converter

converter

(1) A device that changes one set of codes, modes, sequences or frequencies to a different set. See A/D converter.

(2) A device that changes current from 60Hz to 50Hz and vice versa.

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converter [kən′vərd·ər]

(computer science)

A computer unit that changes numerical information from one form to another, as from decimal to binary or vice versa, from fixed-point to floating-point representation, from magnetic tape to disk storage, or from digital to analog signals and vice versa. Also known as data converter.

(electricity)

Any device for changing alternating current to direct current, or direct current to alternating current.

synchronous converter

(electronics)

The section of a superheterodyne radio receiver that converts the desired incoming radio-frequency signal to the intermediate-frequency value; the converter section includes the oscillator and the mixer-first detector. Also known as heterodyne conversion transducer; oscillator-mixer-first detector.

An auxiliary unit used with a television or radio receiver to permit reception of channels or frequencies for which the receiver was not originally designed.

In facsimile, a device that changes the type of modulation delivered by the scanner.

Unit of a radar system in which the mixer of a superheterodyne receiver and usually two stages of intermediate-frequency amplification are located; performs a preamplifying operation.

remodulator

(metallurgy)

A type of furnace in which impurities are oxidized out by blowing air through or across a path of molten metal or matte.

(nucleonics)

Also known as nuclear converter.

A nuclear reactor that converts fertile atoms into fuel by neutron capture, using one kind of fuel and producing another.

A nuclear reactor that produces some fissionable fuel, but less than it consumes; the fuel produced may be the same as that consumed or different.

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Converter

A device for processing alternating-current (ac) or direct-current (dc) power to provide a different electrical waveform. The term converter denotes a mechanism for either processing ac power into dc power (rectifier) or deriving power with an ac waveform from dc (inverter). Some converters serve both functions, others only one. See Alternating current, Direct current, Rectifier

Converters are used for such applications as (1) rectification from ac to supply electrochemical processes with large controlled levels of direct current; (2) rectification of ac to dc followed by inversion to a controlled frequency of ac to supply variable-speed ac motors; (3) interfacing dc power sources (such as fuel cells and photoelectric devices) to ac distribution systems; (4) production of dc from ac power for subway and streetcar systems, and for controlled dc voltage for speed-control of dc motors in numerous industrial applications; and (5) transmission of dc electric power between rectifier stations and inverter stations within ac generation and transmission networks. See Alternating-current motor, Direct-current transmission

The introduction of the thyristor (silicon-controlled rectifier) in the 1960s had an immediate effect on converter applications because of its ruggedness, reliability, and compactness. Power semiconductor devices for converter circuits include (1) thyristors, controlled unidirectional switches that, once conducting, have no capability to suppress current; (2) triacs, thyristor devices with bidirectional control of conduction; (3) gate turn-off devices with the properties of thyristors and the further capability of suppressing current; and (4) power transistors, high-power transistors operating in the switching mode, somewhat similar in properties to gate turn-off devices. Thyristors are available with ratings from a few watts up to the capability of withstanding several kilovolts and conducting several kiloamperes. See Semiconductor rectifier