Teaching Switching Converter Design Using Problem-Based Learning with Simulation of Characterization Modeling

In this paper, teaching in a "switching converter (SC) design" course using problem-based learning (PBL) with dynamicbehavior- model simulation, given at Lunghwa University of Science and Technology (LHU), Taiwan, is proposed. The devised methodology encourages students to design and implement the SCs and regulate the controller's parameters in frequency domain by using 'sisitool' ('bode') in the MATLAB toolbox. The environment of PBL with converter characterization modeling and simulation reforms the learning outcome greatly and speeds up the teaching-learning process. To qualify and evaluate the learning achievements, a hands-on project cooperated with the continuous assessment approach is performed to modulate the teaching pace and learning direction in good time. Results from surveys conducted in the end of the course provided valuable opinions and suggestions for assessing and improving the learning effect of the proposed course successively. Positive feedbacks from the examinations, homework, questionnaires, and the answers to the lecturer's quizzes during class indicated that the presented pedagogy supplied more helpfulness to students in comparisons with conventional teaching paradigm, their learning accomplishments were better than expected as well.