An AC-DC converter is an electrical circuit which transforms (AC) alternating current input to (DC) direct current output. An AC-DC converter is also called a rectifier, it converts the AC input voltage to variable DC output voltage, then optimizes it using a filter to achieve an unregulated DC voltage. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
TDK-Lambda Americas Inc.
National City, CA | 800-275-5224TDK-Lambda Americas designs and manufactures a wide range of AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies and EMI Filters for Medical, Telecom, Industrial, Datacom, and Test & Measurement applications worldwide. The company has been a major provider of power solutions since 1948. TDK-Lambda is a subsidiary of the TDK Corporation, a leading global electronics company.
Acopian Power Supplies
Easton, PA | 800-523-9478For 4 decades, Acopian Power Supplies has specialized in long lasting power supplies (0 volts – 30000 V). We offer AC power supplies, DC power supplies, AC to DC converters, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), AC to DC power supplies & high voltage power supplies. With quality customer service & technical support, we have thousands of power supplies for thousands of applications.
Applied Power Systems, Inc.
Hicksville, NY | 516-935-2230APS are specialists in power conversion and the manufacture of high performance power systems. Products include power converters and inverters; motor drives and brakes; battery chargers; AC and DC power supplies; driver circuits and more. Custom and standard power systems are available.
Triad Magnetics
Perris, CA | 951-277-0757Our company offers a variety of standard and custom power supplies. These items are great for a wide range of applications. If you have any special requests then please let our representatives know. If you ever run into any questions or issues then our engineers are available to assist you. There is no project too challenging for our teams! Give us a call today!
Quail Electronics, Inc.
Livermore, CA | 800-669-8090At Quail Electronics, we are your power cord specialists. Our power supplies consist of green dot cords, high voltage cords, North American and international cords, specialty cords, plus adapters, plugs and strips.
What is an AC-DC Convertor
AC-DC converters have become relevant in recent years because of the advancement of power electronics technology. This power electronics technology operates and controls the flow of electrical power to provide voltage and current in a way that is optimally compatible with end user’s needs.
How AC-DC Converter Works
The AC-DC power supply has the following components used in its functioning:
Transformer
It changes the AC voltage to the level required by the device being supplied.
Rectifier
When converting AC voltage to DC voltage, voltage will be rectified using diodes which transform AC sinusoidal waves to positive peaks using a rectifier.
Filter
This is the process of removing ripples from the rectified output. The filter maintains a clean and steady output voltage that matches the original peak AC input wave.
Regulator
After this waveform is rectified and filtered, it is then passed through a regulator which oversees keeping the output at a constant level despite in any varying in the input voltage.
Requirements for an AC-DC Converter
Thew requirements for an AC-DC convertor include:
Compact Size
Latest smart devices are increasingly lightweight, compact and easy to install in their design. Thus AC-DC converter manufacturers have to stay on top of this trend.High Efficiency
It is very sought after by manufacturers. AC-DC converters feature high efficiency meaning there is low energy loss during operation.Low Standby Power
They have low standby power usage. This is very significant for some smart home or IoT devices which operate mainly in standby mode, the likes of electric curtains, sensors and door lock systems.
Considerations when Selecting an AC-DC Converter
The following steps will help in choosing the right AC-DC converter.
- Select standard reference voltage in accordance with input voltage range.
- Select output power and type of package depending on the load.
- Select the proper output voltage depending on the load type.
- Select isolation voltage. Isolation may make output and input voltage of converter to be not common grounded.
Types of AC-DC Converters
There are various types of AC-DC converters based on the converting process and output size. Customers can decide what to choose depending on the results to be expected from each type.
Uncontrolled Diode Rectifiers
This rectifier type converts mains AC voltage to a fixed DC voltage. Since the diodes cannot be controlled components these converters are uncontrolled converters because they create a fixed voltage. The input voltage may either be single phase or three phase.
Phase Controlled Rectifiers
These are alike to the uncontrolled rectifiers the only difference being that uncontrolled diodes are substituted by controlled thyristors of devices like SCRs. These also are called phase controlled rectifiers.
Unlike a diode, a thyristor is controlled by triggering it at required instants in order to vary the voltage output. The beginning of thyristor conducting varies the mean output voltage value of the converter.
Capacitive Transformerless Converter
A transformerless converter converts high input AC voltage to the needed low DC output voltage (3V, 5V or 12V) with low output current in milliamps. It is utilized in low power electronics like toys, LED bulbs, and household appliances.
Applications of AC-DC Converters
There are many real life applications which are based on this conversion. AC-DC converters are utilized in consumer devices, industrial process control systems, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, measurement equipment, defense applications and medical devices. For instance in smart homes, power devices use efficient hardware for AC-DC conversion to cut energy losses and achieve noteworthy cost savings.
Advantages of an AC-DC Converter
The following are some of the advantages of AC-DC converters:
Energy Efficient
Removes the need for many inverters and converters. Reducing power conversion and reversal also prevents chances of equipment failure. In electric vehicles, AC-DC converters offer fast charging and storing connections.Space Saving
In industrial applications, AC-DC converters are usually lightweight, small, and simple to install. Compact power converters save space for the device making the whole device more compact.Cost Saving
AC/DC converters satisfy low power operation during lengthy standby times. Its high energy saving capacity makes it appropriate for industrial applications and home appliances.
