AIT 205 - Power Electronics and Variable Frequency Drives

3 Credits, 5 Contact Hours
2 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Introductory course in AC and DC power electronic theory. Includes power supplies, power conditioning, solid-state power devices, and power control circuits. Also includes proximity sensors, analog thermal sensors, control feedback loops, and the setup and operation of VFDs.

Prerequisite(s): AIT 125  

1. Evaluate discrete electronic components such as diodes, bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors (FETs), silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). 
2. Install discrete electronic components such as diodes, bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors (FETs), silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). 
3. Test the operation of discrete electronic components such as diodes, bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors (FETs), silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). 
4. Install solid-state alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) relays. 
5. Test solid-state AC and DC relays. 
6. Install discrete and analog sensors. 
7. Adjust discrete and analog sensors. 
8. Test discrete and analog sensors. 
9. Install a VFD motor drive system. 
10. Operate a VFD motor drive system.

1. Discrete electronic components

   1. Operations of diodes
      1. Positive/Negative (PN) junction diodes
      2. Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
      3. Zener diodes
      4. Voltage regulators
   2. Half wave and full-wave rectifiers
   3. Capacitive, inductive, and resistive power filters
   4. Operations of transistors and rectifiers
      1. Bipolar
      2. Field-effect transistors (FET)
      3. Silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs)
   5. Operation of linear and switching power supplies
      1. Connecting
      2. Testing
      3. Measuring output    

2. Solid-state discrete and analog relays

      A. Sourcing and sinking circuits

      B. Installing

      C. Testing

      D. Operation 

      E. Failures

      F. Styles

      G. Mountings

      H. Schematic symbols 

      I. Specifications

3. Discrete and analog sensors 

     A. Installing

     B. Testing and adjusting output signals

         1. Proximity sensors

         2. Analog thermal sensors

     C. Interpreting specifications

         1. Discrete sensors 

         2. Analog sensors

4. VFD motor drive system

     A. Theories of operation with motor control

     B. Function and use of common parameters

     C. Alarms

           1. Diagnosis

           2. Priority

     D. Grounding ring

         1. Purpose

         2. Proper installation

     E. Connections and operation

         1. With AC motor

         2. With relay control circuit

     F. Using an onboard Human Interface Module (HIM)