The proposed topics are scoped for two-person teams over two semesters. All work is carried out at low voltage (≤48 V), is measurement-oriented, and can be done in the laboratory. Scope can be adapted to student interests.
1. Effect of Switching Speed and PCB Layout on EMI in a Buck Converter
Two PCB layouts (small and large commutation loop) are prepared for the same circuit; switching edge rates are adjusted by varying the gate resistor.
Deliverables: Efficiency–EMI trade-off plots, layout comparison report, design recommendations.
Level: Intermediate
2. Low-Cost Pre-Compliance Measurement Setup: LISN and DM/CM Noise Separator
A LISN and a differential-mode/common-mode noise separator circuit are designed, fabricated, and validated for conducted emission measurements.
Deliverables: Working measurement setup, calibration report, measurement procedure, and a comparison against a reference measurement where possible.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
3. EMI Filter Design and In-Circuit Validation
An EMI filter is designed for a converter; simulation and measurement results are compared, and the gap between the datasheet curve and real in-circuit performance is examined.
Deliverables: Fabricated filter, spectrum measurements before and after filtering, simulation–measurement comparison report.
Level: Intermediate
4. Double-Pulse Testing with a Low-Voltage GaN Evaluation Board
Switching losses, ringing, and dv/dt are measured on a ready-made GaN evaluation board.
Deliverables: Measurement setup, switching waveforms, and loss analysis report.
Level: Advanced
5. Resonant (LLC / Series Resonant) Converter Prototype
A low-power resonant converter is designed for the 100–500 kHz range; frequency control and soft-switching behavior are observed.
Deliverables: Working prototype, waveforms confirming soft switching, efficiency measurement.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
6. High-Frequency Contactless Power Transfer
Power is transferred at low power levels through a transformer with an adjustable air gap; the dependence of efficiency on air gap and frequency is investigated.
Deliverables: Prototype, efficiency–air gap characteristics, EMI observations.
Level: Intermediate
7. Parameter Measurement of Planar and Ferrite Transformers/Inductors
R-L-C parameters are measured with a vector network analyzer (VNA); a frequency-dependent equivalent circuit is extracted and validated.
Deliverables: Measurement method, equivalent circuit model, model–measurement comparison.
Level: Intermediate
8. Core Material Comparison
Losses of ferrite and powder cores are measured at different frequencies and flux densities.
Deliverables: Material loss characteristics and selection recommendations.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
9. DC-Link Capacitor Stress
Capacitor temperature and losses are measured under ripple current; the impact on lifetime is discussed.
Deliverables: Measurement setup, temperature vs. ripple current relationship, evaluation report.
Level: Intermediate
10. Comparison of PWM Methods in Multilevel Inverters
Different PWM methods are compared in simulation (THD, common-mode voltage); a small single-phase three-level prototype is built.
Deliverables: Simulation comparison, working prototype, measurement–simulation validation.
Level: Intermediate
11. Introduction to Controller-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing
A simple DC/DC converter model is run in real time on an embedded platform; a real controller is tested against this model.
Deliverables: Real-time model, controller test results, comparison with the physical circuit.
Level: Intermediate