Power Semiconductor Devices in Power Electronics Power electronics refers to control and conversion of electrical power by power semiconductor devices whereby these devices operate as switches. Power electronics run over a broad field of application such as in drives applications, Switch-mode power supply (SMPS), aviation electronics, high frequency inverters and power electronics, Electric power transmission, Automotive electronics, Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), Alternative power sources controllers etc. Power Semiconductor Devices (Switches) Power switches operates in two states (modes). This is shown in the figure 1 below: - ON state (Conducting mode): this is when the switch closed. - OFF state (Blocking state): this is when the switch is opened. Figure 1: switching states of a power semiconductor switch Note: Power switches don’t operates in linear mode. Classification of Power Switches Power switches are classified in three groups. Namely: - Uncontrolled Switches :
Learn and Become Familiar with Various Technologies