Training platform for teaching power electronics Using PIC microcontrollers

This paper presents a low cost, high efficiency, power electronics training platform of modular architecture for educational purposes, based on the PIC family of microcontrollers. It can operate both as a stand-alone system or connected to a standard PC. It is design to be programmed with microchip freeware MPLAB. The platform supports laboratory work in the study of the power stages and the study of power electronics controls in real time. A digital light dimmer is developed as one introductory application for the training platform.