A vey basic yet reasonably efficient 1500W PWM based sinewwave inverter circuit can be studied under this post. The design utilizes very ordinary parts to accomplish a powerful SPWM type inverter circuit.
Main Specifications
Power Output: Adjustable from 500 watts to 1500 watts
Output Voltage: 120V or 220V as per the transformer specs
Output Frequency: 50Hz or 60Hz as per requirement.
Operating Power: 24V to 48V
Current: Depending on the Mosfet and transformer Ratings
Output Waveform: SPWM (can be filtered to achieve a pure sinewave)
The Design
The proposed 1500 watt PWM sinewave inverter is designed using extremely basic concept through a couple of IC 4017 and a s single IC 555.
In this concept the sequencing logic from the output of the IC 4017 are configured by selecting and skipping subsequent pinouts such that the resultant sequencing produces a decent SPWM like switching on the connected mosfets and the transformer.
The complete schematic could be visualized in the following diagram:
The working of the Inverter can be understood from the following explanation:
Circuit Operation
As can be seen, two IC 4017 are cascaded to form an 18 pin sequencing logic circuit, wherein the each negative pulse or frequency from the IC 555 produces a shifting output sequence across each of the indicated outputs of the two 4017 ICs, starting from pin#9 of the upper IC upto pin#2 of the lower IC, when the sequence is reset to initiate the cycle afresh.
We can see that the output of the IC 4017 are intelligently tapped by skipping and combining sets of output pinouts such that the switching to the mosfets achieves the following kind of waveform:
Acording to the waveform, the start and the end sequences can be seen being skipped by eliminating the relevant pinouts of the IC, similarly, the second and the 6th pinouts are also skipped, while the second, 4rth, 5th, 6th pinouts are joined for accomplishing a decent SPWM like pulse form across the outputs of the two 4017 ICs.
Video Proof (100 watt example)
The Objective behind this Logic Configuration
The above shown waveform is selected so that it is able to replicate the actual sinusoidal or sine waveform as closely as may be possible.
Here we can see the initial blocks are eliminated so that the SPWM waveform can match the actual sinewave's initial lowest RMS value, the next two alternate blocks imitate the average rising RMS within a sinewave, while the center 3 blocks tries to replicate the maximum RMS of an exponentially rising sinewave.
When the above PWM format is applied to the gates of the mosfets, the mosfets alternately execute the switching of the transformer primary with the very same switching format in a push pull manner.
This forces the secondary synchronously to follow the induction pattern with an identical waveform which ultimately results in the creation of the required AC 220V, having the above SPWM waveform pattern. An appropriately dimensioned LC filter across the output winding of the transformer may finally allow the secondary side to achieve a perfectly carved sinusoidal waveform.
Therefore when the resultant output of this SPWM is filtered should hopefully result in the replication of a sinewave output which could be suitable for operating most electrical appliances.
The Oscillator Stage
An ordinary IC 555 astable is implemented here for creating the required clock pulses for feeding the cascaded 4017 ICs and for enabling the sequencing logic across their output pinouts.
The R1, R2,and C1 associated with the IC 555 must be accurately calculated so that pin#3 is able to generate around a 900Hz frequency at around 50% duty cycle. A 900 Hz output becomes necessary so that the sequencing across the total 18 pinouts of the 4017 ICs causes the BJTs to trigger at a 50 Hz across the two channels, and at around 150 Hz for chopping the individual 50 Hz blocks.
About the Mosfets and the Transformer
The mosfets and the transformer of the above explained 1500 watt SPWM inverter circuit are the two elements which determine the total power output. For getting a 1500 watt output make sure the battery supply is not less than 48V, at 500 Ah, while the transformer could be anywhere around 40-0-40V/ 40 amps. The mosfets can be IRFS4620TRLPBF each if 48V battery is used, a pair of these mosfets would be required in parallel on each channel for ensuring proper delivery of the full 1500 watts at the output
If you have any doubts or personalized queries, please feel free to add them in the comments below for getting quick pertinent replies.
MABANA KABUNA says
Dear Swagatam,
Thank you for your response. May you please clarify me about the voltage and current used to calculate the power of the resistor(10k) in transistor BC547. According to the formula you used in that 1500W inverter circuit: R =(1/4)x(W)x(5%).
Swagatam says
Dear Mabana, for high impedance (resistance) loads like mOSFeTs the calculation is not critical. For example instead of 10k you can use 22k or 47k or even 100k.
for other loads you can use the formula which is explained in the following article:
Transistor Relay Driver Circuit with Formula and Calculations
MABANA KABUNA says
Dear Swagatam,
I am about to implement the 1500W inverter circuit design. May you please guide me to determine the resistors values of the transistor BC547: 10K and 1K.
Also I would like to know how to determine the number of Mosfet to be used in that circuit.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
regards,
Mabana Kabuna
Swagatam says
Hello Mabana, if you are referring to the wattage of the resistors, they are all 1/4 watt 5%
the number of MOSFETs can be 5 on each side.
Desmond says
Hi Sir, One question for the 48 V and 12 V is it connected together or i just choose one ?
Sorry this is my first time doing this project.
Swagatam says
Hi Desmond, they are supposed to be from different sources, however the 12 V can be derived from the 48 V also, by replacing the 100 ohm resistor with a 1 K 5 watt resistor
MABANA KABUNA says
Dear Swagatam,
Thank you very much for your response.
May you please provide me a list of Technical specification of the components used in your design “1500 watt PWM Sinewave Inverter Circuit”. I am thinking to update it to 2000W if possible and combine it with Raspberry-Pi.
Kind regards,
Augustin Kabuna
Swagatam says
Dear Mabana, everything is standard in the diagram. You can copy the parts from the diagram, and procure them.
For 2kv you may have to add a couple of more MOSFETs in parallel, and upgrade the transformer accordingly.
MABANA KABUNA says
Dear Swagatam,
Thanks for sharing your ideas in this field of electronic.
I would like to build solar inverter using Raspberry-Pi. May you please provide me the details specification for your design: 1500 watt PWM Sinewave Inverter Circuit.
Please if you have some suggestions for that project of mine, you are welcome for discussion.
Kind regards,
Augustin Kabuna
Swagatam says
Dear Mabana, I am sorry, Raspberry is not within my field of expertise so it can be difficult foe me to suggest you on this subject.
Francisco López says
Swag you are an excellent professional and a true passionate about electronics, I am an electrician but I am still passionate about electronics, I appreciate that you share your knowledge and your projects. I am from Venezuela today the electrical system is very deteriorated and I want to put together simple projects that can contribute to improving quality of life.
I will build this wonderful project greetings
Swagatam says
Thank you Francisco, I appreciate your kind feedback, and wish you all the best with this project!
Hansley says
Hello what frequency out will I have if I have 4khz input to 4017s
Swagatam says
Hi, Divide it with 18
Patrick says
Hello sir,
Thank you so much for the answer you provided to my earlier question.Please i would like to build the 1500kva sine inverter with a transistorised astable multivibrator with two square wave outputs.How can i do away with the 555 timer on your circuit and incorperate my sq wave circuit and still retaining the two 4017 ic.How many and the values of capacitors to be added at the output to improve the wave form and i would like to know why it has no feedback to avoid output voltage drop at addition of loads.
Thank you in advance,i am looking forward to your reply.
Swagatam says
Hello Patrick, you just have to remove the IC 555 stage and replace it with transistor astable. Use one of the collectors of the astable transistor and connect it to the point where pin#3 of the IC 555 is connected.
You an add 5uF/400V for the output capacitors. Feedback is avoided for simplicity. voltage will not drop by much as long as the load wattage is within the battery capacity.
Josh says
Hi
Thanks for such informative information really enjoy it. Just want to know if you have a 1500w, 240vac inverter circuit with the charging circuit.
Regards
Swagatam says
Hi thanks, I have many charger circuits explained in this website, you can select an appropriate one and use it in conjunction with this design
Bios says
Hello sir: if i use 2n3055 transistor will it work as mosfet do?
Swagatam says
You will have to use it Darlington form, but still it won’t produce more than 200 watts.
Haruna says
sir please i want to build 1000 watt inverter how can i calculate ,
1. the size of transformer to use
2.how to calculate the number of mosfets to use
3.how can i know that both transformer and mosfets will give me 1000 watt
Swagatam says
Haruna, you can read the following article for the required details
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-calculate-and-match-inverter/
Bios says
Hellow Sir can i use irf 540n mosfet?
Swagatam says
Yes you can, but add a few in parallel for better efficiency
Graeme says
Great design. Is it possible to increase the output power by adding additional output output stages (drivers, FETs and transformers) in parallel? I think they do something like that with the commercially available devices for the grid tied systems. How complicated is this to acheive? Thanks.
Swagatam says
Thank you, the power can be increased to any limit by modifying the battery, MOSFETs and the transformer, but Grid integration will require accurate synchronization of the frequency and RMS
Bios says
Hellow Sir is fan necessary in this circuit for cooling? if it is how can i connect it?
Swagatam says
It will depend on the load, if it’s fully loaded then a fan may be needed….you may apply the last circuit from this post
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/lm35-circuit/
Bios says
Hello sir: what if i will use 1n5406 diode instead?
Swagatam says
The difference is only in the maximum tolerable voltage levels, please compare the two through their datasheets and you will be able to understand the difference.
Patrick says
Dear Swag
Thank you so much for the wonderful elect. Engineering package from you to the world for free. I am sure many would not like to do it and keep it to themselves.
I have been regularly visiting your cite for various elect,circuits but the pwm sinwave inverter has taken my whole attention.I was taught on sq wave inverter by friend in polytecnic school and it worked fine ,but i want to build a pure sine wave circuit.
Please among your two or three spwm circuit descriptions,which one is the best if i want to build like 1500va.
I would also like to know why you leave some finishing touches on some circuit to the intended hobysts and builders ,like tank circuit you talked at the output .How can one know he achieved a bether result in absence of an oscilloscope to check output wave?
I did my I.T in Indian acquired firm in Nigeria.I photocopied an inverter booklet from a friend from an indian.One circuit talked about using a tank circuit where inductor and capacitor reactance are equal and connected to the transformer input to achieve a pure sinwave and not at the output.What do you say on this?
Thank you,
Swagatam says
Thank you Patrick, the above circuit is best sine wave inverter you can have in terms of simplicity and accuracy. If you can compromise with light lower sinewave quality, then you can try the following design which is ee simpler than the above:
As you can see adding a filter at the output side is much easier and can be implemented with some trial and error and with minimum losses. Moreover you can achieve pure sine results even without an inductor, because the secondary winding itself acts like an inductor, therefore this looks a simpler and more effective option.
Bios says
Sir I have 2n3055 transistors can i place them instead of TIP 35?
Swagatam says
you can after adding a TIP122 in Darlington with the TIP35
Bios says
Sir I want 500watt only can i use 12-0-12 transformer and 12v 100ah battery?
Swagatam says
Bios, use a 300 watt transformer for getting 300 watt power
Bios says
Hello Sir: would this inverter power small appliances like televisions, and phone charger
Swagatam says
Hi Bios, yes it can be used for powering all types of electronic equipment
Gabriel Maffla says
Regards. 400 W at 60 Hz is enough for me and I only have a 12 V / 60 W solar panel as a source. Can I implement it? What should i change? You help me?
Swagatam says
60 w panel will not produce 400 W
Jorge Delgado says
Cordial Greeting, I congratulate you on your excellent page.
I have proposed to design the inverter that is very interesting but a question arises, adding another power transistor in parallel I can place it completely in parallel or I must place a resistance, and of what value, to the Gate of the transistor, thank you very much for your attention and collaboration.
Swagatam says
Thank you jorge,
You can place the mosfets directly in parallel, no need of any resistor or transistor
Hassen says
ok swag thank you for you respect full replay, i will see you next days if you can.
Swagatam says
You are welcome Hassen!
Hassen says
Dear swag, Thanks so much for your useful information and guiding for different persons who are interesting to study and work on this course. , if you have please bring me a document which basically explains the design calculation of “designing inverter using SPWM technique”
Swagatam says
Thanks Hassen, I have not yet investigated the calculations of SPWM, but I may surely look into it and present a new article on it, possibly soon!
Tolu says
Please can I use a battery charger to run an inverter. Pros and cons
Swagatam says
If its current is high enough then you can use it for testing the inverting
Tolu says
Can’t it be used to run small loads
Swagatam says
Please explain the purpose so that i can understand the reason behind using a power supply to run an inverter.
Tolu says
I have 24v battery bank and 400w panel connected to 2kva inverter. I also have 48v /20amps battery charger. I want to build 48v/2kva inverter to connect with the charger for better efficiency with my loads, because I can’t buy more batteries for now. Please educate me . thanks sir
Swagatam says
So you want to charge the battery bank with the solar panel, and then use the charged battery in parallel with a 48V mains converted DC for operating the inverter?? No problem, You can do that!
NISHANT says
sir,
I have a luminous sine wave inverter…….
recently it is
1.Not giving output with battery(gives output when mains connected).
2.On connecting battery……all led display lights glow for 2 sec then gets off.
3.Outer Fuse
What could be the problem…….which components on the PCB should i check ?
Swagatam says
Hi Nishant, connect a load and then connect the battery. Check if the load is also activating for 2 seconds or not.
If yes in that case the relay changeover circuit could be malfunctioning, the relay may not be holding to keep the battery connected with the inverter.
If the load does not activate then the problem could be more complicated, in that case you may have to manually bypass the battery line connecting the inverter and do the further checks depending on the results.
NISHANT says
thankyou sir for the reply
Lins Roberto Pereira, says
O QUE TENHO QUE FAZER PARA MUDAR PARA 110V NO SECUNDÁRIO? OBRIGADO.
Swagatam says
Use um enrolamento secundário de 110V para o transformador, isso é tudo. Nenhuma outra mudança necessária no circuito
sinoda says
sir gud day…I tested the circuit frequency and waveform at the collectors of two bc547 using my DIY soundcard Oscilloscope, the output frequency 52.9 hz and the wave was like this:
https://www.4shared.com/photo/XSIBuOsKee/1500_watt_PSW_inverter.html
is that ok sir?I’m a bit confuse becoz ist very distorted square wave…pls help me how to enhance this sir.
Swagatam says
Good day Sinoda, yes that’s OK, you can adjust the upper and the lower waveform uniformly to make it look perfect…it will be distorted slightly, because there will be always some spike and transients and harmonics, but those can be countered by adding a small value capacitor at the secondary side of the trafo.
Nkwenti says
then can i replace the mosfets with IRF540?
Swagatam says
yes you can
Nkwenti says
Sir can you explain a little about the transformer, you said primary 40-40 , where you trying to say secondary? then what about i replace the 1N5408 with 4007?
then if i use 4 pair of mosfet transistors, will it deliver more power? what is the maximum secondary amperes of the transformer, then sir please do you have a 50AMP battery charge controler schematic for the solar?
thanks and i will be looking forward to hearing from you.
Swagatam says
NKwenti, The input winding is always referred to as the primary, so here since the 40V side is the input it is the primary.
The requirement for the mosfet is to have a specification higher than the maximum load wattage, you can satisfy this using 2 or 4 mosfets depending on the the selection…the same goes for the transformer secondary:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-calculate-and-match-inverter/
there are plenty of battery charger circuits in this website, please use the search box and then you can select the one which suits you the best…
Kassim Abba Dandago says
Hi. Please what are the filter components to use at the output of the iron core transformer?
Swagatam says
Hi, the secondary transformer winding will itself act like an inductive filter, still you can add a 0.22uF or a 0.47uF/400V capacitor across the coil and check the response….check with a load connected.
Nkwenti says
can the mosfets be replaced with IRF540?
Swagatam says
yes, if your requirement is within the mosfet’s rating specs
Saeed Mahdavi Asl says
Dear Swagatam:
Thanks a lot for your useful info on electronics and guiding us to this course.
would you please explain more about how to parallel transistors??
and how to connect them in series ???
thanx a lot
Your Sincerely Saeed
Swagatam says
Thanks Saeed, I already have one related article posted in this website which explains the right ways to connect transistors in parallel, you can read it here:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/transistor-facts/
Connecting transistors in series is normally not practiced in electronic circuits and it may not be recommended also.
Jojo says
7808ic is a voltage regulator. So how can it work as AND gate?
Swagatam says
sorry, it is 7408 and not 7808
Jojo says
Thanks sir.I have Google it but I didn’t understand how to use it.pls give me any one with the pins out that you know according to my description of that diagram.
Swagatam says
you can use 7808 IC which has AND gates inside it, just check which pins connect with the those oval shaped designs inside the IC, and replace those pinout with your AND gates shown in your inverter circuit
Jojo says
Sir swag,pls i dont know how to configure this (AND gate) with this microcontroller. Pls give me any circuit relating to AND gate.check the schematic here. 4.bp.blogspot.com/-Llu4f6lzODA/UR-Gya40gGI/AAAAAAAAAbM/nuos2eLOTSs/s1600/pic+config.png
Swagatam says
Please Google for “AND gate IC” and integrate the selected IC pinouts accordingly
King says
Good day Mr. Swag, can the above concept be implemented with 3kva and above? If yes, what specs of transformer and MOSFETs will you recommend.? And how do I go about the filter part. Thank you, awaiting your reply.
Swagatam says
Hi King, that is possible. Divide 3000 with battery voltage this will roughly give you the transformer primary current.
For the mosfet make sure its continuous current and voltage ratings are much higher than transformer rating.
Battery Ah should be 5 to 10 times higher than the calculated value of transformers current rating
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-calculate-and-match-inverter/
Jojo says
Thanks so much swag.Its a final year project and my certificate depend on it.I will try it again.
Swagatam says
wish you all the best jojo, if you have any further doubts don’t hesitate to ask them.
Jojo says
Swag,most engineer does not have oscilloscope but I think you will have a design that has lc filter,so pls help me with the one that has giving you good result. Thanks
Swagatam says
Jojo, while dealing with a sinewave inverter circuit, an oscilloscope is mandatory, otherwise it won’t make sense.
Anyway, you can select one of the following designs as per your preference, but all these will again require an oscilloscope for confirmation of waveform and will require an LC filter at the output, I do not have the calculations for the LC filter it will need to be done through manual experimentation.
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/?s=SPWM
here’s another good choice
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/pure-sine-wave-inverter-circuit-using/
Jojo says
I tested it with load like refrigerator and air condition but it did not work fine.pls help me with a better version that is pure sine wave
Swagatam says
sorry that’s not the way to test and fine tune an inverter output, you must do it through an oscilloscope by analyzing the waveform and then tweak it through a LC filter circuit at the output to achieve the required output. If you do not have an oscilloscope then please do not attempt any of the sinewave inverter circuits.
Jojo says
Pls swag,I av tried this circuit but its not pure sinewave.pls I need your best PURE SINEWAVE CIRCUIT for 5kva/36v battery.
Swagatam says
JoJo, how did you check the output waveform?…you will need to check it with an oscilloscope and with a load connected with the transformer. For further improving the results you may try connecting a 105/400V capacitor across the secondary winding output.
By the way it will not give a best sineave, but much closer to a sinewave
Jojo says
Pls sir I need a 48v/5kva pure sine wave inverter circuit that has an automatic battery shut down and no load sencing.
Swagatam says
Jojo, you can try the above explained concept, the battery shut-off circuit can be easily included later on one the inverter is finalized
Giel says
Hi Swag,
What is the amp rating on your 40-0-40 transformer
Swagatam says
Hi Giel, just divide the required output wattage with 40, this will roughly give you the required amp capacity of the transformer
Fardin says
Sir
Witch transformer should i use for 1000w with 12v 200AH battery
Thank you
Swagatam says
Fardin, with a 12V battery the transformer will need to be around 1000/12 = 83 amps, 7-0-7V
Fardin says
Sir
Do i have to change the mosfets?
Swagatam says
Yes, you can try the following specs:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/55v-110a-n-channel-mosfet-irf3205/
Fardin says
Sir
From ic1 i’m getting around 6.6vac gate voltage
And ic2 i’m getting around 5.1vac from gate
Why this is happening?
And my ic2 is getting warm
My suppy voltage was 12vdc
Swagatam says
Fardin, slight voltage difference at the gates may not be critical, but if your IC is getting warm then that could be an issue. I hope you have connected the reverse diodes across the mosfets, if not please do it and check again.
Also make sure the IC Vcc is not over 12V.
ainsworth lynch says
In the working of this circuit you have 40-0-40v transformer to be used with 48v battery supply, shouldn’t that only be used for a square wave inverter?
with a spwm inverter shouldn’t the transformer be 24-0-24 for a 48v battery supply?
ainsworth lynch says
so as an example If I was to use a 12v battery supply transformer would be 6-0-6v, is that correct?
Swagatam says
you will have to identify the average ON time % of the SPWM, multiply this % with the battery voltage to get the transformer primary value
Swagatam says
It will depend on the average value of the SPWM voltage with respect to the battery voltage. The resultant value can be used for determining the transformer secondary voltage value.
You can the related information below:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/inverter-voltage-drop-issue-how-to-solve/
LYNCHPOWER ELECTRONICS says
Good Day,
Have you tested this design or the arduino spwm design?
Swagatam says
yes those are tested designs
olupot says
hello sir do you have any idea about self running generator thanks
Swagatam says
sorry I do not have any idea regarding this concept
bashir says
Sir can i run the above inverter circuit with 12v battery by changing 48-0-48 transform er with 12-012 transformer
Swagatam says
bashir, it is possible, but the transformer will need to be rated at 9-0-9V
Swagatam says
..and the mosfets could be replaced with IRF540
RAIMUNDO CASTRO SANTOS says
Olá sou do Brasil e acompanho as suas publicações continui com esse bom trabalho tem ajudado muita gente eu fiquei interessado no projeto do inversor senoidal se possivel poderia me enviar o projeto completo por gentileza obrigado
fred says
sorry youupdated already the diagram but one more questions sir the mosfets where is the gate drain and source canyou please put it on each channel thanks..nd more power sir
Swagatam says
Fred, the pins which are connected with the transformer are the drains, the pins which are connected with the BC547 are the gates, and the ones which are connected to the negative or ground line are the sources of the mosfets.
fred says
sir swatagam do you have the complete diagram and omponetguide and pcb design for this 1500watts inverter can u please send it o my email thank you it much appreciated…
Swagatam says
Fred, I have updated the diagram with more details, please copy the parts list from the diagram, everything has been included according to me….if you have any further doubts, please let me know.
PCB design is at the moment not there with me, if possible I’ll try to update it soon…
saviour says
Thanks a lot mr swag,for the reply ,there are some design i have put-up to that effect using DPDT relays and low battery cut-off protection circuit ,i will send an attachment to you when i conclude.well done!
Swagatam says
You are most welcome saviour! please keep up the good work
saviour says
dear swagatam i really thank you for great work in helping people like us who are born engineers but could`nt afford to study in a Tertiary institution, to navigate our way around in electronic circuit design.
I conceive an idea, pls check if such idea is design-able.
i called it P.P.S.S that is permanent power supply system,this is it.You create two inverter system that works in flip flop manna to power a connected load,one will be working while the other is charging,when its battery reaches a certain discharge level the system flips and the other takes over duty without any interruption to the connected load.to reduce cost one transformer may be use for the two of them.
secondly how can we partner in Nigeria to enter into production of affordable power supply system for the poor people who are paying with their blood just to light candle.
Swagatam says
Dear Savior, I am glad you liked my website.
However the idea you have conceived may not work, because the power output from any inverter will be always less than the input battery power consumption, so ultimately the power exchanges between the two inverters will keep reducing until the both the batteries are unable to get charged any longer from the inverter outputs.
I am really sorry, partnering may not be possible due to the work pressure that I have to handle in the present moment, although I appreciate your offer very much and wish we could partner for this noble cause.