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AC-DC Converters

AC/DC Converters

An AC/DC converter is an essential device that transforms alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). These converters are widely utilized in electronic devices that require DC power, such as computers, televisions, and smartphones. While utility companies deliver power as AC, most electronic devices operate on DC power, making AC/DC converters vital for efficient and effective operation.

Why Do You Need an AC/DC Converter?

Electricity is generated at power plants from sources like hydro, nuclear, and thermal energy, typically located in remote areas. To efficiently transmit this power to urban centers, it is distributed as AC voltage, usually at 100V or 200V. However, most electronic devices require a much lower DC voltage, such as 3.3V or 5V, necessitating the conversion from AC to DC.

AC/DC converters consist of key components, including a step-down transformer, switches like diodes and thyristors, a passive filter with an inductor and capacitor, and a load. The choice of a specific AC/DC converter depends on the device’s required voltage, current output, efficiency, and reliability. Common types of AC/DC converters include transformers, diode rectifiers, and voltage regulators.

When reliable performance is critical, selecting the right power supply solution is crucial for achieving high efficiency, accuracy, stability, and repeatability. Our direct sales and technical support teams assist you throughout your product’s entire lifecycle, ensuring optimal power conversion and compliance with emissions and immunity standards. With advanced high-voltage converters, power factor correctors, controllers, and supervisors/housekeeping ICs, our solutions meet the most demanding energy-saving regulations.

Types of AC/DC Converters

Several AC/DC converter types exist, each with distinct topologies. Common examples include flyback and buck-flyback architectures, known for their transformer use, low component count, and cost-effectiveness.

• Flyback Converters: These are typically buck-boost converters with a transformer replacing the inductor. The transformer’s stored energy is used to drive the secondary circuit through active or passive rectification. The most common flyback converter operates in Discontinuous Mode (DCM), where the current in the transformer reaches zero, offering a simple control loop and low cost. Continuous Current Mode (CCM) flyback converters are necessary for higher power levels but come with increased transformer winding losses due to continuous conduction.

• Quasi-Resonant (QR) and Valley Switching Variants: These variations of the flyback topology optimize switching to improve efficiency. QR flyback converters recycle energy from non-ideal leakage inductances, while valley switching reduces spikes caused by overshoot. Both are typically used in low-power applications.

Applications and Benefits

Modern AC/DC converters reduce power consumption and increase efficiency, which is crucial for powering most mains-connected devices. By integrating power factor correctors, PWM controllers, and offline converters, system power consumption is significantly reduced, helping to meet stringent energy-saving regulations.

For applications such as replacing a 12V DC car battery, an AC/DC converter can take 110V or 220V AC power from a wall outlet and convert it to 12V DC, eliminating the need for batteries. These versatile converters can handle a wide range of input voltages and are available in various models to convert DC voltages like 3V, 6V, 9V, 12V, 15V, or 18V to AC for use in homes, offices, or on the road.

AC-DC Converters are available at IBS Electronics from industry leading manufacturers. DC-DC Converter Modules are high-power density isolated and regulated DC-DC converters that are board-mountable. IBS Electronics distributes dc-dc converter for leading manufacturers including Artesyn, Astrodyne, Astec, ETA, GE, Murata, Shindengen, TDK-Lambda, Texas Instruments and many more.