Title:
555 INVERTER CIRCUIT
Abstract
This project presents the design and implementation of a DC-AC inverter using a 555 timer IC as the waveform generator and
MOSFETs as switching devices. The inverter converts a low-voltage DC input (typically 12V from a battery) to a higher-voltage AC
output suitable for household or laboratory applications. In this design, the 555 timer IC operates in astable mode to produce a
square wave signal at a frequency near 50–60Hz. These pulses drive power MOSFETs, which alternately switch the primary winding
of a center-tapped transformer, thus generating alternating current at the secondary side.
Components
Circuit 1:
12 v battery
Resistors- 4.7k, 120k,1k x2, 5.6k ohm
Capacitors-100nf,10nf,470uf
NPN Transistor
N Mosfet (IRFZ44N) x2
Transformer(0-12V)
555 Timer IC
Circuit 2:
12 V battery
555 Timer IC
Resistors- 1k, 10k x2, 100k ohm
Capacitor- 100nf x2
N Mosfet
Transformer(0-12v)
Working:
1. This is a simple inverter circuit using a 555 timer IC in astable mode to generate a square wave signal. The output of the 555 timer
drives transistor switches, which in turn switch the primary coil of a step-up transformer. The transformer steps up the low DC
voltage input to a higher AC voltage—here, approximately 160 V is shown on the meter using 2 Mosfets which alternatively switch.
The output will be a rectangular wave (square wave) because the 555 timer is configured in astable mode to generate a continuous
rectangular waveform. This waveform is used to switch the transistors on and off, creating a pulsed signal that drives the transformer
and produces an AC output with a rectangular shape.
2. This inverter circuit uses a 555 timer IC in astable mode to generate a 50 Hz rectangular (AC-like) signal from a 12V DC supply. The
output from the 555 IC switches the IRFZ44N MOSFET on and off, causing current pulses through the transformer’s primary winding.
If a step-up transformer with a suitable primary-to-secondary turns ratio is connected, this pulsed signal is converted to a higher
voltage at the secondary, producing 220V AC output. Without the proper transformer, the circuit will only generate an AC waveform
at the input voltage level (12V) and will not step up to 220V.
Learning:
In simulation, the first circuit worked as expected because ideal simulation models assume perfect switching and transformer action,
so AC voltage step-up was observed. However, in the hardware implementation of the second circuit (with only one MOSFET
switching), step-up did not occur because true transformer action in such inverter circuits requires current to alternate directions
through the primary winding—this is only possible with two MOSFETs (push-pull configuration) or a center-tapped transformer
driven alternately. With just one MOSFET, current flows in only one direction, so the transformer cannot induce a proper AC voltage
or step-up the output, which is why practical voltage step-up was not achieved. Using two MOSFETs driven out of phase allows full
alternating current through the transformer, enabling effective voltage step-up and AC waveform generation at the output. We also
learned that by using only one mosfet we get low power pulsating dc which is not true ac in nature but it is sufficient for small leds,
small motors. We realised that poor duty cycle or wrong frequency reduces the efficiency and may stress the mosfet. We got
practical exposure to power electronics concepts like switching loss, efficiency and thermal management as well as that safety and
protective measures are as important as circuit itself. We learnt about how different types of windings in transformers play a
significant role .
