What is a Chopper ?
A chopper refers to an electronic device designed to control or convert the electrical power in a direct current system. It operates by interrupting or “chopping” the input DC voltage into pulses using semiconductor switches like thyristors or transistors . The key advantage of choppers lies un their ability to efficiently control the average output voltage by adjusting the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation waveform.
Choppers are often classified based on their operating modes , such as :
- Step Up Chopper
- Step Down Chopper
- Step up/ down chopper
A step-up chopper increases the output voltage from the input , while a step-down chopper decreases it . Step-up/down chopper offer versatility by providing both higher and lower output voltages .
Step Up Chopper
Choppers are widely employed in applications like battery charging, voltage regulation in power systems, motor drives, and renewable energy systems. Additionally, choppers can be integrated with filters, such as low-pass filters to reduce voltage ripples and harmonics in the output waveform, ensuring a stable and clean power supply. This feature is particularly important in sensitive electronic devices and applications where a constant and high-quality power source is essential for optimal performance. Overall, choppers play a crucial role in modern power electronics, enabling efficient and controlled power conversion in diverse electrical systems.
Table of Content
- Chopper
- Step-Up Chopper
- Construction
- Working Principle
- Step-Up Chopper With Low Pass Filter
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Applications
- Solved Example