

M-TECH in Power Electronics And Drives at Vellore Institute of Technology


Vellore, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Power Electronics and Drives at Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore?
This M.Tech Power Electronics and Drives program at Vellore Institute of Technology focuses on advanced concepts in power conversion, electric drives, and their applications in renewable energy and electric vehicles. It addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s rapidly expanding power sector, aiming to equip students with expertise in designing, analyzing, and controlling modern power electronic systems. The program differentiates itself with a strong emphasis on practical applications and research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for electrical and electronics engineering graduates seeking entry into cutting-edge power electronics research and industry roles. It also suits working professionals from sectors like manufacturing, energy, and automotive, who wish to upskill in power conversion technologies or transition into the electric vehicle and renewable energy domains. Candidates with a strong foundation in circuits, machines, and control systems will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in roles such as R&D engineer, power electronics designer, system integration engineer, or control engineer in companies like Tata Motors, Siemens, ABB, and leading PSUs. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, with significant growth trajectories. The program also prepares students for further research or entrepreneurial ventures in the sustainable energy sector.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts with Simulation Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding fundamental power converter topologies, motor control principles, and advanced control theories. Actively use industry-standard simulation software like MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, and LTSpice to model and analyze circuits, validating theoretical knowledge with practical simulations.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, LTSpice, NPTEL online courses for advanced topics
Career Connection
Builds a strong analytical base crucial for design and R&D roles in power electronics companies, enabling efficient troubleshooting and system optimization.
Engage in Hands-on Lab Work and Mini-Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all laboratory sessions, focusing on practical implementation of converters, drives, and control systems using hardware kits and microcontrollers. Take initiative to undertake small-scale mini-projects or design challenges independently or with peers, applying learned concepts to solve real-world problems.
Tools & Resources
dSPACE, LabVIEW, DSP/FPGA development boards, Basic electronic components
Career Connection
Develops essential hardware prototyping and debugging skills, highly valued in design, manufacturing, and testing engineering positions.
Cultivate a Research-Oriented Mindset- (Semester 1-2)
Begin exploring research papers related to Power Electronics and Drives, identifying current trends and unresolved challenges. Engage with faculty members to discuss potential research areas or innovative solutions. Actively participate in technical seminars and workshops organized within the department or college.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, VIT''''s central library resources, Department research groups
Career Connection
Prepares students for the Master''''s Thesis, strengthens problem-solving abilities, and opens pathways to R&D careers or doctoral studies.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specialization through Electives- (Semester 2-3)
Strategically choose program electives that align with your specific career interests, whether it''''s electric vehicles, renewable energy grid integration, or industrial automation. Focus on gaining in-depth knowledge in these niche areas, supplementing coursework with external certifications or specialized online courses.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Industry whitepapers, Professional body certifications (e.g., in renewable energy)
Career Connection
Develops expert-level knowledge in a specific sub-domain, making you highly marketable for specialized roles in relevant industries.
Seek Industry Internships and Live Projects- (Semester 3)
Actively pursue internships with leading companies in power electronics, automotive, or renewable energy sectors during summer breaks or dedicated internship semesters. Gain practical experience by working on live industrial projects, understanding workflow, and professional ethics.
Tools & Resources
VIT''''s Career Development Centre, LinkedIn, Industry contacts, Company websites for internship applications
Career Connection
Bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands, often leading to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and valuable professional networking.
Network with Professionals and Attend Conferences- (Semester 3-4)
Attend national and international conferences, workshops, and symposiums related to Power Electronics and Drives (e.g., IEEE PEDES). Network with faculty, researchers, and industry professionals to stay updated on emerging technologies, explore collaboration opportunities, and build a professional contact base.
Tools & Resources
IEEE conferences calendar, LinkedIn, Professional societies like IEEE PES/IAS
Career Connection
Enhances visibility, provides insights into industry trends, and facilitates future job opportunities or research collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Master''''s Thesis and Research Publication- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Master''''s Thesis (EEE8099), conducting rigorous research, extensive experimentation, and thorough analysis. Aim to publish your research findings in reputable national/international conferences or journals. This demonstrates advanced problem-solving and research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Simulation tools, Experimental setups, Academic writing resources, Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Boosts academic and research profiles, essential for R&D positions, academic careers, or securing admission for Ph.D. programs.
Prepare for Placements with Targeted Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in placement training programs, focusing on technical interview skills, aptitude tests, and soft skills. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight specialization-specific projects and skills relevant to target companies in the power electronics and drives domain.
Tools & Resources
VIT''''s Placement Cell, Online aptitude platforms (e.g., Indiabix), Mock interview sessions, Company-specific preparation guides
Career Connection
Optimizes readiness for campus placements, increasing chances of securing desirable job offers in core engineering sectors.
Develop Entrepreneurial and Leadership Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Explore opportunities to lead projects or initiatives within student chapters (e.g., IEEE-IAS/PES student chapter). Consider developing innovative product prototypes or business ideas related to power electronics. Participate in entrepreneurship bootcamps or idea competitions.
Tools & Resources
VIT-TBI (Technology Business Incubator), Innovation labs, Startup mentorship programs
Career Connection
Fosters an innovative mindset, develops leadership qualities, and potentially leads to startup ventures or senior management roles in technology companies.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. degree in Electrical/Electrical & Electronics/Electronics & Instrumentation/Instrumentation & Control Engineering or a relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or a first-class degree.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEE5001 | Analysis of Power Converters | Core | 4 | DC-DC Converters, DC-AC Inverters, Resonant Converters, Multilevel Inverters, Converter Control |
| EEE5002 | Power Electronic Drives | Core | 4 | DC Motor Drives, AC Motor Drives, Induction Motor Drives, Synchronous Motor Drives, Sensorless Control |
| EEE5003 | Advanced Control Systems | Core | 4 | State Space Analysis, Non-linear Control, Adaptive Control, Optimal Control, Robust Control |
| EEE5004 | Design of Power Converters | Core | 4 | Switching Devices, Passive Components Design, EMI and Snubbers, Thermal Management, Gate Drive Circuits |
| EEE5005 | Power Electronics and Drives Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Simulation of DC-DC Converters, Inverter Control, Motor Drive Experiments, DSP/FPGA Implementation, Power Quality Analysis |
| EEE5999 | Project-I | Project | 3 | Problem Identification, Literature Survey, Methodology Design, Simulation, Preliminary Results |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEE6001 | Special Machines and Control | Core | 4 | Switched Reluctance Motors, Permanent Magnet Motors, Stepper Motors, BLDC Motors, Control Strategies |
| EEE6002 | Renewable Energy Conversion Systems | Core | 4 | Solar PV Systems, Wind Energy Systems, Grid Integration, Energy Storage Systems, Microgrids |
| EEE6003 | Digital Control of Power Electronics | Elective | 3 | Digital Controllers, Discrete-Time Systems, Digital Pulse Width Modulation, Digital Control Algorithms, DSP/FPGA Implementation |
| EEE6004 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | Elective | 3 | Discrete-Time Signals, Z-Transforms, FIR/IIR Filter Design, Adaptive Filters, Multirate Signal Processing |
| EEE6005 | Smart Grid | Elective | 3 | Smart Grid Architecture, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Renewable Energy Integration, Demand Response, Cyber Security |
| EEE6098 | Embedded Systems for Power Electronics Lab | Lab | 2 | Microcontroller Interfacing, DSP Programming, RTOS, Communication Protocols, Embedded Control Applications |
| EEE6099 | Design Project | Project | 5 | Advanced Design, Prototyping, Testing, Performance Evaluation, Technical Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEE6006 | Electric and Hybrid Vehicles | Elective | 3 | EV/HEV Architectures, Drive Train Components, Battery Management Systems, Charging Infrastructure, Vehicle-to-Grid |
| EEE6007 | Power Quality | Elective | 3 | Harmonics, Voltage Sags/Swells, Flickers, Power Quality Mitigation, Active/Passive Filters, Standards |
| EEE6008 | Industrial Power Electronics | Elective | 3 | Industrial Converters, Motor Control Applications, Induction Heating, Welding Systems, Power Supplies |
| EEE7000 | Internship | Core | 6 | Industrial Training, Project Implementation, Professional Skills, Report Submission, Presentation |
| EEE7099 | Project - II | Project | 4 | Project Development, Advanced Analysis, Experimental Validation, Interim Report, Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEE8099 | Master''''s Thesis | Project | 12 | Research Problem Formulation, Advanced Research Methodology, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Defense |




