Dc to ac inverter circuit debug please

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around debugging a DC to AC inverter circuit designed for a capstone project. The participants are focused on achieving a stable output of 120VAC at 60Hz from a 12V battery, but they encounter issues with the frequency increasing to 177Hz after the transformer. The conversation includes technical details about the circuit components and measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports achieving 59Hz from the circuit before the transformer, but the frequency spikes to 177Hz afterward, seeking suggestions for resolution.
  • Another participant emphasizes the dangers of working with 120Vrms and inquires if the original poster has a faculty advisor overseeing the project.
  • A request is made for a schematic of the circuit to better assist in troubleshooting.
  • One participant asks how the waveforms are being measured and requests screenshots of the measurements for further analysis.
  • Another participant suggests that the presence of a third harmonic in the output may indicate a peaky response from the transformer and recommends adding a resistive load to see if it dampens the output.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various concerns and suggestions, but there is no consensus on the cause of the frequency increase or the best approach to resolve the issue. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the problem and potential solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided complete circuit schematics or detailed measurement methods, which may limit the effectiveness of troubleshooting efforts.

tomos976
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Hello I am a EE student and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on how to fix my inverter it's for a capstone project we are using a twelve volt battery and trying to get 120vac 60Hzs we can get 59Hzs from the curcuit intill it goes into the transformer then it changes to 177Hzs and ideas. and yes i am well aware of the dangers we need just enough amps and watts to run a light bulb. thank you
 
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tomos976 said:
Hello I am a EE student and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on how to fix my inverter it's for a capstone project we are using a twelve volt battery and trying to get 120vac 60Hzs we can get 59Hzs from the curcuit intill it goes into the transformer then it changes to 177Hzs and ideas. and yes i am well aware of the dangers we need just enough amps and watts to run a light bulb. thank you

Welcome to the PF.

Well, the power to run a 120Vrms lightbulb can be plenty dangerous. Do you have a faculty advisor who is overseeing this project?

Can you post a schematic of your circuit and system? We will probably need to see that to be of any help.
 
dc to ac inverter debug

I'm building a 12v inverter. I can get 60Hzs on the circuit in-till it goes through the transformer it changes to 177Hzs does anybody have any ideas here is the circuit I'm using

C1, C2 2 68 uf, 25 V Tantalum Capacitor
R1, R2 2 10 Ohm, 5 Watt Resistor
R3, R4 2 180 Ohm, 1 Watt Resistor
D1, D2 2 HEP 154 Silicon Diode
Q1, Q2 2 2N3055 NPN Transistor (see "Notes")
T1 1 24V, Center Tapped Transformer
 

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tomos976 said:
I'm building a 12v inverter. I can get 60Hzs on the circuit in-till it goes through the transformer it changes to 177Hzs does anybody have any ideas here is the circuit I'm using

C1, C2 2 68 uf, 25 V Tantalum Capacitor
R1, R2 2 10 Ohm, 5 Watt Resistor
R3, R4 2 180 Ohm, 1 Watt Resistor
D1, D2 2 HEP 154 Silicon Diode
Q1, Q2 2 2N3055 NPN Transistor (see "Notes")
T1 1 24V, Center Tapped Transformer

How are you measuring the waveforms on primary and secondary? Can you post screenshots of the waveforms?
 


tomos976 said:
I'm building a 12v inverter. I can get 60Hzs on the circuit in-till it goes through the transformer it changes to 177Hzs does anybody have any ideas here is the circuit I'm using

C1, C2 2 68 uf, 25 V Tantalum Capacitor
R1, R2 2 10 Ohm, 5 Watt Resistor
R3, R4 2 180 Ohm, 1 Watt Resistor
D1, D2 2 HEP 154 Silicon Diode
Q1, Q2 2 2N3055 NPN Transistor (see "Notes")
T1 1 24V, Center Tapped Transformer

There's a lot of third harmonic in a square wave. It sounds like you're getting a peaky 3rd harmonic response out of that transformer. If you're testing it open circuit then try adding some resistive load (like your light bulb) and see if that dampens it.
 

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