Xantrex RV Series Inverter/Charger Owner’s Manual

Theory of Inverter Operation

Waveform

The output waveform of the inverter is referred to as a modified sine wave. This waveform is suitable for a wide variety of applications—induction motors (such as in refrigerators and drill presses), resistive loads (such as heaters and toasters), universal motors (such as in hand tools and vacuum cleaners) as well as microwave ovens and computers.

Comparison of Output Waveforms

The waveform could be more accurately described as a pulse width modulated square wave. The illustration above shows the relationships between square wave, sine wave and modified sine wave formats.

Regulation

The inverter is RMS voltage regulated. RMS regulation ensures that resistive loads will always have the same amount of power delivered to them as battery voltage changes. Regulation is achieved by varying the width of each pulse. Peak voltage is the product of the battery voltage times the turns ratio of the inverter’s power transformer and is therefore not actively regulated.

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