Power electronic systems play an essential role in almost all devices. DC/DC Converter is the key in the circuit of these devices. It can perform high-frequency switching action through a controllable switch (MOSFET, etc.), and store the input electrical energy in the capacitor. When the switch is turned off, the electrical energy is released to the load to provide energy.
What is DC DC Converter?
When semiconductor technology was in its infancy, converting a DC supply voltage to higher voltages was accomplished by converting the direct current (DC) supply voltage to alternating current (AC) using a vibrator, step-up transformer, and rectifier assembly. This is feasible for low-power applications. However, for higher power applications, these processes take a lot of time to set up procedures, involve high costs, and are less efficient overall. Therefore, with the development of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits, there have been easy-to-use and economical converters.
The DC/DC Converter is a voltage converter that converts input voltage and efficiently output a fixed voltage.
DC/DC Converters
Depending on the application, the converter circuit may consist of only one switch, one inductor, and one capacitor, or it may be complicated by the use of multiple components integrated into a specific way to achieve the required power conversion.
It used these components as energy storage components to complete the voltage conversion function, converting the input DC power into AC power, and then changing the voltage through a transformer and then converting it into DC power output, or converting AC power into high-voltage DC output.
The DC/DC converters include step-up DC/DC converters, step-down DC/DC converters, and buck-boost DC/DC converters.
The basic idea behind the operation of a DC-DC converter circuit is that the inductors and capacitors used in the circuit should form a low-pass filter network in some way. This helps to minimize or eliminate the possible superposition of AC ripple or other components with the output voltage due to switching action.
Applications of DC/DC Converters
DC/DC converters are widely used in mobile phones, digital media players, notebook computers, cameras and other electronic products, which is powered by the battery.
For applications in power electronic systems, converters that can dynamically perform energy conversion using electrical processes are preferred. Components commonly used for this purpose include switches as well as passive components such as inductors, capacitors, and transformers. Avoid resistors to reduce possible power loss. How these components are interconnected depends on the desired power conversion method.
The simplest form of power conversion is to convert a polyphase AC voltage of one amplitude, phase, and frequency to another amplitude, phase, and frequency. In this sense, DC input or output can be viewed as AC with zero phases and frequency.
Analog Devices DC-DC Converter
For example, the LTM4620, a complete dual 13A output switching mode DC/DC power supply. Features the switching controller, power FETs, inductors, and all supporting components. It can operate from an input voltage range of 4.5V to 16V, and supports two outputs each with an output voltage range of 0.6V to 2.5V, set by a single external resistor.
The applications include Telecom and Networking Equipment, Storage and ATCA Cards, and Industrial Equipment.