Bachelor Thesis
Optimization of a High-Voltage, High-Frequency DC-AC Inverter for EL-Lamps
Technische Universität Darmstadt Institute of Computer Engineering Integrated Electronic Systems Lab Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Hofmann
Abstract
The implementation of a high-frequency high-voltage DC-AC converter is investigated in this work and subsequently optimized for low power applications. The aim of the project is to build a low power DC-AC inverter capable of driving EL panels. Several different inverter topologies are introduced and their operating principles are explained. The topologies are compared to each other and the most suitable one is chosen. A circuit employing the boost converter topology and the H-bridge is simulated in SPICE simulation software. The circuit parameters are tuned for highest possible power efficiency with respect to other design requirements. Based on the results a corresponding PCB layout is created and the circuit is fabricated. The system is tested against the load used in simulation and an actual EL lamp. It is compared to a commercial EL panel inverter and achieves superior performance. Several aspects are identified, in which future work has to be done to produce an inverter that can be applied commercially.
