Zero-Crossing Detectors – Effectively Protect Sensitive Electronic Equipment

Zero-Crossing Detectors Principle

A zero-crossing detector operates in a circuit network of electric power control systems. It facilitates the conversion of a comparator output waveform. It happens when an AC Signal attains zero reference voltage. Consequently, the device delays in time. The aim is to protect the circuit from high input signal currents. 

Basic Zero-Crossing Detectors Circuit Description

First, here is an illustration of a zero-crossing detector circuit. 

Figure 1: A Circuit Diagram Illustration of a Zero-crossing Detector.

The above series circuit illustration shows a simple crossing detector circuit. During assembly, connect the input signal to the operational amplifier’s inverting terminal. For the non-inverting terminal, ground it via input resistors. 

The device identifies when the input signal is different from the reference voltage. You should set the reference voltage at 0. Therefore, every time this happens, the output signals saturation level will shift.

Figure 2: A Circuit Board

Apply an input signal at the non-inverting terminal of the operational amplifier. In this instance, the voltage reference level is at zero. The system will compare the sine wave at the op-amp’s input with the voltage reference. 

In every instance, the sine wave’s phase will shift from negative to positive and vice versa. 

Let’s consider each probable scenario of the input signal. 

Take, for instance, a case when there is a positive sinusoidal signal at the input. The comparator will compare the input signal against the reference voltage level. Therefore, the equation of this scenario is:  

V _Output = V_Reference – V_{Input Signal}

Hence, given that you have 0V reference voltage, we can equate V_Reference to zero. Thus, the equation will change to:  

V _Output = 0 – V_{Input Signal}

Consequently, the voltage of the output waveform signal will have a negative saturation. Check this final equation: 

V _Output = – V_{Input Signal}

Therefore, a positive pulse yields a negative output waveform. 

On the other hand, consider a scenario when there is a negative sinusoidal signal. Again, the comparator will compare the input signal to the reference voltage level. 

Hence, the equation will again be V _Output = V_Reference –V_{Input Signal.}

When we replace the = V_Reference in the equation with zero, we’ll obtain,

V _Output = 0 – (V_{Input Signal})

Thus, V _Output = + V_{Input Signal}

The output waveform signal will have a positive saturation in this case. 

Therefore, the zero-crossing detector efficiently converts the input signal to the output waveform of the opposite sign. If the input signal is negative, the crossing circuit converts it to positive and vice versa. 

How to Make a Zero-crossing Detector Circuit?

Figure 3: Sine Waves

You can easily design a zero-crossing detector.  Also, you can use this circuit for a wide range of applications. 

Here are the components that you need for this circuit: 

A 6V Zener Diode

Two 100K Resistors 

IC 741 Comparator

You must ensure that you connect the input AC from a bridge rectifier. Also, in this circuit, the IC 741 operates as a comparator. You should provide a supply voltage of 12V. 

Also, ensure that you connect the non-inverting pin to a 1N4148 diode. On the other hand, you should connect the inverting pin to the input signal of choice. 

Note that the output waveform of your circuit will be the reverse of the input signal. Thus, the circuit follows the conventional zero-crossing detectors’ principles. 

When there is a positive current at the input pin, the device will detect this. The change of the output waveform will happen when the voltage reference is at zero. The opposite will happen when you connect an opposing current. In this case, the output will be positive. 

Applications of Zero-crossing Detector

There is a wide range of applications for zero-crossing detector circuits. You’ll find them in an electronic device such as a frequency counter. Additionally, you’ll also find them in power electronic circuits. 

Figure 4: A 3D Illustration of Electronic Components

Here are some of the typical applications of a crossing circuit: 

ZCD as Phasemeter

When you have two voltages, you can use a ZCD as a phase meter to determine the phase angle. The ZCD will first obtain sequential pulses in the positive and negative cycles. Then, it will measure the voltage of the time interval of the first sine wave voltage pulse. It will repeat the process for the other sine wave’s voltage pulse. 

Thus, the interval of time will give the phase difference between the input signal voltages. You can use the phase meter for sine waves of zero degrees to 360 degrees.  

ZCD as Time Marker Generator

Consider the comparator circuit diagram of a zero-crossing detector in Figure 1. If the input pin is a sine wave, the output signal will be a square wave generator. Thus, it will create a series circuit. 

Also, consider a scenario when the time constant is relatively small to the period. In such an instance, the voltage at the resistors can be a positive pulse. Also, it can be a negative pulse. Apply a voltage to a clipper circuit via a diode. It yields load voltage with positive pulses only. Hence, you will have a conversion of a zero-crossing detector’s sine wave to positive pulses. The prerequisite of this result is a network circuit and a clipper circuit. 

Zero-Crossing Detector Using IC 311 and Transistor

Figure 5: Wave Graphics

You can also use a zero-crossing detector in the design of an Op-Amp comparator circuit. We have illustrated this direct application in Figure 1. When you use it in this manner, it will be a square wave converter. 

Also, in this circuit, you can use either the inverting or non-inverting comparator as a zero-crossing detector. Nonetheless, you must ensure that you set the reference voltage to zero. 

The working principle of this circuit is also similar to the other zero-crossing detector applications. 

Thus, when the positive input voltage crosses zero, the output waveform will be in negative saturation. On the other hand, when the input voltage is negative, the output waveform will be in positive saturation. 

Therefore, negative cycles in the wave input will yield positive waveforms. Similarly, positive cycles in the wave input will produce negative waveforms. 

Zero-crossing Detector Using Optocoupler

Another way of using a zero-crossing detector is in the design process of an optocoupler. Here is an illustration of an analog design optocoupler. 

Figure 6: An Optocoupler Illustration

Looking at an output waveform of the circuit, it changes depending on the input. For instance, when the input signal reaches 0, the output waveform will rise. It occurs every time the input signal comes to this point, as illustrated in the above examples.   

Conclusion

In a nutshell, zero-crossing detectors are essential in power control systems. Without them, it would not be possible to operate AC cycle circuits. 

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