Microprocessor-based converter as an educational tool

This paper presents a microprocessor based three phase converter as an educational tool. The controller hardware, user interface and sample applications are described. Central to many power electronic research projects is the use of a converter as a power source. When the emphasis of the project does not lie with the construction of the converter but rather with the control of, design or modification of a machine driven by the converter, the time spent developing a converter is essentially wasted. The need therefore arises to have a converter immediately available with sufficient flexibility and robustness as standard laboratory equipment. At undergraduate level, many components are destroyed due to faulty or incorrect connections, misapplication or the lack of understanding of basic principles. Although this is part of the learning curve it is nonetheless expensive and in certain instances dangerous. It is hoped that the current converter and the tasks assigned by the course lecturers would together strike a balance such that the student could approach his or her own converter design with greater confidence