Black & Decker CP120XB HOW the Power to GO Works, Power to GO Inverter Output Waveform

HOW THE POWER TO GO® WORKS

The POWER TO GO® is a power inverter with built-in batteries. A power inverter is an electronic device that converts low voltage DC (direct current) electricity from a battery to 115 volt AC (alternating current) household power. In designing this inverter, Black & Decker® has incorporated design techniques previously employed in computer power supplies. The result of these design innovations is a smaller, lighter and easier-to-use power inverter.

The POWER TO GO® Inverter converts power in two stages. The first stage is a DC-to-DC conversion process that raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input to 145 volts DC. The second stage is a MOSFET bridge stage that converts the high voltage DC into 115 volts, 60 Hz AC.

The DC-to-DC converter stage uses creative, high frequency, zero voltage switching power conversion techniques that replace the bulky transformers found in less technologically advanced models. The inverter stage uses advanced power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration.

POWER TO GO® Inverter Output Waveform

The AC output waveform of this inverter is known as a modified sine wave. It is a stepped waveform that has characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. This type of waveform is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power supplies used in electronic equipment, transformers, and small motors.

The modified sine wave produced by this inverter has an RMS (root mean square) voltage of 115 volts. Most AC voltmeters (both digital and analog) are sensitive to the average value of the waveform rather than the RMS value. They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption that the waveform measured will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not correctly read the RMS voltage of a modified sine wave. Non-TRUE RMS meters will read about 20 to 30 volts low when measuring the output of this inverter. For accurate measurement of the output voltage of this unit, use a TRUE RMS reading voltmeter such as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8080A, Beckman 4410 or Triplett 4200.

115 Volt AC Output

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF PROPERTY DAMAGE:

•Certain rechargeable devices are designed to be charged by plugging them directly into an AC receptacle. These devices may damage the inverter or the charging circuit.

•When using a rechargeable device, monitor its temperature for the initial ten minutes of use to determine if it produces excessive heat. If excessive heat is produced, this indicates the device should not be used with this inverter.

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