Imagine working on a DC-powered project when you suddenly realize that you need an AC component in your circuit. It could be an AC light or an AC motor causing the problem. What would you do in this situation? The solution lies in converting the available DC supply to an AC supply using an inverter circuit. To make this process easier for you, we’ve created this guide on a Simple Inverter Circuit using the IC 555 Timer to help you understand its design and working.
This inverter circuit is built using a few easily available components at an affordable cost. With minor adjustments, this circuit can also be adapted for UPS and other DC-to-AC converter applications. For more advanced designs, you can explore our detailed article on linear power supply designs.
Hardware Required
| S.no | Component | Value | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | IC | NE555 Timer | 1 |
| 2. | Transformer | 5V-15V | 1 |
| 3. | Transistor | TIP42A | 1 |
| 4. | Transistor | TIP41A | 1 |
| 5. | Potentiometer | 100K | 1 |
| 6. | Capacitor | 0.1µF | 2 |
| 7. | Electrolytic Capacitor | 2200µF, 1000µF | 1, 1 |
| 8. | Resistor | 100Ω, 10KΩ, 100KΩ | 1, 1, 1 |
Circuit Diagram
The circuit diagram for the 555 timer-based inverter is shown below.
Working Explanation
The IC 555 Timer, a versatile and widely used chip, is configured here as an Astable Multivibrator to generate continuous switching pulses. These pulses drive two transistors, TIP41A (NPN) and TIP42A (PNP), which in turn power the transformer. The transformer, T1, is a 230V primary to 9V secondary transformer wired in reverse to function as a step-up transformer.
With this setup, you can supply a 5V to 15V DC input to the circuit and get an output of 110V to 230V AC at a frequency of 50Hz to 60Hz. Note that this output will not be a pure sine wave like a PWM inverter but a pulsated AC signal. The VR1 potentiometer allows you to adjust the output frequency, making this circuit versatile for various applications.
For further guidance on building DC to AC inverters, refer to our article on 12V DC to 220V AC inverter design.
Applications and Uses
Running AC Appliances: This circuit can power small AC devices, such as fans or small motors.
Lighting Control: Use it to control AC light bulbs efficiently.
Power Supply Systems: With modifications, it can be incorporated into UPS systems and other DC-to-AC converters.
If you’re interested in fine-tuning your circuit’s output, consider learning how to calculate precise resistor and capacitor values using our Resistor-Capacitor Square Wave Calculator for the 555 Timer.
By following this guide, you can design a cost-effective inverter circuit for a variety of applications. Experiment and adapt the circuit to suit your specific needs, and don’t forget to explore our other tutorials for additional inspiration!
