File:PWM, 3-level.png

Summary

A simplified example of pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltage supply to a magnetic circuit. The voltage (blue waveform) in a magnetic circuit is proportional to the rate of change of the flux density (red waveform). Therefore, by using PWM supply the resultant flux density can be controlled with relative ease. This method is commonly used for supplying electric motors, in which the torque is proportional to the flux density. As can be seen, with a series of appropriately modulated voltage impulses the resultant flux density can be modulated to be close to desired sinusoidal waveform. In the example shown (for 50 Hz), for clarity the switching frequency is 600 Hz, in real devices the switching frequency is much higher - even up to 10 kHz or higher. Of course, for higher fundamental frequency the switching frequencies would be even higher.

Licensing

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