Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 1

Chapter 18. DC-AC inverter

power > conversion > DC-AC inverter

A power inverter must not be confused with a logic inverter, which functions as a digital component in logic circuits to invert the state of a low-voltage DC input from high to low or low to high. Logic inverters are discussed in Volume 2.

Other related components

• AC-DC power supply (See Chapter 16)
• DC-DC converter (See Chapter 17)

What It Does

A power inverter is included here as counterpoint to a power supply or AC adapter, since it has the opposite function. The inverter receives an input of direct current (typically 12VDC from a car battery) and delivers an output of alternating current (AC) in the range 110VAC-120VAC or 220VAC-240VAC, suitable to power many low-wattage appliances ...