
and 20ms for V3. Run the transient analysis again with the new delay and pulse width times and take a picture of
your new results to include in your lab report.

presented in the lab. Label all pictures with descriptive captions that relate them back to content in your lab
report. Include an introduction, a results section, and a conclusion that also explains one practical application
of a Boost Converter.
Rectifier Lab
75

Record other thoughts and observations you made throughout the lab and connect them to something you
have observed or experienced in the real world.

Attached are schematics for the uncontrolled and controlled full wave rectifier circuit. These can either be
used to add to the lab experience with an additional PCB design section or help reduce prototyping time for
students if boards are created before the lab by lab assistants.
Rectifier Lab
76

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