This module provides a comprehensive understanding of power electronics and digital signal processing, focusing on the design, analysis and performance evaluation of power conversion systems and advanced signal processing techniques in real-world engineering applications.

The module will cover the following topics:

Power electronic devices: Thyristor, Power Transistor, Power MOSFET, IGBT
Power converters for modern utilities: Six pulse thyristor bridge converter; effects of AC supply reactance; inverter operation and commutation overlap; HVDC converters and systems; line commutated and voltage source converters.
DC–DC converters: Buck, boost, Cuk and Marx converter
Analysis of discrete-time signals and systems in time and frequency domains, including z-transform and Fourier transform techniques
Analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion processes
Design and implementation of FIR and IIR digital filters

1. An individual report comprising a literature review, involving the design of power electronic and digital signal processing-based systems, and reflection on team-based experimental work. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes M2, M3, M4, M5, M16.

2. An examination requiring you to answer questions on power electronics and digital signal processing. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes M1, M2.

Formative assessment and feedback will be undertaken during the module to assess and develop your learning.

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass the module, with a minimum mark of 40% on a component.

This module will enable you to develop understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems, and create solutions in power electronics and digital signal processing through a range of learning activities, including:

Taught Lectures: To provide a comprehensive understanding of power electronic devices, converter systems, and advanced digital signal processing techniques, including analysis and design methods.

Laboratory Sessions: Hands-on practical work using simulation and industry-relevant tools to analyse, design and evaluate power converter circuits and digital signal processing algorithms.

Problem-Based Learning: Application of theoretical concepts to solve complex engineering problems related to power conversion and signal analysis, encouraging critical thinking and independent learning.

Formative opportunities for informal assessment and feedback will be provided throughout the module to support learning, monitor progress, and aid the development of technical and professional skills.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key principles, technologies, applications and challenges related to power electronic systems and digital signal processing techniques. (AHEP 4: M1, M2)

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Develop power electronic and digital signal processing based solutions for complex real-life problems, considering the appropriateness of methodologies and techniques used. (AHEP 4: M1, M2)

Application & Problem-Solving

3. Apply advanced analytical, computational and team-based experimental techniques to design, simulate and evaluate power electronic and digital signal processing systems. (AHEP 4: M2, M3, M5, M16)

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration
Digital Skills

4. Critically evaluate the outputs of experimental work and simulations, benchmarking findings against contemporary research and published literature. (AHEP 4: M4)

Research Skills

The following resources are needed:

Electronics Laboratory
Software packages such as MATLAB, Simulink, NI Multisim, NI LabVIEW or equivalent

Bellanger, M. and Engel, B.A. (2024) Digital Signal Processing. 10th edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

GE Vernova (2023) DC Transmission Systems: Line Commutated Converters.

Mohan, N. (2012) Power Electronics: A First Course. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Palani, S. (2022) Principles of Digital Signal Processing. 2nd edn. Cham: Springer.

Rashid, M.H. (2014) Power Electronics: Devices, Circuits, and Applications. 4th edn. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.

The books listed above for power electronics are recognised standard works in the field, providing rigorous coverage of core and foundational concepts. Although they are not the most recently published texts, they remain widely used and continue to provide essential theoretical grounding, supported by more recent industry publication included in the reading list.

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of power electronics and digital signal processing, exploring how modern power conversion systems and advanced signal analysis techniques are used to improve performance, efficiency and reliability across a wide range of real-world engineering applications. It also develops an awareness of how these technologies underpin current engineering solutions and ongoing technological advancement in industry.