DC Choppers: Prof. T.K. Anantha Kumar, E&E Dept., MSRIT

DC Choppers
Power Electronics by Prof. M. Madhusudhan Rao 1

Prof. T.K. Anantha Kumar, E&E Dept., MSRIT
Introduction
• Chopper is a static device.
• A variable dc voltage is obtained from a
constant dc voltage source.
• Also known as dc-to-dc converter.
• Widely used for motor control.
• Also used in regenerative braking.
• Thyristor converter offers greater efficiency,
faster response, lower maintenance, smaller
size and smooth control.
Choppers are of Two Types
• Step-down choppers.
• Step-up choppers.
• In step down chopper output voltage is less
than input voltage.
• In step up chopper output voltage is more
than input voltage.

Principle Of
Step-down Chopper
C hopper
i0
+
V R V 0
−
• A step-down chopper with resistive load.
• The thyristor in the circuit acts as a switch.
• When thyristor is ON, supply voltage appears
across the load
• When thyristor is OFF, the voltage across the
load will be zero.

v0
V
V dc
t
tON tOFF
i0
V /R
Idc
t
T

Vdc = Average value of output or load voltage.
I dc = Average value of output or load current.
tON = Time interval for which SCR conducts.
tOFF = Time interval for which SCR is OFF.
T = tON + tOFF = Period of switching or chopping period.
1
f = = Freq. of chopper switching or chopping freq.
T
Average Output Voltage
 tON 
Vdc = V  
 tON + tOFF 
 tON 
Vdc = V   = V .d
 T 
 tON 
but   = d = duty cycle
 t 
Average Output Current
Vdc
I dc =
R
V  tON  V
I dc =  = d
R T  R
RMS value of output voltage
tON
1
VO = ∫ v dt
2
o
T 0

But during tON , vo = V
Therefore RMS output voltage
tON
1
VO = ∫
2
V dt
T 0
2
V tON
VO = tON = .V
T T
VO = d .V
10
Output power PO = VO I O
VO
But IO =
R
∴ Output power
2
V
PO = O
R
2
dV
PO =
R
11
Effective input resistance of chopper
V
Ri =
I dc
R
Ri =
d
The output voltage can be varied by
varying the duty cycle.
12
Methods Of Control
• The output dc voltage can be varied by the
following methods.
– Pulse width modulation control or constant
frequency operation.
– Variable frequency control.

13
Pulse Width Modulation
• tON is varied keeping chopping frequency ‘f’ &
chopping period ‘T’ constant.
• Output voltage is varied by varying the ON
time tON

14
V 0
tON tOFF
t
T
V 0
t
tON tOFF
15
Variable Frequency Control
• Chopping frequency ‘f’ is varied keeping either
tON or tOFF constant.
• To obtain full output voltage range, frequency
has to be varied over a wide range.
• This method produces harmonics in the output
and for large tOFF load current may become
discontinuous

16
v0
V
tON tOFF
t
T
v0
tO N tO FF
t
T
17
Step-down Chopper
With R-L Load
C hopper
i0
+
R
V V
FW D L
0
E
−
18
• When chopper is ON, supply is connected
across load.
• Current flows from supply to load.
• When chopper is OFF, load current continues
to flow in the same direction through FWD due
to energy stored in inductor ‘L’.
19
• Load current can be continuous or
discontinuous depending on the values of ‘L’
and duty cycle ‘d’
• For a continuous current operation, load
current varies between two limits Imax and Imin
• When current becomes equal to Imax the
chopper is turned-off and it is turned-on when
current reduces to Imin.
20
v0
O u tp u t
v o lta g e
V
tO N tO FF
t
T
i0 O u tp u t
Im ax c u rre n t
C o n tin u o u s
I m in c u rre n t
t
i0 O u tp u t
c u rre n t
D is c o n tin u o u s
c u rre n t
t
21
Expressions For
Load Current
iO For Continuous Current Operation
When
Chopper Is ON (0 ≤ t ≤ tON)

22
i0
+
R
V V 0
L
E
-
23
diO
V = iO R + L +E
dt
Taking Laplace Transform
V E
= RI O ( S ) + L  S .I O ( S ) − iO ( 0 )  +
−
S S
At t = 0, initial current iO ( 0− ) = I min
V −E I min
IO ( S ) = +
 R R
LS  S +  S +
 L L
24
Principle Of Step-up Chopper
I L D
+
+ −
L
C O V
V A O
D
C hopper
−
25
• Step-up chopper is used to obtain a load
voltage higher than the input voltage V.
• The values of L and C are chosen depending
upon the requirement of output voltage and
current.
• When the chopper is ON, the inductor L is
connected across the supply.
• The inductor current ‘I’ rises and the inductor
stores energy during the ON time of the
chopper, tON.
26
• When the chopper is off, the inductor current I
is forced to flow through the diode D and load
for a period, tOFF.
• The current tends to decrease resulting in
reversing the polarity of induced EMF in L.
• Therefore voltage across load is given by
dI
VO = V + L i.e., VO > V
dt
27
• A large capacitor ‘C’ connected across the
load, will provide a continuous output voltage .
• Diode D prevents any current flow from
capacitor to the source.
• Step up choppers are used for regenerative
braking of dc motors.

28
Expression For Output Voltage
Assume the average inductor current to be
I during ON and OFF time of Chopper.
When Chopper is ON
Voltage across inductor L = V
Therefore energy stored in inductor
= V .I .tON
Where tON = ON period of chopper.
29
When Chopper is OFF
(energy is supplied by inductor to load)
Voltage across L = VO − V
Energy supplied by inductor L = ( VO − V ) ItOFF
where tOFF = OFF period of Chopper.
Neglecting losses, energy stored in inductor
L = energy supplied by inductor L
30
∴ VItON = ( VO − V ) ItOFF
V [ tON + tOFF ]
VO =
tOFF
 T 
VO = V  
 T − tON 
Where
T = Chopping period or period
of switching.
31
T = tON + tOFF
 
 1 
VO = V  
tON
 1− 
 T 
 1 
∴ VO = V  
 1− d 
tON
Where d = = duty cyle
T
32
Classification Of Choppers
• Choppers are classified as
– Class A Chopper
– Class B Chopper
– Class C Chopper
– Class D Chopper
– Class E Chopper

33
Class A Chopper
i0 v0
+
C hopper
L
O v0 V
V A
FW D D
− i0

34
• When chopper is ON, supply voltage V is
connected across the load.
• When chopper is OFF, vO = 0 and the load
current continues to flow in the same direction
through the FWD.
• The average values of output voltage and
current are always positive.
• Class A Chopper is a first quadrant chopper .
35
• Class A Chopper is a step-down chopper in
which power always flows form source to load.
• It is used to control the speed of dc motor.
• The output current equations obtained in step
down chopper with R-L load can be used to
study the performance of Class A Chopper.

36
ig T h y r is to r
g a te p u ls e
t
i0
O u tp u t c u rre n t
CH O N
t
v0 F W D C o n d u c ts
O u tp u t v o lta g e
t
tO N
T
37
Class B Chopper
D
i0 v0
+
R
V L v0
C hopper
E − i0
−
38
• When chopper is ON, E drives a current
through L and R in a direction opposite to that
shown in figure.
• During the ON period of the chopper, the
inductance L stores energy.
• When Chopper is OFF, diode D conducts, and
part of the energy stored in inductor L is
returned to the supply.
39
• Average output voltage is positive.
• Average output current is negative.
• Therefore Class B Chopper operates in second
quadrant.
• In this chopper, power flows from load to
source.
• Class B Chopper is used for regenerative
braking of dc motor.
• Class B Chopper is a step-up chopper.
40
ig
T h y r is to r
g a te p u ls e
t
i0 tO FF tO N
T
t
Im ax
Im in D
c o n d u c ts C h o p p e r
c o n d u c ts
v0 O u tp u t v o lta g e

41
Class C Chopper
CH 1 D 1
i0 v0
+
V R
CH 2 D L v0
2
C hopper
i0
E
−
42
• Class C Chopper is a combination of Class A
and Class B Choppers.
• For first quadrant operation, CH1 is ON or D2
conducts.
• For second quadrant operation, CH2 is ON or
D1 conducts.
• When CH1 is ON, the load current is positive.
• The output voltage is equal to ‘V’ & the load
receives power from the source.
• When CH1 is turned OFF, energy stored in
inductance L forces current to flow through the
diode
Power Dby2 Prof.
Electronics and the output
M. Madhusudhan Rao voltage is zero. 43
43
• Current continues to flow in positive direction.
• When CH2 is triggered, the voltage E forces
current to flow in opposite direction through L
and CH2 .
• The output voltage is zero.
• On turning OFF CH2 , the energy stored in the
inductance drives current through diode D1 and
the supply
• Output voltage is V, the input current becomes
negative and power flows
Power Electronics by Prof. M. Madhusudhan Rao
from load to source.44
44
• Average output voltage is positive
• Average output current can take both positive
and negative values.
• Choppers CH1 & CH2 should not be turned
ON simultaneously as it would result in short
circuiting the supply.
• Class C Chopper can be used both for dc
motor control and regenerative braking of dc
motor.
• Class C Chopper can be used as a step-up or
step-down chopper.
45
ig 1
G a te p u ls e
of C H 1
t
ig 2 G a te p u ls e
of C H 2
t
i0
D 1 CH 1 D 2 CH 2 D 1 CH 1 D 2 CH 2
O N O N O N O N
V 0 O u tp u t v o lta g e
t
46
Class D Chopper
v0
CH 1 D 2
R i0 L E
V
+ v0 − i0
D 1 CH 2

47
• Class D is a two quadrant chopper.
• When both CH1 and CH2 are triggered
simultaneously, the output voltage vO = V and
output current flows through the load.
• When CH1 and CH2 are turned OFF, the load
current continues to flow in the same direction
through load, D1 and D2 , due to the energy
stored in the inductor L.
Output
•Power voltage vO = Rao
Electronics by Prof. M. Madhusudhan
-V. 48
48
• Average load voltage is positive if chopper
ON time is more than the OFF time
• Average output voltage becomes negative if
tON < tOFF .
• Hence the direction of load current is always
positive but load voltage can be positive or
negative.

49
ig1
G a te p u ls e
of C H 1
t
ig2 G a te p u ls e
of C H 2
t
i0
t
C H 1,C H 2 D 1 ,D 2 C o n d u c tin g
O N
V
A v era g e v0
t

50
ig 1
G a te p u ls e
of C H 1
t
ig 2 G a te p u ls e
of C H 2
t
i0
CH 1
CH 2
t
D 1, D 2
V
t
A v era g e v0

51
Class E Chopper
CH 1 D CH 3 D
1 3
i0 R L E
V
+ −
v0
CH 2 D CH 4 D
2 4

52
Four Quadrant Operation
v0
CH 2 - D 4 C o n d u c ts CH 1 - CH 4 O N
D 1 - D 4 C o n d u c ts CH 4 - D 2 C o n d u c ts
i0
CH 3 - CH 2 O N D 2 - D 3 C o n d u c ts
C H 2 - D 4 C o n d u c ts C H 4 - D 2 C o n d u c ts
53
• Class E is a four quadrant chopper
• When CH1 and CH4 are triggered, output
current iO flows in positive direction through
CH1 and CH4, and with output voltage vO = V.
• This gives the first quadrant operation.
• When both CH1 and CH4 are OFF, the energy
stored in the inductor L drives iO through D2
and D3 in the same direction, but output
voltage
Power v
Electronics by Prof.
O
M.= -V.
Madhusudhan Rao
54
54
• Therefore the chopper operates in the
fourth quadrant.
• When CH2 and CH3 are triggered, the load
current iO flows in opposite direction & output
voltage vO = -V.
• Since both iO and vO are negative, the chopper
operates in third quadrant.
55
• When both CH2 and CH3 are OFF, the load
current iO continues to flow in the same
direction D1 and D4 and the output voltage
vO = V.
• Therefore the chopper operates in second
quadrant as vO is positive but iO is negative.
56
Effect Of Source &
Load Inductance
• The source inductance should be as small as

possible to limit the transient voltage.
• Also source inductance may cause
commutation problem for the chopper.
• Usually an input filter is used to overcome the
problem of source inductance.
57
• The load ripple current is inversely
proportional to load inductance and chopping
frequency.
• Peak load current depends on load inductance.
• To limit the load ripple current, a smoothing
inductor is connected in series with the load.

58
i0
+
C hopper
L
O v0
V FW D A
D

59
Mode-1 Operation
L S
T 1
+ + IL
V C _ C iC
L
V O
S
A
D
L D 1
_
60
• Thyristor T1 is fired at t = 0.
• The supply voltage comes across the load.
• Load current IL flows through T1 and load.
• At the same time capacitor discharges through
T1, D1, L1, & ‘C’ and the capacitor reverses its
voltage.
• This reverse voltage on capacitor is held
constant by diode D1.
61
Capacitor Discharge Current
C
iC ( t ) = V sin ω t
L
1
Where ω=
LC
& Capacitor Voltage
VC ( t ) = V cos ω t
62
Mode-2 Operation
IL
+ L S _ IL
V C C L
V + T O
S 2 A
D
_

63
• Thyristor T2 is now fired to commutate
thyristor T1.
• When T2 is ON capacitor voltage reverse
biases T1 and turns if off.
• The capacitor discharges through the load from
–V to 0.
• Discharge time is known as circuit turn-off
time.
64
Circuit turn-off time is given by
VC × C
tC =
IL
Where I L is load current.
t C depends on load current, it must be designed
for the worst case condition which occur at the
maximum value of load current and minimum
value of capacitor voltage.
65
• Capacitor recharges back to the supply voltage
(with plate ‘a’ positive).
• This time is called the recharging time and is
given by
VS × C
td =
IL
• The total time required for the capacitor to
discharge and recharge is called the
commutation time and it is given by tr = tC + td
66
• At the end of Mode-2 capacitor has recharged
to VS and the free wheeling diode starts
conducting.

67
Mode-3 Operation
IL
+ L S + IL
V S _ C T 2 L
V O
S A
FW D D
_
68
• FWD starts conducting and the load current
decays.
• The energy stored in source inductance LS is
transferred to capacitor.
• Hence capacitor charges to a voltage higher
than supply voltage, T2 naturally turns off.

69
The instantaneous capacitor voltage is
LS
VC ( t ) = VS + I L sin ω S t
C
Where
1
ωS =
LS C
70
Mode-4 Operation
L S
+ + IL
V C _ C L
D 1 O
V S A
L D
_ FW D

71
• Capacitor has been overcharged i.e. its voltage
is above supply voltage.
• Capacitor starts discharging in reverse
direction.
• Hence capacitor current becomes negative.
• The capacitor discharges through LS, VS, FWD,
D1 and L.
• When this current reduces to zero D1 will stop
conducting and the capacitor voltage will be
same as the supply voltage
72
Mode-5 Operation
IL
L • Both thyristors are off
FW D O
A and the load current
D flows through the FWD.
• This mode will end once
thyristor T1 is fired.
73
ic C a p a c ito r C u rr e n t
IL
0 t
Ip
iT 1
Ip
IL C u rre n t th ro u g h T 1
t
0

74
vT1
Vc V o l ta g e a c r o s s T 1
t
0
vo
V s+ V c
Vs O u tp u t V o lta g e
t
vc
Vc
t
C a p a c ito r V o lta g e
-V c
tc
td
75
Disadvantages
• A starting circuit is required and the starting
circuit should be such that it triggers thyristor
T2 first.
• Load voltage jumps to almost twice the supply
voltage when the commutation is initiated.
• The discharging and charging time of
commutation capacitor are dependent on the
load current and this limits high frequency
operation, especially at low load current.
76
• Chopper cannot be tested without connecting
load.
• Thyristor T1 has to carry load current as well
as resonant current resulting in increasing its
peak current rating.

77

DC Choppers: Prof. T.K. Anantha Kumar, E&E Dept., MSRIT

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DC Choppers

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• The source inductance should be as small as

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