pulsilaiusmodulatsioon

Pulsilaiusmodulatsioon, often abbreviated as PWM, is a technique used to control the average value of voltage supplied to an electrical device. It achieves this by rapidly switching the voltage ON and OFF. The 'width' of the ON pulse relative to the OFF pulse determines the average voltage delivered.

In essence, PWM is a form of digital modulation. Instead of varying the voltage or current amplitude directly, it varies the duty cycle of a digital signal. The duty cycle is the ratio of the time the signal is ON to the total period of the signal. A higher duty cycle means the device receives power for a larger proportion of the time, resulting in a higher average voltage. Conversely, a lower duty cycle leads to a lower average voltage.

This method is widely employed in various applications. It is commonly used to control the speed of electric motors in devices ranging from simple fans to sophisticated robotics. PWM is also utilized in dimming LED lights, allowing for precise control over brightness. In power electronics, it plays a crucial role in voltage regulators and power supplies, enabling efficient conversion and regulation of electrical energy. The effectiveness of PWM lies in its ability to provide a variable output from a fixed voltage source with relatively high efficiency, as the switching components are either fully ON or fully OFF, minimizing power dissipation.