DC to AC Converter Working and Applications

In most of the mini electronic projects, the conversion of DC voltage to AC voltage is a common problem. In any circuit, we can observe that if we design a circuit that takes the AC input and gives DC output. But, if we want to change the circuit from DC to AC, a DC to AC converter circuit is used. The inverter (converter) is frequently required in the circuits like where DC to AC conversion is not possible. So, an inverter circuit is employed for converting the DC to AC converter.


The converter is a power electronic device, used to convert DC to AC. These devices use switching devices. The DC to AC conversion can be done among 12V, 24V, 48V to 110V, 120V, 220V, 230V, 240V with supply frequency 50Hz/60Hz. For a better understanding of this concept here is a simple 12V DC to 220V AC Converter circuit which is designed to convert DC to AC.

What is DC to AC Converter?

DC to AC converters is mainly designed for changing a DC power supply to an AC power supply. Here, DC power supply is comparatively stable as well as positive voltage source whereas AC oscillates approximately a 0V base stage, typically in a sinusoidal or square or mode.

DC to AC Converter
DC to AC Converter

The common inverter technology used in electronics is to convert a voltage source from a battery into an AC signal. Generally, they operate with 12 volts and commonly used in applications like automotive, lead-acid technology, photovoltaic cells, etc.

A transformer coil system & a switch is the simple circuit used for an inverter. A typical transformer can be connected toward the DC signal’s input through a switch to oscillate back quickly. Due to the current flow in bi-directional in the primary coil of the transformer, an alternating current signal is an output throughout the secondary coils.

How to Make a DC to AC Converter?

The DC to AC Converter Circuit using Transistors is shown below. The basic function of an inverter circuit is to generate oscillations with the specified DC & apply these to the transformer’s primary winding by increasing the current. This main voltage is then step up to a high voltage based on the number of twists within main and minor coils.

The circuit diagram of 12V DC-to-220V AC converter can be built with using simple transistors, and this circuit can be employed for powering lamps up to 35Watts although they can be designed for driving more influential loads by utilizing more MOSFETs.

DC to AC Converter Circuit using Transistors
DC to AC Converter Circuit using Transistors

The inverter executed in this circuit can be a square wave, & it works with devices like which do not need pure AC sine wave.

The required components to build DC to AC circuit mainly includes 12v Battery, 2N2222 Transistors, two MOSFET IRF 630, 2.2uf capacitors-2, two Resistors-12k, two 680 ohm resistors, and center tapped transformer (step up).

Circuit Working

The DC to AC circuit can be separated into three portions namely amplifier, transistor, an oscillator. As the AC supply frequency is 50Hz then a 50Hz oscillator is used. This can be attained by designing an astable multivibrator which generates a 50Hz square wave signal. The oscillator can be formed using the resistors like R1, R2, R3, R4, capacitors like C1,& C2, and transistors like T2 & T3.

Every transistor generates square waves (inverting), and the frequency will be decided by the resistor and capacitor values. The frequency formula for the generated square wave with the astable multivibrator is F = 1/(1.38 * R2 * C1)

The oscillator inverting signals are improved with the two Power MOSFETs such as T1 & T4, and these signals will give to the step-up transformer by its center tap associated with 12V DC.

Limitations of DC to AC Converter

The limitations of DC to AC converter include the following.

  • The transistors usage can reduce the circuit efficiency
  • The usage of switching transistors can cause cross over distortion within the o/p signal. But this limit can be reduced to some level by using biasing diodes.

DC to AC Converter Applications

The applications of DC to AC converter circuit include the following.

  • The DC to AC converters is used in a vehicle to charge their batteries.
  • These circuits are mainly used for driving low-power AC motors and used in a solar power system.

Thus, this is all about DC to AC converter. These can be used in dc transmission lines for transmitting power to loads. In uninterruptable power supplies, these can be used to convert direct current to alternating current. Converters can be used in industries where consistency is a problem.

Why Do We Require Changing from DC to AC?

Most of the vehicles use their power from a battery of 12V. But in some cases, a 24v battery can be used. It is very significant to know the vehicle voltage due to the voltage rating of the inverter we choose must equal the battery’s voltage.

In any case, the battery gives DC, which means the flow of current will be continuous from the batteries negative terminal to the positive terminal. In DC, the flow of current will be only in one direction. DC is extremely helpful, however, batteries can normally provide somewhat DC power with low voltage. Several devices require extra power to work correctly than DC can offer.

Thus, this is all about DC to AC converter, how to convert dc to ac. A converter enhances the DC voltage to alter it into AC before transmitting it out to give current to a device. Primarily, these were intended to perform the reverse for converting AC to DC. Because basically, these converters could be work in opposite to achieve the reverse effect, this is called as inverters.