This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the DC/DC converter category on DigiKey.com
DC/DC Converters are designed to change a direct current voltage input level to one or more different direct current voltage output level.
SelectionCharacteristics
Specifications to determine which DC/DC converter is right for your application.
Type: How the device is physically setup.
Available Types
Breadboard Module
Designed to supply power to the power rails of a breadboard it has a barrel jack input and typically mounts directly on the board.
Bus Converter Module
A high efficiency, fixed ratio DC/DC converter.
High Voltage - Isolated Module
The input and the output are electrically isolated inside the power supply to prevent voltages from reaching other components, this is typically done with a transformer. Also provides safety protection for the people by preventing high voltage from reaching the operator. Used for meeting safety standards in many applications.
High Voltage - Non-Isolated Module
The input and output are not isolated from each other within the power supply. They are typically more efficient and cheaper than isolated modules, typically used in applications where it will by enclosed within the device and the safety factors of an isolated module are unnecessary. Can be place after an isolated power supply within the system.
Intermediate Bus Converter (IBC)
Developed to use IBA (Intermediate Bus Architecture) instead of DPA (Distributed Power Architecture). IBA uses a multistage power design. IBA is more efficient and typically less expensive and smaller than DBA. All IBCs provide isolation from the input voltage which is typically 48V. IBCs are typically used in network, server, and telecommunications applications. There are 3 basic types of IBC power supplies.
Basic IBC Types
Regulated
Typically used when the bus is not well regulated. Of the IBC options it has the widest input range and the tightest control of the output voltage. It is not as efficient or cost effective as other IBC options.
Semi-Regulated
Designed for a wide input range, but it only functions when the voltage input rises above a certain voltage level. More efficient and less expensive than regulated IBCs.
Fixed Ratio
Sets the output voltage to a specific level based on the transformer turn ratio. They are more efficient, cheaper, and have a higher power density than other IBC options.
Intermediate Bus Converter, Digital
Works like other IBCs except they can be programmed by the user. Typical settings that can be programmed are start time, ramp time, high and low voltage protection levels, current limit, and the over temperature protection limit. Users can typically program when a protection protocol occurs, events that happen before the protection protocol is activated, and what happens when the protocol is activated such as latching or automatic restart. This allows greater flexibility during design and the ability to adjust the system during the prototyping phase of development.
Isolated Module
Electronically isolated internally to protect systems and people from dangerous high voltage levels. Prevents ground loops which can cause changes in the voltage regulation and corrosion of traces.
Isolated Module, Conformal Coated
Identical in function to an isolated module. All the components and circuity are coated in a protective layer.
Isolated Module, Digital
An isolated module that can be programmed by the user. Typical settings that can be programmed are start time, ramp time, high and low voltage protection levels, current limit, and the over temperature protection limit. Users can typically program when a protection protocol occurs, events that happen before the protection protocol is activated, and what happens when the protocol is activated such as latching or automatic restart. This allows greater flexibility during design and the ability to adjust the system during the prototyping phase of development.
Isolated PoE Module
An isolated power supply specifically designed for PoE (Power Over Ethernet) applications.
Linear Regulator Replacement
Linear regulators use a linear component, such as a resistive load, to regulate the output voltage of the device. They are sometimes referred to as a series regulator.
Non-Isolated PoL (Point of Load) Module
This module is non-isolated, so it does not have internal electrical separation. Point of Load power supplies are intended to be installed close to the load in the application. Like other non-isolated power supplies, it is intended to be used in applications where it is fully enclosed and safety factors are not a concern. Typically, they are placed after an isolated power supply in the system.
Non-Isolated PoL (Point of Load), Conformal Coated
Electronically identical to a Non-Isolated PoL Module. All the components and circuitry are coated in a protective layer.
Non-Isolated PoL (Point of Load) Module, Digital
A non-isolated module that can be programmed by the user. Typical settings that can be programmed are start time, ramp time, high and low voltage protection levels, current limit, and the over temperature protection limit. Users can typically program when a protection protocol occurs, events that happen before the protection protocol is activated, and what happens when the protocol is activated such as latching or automatic restart. This allows greater flexibility during design and the ability to adjust the system during the prototyping phase of development.
Pre-Regulator Module (PRMTM)
Trademarked Name of a group of DC/DC regulators from Vicor.
Voltage Transformation Module (VTMTM)
Trademarked name for a group of DC/DC converters from Vicor.
Number of Outputs: The number of voltage outputs available from the device.
Voltage-Input Min: The minimum voltage input required for the device. Typically, if the voltage level drops below the minimum the device will shut down.
Voltage-Input Max: The maximum voltage of the input circuit. Typically exceeding this will damage or destroy the device and/or other components in the application.
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): The maximum amount of current that can be output by the device.
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 device can provide.
Voltage-Isolation: Maximum voltage the device can withstand for one second and still maintain electrical isolation.
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 the commercial device.
Available Applications
Household Appliances, ITE (Commercial)
Rated for use in commercial household appliances.
ITE (Commercial)
Rated for use in commercial applications.
ITE (Commercial), Laboratory
Rated for use in commercial laboratories and research equipment.
ITE (Commercial), Laboratory, Medical
Rated for use in commercial medical and laboratory equipment. Medically rated parts have rigorous standards, safety protocols, and safeguards due to the risk of loss of human life in the event of failure.
ITE (Commercial), Medical
Rated for use in commercial medical equipment. Medically rated parts have rigorous standards, safety protocols, and safeguards due to the risk of loss of human life in the event of failure.
ITE (Commercial), Railway
Rated for use in commercial railway applications following a strict standard to ensure human safety.
Industrial
Rated for use in industrial settings.
Industrial, Railway
Rated for use in industrial railway applications.
Medical
Rated for use in medical equipment. Medically rated parts have rigorous standards, safety protocols, and safeguards due to the risk of loss of human life in the event of failure.
Railway
Rated for use in the railway industry following a strict standard to ensure human safety.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as adjustable outputs, remote sensing, I2C interfacing, etc.
Available Features
Adjustable Output
The output can be adjusted to supply different voltage levels.
Baseplate
Uses a base plate to help dissipate heat from the power supply.
Bridgeable
The ability to function in bridge mode, typically with the use of a switch. Typically used in audio applications.
Cased
Power supply is encapsulated.
Digital
Has parameters that may be digitally changed and set to specific values.
Heat Sink
Has a heat sink attached to it.
Hot Swappable
Can be replaced without powering the system down.
I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) Interface
Two wire bi-directional serial communication interface.
IMON
Suitable for use in an IMON (Intelligent Multiservice Optical Network) system.
Load Sharing
Capable of being run parallel and linked together for communication to provide higher current output than that possible with a single converter.
OCP (Overcurrent Protection)
Has safeguards that activate if the power supply exceeds a specified current level.
OTP (Overtemperature Protection)
Has safeguards that activate if the power supply exceeds a specified temperature.
OVP (Overvoltage Protection)
Has safeguards that activate if the power supply exceeds a specified voltage level.
Pgood (Power Good)
A signal is added to let the system know when proper, stable voltages have been reached. The system monitors for this signal and is designed not to start-up unless received. The system continues to monitor this signal and if it turns off the system will shut down so that it isn’t damaged by improper voltage levels.
PMBusTM Interface
Industry standard based off the SMBus protocols and defines a specific set of commands and structuring for power control systems.
Proportional Output
Has an input setting such as 0-5V, 0-10V, 4-20ma, etc. AC power provided at the output of the device as a percentage of the input signal. For example, if you are using a power supply with the 0-10V input setting and you input 6V the output would be 60%. Typically used for dimming and heating systems.
Remote On/Off
Can be turned on or off remotely.
Remote Sensing
Uses two extra sensing wires to detect voltage drop from the cables and compensate for it at the output.
SCP (Short Circuit Protection)
If a short circuit is detected the device shuts down to prevent damage or fire.
Standby Output
Provides a small amount of current for sensing circuits that need to maintain power when the device is off.
Sync
Equipped with frequency synchronization.
UVLO (Under Voltage Lock Out)
Shuts the system down if the voltage drops below a specified level to protect equipment from malfunctions or damage.
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 device - typically length, width, and height.
Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
Control Features: Devices which have a control pin which can be used to remotely turn off the device.
Control Feature Options
Enable-Active High
Requires a logic High signal to turn on the device.
Enable-Active Low
Requires a logic Low signal to turn on the device.
Enable-Active Floating
Requires either a logic High signal or left floating to turn on the device.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | RFM-0505S |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 945-3159-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Recom Power |
| DESCRIPTION | Isolated Module DC DC Converter 1 Output 5V 200mA - 5V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | COM-18376 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1568-COM-18376-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | SparkFun Electronics |
| DESCRIPTION | Non-Isolated PoL Module DC DC Converter 1 Output 12V 3A 8V - 40V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | IES0105S05-H |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1470-IES0105S05-H-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | XP Power |
| DESCRIPTION | Isolated Module DC DC Converter 1 Output 5V 200mA 4.5V - 5.5V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | MPM3509BGQVE-AEC1-Z |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1589-MPM3509BGQVE-AEC1-ZTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Monolithic Power Systems Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Non-Isolated PoL Module DC DC Converter 1 Output 0.8 ~ 34.2V 600mA 4V - 36V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | V7803W-500R |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 102-2447-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Linear Regulator Replacement DC DC Converter 1 Output 3.3V 500mA 9V - 72V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
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