DC To DC Converter
How Different Types of DC to DC Converter Vary From Each Other
DC To DC Converter
A DC to DC converter works by converting the voltage level of a direct current (DC) source to another level. It is simply a power converter used to provide standard, unregulated, regulated, high isolated or extra wide voltage output for various applications. They are useful piece of electrical circuit for electronic devices with components that run on various levels of voltage requirement, such as laptops, cellular phones, and portable cassette radios, and the likes.
A DC to DC converter employs certain conversion methods to produce the required voltage output depending on its type. Hereunder, are main types of DC to DC converter currently used in the industry today.
Non-Isolating Converters. This type of DC to DC converter is generally used to step up or step down the voltage level relatively to a small ratio, considering there is no problem between the input and output having no dielectric isolation, e.g. 24V-12V reducers, 5V-3V reducers, and 1.5V-5V step up. There are basically five types of non-isolating converters: boost, buck, charge-pump, buck-boost, and Cuk converters. The last two non-isolating converters essentially function also as voltage polarity inverters and reversers. Though these converters are okay with various applications, these converters are quite incompatible with applications whose output needs to be entirely isolated or secluded from the input. Thus, there is a need for certain inverter of isolating type.
Isolating Converters. This kind of DC to DC converter of isolating type has two main types: forward type and the flyback type. Both types of converter operate largely on the stored energy in the magnetic field of the inductor or transformer.
A DC to DC converter is said to be working efficiently when none of the DC input source is wasted through the conversion process. All DC energy are consummated and converted to output. However, wastage cannot be entirely avoided. At certain times, voltage output drops due to the resistance activity in the windings of the inductor or transformer. The task now is already at the hands of the converter designer to reduce all these wastage down to the lowest level possible.