Power Inverters Key Terms

Learn the meanings of power inverters key terms

A power inverter is a device that switches DC power to AC. These devices allow you to run AC powered electronics and other devices from battery power. With a power inverter, there is no panic when the electricity goes out because it acts as a battery-powered backup system. When shopping for power converters, there may be some terms you are unfamiliar with. Learn these power inverters key terms to help decipher all the specifications listed for power inverters.

Microprocessor

A microprocessor is a small computer chip that processes information and programs. Some power inverters are equipped with processors that control the mechanisms inside the inverter.

LED

An LED, or light-emitting diode, is a small semiconductor. LED lights are commonly used as indicator lights on inverter, because they use very little electricity.

EMI/RFI

EMI/RFI stands for electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. EMI/RFI is a disturbance in electrical currents caused by electromagnetic and radio frequencies. Many power inverters have electromagnetic and radio frequency interference protection.

PWM programming

PWM programming, or Pulse Width Modulation programming, is a type of programming used to add an amount of power by switching the on and off time of a periodic signal. Pulse Width Modulation programming is the most common programming used with power inverters.

Waveform

A waveform is the image of the shape of waves or currents as they move through various materials. Waveforms are used to measure amplitude versus time. There are four types of waveforms used with inverters: sine, square, triangle and sawtooth. These types of waveforms represent the shape of the form. For example, the triangle waveform resembles an isosceles triangle, and the square waveform looks like a square.
Tim Carmell. IWEBTOOL also provides details about waveforms.

Peak-to-average ratio (PAR)

Peak-to-average ratio (PAR), crest factor or peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is a measurement of waveform. The ratio is calculated by dividing the peak amplitude of the waveform by the RMS, or root mean square, of the waveform.

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