DC/DC Converters(FAQ)
What is a DC/DC Converter?
A DC/DC converter is a device that accepts a DC input and produces a DC output. Usually, the input voltage is a range, for example 19-36Vdc on a “24Vdc” input. As long as the input voltage is within this range, you will receive a steady set output voltage.
What is an Isolated DC/DC Converter?
The isolation refers to the connection between the input DC voltage and output DC voltage. On an isolated DC/DC converter the input and output are not directly connected.
What is a Step Up or Step Down DC/DC Converter?
A step-up DC/DC converter is a DC/DC converter that has an output that is a higher voltage than it’s input. A step-down DC/DC converter is a DC/DC converter that has an output that is a lower voltage than its output. Typically, we don’t refer to step-up or step-down on our website to avoid confusion with AC transformers.
What is a DC to DC Power Supply?
A DC/DC Power Supply is another name for a DC/DC Converter. This a device that accepts a DC input and produces a DC output. Usually, the input voltage is a range, for example 19-36Vdc on a “24Vdc” input. As long as the input voltage is within this range, you will receive a steady set output voltage. You can view our range of DC/DC Power Supplies by clicking here.
Is there a negative output DC/DC converter?
Isolated DC/DC converters can be used to deliver a negative DC output.
What is a Boost Converter?
A boost converter is a type of DC-DC power converter that increases a lower input voltage to a higher output voltage while maintaining the same current direction. Whilst we don’t typically refer to our DC/DC Converters as boost converters, any unit that has a voltage output higher than it’s input can be referred to as a boost converter.
What is a Step-Up Converter?
A step-up converter is a type of DC-DC power converter that increases a lower input voltage to a higher output voltage while maintaining the same current direction. Whilst we don’t typically refer to our DC/DC Converters as step-up converters, any unit that has a voltage output higher than it’s input can be referred to as a step-up converter.
What is a Buck Converter?
A buck converter is a type of DC-DC power converter that decreases a higher input voltage to a lower output voltage while maintaining the same current direction. Whilst we don’t typically refer to our DC/DC Converters as buck converters, any unit that has a voltage output higher than it’s input can be referred to as a buck converter.
What is a Step-Down Converter?
A step-down converter is a type of DC-DC power converter that decreases a higher input voltage to a lower output voltage while maintaining the same current direction. Whilst we don’t typically refer to our DC/DC Converters as step-down converters, any unit that has a voltage output higher than it’s input can be referred to as a step-down converter.
What are Buck-Boost Converters?
A buck-boost converter is a type of DC-DC power converter that can either step up (boost) or step down (buck) an input voltage to produce a desired output voltage. It is designed to handle situations where the input voltage may fluctuate above or below the required output voltage. For example, a 12Vdc nominal input to 12Vdc output DC/DC Converter is designed to accept an input voltage both higher and lower than 12Vdc. This allows for instances such as voltage drop, and battery charging voltages.
Do I need a DC/DC Converter?
Whether you need a DC/DC Converter depends on your application, and the requirements of your electrical system. Some examples that require a DC/DC Converter are:
To Stabilise Voltage – In situations where a voltage may vary (for example when the input is a discharging battery) a DC/DC converter takes a fluctuating voltage and delivers a stable DC output. This is why a DC/DC converter will have the same nominal input and output voltage.
AC Voltage Isn’t Available – In DC systems, a DC/DC Converter allows multiple DC output voltages from one source. For example, in a 110Vdc system, some equipment may need 24Vdc, which a DC/DC converter allows. They work in the same way as a DC power supply, but accept a DC input.
Some common applications include automotive and rail, where an AC input is not available. Alternatively, anything working from a battery that has a sensitive input may need a DC/DC Converter.
What is the difference between Buck and Boost?
The primary difference between a buck and a boost converter lies in how they adjust the input voltage to produce the desired output voltage
Buck Converter: Steps down a higher input voltage to a lower output voltage. For example, it converts 12V to 5V for powering a USB device.
Boost Converter: Steps up a lower input voltage to a higher output voltage. For example, it converts 5V from a battery to 12V for an LED driver.
To summarise, Buck reduces voltage; Boost increases voltage. Whilst some DC/DC converters offer both, this definition still applies.
What is DC Input Power?
DC input power refers to the direct current (DC) electrical power supplied to a device or system. It is the energy provided by a DC source, such as a battery, solar panel, or DC power supply, to operate electronic circuits or equipment.
In relation to DC/DC Converters, this is the acceptable DC input.
What is DC Current Input?
DC current input is the amount of direct current (DC) entering a device from a power source like a battery or DC supply, measured in either Amps or Watts. Your DC/DC Converter may say how many amps it requires to operate.
What does Vdc Input mean?
VDC input means the device requires a specific Direct Current (DC) voltage to operate. For example, a device with a "12VDC input" needs 12 volts of DC power supplied from a source like a battery or DC power supply. Our DC/DC Converters will have a range input, which means the unit will operate as long as the Vdc input is received by the converter.