This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the DC DC Converters category on DigiKey.com
DC-DC Converters convert a direct current voltage input into a different direct current voltage output. They have essentially the same wattage rating on both the input and the output, minus switching losses. DC-to-DC converters can be mounted on- or off-board. They come in a variety of inputs, outputs, and packages, and can have single or multiple output options.
SelectionCharacteristics
Type: Indicates the style and configuration of the device.
Voltage - Input (Min): This represents the minimum voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications.
Voltage - Input (Max): Typically this represents the maximum voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Number of Outputs: Indicates the number of separate outputs the device can provide.
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 power supply can provide.
Voltage - Isolation: The maximum voltage difference that can be observed across the device’s isolation barrier before breakdown occurs and isolation is lost.
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.
Efficiency: Ratio of output power to input power, typically measured at nominal voltage under full load.
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.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
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: An indication of the agency safety standard(s) that the item meets.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | R-78W5.0-0.5 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 945-2202-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Recom Power |
| DESCRIPTION | Linear Regulator Replacement DC DC Converter 1 Output 5V 500mA 32V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | DTE6048S12 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1470-3377-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | XP Power |
| DESCRIPTION | Enclosed DC DC Converter 1 Output 12V 5A 75V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | PQDE6W-Q24-S24-T |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 102-5794-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CUI Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Enclosed DC DC Converter 1 Output 24V 250mA 36V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | TP-DCDC-1248D |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 2303-TP-DCDC-1248D-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Tycon Systems Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Enclosed DC DC Converter 1 Output 48V 350mA 36V Input |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Engineer It-How to test power supplies-Measuring Efficiency
Selecting a Power Supply for Harsh Environments
Articles
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies