DC-AC Inverters

DC to AC inverters are used for converting direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). They are also known as DC to AC converters. DC/AC power inverters convert DC power from a battery or other power source (mostly 12 VDC) to standard household AC power (110VAC). DC to AC inverters can be one of several different styles.  These include PCB mount, printed circuit board or card mount, laboratory bench or portable configuration, rack mount, DIN rail mount, wall mount, and stand alone or tower mount.  Nominal DC input values for DC to AC inverters can be 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 110 VDC, 125 VDC, and 250 VDC. 

Important output specifications to consider when searching for DC to AC inverters include maximum voltage, maximum steady state current, maximum power, and frequency range.  Waveform output choices include pure sine wave, square wave, stepped wave, and triangular wave.  Pure sine wave is the best waveform, as it is the shape of an (ideal) AC electrical signal from the wall. The highest-quality inverters produce a true sine wave output, which requires fairly expensive components in the inverter. True sine wave outputs are normally found only in higher-end models.  A square wave is sort of a "flattened-out" version of a sine wave. Instead of the voltage smoothly increasing from the negative maximum to the positive maximum and back again, it shifts suddenly from negative to positive, stays there for half a cycle, and then jumps to full negative and stays there for half a cycle, then repeats.  A stepped wave is a quasi-square wave or sine wave - they are typically inexpensive power inverters that mimic a sine wave using a stepped waveform. The output waveform signal changes abruptly from zero volts to a maximum value, them abruptly again to a zero value. After a short off time, the signal then switches abruptly again to a maximum negative voltage and then abruptly again back to zero.  A triangular wave is sometimes referred to as a saw tooth wave for its approximation to a saw blade.

User interface options for DC to AC inverters include options for local interface, computer interface, and application software.  Local interfaces can be analog front panels with potentiometers, dials, or switches or digital front panels with digital keypads and menus.  Computer interface options include serial or parallel interfaces.  Application software is used for control or for monitoring converter performance.  The display type can be analog meter or indicator, digital readouts, or video display terminals.  Forced air or fan cooling and use as a battery charger are two common options for DC to AC inverters.  An important environmental operating parameter to consider is operating temperature.

• Installation and Wiring Guidelines for DC/AC Inverters
  DC/AC inverters designed to light Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL's) are a very specific sub-class of inverters in general. These inverters tend to have very low output currents and very high...
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• DC to AC Inverters (.pdf)
  Analytic Systems produces three types of inverters converting DC to AC - our IQS, IPS and IVS PureSine Series. They can provide high start-up power required in many applications, such as tools,...
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• Understanding Ring Generators
  A Ring Generator (RG) is an electronic power device used in the telecom industry to generate the ringing signal for telephones. It is a DC/AC inverter that accepts a usual DC input voltage of 48V and...
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Part Numbers for DCAC Inverters