This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Board Mount - AC/DC Converter category on DigiKey.com
An AC/DC Converter is a device that converts an alternating current voltage input to a direct current voltage level output.
SelectionCharacteristics
Specifications to determine which AC/DC converter is right for your application.
Type: Indicates the style and configuration of the device.
Number of Outputs: Indicates the number of separate outputs the device can provide.
Voltage-Input: Typically given in a range it represents the low and high voltage limits - within this range a device will meet its given specifications. Voltages outside this range may damage device or system components.
Voltage-Output 1: Nominal value of voltage for output 1.
Voltage-Output 2: Nominal value of voltage for output 2.
Voltage-Output 3: Nominal value of voltage for output 3.
Voltage-Output 4: Nominal value of voltage for output 4.
Current-Output (Max): Maximum current the device can provide.
Power (Watts): Maximum amount of power the device can provide - due to losses you generally want your applications power needs to be between 40%-60% of what your power supply can provide.
Applications: Application is the type of equipment or environment the device will be used in, they are tested and typically rated by a third party to ensure certain minimum standards for the application they are intended for. You could use one with a higher rating, but you cannot use one with a lower rating as it will fail in that application. For example, you could use a medically rated device to replace a commercial device, but you cannot replace the medical device with a commercial device.
Features: These are different capabilities of the device such as adjustable outputs, remote sensing, and IP ratings.
IP Ratings
Define how likely it is that water and dirt will get into the system.
The first number is for dirt and solid contaminants and the second number is for water.
| Protection Level | Solids | Liquids |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against solids larger than 50mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited Ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against solids larger than 12.5mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against solids larger than 2.5mm. | Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against solids larger than 1mm. | Protected against water splashed from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust. Limited ingress of dust permitted. | Will not affect the operation of equipment 2-8 hours. Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust 2-8 hours. | Protected against powerful jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | ______________________ | Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm-1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | ______________________ | Continuous immersion in water up to 3m for long periods of time. |
| 9 | ______________________ | Protected against high-pressure jets of hot water. (30 seconds) |
| 9K | ______________________ | Protected against high-pressure jets of hot water. (2 minutes) |
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Efficiency: Ratio of output power to input power, typically measured at nominal voltage under full load.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Package/Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier’s device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Size/Dimension: The physical dimensions of the power supply - typically length, width, and height.
Approval Agency: Meets the minimum safety standards of the approving agency. These agencies are either government entities or private third-party labs that protect consumer safety.
Standard Number: Indication of which standard(s) are used by relevant approval agencies.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | RAC03-12SK |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 945-3442-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Recom Power |
| DESCRIPTION | Enclosed AC DC Converters 1 Output 12V 250mA 85 ~ 264 VAC, 120 ~ 370 VDC Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | VOF-6B-S5 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 102-4242-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Open Frame AC DC Converters 1 Output 5V - - - 1.2A 85 ~ 264 VAC Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | PBK-3-12 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 102-3108-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | AC/DC CONVERTER 12V 3W |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Power Supply Videos
Articles
Article Library
Product Training Modules
Product Training Modules (PTMs)
TechForum
TechForum posts on Power Supplies