Systems-Driven Power Semiconductor Education

Abstract

Today’s power electronics curriculum practiced at most universities world-wide primarily focuses on power converters and power systems with little or no emphasis given to power electronics components and their interaction at the systems level. Consequently, graduates are trained to design power converters and power systems without adequate background on the physics and technology of power electronics components; graduate are often unable to understand and optimize component and systems technologies. The result is a widening disconnect that exists between the users and manufacturers of power electronics components. This paper discusses the challenges and approaches needed to bridge this educational gap and proposes a “systems-driven” power semiconductor educational curriculum in order to rapidly promote the power electronics industry.