Course coordinator
Dr Feifei Bai
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
This course is about power processing using control, signal processing and electronic systems. The application can be from many megawatts in an electric train or a wind farm to less than a few watts in a digital camera or a mobile phone. For modern power electronics system, computer simulation tools are used to analyse and optimise a design before any prototyping. Topics covered in this course are a) power electronic systems and applications such as motor drive, renewable energy and power supply systems; b) energy conversion topologies; c) modelling and control; d) design factors and computer simulations.
ELEC4410 covers the application of electronics to process or control power. The power electronic applications cover wide range that spans from megawatts in an electric train to less than one watt in a digital camera or mobile phone. The integration of power electronics has become unavoidable in electrical or electronic equipment. For modern designs, computer simulation tools are used to fully test and optimise a design prior to manufacture. The principles learnt in this course can be applied to many other areas of electronics too. Topics covered include:
• Overview of power electronic systems andﾠapplications: motor drive, renewable energy, power quality
• Semiconductor switches
• Diode rectifiers
• Controlled (SCR) rectifiers
• DC-DC converters: non-isolated
• DC-DC converters: isolated
• Single and three-phase inverters: topology and modulations
• Multi-level inverters: topology and modulations
• Averaging methods to model power converters
Based on the previous year's student feedback, the hardware experiment has been added as a new part of this course to enhance the understanding of the theories in power electronics. This will also provide students with more hands-on experience in power electronics design.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The only official prerequisite is ELEC3400 (Electronic Circuits)ﾠ This is not essential, but you may find some of the contents difficult without it. However, ELEC2003 (Electromechanics & Electronics) and ELEC2004 (Circuits, Signals & Systems) are certainly expected.ﾠIf you need to, remind yourself of the material from ELEC2003 and ELEC2004.
It will also be helpful to have some knowledge of power and machines from Electrical Energy Conversion & Utilisation ELEC3300 and some of control from Introduction to Control Systems METR4201. These are not necessary, but certainly desirable.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ELEC2400 or ELEC3400
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ELEC4400, ELEC7402
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Feifei Bai
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course is about the use of electronics to process power, ranging from milliwatts to megawatts. The course aims are as follows:
(1) Students should have the ability to creatively design, simulate and model power electronic converters.
(2) Students should acquire skills to interface power electronic devices for renewable generation applications.
(3) Students should have the ability to develop the basic power electronics-based motor drive systems through simulation software and hardware experiment system.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply the design and operation theories of power electronic converters to the real converter systems.
LO2.
Solve power electronics application issues: power quality, motor drive, renewable energy.
LO3.
Analyse single and three phase inverters: topology, modulations and design.
LO4.
Evaluate the efficiency and harmonics of power electronic devices from available voltage and current measurements.
LO5.
Create small signal models of power converters based on averaging methods.
LO6.
Design, model and simulate power electronic converters under the specified technical considerations.
LO7.
Develop power electronics-based motor drive systems through software and hardware experiment systems.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Problem Set Submission | 5% |
15/08/2025 5:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Computer Labs using Matlab/Simulink | 21% |
10/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Experiment Labs based on Hardware
|
24% |
In-class submission during the scheduled first hardware lab session 17/09/2025 - 19/09/2025 In-class submission during the scheduled second hardware lab session 8/10/2025 - 10/10/2025 In-class submission during the scheduled third hardware lab session 15/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Problem Set Submission
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
15/08/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
More information on problem assignment will be available in Blackboard. All submissions are collected through Blackboard.
These assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 7-14 days, where the earlier time frame applies if there are no extensions.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Computer Labs using Matlab/Simulink
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Computer Code, Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 21%
- Due date
10/10/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
There are three computer labs in weeks: 6, 7 and 9.
During the lab session, students can access to UQ labs or their PC to use Matlab/Simulink or ask questions.
Each student should complete the simulation individually and prepare his/her report.
Computer prac sheets and simulation files will be given to students prior to each session.
The computer labs will cover the following contents:
Week 6: Rectifiers
Week 7: Bulk and Boost converters
Week 9: DC-AC Inverters
At the end, the students are required to bundle the three computer labs together and submit as a single report. The weight of the report is 21%.
These assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Electronic submission of the report is via Blackboard. Please do not send the report to tutors or the course coordinator.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 7-14 days, where the earlier time frame applies if there are no extensions.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Experiment Labs based on Hardware
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 24%
- Due date
In-class submission during the scheduled first hardware lab session 17/09/2025 - 19/09/2025
In-class submission during the scheduled second hardware lab session 8/10/2025 - 10/10/2025
In-class submission during the scheduled third hardware lab session 15/10/2025 - 17/10/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
There are three hardware labs in weeks: 8, 10 and 11.
Hardware Labs will be run in-person. The Matlab/Simulink and the hardware system will be used. The lab instructions will be released before the lab session. Please read the instructions before attending the lab session to have a good preparation.
When attending the labs each student has to bring a hard copy of the lab worksheet. Each lab session will run 2 hours. Each student needs to complete the hardware testing and worksheet individually within the lab session. All lab work is assessed individually.
Each lab will be assessed using a combination of experiment demonstration, and lab worksheet. Each hardware lab carries equal weight (8% each and in total 24%). For each hardware lab, The performance will be marked by tutors based on the performance of the hardware demonstration. At the end of each session tutors will collect the worksheet and mark all the worksheets after the lab session.
The hardware labs will cover the following contents:
Week 8: Motor drive through buck converter with open-loop control
Week 10: Motor drive through buck converter with closed-loop control
Week 11: DC-AC Inverter design
These assessment tasks are to be completed in-person. The use of generative AI or MT tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The demonstration marking are completed as part of a scheduled prac class. At the end of each session, tutors will collect the worksheet for marking. The worksheet comments are returned to students within 14 days.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 7-14 days, where the earlier time frame applies if there are no extensions.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Prac reports are completed as part of a scheduled prac class.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
The final exam will assess all materials presented during the course.
This task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative AI or MT tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
To pass this course students must achieve at least 40% for the final exam. If final exam mark is less than 40% the grade is capped at 3.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes, double sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Your final mark will be calculated from your marks on the following assessment items:
(a) Problem Set submission
(b) Computer Labs using Matlab/Simulink
(c) Experiment Labs based on hardware
(d) Final Examination
- The marks will be rounded to the nearest whole number before the grade cutoffs are applied. For example, 84.9 will be rounded to 85 and will receive a grade of 7 and 74.4 will be rounded to 74 and will receive a grade of 5.
- Furthermore, to get a grade of 4 and above, you are required to get at least 40% from the final exam (i.e. you must get at least 20 marks from 50 marks). If 40% (20 marks) in the final exam are not achieved, then the grade will be capped to 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material, you should seek help and speak to the course teaching staff.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help; for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students are encouraged to use the Web for additional resources.
There are a number of excellent web-sites dedicated to power electronics and an example is as follows.ﾠYou may sign up for one of the news-letters.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures AC to DC conversion (uncontrolled and controlled), DC to DC conversion and switch-mode power supplies. Single and three phase inverters design and different PWM modulation strategies. Analysis of multi-level converters and control. Applications of Power Electronics in different applications. |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Applied Class |
Applied Class The applied class will conduct through simulation software introduction, problems-based learning, hands-on calculations based on the theory contents introduced in the lecturer series. |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 9 |
Practical |
Lab practical based on simulation There are three computer labs. During the lab session, students can access to UQ labs or their PC to use Matlab/Simulink or ask questions. Each student should complete the simulation individually and prepare his/her report. Computer prac sheets and simulation files will be given to students prior to each session. The computer labs will cover the following contents:
|
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 11 |
Practical |
Experiment Labs based on Hardware There are three hardware labs. Hardware Labs will be run in-person. The Matlab/Simulink and the hardware system will be used. The lab instructions will be released before the lab session. Please read the instructions before attending the lab session to have a good preparation. When attending the labs each student has to bring a hard copy of the lab worksheet. Each lab session will run 2 hours. Each student needs to complete the hardware testing and worksheet individually within the lab session. All lab work is assessed individually. Each lab will be assessed using a combination of experiment demonstration, and lab worksheet. At the end of each session tutors will collect the worksheet and mark all the worksheets after the lab session. The hardware labs will cover the following contents:
|
Additional learning activity information
There are three experiment labs based on hardware. Students are required to demo and submit the worksheet for each session in class. Overall, three worksheets will be submitted in class.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: