1. What courses is this kit designed for?
The IEEE PELS University Lab Kit is designed primarily for undergraduate and graduate courses in power electronics. The experiments can be integrated into laboratory courses, project-based learning modules, or classroom demonstrations. At the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, this kit is used to teach two courses–power electronics and power electronics control.
2. What experiments can be performed with the kit?
The kit supports a wide range of experiments, including:
- PWM signal generation
- MOSFET switching characterization (double-pulse testing)
- Buck, boost, and buck-boost converters
- Dc-to-ac conversion (single phase)
- Converter control and feedback
- Maximum power point tracking for solar panels
- Applications such as motor control, LED drivers, and audio amplifiers
3. What equipment is required in addition to the kit?
The experiments typically require basic laboratory instruments such as:
- DC power supply
- Oscilloscope
- Multimeter
In many experiments, low-cost measurement platforms such as Arduino-compatible tools may also be used. Check out the hardware section for the recommended requirements.
4. How much does the kit cost?
The IEEE PELS University Lab Kit is designed to be affordable for universities worldwide. Approximate component costs in USD are shown below. Costs depend on supplier availability, quantity, and substitutions, and exclude the 3D-printed base. The cost may also vary with time. Also, the cost excludes assembly costs. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, students solder the boards as a part of the learning experience.
| Item | Qty 1 | Qty 10 | Qty 100 | Qty 500 | Qty 1000 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Board BOM | 84.99 | 64.58 | 53.22 | 47.74 | 46.71 | |
| Blue Board BOM | 48.83 | 35.71 | 29.52 | 25.94 | 24.57 | |
| Purple Board BOM | 37.62 | 29.17 | 25.03 | 23.80 | 23.61 | |
| Black Board BOM | 50.06 | 39.46 | 34.38 | 30.80 | 30.09 | |
| Mandatory list – Digi-Key | 27.27 | 23.07 | 20.67 | 19.41 | 19.00 | |
| Mandatory list – Amazon | 24.99 | 24.99 | 24.99 | 24.99 | 24.99 | Assumed constant cost |
| Optional list – Digi-Key | 57.63 | 52.21 | 45.53 | 44.20 | 43.83 | |
| Optional list – Amazon | 64.18 | 64.18 | 64.18 | 64.18 | 64.18 | Assumed constant cost |
| PCB | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | Assumed constant cost |
| Total Base Kit | 231.70 | 185.52 | 161.43 | 149.88 | 146.88 | Excludes 3D printed base |
| Complete Kit | 403.57 | 341.37 | 305.52 | 289.06 | 284.98 | Excludes 3D printed base |
We are still exploring ways to reduce costs in future revisions.
5. Can the kit support a full laboratory course?
Yes. The experiments are organized in multiple layers—from hardware familiarization and basic PWM generation to converter topologies, control design, and application-oriented experiments. This structure allows instructors to build a complete power electronics laboratory sequence using a single platform.
6. What level of students is the kit intended for?
The kit is primarily designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in power electronics and energy conversion. However, the modular structure allows instructors to tailor experiments to different levels of preparation.
7. How many students can work with one kit?
Typically, one kit can support a team of two to three students. The compact design allows multiple kits to be deployed in parallel within a laboratory setting.
8. Can instructors modify or extend the experiments?
Yes. The platform is intentionally modular and open, allowing instructors to:
- Add new converter topologies
- Develop new experiments
- Integrate custom control algorithms
- Adapt the platform for project-based courses
9. Can the kit be used for student projects or capstone work?
Yes. The modular architecture allows students to extend the platform by implementing new converter topologies, control algorithms, or application modules, making it suitable for design projects and capstone courses.
10. Can the kit be integrated with existing laboratory infrastructure?
Yes. The kit is designed to operate with standard laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, DC power supplies, and multimeters, making it easy to integrate into existing teaching laboratories.
11. Are the hardware designs and documentation available openly?
Yes. The hardware designs, experiment documentation, and software resources will be openly documented to support adoption and customization by educators and researchers. The current release represents the Rev. A deployment stage, where early adopters are evaluating the platform and providing feedback to guide the next stage of development.
12. Will future versions of the kit be released?
Yes. The current release corresponds to the Rev. A deployment stage. Feedback from participating institutions will guide improvements and future revisions of the platform.
13. Who is developing the kit?
The IEEE PELS University Lab Kit is an educational initiative led by faculty and collaborators with support from the IEEE Power Electronics Society. The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, has been leading this effort with help from the IEEE PELS University Kits Committee and many universities that are currently evaluating the kit as part of the beta-testing program. Check out the faculty names on the beta-testing university list.
14. How can my university obtain the kit?
Faculty members interested in using the kit can submit the interest form on this website. We will share information about availability, documentation, and future distribution programs. Stay tuned!!
15. Is the kit safe for student use?
The platform operates at low power levels and includes recommended safety practices for laboratory use. Instructors should ensure standard electrical safety procedures are followed.