DC-DC Converter Topologies
DC-to-DC converters take a DC input voltage and produce a required DC output voltage, which can be higher or lower than the input voltage. Some DC-DC conversion can be done with linear regulators, when the required output voltage is less than the input. In general, linear DC-DC regulators are less efficient than switching DC-DC converters, but often cost less and have smaller footprint and lower noise. The greater the difference between Vin and Vout, the worse the linear regulator efficiency. Switching converters have higher efficiencies, but are more complex to design.
The following figure compares the integration levels of switching DC-DC converters:
The WEBENCH® Power Designer calculates your unique DC-DC converter design requirements in real time and compares optimized design alternatives using the WEBENCH Visualizer interface, allowing you to optimize footprint, efficiency, or system cost from 110 component manufacturers and electronic distributors. Electrical and physical characteristics across more than 21,000 components with price and availability updated hourly over the internet. In addition, WEBENCH Designer is now available in multiple languages including English, Japanese, simplified and tradiational Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese. |
|
|
