DC DC Converters

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	VI-PJ00V-EYZ Vicor	12V/5V 5.8V 50W 25W MASTER DUA	0
	VE-LU1-IV Vicor	FG MICROCNTLR A/R FP L	0
	VI-L14-CV Vicor	VI-L14-CV 24V/48V 150W	0
	MI-P2PP-IXX Vicor	MI-P2PP-IXX 28V/13.8V 13.8V 75	0
	VI-LJWZ-EZ Vicor	VI-LJWZ-EZ 24V/2V 5A MEGA JR	0
	VI-RJ0122-CYYY Vicor	VI-RJ0122-CYYY 12V/12V 15V 15V	0
	VI-PC1LL-CWW Vicor	VI-PC1LL-CWW 24V/28V 28V/100W	0
	VI-N31-MM Vicor	VI-N31-MM 48V/12V 600W MEGA	0
	R15V_5AI Vicor	RAMPAC	0
	VI-NCW2-IP Vicor	VI-NCW2-IP 24V/15V 450W	0
	VI-N5F-CM Vicor	VI-N5F-CM 150V/72V 600W MEGA	0
	VI-PC322-CXX Vicor	VI-PC322-CXX 48V/15V 15V 75W 7	0
	VI-R0011-CXXY Vicor	VI-R0011-CXXY 12/5/12/12V 75/7	0
	VI-L53-CX Vicor	VI-L53-CX 150V/24V 75W	0
	MI-PJ2L2-MZZ Vicor	MI-PJ2L2-MZZ 28V/28V/15V 50W	0
	VI-P010-CYY Vicor	VI-P010-CYY 12V/12V/5V 50W/50W	0
	MVC-B2699818 Vicor	VCAD:MVC-B2699818	0
	VI-PCN04-CXU Vicor	VI-PCN04-CXU 48V/5V/275W	0
	D12V_8A3ATV2-00008 Vicor	D12V/8.3ATV2-12V/8.3ATV2 CONVE	0
	VI-N53-MM Vicor	VI-N53-MM 150V/24V 600W MEGA	0

DC DC Converters

1. Overview

DC-DC converters are electronic circuits or devices that convert direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another. They are critical components in power management systems, enabling efficient energy transfer for diverse applications. External converters are standalone modules integrated into systems via cables or connectors, while internal converters are embedded directly onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). These converters are essential in modern technology for optimizing power efficiency, reducing energy waste, and ensuring compatibility between devices and power sources.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Isolated DC-DC Converters	Provide galvanic isolation between input and output using transformers. High safety and noise immunity.	Medical equipment, industrial automation systems
Non-Isolated DC-DC Converters	Direct input-output connection. Compact and cost-effective.	Consumer electronics, low-voltage DC motor drives
Regulated DC-DC Converters	Maintain stable output voltage despite input fluctuations.	Telecom infrastructure, precision measurement instruments
Unregulated DC-DC Converters	Output voltage varies with load/input conditions.	Simple LED drivers, basic battery charging circuits
Module-Based Converters	Standardized footprints for easy integration.	IoT devices, automotive ECUs
Custom DC-DC Converters	Tailored specifications for specialized applications.	Aerospace power systems, high-power laser drivers

3. Structure and Components

Typical DC-DC converters consist of:

Input/Output Terminals: Copper contacts for electrical connections
Power Semiconductors: MOSFETs/IGBTs for switching operations
Energy Storage Elements: Inductors (magnetic energy storage), Capacitors (voltage stabilization)
Control Circuitry: PWM controllers, feedback loops for voltage regulation
Thermal Management: Aluminum heat sinks, thermal vias on PCBs
Protective Features: Overcurrent/overvoltage protection circuits

External converters often include robust enclosures (plastic/metal) with standard connectors (USB-C, barrel jacks), while internal variants use surface-mount packaging (SIP/DIP modules).

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Input Voltage Range	Operable voltage limits (e.g., 9-36V)	Determines compatibility with power sources
Output Voltage Accuracy	Voltage deviation tolerance ( 2%)	Ensures stable operation of downstream electronics
Efficiency	Energy conversion ratio (e.g., 94%)	Impacts thermal performance and battery life
Isolation Voltage	Maximum voltage withstand capability (e.g., 3kV)	Critical for safety in medical/high-voltage applications
Switching Frequency	Operating frequency (50kHz-5MHz)	Affects component size and EMI characteristics
Ripple & Noise	Output voltage fluctuation (mV_pp)	Key for sensitive analog/digital circuits
Operating Temperature	Functional temperature range (-40 C to +85 C)	Determines deployment environment suitability

5. Application Fields

Telecommunications: 5G base stations, fiber optic transceivers
Industrial: PLCs, CNC machine controllers
Consumer Electronics: Laptop power adapters, smartphone battery management
Medical: MRI scanners, portable diagnostic devices
Automotive: EV battery management, ADAS systems
Aerospace: Satellite power systems, avionics

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Specifications
Texas Instruments	LM5118	Synchronous buck-boost controller, 65V input, 10A output
Murata Power Solutions	OKR-T/10-W	Isolated 10W converter, 4:1 input range, 1500V isolation
Vicor Corporation	PRM48AF010T	48V input, 1000W output, 98% efficiency
Mean Well	IRM-10U	10W AC-DC converter with DC-DC isolation
Delta Electronics	TDEM6005	600W telecom converter, 48V to 12V conversion

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations for DC-DC converter selection:

Electrical Requirements: Match input/output voltage/current specifications with system needs
Efficiency vs. Size: High-efficiency models reduce cooling requirements but may increase cost
Isolation Needs: Mandatory for patient-connected medical devices and high-voltage systems
Environmental Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and vibration resistance requirements
Form Factor: Through-hole vs. surface-mount for PCB integration
Compliance Standards: UL/cUL, CE, IEC 60601 (medical), AEC-Q (automotive)
Cost vs. Reliability: Industrial-grade components offer longer lifespans but higher upfront costs

8. Industry Trends

High-Density Integration: Development of GaN/SiC-based converters achieving >200W/in power density
Digital Control: Increasing adoption of PMBus-compatible converters with real-time telemetry
Wide Bandgap Semiconductors: 650V+ GaN devices enabling 1MHz+ switching frequencies
Modular Architectures: Standardized quarter-brick/half-brick form factors for scalable designs
Smart Grid Compatibility: Bidirectional converters for renewable energy storage systems
Automotive Electrification: 48V-to-12V converters for mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs)

Market forecasts indicate a CAGR of 12.3% from 2023-2030, driven by demand in EVs, 5G infrastructure, and IoT edge devices.