DC DC Converters

1. What are DC-DC Converters?

A DC-DC converter (called a chopper) is powered by a DC voltage source and typically consists of a diode rectifier and a DC link. The DC link consists of a large capacitor connected to the chopper input and usually (but not always) a series inductor.

 

2. How do DC-DC Converters Work?

A basic DC-DC converter takes in current and passes it through a “switching element.” The switching element converts the signal into a square wave, or AC. This square wave then passes through another filter, which converts it back to a DC signal of the desired voltage.

 

3. What are the Types of DC-DC Converters?

There are two types of DC/DC converters:

Linear

Linear DC/DC converters use a voltage drop across a resistor to create and regulate a given output voltage.

 

Switched

A switched-mode DC/DC converts energy by periodically storing input energy and then releasing that energy to the output at a different voltage.

 

For low-power DC/DC conversion-based applications, most modern power conversion is accomplished using three main types of power converters—buck, boost, and buck-boost.