Inverter 12V DC to 120-230V DC with IC 555

This DC-to-AC inverter schematic produces an AC output at line frequency and voltage. The 555 is configured as a low-frequency oscillator, tunable over the frequency range of 50 to 60 Hz by Frequency potentiometer R4.

Inverter 12V DC to 120-230V DC with IC 555 circuit diagram

Parts List:
R1 = 10K
R2 = 100K
R3 = 100 ohm
R4 = 50K potmeter, Linear
C1,C2 = 0.1uF
C3 = 0.01uF
C4 = 2700uF
Q1 = TIP41A, NPN, or equivalent
Q2 = TIP42A, PNP, or equivalent
L1 = 1uH
T1 = Filament transformer, your choice


The 555 feeds its output (amplified by Q1 and Q2) to the input of transformer T1, a reverse-connected filament transformer with the necessary step-up turns ratio. Capacitor C4 and coil L1 filter the input to T1, assuring that it is effectively a sine wave. Adjust the value of T1 to your voltage.

The output (in watts) is up to you by selecting different components.

Input voltage is anywhere from +5V to +15Volt DC, adjust the 2700uF cap's working voltage accordingly.

Replacement types for Q1 are: TIP41B, TIP41C, NTE196, ECG196, etc. Replacement types for Q2 are: TIP42B, TIP42C, NTE197, ECG197, etc. Don't be afraid to use another type of similar specs, it's only a transistor... ;-)

5 comments:

  1. RanjithMarch 19, 2009 at 6:27 AM

    THANK YOU BOSE THIS HELPS ME IN RIGHT TIME
    PLS GATHER MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownDecember 26, 2009 at 8:22 AM

    I managed to make this circuit with exact components as shown in the circuit diagram except for using a 2200uF/16 V capacitor.

    The output is 4.5 to 5 V when with 12 VDC. When the capacitor is discharged and the circuit is resupplied a 12 VAC is obtained but drops to 60 VAC when a 4.5 V primary to 230 V T1 is connected.

    The required voltage of 230 VAC is not obtainable after trying different transformers. I had checked, rechecked and checked again but no satisfactory result so far.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 30, 2009 at 6:43 PM

    I had tried this circuit by Pspice and built on a breadboard but it doesn't work...anyone can help me...

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMarch 6, 2010 at 10:24 PM

    yep i tried it too and ditto i got about 65 volt ac with 12v dc applied. it'l be great if someone can help out because it's so simple to built.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 19, 2010 at 10:11 PM

    i also got 65vac and the transistors get very hot even with heat sinks already fried them when connected to an 11w compact fluorescent bulb

    ReplyDelete