Converting Pulsating Current to DC

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to convert a pulsating current, specifically a 2-second on and 2-second off cycle at 2A, into a continuous DC current. Participants explore various approaches and components that could facilitate this conversion.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a bank of capacitors to smooth the pulsating current.
  • Another participant proposes the use of a battery as an alternative method for achieving continuous DC.
  • A different participant recommends taking the output through a diode to a large capacitor, emphasizing the importance of the capacitor's size to prevent significant discharge when not being charged.
  • One participant mentions specific component values, suggesting a 5000 uF 25 volt capacitor and a 1 amp 400 volt diode for small currents and voltages.
  • Another participant advises placing a capacitor across the positive and negative terminals and running the output through a voltage regulator for a steady DC signal, mentioning the LM317 for variable voltage and LM7812 and LM7805 for fixed outputs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on how to convert the pulsating current to DC, with no consensus on a single method being preferred or established as the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the specific requirements for the continuous DC output, such as voltage levels or load characteristics, which may affect the choice of components and methods discussed.

borisgazza
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I have a device that generate a pulsating current(2s 2A,2s 0A),
and i would like to convert it to a continuous dc current.
i have no idea of how to do it.

Thanks for your help.
 
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just have to hook up a bank of capacitors
 
... or maybe use a battery...
 
Take the output through a diode to a large capacitor. Large enough so that the capacitor does not discharge significantly when it is not being charged via the diode.

For small currents and voltages, maybe a 5000 uF 25 volt capacitor and a 1 amp 400 volt diode.

The diode is there so that the capacitor cannot discharge back into the power source when it is not supplying power.
 
if you need a steady dc signal then put a capacitor across the positive and negative, then run it through a voltage regulator. if you want to be able to vary the voltage then you could try an lm317, I believe you can draw 1 or two amps from it. If you want 12 volts lm7812 and for 5 volts lm7805. You can input any voltage into the voltage regulator (within reason), as long as its about a volt higher than what you want out.
 

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