Efficiency is a common specification when talking about DC-DC converters and power converters in general. Why does efficiency truly matter? Below, we have listed three reasons why you should take the rated efficiency into consideration before making that final purchasing decision for your DC-DC converter.
1. 10°C increase in temperature results in 50% shorter lifetime
An often-quoted rule of thumb in electronics reliability for capacitors is that every 10°C (18°F) increase the lifetime approximately halves. For semiconductors, it is a similar change, but lifetime is further reduced at higher temperatures. This also applies to DC-DC components.
2. 4% gap in efficiency leads to 2 times higher temperature increase
A DC-DC converter should be tested in the end-use application to ensure suitable thermal performance. This is of major importance since the energy losses from a low-efficiency DC-DC converter transfer to heat and will have a direct impact on the operational temperature, resulting in power output de-rating as a function of increased temperature. Hence, low efficiency means that an oversized converter is often needed.
1. 10°C increase in temperature results in 50% shorter lifetime
An often-quoted rule of thumb in electronics reliability for capacitors is that every 10°C (18°F) increase the lifetime approximately halves. For semiconductors, it is a similar change, but lifetime is further reduced at higher temperatures. This also applies to DC-DC components.
2. 4% gap in efficiency leads to 2 times higher temperature increase
A DC-DC converter should be tested in the end-use application to ensure suitable thermal performance. This is of major importance since the energy losses from a low-efficiency DC-DC converter transfer to heat and will have a direct impact on the operational temperature, resulting in power output de-rating as a function of increased temperature. Hence, low efficiency means that an oversized converter is often needed.
3. Direct saving on battery system capacity
A DC-DC converter directly impacts the system efficiency as a whole. A high-efficiency converter will enable system savings, which are necessary to include in the overall cost estimate. For example, a 5% efficiency improvement for a 500W converter can contribute to overall system saving of 20-25% of the DC-DC converter cost.
Micropower offers an extensive range of high-efficient DC-DC converters, optimized for industrial machines and vehicles. The product portfolio spans from 65W up to 700W, handling voltages from 12V to 120V. All converters feature top-class efficiency (>96%) and are cool running. The DC-DC converters are available as isolated and non-isolated, with IP21 or with IP67 (waterproof), and feature built-in protection features for safe installation and usage. With its small, compact design, and ruggedized housing, it’s the optimal DC-DC converter for the industrial sector.
A DC-DC converter directly impacts the system efficiency as a whole. A high-efficiency converter will enable system savings, which are necessary to include in the overall cost estimate. For example, a 5% efficiency improvement for a 500W converter can contribute to overall system saving of 20-25% of the DC-DC converter cost.
Micropower offers an extensive range of high-efficient DC-DC converters, optimized for industrial machines and vehicles. The product portfolio spans from 65W up to 700W, handling voltages from 12V to 120V. All converters feature top-class efficiency (>96%) and are cool running. The DC-DC converters are available as isolated and non-isolated, with IP21 or with IP67 (waterproof), and feature built-in protection features for safe installation and usage. With its small, compact design, and ruggedized housing, it’s the optimal DC-DC converter for the industrial sector.
Linus Andersson
Global Director Automated Guided Vehicles