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Difference between Converter and Inverter
Converter and inverter are both two important power-electronic devices in the field of electrical and electronics engineering. Inverters and converters are used for the conversion of AC power into DC power and vice-versa which is a very important phenomenon in the field power electronic engineering as well as in our day-to-day life.
The most significant difference between these two devices is that a converter is a power-electronic device which can transform the electric power from one form (AC or DC) to another form (AC or DC), while an inverter is a type of power electronic converter which converters DC power into AC power.
This article is meant for explaining the major differences between converter and inverter. Also, a brief explanation of converter and inverter is given in this article to help you understand the differences better.
What is a Converter?
A power electronic device that can transform the electric power from one form to another form, i.e. from AC to DC and DC to AC, is known as converter. The converter may perform one or more functions and produces an output that differs from the input. Basically, the converters are used to get desired form of electrical energy for a specific load. The converter acts as a transforming stage between the source of power and the output of the power supply.
Some common function of the converters includes change in magnitude of the input voltage, polarity inversion, production of many output voltages from a single input voltage, production of voltages of mixed polarity, etc.
Depending upon the input voltage and output voltage, converters can be grouped into the following categories −
- AC to DC converter (called rectifier)
- DC to AC converter (called inverter)
- DC to DC converter (called chopper)
- AC to AC converter (called AC voltage regulator)
What is an Inverter?
An inverter is a power-electronic circuit which is designed to convert direct current (DC power) into alternating current (AC power). Inverters are widely used as a backup supply source in houses, offices and industries. Basically, the inverter is a type of power electronic converter.
A typical inverter receives DC power as input from the batteries and transforms it into AC power that is used to supply power to various electrical appliances used in our daily life. An inverter may produce AC having a square wave, modified sine wave, pure sine wave, etc. at the output.
The inverters are extensively used in UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies), speed control of electric motors, to control the speed of compressor motor in refrigeration, in power grids to feed into electric power distribution systems, solar system, HVDC power transmission, etc.
Difference between Converter and Inverter
The important differences between an inverter and a converter are highlighted in the following table −
| Basis of Difference | Converter | Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A power electronic circuit which can transform the electric power from one form to another form, i.e. from AC to DC or vice-versa, is known as converter. | A power electronic circuit which can transform direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) is known as inverter. |
| Input supply | The input power to the converter can be AC or DC depending on its type. | The input of an inverter is DC power only. |
| Output supply | Based on the type, a converter can give AC power or DC power as output. | The output of an inverter is AC power only. |
| Types | According to the transformation performed, converters are of four types viz. −
| Inverters are also a type of power electronic converter. Inverter are classified in the following categories − Based on input source −
|
| Applications | Converters are used in many electronic devices and electrical systems such as mobile chargers, UPS, battery charging systems, rectifiers, electric drives, battery driven vehicles, etc. | Inverters are extensively used in many applications such as AC electric drives, backup power supply systems, solar and wind energy systems, HVDC transmission systems, electric trains and other electric vehicles, etc. |
Conclusion
Converters and inverters are both very important circuits in the field of electronics. Actually, an inverter is also a type of converter. Both converter and inverter are required in various electrical and electronic devices because of the need to convert electric power from AC to DC or DC to AC for their operation.
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