Development of an Automated Lab Testing Framework and Safety Protection System for Power Converters
Project Description
This project aims to establish a fully automated testing environment for power electronics by integrating and controlling existing laboratory instruments. Working with a pre-existing Buck converter board, the student will develop an automated testing framework using Python and implement hardware-level control using Verilog. Furthermore, to ensure the reliability and safety of the automated system, the student will design and integrate critical safety protection mechanisms, including Over-Voltage Protection (OVP) and Over-Temperature Protection (OTP).
Supervisor
ZHANG, Weijia
Quota
1
Course type
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
Applicant's Roles
1. Safety Compliance: Complete all mandatory laboratory safety training courses and familiarize yourself with standard operating procedures for high-power lab instruments before joining the project.
2. Lab Automation: Utilize Python (e.g., PyVISA, SCPI commands) to interface with and control existing lab instruments (oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads) to establish a seamless automated testing pipeline.
3. Safety System Design: Design and implement hardware-level safety features, specifically Over-Voltage Protection (OVP) and Over-Temperature Protection (OTP), utilizing Verilog.
4. System Validation: Execute automated test sequences on the existing Buck converter board, debug the communication between instruments, and validate the effectiveness of the designed safety protections.
2. Lab Automation: Utilize Python (e.g., PyVISA, SCPI commands) to interface with and control existing lab instruments (oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads) to establish a seamless automated testing pipeline.
3. Safety System Design: Design and implement hardware-level safety features, specifically Over-Voltage Protection (OVP) and Over-Temperature Protection (OTP), utilizing Verilog.
4. System Validation: Execute automated test sequences on the existing Buck converter board, debug the communication between instruments, and validate the effectiveness of the designed safety protections.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
1. Lab Automation & Scripting: Gain practical proficiency in using Python for instrument control, data acquisition, and automating repetitive laboratory testing procedures.
2. Digital Hardware Design: Develop hands-on skills in hardware description languages (Verilog) by designing real-time, logic-based safety and control mechanisms.
3. Power Electronics Testing Methodology: Deepen understanding of DC-DC (Buck) converter operations and learn industry-standard methodologies for evaluating power supply performance.
4. System Safety & Reliability: Acquire critical engineering experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting essential hardware protection circuits (OVP, OTP) in power electronic systems.
2. Digital Hardware Design: Develop hands-on skills in hardware description languages (Verilog) by designing real-time, logic-based safety and control mechanisms.
3. Power Electronics Testing Methodology: Deepen understanding of DC-DC (Buck) converter operations and learn industry-standard methodologies for evaluating power supply performance.
4. System Safety & Reliability: Acquire critical engineering experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting essential hardware protection circuits (OVP, OTP) in power electronic systems.
Complexity of the project
Moderate