In the applications of power electronics, converters and inverters play a very crucial role. The conversion of AC to DC or DC to AC is always an important phenomenon in the field of power electronics as well as in day-to-day life.
In general terms, all the devices that convert power from one form to another are known as converters. Converters can be classified as
- AC to DC Converter (also called Rectifier)
- DC to AC Converter (also called Inverter)
- AC to AC Converter (also called AC voltage regulator)
- DC to DC Converter (also called Chopper)
The main difference between converter and inverter is that converter is a device that transforms power from one form to another whereas inverter is a type of converter that performs DC to AC power conversion.
Let us see the basic difference between the two in detail.
Difference between Converter and Inverter in tabular form
| Converter | Inverter |
| The power electronic device that converts power from one form to another is called a converter. | The power electronic device that converts power from DC to AC is called an inverter. |
| There are different types of converter such as AC to DC Converter (also called Rectifier), DC to AC Converter (also called Inverter), AC to AC Converter (also called AC voltage regulator), DC to DC Converter (also called Chopper). | An inverter is a type of converter. |
| A converter takes AC or DC as input. | An inverter takes DC as input. |
| A converter gives AC or DC as output. | An inverter gives AC as output. |
| The applications of converters are found in many electronic devices. | In electric motors, speed controllers, inverters are used. In the case of the requirement of an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), inverters are used. |
What is converter?
A converter is an electronic device that powers from one form to another. A converter is capable of transferring power from source to load and also from load to source. Depending on the input and output, converters are classified. A rectifier is also a converter that converts oscillating alternating current to fixed direct current. The use of converters in modern electronic devices also helps in power handling.
What is inverter?
An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The inverter takes direct current as input from batteries, solar panels and converts it to alternating current that to be used in daily life. An inverter is a type of converter which is used in the conversion of fixed direct current to variable alternating current. In the fuel cells, electric motors and machines, the use of inverters is found.
Conclusion
The converter is a boon to the field of power electronics. The need of conversion of currents and voltages in the devices are done by the use of converters and inverters in it. Both the converters and inverters are electrical devices that have many applications in industries as well as in many day-to-day electronic devices.
