What is Zero crossing detector

Zero crossing detector detects how many times the input signal crossed the Zero value or Zero voltage level. Zero cross detector is basically a comparator circuit that compares the input sinusoidal signal or Sine wave signal with the zero voltage level, In other words, we can say that this detects the voltage changing from positive level to negative level and negative level to positive level. The output of the zero-cross detector changes when the input voltage crosses the zero level to High or High to zero.

A Zero cross detector compares the input signal with the zero reference voltage (V_ref). It changes the output Either +V_sat or –V_sat by switching from LOW to HIGH or Vice versa. When the input crosses zero reference voltage. when the input voltage signal is even a little higher or Lower than 0v the output will quickly change. A zero-crossing detector can be made using a general-purpose operational–Amplifier, Using Opto-coupler or using transistors.

Zero crossing detector circuit using op amp LM741

NON-Inverting Zero cross detector

If Reference voltage zero set on the inverting input terminal means the inverting terminal is grounded and Input signal applied at NON-Inverting terminal. +Vcc are connected with pin 7 and -VEE with pin 4, 6 is the output pin is and a load resistor RL connected with output to ground, even a little amount of input voltage in higher than zero (Reference voltage), then the output will HIGH. When the input goes on increasing from zero to positive then the output voltage goes into Positive saturation.

Zero cross detector is also called sinewave to square wave converter

This Output is called +V_saturation .

Inverting Zero cross detector

If input voltage applied at the Inverting terminal and reference voltage are given on NON-Inverting terminal or Non-inverting terminal is grounded, when even also a little amount of input voltage is higher than zero volts the output will switch to LOW. When the input goes on increasing from zero to positive then the output voltage goes into Negative saturation.

And this LOW output is called –V_saturation.

 

 

Zero-cross detector using optocoupler

In the circuit of zero crossing detector using optocoupler, we used 1 full-wave rectifier and the positive dc supply of bridge rectifier connected to cathode pin of optocoupler input. Output is connected with the collector pin of the optocoupler. Here full-wave bridge rectifier used without the filter capacitor. The emitter pin of the optocoupler is connected with the DC ground. VCC connected with the collector pin. A resistor connected with a collector is also called a Pull-up resistor.

Uses of zero cross detector (ZCD) 

• ZCD as Phasemeter
• ZCD as Time Marker Generator
• AC power controllers
• Induction motor speed control and soft starters
• Thyristor firing angle control using Arduino etc

Also read

• LOGIC GATES

• Difference between Latch and Flip-flop

• Sample and Hold circuit

• Arduino Remote control AC Dimmer

• Zener diode working