Find the right high-voltage DCDC Converter

Reading time: approx. 5 minutes – In this article, we would like to show you which details are important when selecting a suitable high-voltage DC-DC converter. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The complexity and the associated requirements for power electronics in the industrial and automotive sector are constantly increasing. This makes the search for the right high-voltage DC-DC converter for the respective application considerably more difficult. In addition to properties such as size and weight, the required input and output voltages and the power to be provided, other variables are also decisive when selecting the right high-voltage DC-DC converter. Only by taking these into account can the ideal on-board power supply solution be found.

Environmental conditions

Depending on the area of application, the high-voltage DC-DC converter is exposed to various environmental influences such as temperature fluctuations, vibrations or humidity. An appropriate protection class and the selection of suitable components are crucial to ensure reliable operation and prevent premature failure.

Efficiency

The efficiency or standby consumption of the high-voltage DC-DC converters installed in the system is very important for the operating costs of a system, the range of a vehicle or the thermal behaviour. It is important not only to consider the value specified by the manufacturer at the ideal operating point, but also to examine the behaviour of the voltage converter over the entire load range relevant to the application.

Thermal behaviour

Efficiency alone says little about whether a voltage transformer in a car is suitable for an application. Even a very high level of efficiency can lead to enormous heat development under corresponding load conditions, which requires a reduction in power, a so-called derating or even a shutdown of the converter. Heat dissipation therefore plays adecisive role in power electronics. This is ensured, for example, by contact cooling, the use of fans or liquid cooling.

 Certifications

Depending on the intended use and location, the high-voltage DC-DC converters must have different certifications. It should therefore be clarified with the manufacturer at an early stage whether the desired DC-DC voltage converter has the necessary approvals for the application or whether it can fulfil them.

Sustainability

Increasing environmental awareness is putting the sustainability factor more and more in the focus of governments, the population and companies. For this reason, aspects such as production, materials used, reusability, packaging and repair options should also be taken into account when choosing a DC-DC voltage converter.

Integration

Due to the high complexity of the individual components, integration into existing systems is becoming more challenging. The controllability of the high-voltage DC-DC converter by means of switching cables, the interlock, the communication interface and the power connectors are some important key factors in system integration, whereby attention should be paid to compliance with current valid standards.

In our role as a solution provider with wide-ranging expertise in the fields of power electronics, high-voltage battery technology and system integration, we are happy to support you from the moment you find your requirements for the ideal DC-DC converter.