Is there a way to check this SMPS transformer (schematic)?

Thread Starter

Lumenosity

Joined Mar 1, 2017
614
Hello,

I am having a hard time determining whether this transformer is functioning properly or not.
It is in a 300watt Modified Sine Wave Inverter and receives 12v as shown in the schematic below.
Each pin on the transformer is numbered below. I'm not even sure which side is primary and which is secondary.

I have attempted to apply 12v DC voltage to the transformer removed from the circuit and the results were confusing.
I connected 12v + to pins 3 and 4 and 12v - to pins 5 and 6. What I got from pins 10 and 11 was AC 1v at varying frequency from 30Hz to 181Hz
This is not what I was expecting. I was expecting an higher DC voltage output.
When the VOM meter was set to DC I got absolutely nothing. No reading at all from pins 10 and 11.

I also have a DE-5000 inductance meter.
I got 3.376 mH across pins 10 and 11
28.9uH between 5/6 and 3/4
28.9uH between 1/2 and 3/4
116uH between 1/2 and 5/6

Any insight or guidance appreciated. I'm somewhat lost.
Thanks

TransformerPins.jpg

TransformerPins2.jpg

And here is the schematic of it in circuit.....

Transformer_Schematic_2021-08-27.jpg
 
Last edited:

Ian0

Joined Aug 7, 2020
9,618
It's a push-pull primary, with V+ connected to pins 3/4 (labelled 4 on your schematic) and the MOSFET drains connected to pins 1/2 and 5/6 (labelled 3 and 5 on your schematic)
The output is on pins 10/11 (labelled 1 and 2 on your schematic)
 

LesJones

Joined Jan 8, 2017
4,174
Lumenosity, As you seem to think a transformer will work with DC you need to read up on transformer theory. If you don't understand how they work you have no chance of understanding how circuits using them works.

Les.
 

Thread Starter

Lumenosity

Joined Mar 1, 2017
614
Lumenosity, As you seem to think a transformer will work with DC you need to read up on transformer theory. If you don't understand how they work you have no chance of understanding how circuits using them works.

Les.
I understand. That simple statement has just changed my direction so thanks.
I have read quite a few articles on transformer theory and inductance etc.
I admit I must be a slow learner at this point (yes, I'm a senior citizen trying to learn electronics)
It gets VERY confusing.

https://www.haloelectronics.com/products/dc-dc-transformers/
HALO offers a full line of DC/DC transformers for PoE, PoE+, and high voltage isolation applications. Please contact the factory or your local representative for non-standard turns ratios or custom design requests.

But your advice is taken well and I agree.
The hope was that through help and from continued study the proverbial lightbulb will eventually come on.
 

Thread Starter

Lumenosity

Joined Mar 1, 2017
614
Lumenosity, As you seem to think a transformer will work with DC you need to read up on transformer theory. If you don't understand how they work you have no chance of understanding how circuits using them works.

Les.
In the schematic I included, can you tell me how AC is fed to the transformer when it is connected to DC?
Are the MOSFETS there to created the AC current?
Thanks
 

Thread Starter

Lumenosity

Joined Mar 1, 2017
614
Thanks for the help guys!

At the end of the day, the transformer was fine. (Yes, you may have said so)

It was other issues in the circuit. This leaves me with an understanding that I do not have nearly enough knowledge on transformers at this point.
 
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