Home
Home | Applications | Solutions | Blogs | About Us | Contact Us
- All
- Product Name
- Product Keyword
- Product Model
- Product Summary
- Product Description
- Multi Field Search
DC-DC converters have many types. They change one DC voltage to another for different jobs.
You must choose the right type. This saves power, makes the system work well, and helps all parts work together correctly.
This guide examines the most common types of DC-DC converters and explains how they work and what they are used for.
DC-DC converters are primarily classified into two categories:
Non-Isolated | Direct electrical connection between input and output |
Isolated | Electrical separation using transformers or opto-isolators |
Reduces input voltage to a lower output voltage.
Switching and energy storage elements regulate the output voltage consistently lower than the input.
Smartphone chargers
5V logic boards from 12V batteries
LED drivers
Increases input voltage to a higher output voltage.
Stores energy in an inductor and releases it at a higher potential.
Battery-powered devices
Portable electronics
Emergency lighting systems
It can either increase or decrease voltage, depending on the input/output ratio.
Combines the mechanisms of both buck and boost converters with polarity inversion in some designs.
Battery systems with varying input
Automotive electronics
Portable devices
Produces an output voltage higher or lower than the input without inverting polarity.
Non-inverting output
Continuous input current
Automotive systems
LED lighting
Renewable energy
Inverts polarity and can either step up or step down voltage.
Uses capacitors as the primary energy transfer component.
Low-noise power supply systems
Battery-powered systems
| Type | Purpose |
Flyback | Low-power applications with simple transformer use |
Forward | Higher efficiency for medium power applications |
Push-Pull | Balanced power delivery and transformer efficiency |
Safety for high-voltage systems
Noise and interference reduction
Galvanic separation in medical or industrial devices
| Converter | Voltage Comtrol | Polarity | Isolation | Key Use Case |
Buck | Step-down | Same | No | 12V to 5V in mobile electronics |
Boost | Step-up | Same | No | 3.7V to 5V in portable chargers |
Buck-Boost | Up or Down | Inverted | No | Varying battery output devices |
SEPIC | Up or Down | Same | No | LED lighting, automotive sensors |
Flyback | Up or Down | Variable | Yes | Low-cost AC adapters |
For stable input, Use a buck or boost
For variable input: Use a buck-boost or SEPIC
For safety or medical devices, Choose an isolated converter
Knowing the different types of DC-DC converters helps you pick the right one for your voltage needs, safety, and project purposes. Whether you're designing a solar inverter or a small battery charger, the right converter ensures good performance and safety.
SD-100
