What is Chopper?
Choppers are commonly employed in DC-to-DC converter circuits to regulate the output voltage or current. As choppers involve one-stage conversion, these are more efficient. Choppers are now being used all over the world for rapid transit systems. A chopper is a high-speed on/off semiconductor switch. It connects the source to the load and disconnects the load from the source at a fast speed.
The primary function of a chopper is to chop or interrupt the output power, resulting in a pulsated output. By adjusting the duty cycle (ratio of on-time to total cycle time) of the chopper, the effective voltage or current delivered to the load can be controlled. This makes choppers a versatile tool for power control and conversion in various applications, including motor devices, power supplies, and renewable energy systems.
Step Down Chopper
In power electronics, a chopper refers to a type of electronic switch that is used to control the flow of electrical power. It functions as a high-speed ON/OFF semiconductor switch that modulates the voltage or current in a circuit. A chopper is a static device that transforms a fixed DC input voltage into a variable DC output voltage. It acts as the DC counterpart(equivalent) of an AC transformer due to its similar behavior. These are also used in trolley cars, marine hoists, forklift trucks, and mine haulers. Future electric automobiles are likely to use choppers for their speed control and braking. The chopper system offers smooth control, high efficiency, fast response, and regeneration.
Table of Content
- What is Chopper?
- Classification of Chopper
- Construction and Components of Step-Down Chopper
- Step-Down Chopper with Low Pass Filter
- Advantages of Step Down Chopper
- Disadvantages of Step Down Chopper
- Applications of Step Down Chopper