AC to DC Converter
Converting Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) is a fundamental process in modern electronics. This article will guide you through the stages of this conversion process, focusing on converting 220V AC to 5V DC, a common requirement worldwide. The conversion stages include voltage reduction via a transformer, rectification, filtering, and regulation. Let's explore each stage in detail, examine the voltage shape at each step, and understand the circuit diagrams involved.
A/ Use transformer before conversion
An overall electrical circuit without additional electronic components of an academic nature, for quick access to AC to DC Converter work:
1. Voltage Reduction Using a Transformer
The first stage in converting AC to DC is to reduce the high AC voltage. In our example, 220V AC is the starting point. AC voltage from power plants is usually around 220V RMS (Root Mean Square), which corresponds to a peak value of approximately 311V. This high voltage needs to be reduced to a lower value suitable for the following stages.
A transformer is used for this purpose. A transformer is a device that changes the voltage level of AC without altering its frequency. By using a step-down transformer with an appropriate turns ratio, we can reduce the 220V AC to a lower AC voltage.
Circuit Diagram: Step-Down Transformer
2. Rectification
The next stage is rectification, which converts the AC voltage into a form closer to DC by eliminating the negative half-cycles of the AC waveform. This is typically achieved using a Full Wave Rectifier circuit consisting of four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration.
Circuit Diagram: Full Wave Rectifier
After rectification, the output voltage is a pulsating DC with only positive half-cycles.
3. Filtering
Rectified voltage still contains ripples and is not a pure DC. To smooth out these fluctuations, a filtering stage is used. A capacitor is typically employed for this purpose. The capacitor charges when the voltage rises and discharges when the voltage drops, thus smoothing out the ripples.
Capacitor C_l in the image above is a flattening filter (relatively flattening) the sine half waves.
4. Voltage Regulation
The final stage is voltage regulation, which ensures a stable and precise DC output. A voltage regulator is used for this purpose. To achieve 5V DC, we use a 7805 voltage regulator. This component further smooths out any remaining fluctuations and maintains a constant output voltage.
Circuit Diagram: Voltage Regulator
After regulation, the output is a stable 5V DC.
B/ The circuit does not need to use a transformer before converting AC to DC
Above, section A, is the circuit design using a transformer, and the techniques for the output.
If we do not use a transformer when converting in an electronic circuit, we can reduce the current by connecting a capacitor and a resistor in parallel. This will reduce the output current of the resistor at the input.
Then, use a potentiometer circuit, to lower the voltage with low current.
The conversion from AC to DC after the current passes through the resistor (connected in parallel with the original capacitor) is similar to the conversion technique using a transformer above. Therefore, we will only introduce how to make the current and voltage at the input (AC) technically correct with a few examples.
In the picture above, the circuit diagram includes 2 types of circuits that do not use transformers to convert AC to DC. Detailed information about the components of this type of circuit is shown in the figure, and other technical issues of this AC to DC converter circuit are noted in the article "220V AC to 12V DC Converter"
C/ AC to DC conversion devices are available on the market.
Once you understand the two types of converter circuits I mentioned above, when looking at the devices available for sale on the market, you will easily understand which type they are.
Some devices have more unique components than the two types of circuits I mentioned, which are their intellectual and proprietary products. But in general, the basic method is still 2 types of circuits as I said.
Note that you can refer to and learn about new, exclusive products if they provide circuit diagrams, or you can consider how electronic components are assembled to deduce the circuit diagram. This is to develop electronic circuit knowledge for engineers or researchers.
Some devices you can consider at e-commerce marketplaces:
AC to DC Converter - amazon (US)
AC to DC Converter - aliexpress (China)
AC to DC converters for sale are now often integrated and multi-functional. For example, picture below.
Comment:
A lot of these people came up with the idea of converting AC to DC with low voltage. The simple circuit that I mentioned above is supported by many people and is using it.
In addition to using it to replace batteries, create power for charging, or develop electronic techniques through simple circuit practice. However, coming up with that idea was also based on the need for input for the Overunity circuit in the electrical engineering world.
Low voltage DC power is a necessary source, and is also a standard for entering electrical circuits with output power greater than input power. A general plan containing such a circuit is proposed as follows:
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Related: Several articles review related aspects for the Ultimate Energizer Guide = https://ultimate-energizer-guide.blogspot.com/p/ultimate-energizer-guide.html
