Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

UNIT-I
POWER SEMI-CONDUCTOR DEVICES
PART A
1. Distinguish between SCR and TRIAC.
(AU 2014)
SCR
TRIAC
SCR is a unidirectional device.
Triac is a bi-directional device.
Gate current can be only positive. Gate current can be positive or
negative.
SCR can operate in only one can operate in two quadrants of V-I
quadrant of V-I characteristics.
characteristics.
UJT is used for triggering SCR.
Diac is used for triggering triac
2. What is meant by current communication of SCR?
(AU 2014)
In this process, a current pulse is made to flow in the reverse direction through the
conducting thyristor and when the net thyristor current becomes zero, it is turned off.
3. Define latching current.
(AU 2014)-2
The latching current is defined as the minimum value of anode current which it must attain
during turn on process to maintain conduction when gate signal is removed.
4. Define holding current.
(AU 2014)-4
The holding current is defined as the minimum value of anode current below which it must
fall to for turning off the thyristor.
5. Compare Power MOSFET and BJT.
(AU 2014)
Power MOSFETS have lower switching losses but its on-resistance and conduction
losses are more. A BJT has higher switching loss bit lower conduction loss. So at high
frequency applications power MOSFET is the obvious choice. But at lower operating
frequencies BJT is superior.
MOSFET has positive temperature coefficient for resistance. This makes parallel
operation of MOSFETs easy. If a MOSFET shares increased current initially, it heats up
faster, its resistance increases and this increased resistance causes this current to shift
to other devices in parallel. A BJT is a negative temperature coefficient, so current
shaving resistors are necessary during parallel operation of BJTs.
In MOSFET secondary breakdown does not occur because it have positive temperature
coefficient. But BJT exhibits negative temperature coefficient which results in secondary
breakdown.
Power MOSFETs in higher voltage ratings have more conduction losses. Power
MOSFETs have lower ratings compared to BJTs . Power MOSFETs 500V to 140A, BJT
1200V, 800A.
PE 8

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

6. What is a snubber circuit?

(AU 2013)-5
It consists of a series combination of a resistor and a capacitor in parallel with the
thyristors. It is mainly used for dv / dt protection.
7. List the various forced commutation techniques used to turn off SCR.
(AU 2013)
a) Class A- Self commutated by a resonating load
b) Class B -Self commutated by an L-C circuit
c) Class C- C or L-C switched by another load carrying SCR
d) Class D-C or L-C switched by an auxiliary SCR
8. What are the drawbacks of GTO?
(AU 2012)
a) Magnitude of latching, holding currents is more. The latching current of the GTO is
several times more as compared to conventional thyristors of the same rating.
b) On state voltage drop and the associated loss is more.
c) Due to multicathode structure of GTO, triggering gate current is higher than that
required for normal SCR.
d) Gate drive circuit losses are more. Its reverse voltage blocking capability is less than the
forward voltage blocking capability.
9. Define circuit turn off time.
(AU 2012)-2
It is defined as the time during which a reverse voltage is applied across the thyristor
during its commutation process.
10. What are the applications of TRAIC?
(AU 2012)
a)Fan regulators. b) Induction Heating. c) AC Voltage regulators.
11. IGBT is a voltage controlled device. Why?
(AU 2012)
Because the controlling parameter is gate-emitter voltage.
12. What are the different methods to turn on the thyristor?
(AU 2011)
a)Forward voltage triggering b) Gate triggering c)dv/dt triggering
d)Temperature triggering e)Light triggering.
13. List the advantages of the IGBT.
(AU 2010)
a) Lower hate requirements b) Lower switching losses
c) Smaller snubber circuit requirements
14. What are the factors that influence the turn-off time of a thyristor?
(AU 2010)
Circuit turn off time should be greater than the thyristor turn-off time for reliable turn-off,
otherwise the device may turn-on at an undesired instant, a process called commutation
failure.
15. State the advantages of IGBT over MOSFET.
(AU 2008)
a) Smaller snubber circuit requirements b) Lower switching losses
c) Lower hate requirements.
16. Define hard-driving or over-driving.
When gate current is several times higher than the minimum gate current required, a
thyristor is said to be hard-fired or over-driven. Hard-firing of a thyristor reduces its turnon time and enhances its di/dt capability.
17. What losses occur in a thyristor during working conditions?
a) Forward conduction losses b) Loss due to leakage current during forward and reverse
blocking. c) Switching losses at turn-on and turn-off. d)Gate triggering loss.

PE 9

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

18. What is the difference between power diode and signal diode?
Power diode
Signal diode
Constructed with n-layer, called Drift region is not present.
drift region between p+ layer and
n+ layer.
The voltage, current and power Lower
ratings are higher
Power diodes operate at high Operates at higher switching speed.
speeds
19. What is the turn-off time for converter grade SCRs and inverter grade SCRs?
Turn-off time for converter grade SCRs is 50 100 ms turn-off time for converter grade
SCRs and inverter grade SCRs and for inverter grade SCRs is 3 50 ms.
20. What are the advantages of GTO over SCR?
a) Elimination of commutation of commutating components in forced commutation,
resulting in reduction in cost, weight and volume.
b) Reduction in acoustic noise and electromagnetic noise due to elimination of
commutation chokes.
c) Faster turn-off, permitting high switching frequencies.
d) Improved efficiency of the converters.

PART- B

1. Discuss different turn on methods of SCR with its turn on characteristics.

(AU 2014)
2. Discuss the static and switching characteristics of IGBT and MOSFET.
(AU 2014)
3. i) Explain the operation of SCR using two transistor analogy.
(AU 2014)
ii) Briefly discuss the V-I characteristics of SCR.
4. i) Explain the switching characteristics of power MOSFET.
(AU 2014)
ii) Briefly explain about the power MOSFET protection circuits.
5. i) Draw and explain the switching characteristics of SCR.
(AU 2013)
ii) Discuss the working of a complementary commutation circuit of SCR with a neat circuit
diagram and waveforms.
6. Describe the basic structure of IGBT and explain its working. Give its equivalent circuit and
explain the turn ON and turn OFF process.
(AU 2013)-2
7. With neat sketch explain the turn on and turn off characteristic of SCR.
(AU 2013)-3
8. i)Compare and contrast the performance characteristics of SCR and MOSFET.
(AU 2012)
ii) Discuss any two types of commutation circuits used for SCR in detail.
9. Discuss in detail the static and switching characteristics of IGBT.
(AU 2012)
10. Explain briefly about the static and dynamic characteristics of SCR.
(AU 2012)
11. Explain the basic structure and V-I characteristics of power diodes with neat diagram.
(AU 2012)
12. Explain the construction and V-I characteristics of TRIAC with neat diagram.
(AU 2012)
13. Describe the current commutation technique to turn off the SCR with neat sketch and
Waveforms.
(AU 2011)
14. What are the different methods for turning off an SCR? Explain all methods in detail.
(AU 2010)
15. Explain the turn-on and turn-of characteristics of IGBT with neat waveforms.
(AU 2009)

PE 10

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

UNIT-II
PHASE-CONTROLLED CONVERTERS
PART A

1. What is meant by phase controlled rectifier?

(AU 2014)
It converts fixed ac voltage into variable dc voltage.
2. Why power factor of semi converter better than that of full converter?
(AU 2014)
Usage of freewheeling diode in the semi converter increases the power factor of the
converter over the full converter.
3. What is the dual converter? Mention its functional mode of operation.
(AU 2014)-1
A dual convertor can operates in four quadrants and both the output voltage and current
can be either positive or negative. There are two modes of operation of a dual converter
a)Non-circulating current mode and b)Circulating current mode.
4. Compare half controlled rectifier and full controlled rectifier.
(AU 2014)-1
Half Controlled Bridge Rectifier
Full Controlled Bridge Rectifier
Power circuit consists of mixture of Power circuit consists of SCRs only
diodes & SCRs
It is one quadrant Converter
It is 2 quadrant Converter
The Dc output voltage has limited The Dc output voltage has wider control
control level.
level.
Input power factor is more.
Input power factor is less.
5. Mention the disadvantages of dual converter with circulating current mode of operation.
a) A reactor is required to limit the circulating current. The size and cost of this reactor
may be quite significant at high power levels.
b) Circulating current gives rise to more losses in the converters. Hence, the thyristors is
poor and so is the power factor.
c) As the converters have to handle load as well as circulating currents, the thyristors for
the two converters are rated for higher currents.
(AU 2013)
6. What is meant by inversion mode of rectifier?
(AU 2012)-2
In single phase full converter > 90 the voltage at the dc terminal is negative. Therefore,
Power flows from load to source & the converter operates as line commutated inverter.
Source voltage Vs is negative & Current is positive. This is known as inversion mode or
synchronous mode.
7. What is the function of freewheeling diodes in controlled rectifier?
(AU 2012) -2
It serves two processes.
a) It prevents the output voltage from becoming negative.
b) The load current is transferred from the main thyristors to the freewheeling diode,
thereby allowing all of its thyristors to regain their blocking states.
8. What are the advantages of six-pulse converter over the 2pule convertor?
(AU 2012)
a) Commutation is made simple. b) Distortion on the ac side is reduced due to the reduction
in lower order harmonics. c) Inductance reduced in series is considerably reduced.
9. What is commutation angle or overlap angle?
(AU 2011)
The commutation period when outgoing and incoming thyristors are conducting is known
as overlap period. The angular period, when both devices share conduction is known as
the commutation angle or overlap angle.

PE 11

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

10. What are the effects of freewheeling diode on the performance of a converter? (AU 2011)
The load current is transferred from the main thyristors to the freewheeling diode,
thereby allowing all of its thyristors to regain their blocking states. It prevents the output
voltage from becoming negative.
11. What is meant by line commutated converter?
(AU 2011)
Here the current flowing through the thyristor goes through a natural zero and enable the
thyristor to turn off.
12. Define voltage ripple factor.
(AU 2010)
It is defined as the ratio of the net harmonic content of the output voltage to the average
output voltage.
13. What is meant by forced commutation?
(AU 2010)
In this commutation, the current flowing through the thyristor is forced to become zero
by external circuitry.
14. Give an expression for average voltage of single phase full-converters.
(AU 2008)
Average output voltage Vdc = (Vm / ) (1 + cos ).
15. What is meant by delay angle?
The delay angle is defined as the angle between the zero crossing of the input voltage and
the instant the thyristors is fired.
16. What are the advantages of single phase bridge converter over single phase midpoint
converter?
a) SCRs are subjected to a peak-inverse voltage of 2Vm in a fully controlled bridge rectifier.
Hence for same voltage and current ratings of SCRs, power handled by mid-point
configuration is about
b) In mid-point converter, each secondary winding should be able to supply the load
power. As such, the transformer rating in mid-point converter is double the load rating.
17. What are the different methods of firing circuits for line commutated converter?
a) UJT firing circuit. b) The cosine wave crossing pulse timing control.
c) Digital firing schemes.
18. What are the advantages of freewheeling diodes in a controlled in a controlled rectifier?
a) Input power factor is improved. b) Load current waveform is improved and thus the
load performance is better.
19. What is meant by commutation?
It is the process of changing the direction of current flow in a particular path of the circuit.
This process is used in thyristors for turning it off.
20. What is meant by input power factor in controlled rectifier?
The input power factor is defined as the ratio of the total mean input power to the total
RMS input volt-amperes.
PF = ( V1 I1 cos 1 ) / ( VrmsIrms) where V1 = phase voltage, I1 = Fundamental component of
the supply current, 1 = input displacement angle, Irms = supply rms current.

PART-B

1. Explain the operation of dual converter with complete circuit diagram and waveforms.
(AU 2014)
2. A 230 v, 50 Hz supply is connected to load resistance of 12 ohm through half wave
rectifier. If the firing angle is 60 degree, determine
a) rms output voltage b) Average output voltage
c) Ratio of rectification d) Transformer utilization factor.
(AU 2014)
3. Discuss the effect of source inductance on the performance of single phase full converter.
(AU 2014)
PE 12

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

4. Explain the two functional modes of Dual converter with necessary diagrams. (AU 2014)-1
5. Describe the working of a single phase full converter in the rectifier mode with RL load.
Discuss how one pair of SCRs is commutated by an incoming pair of SCRs. Illustrate your
answer with the waveform of source voltage, load voltage and source current. Assume
continuous conduction. Also derive the expressions for average and rms output voltage.
(AU 2013)
6. A 3-phase full converter charges a battery from a three-phase supply of 230V;50Hz. The
battery emf is 200V and its internal resistance is 0.5ohm.On account of inductance
connected in series with the battery, charging current is constant at 20A.Comput the firing
angle delay and supply power factor.
(AU 2013)
7. A 220 V, 1KW resistive load is supplied by 220 V, 50 Hz source through single phase fully
controlled rectifier. Determine the following for 800W output,
(AU 2012)
(a) Output voltage (b) RMS value of input current (c) Fundamental component of input
Current (d) Displacement factor.
8. Explain with necessary circuit diagrams, waveforms and working of a 3 phase fully
controlled converter. Derive the expressions for load voltage and load current. (AU 2012)
9. Explain the operation of three phase semi converter with neat waveforms.
(AU 2012)
10. Explain the working of a three phase full converter with R load for the firing angles of 60 o,
90o and 150o.
(AU 2011)
11. Explain the operation of a single phase full bridge converter with RL load for continuous
and discontinuous load currents.
(AU 2011)
12. A single phase full bridge converter is connected to R load. The source voltage is 230 V, 50
Hz. The average load current is 10A. For R=20 find the firing angle.
(AU 2011)
13. Describe the operation of a single phase two pulse bridge converter using 4 SCR'S with
relevant waveforms.
(AU 2010)
14. Discuss the working of above converter in the converter mode with RLE load. (AU 2010)
15. A single phase semi converter is operated from 120 V 50 Hz ac supply. The load
current with an average value Idc is continuous and ripple free firing angle = /6.
Determine. a) Displacement factor. b) Harmonic factor of input current.
c) Input power factor.
(AU 2010)

UNIT-III
DC TO DC CONVERTER
PART A
1. Write the applications of DC chopper?
(AU 2014)
a) Battery operated vehicles b) Traction motor control in electric traction c) Trolly cars
d) Marine hoists e) Mine haulers f) electric braking.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of cuk converters?
(AU 2014)
Advantages
a) Continuous input current. b) Continuous output current. c) Output voltage can be
either greater or less than input voltage.
Disadvantages
a) The converter is difficult to stabilize. Complex compensation circuitry is often needed
to make the converter operate properly. This compensation also tends to slow down
the response of the converter, which inhibits the PWM dimming capability of the
converter (essential for LEDs).
b) An output current controlled boost-buck converter tends to have an uncontrolled and
undamped resonance due to an L- C pair ( L1 and C1). The resonance of L1 and C1
leads to excessive voltages across the capacitor, which can damage the circuit.
PE 13

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

3. What is meant by Time Radio Control?

(AU 2013)-4
In TRC, the value of Ton / T is varied in order to change the average output voltage.
4. What is meant by dc chopper?
(AU 2013)
A dc chopper is a high speed static switch used to obtain variable dc voltage from a
constant dc voltage.
5. What is meant by duty-cycle?
(AU 2012)
Duty cycle is defined as the ratio of the on time of the chopper to the total time period of
the chopper. It is denoted by .
6. What are the advantages of current commutated chopper?
(AU 2012)
a) The capacitor always remains charged with the correct polarity.
b) Commutation is reliable as load current is less than the peak commutation current ICP.
c) The auxiliary thyristor TA is naturally commutated as its current passes through zero
value.
7. What is the constant frequency control of chopper?
(AU 2012)
Frequency of the chopper remains constant, but ON period is changed to vary the output.
8. What is meant by line commutation?
(AU 2011)
Here the current flowing through the thyristor goes through a natural zero and enable the
thyristor to turn off.
9. What is meant by step-down chopper?
(AU 2011)
In a step- down chopper or Buck converter, the average output voltage is less than the
input voltage.
10. What are the advantages of SMPS over the phase controlled rectifier?
(AU 2011)
a) For the same power rating b) SMPS is of smaller size c) Lighter in weight and processes,
d) Higher efficiency e) High frequency operation f) Less sensitive to input voltage
variations.
11. What is meant by step-up chopper?
(AU 2010)
In a step- up chopper or Boost converter, the average output voltage is more than the input
voltage.
12. What is meant by SMPS?
(AU 2009)
SMPS means Switch Mode Power Supply. SMPS is based on the chopper principle. Varying
the duty cycle of chopper by PWM techniques controls the output dc voltage.
13. What is meant by FM control in a dc chopper?
In frequency modulation control, the chopping frequency f (or the chopping period T) is
varied. Here two controls are possible.
a) On-time Ton is kept constant b) Off period Toff is kept constant.
14. What is meant by PWM control in dc chopper?
In this control method, the on time Ton is varied but chopping frequency is kept constant.
The width of the pulse is varied and hence this type of control is known as Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM).
15. What are the different types of chopper with respect to commutation process?
a) Voltage commutated chopper. b) Current commutated chopper.
c) Load commutated chopper.
16. What is meant by voltage commutation?
In this process, a charged capacitor momentarily reverse biases the conducting thyristor
and turn it off.

PE 14

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

17. What are the advantages of load commutated chopper?

a) Commutating inductor is not required. b) It is capable of commutating any amount of
load current. c) It can work at high frequencies in the order of kHz.
d) Filtering requirements are minimal.
18. What are the advantages of dc chopper?
Chopper provides
a) High efficiency b) Smooth acceleration c) Fast dynamic response d) Regeneration
19. Write down the expression for average output voltage for step down chopper.
Average output voltage for step down chopper V0 = Vs, is the duty cycle.
20. What are the two types of control strategies?
a) Time Ratio Control (TRC) b) Current Limit Control method (CLC)

PART B

1. Discuss the operation of step up DC chopper Also derive the expression for its output
voltage.
(AU 2014)
2. A DC chopper had an input voltage of 200 V and a load of 8 ohm resistance. The voltage
drop across thirstier is 2 V and the chopping frequency is 800 Hz the duty cycle is 0.5 Find.
a) Average output voltage. b) RMS output voltage. c) Chopper frequency.
(AU 2014)
d) Input resistance seen by the source.
3. Explain the operation of class-C and class-D types of two quadrant choppers.
(AU 2014)
4. Draw the power circuit diagram of cuk regulator and explain its operation with equivalent
circuit for different modes with necessary waveforms.
(AU 2014)-2
5. A dc battery is charged from a constant dc source of 220V through a chopper. The dc
battery is to be charged from its internal emf of 90V to 122V. The battery has internal
resistance of 1 ohm. For a constant charging current of 10A,compute the range of duty
cycle.
(AU 2013)
6. Explain with a neat circuit diagram one of the configurations of SMPS.
(AU 2013)
7. i) Explain the principle of working of a step up chopper with neat circuit diagram and
necessary waveforms. Derive the expression for its average output voltage.
(AU 2013)
ii) Write short note on resonant switching.
8. What is DC chopper? Describe various types of chopper configuration with appropriate
diagrams.
(AU 2012)
9. Classify the basic topologies of switching regulators and explain the operation of buck
regulator with continuous load current using suitable waveforms.
(AU 2012)
10. Discuss the operation of DC-DC boost converter and prove that its output voltage is always
greater than input voltage.
(AU 2012)
11. Explain the working of Buck-Boost converter with sketch and waveforms and also drive
the expression for Is.
(AU 2011)
12. With a neat sketch and output voltage waveforms, explain the working of full bridge SMPS.
(AU 2011)
13. Discuss the principle of operation of DC-DC step down chopper with suitable waveform.
Derive an expression for its average DC output voltage.
(AU 2010)
14. A step-down dc chopper has a resistive load of R = 15 and input voltage E dc = 200 V.
When the chopper remains ON, its voltage drop is 2.5 for a duty cycle of 0.5.
Calculate :
(1) Average and r.m.s value of output voltage
(2) Power delivered to the load.
(AU 2010)
PE 15

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

15. A dc chopper has an input voltage of 200V and a load of 15 ohm resistance. When chopper
is on, its voltage drop is 1.5 V and the chopping frequency is 10 KHz. If the duty cycle is
80%, find (a) Average output voltage. (b) RMS output voltage.
(c) Chopper on time.
(AU 2009)

UNIT-IV
INVERTERS
PART - A

1. What is meant by voltage source inverter?

(AU 2014)
When an inverter has a DC source with a small or negligible resistance, which means the
inverter has a stiff DC voltage source at its input terminal, it is called a VSI or voltage fed
inverter.
2. Write the advantages of resonant converter?
(AU 2014)
a) Low switching losses b) reduced devices stress
3. What are the advantages of PWM control?
(AU 2014)-4
a) The output voltage can be obtained without any additional components.
b) Lower order harmonics can be eliminated or minimized along with its output voltage
control. As the higher order harmonics can be filtered easily, the filtering requirements are
minimized.
4. Write the difference between CSI and VSI.
(AU 2014)-3
S.No.
VSI
CSI
1. Input voltage is maintained constant
Input current is constant but adjustable
The output voltage does not depend The output current does not depend on the
2.
on the load
load
The magnitude of the output current The magnitude of the output voltage and
3. and its waveform depends on the its waveform depends on the nature of the
nature of the load impedance
load impedance
It does not requires feedback diodes
4. It requires feedback diodes
Commutation circuit is complicated Commutation circuit is simple i.e. it
5. i.e. it contains capacitors and
contains only capacitors.
inductors.
5. What is the advantage of 1200 mode of inverter operation over 1800 mode?
The base drives of two switches in the same-half bridge have an inherent dead band of
600.Hence, there is no possibility of cross conduction or shoot-through fault.
6. What is mean by CSI?
(AU 2012) -4
A current fed inverter or CSI is fed with adjustable current from a dc source of high
impedance is from a stiff dc current source.
7. What are the methods of reduction of harmonic content?
(AU 2012)
a)Transformer connections b)Sinusoidal PWM c) Multiple commutation in each cycle
d) Stepped wave inverters
8. Why the series inverter is called so?
(AU 2011)
An inverter in which the commutating elements are connected in series with the load is
called a series inverter.
9. What is meant by PWM control?
(AU 2011)
In this method, a fixed dc input voltage is given to the inverter and a controlled ac output
voltage is obtained by adjusting the on and off periods of the inverter components. This is
the most popular method of controlling the output voltage and this method is termed as
PWM control.
PE 16

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

10. List the applications of an inverter?

(AU 2011)
a) Adjustable speed drives b) Induction heating c) Stand-by aircraft power supplies
d) UPS e) HVDC transmission.
11. List the advantages of Current Source Inverter.
(AU 2010)
a) CSI does not require any feedback diodes.
b) Commutation circuit is simple as it involves only thyristors.
12. What is meant by PWM technique?
(AU 2010)
In this control method, the on time Ton is varied but chopping frequency is kept constant.
The width of the pulse is varied and hence this type of control is known as Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM).
13. What is meant by forced commutation?
(AU 2010)
In this commutation, the current flowing through the thyristor is forced to become zero by
external circuitry.
14. Why diodes should be connected in anti-parallel with the thyristors in inverter circuits?
For RL loads, load current will not be in phase with load voltage and the diodes connected
in anti parallel will allow the current to flow when the main thyristors are turned off.
These diodes are called feedback diodes.
15. What is meant a parallel inverter?
An inverter in which the commutating elements are connected in parallel with the load is
called a parallel inverter.
16. How is the inverter circuit classified based on commutation circuitry?
a) Line commutated inverters. b)Load commutated inverters.
c) Self commutated inverters. d) Forced commutated inverters.
17. Why thyristors are not preferred for inverters?
Thyristors require extra commutation circuits for turn off which results in increased
complexity of the circuit. For these reasons thyristors are not preferred for inverters.
18. How output frequency is varied in case of a thyristor?
The output frequency is varied by varying the turn off time of the thyristors in the inverter
circuit, i.e. the delay angle of the thyristors is varied.
19. What are the main classifications of inverter?
a) Voltage Source Inverter b) Current Source Inverter
20. What are the disadvantages of PWM control?
SCRs are expensive as they must possess low turn-on and turn-off times.

PART B

1. Briefly discuss the different types of PWM schemes available for voltage control in an
inverter.
(AU 2014)-2
2. Explain the operation of three voltage source inverter in 180 mode of conduction.
(AU 2014)-1
3. Explain the operation of three phase voltage source inverter in 120 degree operating
mode.
(AU 2014)-3
4. Discuss the different modes of operation of series resonant inverter with unidirectional
switch with neat diagram and waveforms.
(AU 2014)-1
5. Discuss the principle of working of a three phase bridge inverter with an appropriate
circuit diagram. Draw the output phase and line voltage waveform on the assumption that
each thyristor conducts for 180 degree and resistive load is star connected. The sequence
of firing of various SCR should also be indicated.
(AU 2013)

PE 17

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

6. Write short note on the following:

(AU 2013)
a) Sinusoidal pulse width modulation as applied to inverters. b) Current source inverters.
7. Explain briefly with circuit diagram, waveforms and working of series inverters.
(AU 2012)
8. Describe the working of a 1 full bridge inverter with relevant circuit and
waveforms.
(AU 2010)
9. What is PWM? List the various PWM techniques and explain any one of them. (AU 2010)
10. Explain the Harmonic reduction by transformer corner lines and stepped wave inverters.
(AU 2010)
11. Explain the different methods of voltage control adopted in an inverter with suitable
waveforms.
(AU 2009)
12. Explain the working principle of single phase current source inverter.
(AU 2008)
13. Explain briefly with circuit diagram, waveforms and working of parallel inverters.
14. The single phase half bridge inverter has resistive load of R=10 ohm and dc input voltage
is 220V. Determine rms output voltage, average value, rms current and output power.
15. The single phase full bridge inverter has resistive load of R=2.4 ohm and dc input voltage
is 48V. Determine rms output voltage at the fundamental frequency, output power. And
the total harmonic distortion.

UNIT-V
AC TO AC CONVERTERS
PART A
1. What is meant by cyclo-converter?
(AU 2014)-3
It converts input power at one frequency to output power at another frequency with onestage conversion. Cyclo-converter is also known as frequency changer.
2. What is integral cycle control in AC voltage controllers?
(AU 2014)
In integral cycle control technique Thyristors are used as switches to connect the load
circuit to the ac supply (source) for a few cycles of the input ac supply and then to
disconnect it for few input cycles. The Thyristors thus act as a high speed contactor (or
high speed ac switch).
3. What is matrix converter?
(AU 2014)-1
Matrix converter is a device which converts AC input supply to the required variable AC
supply as output without any intermediate conversion process whereas in case of Inverter
which converts AC - DC - AC which takes more extra components as diode rectifiers, filters,
charge-up circuit but not needed those in case of matrix converters.
4. What is the control range of firing angle in ac voltage controller with RL load? (AU 2014)-1
The control range is < <180, where = load power factor angle
5. Enumerate some of the industrial applications of a cycloconverter.
(AU 2013)-1
a) Cement mill drives b) Ship propulsion drives c) Rolling mill drives d) Scherbius drives
e) Ore grinding mills f) Mine winders.
6. What are the advantages of six-pulse converter over the 2pule convertor?
(AU 2012)
a) Commutation is made simple.
b) Distortion on the ac side is reduced due to the reduction in lower order harmonics.
7. What are the applications of ac voltage controllers?
(AU 2012)-2
a)Domestic and industrial heating b) Lighting control
c)Speed control of single phase and three phase ac motors d)Transformer tap changing
PE 18

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

8. What are the disadvantages of unidirectional or half-wave ac voltage controller? (AU 2012)
a) Due to the presence of diode on the circuit, the control range is limited and the effective
RMS output voltage can be varied between 70 to 100%.
b) The input current and output voltage are asymmetrical and contain a dc component. If
there is an input transformer, saturation problem will occur.
c) It is only used for low power resistive load.
9. Write the principle of operation cyclo-converter.
(AU 2012)
It converts input power at one frequency to output power at another frequency with onestage conversion. Cycloconverter is also known as frequency changer.
10. Write the principle of operation cyclo-converter.
(AU 2012)
It converts input power at one frequency to output power at another frequency with onestage conversion. Cycloconverter is also known as frequency changer.
11. Write some disadvantages of ac voltage controller.
(AU 2011)
The main drawback is the introduction of harmonics in the supply current and the load
voltage waveforms particularly at low output voltages.
12. State the different types of control in AC voltage controller.
(AU 2011)
a) ON-OFF control b) Phase control
13. What is meant by sequence control of ac voltage regulators?
It means that the stages of voltage controllers in parallel triggered in a proper sequence one
after the other so as to obtain a variable output with low harmonic content.
14. What are the types of UPS?
(i) On line UPS (ii) Off line UPS (iii) Line interactive UPS
15. What are the advantages of on line UPS?
(i) It provides isolation between main supply and load
(ii) Since inverter is always on, the quality of load voltage is free from distortion
(iii) Voltage regulation is better
(iv) Transfer time is practically zero since inverter is always on.
16. What are the disadvantages of on line UPS?
(i) Overall efficiency of UPS is reduced (ii) Cost is high (iii) The wattage of the rectifier is
increased.
17. What is the difference between ON-OFF control and phase control?
ON-OFF control: In this method, the thyristors are employed as switches to connect the load
circuit to the source for a few cycles of the load voltage and disconnect it for another few
cycles. Phase control: In this method, thyristor switches connect the load to the ac source
for a portion of each half cycle of input voltage.
18. What is the advantage of ON-OFF control?
Due to zero-voltage and zero current switching of thyristors, the harmonics generated by
the switching action are reduced.
19. What is the disadvantage of ON-OFF control?
This type of control is applicable in systems that have high mechanical inertia and high
thermal time constant.
20. What are the two types of cyclo-converters?
a. Step-up cyclo-converters
b. Step-down cyclo-converters

PE 19

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE

Subject Code / Name: EE6503 /POWER ELECTRONICS

PART-B

1. Write a short note on the followings.

(AU 2014)-2
a) 3 phase to 1 phase cycloconverter. b) Matrix converter.
2. A single phase full wave AC voltage converter has an input voltage of 230 V, 50Hz and its
feeding a resistance load of 10 ohms. If firing angle of thyristors is 110 degree, find the
output RMS voltage input power factor and average current of thyristor.
(AU 2014)
3. With the aid of circuit diagram and waveform explain the operation of
(AU 2014)
i) Power factor control in AC voltage regulation
ii) Single Phase full wave AC voltage controller.
4. Describe the basic principle of working of 1phase-1phase step down cycloconverter for a
bridge type converter. Assume both discontinuous and continuous conduction and draw
the load current and load voltage waveforms for both the cases, Mark the conduction of
various thyristors.
(AU 2013)
5. Write short note on the following:
(AU 2013)
i) Integral cycle control ii) Multistage sequence control iii) Step up cycloconverter
iv) Matrix converter.
6. A resistive load 5 is fed through a single phase full wave AC voltage controller from 230V,
50Hz source. If firing angle of thyristor is 1200.Find the output RMS voltage, input power
factor and average current of thyristor.
(AU 2012)
7. Explain briefly about the three phase bidirectional delta connected controllers with neat
diagrams.
(AU 2012)
8. Explain briefly about the three phase full wave controller with neat diagrams.
(AU 2012)
9. What is AC regulator and draw the configuration of a single phase AC regulator and explain
the operation?
(AU 2012)
10. Explain the necessary circuit diagrams and waveforms of a single phase cyclo-converter.
(AU 2012)
11. Discuss the working of 2 stage sequence control of AC voltage controller.
(AU 2011)
12. Describe three-phase to three phase cycloconverter with relevant circuit arrangement
using 18 thyristors.
(AU 2010)
13. Show that the fundamentals RMS value of per phase output voltage of low frequency for an
m-pulse cycloconverter is given by Eor=Epn(m/)sin(n/)
(AU 2010)
14. Write short note on the following:
(a) UPFC
(b) Static VAR compensator.
15. A single phase full wave AC voltage controller has an input voltage of 230 V, 50Hz and it is
feeding a resistive load of 10 ohms. If firing angle of thyristors is 110 degree, find the
output RMS voltage, input power factor and average current of thyristor.

PE 20

KCE / EEE/QB / III YR / PE