A DC to DC converter is designed to take the voltage from a DC source (usually a battery) and converts the voltage of the supply into another DC voltage level. They can increase or decrease the voltage level. For example, it might be necessary to step down the power of a large battery of 24V to 12V to run a radio.
DC-DC conversion can either be electronic or magnetic. Electronic conversion uses switching technology. DC voltage level is converted by storing the input energy temporarily and then releases that energy at different voltage output. The storage is done either in magnetic field components like an inductor, transformers, or electric field components like capacitors. Magnetic conversion is done by storing energy in magnetic field periodically and releasing it in a frequency range. By adjusting duty circle of charging voltage, control of power to the load becomes easy.
Depending on the circuitry used, DC-DC converters can either be Non-isolated or Isolated converters. Non-isolated converters are generally used for small voltage conversions. The input and output terminals share a common ground in this circuit.
They include Step-Down (Buck) converter. This generates a lower voltage than the input.
Step-up (Boost) Converter on the other produces higher voltage than the input.
Buck-boost converter works by either increasing or decreasing the input voltage.
Isolated converters have the input and output terminals separated unlike in the non-isolated converters. They are of two types. Flyback converter acts like the buck-boost but uses a transformer to store energy instead of an inductor.
See table below for DC/DC regulators.
Compare DC-DC Converters Specs | ||
Item | Key Specifications | Available at these Online Market Places |
Samlex STEP10 (MPN: STEP 10) | Type: DC/DC Step-Up (Boost) Input Voltage: 12 VDC Output Voltage: 24 VDC |
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Wilson Electronics 859913 | Type: DC/DC Step-Down (Buck) Input Voltage: 12 VDC Output Voltage: 6 VDC |
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Samlex IDC-200A-24 | Input Voltage: 9 to 18 VDC Output Voltage: 24.5 VDC |
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Samlex SDC-30 | Type: DC/DC Step-Down (Buck) Input Voltage: 24 VDC Output Voltage: 13.8 VDC |
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Tycon Power Systems TP-VR-2405-DC | Type: DC/DC Step-Down (Buck) Input Voltage: 12 VDC, 24 VDC Output Voltage: 5 VDC |
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Samlex DC12V24V311783 (MPN: SAM12V24VDCST10) | Type: DC/DC Step-Up (Boost) Input Voltage: 12 VDC Output Voltage: 24 VDC |
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ICT ICT1212-12AI2 | Input Voltage: 11 to 18 VDC Output Voltage: 13.8 VDC |
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Samlex IDC-360A-24 | Input Voltage: 9.2 to 18 VDC Output Voltage: 24 VDC |
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Meanwell SD-25A-24 | Input Voltage: 9.2 to 18 VDC Output Voltage: 24 VDC |
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ICT ICT206012-12AI2 | Input Voltage: 20 to 60 VDC Output Voltage: 12 VDC |
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ICT ICT180S-12 | Type: AC/DC Adapter Input Voltage: 12 VDC, 24 VDC Output Voltage: 5 VDC, 24 VDC |
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Meanwell SD200B-48 (MPN: SD-200B-48) | Input Voltage: 19 to 36 VDC Output Voltage: 48 VDC |
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Cradlepoint 170635-000 | Type: DC/DC Step-Down (Buck) Input Voltage: 12 VDC Output Voltage: 12 VDC |
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ICT ICT2412-20A | Input Voltage: 24 VDC Output Voltage: 13.8 VDC |
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