Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Inverters & Converters/Quiet EL Wire Inverter

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₹1,500 – ₹5,000

3 – 6 Hours

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Quiet EL Wire Inverter

A quiet electroluminescent (EL) wire inverter powered by USB, utilizing a PIC10F204 microcontroller and an HV809 driver IC to supply 360Vpp at 1.2kHz.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

L298N Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Module – 2A Rs. 195.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

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How It Works

The Quiet EL Wire Inverter is designed to drive electroluminescent wire efficiently while eliminating the audible buzzing noise common in cheap commercial inverters. Power is supplied via a standard USB plug, which provides a 5V input rail stabilized by local bypass capacitors. The core of the circuit relies on a PIC10F204 microcontroller working alongside a Microchip HV809 H-bridge driver IC. The PIC10F204 generates the necessary timing and control signals, while the HV809 acts as a high-voltage driver utilizing an external inductor and MOSFET topology to step up and invert the voltage. Through high-frequency switching, the system produces the specific high-voltage alternating current required by EL wire—approximately 360 volts peak-to-peak (360Vpp) at a frequency of 1.2kHz. All of these active components and supporting passives are integrated onto a custom printed circuit board (PCB) designed specifically for this power regulation task.

Why Build This

Integrate a microcontroller and specialized high-voltage driver IC to power wearable electronics and theatrical costumes with silent operation.

Design and implement a custom power electronics PCB capable of boosting low-voltage USB power to hundreds of volts AC.

Apply undergraduate-level analog and power electronics principles to drive capacitive loads like electroluminescent wire safely and reliably.

Real-World Application

Costumes, wearable electronics, decorative lighting, props, and art installations.

Skills You'll Learn

High-voltage power supply design

microcontroller firmware configuration

inductive boost converter operation

H-bridge driver implementation

custom PCB layout for power electronics

Safety Precautions

Generates high voltages (up to 360Vpp), handle with care during testing and operation to avoid electrical shock.

Technology Tags

EL WIRE

BOOST CONVERTER

H-BRIDGE

PIC10F204

MICROCHIP HV809

POWER ELECTRONICS

PCB DESIGN

USB POWER

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this circuit need a microcontroller if it just powers EL wire?

The PIC10F204 microcontroller is used to generate precise control signals and switching frequencies required by the HV809 driver to achieve the exact 1.2kHz output needed for the EL wire.

Can I power this inverter using a standard computer USB port?

Yes, the circuit is designed to accept standard USB power (5V), making it convenient to run from computers, power banks, or USB wall chargers.

Is the output dangerous to touch?

Yes, the inverter generates up to 360Vpp. While the current is low, you should avoid touching the output connections while the circuit is powered on to prevent electric shock.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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