What is a DC to DC Converter Used for & How Does it Work?
Looking to convert one DC voltage to another? This is actually more commonplace than you may realize - and it requires the use of a specialized DC-DC converter.
Wait - what is a DC to DC converter? And what are they used for? How do they work? You have questions and we've got the answers. Today, we'll cover all this and a whole lot more. You'll learn everything there is to know about these converters - including the different types on the market, and how to choose one for your unique application. We'll even explain where you can find efficient, reliable DC-DC converters no matter the use-case.
Let's get started with the first question at hand today...what is a DC to DC converter in the first place?
What is a DC to DC Converter?
A DC to DC converter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another. They are also known as DC-DC converters or DC/DC converters. These converters can be used to increase or decrease the voltage level. The most common type is the step-down converter, which takes a higher DC voltage and converts it to a lower one - but there are also step-up converters that do the reverse.
There are multiple uses for DC to DC converters. They can be used in electronic devices like cell phones and laptops where different voltages are required for different components. For example, a laptop typically requires 19 volts to charge its battery but only 12 volts to run its display. A DC to DC converter steps down the 19 volts from the charger to 12 volts for the display.
We'll take a deeper look at the use cases for these converters later on. First, let's explain how these work.