Power Inverter with 555 Timer - Up to 600W

In this electronics project, we will make a 12V to 200V square wave power inverter with a 555 timer IC. This inverter circuit maximum output can generate up to 600 watts, and it can be useful anywhere where you do not have the mains outlet. Also, it can power mains electronic appliances like LCD TV, DVD players, fluorescent lamps, cell phone charger, etc. Let's make it.

Components List

The following components are needed for this project.

1. 555 Timer IC (1 pcs).
2. BC547 Transistor (1 pcs).
3. IRF3205 N-type MOSFET (2 pcs).
4. 100nF Non-Polar Capacitor (2 pcs).
5. 4700uF 25V Capacitor (1 pcs)
6. 4.7KΩ, 120/150kΩ, 10kΩ, 2.7kΩ, and 470Ω Resistor (1 pcs each).
7. 2 Port, and 3 Port Connector (1 pcs each).
8. PCB (1 pcs).
9. Connecting Wires (As per required).
10. 12V 5Amp Center Tap Transformer (1 pcs).
11. 12V Battery (1 pcs).

Power Inverter Circuit Diagram

The schematic of the 12V to 220V square wave 600 watts power inverter circuit with 555 IC shown below.

Circuit Explanation

As we know, a good source of 50 Hz frequency is a well known 555 timer. The inverter circuit frequency can be adjusted by changing the resistance of R_X and capacitor C_X. You can easily modify the system frequency just by increasing or reducing the R_X value by 1/6.

• For 50Hz - The R_X resistor value is 150kΩ.
• For 60Hz - The R_X resistor value is 120kΩ.

IRF3205 is an N-type MOSFET, and the two MOSFETs are used in this inverter as two switches. Here, one MOSFET is driven directly from the 555 IC, and the other one driven through a logic inverter with BC547 Transistor. You must be used a heatsink for the two power MOSFETs according to the load. They are mounted on isolation pads.

You can also use separate heatsink for each MOSFET and no isolation pads required, but then the heatsinks must not touch each other and must not be grounded.The maximum load depends on the transformer, MOSFETs, and the size of the heatsink.

The transformer is a mains one with two secondary windings 12V 5Amp and must be designed for the maximum load required.

The input voltage of this power inverter should be in the range of about 11 - 14V. You can use a 12V battery.

The output voltage of this inverter is 220V, and the maximum wattage is up to 600W. It is possible to increase the output watts by combining multiple transistors IRF3205 in parallel (you can also use IRF1405).

This inverter circuit is not for beginners. When you working with the power inverter, be careful. The output voltage is very high and isolated from the ground. But if you touched both the output terminal, the output voltage is similarly dangerous as the mains 220V voltage. Everything you do at your own risk, for any injury to health or property, I do not take responsibility!