DC to DC Voltage Converters
DC to DC converters produce direct current power, but at a different voltage than the input power. They ensure a constant output voltage for stable power delivery to electronic devices and systems. They are most often employed to create a constant voltage power supply for a load (the device receiving the power). A “switched-mode” makes use of the power stored in its input (through “energy storage” components like capacitors) by periodically and quickly rerouting it to the device’s output– but not at the input voltage (or at its average). This also means that switched-mode circuits don’t use the energy of the input voltage that’s not being sent to the load—hence they require “lighter” (less powerful) and smaller power supplies for many portable devices. To do this, they often employ energy storage components and “convert” power from one voltage to another.
You can classify DC to DC converters into different types based on the voltage transformation they perform. Some change an input voltage that is too high to a lower output voltage—these are called buck converters. By contrast, other converters also do the reverse––they boost an input voltage to a higher output voltage, and these are called, boost converters. DC to DC converters play a vital role in providing stable power to electronic devices and improving power conversion efficiency.
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More Information about DC to DC Converters
The various components of industrial automation, control, monitoring, and testing require direct current that comes at different voltage levels. AC power, which is the most common commercial form of power, requires conversion to DC. Some AC/DC power supplies that are part of the control system for a piece of industrial equipment provide just one DC voltage level, which may not be suitable for all the various components that are present. DC to DC converters can provide higher power and efficiency compared to AC power supplies for certain applications.
FAQs
What are the output voltages of a DC to DC converter?
The output voltages of a DC DC converters can vary widely, typically ranging from as low as 1.8V to over 48V, depending on the specific application and design requirements.
What is the output power of a buck converter?
The output power of a buck converter is determined by the product of its output voltage and output current, and can range from milliwatts to several kilowatts, depending on the design and application.
Signal Conditioning: Isolators, Converters, Amplifiers & Splitters
Signal isolators are used to protect sensitive equipment, such as PLCs, from potential hazards that may originate from devices they are connected to, such as sensors or transmitters. Isolators can also be used to filter any noise that might arise from disturbances along the signal path back to the PLC.
Signal converters take one type of signal and change it to something else. For example, a signal converter can interpret an RTD signal and convert it into something that a PLC can understand.
Signal amplifiers increase the resolution of an input signal, allowing for more accurate and detailed data to be sent to the controller, enabling better monitoring and control of devices. Another important function that amplifiers perform is increasing the signal-to-noise ratio.
Signal splitters do not change the signal, but allow the signal to be sent to more than one location. For example, a signal splitter can be used to send data to two different PLC’s without any signal degradation.