Silicon Carbide Converters as a Learning Tool for Final Year Engineering Students

The move towards smaller and more efficient power electronics devices has led to the introduction of wide band-gap devices within the power electronics field. The fast switching characteristics of these devices that produce the advantages, also have an adverse impact: the harmonic content of these edges exacerbate the effects of parasitic inductance and capacitance in printed circuit boards, increase EMI and amplify transmission line effects. This paper investigates the use of wide band-gap devices through the design and implementation of a silicon carbide (SiC) converter system in an electrical engineering final year capstone project, in which the deleterious effects of wide band-gap devices are used as a learning tool. This allows students to consolidate, as well as extend, their electrical engineering knowledge and research skills. A case study is presented from a capstone project carried out at the University of Newcastle, Australia which highlights the benefits of using these devices as a learning tool.