The easy to use features and the outstanding performance of DC/DC power modules make this converter popular. When you choose a suitable DC/DC power module, you prevent design problems and debugging issues. The overall system stability and the product development cycle shortened. An HV DC-DC converter offers both convenience and high efficiency.
However, you must pay attention to severe issues like output and input filtering and output loading.
This piece helps you understand some of the factors you need to consider when choosing an HV DC-DC converter.
The minimum load criteria
Many HV DC-DC converters require a minimum of 10% device rating output for the converter to meet datasheet specifications. Operating the converter with light load or no-load conditions has dire consequences. It could mean that sometimes you add dummy load. Some HV DC-DC converters will go haywire under no-load or light load conditions. Thus you need to confirm the output requirements before you make your choice.
Output current limiting and soft starting
Many HV DC-DC converters have inbuilt current limiting. Therefore if the load is drawing more than the limit, the converter will stop and then later begin the pulse-by-pulse restart. This is a feature that protects both the converter and the load. Sometimes, problems emerge when powering a lamp, capacitive motor, and other non-linear boards, and the solution would be a large inrush current. Here, you can install a soft-start circuit between the HV DC-DC converter and the load.
Output emissions and noise
Most converters have an output ripple of 50-100 Mv range. Pay attention to the destruction that an HV DC-DC converter can bring about to your power line. This is due to the high-speed power pulses with fast fall and rise times that bring about a lot of noise back on the power line. The sound then moves through the whole system. An input filter will sometimes lead to stability issues with some HV DC-DC converters due to their internal architecture. Therefore, you must follow the HV power supply guidelines for input filtering.
Shielding
You’ll often hear a manufacturer advertising five or six-sided shielding, which gives a false sense of security. Even with a high standard shield, you will not get the output/ input lines’ maximum results. The noise will be re-radiated instead of being contained in the shield.
Load balancing for dual HV DC/DC converters
Dual converters help in providing a split supply output with a single power supply. The arrangement allows for converter feedback to be drawn from the min output while keeping decent regulation and you can tap additional outputs from the same secondary.
When the output of the dual equals the loading, then tracking and supply regulation become relatively sufficient. Even with equally loaded outputs, the variation may be slight enough for it to be tolerated. The designer should allow provisioning for load balancing and, where necessary, follow the linear-post regulator outputs.
When choosing HV DC-DC converters, there is a variety of designs you can choose from. The essential thing is to check the power density and efficiency of the power brick. Depending on your power demands, it is crucial to get an experienced HV power supplies professional to guide you on the appropriate HV DC-DC converter.
