How to Select DC-DC Converters
What are DC-DC Converters?
DC-DC converters accept DC input and provide regulated and/or isolated DC output in various applications including computer flash memory, telecommunications equipment, and process control systems.
Selection Criteria
The GlobalSpec SpecSearch database allows industrial buyers to select DC-DC converters by product type, DC input, DC output, performance specifications, design options and features.
Product Types
Common...
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Q & A on DC-DC Converters
We asked our users for their input on DC-DC Converters. Here are the results of 101 users familiar with DC-DC Converters.
Who Took Our Poll? | Design Trends | Applications and Use | Features | Buying Advice |Design TrendsTop
What new technologies are influencing DC-DC converter design?
13 answers
IT systems, especially data communication technologies, are influencing the design where a precise ratings with almost zero ripple factors are required yet space requirements are also important.
~Iqbal H, Principal Engineer Maintenance Control & Instrumentation, Kot Addu, Pakistan
PWM controllers and the output FETs, solid miniature power inductors
~Tom D, Engineer, Austin, TX
Resonant converters for higher efficiency, miniaturization.
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~Prakash Sonwalkar, Architect, Bangalore, INDIA
From your perspective, which companies are creating the most innovative DC-DC converters?
14 answers
There are many; Siemens, ABB being the most reliable. Other good ones are Telemechanique, Schneider Electronics, Phoenix, Lambda, Traco, Omron, many many more.
~Iqbal H, Principal Engineer Maintenance Control & Instrumentation, Kot Addu, Pakistan
National Semi , Linear tech , Fairchild , Active Semi
~Rajesh A, Engineering Consultant, MUMABI, INDIA
Linear Technology, International Rectifier, Fairchild
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~Tom D, Engineer, Austin, TX
Applications and UseTop
What are some of the applications you have used DC-DC converters for?
32 answers
For on-board(PCB) power needs, Special systems requirements where standard power supplies do not work.
~Iqbal H, Principal Engineer Maintenance Control & Instrumentation, Kot Addu, Pakistan
High input-voltage to low output-voltage or Low input-voltage to high output-voltage applications
~Research & Development, Taipei, Taiwan
Forklifts, elevators, building security, passenger information, ticketing
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~Marketing/Sales, Bubikon ZH, Switzerland
Please share with us any “non-standard” applications that DC-DC converters have been used for.
9 answers
Generally a DC supply is generated either by batteries or Converters(AC to DC). But if reliable DC source is available and a voltage level of other than that of source is required DC-DC Converters have been used, like we have ups 125V DC source (Produced by batteries and converters). This 125 VDC is further used for generating 48VDC and 24VDC through DC-DC converters for reliable application on process computers.
~Iqbal H, Principal Engineer Maintenance Control & Instrumentation, Kot Addu, Pakistan
Automotive applications, high voltage input and output power range 3kW to 10kW
~Holger T., Engineering Consultant, Amberg, Germany
DC DC converter with low frequency signal modulation.
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~Prakash Sonwalkar, Architect, Bangalore, INDIA
Do you know of any disastrous mistakes that occurred due to the incorrect usage of DC-DC converters?
7 answers
Using DC-DC for charging battery and battery not getting charge fully which increased the charging cycles and reduced the battery life considerably.
~Rajesh A, Engineering Consultant, MUMABI, INDIA
Over voltage robustness in telecom applications, thermal performance over full operating range.
~Holger T., Engineering Consultant, Amberg, Germany
Pure design at over load and over voltage
Pure transient response
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~YOSSI B, Technical Support, Kfar Saba, Israel
FeaturesTop
What would your design or feature "wish list" be for this product?
10 answers
DC-DC converter working at a very wide range of inputs (e.g 10-500 v ac) and able to work as boost of Buck on its own depending on the input.
~Rajesh A, Engineering Consultant, MUMABI, INDIA
Ratings, Voltage, current, ripples or noises, dimensions, environment, nature of application(embedded or panel mounting).
~Iqbal H, Principal Engineer Maintenance Control & Instrumentation, Kot Addu, Pakistan
Right now they do what I need but they could be a little less expensive.
~Tom D, Engineer, Austin, TX
Number of output and pin out configuration, Watts , Current,
~JOE TAN, Engineer, WOODLANDS, SINGAPORE
Efficiency > 97%, at least >90% over full power output range.
~Prakash Sonwalkar, Architect, Bangalore, INDIA
Reliability Efficiency compact size temperature behavior
~Marketing/Sales, Bubikon ZH, Switzerland
Regulation and proper operation.
~Eladio Duran Aranda, Engineer, Huelva, Spain
Biasing for PMTs and APDs
~Chhaya C, Design Engineer, Ahmedabad, India
Compact & efficient
~YOSSI B, Technical Support, Kfar Saba, Israel
More power
~Engineering, Design, Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela
Buying AdviceTop
Do you have any advice for people relative to buying or using DC-DC converters?
9 answers
Please take care of extra ratings and noise factors, because, if your system is sophisticated, the noise may damage the electronic components. Equally, if the converter is designed with no extra power rating, it will become heated over and again and will damage and services will suffer. Please always purchase from reliable sources/companies brands to avoid frequent service interruptions.
~Iqbal H, Principal Engineer Maintenance Control & Instrumentation, Kot Addu, Pakistan
Look for efficiency versus power output graph. Spec sheets normally show the peak efficiency which is at a particular power output. A converter with a comparatively flatter graph is better than a converter with a higher peak efficiency at a particular power output and drops off steeply.
~Prakash Sonwalkar, Architect, Bangalore, INDIA
I like to choose the ones which supply at least 30% more current than I need. Always leave plenty of physical breathing room for cooling and separate them from anything which can be affected by RF noise.
~Tom D, Engineer, Austin, TX
PL. check the efficiency and operating temp as with increased temp, efficiency may drop dramatically.
~Rajesh A, Engineering Consultant, MUMABI, INDIA
Spend time to specify well your application Consider Isolation if needed.
~YOSSI B, Technical Support, Kfar Saba, Israel
Mostly should be those doing a repair job, and buying in small quantity.
~JOE TAN, Engineer, WOODLANDS, SINGAPORE
Ya many of my colleagues are using it..
~Chhaya C, Design Engineer, Ahmedabad, India
They should note the regulation.
~Eladio Duran Aranda, Engineer, Huelva, Spain
Reliability is first
~Xie Keng, Design Engineer, Bejin, China
Is there any advice you want to share with users to help them avoid common errors in selection or usage of DC-DC converters?
7 answers
Please do not select always cheap solutions. Go for reliable manufactures. Otherwise you may damage your costly, sophisticated equipment for which you are using DC-DC converter based power supplies.
~Iqbal H, Principal Engineer Maintenance Control & Instrumentation, Kot Addu, Pakistan
Do not just go for pricing , make sure it has required protections and it can work at required temperature range.
~Rajesh A, Engineering Consultant, MUMABI, INDIA
Try to minimize the voltage difference from Input to Output for best efficiency and higher reliability.
~Prakash Sonwalkar, Architect, Bangalore, INDIA
If comparing data sheets then be careful to compare the similar data.
~Holger T., Engineering Consultant, Amberg, Germany
Size and pin out arrangement, due to space limitation.
~JOE TAN, Engineer, WOODLANDS, SINGAPORE
Watch the load.
~Tom D, Engineer, Austin, TX
Not much..
~Chhaya C, Design Engineer, Ahmedabad, India
