Digital semi-controlled rectifier using a microcontroller

Abstract

Controlled rectifiers are an important aspect in power electronics; they are used to modify the average DC voltage at the output. Their use is widespread and they hold an important role in speed control of motors. Traditional analog control for these rectifiers was not always accurate and some required complex designs. This paper presents a new low cost, high accuracy digital control method using a microcontroller. The microcontroller keeps track of the current AC half-wave and triggers the corresponding thyristors based on the desired time delay through the use of a potentiometer. Experimental tests showed a high accuracy and low response time in controlling the thyristor's firing angle. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.