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In power electronics, what does a chopper (DC–DC converter) fundamentally do to the input supply?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Converts constant-voltage DC directly into variable-voltage DC

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
DC–DC converters, commonly called choppers, are ubiquitous in electric drives, renewable energy systems, and battery-powered electronics. Understanding their basic function is foundational before studying control strategies, device selection, and ripple management.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Input: A steady DC source.
  • Output: A controllable average DC voltage.
  • Switching element: A transistor or thyristor operated with a duty cycle.


Concept / Approach:
A chopper regulates the average output voltage by rapidly switching the input DC on and off, varying the duty cycle D = TON / T. The result is a variable DC level after suitable filtering, without requiring an intermediate AC conversion stage (for basic buck/boost/buck-boost topologies).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Consider a simple buck chopper: Vout(avg) ≈ D * Vin.By adjusting D from 0 to 1, the effective DC output varies from 0 to Vin.No intermediate AC line-frequency conversion is required; switching happens at kHz range.


Verification / Alternative check:

Practical converters may include inductors and capacitors to reduce ripple, but the fundamental action remains direct DC-to-variable-DC conversion via switching.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

DC→AC→DC: That describes a different architecture (inverter plus rectifier), not a basic chopper.AC frequency conversion and AC→DC are unrelated to DC–DC choppers.DC→AC only is an inverter function, not a chopper.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing choppers with inverters or AC regulators; ignoring the role of duty cycle in setting the average output.


Final Answer:

Converts constant-voltage DC directly into variable-voltage DC
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