| CODE | MNE5016 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Integrated Power Circuits | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental building blocks and architectures commonly encountered in microelectronic power management integrated circuits. It begins with the study of power amplifiers, examining the various classes, including Class A, Class B, Class AB, Class C, Class D, and Class E, and highlighting their characteristics, efficiency, and typical applications. The study-unit then introduces linear regulators, focusing on series and shunt voltage regulators, as well as current-limiting techniques such as foldback and constant current limiters. Switched-mode power conversion is also covered in depth, with analysis of topologies such as buck, boost, buck-boost, and 膯uk converters. In addition, the unit addresses power conditioning circuitry designed for energy harvesters, with particular emphasis on maximum power point tracking techniques to optimize energy extraction. Finally, it explores driver circuits, including half-bridge and H-bridge configurations, which are essential in controlling power devices for various applications. Through these topics, the study-unit equips students with a solid foundation in the design and operation of microelectronic power circuits. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse and design integrated power circuits that are widely used in modern electronic systems. It seeks to develop a solid understanding of integrated power amplifiers, linear regulators, and switched-mode converters, enabling students to evaluate their performance and suitability for different applications. The study-unit also aims to provide insight into power conditioning techniques for energy harvesters, with a focus on maximizing energy efficiency through maximum power point tracking. Furthermore, it intends to familiarise students with the design and operation of driver circuits, such as half-bridge and H-bridge drivers, preparing them to apply these concepts in practical power management solutions. Ultimately, the study-unit is designed to foster both theoretical understanding and practical competence in microelectronic power circuit design. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Understand and explain the operation of fundamental integrated power circuits, including integrated power amplifiers, linear regulators, switched-mode converters, power conditioning circuitry for energy harvesters, and drive circuits; - Analyse and compare different circuit classes, topologies, and architectures with respect to efficiency, performance, and application suitability; - Evaluate the role of these circuits as essential building blocks within power management integrated circuits; - Identify and discuss the design trade-offs and their impact on overall system-level performance. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Design and optimise fundamental integrated power circuits such as integrated power amplifiers, linear regulators, switched mode converters, power conditioning circuitry for energy harvesters and drives to meet given specifications; - Model and analyse high power integrated circuitry; - Make use of high power simulation tools and process development kits; - Operate characterisation equipment. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Amit Patra, Shailendra Baranwal, Ashis Maity, Samiran Dam, Syed Asif Eqbal "Power Management Integrated Circuits - Architecture, Design and Implementation", 1st Edition, Boca Raton, CRC Press, ISBN 9781003081760, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003081760. - The following is an alternative option. Chen Ke-Horng. Power Management Integrated Chip Design. 1st ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118896846. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Practicum & Tutorial | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Owen Casha (Co-ord.) Edward Gatt |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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