Guru
Introduction
Power electronics plays an important role in providing efficient, dependable, and flexible operation in the dynamic world of electronic and communication systems. Power electronics are ubiquitous and essential, powering everything from common electronic devices to facilitating seamless communication networks. The main functions power electronics provides to improve the efficiency and functionality of electronic and communication systems are examined in this blog.
Before explaining the role of power electronic in communication system first we have to understand what is power electronic and why it is important?
What is power electronics?
specialization:
- Electronics
- Power
- Control
Electronics essentially deals with the study of semiconductor devices and circuits for the processing of information at lower power levels. In this rapidly developing society, electronics has emerged as the most important branch of engineering. The power area deals with both rotating and static equipment for the generation, transmission, distribution and utilization of vast quantities of electrical power.
- Power electronics deals with the use of electronics for the control and conversion of large amounts of electrical power. The design of power electronics equipment involves interactions between the source and the load and utilizes small-signal electronic control circuits as well as power semiconductor devices.Therefore, power electronics draws as well as depends upon all other areas of electrical engineering.
- Power electronics constitute a vast, complex and interdisciplinary subject that has gone through rapid technological evolution during the last four decades. As the technology is advancing and apparatus cost is decreasing along with the improvement of reliability, their applications are expanding in industrial, commercial,residential, military, aerospace and utility environments.
- Many innovations in power semiconductor devices, converter topologies, analytical and simulation techniques,electrical machine drives, and control and estimation techniques are contributing to this advancement. The frontier of the technology has been further advanced by the artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, such as fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks, thus bringing more challenge to power electronic engineers.In the global industrial automation, energy generation, conservation of the 21st century, the widespread impact of power electronics is inevitable.
History of power electronics development
- Until 1956, the application of semiconductors was confined to low power circuits and electronic engineering was also called as light current engineering. In September 1956, four engineers of the Bell Telephone Laboratory, USA, published a paper entitled "PNPN transistor switches" in the proceedings of the Institute of Radio Engineers.
- This paper triggered intensive research on PNPN devices. In 1957,Gordon Hall of General Electric Company, USA, developed the three terminal PNPN silicon-based semiconductor device called as silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR). Continuous modifications and improvement in its design as well as fabrication techniques have made it more and more economical and suitable for various control purposes.
- Later on, many other power devices having characteristics similar to that of an SCR were developed. Actually, the origin of power electronics can be traced back to the time when mercury arc devices were employed for the rectification of a.c. to d.c. or the inversion of d.c. to a.c.However, the rapidly increasing usage of power electronics nowadays has resulted from the development of solid-state power devices.
The role of Power Electronics in electronic and communication system
1.Power Supplies and Conversion
Power electronics play a crucial role in electronic systems by enabling efficient power supply and conversion. These circuits convert electrical energy to enable the effective use of power, with examples like SMPS transferring energy between AC and DC for stable power sources in devices.
2.Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Power electronics plays a key role in enhancing energy conservation in today's focus on energy efficiency. Inverters and variable speed drives use power electronics to manage and enhance energy usage in various areas, ranging from household items to industrial machines. This results in both decreased energy wastage and prolonged lifespan of electronic devices.
3.Motor Control and Drives
Power electronics is crucial in managing electric motors, which are widespread in electronic and communication systems. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) utilize power electronic parts to control the speed and torque of electric motors, improving the efficiency of systems such as HVAC units, robotics, and automation.
4.Communication Systems and Signal Processing
Power electronics plays a crucial role in communication systems by enabling signal processing and transmission through circuits like amplifiers, filters, and modulators/demodulators. These circuits enhance signals to ensure clear and reliable communication across different platforms, while advancements in digital signal processing (DSP) and power-efficient amplifiers have improved system performance.
5.Wireless Power Transfer
As the demand for wireless communication and portable devices grows, power electronics becomes crucial in wireless power transfer technologies. Power electronic systems enable inductive and resonant inductive coupling for wireless device charging, enhancing the convenience and flexibility of modern electronics.
6.Power Management in Mobile Devices
The importance of power management is emphasized by the widespread use of mobile devices in our everyday routines. Efficient voltage regulation, battery charging/discharging circuits, and power distribution networks are essential components of power electronics in smartphones and other portable gadgets, ensuring peak performance and extended battery lifespan.