Automated PSpice Simulation as an Effective Design Tool in Teaching Power Electronics

Abstract

In this paper, PSpice is used to deepen the student understanding of power electronics and to serve as a design tool for power converter circuits. A library that includes automated versions of dc/dc converters and rectifiers is built in PSpice using ideal switches. The automated version permits students to design converter circuits that meet a set of design criteria. The performance of various designs are tested by plotting the current and voltage waveforms using the graphics postprocessor Probe. The library was introduced to students in a power electronics course, and they have been asked to augment its contents through mini-design projects. The response was positive, which will encourage the extension of the approach to other subjects.