Lincoln Electric Welding Inverter and Chopper - Manual (Page 4)

TECHNOLOGY
4/8
Chopper Technology ®
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
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.
What
Is Chopper Technology?
How
Chopper Technology Works
Chopper Technology ®
T h e f u t u r e o f w e l d i n g i s h e r e . ®
Incoming AC
power is
converted to
direct current (DC)
by a full wave
rectifier.
DC voltage is applied through a
solid state switch, which
controls the welding arc by
opening and closing, regulating
the amount of current that is
applied to the arc.
When the switch is
closed, current is
applied through the
inductor to the arc.
When the transistor switch
is open, current stored in
the inductor sustains
current in the arc.
The repetition of this
cycle of switch
closure is at least
20 kHz, which allows
fast control of the arc.
Vantage ® Series
Ranger ® 250 & 305D
Chopper Board
Power MIG ® 350MP
Multi-Weld ®
Chopper Technology is
showcased in Lincoln’s
Vantage, Ranger, Multi-Weld
and Power MIG 350MP
Inductor