DC Chopper

DC Chopper
DC Chopper:
4.1Principles of chopper.
4.2 Classification –
a) Step-up & Step-down chopper
b) Second quadrant, Two quadrant & Four quadrant operation.
4.3 Type-A, B, C, D & E chopper – Operating Principle and applications.
4.4 Jones chopper.
4.5 Related numerical problems.
Unit-III: DC Chopper Ghatal Govt. Polytechnic
DC Chopper
A chopper is a high speed on/off semiconductor switch. It connects source to load and disconnects
the load from source at a fast speed.
Choppers are mostly applied in electric cars, conversion of wind and solar energy, and DC motor
regulators.
AC Link Chopper: In the ac link chopper, dc is first converted to ac by an inverter (dc to ac converter).
AC is then stepped-up or stepped-down by a transformer which is then converted back to de by a
diode rectifier, Fig. 1 (a). As the conversion is in two stages, dc to ac and then ac to dc, ac link chopper
is costly, bulky and less efficient.
DC Chopper: A chopper is a static circuit that converts fixed dc input voltage to a variable dc output
voltage directly, Fig. 1 (b). A chopper may be thought of as dc equivalent of an ac transformer since
they behave in an identical manner. As choppers involve one stage conversion, these are more
efficient.
Fig. 1. (a) AC link chopper and (b) dc chopper (or chopper) (c) Representation of a power
semiconductor device
Classification of Choppers:
Depending on the voltage output, choppers are classified as
1. Step Down Chopper (Buck converter)
2. Step Up chopper (Boost converter)
3. Step Up/Down Chopper (Buck-boost converter)
Depending upon the direction of the output current and voltage, the converters can be classified into
five classes namely
1. Class A [One-quadrant Operation]
2. Class B [One-quadrant Operation]
3. Class C [Two-quadrant Operation]
4. Class D Chopper [Two-quadrant Operation]
5. Class E Chopper [Four-quadrant Operation]
Step Down Chopper (Buck converter)

A chopper uses high speed to connect and disconnect from a source load. A fixed DC voltage is applied
intermittently to the source load by continuously triggering the power switch ON/OFF. The period of
Prepared by Sanjoy Pondit, Lecturer, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Ghatal Govt. Polytechnic
time for which the power switch stays ON or OFF is referred to as the chopper’s ON and OFF state
times, respectively. A chopped load voltage as shown in Fig. 2 (b) is obtained from a constant dc supply
of magnitude 𝑉𝑆 . In Fig. 2 (a) chopper is represented by a switch SW inside a dotted rectangle, which
may be turned-on or turned off as desired. For the sake of highlighting the principle of chopper
operation, the circuitry used for controlling the on, off periods of this switch is not shown.
Working Principle:
During the period 𝑇𝑜𝑛 chopper is on and load voltage is equal to source voltage 𝑉𝑆 . During the interval
𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 , chopper is off, load current flows through the freewheeling diode FD. As a result, load terminals
are short circuited by FD and load voltage is therefore zero during 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 . In this manner, a chopped dc
voltage is produced at the load terminals. The load current as shown in Fig. 2 (b) is continuous. During
𝑇𝑜𝑛 , load current rises whereas during 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 load current decays. From Fig. 2 (b), load voltage 𝑉𝑜
equation is given by
𝑉𝑆 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑇𝑜𝑛
𝑉𝑜 (𝑡) = {0 𝑇𝑜𝑛 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
where 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = on-time; 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 = off-time and 𝑇 = 𝑇𝑜𝑛 + 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 = chopping period
𝑇𝑜𝑛
𝛼= 𝑇
= duty cycle
Fig. 2. (a) Chopper circuit
𝒊𝒐
Fig. 2. (b) output voltage and current waveforms.
Average output voltage,

1 𝑇
𝑉𝑜 = ∫ 𝑉 𝑑𝑡
𝑇 0 𝑜
1 𝑇 𝑇
𝑉𝑜 = 𝑇 [∫0 𝑜𝑛 𝑉𝑜 𝑑𝑡 + ∫0 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑉𝑜 𝑑𝑡]
1 𝑇 𝑇
𝑉𝑜 = 𝑇 [∫0 𝑜𝑛 𝑉𝑆 𝑑𝑡 + ∫0 𝑜𝑓𝑓 0 𝑑𝑡]
1 𝑇 𝑉𝑆 𝑇𝑜𝑛
𝑉𝑜 = 𝑇 [𝑉𝑆 ]0𝑜𝑛 = 𝑇
= 𝛼𝑉𝑆
Thus, load voltage can be controlled by varying duty cycle α. Equation above shows that load voltage
is independent of load current. Equation above can also be written as
𝑉𝑆 𝑇𝑜𝑛
𝑉𝑜 = = 𝑓𝑇𝑜𝑛 𝑉𝑆
𝑇
1
where 𝑓 = = chopping frequency.
𝑇
As average output voltage 𝑉𝑜 is less than the input voltage 𝑉𝑆 , i.e. 𝑉𝑜 ≤ 𝑉𝑆 ; this configuration is
therefore called step-down chopper.
Parameter Calculation:
For the basic step down dc converter of Fig. 2 (a), express the following variables as functions of 𝑉𝑆 , R
and duty cycle α in case load is resistive.
(a) Average output voltage and current:

The load voltage variation is shown in Fig. 2 (b). For a resistive load, output or load current waveform
is similar to load voltage waveform.
𝑉𝑆 𝑇𝑜𝑛
𝑉𝑜 = = 𝛼𝑉𝑆
𝑇
Average output current,
𝑉𝑜 𝛼𝑉𝑆
𝐼𝑜 = =
𝑅 𝑅
(b) Output current of the instant of commutation:
The output current is commutated by the thyristor at the instant 𝑡 = 𝑇𝑜𝑛 . Therefore, output current
𝑉𝑆
at the instant of commutation is .
𝑅
(c) Average and rms freewheeling diode currents:

For a resistive load, freewheeling diode FD does not come into play. Therefore, average and rms values
of freewheeling diode currents are zero.
(d) Rms value of the output voltage:

𝑇𝑜𝑛 2 1⁄2
Rms value of output voltage = [ 𝑉 ]
𝑇 𝑆
= √𝛼𝑉𝑆
(e) RMS and average thyristor currents Effective input resistance of the chopper.
Average thyristor current,
𝑇𝑜𝑛 𝑉𝑆 𝑉𝑆
= . =𝛼
𝑇 𝑅 𝑅
Rms thyristor current
1⁄
𝑇𝑜𝑛 𝑉𝑆 2 2
𝑉𝑆
=[ .( ) ] = √𝛼
𝑇 𝑅 𝑅
(f) Effective input resistance of the chopper:

𝑉𝑆
Average source current = average thyristor current = 𝛼 𝑅
Effective input resistance of the chopper
dc source voltage 𝑉𝑆 𝑅
= = =
average source current 𝛼 𝑉𝑆 𝛼
𝑅
Step Up chopper (Boost converter)

As average output voltage 𝑉𝑜 is greater than the input voltage 𝑉𝑆 , i.e. 𝑉𝑜 ≥ 𝑉𝑆 ; this configuration is
therefore called step-up chopper.
Working Principle:
In this chopper, a large inductor 𝐿 in series with source voltage 𝑉𝑆 is essential as shown in Fig. 3 (a).
When the chopper CH is on, the closed current path is passing through CH and inductor stores energy
during 𝑇𝑜𝑛 period. When the chopper CH is off, as the inductor current cannot die down
instantaneously, this current is forced to flow through the diode and load for a time 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 . As the
current tends to decrease, polarity of the emf induced in 𝐿 is reversed. As a result, voltage across the
load, given by off 𝑉0 = 𝑉𝑆 + 𝐿 (𝑑𝑖/𝑑𝑡), exceeds the source voltage 𝑉𝑆 . In this manner, the circuit of
Fig. 3 (a) acts as a step-up chopper and the energy stored in L is released to the load.
𝑖𝑆
Fig. 3 (a) Step-up chopper
Fig. 3 (b) voltage and current waveforms.

When CH is on, current through the inductance L would increase from 𝐼1 to 𝐼2 , as shown in Fig. 3 (b).
When CH is off, current would fall from 𝐼2 to 𝐼1 . With CH on, source voltage is applied to 𝐿 i.e. 𝑣𝐿 =
𝑉𝑆 . When CH is off, KVL for gives 𝑣𝐿 − 𝑉𝑜 + 𝑉𝑆 = 0 or 𝑣𝐿 = 𝑉𝑜 − 𝑉𝑆 . Here 𝑣𝐿 = voltage across 𝐿.
Variation of source voltage 𝑣𝑆 , source current 𝑖𝑠 , load voltage 𝑣𝑜 and load current 𝑖𝑜 , is sketched in
Fig. 3 (b). Assuming linear variation of output current, the energy input to inductor from the source,
during the period 𝑇𝑜𝑛 is
𝑊𝑖𝑛 = (𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝐿) × (𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝐿) × 𝑇𝑜𝑛
𝐼1 + 𝐼2
= 𝑉𝑆 × ( ) × 𝑇𝑜𝑛
2
During the time 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 when chopper is off, the energy released by inductor to the load is
𝑊𝑜𝑓𝑓 = (𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝐿) × (𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝐿) × 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
𝐼1 + 𝐼2
= (𝑉𝑜 − 𝑉𝑆 ) × ( ) × 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
2
Considering the system to be lossless, these two energies given by above two equations
𝐼1 + 𝐼2 𝐼1 + 𝐼2
∴ 𝑉𝑆 × ( ) × 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = (𝑉𝑜 − 𝑉𝑆 ) × ( ) × 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
2 2
𝑉𝑆 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = 𝑉𝑜 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 − 𝑉𝑆 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
𝑉𝑜 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 𝑉𝑆 (𝑇𝑜𝑛 + 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 ) = 𝑉𝑆 . 𝑇
𝑇 𝑇 1 1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑉𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 . = 𝑉𝑆 . = 𝑉𝑆 . = 𝑉𝑆 .
𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑇 − 𝑇𝑜𝑛 𝑇 1−𝛼
1 − 𝑜𝑛⁄𝑇
It is seen from above equation that average voltage across the load can be stepped up by varying the
duty cycle. If chopper of Fig. 3 (a) is always off, 𝛼 = 0 and 𝑉𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 . If this chopper is always on, 𝛼 = 1
and 𝑉𝑜 = ∞(infinity). In practice, chopper is turned on and off so that α is variable and the required
step-up average output voltage, more than source voltage, is obtained.
Step Up/Down Chopper (Buck-boost converter):

Circuit configurations for step-up and step-down choppers are different from each other. There is,
however, one circuit topology that can operate in both step-up and step-down modes as its duty cycle
is varied continuously from zero to unity. Fig. 4 (a) shows power circuit diagram of a step-up/step-
down chopper. It consists of de voltage source 𝑉𝑆 , chopper switch CH, inductor 𝐿, diode 𝐷, capacitor
𝐶 and load. The function of 𝐿 is to store energy and release it when required. The capacitor 𝐶 tends
to maintain load voltage constant.
Fig. 4 (a) Step-up/step-down chopper
Fig. 4 (b) relevant current waveforms.
It would be observed from Fig. 4 (a) that load voltage polarity is opposite to source voltage polarity.
Current waveform for this chopper is shown to vary linearly in Fig. 4 (b).
When chopper CH is on, current flows from source 𝑉𝑆 , to 𝐶𝐻, 𝐿 and back to 𝑉𝑆 . During the on period
𝑇𝑜𝑛 of chopper, current through 𝐿 rises from 𝐼1 to 𝐼2 and 𝑉𝑆 appears across 𝐿. Energy stored in inductor
during 𝑇𝑜𝑛 ,
𝐼1 + 𝐼2
∴ 𝑊𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑆 × ( ) × 𝑇𝑜𝑛
2
When chopper CH is turned off, inductor current tends to decrease. As a consequence, polarity of the
emf induced in inductor L gets reversed as shown in Fig. 4 (a). Emf induced in 𝐿 forward biases diode
𝐷 and as a result, inductor stored energy now discharges through the path load, diode 𝐷 and 𝐿 during
the time chopper CH is off. Energy released by inductor during 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 ,
𝐼1 + 𝐼2
∴ 𝑊𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 𝑉𝑜 × ( ) × 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
2
Assuming the system to be lossless, the energy balance equation, from above equations gives
Energy input, 𝑊𝑖𝑛 = 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡, 𝑊𝑜𝑓𝑓
𝐼1 + 𝐼2 𝐼1 + 𝐼2
∴ 𝑉𝑆 × ( ) × 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = 𝑉𝑜 × ( ) × 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
2 2
𝑉𝑆 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = 𝑉𝑜 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
𝑇𝑜𝑛 𝑇𝑜𝑛
𝑉𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 = 𝑉𝑆 .
𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑇 − 𝑇𝑜𝑛
1 1 𝛼
𝑜𝑟, 𝑉𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 . = 𝑉𝑆 . = 𝑉𝑆 .
𝑇⁄ 1⁄ − 1 1−𝛼
𝑇𝑜𝑛 − 1 𝛼
For ∝= 0.5, 𝑉𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 . For 0 < ∝< 0.5, 𝑉𝑜 < 𝑉𝑆 ; therefore for 0 < ∝< 0.5, circuit of Fig. 4 (a) works as
a step down chopper; for 0.5 < ∝ < 1, it operates as a step-up chopper.
TYPES OF CHOPPER CIRCUITS
Power semiconductor devices used in chopper circuits are unidirectional devices; polarities of output
voltage 𝑉𝑜 and the direction of output current 𝐼𝑜 are, therefore, restricted. A chopper can, however,
operate in any of the four quadrants by an appropriate arrangement of semiconductor devices. This
characteristic of their operation in any of the four quadrants forms the basis of their classification as
type-A chopper, type-B chopper etc. Some authors describe this chopper classification as class A, class
B. in place of type-A, type-B.... respectively.
In the chopper-circuit configurations drawn henceforth, the current directions and voltage polarities
marked in the power circuit would be treated as positive. In case current directions and voltage
polarities turn out to be opposite to those shown in the circuit, these currents and voltages must be
treated as negative.
First-quadrant, or Type-A Chopper or Class A Chopper
(a) (b)
Fig. 5. First-quadrant, or type-A chopper.
This type of chopper is shown in Fig. 5 (a). It is observed that chopper circuit of Fig. 2 (a) is also type-
A chopper. In Fig. 5 (a), when chopper CH1 is on, 𝑣𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 and current 𝑖𝑜 flows in the arrow direction
shown. When CH1 is off, 𝑣𝑜 = 0 but 𝑖𝑜 in the load continues flowing in the same direction through
freewheeling diode 𝐹𝐷, Fig. 2 (b). It is thus seen that average values of both load voltage and current,
i.e. 𝑉𝑜 and 𝐼𝑜 are always positive: this fact is shown by the hatched area in the first quadrant of 𝑉𝑜 − 𝐼𝑜
plane in Fig. 5 (b).
The power flow in type-A chopper is always from source to load. This chopper is also called step-down
chopper as average output voltage 𝑉𝑜 is always less than the input dc voltage 𝑉𝑆 .
Fig. 5(c) Output voltage and current waveforms of type A chopper
Second-quadrant, or Type-B Chopper or Class B

Power circuit for this type of chopper is shown in Fig. 6 (a). Note that load must contain a dc source E,
like a battery (or a dc motor) in this chopper.
When CH2 is on, 𝑣𝑜 = 0 but load voltage E drives current through L and CH2. Inductance L stores
𝑑𝑖
energy during 𝑇𝑜𝑛 (= on period) of CH2. When CH2 is off, 𝑣𝑜 = (𝐸 + 𝐿 𝑑𝑡
) exceeds source voltage V.
As a result, diode D2 is forward biased and begins conduction, thus allowing power to flow to the
source. Chopper CH2 may be on or off, current 𝐼𝑜 flows out of the load, current 𝑖𝑜 is therefore treated
as negative. Since 𝑉𝑜 is always positive and 𝐼𝑜 is negative, power flow is always from load to source.
𝑑𝑖
As load voltage 𝑉𝑜 = (𝐸 + 𝐿 ) is more than source voltage 𝑉𝑆 , type-B chopper is also called step-up
𝑑𝑡
chopper.
(a) (b)
Fig. 6 Second-quadrant, or type-B, chopper.
Both type-A and type-B chopper configurations have a common negative terminal between their input
and output circuits.
Fig. 6(c) Output voltage and current waveforms of type B chopper
Two-quadrant type-A chopper, or Type-C Chopper or Class C Chopper

This type of chopper is obtained by connecting type-A and type-B choppers in parallel as shown in Fig.
7 (a). The output voltage 𝑉𝑜 is always positive because of the presence of freewheeling diode FD across
the load. When chopper CH2 is on, or freewheeling diode FD conducts, output voltage 𝑣𝑜 = 0 and in
case chopper CH1 is on or diode D2 conducts, output voltage 𝑣𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 . The load current 𝑖𝑜 can, however,
reverse its direction. Current 𝑖𝑜 flows in the arrow direction marked in Fig. 7 (a), i.e. load current is
positive when CH1 is on or FD conducts. Load current is negative if CH2 is on or D2 conducts. In other
words, CH1 and FD operate together as type-A chopper in first quadrant. Likewise, CH2 and D2 operate
together as type-B chopper in second quadrant.
D2
𝑉𝑆
FD
(a) (b)
Fig. 7 Two-quadrant type-A chopper, or type-C chopper.

Average load voltage is always positive but average load current may be positive or negative as
explained above. Therefore, power flow may be from source to load (first quadrant operation) or from
load to source (second-quadrant operation). Choppers CH1 and CH2 should not be on simultaneously
as this would lead to a direct short circuit on the supply lines This type of chopper configuration is
used for motoring and regenerative braking of dc motors. The operating region of this type of chopper
is shown in Fig. 7 (b) by hatched area in first and second quadrants.
When D2 conducts or CH1 is on, load voltage 𝑣𝑜 is equal to 𝑉𝑆 during 𝑇𝑜𝑛 . When CH2 is on or FD
conducts, 𝑣𝑜 = 0 during 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 . The output voltage waveform 𝑣𝑜 is sketched as 𝑉𝑆 during 𝑇𝑜𝑛 and zero
during 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 in Fig. 8. Load current 𝑖𝑜 is assumed negative at 𝑡 = 0. It changes from negative to positive
value during 𝑇𝑜𝑛 and from positive to negative value during 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 as shown in Fig 8.
D2 FD D2 FD
Fig. 8. Waveforms for type-C chopper

When 𝑣𝑜 is positive and 𝑖𝑜 is negative, reference to Fig. 7 (a) shows that D2 conducts; when both are
positive, CH1 conducts. With 𝑣𝑜 = 0 and 𝑖𝑜 positive, FD conducts and further with 𝑣𝑜 = 0 and 𝑖𝑜
negative, CH2 conducts. Source current 𝑖𝑆 with periodicity 𝑇, exists when CH1, D2 conduct and 𝑖𝑆 = 0
when CH2, FD conducts, this is shown in Fig. 8.
It is seen from the waveforms that average value of both 𝑣𝑜 , 𝑖𝑜 are positive. Therefore, power flows
from source to load, hence type-C chopper operates in first quadrant. In case second quadrant
operation of type-C chopper is required, average value 𝑣𝑜 should be positive but that of 𝑖𝑜 must be
negative.
In Fig. 7 (a), if load current is assumed positive and continuous, then CH1 would conduct during 𝑇𝑜𝑛
and FD during 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 . This would result in first quadrant operation of type-C chopper. Chopper CH2 and
D2 would, however, remain idle under the assumption of positive load current.
Two-quadrant Type-B Chopper, or Type-D Chopper or Class D Chopper

The power circuit diagram for two-quadrant type-B chopper, or type-D chopper, is shown in Fig. 9 (a).
The output voltage 𝑣𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 , when both CH1 and CH2 are on and 𝑣𝑜 = −𝑉𝑆 when both choppers are
off but both diodes D1 and D2 conduct. Average output voltage 𝑉𝑜 is positive when choppers turn-on
time 𝑇𝑜𝑛 is more than their turn-off time 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 as shown in Fig. 9 (c). The direction of load current is
always positive, Fig. 9 (c), because choppers and diodes can conduct current only in the direction of
arrows shown in Fig. 9 (a). Waveform of source current 𝑖𝑆 and chopper current 𝑖𝐶𝐻1 or 𝑖𝐶𝐻2 are also
sketched in Fig. 9 (c).
Fig. 9 (a) and (b) Two-quadrant type-B chopper, or type-D chopper (c) waveforms for 𝑇𝑜𝑛 > 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 , 𝑉𝑜
is positive, first quadrant operation and (d) waveforms for 𝑇𝑜𝑛 < 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 , 𝑉𝑜 is negative, fourth
quadrant operation.
As average values of both 𝑣𝑜 , 𝑖𝑜 are positive, chopper operation in first quadrant is obtained and
power flows from source to load:
Various waveforms for 𝑇𝑜𝑛 < 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 are also sketched in Fig. 9 (d). It is seen that average value of 𝑣𝑜 is
negative, but that of 𝑖𝑜 is positive. Thus, fourth quadrant operation of type-D chopper is obtained and
power flows from load to source.
Average value of output voltage, from Fig. 9 (c) and (d) is
𝑉𝑆 𝑇𝑜𝑛 − 𝑉𝑆 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑇𝑜𝑛 − 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
𝑉𝑜 = = 𝑉𝑆 .
𝑇 𝑇
(i) In case 𝑇𝑜𝑛 > 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 , 𝛼 > 0.5, 𝑉𝑜 is positive as in Fig. 9 (b) and (c).
(ii) In In case 𝑇𝑜𝑛 < 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 , 𝛼 < 0.5, 𝑉𝑜 is negative as in Fig. 9 (b) and (d).
(iii) In case 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 , 𝛼 = 0.5, 𝑉𝑜 = 0, Fig. 9 (b).
Four-quadrant Chopper, or Type-E Chopper or Class E Chopper
The power circuit diagram for a four-quadrant chopper is shown in Fig. 10 (a). It consists of four
semiconductor switches CH1 to CH4 and four diodes D1 to D4 in antiparallel. Numbering of choppers
CHI, CH4 corresponds to their respective quadrant operation. For example, for first quadrant
operation, only CH1 is operated; for second quadrant operation, only CH2 is operated and so on.
Working of this chopper in the four quadrants is explained as under:
First quadrant: For first-quadrant operation of Fig. 10 (a), CH4 is kept on. CH3, CH2 are kept off and
CH1 is operated. With CH1, CH4 on, load voltage 𝑣𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 (source voltage) and load current 𝑖𝑜 begins
to flow. Here both 𝑣𝑜 , 𝑖𝑜 are positive giving first quadrant operation. When CH1 is turned off, positive
current freewheels through CH4, D2. In this manner, both 𝑉𝑜 , 𝐼𝑜 can be controlled in the first quadrant.
Note down that type-E chopper operates as a step-down chopper in this quadrant.
Second quadrant: Here CH2 is operated and CH1, CH3 and CH4 are kept off. With CH2 on, reverse (or
negative) current flows through L, CH2, D4 and E. Inductance L stores energy during the time CH2 is
on. When CH2 is turned off, current is fed back to source through diodes D1, D4. Note that here
𝑑𝑖
(𝐸 + 𝐿 𝑑𝑡) is more than the source voltage 𝑉𝑆 . As load voltage 𝑉𝑜 is positive and 𝐼𝑜 is negative, it is
second quadrant operation of chopper. Also, power is fed back from load to source. For second
quadrant operation, load must contain emf E as shown in Fig. 10 (a). In second quadrant, configuration
operates as a step-up chopper.
Fig. 10 Four-quadrant, or Type-E chopper circuit diagram with (a) load emf E and (b) load emf E
reversed.
Third quadrant: For third quadrant operation, CH1 is kept off, CH2 is kept on and CH3 is operated.
Polarity of load emf E must be reversed for this quadrant working; this is shown in Fig. 10 (b). When
CH3 is on, load gets connected to source 𝑉𝑆 so that both 𝑣𝑜 , 𝑖𝑜 are negative leading to third-quadrant
operation. When CH3 is turned-off, negative current freewheels through CH2, D4. In this manner 𝑣𝑜 ,
𝑖𝑜 can be controlled in the third quadrant. Here chopper operates as a step-down chopper.
𝑉𝑜
1 chopper on step-up chopper 2 choppers on step-down chopper
CH2 operated CH1 operated
CH2-D4: L stores energy CH1-CH4 on
CH2-off: then D1-D4 conduct CH1-off: then CH4-D2 conduct
−𝐼𝑜 𝐼𝑜
2 choppers on step-down chopper 1 chopper on step-up chopper
CH3-operated CH4 operated
CH3-CH2: on CH4-D2: L stores energy
CH3-off: then CH2-D4 conduct CH4-off: then D2, D3 conduct
E reversed E reversed
−𝑉𝑜
Fig. 10 (c) Type-E chopper; operation of various devices in the four quadrants.
Fourth quadrant: Here CH4 is operated and other devices are kept off. Load emf E has its polarity as
shown in Fig. 10 (b) for its operation in the fourth quadrant. With CH4 on, positive current flows
through CH4, D2, L and E. Inductance L stores energy during the time CH4 is on. When CH4 is turned
off, current is fed back to source through diodes D2, D3. Here load voltage is negative, but load current
is positive leading to the chopper operation in the fourth quadrant. Also, power is fed back from load
to source. Here chopper operates as a step-up chopper.
The devices conducting in the four quadrants are indicated in Fig. 10 (c).
Jones chopper:
Jones chopper is a thyristor-based chopper. That means an SCR is used as a chopper switch. When an
SCR is operated on the DC power supply it cannot turn off naturally. So, we have to include a circuit
called commutation circuit to turn off the conducting SCR.
Circuit diagram:
The circuit diagram for Jones chopper is as shown in Fig. 11. This chopper circuit uses a class D type
commutation. SCR1 is main SCR and SCR2 is an auxiliary SCR.
The special features of this circuit is the tapped autotransformer T. The coils L1 and L2 are closely
coupled coils and they ensure that the capacitor C always gets sufficient energy to turn off efficiency.
The main thyristor SCR1 is the load carrying thyristor whereas the job of the auxiliary thyristor SCR2 is
only to turn off the main thyristor. SCR2 is a small SCR because it is not expected to carry the load
current.
The commutation circuit consist of the capacitor C, SCR2, D1 and the auto transformer.
Fig. 11(a) Jones Chopper

Operation:
The operation of this circuit can be divided into six intervals as follows:
Let the initial voltage on the capacitor be V volts with its upper plate positive with respect to the lower
plate as shown in fig. 11(a).
The load is RL type of load and we assume that the load current is continuous and ripple-free current.
Such a load is called as level load. Diode D2 is connected across the load and it operates as a
freewheeling diode.
Interval I (t0 - t1):
Refer waveform of fig. 11 (b) to understand the operation.
SCR1 is triggered at t = t0. The current through it is the sum of load current Io and the sinusoidal
discharge current of capacitor C. Capacitor discharge through SCR1, L1 and D1. At the end of this mode
voltage on C reverses its polarities, Ic = 0 and the voltage on C is held by hold off diode D1. That means
D1 is reverse biased and does not allow the capacitor to discharge in the opposite direction. The
equivalent circuit for interval is shown in fig. 11 (b). The SCR1 current is Is1 = Io + Ic.
Interval II (t1 - t2):
During this interval, the capacitor holds its charge, since there is no path for this capacitor to discharge.
Hence voltage on C is equal to - V volts and remains constant. SCR1 continues to conduct and the
current through it is equal to the load current Io. The load voltage continues to be equal to positive
Volts. The equivalent circuit for this interval is shown in fig. 11 (c).
Interval III (t2 - t4):
SCR2 is triggered at t = t2, this will connect the commutating capacitor C across SCR1. SCR1 is turned
OFF due to reverse voltage across it. The load current is taken up by SCR2, and the capacitor C starts
charging through SCR2, L2 and load, towards a positive voltage.
The current flowing through L2 will store energy in it. The charging current of C gradually reduces, but
as the load is inductive, the freewheeling diode will come into conduction and will keep load current
constant.
At the end of this interval, the voltage on C is higher than V and positive, Ic = 0 and the freewheeling
diode D2 starts conducting the entire loas current I0 and SCR2 is turned OFF due to natural
commutation. The equivalent circuit for this interval is shown in fig. 11(d).
Fig. 11 (b) Equivalent Circuit for interval (t0 - t1) Fig. 11 (c) Equivalent Circuit for interval (t1 – t2)
Fig. 11 (d) Equivalent Circuit for interval (t2 – t4) Fig. 11 (e) Equivalent Circuit for interval (t4 – t5)
Interval IV (t4 – t5):

Due to the higher voltage on C, it discharges through the input DC supply V, D2, L2, L1 and D1 back to
the negative plate of the capacitor. The energy stored by L2 is returned to the capacitor C.
As soon as the voltage on the capacitor equals the input voltage V, the discharge current reduces to
zero. The freewheeling continues through D2. If the D1 is replaced by an SCR then capacitor discharge
through the input supply will not take place. The equivalent circuit for this interval is shown in fig.
11(e).
Interval V (t5 – t6):

During this interval, all the devices except the freewheeling diode D2 are in their off state. So capacitor
remains charged to + V volts and only activity taking place is the freewheeling.
The waveforms of the Jones chopper are as shown in fig. 11(f).
Fig. 11(f) Waveforms of the Jones chopper
Related numerical problems

Example 1. For Step down chopper, dc source voltage = 230 V, load resistance = 10 Ω. Take a voltage
drop of 2 V across chopper when it is on. For a duty cycle of 0.4, calculate: (a) average and rms values
of output voltage and (b) Chopper efficiency.
Solution. (a) When chopper is on, output voltage is (𝑉𝑆 − 2) volts and during the time chopper is off,
output voltage is zero.
(𝑉𝑆 −2)𝑇𝑜𝑛
∴ Average output voltage = = 𝛼(𝑉𝑆 − 2) = 0.4(230 − 2) = 91.2 𝑉
𝑇
Rms value of output voltage,
1⁄2
𝑇𝑜𝑛
𝑉𝑜𝑟 = [ (𝑉𝑆 − 2)2 ] = √𝛼(𝑉𝑆 − 2) = √0.4(230 − 2) = 144.2 𝑉
𝑇
(b) Power output or power delivered to load,
2 (144.2)2
𝑉𝑜𝑟
𝑃𝑜 = = = 2079.364 𝑊
𝑅 10
91.2
Power input to chopper, 𝑃𝑖 = 𝑉𝑆 . 𝐼𝑜 = 230 × 10 = 2097.6 𝑊
𝑃𝑜 2079.364
Chopper efficiency = 𝑃𝑖
= 2097.6
× 100 = 99.13%
Example 2. A step-up chopper has input voltage of 220 V and output voltage of 660 V. If the conducting
time of thyristor chopper is 100 µs, compute the pulse width of output voltage.
In case output voltage pulse width is halved for constant frequency operation, find the average value
of new output voltage.
Solution.
From Average voltage equation of step up chopper,
1
𝑉𝑜 = 𝑉𝑆 .
1−𝛼
1
660 = 220.
1−𝛼
2 𝑇
or, 𝛼 = 3 = 𝑜𝑛𝑇
2
It is seen from Fig. 3 (b) that conducting time of chopper is 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = 3 𝑇 = 100 𝜇𝑠.
This gives chopping period 𝑇 = 100 × 3/2 = 150 𝜇𝑠.
So, Pulse width of output voltage = 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 𝑇 − 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = 150 − 100 𝜇𝑠 = 50 𝜇𝑠.
50
When pulse width of output voltage is halved, 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 2
= 25 𝜇𝑠.
For constant frequency operation, 𝑇 = 150 𝜇𝑠, 𝑇𝑜𝑛 = 𝑇 − 𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 = 150 − 25 = 125 𝜇𝑠
𝑇𝑜𝑛 125 5
𝛼= = =
𝑇 150 6
1
Average value of new output voltage, 𝑉𝑜 = 220 × 5 = 220 × 6 = 1320 𝑉
1−
6
Example 3. A type-A chopper has input dc voltage of 200 V and a load of 𝑅 = 10 Ω in series with 𝐿 =
𝑇
80 𝑚𝐻. If load current varies linearly between 12 A and 16 A. find the time ratio 𝑇 𝑜𝑛 for this chopper.
𝑜𝑓𝑓
𝐼1 +𝐼2 12+16
Solution: Average load current, 𝐼𝑜 = 2
= 2
= 14 𝐴
Average load voltage, 𝑉𝑜 = 𝐼𝑜 𝑅 = 14 × 10 = 140 𝑉.
But 𝑉𝑜 = 𝛼 × 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑉𝑆
𝑇𝑜𝑛 𝑉 140
∴ Duty cycle 𝛼=𝑇 = 𝑉𝑜 = 200 = 0.7
𝑜𝑛 +𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑆
Or, 0.3𝑇𝑜𝑛 = 0.7𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
𝑇𝑜𝑛 0.7
𝑇𝑜𝑓𝑓
= 0.3 = 2.3333

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DC Chopper

Step Down Chopper (Buck converter)

Fig. 2. (a) Chopper circuit

Fig. 2. (b) output voltage and current waveforms.

Average output voltage,

(a) Average output voltage and current:

(c) Average and rms freewheeling diode currents:

(d) Rms value of the output voltage:

(f) Effective input resistance of the chopper:

Step Up chopper (Boost converter)

Fig. 3 (a) Step-up chopper

Fig. 3 (b) voltage and current waveforms.

Step Up/Down Chopper (Buck-boost converter):

Fig. 4 (a) Step-up/step-down chopper

Fig. 4 (b) relevant current waveforms.

TYPES OF CHOPPER CIRCUITS

First-quadrant, or Type-A Chopper or Class A Chopper

Fig. 5(c) Output voltage and current waveforms of type A chopper

Second-quadrant, or Type-B Chopper or Class B

Fig. 6(c) Output voltage and current waveforms of type B chopper

Two-quadrant type-A chopper, or Type-C Chopper or Class C Chopper

Fig. 7 Two-quadrant type-A chopper, or type-C chopper.

Fig. 8. Waveforms for type-C chopper

Two-quadrant Type-B Chopper, or Type-D Chopper or Class D Chopper

Four-quadrant Chopper, or Type-E Chopper or Class E Chopper

Fig. 11(a) Jones Chopper

Interval IV (t4 – t5):

Interval V (t5 – t6):

Fig. 11(f) Waveforms of the Jones chopper

Related numerical problems

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