DC to DC converters are electronic
power supplies that convert a source of direct current (DC) from one voltage
level to another. The converters are used to provide regulated, unregulated,
standard, extra wide input or high isolation voltage for different applications.
DC to DC converters are used in several industries – including communications,
business systems, portable electronic systems and computer systems. They are
frequently used in laptop computers, digital cameras and personal digital
assistants (PDAs). These devices are often supplied with power from batteries
or external supplies and contain several sub circuits that require voltage
levels different from that supplied by the battery or external supply.
There are several benefits of modern DC
to DC converters. They do not need large amounts of energy to produce the
desired output, and are sophisticated devices that can deliver enhanced outputs
from low voltage or energy. Most DC to DC converters can even run on a battery
and have multiple modes of input. There are several types of conversion methods
when it comes to DC to DC power supplies. The most common are the two
electronic conversion methods – linear and switching mode conversion. Linear
regulators can only output voltages lower than the input and are quite
inefficient, therefore they are not used in applications with large drops in
voltage and high current. Electronic switching mode converters convert one DC
voltage to another by storing the input energy temporarily, and then releasing
the energy at a different voltage to the output. The storage can either be in
magnetic components such as inductors and transformers or electric field
components such as capacitors. This method is more efficient than linear
voltage regulation.
When
purchasing a DC to DC converter, check which input and output voltage is
required. If you are looking for a voltage step up, then you should buy a
converter that outputs a voltage higher than the input voltage such as a boost
converter. If you are looking for a voltage step down, then opt for a converter
that outputs a lower voltage than input voltage such as a buck converter. If
you are getting a converter for automotive applications, then make sure that it
will be able to withstand varying temperatures, load dump and cold crank.
There are several DC to DC converter
products available: advanced telecommunications computing architecture (ATCA),
high voltage, industry standard isolated, low power isolated industrial, non
isolated, and ultra low profile DC to DC converters.
Visit “Meanwell Direct” for
more information on
switching power supply
and
DC to DC converters
products for all your needs
.