DC-DC Converters

• Applications that use DC-DC power supplies
• Common voltage input ranges and output voltages
• Types of DC-DC power supplies: Din rail, open frame, enclosed, and board mount
• Benefits of using DC-DC power supplies

Applications That Use DC-DC Power Supplies

There are many applications that use DC-DC power supplies for various purposes. Some of the common ones are:

Industrial Equipment:

Many industrial machines and processes require precise and stable voltage levels for optimal performance and safety. For example, CNC machines, robots, sensors, PLCs, etc. use DC-DC power supplies to regulate the voltage from the main AC supply or batteries. Additionally, DC-DC power supplies enable the integration of different voltage levels within industrial systems, facilitating compatibility and efficient operation of various devices.

Medical Devices:

Medical devices often operate on low-voltage batteries or external AC adapters. To ensure reliability and compatibility with different standards and regulations, they use DC-DC power supplies to convert the input voltage to the required output voltage for various functions. For example, pacemakers, ventilators, infusion pumps, etc. use DC-DC power supplies to provide isolated and regulated voltages for their circuits.

Automotive Systems:

Automotive systems have complex electrical architectures that involve multiple voltage levels for different components. For example, engines, lights, radios, navigation systems, etc. use different voltages ranging from 12V to 48V. To ensure efficiency and stability, they use DC- DC power supplies to step up or step down the voltage from the battery or alternator.

Common Voltage Input Ranges and Output Voltages

INPUT

The input voltage range of a DC-DC power supply depends on the source of the input power and the design of the converter. Some common input voltage ranges are:

2:1 Input Voltage Range:

This means that the converter can accept an input voltage that varies from 50% to 100% of its nominal value. For example, a converter with a nominal input of 48V can operate from 36V to 72V.

4:1 Input Voltage Range:

This means that the converter can accept an input voltage that varies from 25% to 100% of its nominal value. For example, a converter with a nominal input of 24V can operate from 9V to 36V.

Wide Input Voltage Range:

This means that the converter can accept an input voltage that varies over a wide range, such as from 9V to 75V or from 18V to 75V. This is useful for applications that have unstable or fluctuating input sources.

OUTPUT

The output voltage of a DC-DC power supply depends on the load requirements and the design of the converter. Some common output voltages are:

Standard Output Voltages:

These are fixed output voltages that are commonly used for various devices and circuits. They include values such as 5V, 12V, 24V, or 48V. These voltages are often regulated by feedback mechanisms to maintain accuracy and stability.

Adjustable Output Voltages:

These are output voltages that can be adjusted by external resistors or potentiometers within a certain range. For example, a converter with an adjustable output of 1.5V to 200V. These voltages are useful for applications that require fine tuning or customization. While Bravo Electro does carry power supplies where the output can be adjusted, the adjustability range is limited. We don't carry lab type power supplies where the DC output can be adjusted with a knob. This is because the majority of our power supplies are meant to go in production equipment.

Multiple Output Voltages:

These are converters that provide more than one output voltage at different levels. For example, a converter with a single input of 28V and three outputs of 5V, 12V, and 15V. These converters are convenient for applications that require different voltages for different components.

Types of DC-DC Power Supplies: DIN Rail, Open Frame, Enclosed and Board Mount

There are different types of DC-DC power supplies based on their form factor and mounting method. Some common types are:

DIN Rail Mount:

DIN rail mount DC-DC power supplies are specifically designed to be easily mounted on standard DIN rails commonly found in industrial environments. These compact and rugged power supplies offer convenient installation and efficient space utilization within control panels and equipment cabinets. They provide reliable and regulated DC power conversion, allowing for the integration of different voltage levels required by industrial devices and systems. DIN rail mount DC-DC power supplies often feature wide input voltage ranges, robust protection mechanisms, and high temperature tolerances, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications where stability and durability are essential.

Open Frame:

These are power supplies that have no enclosure or case around them. They are usually mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) or a chassis with screws or standoffs. They have a low cost and a small size, but they also have less protection from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage.

Enclosed:

These are power supplies that have a metal or plastic case or enclosure around them. They can be mounted on a chassis or a panel with screws or brackets. They offer high isolation, wide input voltage range, regulated output voltage, and various protection functions such as short circuit, over current, over voltage, and over temperature.

Board Mount:

These are power supplies that can be directly soldered onto a PCB or plugged into a socket. They have a very small size and weight, but they also have limited power output and input/output isolation. They are often used for low-power applications such as microcontrollers and digital processors.

Benefits of Using DC-DC Power Supplies

Power Efficiency:

DC-DC power supplies can provide higher power and efficiency than AC power supplies for certain applications. For example, DC appliances and motors have lower losses and higher performance than AC ones. DC-DC power supplies can also use techniques such as buck, boost, or flyback converters to adjust the output voltage according to the load requirements.

Compatibility With Clean Energy Sources:

DC-DC power supplies can directly use the output of renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines without the need for inverters or transformers. This reduces the cost and complexity of the system and improves its reliability and stability.

Integration With Electronic Devices:

Most electronic devices operate on DC power internally, so using DC-DC power supplies can eliminate the need for AC adapters or rectifiers. This can save space, weight, and energy consumption.

Flexibility and Scalability:

DC-DC power supplies can be easily configured to provide different output voltages or currents by changing some external components or parameters. They can also be connected in parallel or series to increase their output capacity or range2. DC-DC power supplies can also be used in hybrid AC-DC systems that combine the advantages of both forms of electricity.

If you are looking for a reliable source of DC-DC power supplies for your project or design, look no further than Bravo Electro, a leading distributor of power supplies and fans based in California. Bravo Electro offers a wide range of DC-DC converters from various manufacturers with different specifications, features, prices, and warranties. You can browse their online catalog or contact their customer service team for more information.