Power Electronic Converters

Explore the fundamentals and applications of power electronic converters. From AC-DC rectifiers to DC-DC choppers, DC-AC inverters, and AC-AC cycloconverters.

Explore Converters

AC-DC

Rectifier

What is Rectifier?

Devices that convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).

Convert AC power to DC power
Used in power supplies and battery chargers
Available in controlled and uncontrolled versions

AC-DC

Half-Wave Rectifier

Single-Phase Half-Wave Uncontrolled

The simplest rectifier circuit using a single diode.

Simplest rectifier topology
Low efficiency (40%)
High ripple content in output

AC-DC

Full-Wave Rectifier

Single-Phase Full-Wave Uncontrolled

A bridge rectifier that converts both halves of AC waveform to DC.

Higher efficiency than half-wave (80%)
Lower ripple content
Uses four diodes in bridge configuration

AC-DC

Half-Wave Controlled Rectifier

Single-Phase Half-Wave Controlled

Uses thyristors (SCRs) to control the output voltage.

Variable DC output voltage
Phase-controlled operation
Used in industrial power supplies

AC-DC

Full-Wave Controlled Rectifier

Single-Phase Full-Wave Controlled

Uses SCRs in a bridge configuration for full control of DC output.

Full control of output voltage
Higher power capability
Used in motor drives and industrial applications

DC-DC

DC-DC Converter

What is DC-DC Converter?

Devices that convert direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another.

Convert DC power from one voltage level to another
Used in battery-powered devices and power supplies
Available in various topologies (buck, boost, buck-boost)

DC-DC

Buck Converter

Buck Converter

Step-down DC-DC converter for reducing voltage level.

Output voltage lower than input
High efficiency (85-95%)
Used in battery-powered devices

DC-DC

Boost Converter

Boost Converter

Step-up DC-DC converter for increasing voltage level.

Output voltage higher than input
Efficiency around 80-90%
Used in solar power systems

DC-DC

Buck-Boost Converter

Buck-Boost Converter

Capable of both stepping up and stepping down voltage levels.

Output voltage can be higher or lower than input
Output voltage is inverted
Used in battery-powered systems

DC-DC

Cuk Converter

Cuk Converter

Uses capacitive energy transfer for voltage conversion.

Continuous input/output current
Inverted output polarity
Low ripple applications

DC-DC

SEPIC Converter

SEPIC Converter

Single-Ended Primary Inductor Converter. Non-inverting output.

Output voltage can be higher or lower than input
Non-inverting output
Battery-powered systems

DC-DC

ZETA Converter

ZETA Converter

A non-inverting buck-boost topology. Good EMI performance.

Output voltage can be higher or lower than input
Non-inverting output
Low output ripple

DC-AC

Inverter

What is Inverter?

Converts DC power to AC power at a desired frequency.

DC to AC conversion
Solar inverters, UPS
Single & Three-phase

DC-AC

Half-Bridge Inverter

Single-Phase Half-Bridge Inverter

Basic inverter with two switches. Produces square wave.

Two switching devices
Needs split DC supply
Low power applications

DC-AC

Full-Bridge Inverter

Single-Phase Full-Bridge Inverter

Uses four switches. Higher output voltage and power.

Four switching devices
Higher output voltage
Common in UPS systems

DC-AC

Three-Phase 120-Degree Conduction

Three-Phase 120° Conduction

Inverter for three-phase loads, each switch conducts for 120°.

Six switching devices
Produces stepped AC
Motor drives, Grid-tied

DC-AC

Three-Phase 180-Degree Conduction

Three-Phase 180° Conduction

Each switch conducts for 180°. Better utilization of switches.

Six switching devices
Higher fundamental output
Variable frequency drives

AC-AC

Cycloconverter

What is Cycloconverter?

Direct AC-AC frequency converter without DC link.

AC to AC frequency change
No intermediate DC stage
Large motor drives

AC-AC

Single-Phase Cycloconverter

Single-Phase Cycloconverter

Changes frequency of single-phase AC. Step-up or step-down.

Single-phase AC input/output
Variable output frequency
Thyristor based switching

AC-AC

Three-Phase Cycloconverter

Three-Phase Cycloconverter

Converts three-phase AC at one frequency to another.

Three-phase AC input/output
High power applications
Cement mills, ship propulsion

Converter Comparison Tool

Compare different power electronic converters side by side to understand their differences and choose the best one for your application.

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