IND016 Power Supplies - Board Mount

DC-DC converters

A DC-DC converter is an electronic device that converts a direct current (DC) input power supply to a higher or lower regulated DC output voltage. This is accomplished by utilizing a switching mode technique. The main types of DC-DC converters are buck converters, boost converters, and buck-boost converters. The following will discuss the application field and working principle of DC-DC converters in greater detail.

Applications of DC-DC converters

A DC-DC converter is used in many electronic devices. It is an essential component of power supplies in mobile devices, personal computers, servers, and other consumer electronics. It is also used in robots, aircraft, and medical instruments. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly popular in renewable energy applications such as photovoltaic solar power systems.

For automotive applications, DC-DC converters are used to increase the voltage of the power source, such as the car battery, so that the electrical components can be operated. This is known as the current boost stage and is important for starting up heavy loads. They are also used to reduce the voltage of the battery to power other electronic accessories, such as radio, air- conditioning, electric windows, etc.

Working Principle

DC-DC converters work on the basic principle of Faraday’s Law of induction. A switching device, such as a transistor or integrated circuit is used to rapidly switch a current on and off. This creates a magnetic field which is responsible for the conversion process.

The main stages involved in the conversion of a DC signal are as follows. First, the transistor is switched on and off at a rate that is dependent on the output voltage required. Then a diode is used to ensure that the power is only supplied in one direction. Next, the inductor is used to store energy in the form of a magnetic field when the transistor is switched on. When the transistor is switched off the energy is released into the output circuit. The capacitor is used to store energy in the output circuit and provides a smoother output current. Finally, the output voltage is adjusted through a feedback control circuit.

Conclusion

In summary, DC-DC converters are versatile devices which are used in a variety of different applications. The basic principle which underpins their operation is Faraday’s Law of induction. Understanding the application field and working principles of these devices is essential for power supply design, as well as for selecting the appropriate converter for a given application.