Simple Inverter Circuit using IC 4047

This is a very easy and popular circuit to make a small power inverter. An inverter takes low voltage DC, like from a 12 volt car battery, and changes it into 220 volt AC household electricity. This specific circuit uses a special integrated circuit chip called the CD4047 to do the main job.

As shown above a simple yet useful little inverter can be built using just a single IC 4047. The IC 4047 is a versatile single IC oscillator, which will produce precise ON/OFF periods across its output pin#10 and pin#11.

The frequency here could be determined by accurately calculating the resistor R1 and capacitor C1. These components determine the oscillation frequency at the output of the IC which in turn sets the output 220V AC frequency of this inverter circuit. It may set at 50Hz or 60Hz as per individual preference.

The battery, mosfet and the transformer can be modified or upgraded as per the required output power specification of the inverter.

For calculating the RC values, and the output frequency please refer to the datasheet of the IC

Video Test Results

HOW THE CIRCUIT WORKS IN DETAIL

The heart of this circuit is the CD4047 IC chip. This chip acts like an electronic clock or oscillator. It makes two square wave signals that switch back and forth. One signal comes out of pin 10 and the other comes out of pin 11. These two signals are opposite to each other, meaning when one is high, the other is low.

These signals go to power transistors or MOSFETs. The transistors act like heavy duty switches. They take the 12 volt battery power and push it back and forth through the primary side of a center-tapped transformer.

Because the current changes direction rapidly, it creates a magnetic field that steps the voltage up. On the other side of the transformer, the secondary winding gives out the higher 220 volts AC that you can use to light up small bulbs or run low power devices.

MAIN PARTS NEEDED

CD4047 IC chip for making the switching signals.

Resistor R1 and capacitor C1 to set the correct timing and frequency like 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

Power MOSFETs or transistors like IRF540 or 2N3055 to handle the heavy current.

MOSFET gate resistors 10 ohm 1/4 watt.

A center-tapped transformer to step up 12 volts to 220 volts. A 12 volt battery as the DC power source.

TIPS FOR BUILDING IT

Make sure your transformer connections are correct and do not touch the high voltage output side when the circuit is turned on because it can give you a dangerous electric shock. Always use a heat sink on the power transistors so they do not overheat.