M-TECH in Power Electronics Drives at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Udupi, Karnataka
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Power Electronics & Drives at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This Power Electronics & Drives program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on advanced power conversion, electric drives, and renewable energy integration. It addresses the growing demand for efficient power management and motor control solutions across various Indian industries. The program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing graduates for cutting-edge roles in this critical sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for electrical and electronics engineering graduates eager to specialize in power conversion technologies, electric vehicle systems, or renewable energy. Working professionals seeking to upskill in industrial automation, smart grid technologies, or high-efficiency drives will also find this program beneficial. A strong foundation in circuit theory, control systems, and electrical machines is advantageous.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers in R&D, manufacturing, and consultancy in India''''s power, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. Roles include Power Electronics Engineer, Drive Systems Engineer, or Renewable Energy Specialist, with entry-level salaries ranging from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience. It aligns with certifications in power systems and industrial automation standards.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Simulation Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding fundamental power electronics, control systems, and electrical drives. Utilize simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink and PSCAD extensively to model circuits and systems, helping visualize complex concepts and validate theoretical understanding early on. Participate in related online courses to deepen knowledge.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD, NPTEL courses on Power Electronics
Career Connection
A strong conceptual base and proficiency in industry-standard simulation tools are crucial for entry-level design and analysis roles in power electronics firms, enhancing employability and project readiness.
Engage in Lab-based Project Work- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in lab sessions, going beyond assigned experiments to explore variations or mini-projects. Form study groups to collaboratively tackle complex problems, build small prototypes, or debug circuits, which helps in applying theoretical knowledge and developing practical problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Labs, Arduino/Raspberry Pi for simple prototypes, Open-source circuit design software
Career Connection
Hands-on experience with hardware and problem-solving in a lab setting is highly valued by employers for R&D and hardware engineering roles, providing a competitive edge in placements.
Develop Strong Mathematical and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to reinforce advanced mathematics, linear algebra, and differential equations relevant to control systems and power converter analysis. Practice solving complex engineering problems using analytical methods to build a robust foundation for advanced research and development tasks.
Tools & Resources
Online calculus/linear algebra courses, Engineering mathematics textbooks, Wolfram Alpha
Career Connection
Proficiency in analytical problem-solving is essential for advanced research, complex system design, and performance optimization, opening doors to R&D and senior engineering positions.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Specialized Mini-Projects and Internships- (Semester 2-3)
Seek out mini-projects in areas like EV charging, smart grid components, or renewable energy integration. Aim for internships during summer breaks with companies specializing in power electronics, drives, or automotive sectors to gain real-world exposure and build a professional network. Actively apply learned theory.
Tools & Resources
Company websites for internships, LinkedIn for networking, Department project opportunities
Career Connection
Internships provide crucial industry experience, often leading to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and help in understanding specific career paths, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 2-3)
Join relevant technical clubs and participate in national-level competitions such as design challenges for electric vehicles, robotics with advanced motor control, or renewable energy solutions. Attend specialized workshops on DSP programming, FPGA for control, or advanced power device testing.
Tools & Resources
IEEE/IET student chapters, Online competition platforms (e.g., Hackerearth for engineering challenges), Industry workshops
Career Connection
Participation showcases practical skills, teamwork, and innovation, which are highly attractive to employers. Winning or performing well in competitions adds significant weight to your resume.
Explore Research Papers and Advanced Literature- (Semester 2-3)
Beyond textbooks, regularly read recent research papers from IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, Drives, and Energy Conversion. Identify emerging trends and potential research gaps. This habit nurtures critical thinking and prepares for academic research or R&D roles in industry.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, ResearchGate
Career Connection
Staying updated with cutting-edge research is vital for R&D roles and for contributing innovative solutions in technology-driven companies, setting you apart as a knowledgeable professional.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Master''''s Project- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a challenging master''''s project aligned with industry needs or current research gaps (e.g., high-efficiency converters, advanced motor control for specific applications, grid-connected inverter design). Work closely with faculty and potentially industry mentors to achieve publishable results.
Tools & Resources
Department research groups, Industry contacts, Advanced simulation/experimental setups
Career Connection
A strong, well-executed thesis demonstrating problem-solving capabilities and technical expertise is a powerful credential for R&D positions and often leads to patent opportunities or further academic pursuits.
Network and Attend Industry Conferences- (Semester 3-4)
Actively network with professionals and alumni through LinkedIn, career fairs, and technical conferences (e.g., PEDES, TENCON). Present your project work if possible. These interactions provide insights into industry demands and open doors to job opportunities and collaborations.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences (IEEE, IET), University career services
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for job hunting, mentorship, and staying connected with industry trends, significantly enhancing placement prospects and future career growth.
Develop Soft Skills and Technical Communication- (Semester 3-4)
Refine presentation, report writing, and interpersonal communication skills. Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely. Participate in mock interviews and group discussions to prepare for the rigorous selection processes of top engineering companies.
Tools & Resources
University career development center, Toastmasters clubs, Online communication courses
Career Connection
Excellent communication and soft skills are critical for leadership roles, client interactions, and effectively collaborating in multidisciplinary teams, accelerating career advancement beyond technical expertise.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, or equivalent with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTPED 501 | Power Electronic Converters | Core | 4 | AC-DC Converters (Rectifiers), DC-DC Converters (Choppers), DC-AC Converters (Inverters), Resonant Converters, Multilevel Converters, PWM Control Techniques |
| MTPED 502 | Advanced Electrical Drives | Core | 4 | DC Motor Drives, Induction Motor Drives, Synchronous Motor Drives, Vector Control (Field Oriented Control), Direct Torque Control (DTC), Sensorless Control Techniques |
| MTPED 503 | Advanced Control Systems | Core | 4 | State-Space Analysis, Nonlinear Control Systems, Optimal Control Theory, Adaptive Control Systems, Robust Control, Digital Control Design |
| MTPED 504 | Power System Dynamics and Control | Core | 4 | Power System Stability (Transient, Steady-state), Excitation Systems and Governors, FACTS devices for Stability Improvement, HVDC Transmission System Dynamics, Sub-synchronous Resonance (SSR), Wide Area Control and PMUs |
| MTPED 505 | Power Electronics & Drives Lab - 1 | Lab | 2 | Simulation of Power Converters (DC-DC, DC-AC), Control of DC-DC Choppers, Single-phase and Three-phase Inverters, Speed Control of DC Motors, Hardware Implementation of Controllers, DSP/Microcontroller based Experiments |
| MTPED 506 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review Techniques, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Statistical Tools for Research, Report Writing and Presentation, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Ethics |
| MTPED 507 | Seminar | Core | 3 | Technical Literature Survey, Topic Selection and Scope Definition, Effective Presentation Skills, Scientific Writing and Reporting, Critical Analysis of Research, Question and Answer Handling |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTPED 551 | Advanced Microcontrollers and DSP for Power Electronics | Core | 4 | Microcontroller Architectures (ARM, PIC), Digital Signal Processors (DSP), Interfacing Techniques (ADC, PWM, Timers), Real-time Control Implementation, Programming Embedded Systems, Control Algorithms for Converters and Drives |
| MTPED 552 | Special Electrical Machines | Core | 4 | Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), Brushless DC Motors (BLDC), Linear Induction Motors, Stepper Motors, Design and Control Aspects |
| MTPED 553 | Renewable Energy Systems and Grid Integration | Core | 4 | Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Wind Energy Conversion Systems, Fuel Cells and Biomass Energy, Grid Interconnection Challenges, Distributed Generation, Microgrids and Smart Grids Technologies |
| MTPED 554 | Elective 1: Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) | Elective | 3 | FACTS Controllers Overview, Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), Static Series Compensator (SSSC), Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC), Control Strategies of FACTS devices, Applications in Power System Enhancements |
| MTPED 555 | Elective 2: Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles | Elective | 3 | EV/HEV Architectures and Configurations, Battery Technologies and Battery Management Systems, Motor Drives for Electric Vehicles, Charging Systems (On-board, Off-board), Regenerative Braking Systems, Power Electronics in Automotive Applications |
| MTPED 556 | Power Electronics & Drives Lab - 2 | Lab | 2 | Advanced Converter Control Experiments, Drive Tuning and Performance Optimization, Real-time Controller Implementation on DSP/FPGA, Sensorless Control of AC Motors, Grid-Tied Inverter Experiments, Power Quality Measurement and Mitigation |
| MTPED 557 | Mini Project | Project | 4 | Problem Identification and Literature Survey, System Design and Simulation, Hardware/Software Implementation (Small Scale), Testing and Performance Validation, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Project Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTPED 601 | Industry Internship | Internship | 6 | Practical Industry Exposure, Application of Theoretical Knowledge, Professional Skill Development, Problem Solving in Real-world Scenarios, Project Documentation, Industry Best Practices and Safety |
| MTPED 602 | Elective 3: Power Quality and Harmonics | Elective | 3 | Power Quality Issues (Sags, Swells, Interruptions), Harmonic Sources and Effects in Power Systems, Harmonic Analysis and Standards (IEEE 519), Passive and Active Power Filters, Voltage Regulation Techniques, Power Quality Monitoring and Mitigation |
| MTPED 603 | Elective 4: HVDC Transmission | Elective | 3 | HVDC System Configurations (LCC, VSC), Converter Operation and Control, AC-DC System Interaction, Multi-terminal HVDC Systems, HVDC Protection, Applications of HVDC Transmission |
| MTPED 604 | Project Work - Part 1 | Project | 4 | Project Proposal Development, Detailed Literature Survey, Methodology Formulation and Planning, System Design and Preliminary Simulation, Initial Experimental Setup, Interim Report and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTPED 651 | Project Work - Part 2 | Project | 16 | Advanced Hardware/Software Implementation, Extensive Experimentation and Data Collection, In-depth Result Analysis and Interpretation, Performance Optimization and Validation, Comprehensive Thesis Writing, Final Project Defense and Presentation |