Students

ELCT3005 – Power Electronics

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Senior Lecturer
Dr Leonardo Callegaro
leonardo.callegaro@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
9 Wally's Walk, Level 2, Room 284
Wednesday 2:00-4:00 PM (upon email appointment)
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ELEC2070 and ELEC2005
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
ELEC6202 Power Electronics
Unit description Unit description

This unit develops fundamental knowledge and skills in the area of power electronic converters and their typical applications. Foundational knowledge of semiconductor devices, passive components and general circuit analysis is assumed. The unit extends those fundamentals to electrical energy conversion systems operating with relatively high current and voltage levels. Topics covered include: an introduction to power semiconductors and converters; the basics of harmonic distortion and power quality; dc-dc converters and dc switched-mode power supplies; single- and three-phase inverters and rectifiers; and power electronics applications. This unit uses problem/team based learning approach, where students choose a project topic and, working in teams, they design, simulate, build and test a power converter prototype. Industry-standard simulation software for power electronics, along with a microcontroller board, is used in the development of the project.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Describe the relationship between physical structure and performance characteristics of passive electrical components and active semiconductor power electronic devices;
  • ULO2: Analyse and simulate power electronic circuits and derive accepted performance parameters, including power quality metrics;
  • ULO3: Design and critically assess key aspects of power converters such as AC-DC, DC-DC and DC-AC converters;
  • ULO4: Design, model/build and analyse a complete power converter application based on a set of user specifications;
  • ULO5: Demonstrate knowledge of emerging applications of power electronics in the renewable energy systems, energy storage systems and micro-grids;

General Assessment Information

Grading and Passing Requirement for Unit

  • In order to pass this Unit a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the Unit (i.e. obtain a passing grade P, CR, D, or HD)
  • For further details about grading, please refer below in the policies and procedures section.
  • If you receive Special Consideration for the oral presentation and demonstration of the Project, a supplementary conventional exam will be scheduled by the faculty during a supplementary exam period, typically about 3 to 4 weeks after the normal exam period. By making a Special Consideration application for the oral presentation and demonstration of the Project you are declaring yourself available for a conventional exam during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to applying. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.

Attendance and Participation

We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.

 Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.
    • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
    • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
  • Extensions:
    • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

           Need help? Review the Special Consideration page here

Assessments where Late Submission will (and will not) be accepted

  • Practicals Assessment - NO, unless Special Consideration is granted.
  • Class Quiz - NO, unless Special Consideration is granted.
  • Project Assessment - YES, Standard Late Penalties applies to the iLearn submission.

Re-Submission of work

Re-submission of work is not accepted.

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Practicals assessment 30% No Week 7 Individual No Observed
Class quiz 30% No Week 8 Individual No Observed
Project assessment 40% No Week 13, 14 Individual and Group No Open

Practicals assessment

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

Evaluation of practical lab activity. You will be assessed on your ability to perform modelling, design and implementation of power electronics converters using appropriate simulation software.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and simulate power electronic circuits and derive accepted performance parameters, including power quality metrics;
  • Design and critically assess key aspects of power converters such as AC-DC, DC-DC and DC-AC converters;
  • Design, model/build and analyse a complete power converter application based on a set of user specifications;

Class quiz

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

The quiz will assess your factual knowledge and problem solving ability.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the relationship between physical structure and performance characteristics of passive electrical components and active semiconductor power electronic devices;
  • Design and critically assess key aspects of power converters such as AC-DC, DC-DC and DC-AC converters;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of emerging applications of power electronics in the renewable energy systems, energy storage systems and micro-grids;

Project assessment

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13, 14
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open

You will be assessed on your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios by working collaboratively in teams and demonstrating innovative problem-solving skills.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the relationship between physical structure and performance characteristics of passive electrical components and active semiconductor power electronic devices;
  • Analyse and simulate power electronic circuits and derive accepted performance parameters, including power quality metrics;
  • Design and critically assess key aspects of power converters such as AC-DC, DC-DC and DC-AC converters;
  • Design, model/build and analyse a complete power converter application based on a set of user specifications;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of emerging applications of power electronics in the renewable energy systems, energy storage systems and micro-grids;

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Methods of Communication

  • Students are reminded the university will communicate all official notices by email to official MQ student's account. Students should read their @student.mq.edu.au email regularly (or forward it to an account they check regularly).
  • All announcements and other communication regarding this Unit will be delivered via the iLearn platform.
  • Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn .

Unit Website

  • The iLearn website for this unit can be found at: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/.
    • Note! All information and communications relevant to this Unit will be via the iLearn website.

Textbook

  • Power Electronics: A First Course, November 2022, Ned Mohan, Siddharth Raju, Wiley, ISBN: 9781119818564 (Digital version recommended).
    • Note! Links will be provided to specific sections of the Digital version in iLearn for each Lectorial.
  • Remark: This textbook is used extensively as a reference in all activities of this Unit. All students are expected to have access to this textbook.
  • Remark: While the latest edition of the textbook is recommended, this is not mandatory and students can avail themselves of previous printed or online editions of the textbook
  • Support Website: https://highered.au.wiley.com/support/students/ – link to the Wiley's digital solutions textbook and courseware support page.

Workshops

  • There will be a Workshop session for every week in the first part of the semester (Weeks 1-7). The Workshop will comprise of: - discussion session on fundamental knowledge; - practical examples; - interactive problem solving involving students.
  • Workshops are a combination of traditional lecture and practice-based teaching modes, and are designed to improve student engagement inside/outside classes.
  • The Workshops are organised in a flipped classroom fashion, students are expected to go thorugh the recommneded weekly contents before each session takes place.
  • Outside class
    • links to E-Text specific sections, brief videos and/or lecture notes are posted in iLearn each week.
    • students are expected to read these E-Text sections, try to solve any given examples, and watch any videos and/or read any posted notes prior to attending the Workshop session.
  • Inside class
    • brief discussion sessions on fundamental principles.
    • practical examples.
    • interactive problem solving involving students.

Laboratories (Practical 1)

  • Practical 1 PC Lab activities start from Week 1 and take place once a week (Weeks 1-7) according to the Unit schedule.
    • Note! Students must enrol in one of the available weekly Lab sessions.
  • Interactive PC Labs use PLECS software platform to assist with the modelling and design of power electronics converters.

On-campus activities commence in Week 1. Students should contact the Unit convenor as soon as possible if they are unable to get back to campus in time.

Projects (Practical 2)

  • Project activities take place once a week (Weeks 8-13) according to the Unit schedule.
    • Note! Teams must enrol in one of the two available weekly Project sessions.
  • The team Project is a core component of this Unit. The Projects cover design and practical aspects of power electronics to be used in future Electrical and Electronics, and Mechatronics units.
  • Students are required to form teams.
    • Note! When forming teams, students should agree in which weekly Project session they want to enrol.
    • All Project activities are performed in teams;

Technology

  • The laboratory work will rely on the use of PLECS software platform, an industry-standard software for power electronics design.
  • PLECS Standalone software can be downloaded for free from Plexim website and/or or can be used on dedicated Lab PCs.
    • Note! The PLECS server license will cover only PCs connected to MQ online network.
    • Students are encouraged to dowload and install PLECS in their own computer. Licensing instructions on how to obtain a 1-year free version of PLECS will be released by the teaching staff at the start of semester. 
  • Each team will be given a hardware kit for the second half of the semester to perform experimental activities.

Web Resources

Unit Schedule

An up to date weekly unit schedule is posted on the iLearn website.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Engineers Australia (EA) Competency Mapping

EA Competency Standard

Unit Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Skill Base

1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

ULO1, ULO2, ULO5

1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing.

ULO1, ULO2, ULO5

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

 

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

ULO1, ULO2, ULO5

1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice.

ULO5

Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving

ULO1, ULO2, ULO5

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

 ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5

2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

ULO3, ULO5

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

ULO4

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

ULO4

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

ULO4, ULO5

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

ULO4, ULO5

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

ULO4

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

ULO4

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook