What is a power converter?

A power converter is used to convert electric power from one form to another or from one frequency to another. A power converter is probably the most important component in electrical engineering systems and can be classified based on input and output current – alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Therefore you can have DC to DC, AC to AC, AC to DC and DC to AC power conversion systems.

What does a DC to DC converter do?

Many people use DC to DC converters without knowing their true value or purpose. DC to DC converters are used to transform direct current (DC) voltage from one voltage level to another. There are many digital devices such as computers, radios and televisions that rely on direct current. Also, these devices do not just run on the same voltage levels – different components of the same system may need multiple voltage levels such as 5 volts, 12 volts and 15 volts to function. Instead of using a separate AC to DC converter for each component, it is easier to convert all AC to DC once, and then use a DC to DC converter to convert the DC into different voltage levels for various needs. Using a DC to DC converter is much more energy efficient than using an AC to DC converter all the time.

What are DC to DC converters used for?

Dc to DC converters are used in many different industries. They are used extensively by original equipment manufacturers and system integrators for diverse applications in communications, business systems, instrumentation, industrial and healthcare (bio life science, imaging, laboratory) equipment industries. DC to DC converters are frequently used in computer systems and portable electronic systems such as laptop computers, digital cameras, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). These are often supplied with power from batteries or external supplies and contain several sub-circuits that require different voltage levels, different from that supplied by the battery or external supply. DC to DC converters are also used in various types of industries, such as telecommunications, automotive and manufacturing. DC to DC converters are key components in many mobile communication devices, and are also used in commercial and military systems.

What are desirable features of a DC to DC converter?

A good DC-DC converter will have protection against overload, over voltage, over temperature, and short circuits. Also features such as free air convection for cooling, low ripple noise, a metal case shield, low cost and high reliability are desirable.