Reference Guide to Switched DC/DC Conversion

DC/DC converters convert one DC voltage level to another. Switched-mode DC/DC converters use a FET switch and a
storage element to first store energy, then release it to achieve the desired output voltage. The common arrangements
of switches and storage elements, or topologies, are shown below.

01
Non-isolated, non-inverting topologies, output voltage at same polarity as input. Push-pull (Half Bridge) +
D1 (L)
VOUT = 2*VIN*d*(Ns/Np) S1
L Step-down or Buck converter Tr +
S Can provide Vout higher or lower than Vin, C1
+ + 0 ≤ VOUT ≤ VIN VOUT = d*VIN gives electrical isolation via a transformer, C
Simple step down circuit with single switch (FET) output power up to 500W along with higher
–
D C and storage element (Inductor). The output capac- energy efficiency than Flyback topology.
itor C is needed to remove significant output ripple.
– –
Synchronous version replaces D with second FET. D2
Ref: https://www.mouser.com/applications/power-supply-topology-buck/ S2

02
https://www.mouser.com/applications/
C2
–
Step-up or Boost converter power-supply-topology-half/

VOUT ≥ VIN VOUT = VIN/(1-d) L D

Simple step up circuit with single switch + + + Full bridge
and storage element. The output capacitor C D1
(L)
C S1 S2 VOUT = 2*VIN*d*(Ns/Np)
is needed to remove significant output ripple. S Tr + A robust buck converter topology, similar
Synchronous version replaces D with
– – to half-bridge, can provide Vout higher or
second FET C
lower than Vin. Often used in higher power
–
applications such as EV charging and
03
renewable energy systems.
SEPIC (Single-ended primary- D2
L1 C1 D inductor converter) S3 S4
+ + VOUT = d*VIN/(1-d)
Can step-up or step down as required to maintain –
S L2 C2
a fixed output voltage. Vout is fixed by the switch-

– ing duty cycle. Can use coupled inductors to save

–
PCB space.
Flyback
VOUT = VIN/(1-d)
S1
+ +
Simple single transistor topology, typically
Non-isolated, inverting topologies – output voltage polarity reversed vs input
04
used for offline, low output power (<100W)
L1 L2 C
applications such as cellphone chargers.
Inverting (buck-boost) S D
Fixed Vout determined by transformer.
+ – – –
VOUT = -d*VIN/(1-d)
Simple single switch and inductor topology.
L C Ref: https://www.mouser.com/applications/power-supply-topology-flyback/
Maintains a stable but inverted output voltage,
with varying input voltage. The output capacitor – +
C is needed to remove significant output ripple.
Charge Pumps DC/DC converters that use capacitors as the storage element are known as Charge
05 Pumps. Suitable for low-power applications, they are typically used to boost or invert Input voltage.
They may be cascaded in order to obtain even-numbered multiples or fractions.
L1 C1 L2 Čuk (Pronounced ‘Chook’)
D1 D2
+ – VOUT = -d*VIN/(1-d)
A buck-dboost topology with Inverted output + +
S D C2 S Voltage doubling charge pump
voltage and very low ripple current. Can use C1 C2
coupled inductors to save PCB space. Ideal for Vout = 2*Vin – 2*VD
– +
applications needing stable smooth output from
– – (Where Vd is the voltage drop across the diodes)
varying input source.
Note: The output current is continuous and ripple-free

Isolated Topologies S C1 D2
+
-
Forward converter Inverting charge pump
S D1 L VOUT = -VIN + 2*VD
VOUT = VIN*d*(Ns/Np) Tr D1 C2
– –
Can provide Vout higher or lower than Vin and
(Where Vd is the voltage drop across the diodes)
electrical isolation via a transformer. Higher – +
D2 C
output power (generally up to 200W) along with
higher energy efficiency than Flyback topology. + + L

Ref: https://www.mouser.com/applications/power-supply-topology-forward/ Disclaimer: These diagrams are for reference only and not intended to be implemented as complete working designs.
The simplified equations shown are for ideal converters and do not account for losses that may occur within components.

S = Switch, usually a FET or IGBT TR = Transformer

Legend

Equations

D = Diode VIN = Input voltage d = PWM Duty Cycle

Circuits

C = Capacitor Np = Number of turns, primary side

VOUT = Output Voltage
L = Inductor Ns = Number of turns, secondary side