An AC-DC converter, also known as a rectifier, is an electrical circuit that converts an alternating current (AC) input to a direct current (DC) output and optimizes it through a filter to obtain a DC voltage unregulated. With technological advancements in power electronics, AC/DC power supplies have become an integral part of our lives in recent years. These converters are ideal for various applications requiring efficient hardware implementations for AC/DC conversion to mitigate power losses and achieve significant cost savings.
Types:
Different types of power electronic converters are used to perform different functions (e.g., inverter, rectifier, etc.), ranging from a few milliwatts to thousands of watts. Depending on the type of function performed, they are classified into the following types:
DC to AC: Converts DC of desired frequency and voltage to AC
AC to DC: This converts AC to unipolar current (DC).
AC to AC: Converts AC to the desired frequency
DC to DC: Converts DC (constant) to variable DC or variable DC to constant DC or desired voltage magnitude from line AC power.
How do they Work?
AC/DC power supplies are ideal when there is a need to power many devices or generate more efficient power generation. Generally, a transformer is used as a power source that changes the voltage of alternating current and stores it from alternating current to direct current. A transformer changes the voltage by the amount required by the device to which it is powered.
In this process, the AC/DC power supply has at least two obligations:
- Converts alternating current from the mains into stable direct current.
- Prevent AC from interfering with DC's power output.
- They maintain the output voltage at a constant level.
What are the Requirements for an AC/DC Converter?
The following should be considered when choosing a power source for industrial automation, IoT, and intelligent home appliances.
AC-DC converters should be highly efficient, resulting in low energy loss during operation.
Modern smart devices are getting smaller, lighter, and designed to be easy to install. Therefore, AC/DC converter manufacturers should follow this trend.
AC/DC power supplies should have low power consumption in standby mode. This is very important for some IoT or smart home devices that require a power converter to provide power and mainly work in sleep mode, including sensors or electric curtains, door lock systems, etc.
What are the Advantages of AC/DC Converters?
The benefits of using an AC/DC converter are summarized in three points:
These converters are devoid of the need for multiple inverters and converters. Reducing power conversion and inversion also avoids the possibility of equipment failure.
These converters satisfy low power operation during long periods of standby. Its high energy-saving ability makes it ideal for industrial applications and household appliances.
Smaller power converters save more space on the device and can reduce the overall device size, especially for a variety of portable devices and consumer electronics. These converters tend to be lightweight, compact, and easy to install in industrial applications.
Typical Applications:
There are many real applications based on this transformation. AC-DC converters are used in:
- measuring tool,
- industrial process control systems.
- Medical equipment
- semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
- consumer devices and
- defense claims.
