DC-DC converters are applied when the voltage from a battery supply needs to be increased or decreased. The use of this type of converter removes the necessity for additional batteries and saves both weight and space in the device. It is considered a very efficient way to decrease or increase voltage and can charge a lower voltage battery without the use of a resistor. DC-DC converters have replaced the need for vibrators, rectifiers, and transformers that were previously required, and function by ensuring constant output via closed feedback loops. They are often applied when connecting DC devices to DC microgrids. A business might use a DC-DC converter to match power supplies to the loads or isolate a primary and secondary circuit.
What are the Business Applications of a DC-DC Converter?
DC-DC converters in the home and outdoors
Various electrical devices can operate over a wide range of voltages, requiring a different voltage charger for each different device. The DC-DC converter solves this problem, delivering safe power to electronic devices by regulating the output voltage. DC-DC converters are widely used for mobile phones and laptops and similar consumer electronics. The 12v – 24VDC converter is also very practical is suitable for installation in recreational vehicles such as boats, 4WDs, and caravans.
Large applications for DC-DC converters
As well as personal electronic devices isolated DC-DC converters are be applied to large-scale telecommunication equipment and other industrial equipment. Railway environments apply DC-DC converters to control and energy circuits. These circuits use battery power to maintain electrical power sources in the case of a generator failure. For these conditions converters such as the RS PRO 20W Isolated DC-DC Converter Chassis Mount are highly ruggedized and designed to function in extreme environments including high and low temperatures.
A 12vDC to 24VDC power converter such as the Murata Power Solutions Through Hole Non-Isolated model is a fixed single output converter used for embedded applications. This can be mounted vertically or horizontally in an encapsulated package and supplies a ‘no heat sink’ replacement for 3-terminal 78xxseries linear regulators. It offers short circuit protection and requires no external components.
Isolated and non-isolated DC-DC converters
Non-isolated and isolated converters apply different techniques to the conversion of voltage. An isolated converter contains an electrical barrier or galvanic isolation that exists between the output and input of the DC-DC converter. If a DC-DC converter converts voltages which have a large difference, an isolation converter is preferred.
Types of a DC-DC converter
There are four main types of the DC-DC converter. The buck converter converts voltage to a lower voltage while the boost converter works the other way around, providing a higher output to input. The boost converter is generally applied to LED lighting powered by a lithium cell battery.
Converters that can function in both directions are called a Buck-Boost converter. These can also produce positive or negative voltages and are very versatile in their application.
Speak to your electrical componentry supplier for more information about how a DC-DC converter can transform your business.
