Project Proposal

Variable Audio Frequency Oscillator

Linear Circuit Analysis (EE1001)

Name: Umar Draz , Umar Farooq, Abdullah

Section: BS Electrical Engineering 2-A
Roll No: 23F-6015, 23-6009, 23F-6070

Submitted to: Professor Hiba Imtiaz


Introduction to AC to DC Converter
Our world relies on electricity, but it comes in two flavors: AC and DC. While AC, the kind
delivered through wall outlets, constantly flips direction, many electronic devices need the
stability of DC. That's where AC to DC converters come in. These handy devices bridge the gap,
transforming the fluctuating AC current from your wall outlet into a smooth, direct current that
powers your electronics. From powering your laptop to charging your phone, AC to DC
converters are essential for keeping our devices running.

Definition

Though unseen, AC to DC converters are essential for our tech world. They act as tiny power
translators, taking the constantly reversing current from outlets (AC) and converting it into the
smooth, one-way flow (DC) needed by laptops, phones, and many other devices.

Functionality

An AC to DC converter is an electronic device that acts as a bridge between the type of

electricity delivered through wall outlets (AC) and the type needed by most electronics (DC).
Here's a breakdown of its functionality:

1. Transformation: AC constantly reverses direction, whereas DC maintains a steady flow

in one direction. The converter reduces the incoming AC voltage (often 120V or 220V)
to a safer level suitable for electronics.
2. Rectification: A component called a rectifier allows current to flow in only one
direction, transforming the AC voltage into pulsating DC. Imagine a choppy wave being
forced to move in one direction only.
3. Smoothing (Optional): The pulsating DC isn't ideal for electronics. The converter might
use capacitors to smooth out these fluctuations, resulting in a steadier DC output. Think
of it as calming the pulsating current into a steady stream.
4. Regulation (Optional): Some converters include a voltage regulator to ensure a precise
and consistent DC output voltage, further ensuring optimal performance for your devices.

Circuit Description
•down AC voltage (optional).

• Converts AC to pulsating DC using a rectifier.

• Smooths pulsating DC with a filter (optional).

• Regulates DC output voltage for stability (optional).

Circuit Diagram

Objectives

 Power Supplies: These are the most common applications. AC to variable DC converters
are found in power supplies for laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras, and many other
electronic devices. They convert the AC wall outlet voltage to the specific DC voltage required
by the device. The variable output allows for compatibility with a wider range of devices.

 Electronic Prototyping: During the development and testing of electronic circuits,

engineers often use variable DC power supplies to provide adjustable power to their prototypes.
This allows them to test the circuit's functionality under different voltage conditions.

 Battery Chargers: Some battery chargers, particularly for rechargeable batteries used in
power tools or hobby electronics, utilize AC to variable DC converters. The variable output
allows for charging batteries with different voltage requirements.
 LED Lighting Controls: LED lights often require a specific DC voltage to operate
properly. AC to variable DC converters can be used to adjust the voltage for dimming controls or
to power LED strips with specific voltage needs.

 Medical Equipment: Certain medical devices might require a variable DC power supply.
This allows for precise control of the power delivered for treatments or diagnostic procedures.

 Industrial Automation: Variable DC power supplies are used in some industrial settings
to control motors, adjust the speed of machinery, or power various sensors and control systems.
The ability to adjust the voltage allows for fine-tuning performance and efficiency.

Working
An AC to variable DC converter acts as a chameleon, transforming the ever-changing AC power
from your wall outlet into a smooth, adjustable DC current that your electronics crave. The
process happens in stages:

1. First, the converter might use a transformer to step down the high AC voltage (like 120V
or 220V) to a safer level suitable for electronics.
2. Then, a rectifier kicks in, acting like a one-way valve for electricity. It allows current to
flow in only one direction, transforming the wave-like AC into a pulsating DC current.
Imagine a choppy wave being forced to move in a single direction.
3. This pulsating DC isn't ideal, so the converter might use a capacitor to act like a reservoir.
It smooth’s out these fluctuations, resulting in a steadier DC output. Think of it as
calming the pulsating current into a steady stream.
4. Finally, the magic of adjustability comes into play. Some converters have a variable
resistor, like a volume knob for electricity. This allows you to fine-tune the output DC
voltage to the specific needs of your device.

With these steps, the AC to variable DC converter bridges the gap between the world of
fluctuating AC power and the steady DC world that keeps our electronics humming.

Conclusion
AC to variable DC converters are the silent workhorses of electronics. They transform
fluctuating AC power into the steady DC current our devices crave, enabling a vast array of
electronics to function. From powering laptops to dimming LEDs, these converters ensure our
electronics have the precise juice they need.