Outline

Overview

This unit of study aims to provide the fundamentals of power electronics. It provides description of the operation principles and control of these blocks. Through analysis and design methodologies, it delivers an understanding of modern enabling technologies associated with energy conversion. Through laboratory hands-on experience on actual industrial systems, such as electrical motor drives, robotic arms, and power supplies, it enhances the link between the theory and the 'real' engineering world. The following topics are covered: Introduction to power electronic converters and systems; analysis, design, simulation, and control of power electronic converters; power semiconductor devices; passive devices; the conversion toplogy includes DC/DC, DC/AC, AC/DC, and AC/AC for various applications.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	ELEC2104
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	1. Differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables, analysis of linear circuits. 2. Fourier theory applied to periodic and non-periodic signals. 3. Software such as MATLAB to perform signal analysis and filter design. 4. Familiarity with the use of basic laboratory equipment such as oscilloscope, function generator, power supply, etc. 5. Basic electric circuit theory and analysis
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sinan Li, sinan.li@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam CLOSED book; Calculator - non-programmable; One A4 sheet of formulas	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Report for the last lab Based on the quality of group report	4%	STUVAC	flexible until the dealine	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	WHS training and lab facility Based on individual attendance, participation, and performance.	1%	Week 03	3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Report for the 1st lab session Group report quality	2%	Week 05	two weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	2nd lab session Based on individual attendance, participation, safety, performance, and demonstration	2%	Week 05	3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Analysis and simulation of buck converter Individual work Quality of submitted work	5%	Week 05	two weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Report for the 2nd lab Based on the quality of group report	4%	Week 07	to submit within two weeks of 2nd lab	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	In-class quiz via Canvas Canvas-based online exam (open book)	10%	Week 09	55 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Project of DC to 3-phase AC conversion Based on individual attendance, participation, safety, performance, and demonstration.	2%	Week 12	3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Group project demo Based on individual attendance, participation, safety, performance, and demonstration.	10%	Week 12	3 hours per session; W7, 8,10,11.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Group project report Based on the quality of group report	5%	Week 13	flexible until deadline	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction of the unit and power electronics ( No lab; no tutorial on Week 1)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	self learning about power electronics and the unit	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 02	Power semiconductors and electromagnetics ( No lab; no tutorial on Week 2)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	- Self-study about power semiconductors for power electronics - Review the principle of electromagnetics	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 03	Three sessions: Learn and practice lab facilities, safety rules, and microcontrollers.	Practical (3 hr)
	Passive components; Analysis, Design, and Simulation of Buck Converters.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Self-study about buck converters and applications	Self-directed learning (5 hr)
	-Self-study about buck converters and applications;	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 04	Three sessions: - Introduce converter modulation and simulation; - Problem-solving - Q&A	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Boost converter and loss anlysis	Lecture (2 hr)
	-self-study about loss mechanism regarding conduction and switching; -Self-study about boost converters; - work on the 1st assignment.	Self-directed learning (5 hr)
Week 05	Three sessions: Buck converter construction, test, and evaluation	Practical (3 hr)
	Buck-boost converter and Cuk converter	Lecture (2 hr)
	-Self-study about buck-boost and Cuk converters; - Finish the 1st assignment	Self-directed learning (5 hr)
Week 06	Three tutorial sessions: - DC/DC converters and DC motors; - Problem-solving; -Q&A	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Flyback converter and thermal stress analysis	Lecture (2 hr)
	Self-study regarding flyback converter and thermal stress analysis	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
	Three sessions for group projects: - motor drive and applications - design and construction.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	DC to single-phase AC conversion	Lecture (2 hr)
	Self-study regarding DC to single-phase AC conversion and applications	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
	Three sessions for group projects: - motor drive and applications - design and construction.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Three sessions for group projects: - motor drive and applications - design and construction.	Practical (3 hr)
	Three sessions within one week; - Cover missing information - Problem-solving - Q&A	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Single-phase AC to DC conversion;	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Three sessions for group projects: - motor drive and applications - design and construction.	Practical (3 hr)
	Single-phase AC to DC conversion; high-frequency-transformer-based DC/DC.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Self-study regarding single-phase AC to DC conversion and high-frequency-transformer-based DC/DC.	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 11	Three sessions for group projects: - project demonstration.	Practical (3 hr)
	DC to three-phase AC conversion	Lecture (2 hr)
	Review and self-study regarding DC to three-phase AC conversion	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
	Review and self-study regarding: 3-phase AC to DC conversion; Switched capacitor converter.	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 12	DC to three-phase AC conversion via LabVolt	Practical (3 hr)
	3-phase AC to DC conversion; Switched capacitor converter.	Lecture (2 hr)
	prepare for final exam	Self-directed learning (5 hr)
Week 13	Student support for final exam preparation; problem solving; Q&A.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Course review and final exam discussion	Lecture (2 hr)
	Three makeup lap sessions;	Practical (3 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Power Electronics Step-by-Step: Design, Modeling, Simulation, and Control

ISBN-13: 978-0073380674; ISBN-10: 1260456978

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand power semiconductor devices used for modern power electronics
LO2. understand and analyze DC-DC power converters in steady-state
LO3. understand and analyze AC/DC and DC/AC power conversion in steady-state
LO4. modeling and simulation of DC/DC, DC/AC, and AC/DC power conversion
LO5. test and troubleshoot power converters
LO6. performance evaluation of power converters

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Reorganized the learning activities and gave more details; Changed dates and added more information about assessments.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ELEC3204: Power Electronics and Applications

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links