In this post I have explained a simple 48V inverter circuit which may be rated at as high as 2 KVA. The entire design is configured around a single IC 4047 and a few power transistors.
Technical Specifications
I am a big fan of u....i am a wisp. i need an inverter design with 48volt DC input and 230volt output supply and output power in the range up to 500w.
This inverter will be running 24*7*365 days continuously and should not have charging facility. will u please design the circuit and transformer running on 48v.
Thanks & Regards
Circuit Diagram
Circuit Description
Referring to the shown 48V inverter circuit, the IC 4047 forms the main oscillator stage responsible of producing a totem pole outputs for the connected output stage.
The output stage is made by configuring a 4 individual high gain high power transistors modules, two of them on each channel of the push pull output stage.
The TIP122 are themselves internally configured as Darlingtons which are further attached with TIP35 transistor in the Darlington for generating exceptionally powerful current gain across each of the modules.
Setting up the Oscillator Frequency
C1 and R1 must be appropriately set for achieving the desired frequency as per the required specifications...could be 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
The shown 48 V inverter configuration is designed to generate a massive 2 kva of output power provided the devices are mounted on sufficiently large heatsinks and the battery rated at 48 V, 100 AH, also the transformer rated at 36-0-36V, 1 kva
For lower outputs, one of the modules could be eliminated from each of the channels.
The BJT BC546 is positioned to provide a reasonably fixed 9 V to the IC in order to keep the IC safe from the high battery voltage and within its specified working voltage limit.
Using Zener Diode to Drop Regulate the IC supply Voltage
In the above explained 48V inverter circuit I have used a BC546 emitter-follower series pass circuit to step down the 48V DC to 9V DC for supplying the IC 4047.
However, if the BC546 transistor is not available, we can incorporate a zener/resistor based regulator for achieving the same results, as shown in the following diagram:
Abubakar Paiko Bawa says
please sir,kind you kindly assist me with a very simple inverter circuit without ic that can power my 21inch plasm tv.Am you fans from African Nigeria in particular.
Swagatam says
Hi Abubakar, You can try the first diagram from the following article. Make sure to use a 9-0-9V 10 amp transformer, and a 12V 50 Ah battery, and connect a 3uF/400V PPC capacitor across the AC output wires of the transformer.
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/7-simple-inverter-circuits/
Arthur electricals says
pls how can I convert a 48vdc to 12vdc for my inverter oscillator because BC 546 is not in my area pls any alternative way with diagram
Swagatam says
I have updated the new diagram at the end of the above article, which uses a zener diode based voltage regulator, please check it.
Nnakwuzie says
Sir can I use 22k variable
Swagatam says
Hello Nnakwuzie, For R1 you can use a 100k preset.
Ngang says
Good day Sir,
Thanks for this simple circuit.
Please for a 12V to 230V, pure sine wave version.
Using same IC and transistors.
Thanks
Swagatam says
Thank you Ngang, you can try the following concept:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/pure-sine-wave-inverter-circuit-using/
Kalin says
Thank you for sharing the circuits. Is there a design for a pure sine wave cct board to retrofit into a 48V dc to 220Vac inverter? This particular unit (from 97) uses 2x SANREX QBB100A60 modules.
Swagatam says
It is difficult to get a universal inverter module, because all inverters have different design layouts and specifications.
Vito Despoja says
Dear Sir,
I do not understand the primary part of transformer circuit. Obviously very large AC current will flow through primary coil. How I know that secondary Voltage will be 230V or else, considering that it depends on frequency and the amplitude of the current in the primary circuit. More simply, how I can tune output voltage eg. to be 130 or 230V.
Thanks in advance,
Regards
Vito..
Swagatam says
Hi Vito, the output or the secondary voltage of an inverter depends on the switching primary voltage of the transformer, and also the rating of the transformer. To get 230 V at the output, your transformer secondary must be rated at 230V or 220V, and the primary of the transformer must be switched at a voltage level which matches the primary side voltage rating.
Vito Despoja says
Dear Swagatam,
Thank you very very much! I am a physicist but I am quite new to this field.
One thing more I think do not understand.
In the collector circuit there is no any resistor whether that means the the primary coil itself is understood as resistance??
Thanks
Vito..
Swagatam says
Thank you Dear Vito,
Yes, the transformer primary coils itself work as the collector load. If a resistance is added then current to the transformer winding will drop and the inverter output will be weak and cannot handle AC loads.
Vito Despoja says
Dear Swagatam,
Thank you very much. I think now I understand the operation of the circuit. I will try to construct it.
Best regards
Vito.
Swagatam says
You are most welcome Vito.
Gamal Mothesil says
Good day Swagatam, I just completed my BS in electronics engineering, and I have a suggestion. I am planning to setup a 4kW solar panel system, and I plan to use 10, 400W solar panel. Each panel is 48V and 8A max. I will need an inverter with input 480V DC with 8 amps input to convert to 240V AC with 16A, or an inverter with 48V and 80 amps input to convert to 240V AC with 16A. Which you believe is easier to design based on the parts available. Thanks in advance for your response.
Swagatam says
Hello Gamal, yes the 48V option appears to be a more workable option
You can probably try the following concept by suitably increasing the number of mosfets in parallel.
You will have to disconnect the drains of the p channel mosfets from the 12V line and connect them to the +48V line. Also make sure that the supply does not go beyond the 48V mark
The oscillator circuit will need to be fed separately from a 12V step down supply input
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/easy-h-bridge-mosfet-driver-circuit-for-inverters-and-motors/
evans says
Hello sir Swagatam,any changes to the circuitry if I was to make a 12v,24v and 36v (5000w)inverter? Again sir,is the setup for a pure sine wave? If yes what are the wave forms? Any images will appreciate, thanks.
Swagatam says
Hi Evans, for 12V you can eliminate the BC546 stage and use the 12V directly for the entire circuit. For 24V and 36V you can use the same design.
Lukesh says
How much whole arrangement will cost. And where it is available??
Swagatam says
You will have to make it by buying the parts from the market…..
Anton says
Can anyone direct me to a store where can i find the transformer 36-0-36v 1kv.
Thanks
Maksudan Ray says
200 vA 48V inverter circuit digram and transformer data That i need please
Rajiv says
Hello swagatham,
I trued irfp240 one pair for a 300w transformer ofwith 48-0-48 primary, but it’s heating up and working at just half the power when I tested it with a 60w bulb, what could be the solution?
Swagatam says
Hello Rajiv, Please use IRF540, two in parallel for each channel, and on large heatsink.
make sure to connect a 100uF/100V across the supply terminals of the IC. And I hope you have used the BC546 stage for dropping the supply to the IC
evans says
Sir,do you mind sending me an updated circuit using irF1010,for a 12v and 24v inverter intended to output 2000w? I would really appreciate.
Swagatam says
Evans, I will try to update the mosfet design soon, with sine wave output
ainsworth lynch says
Good day,
Do you have an inverter with feedback, I want to use arduino to add feedback to my arduino inverter.
Swagatam says
Good day, I do not have an Arduino based feedback system, but an universal Op amp based design is explained in the following article, which cuts off the MOSFETs when an overvoltage is detected
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/load-independentoutput-corrected/
SDesai says
May you kindly assist with a design for 230V AC to 48V 3Amps DC charger circuit with auto cutoff or even simple conversion circuit.
Thank you.
Swagatam says
You can try this
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/make-this-48v-automatic-battery-charger/
Bogdan says
which are the values ​​of c1 and r1 for 50hz
Tks
Swagatam says
you can try 68K and 0.1uF
violet says
May you kindly assist with a design for 48V DC to 240V AC converter .
The 48V DC must be supplied by a battery that is solar powered.
Thank you.
vhafuwi says
Thanks, Swagatam, any idea to make it Pure Sine wane ?
Swagatam says
Hi Vhafuwi, you will have to chop the transistor base frequency with SPWM just as we did in this post for creating a sinewave!
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/pure-sine-wave-inverter-circuit-using/
K. ivan says
I used CD 4047IC,got 6VAC on pins 10& 11 ,fed it to IRF540 mosfets it drastically drops to around 2VAC and I need 12VAC to be stepped up. What can I do to get 12VAC?
Swagatam says
at pin10/11 it will show 6V for a 12V battery (50% duty cycle)….where does it show 2V? where do you want have 12V? Please explain with proper details.
Yusuf abdulazeez says
Good day Mr Swagatam, we ar appreciative of what u ar doing for human raise. Pls can u show me d diagram of how to connect a relay on inverter so dat when light frm d grid comes it wil be charging automatically. God bles u.
Swagatam says
Good day Yusuf,
you can try the last diagram from the following article
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-convert-inverter-to-ups/
Kavitha says
For 1kw inverter what tytransformer is used (ratings and type)?
Swagatam says
divide 1000 with the respective voltage ratings of the transformer winding, you will get the approximate ratings for the winding…it will iron core type, center tap.
Kavitha says
Can u give the rating (12-0-12 or 18-0-18)for 1kw inverter
Swagatam says
divide 1000 by 12, and 1000 by 24 for the primary current rating respectively…similarly divide 1000 with 220 for getting the secondary current rating
Dammy says
Wil BC546 still work for a 96-0-96 transformer for higher watt say 10kVA?
And what if I wanna include a charger facility using a relay, can you pls help me out?
Swagatam says
for 96V you may need to replace it with MJE340 BJT…..once you finish building finish the inverter then we can discuss the relay changeover section elaborately
Dammy says
Okay. Thanks. You’re such a blessing. Will get back to you
Dammy says
Pls,im waiting for responses oo
Dammy says
I want to know how you arrived at 2kw power from the transistor connection. Thanks
Swagatam says
each TIP35 is rated to handle 25 amps and two of them are connected in parallel on each channel, and the battery voltage is 48V, therefore multiplying, 25 x 2 x 48 gives 2400 watts…I hope you have understood now…
Dammy says
…..buy what about the maximum collector power dissipation Whuch is 90W. Does it not have effect at all?
Swagatam says
you must consider the calculation after a heatsink is connected, not without a heatsink.
Dammy says
Can I also ask if it’s a pure sine wave or square wave. Although, I thought its a pure sine wave until I saw a comment that it’s square wave inverter, pls send more light. Thanks
Swagatam says
How can it be a sinewave? there’s no PWM attached here…so it is a square wave design
Dammy says
It can be a sine wave because CD4047 can be used to produce a pure sine wave inverter. What do you mean by “no pwm attached to it”?… I want to learn pls
Swagatam says
here only a simple 4047 inverter is shown so it cannot be a sinewave, a sinewave example can be seen here:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/pure-sine-wave-inverter-circuit-using/
Nnakwuzie says
Sir what can I change to use 12volt battery instead of 48
Swagatam says
Nnakwuzie,
For 12V operation just remove the BC546, 9V zener and the associated 10k resistor, and connect the 12V directly with the supply line.
Dammy says
I am still not cleared on Something. TIP35 has a maximum collector power dissipation of 90W from its data sheet but from your calculations above, one TIP35 would handle 1200W for 48V which looks contradicting. Pls shed more light.
Also, what is the function of TIP122 at the power stage. Pls, I need responses
Swagatam says
It is not 90, it is 125 watts…that is power dissipation rating at 25 degree Celsius.
According to my analysis, this refers to the maximum wattage the device can handle without an heatsink.
But the datasheet also mentions that the device can handle 100V at 25 amps across its collector/emitter, which is beyond the capacity of the device without a heatsink, therefore a large heatsink must be attached to enable normal working of the device…
The TIP122 is added to create a Darlington pair with TIP35 because the input from the IC can be too low to operate the TIP35 directly, you can use any other power device such TIP31 etc…
OLUPOT DANIEL says
ok now i get you better i will buy one from a transfo proffessional
Dammy says
You can determine the gauge of wire to be used by calculating the current from VA/Vpri, then do Current/current density(between 2.2 and 2.4 for copper) to get the conductor size. After getting the conductor size, you can relate it with the AWG standard. Problem solved. ?
OLUPOT DANIEL says
good day sir thanks for the post i have learnt from it but sir i stil find a problem in determining the gauge of wire that i need to use for winding both primary and secondary part of the transformer so help me pleasr
Swagatam says
OLupot, you are not supposed to wind the transformer at home, i wouldn't recommend that, instead you must buy it readymade or get it built by a professional trafo designer.
Ainsworth Lynch says
I cannot understand that schematic, I don't see frequency at any point on it
Ferdimar International says
hi Lynch
the frequency is set with C1 and R1.
with a fixed capacitor at C1 and a variable resistor at R1, R1 can be adjusted to get the desired output frequency at pin 10 and 11
Ainsworth Lynch says
can this circuit be modified to gain 30khz?
Swagatam says
I am not sure about it, you can check the datasheet of the IC to confirm it.
Bogdan says
Hy ! which is idle consumption ?
Swagatam says
around 25 mA
Ainsworth Lynch says
the output from one wave form should be inverted or should both wave forms be normal? from pins 10 and 11?
Swagatam says
both will be same (positive)…..the alternate inversion is done by the transformer
Ainsworth Lynch says
if I need 50hz or 60hz operation? I ask because I want to build a complete inverter circuit with the arduino so I am trying to work up all the details I seem to forget
Swagatam says
yes it will be as stated in the previous comment….
Ainsworth Lynch says
This is a totem pole design is it the norm across pin 10 and 11 to be 100 or 120hz?
Swagatam says
for 50 Hz, it will be 100Hz and for 60Hz it will be 120Hz
ravi verma says
my wimax poe adapter is short…pls help me
HAFIZ ABDUL WAHAB MIRZA says
HI Mr. SWAGATAM MAJUMDAR
I hope you will fine and enjoying a good life.
I am your web student, this is a big honor for me. I am thankful to you because I have made many project of your design and published that with your name.
Now I want to make a 48v or 96v 500Watts inverter to reduce load current for a ling battery backup.
Will you help me to make this?
1 The above diagram is used for 48v inverter or there is some change in it.
2 The Transformer is used in this diagram is 36-0-36 or 48-0-48 volt.
Thanks
Regard : Engineer Hafiz Abdul Wahab Mirza
Swagatam says
Thank you Mr. Hafiz,
you can use the above diagram exactly as shown, with a 48V/56V supply.
the transformer can be 42-0-42 or 45-0-45V but not less than this.
the output will be an ordinary square wave.
Ainsworth Lynch says
what if I dont have many 12v batteries to connect in series for example I just have 2 that would mean the transformer will be huge to manage over 160amps for something like a 2000watt inverter but for example if I have (2) 225ah 12v batteries and I want to parallel them but I need a 2000 watts which I would need 166amps and that transformer couldnt hold in a small case but if I had a boost converter to boost the voltage up to say 60v from 12v then I could use a much smaller transformer thats the point I am trying to make, I still dont know if that makes an sense to you.
Swagatam says
An inverter is itself a boost converter, so there's no need of involving two transformers for the results….you can use the concept which is discussed here and which you have already studied
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2014/07/5kva-ferrite-core-inverter-circuit.html
Ainsworth Lynch says
OK then I assumed that… The idea behind using a boost converter is for an inverter purpose, I'm assuming also you will say that using a boost converter is pointless or inefficient. I wanted to use it because it would then allow me to buy smaller transformers for example if I wanted to build a 2000 Watt inverter I would need to pull atleast 166 watts from my battery bank also the primary of the transformer would need to be able to manage that amount of current also and that's impractical for a transformer fitting into a regular size inverter enclosure, but if I had a boost converter which I could use an inductor which could manage the 2000 watts but with an output of 60-100v then it would be much simpler to buy or build a transformer of that spec and also it would be smaller and more suitable, if that makes sence to you then let me know…. If so could you design a boost converter to step up a 12dc to 60v or above at high enough wattage 2000 and above
Swagatam says
No it doesn't make any sense at all, it's like trying to make a car engine by joining 4, 5 motorcycle engines….for your own satisfaction you can surely try it out and see how it performs
instead of using a boost converter it's better to use many 12V batteries in series
Ainsworth Lynch says
I'll give my reason for wanting to try it, but first why wouldn't it make sense?
Swagatam says
outputs are normally connected in parallel to increase current, but for a boost or buck converter it can be simply done by modifying the coil and the power device.
Ainsworth Lynch says
I was thinking about something I dont know if it could happen can I actually parallel 2 or more boost converter outputs together?
Swagatam says
It's possible, but doesn't make sense
eshkariel tapiador says
Can you explain the use of zener diode as a shunt regulator??.
And the BC546 too…..how does it regulate 9v for the IC?….R
The input voltage from the collector of BC546 is 48v right?…
Tnx.. 🙂
Swagatam says
🙂 it is not a shunt, it's an emitter follower, please Google how an emitter follower works.
yes collector is 48V, but the emitter will be slightly less than the base zener value…8.4V to be precise
eshkariel tapiador says
Good Evening Engr. Swagatam! ^_^
Can you describe the uses briefly? :
1. 4 x 10k resistor
2. 4 x diodes (except zener)
tnx for the info…I need it for our interview…in which I chose this type of circuit…
Swagatam says
Eshkariel, the 4 resistors are for biasing the respective transistors so that they can conduct and induce the oscillating current in the trafo.
the diodes are for safeguarding the transistors from the reverse EMFs from the trafo winding during their OFF periods
eshkariel tapiador says
What a speedy reply!! Tnx engr.! ^^
Swagatam says
you are welcome!
ainsworth lynch says
Each time I made a test I told you the frequency so why would you assume I didnt have a device to test even after I told you that I had one….. there are alot of capacitors, it would take very long to go through all just to get one frequency I am not a pro…. anyway I got the 50hz, thanks anyway.
I used irfz44n I didnt use any driver transistors and then power transistors I used 100ohm resistors to feed the gates to increase power I can just bridge from those same 100ohm resistors to gates of additional fets or should I add more 100ohm resistors?
Swagatam says
If you have a proper frequency meter then it's just a matter of adjusting the relevant preset or capacitor and measuring the results, that doesn't require to be a pro.
yes your fet connections are OK. you must add separate resistors for each parallel fet.
ainsworth lynch says
my multimeter can do frequency test, i just put both probs onto the output of the transformer and adjust pot and thats the lowest it went, about 119hz
Swagatam says
if you had a frequency measuring facility then why were you not using it so far?
anyway increase the capacitor and check again… these are so basic stuffs…
ainsworth lynch says
I have a multimeter thats all, I just wanted to know which capacitor to use, I tried a code 104 on a basic setup of a 4047 inverter and I adjusted the 50k preset I used and I got it to 100hz, I just need 50hz
Swagatam says
how do you know it's 100Hz?
try two 104 in parallel
ainsworth lynch says
I dont know what that means :1/8.8RC at pin10 and 11 which would be the way to work out the frequency at 50hz.
Swagatam says
use a frequency meter then…
ainsworth lynch says
would a 0.02mf get 50hz
Swagatam says
verify it with a frequency meter or refer t the formulas presented in this article:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2013/09/ic-4047-datasheet-pinouts-application.html
C will be in Farads
ainsworth lynch says
i used a clamp meter to check amp readings, and which capacitor can I use to get 50hz
Swagatam says
put an ammeter in series with the positive line to get a physical reading of the consumption
ainsworth lynch says
I am getting 5 amps on the positive leg of the battery and 2amps on the negative leg, 0v ac from transformer, battery voltage wen circuit is attached is 12.30v and detached it is 12.67v, I got 33khz from transformer, transistors seems normally warm nothing too much but the transformer get hot i think because of high frequency.
I got 5v across the output pins 10&11 of ic 4047
also I am getting 10v dc between center top and each end of the input of the transformer.
Swagatam says
make the frequency 50Hz and then check…
Swagatam says
and different current readings on +/- poles of the battery is not possible, how did you check it?
also without any load the amp reading should be very small, in milliAmps
ainsworth lynch says
ok i just built it I could only find code 473 resistor and I used some tip3055 along with 3 tip106 and 1 tip105 and I only had a 50k pot I used 1 amp diodes accross the transistors and used a half amp transformer at 12v just to test but I got no output.
Swagatam says
check if the output is oscillating or not, and also check your battery current and voltage.
ainsworth lynch says
ok then will build this tomorrow and I will use 12v, I wont use the bc546 do I need the 10k 1/2 watt resistor?
Swagatam says
the 10k resistor, zener and the BC546 can be eliminated if a 12V supply is used.
ainsworth lynch says
If its electrolytic would that be a problem because I am wondering if thats the problem on my 4047 inverter…. I can only get that value as polarized so dont know which way to turn it.
Swagatam says
you can use two nonpolar 0.47uF capacitors in parallel, or simply first try with a single 0.47uF for getting the required 50Hz frequency
ainsworth lynch says
value of c
Swagatam says
1uF/25V
ainsworth lynch says
What's the value for the pot and and the c to get 50hz and ho do you calculate it
Swagatam says
you can try a 22k pot
ainsworth lynch says
So what if I have a DC fan that uses a positive 12 volt but I have a source that is negative 12v could I apply the 12volts to a regulator and connect the fan to the out put and get it to work?
If yes then I would assume that I have to use a positive voltage regulator to do so and if that's the case why wouldn't I get the same results if I used a negative voltage regulator since I would be directing the flow of current by using the regulator.
Swagatam says
if you have a -12V supply, you would also have the other wire as the +12V….use this other wire as the (+) for the motor…
ainsworth lynch says
Just asking something that I was in a discussion with a friend about, he says negative and positive voltage in relative is actually the samething it's just the direction of flow that makes the difference, would you say that's true? If not could you explain what the actual difference is.
Swagatam says
yes that's correct…
ainsworth lynch says
ok all I would have to do is apply 12v, nothing wouldnt have to be changed other than adding a 12-0-12 transformer
can I use something else instead of the 20amp diodes could I use resistors if so what values could I use, only 3amp diodes are available where I am.
Swagatam says
20amp diodes would be necessary if the trafo is also rated at 20+ amps…for smaller trafos the diode ratings may be appropriately lowered
Swagatam says
…resistors cannot be used instead of diodes for freewheeling application
ainsworth lynch says
ok all I would have to do is apply 12v, nothing wouldnt have to be changed other than adding a 12-0-12 transformer
Swagatam says
that's right….the BC546 will not be required with a 12V battery as the supply
ainsworth lynch says
Can i use a 12v input
Swagatam says
yes, can be used
Saurabh Sinha says
Sir..
I am unable to find those transistors (9012,9013) . So
can i use 547, 557.
((This is the curcuit of firealarm using electronic buzzer alarm .))
Swagatam says
you can try 2N2222, 2N2907 instead
BC547/557 are 100 mA rated, not sure whether it'll work for your application or not.
Rashid Ansari says
Dear Sir,
Please upload a very very simple inverter circuit by which I can run a 100 W A.C fan only.
It's input should be 12 V.
Thanks in advance.
Regards.
Rashid R. Ansari
Swagatam says
Dear Rashid, you can try the following circuit
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2012/02/how-to-make-simplest-inverter-circuit.html
RITWIK NAUDIYAL says
Ok sir 100W inverter would do then…
thnk u
Please try to post soon 🙂
Swagatam says
OK!
Saurabh Sinha says
hello sir …
CS9012 Transistor is same BC 557 (PNP).and CS9013 Transistor is same BC547????????
(9012 = 557)
(9013 = 547)
Swagatam says
9012/9013 = 500mA, 30V
BC547/557 = 100mA, 45V
RITWIK NAUDIYAL says
Hello Sir!! I am a 4th year B.Tech Student Electrical Eng.
We are trying to make pure wave sine wave inverter using PWM and bubba oscilator for our Final project.also along with it a battery charging and auto cut off circuit would be needed
We want the inverter to work for day to day purposes.We would be grateful to you if u can give a working circuit fr this.
thnk u!
Swagatam says
Hello Ritwik please specify the following:
battery voltage?
inverter wattage?
RITWIK NAUDIYAL says
battery voltage would be around 24 V
Wattage 500W
Is this inverter specification alright fr thr project demonstration??
or should go with a smaller wattage say 100W
Swagatam says
Inverters can be made right from 10 watts to 100000 watts regardless of their types,
watts and volts are not specific to inverter designs….so 24V 500 watt is just one of the ranges and can be incorporated for your application.
100 watt would be better since it would require smaller parts.
I'll try to post it soon…keep in touch.