Embedded Microcontroller Based Switched Mode Power Supply: A Student Project

Introduction

In undergraduate curriculum of many universities the topic of Switched Mode Power Converter (SMPC) is usually taught as a part of a subject either on power electronics or basic electrical and electronic engineering. At Massey University, New Zealand, the design of a switched mode power supply has been incorporated as a project work in the subject 143.339 (Design for Computer and Communications Systems), a core paper for 3^rd year engineering students and the students are required to fabricate the power supply. The subject is offered to students of Information and Telecommunication Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Industrial Automation and Mechatronics degree courses at Massey University, New Zealand. The laboratory work contributes 60% of the overall assessment for the course, of which 25% has been allocated for the power supply project. This is a project based paper in which the students are given the problem to solve. Problem (or project) Based Learning (PBL) is the process in which the students focus on the problem and all necessary things are learnt on a need-to-know basis. PBL is ideal for engineering education as it encourages a multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving and develops techniques and confidence in solving problems which is essential for modern engineering practices. Circuit simulation can be used as an aid in teaching the principles of power electronics to improve understanding. But simulation alone will not be sufficient to complete the teaching and there is a need for actual experimentation. The laboratory for conducting real experiment is important. The laboratory component in power electronics can be stimulating and an insightful experience which reinforces classroom learning.