P O W E R E L E C T R O N I C S T E C H N O L O G Y
TECHNOLOGY
Chopper Technology® | 4/8 |
What
Is Chopper Technology?
Lincoln Electric’s Chopper Technology is the simplest form of high frequency power conversion. A chopper is composed of a transistor switch and a diode. DC input power is “chopped” to a lower output voltage, and a choke is placed in the path of the output to smooth current variation.
Choppers were developed for engine driven welders to offer the same control over the welding arc as the inverter machines. This allows more consistent arc performance across product lines. Choppers are ideal for the customer searching for an inexpensive option for low cost, high quality arc performance.
Chopper Technology®
Vantage® Series
Power MIG® 350MP
Chopper Board
Chopper Technology is showcased in Lincoln’s Vantage, Ranger,
Ranger® 250 & 305D
How
Chopper Technology Works
When the transistor switch | When the switch is |
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is open, current stored in | closed, current is |
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the inductor sustains | applied through the | Inductor |
current in the arc. | inductor to the arc. |
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Incoming AC power is 
converted to
direct current (DC)
by a full wave
rectifier.
DC voltage is applied through a | The repetition of this |
solid state switch, which | cycle of switch |
controls the welding arc by | closure is at least |
opening and closing, regulating | 20 kHz, which allows |
the amount of current that is | fast control of the arc. |
applied to the arc. |
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T h e | f u t u r e | o f | w e l d i n g | i s | h e r e . ® |
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