Overview

Power electronics deals with conversion and control of electrical power with the help of electronic switching devices. The magnitude of power may vary widely, ranging from a few watts to several gigawatts. Power electronics differs from signal electronics, where the power may be from a few nanowatts to a few watts, and processing of power may be by analog (analog electronics) or digital or switching devices (digital electronics). One advantage of the switching mode of power conversion is its high efficiency, which can be 96% to 99%. High efficiency saves electricity. In addition, power electronic devices are more easily cooled than analog or digital electronics devices. Power electronics is often defined as a hybrid technology that involves the disciplines of power and electronics. The conversion of power may include ac-to-dc, dc-to-ac, ac-to-ac at a different frequency, ac-to-ac at the same frequency, and dc-to-dc (also called chopper). Often, a power electronic system requires hybrid conversion, such as ac-to-dc-to-ac, dc-to-ac-to-dc, ac-to-ac-to-ac, etc. Conversion and regulation of voltage, current, or power at the output go together. A power electronics apparatus can also be looked on as a high-efficiency switching mode power amplifier. If charging of a...