"Clutter Filter" for AC
Could anyone please explain the principle behind this "clutter filter" for AC power?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/2TgAAOSwggtiWTBl/s-l1600.jpg
I can't understand how the diodes function.
Posted Sep 6, 2023, 2:06 PM UTC
110
Looks like it doesn’t do much of anything except block signals <1V RMS. When the unit is not being powered. Who needs it?
1
Post a screenshot or something that doesn't need a login?
Aliexpress doesn't need a login, but maybe you can see this one from ebay? https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/2TgAAOSwggtiWTBl/s-l1600.jpg
It bounced me to a login page when I clicked your link
Oh it's a DC offset remover with some added MOVs?
Not particularly useful unless you've got some bit of sensitive equipment with a toroidal transformer in its power supply, a standard surge protector would be just as useful for most equipment.
Thanks yes it looks like it works along that principle, they have put DC offset removal on both sides of the AC and then also doubled up all the diodes for some reason? I can't understand the advantage of running pairs of diodes in parallel like that.
I was thinking about something to put between the AC supply and a toroidal transformer to improve the power condition for AC CNC stepper drives. This thing popped up and looked intriguing.
Agreed that the paralleled up diodes are to increase current. Ideally, they would have used current sharing resistors (or even better, single higher current diodes!) to prevent small mismatches in the forward voltage from creating uneven current sharing.
Definitely odd that they’ve put the same thing on both sides though.
To improve power condition, you might look for a decently beefy EMI line filter.
Most EEs can't because it doesn't work, diodes' tempco is negative so the hottest one carries the most current leading to cascade failure.
Amateurs putting random crap on aliexpress however…
The DC offset removal just makes the transformer hum less and puts less harmonic noise on your house wiring, it won't do much of anything for whatever's on the transformer's secondary.