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A voltage regulator provides two
functions: changing the input
voltage to a different level at the
output and regulation (maintaining
a constant output voltage despite
changing load conditions). DC-DC
Regulators are a key component in
any power system, and so choosing
the correct regulator is critical if an
optimum solution is to be developed.
Although engineers understand
regulator
functionality,
less
experienced engineers often find it
difficult to identify the best regulator
for their application. This blog post
identifies criteria that anyone who is
not an experienced power developer
can use to ensure they choose the
perfect regulator.
for example, if DC power must be
transmitted using a long cable,
the I2R losses can be reduced
by boosting the voltage before
transmission and then stepping it
down again at the load. In battery
applications buck-boost regulators
are often used to provide a constant
stable voltage, overcoming the
change of output voltage that is seen
as batteries charge and discharge.
Nominal Inputs and
Outputs
Many
systems
have
clear
requirements for input and output
voltage – for example you may
need to step down a 12V rail to
3.3V. For many applications, there
Back to Basics: Choosing the Perfect Regulator
VICOR
Buck, Boost or
Buck-Boost Regulator?
There are three basic categories:
Buck - regulators with an output
that is a lower voltage than the
input
Boost - regulators with an output
that is a higher voltage than the
input
Buck-Boost - regulators that can
supply output voltages that are
higher, lower or the same as the
input
In most applications voltages are
stepped down from the bus to the
load and therefore buck regulators
are commonly used. Other
applications require the voltage to
be increased with a boost regulator:
52 l New-Tech Magazine Europe