An ac-dc converter is commonly used in many devices. Also called a rectifier, it converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Most electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and electronic circuits, operate on DC power. However, there are different ways to convert AC into DC power (as discussed in the previous AC-to-DC conversion article). For…

Voltage and current sources are two fundamental types of electrical sources used in electronic circuits. A voltage source, such as a battery, is commonly used in many devices. It’s a two-terminal device that maintains a constant voltage across its terminals, regardless of the current flowing through the source. A current source is typically less discussed…

Vishay Intertechnology announced new 6 A, 20 A, and 25 A microBRICK synchronous buck regulator modules designed to deliver increased power density and efficiency for point of load (POL) converters. Offered in a 10.6 x 6.5 x 3 mm package, the Vishay Siliconix SiC931, SiC951, and SiC967 are the smallest such devices on the market — with…

In many applications, there’s a need for a constant voltage source. However, there are more constant current source applications than constant voltage sources. Most power supplies are voltage sources, including batteries and bench power.  A constant current source can be used anywhere a fixed current is required. A resistor can also be used, but the…

The STMicroelectronics L6983i 10W isolated buck (iso-buck) converter ensures high efficiency and a compact footprint — with advantages including low quiescent current and 3.5V-38V input-voltage range. The L6983i is suitable for applications that require an isolated DC-DC converter. It implements an iso-buck topology, which uses fewer components than a conventional isolated flyback converter and requires no…

Most appliances require 5Vs for operation. In this experiment, we’ll design a DC-to-DC buck converter that provides 5Vs of the regulated output. We’ll use an Adjustable AP65111AWU-7 switch-mode IC for the DC voltage conversion and analyze its performance.  Specification of the IC: A step-down 12V DC to 0.8V to 6V DC An output current of…

Featuring a synchronous topology for optimum efficiency, the new STMicroelectronics STPD01 DC/DC buck converter is digitally programmable for USB power-delivery (PD) applications up to 60W. With a wide input-voltage range of 6 to 26.4V, the STPD01 offers flexibility to address applications such as AC multiport adapters, USB hubs, PC monitors, and smart televisions. The output…

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a new bidirectional buck/boost converter with an ultra-low quiescent current (IQ) of 60 nA, which is one-third the IQ of competing boost converters. The TPS61094 buck/boost converter integrates a buck mode for supercapacitor charging while providing ultra-low IQ, enabling engineers to extend battery life by as much as 20 percent when compared…

Optimized for isolated buck regulator designs, STMicroelectronics‘ A6986I and L6986I DC/DC converter ICs have a wide input-voltage range and low quiescent current to ensure robust and energy-efficient operation in automotive and industrial applications up to 5W. The isolated buck topology drastically lowers the bill-of-materials in systems that require a regulated non-isolated primary voltage and one or more…