9/4/23, 7:59 AM Most Asked Power Electronics Interview Questions and Answers - Coding Ninjas

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Most Asked Power Electronics Interview Questions
er Electronics … and Answers
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h between a ci…

ditions must be… Introduction

nguishes holdi… Power electronics is a broad field of electrical engineering. It concerns the processing,
he benefits of …
control, and conversion of electric power. High voltages and currents are used in power
electronics to supply power to electrical equipment and devices. These devices range from
tion does the i… home air conditioners to industrial machinery. Over 80% of all generated power is
reprocessed or repurposed through power electronic systems worldwide.
equency appli…

a single-phas…

efits come wit…

epper motor e…

Electronics Qu…

you think is be…

amental and …

efits does GTO…

of the purpose…

s the term "inv…

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Important for focused learning

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In this article, you will interact with some power electronics interview questions. Examininginterviews
typical interview questions could enable you to be successful when applying for jobs in this
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Power Electronics Interview Become an expert

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9/4/23, 7:59 AM Most Asked Power Electronics Interview Questions and Answers - Coding Ninjas

1. What is the power diode?

Ans. A power diode is a diode that has two terminals, an anode and cathode, and two
layers, P and N, and is used in power electronics circuits. This diode is more complicated in
both its design and operation due to the modifications required to make low-power devices
suitable for use in high-power applications.
This diode performs a crucial function. It can be utilized as a rectifier in converter circuits,
voltage regulation circuits, flyback/freewheeling diodes, reverse voltage protection, etc.

2. What is Snubber Circuit?

Ans. It is an electronic device that is used for suppressing voltage spikes that occur during
the switching operations of relays and transistors. Voltage spiking is undesirable as it can
damage the switching components of a circuit. It consists of a resistor and capacitor
connected in parallel. They are commonly used in power supplies, inverters etc.

3. What is hard switching of the thyristor?

Ans. Hard switching of thyristor is the process of turning it off or on when it is under high
voltage or high current conditions. It generates voltage spikes in the thyristor and stresses
on the surrounding components. Snubber circuits can be used for suppressing the voltage
and current transients generated due to hard switching.

4. What is Firing Angle?

Ans. Firing angle is used for defining the angle of time delay between the zero-crossing of
the input voltage waveform and the triggering of the thyristor to start conducting current. It
is commonly known as the conduction angle or delay angle. The average power delivered
can be controlled by adjusting the firing angle.

5. What is Universal Motor?

Ans. Universal Motor is characterized as a motor that can run at nearly the same speed and
output, whether it is powered by a, single-phase AC or DC supply.

The universal motor has the same construction as a series DC motor. Although both motors
have identical internal and external appearances, a series DC motor cannot be operated as
a universal motor.
Due to their low efficiency (between 25% and 35%), we are unable to use these motors in
industrial applications. It features a high beginning torque and a characteristic of
changeable speed. With no load, it operates at a dangerously fast speed.

6. What is meant by PMDC?

Ans. Permanent Magnet DC Motor is referred to as PMDC. Permanent magnet DC motors
are more advanced than induction motors. Torque is generated by utilizing the power of
electromagnetic principles. Permanent magnets are used to create the field poles of this
particular type of DC motor.

For these motors, three different permanent magnet types are employed:
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b. Magnets made of ceramic Prepare for tech

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c. Magnets made of rare earth

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The main benefits of PMDC motors are low noise, small size, great efficiency, and affordable
manufacture.
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7. What is Reverse Power Relay?

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Ans. The reverse power relay is a protective relay that prevents power from flowing
backwards. When a generator runs in parallel with a utility or another generator, the relay
prevents power from the bus bar or another generator from flowing back to the active
generator when its output fails.

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8. What are the several ways to enable SCR?

Ans. Different methods to enable SCR are

a. Forward voltage triggering

b. Gate Triggering

c. dv/dt triggering

d. Temperature triggering

e. Light triggering

9. What are Chopper's control strategies?

Ans. The control strategies of the chopper are

a. Pulse Width Modulation

b. Frequency Modulation

c. Current Limit Control

10. Why is a tertiary winding used in a forward converter?

Ans. A tertiary winding is added to the Transformer in a forward converter so that the
magnetizing current can return to the input source instead of cutting off the transistor. At
the conclusion of each cycle, the Transformer's magnetizing current must be reset to zero.
Without it, the Transformer might be pushed into saturation, harming the switching
mechanism.

11. What kind of switch is utilized in a switched-mode power supply?

Ans. Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), which is employed in
high-frequency operations, is the switching component in a switched mode power supply
”(SMPS)” . We need high-frequency operational devices like MOSFET in SMPS.

12. What time does a thyristor turn on?

Ans. When a thyristor has to switch on, a positive gate voltage is provided between the
gate and the cathode. Charges are introduced into the inner layer, and the voltage at which
forward breakdown occurs is lowered when the gate current is established. The forward
breakdown voltage is lower, the higher the gate current.

13. Why is it preferable to use a multiphase rectifier rather than a

single-phase rectifier?
Ans. Multiphase rectifiers are preferred for the following reasons:

Increased DC voltage.
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Improved Transformer utilization rate. Important for focused learning

More favorable input power factor. Prepare for tech

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Output current has less ripple content.
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Lower ripple frequency due to smaller filter circuit characteristics. coding

Intermediate Power Electronics Become an expert

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Questions and Answers
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We provide a list of 10 medium level power electronics interview questions in this segment.
Examining typical interview questions could enable you to be successful when applying for
jobs in this industry.

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9/4/23, 7:59 AM Most Asked Power Electronics Interview Questions and Answers - Coding Ninjas

14. What, in your opinion, is the main application for power

electronics?
Ans. Power electronics assists engineers in designing high-efficiency electrical systems for
lighting, automation equipment, motor controls, and sophisticated microprocessor utilities.
Power electronics concepts can be applied to the following fields:

Rectifier and inverter applications,

Chopper applications,
Cyclo-converter applications,
AC to DC, DC to AC, AC to AC, and DC to DC conversion.
Rectifier and inverter use include

Electroplating,
Improved charging,
Variable DC drives,
Emergency lighting systems,
Uninterrupted power supply,
Frequency converters.
Rectifier and inverter circuits are used to convert AC to DC and DC to AC circuits.

15. Distinguish between a circuit breaker and an isolator?

Ans. Circuit breakers automatically activate in the event of a system error, however,
isolators must not be used with a load. Both switches, isolators and circuit breakers, serve
connections between circuit components and a power system.
In order to disconnect downstream and upstream circuits when fixing downstream circuits,
isolators are manually operated off-loading devices. In the event of overload faults, short
circuits, and other failures, circuit breakers are helpful on-load devices for severing circuits.
Additionally, isolators have a lower breaking capacity than circuit breakers.

16. What conditions must be met for a gate pulse to activate an SCR?
Ans. The following conditions must be met for an SCR to be activated by a gate pulse:

The forward-biased mode of SCR should be used between the gate and cathode, a
positive gate voltage.

To make sure that the anode current exceeds the latching current, the gate pulse width
should be set.

17. What distinguishes holding current from latching current in an

SCR?
Ans. The latching current, which is associated with the SCR turn-on procedure, is the
minimal current needed by the anode to maintain the forward conduction condition after
the gate current has been removed.

The holding current, which has to be reached by an anode in order for it to achieve an off
status, is related to the SCR turn-off process. If the latching current, for instance, is 5 mA,
then the holding current can halt conduction if it falls below 5 mA.

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18. What are the benefits of a GTO over a traditional thyristor? Important for focused learning

Ans. In comparison to a traditional thyristor, a GTO(Gate Turn-off thyristor) has the Prepare for tech
following advantages: interviews

a. GTO switches more quickly. Learn and practise

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b. Its ability to handle surge current is comparable to that of an SCR.
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c. At turn-on, it has a higher di/dt rating. competitive coder

d. GTO circuits are smaller and lighter than SCR circuit units. Already setup?

e. GTO is more effective.

f. Due to the removal of commutation chokes, the GTO unit's acoustical, electromagnetic
noise has been minimized.

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19. What function does the inter group reactor serve in a circuit for a
single phase cyclo-converter?
Ans. There will be a net potential difference across the two converters, which causes a
circulating current even though the output voltages of the two converters have the same
average value and different output voltage waveforms as a function of time. An Inter-group
reactor can be inserted to stop this circulating current. Therefore, circulating current is
limited using intergroup reactors.

20. For high-frequency applications, which would you pick: MOSFET or

IGBT?
Ans. Given that a MOSFET has lower switching losses than an IGBT when used in high-
frequency applications doing so may be advantageous. The ideal practice is to limit the
frequency range for high-frequency applications to 200 kHz and for low-frequency
applications to 20 kHz. The cost advantage of MOSFET over IGBT is another perk of this
technology.

21. Why does a single-phase half-controlled bridge rectifier have a

higher input power factor than a fully controlled bridge rectifier when
both are powering RL loads at the same firing angle?
Ans. Even after having the same firing angle, a single phase half controlled bridge rectifier
has a higher input power factor than a fully controlled bridge rectifier because some energy
is returned to the source by the inductor in a completely controlled bridge rectifier, the input
power factor of a single phase half bridge rectifier is larger than that of a fully controlled
bridge rectifier of RL load for the same firing angle.

Consequently, less electricity will be sent to the load. Where supplied power to load/source
volt-ampere equals power factor of input supply.

22. What benefits come with using freewheeling diodes?

Ans. The following are the benefits of utilizing freewheeling diodes:

Improved input power factor Greater load current waveform leads to improved load
performance.

During the freewheeling phase, energy held in L is transferred to R, increasing converter

efficiency overall.

The load voltage V0 is prevented from going negative by the freewheeling diode.

23. Why is stepper motor efficiency so low?

Ans. In contrast to Dc motors, the current consumption of a stepper motor is independent of
load. When they are not working at all, they draw the most current. They consequently
frequently run hot. At high speeds, the impedance increases, which results in a decrease in
the voltage needed to run the constant current control.

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24. Which do you think is better for high voltage applications, MOSFETBecome an expert
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or IGBT?
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Ans. IGBT is required for high-voltage applications. MOSFETs are low voltage electronics,
hence. They have a lower voltage rating than IGBT, for example. Generally speaking,
MOSFETs are appropriate for applications with breakdown voltages under 250V.
Applications with a breakdown voltage of up to 1000V are suitable for IGBTs.

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9/4/23, 7:59 AM Most Asked Power Electronics Interview Questions and Answers - Coding Ninjas

25. What fundamental and necessary specifications must we obtain

from the customer in order to construct the buck converter?
Ans. The customer must provide the following information to us:

a. The voltage at Output Voltage input VOUT VIN

b. Current Output (load current) IOUT

c. Maximum voltage permitted for ripple on the output side

d. The converter's effectiveness

26. What benefits does GTO have over SCR?

Ans. Some of the benefits of GTO over Scr are mentioned below:

Reduction in cost, weight, and volume due to eliminating forced commutation's

commutating components.

Reduction of commutation chokes results in a decrease in electromagnetic and acoustic

noise.

Increased turn-off speed that allows for high switching frequency.

Improved converter effectiveness.

27. List some of the purposes for a controlled rectifier.

Ans. The purposes of a controlled rectifier are:

Dc motor drives are used in steel rolling mills, printing presses, textile mills, and paper
mills.

Traction DC

Processes involving electrochemistry and electrometallurgy

Drives for portable hand tools

Power sources with magnets

Transmission system using HVDC

28. What does the term "inversion mode" mean?

Ans. The voltage at the dc terminal in a single phase full converter over 900 is negative.
Power thus flows from source to load, and the converter functions as a line commutated
inverter. Current is positive while source voltage Vs is negative. This is referred to as
synchronous mode or inversion mode.

29. What are the various sorts of chopper configurations?

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Ans. Choppers can be categorized into the following types based on the direction of the
current and voltage. Important for focused learning

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b. Chopper from the Second Quadrant, Type B

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c. Type B helicopter with two quadrants or Type C

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d. A Type C or Type D two-quadrant helicopter
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e. Type E or four-corner helicopter

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30. Why are thyristors and diodes connected in antiparallel in inverter
circuits?

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9/4/23, 7:59 AM Most Asked Power Electronics Interview Questions and Answers - Coding Ninjas
Ans. When the main thyristors are turned off, the diodes linked in antiparallel will still permit
the current to flow since the load current for RL loads will not be in phase with the load
voltage. This is why we connect thyristors and diodes antiparallel. They are known as
feedback diodes.

31. What are some uses for a series inverter?

Ans. At a high output frequency, between 200 Hz and 100 kHz, the thyristorised series
inverter generates a waveform that is roughly sinusoidal. Induction heating, sonar
transmitters, ultrasonic generators, and fluorescent lights are a few examples of fixed
output applications where it is frequently employed.

32. What are the drawbacks of the harmonics present in the inverter
system?
Ans. The major drawbacks are the following:

Harmonic currents will cause the induction motors to overheat. The motor's ability to
support a load will be reduced as a result.

Harmonics from power rides can interfere with the operation of the control and
regulating circuits if they are not properly protected. This can lead to malfunctions.

Harmonic currents result in losses in the ac system and, on occasion, even resonance.
Resonance circumstances may impact the instruments and metering.

Torque pulsation caused by the harmonic current can be helpful on critical loads.

33. Compare CSI and VSI.

Ans.

VSI (Voltage Source Inverter) CSI (Current Source Inverter)

A DC voltage source with a low or A DC voltage source with a high

insignificant impedance supplies power to
the VSI.
The nature of the load impedance
determines the waveform and magnitude of
the load current.
VSI requires feedback diodes.
In VSI diodes are connected in parallel.
impedance provides CSI with a variable
current source.
A DC voltage source with a high
impedance provides CSI with a variable
current source.
The CSI does not require any feedback
diodes.
In CSI diodes are connected in series.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a power electronics interview? Set your goal

Important for focused learning
To prepare for a power electronics interview, first of all, you must clear all your core
concepts regarding power electronics. Then, you should look over the previously asked Prepare for tech
interviews
interview questions to find out the pattern and level of the questions. Finally, you should
work on you confidence and communication skills.
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What are the basic electronics questions asked in interview?

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Some primary electronic questions asked in an interview are: What is a passband? What iscompetitive coder
an ideal voltage source? How and when do you use a resistor? How to use a capacitor?
What is a diode? What do you mean by thermal conductivity? Already setup?

What are the main topics in power electronics?

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