What Is an Electronic Chopper?
An electronic chopper is a device designed to modulate voltage or current in DC circuits through the use of power semiconductor devices for switching.
Its functionality relies on three core principles: switching, PWM (pulse width modulation) control, and filtering. Rapidly toggling power semiconductors on and off produces a pulsed DC voltage. The PWM control adjusts the duration of these pulses to control the output, and filtering eliminates high-frequency elements to deliver a steady DC voltage.
Utilized extensively in sectors like rail transport, electric vehicles, and renewable energy (solar and wind power), electronic choppers play a crucial role in managing power for electric motors and heating elements among other industrial equipment. Their hallmark is the provision of high operational efficiency and energy savings over traditional power control techniques.