As a student, how to make an inverter at home

May 9, 2025

Have you ever wondered how your work stops when the power goes out? Load shedding is a common problem in the world, and students are very worried about it. Research has said that one out of every three students is struck by lightning during an exam. So do you want a solution that is cheap and works? Today we will learn how you can make a simple inverter at home, which will make your study session uninterrupted. This project will not only enhance your practical skills but also give you a good experience in electronics.

What is an inverter and how does it work?

An inverter is a device that converts DC voltage to AC voltage. That is, when you have a 12V battery, the inverter converts that voltage into 220V AC, which is necessary to run your home appliances. Oscillators, transformers and power transistors are used in this process. The oscillator generates a square wave, which drives the transformer through the MOSFETs. The transformer then steps up the voltage. That way, you have a system that can run your devices even without electricity.

Project Planning: Are You Ready?

The first step of every successful project is planning. You have to decide what type of inverter you want to build. If you are a beginner, start with a square wave inverter. It is simple and can run basic devices. You also need to think about how much load your inverter will handle. If you are only thinking of using LED bulbs or a router, a 100W inverter will be sufficient. But if you’re planning to use a fan or laptop, you’ll need to build an inverter of 300W or more. In planning you also need to consider budget, time and available equipment.

Required Ingredients: Do you have all the ingredients?

To build an inverter you will need some specific components:

CD4047 IC: It is used for oscillator.
IRF3205 MOSFETs: This is needed for power up.
12V-0-12V transformer: Required for voltage step-up.
Capacitors یا Resistors: for filtering and timing.
The hat sinks.: To keep the MOSFETs cool.
PCB board or breadboard: For circuit assembly.
12V battery: For the power source.

These components will be easily available to you from local electronics market or online stores. Make sure all components are in working order.

Circuit Design: How will your inverter work?

The first step in circuit design is to create an oscillator circuit. Configure the CD4047 IC in stable mode so that it generates a square wave. This wave is then applied to the gate terminals of the MOSFETs. MOSFETs operate the primary winding of the transformer by alternating switching. The transformer then converts the alternating current into 220V AC. Consideration of proper grounding and heat dissipation is very important in circuit design. If you are designing a PCB, also pay attention to the width and spacing of the tracks.

Assembly Process: Step-by-Step Guide

For circuit assembly, first build a prototype on a breadboard. This will give you an opportunity to test the functionality of the circuit. First, place the CD4047 IC and connect the required resistors and capacitors to it. Then add the MOSFETs and heatsink with them. Connect the transformer to the circuit, making sure the wiring is correct. Double check all connections to make sure there are no short circuits. Once your prototype is successfully completed, you can do the final assembly on the PCB.

Testing: Is your inverter working properly?

Before testing, check the output voltage with a multimeter. If the output is around 220V AC, your inverter is working properly. Then connect a small load, such as an LED bulb, and see if it lights up correctly. If everything goes well, you can gradually do more load testing. It is very important to take care of safety during testing. Never touch bare wires and always use insulated equipment.

Safety precautions: How to protect yourself?

Safety is the most important factor when building an inverter. Always wear insulated gloves and safety goggles when working with high voltage circuits. When testing the circuit, follow the one-handed rule, that is, work with one hand and keep the other hand forward, so that the current path does not pass through the heart. Never touch the circuit with wet hands. If your inverter is overheating, immediately turn off the power and diagnose the problem. Ignoring safety measures can be very dangerous.

Troubleshooting: What if something goes wrong?

If your inverter is not working properly, check the connection first. Loose wires or improper soldering can cause problems. Check the voltage reading with a multimeter. If the output voltage does not occur, inspect the oscillator circuit. The CD4047 IC or MOSFETs may be faulty. Check components individually and replace faulty parts. Also check the wiring of the transformer, there should not be a short circuit anywhere. Patience and a systematic approach are essential in troubleshooting.

Upgrade: How to upgrade your inverter?

After building the basic inverter you can add some enhancements to it. such as:

LCD display: To display the output voltage and current.
Overload protection: To protect the circuit from damage.
Battery charging circuit: Converting Inverter to UPS.
Pure sine wave output: Performance of sensitive devices is better.

These enhancements will make your inverter more efficient and user-friendly. But these upgrades will require advanced knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

This project will not only improve your practical skills but also give you a new experience in the field of electronics. Building an inverter is a rewarding task, but with safety and proper planning. If you follow a step-by-step approach, you can easily build a functional inverter. What did you talk about there? Pick up your toolbox and make your own electricity.