DC Voltage Step Up/Down Converter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of stepping up or stepping down DC voltage using various devices and methods. Participants explore different approaches, including voltage regulators, transformers, and the conversion of DC to AC for voltage transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about devices that can directly step up or down DC voltage and requests design information.
  • Another suggests using a voltage divider for stepping down and an op-amp for stepping up the voltage.
  • A different participant mentions voltage regulators, indicating that linear regulators or buck DC-DC converters can step down voltage, while boost DC-DC converters can step up voltage.
  • One participant proposes the use of a transformer to step up DC voltage, comparing it to an AC transformer.
  • In response, another participant clarifies that there is no DC transformer and explains that stepping up DC voltage requires converting it to AC, referencing the operation of camera flashes and flyback transformer topologies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using transformers for DC voltage transformation, with some agreeing on the need for AC conversion while others propose alternative methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to achieve the desired voltage transformation.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific devices and methods without reaching a consensus on the most effective solution. The discussion includes assumptions about the applicability of certain technologies and the safety considerations of high voltages.

karim102
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Hi,
I want to ask if there D.c device that can step up or step down directly the Voltage. If there, can you show me and give me the design.
 
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To step down, use a voltage divider. To step up, you could use an op-amp.
 
karim102 said:
Hi,
I want to ask if there D.c device that can step up or step down directly the Voltage. If there, can you show me and give me the design.
Do you mean like using voltage regulators? If so, you can step down and regulate a lower voltage using either a linear regulator or a buck DC-DC converter. And you can step up and regulate a higher voltage using a boost DC-DC converter. Info on voltage regulators can be found at the manufacturer's websites, like for Maxim and National Semiconducor.
 
ok, but we can use something like transformer that can step up low voltage to very high voltage "20v D.C to 3000 D.c" as same as A.c transformer.
 
No, there is no such thing as a DC transformer. To step up the voltage, you have to "chop" it to AC in some way. Kind of like how a flash works on a camera -- you hear the squeal as the DC camera battery voltage is chopped to make the higher DC voltage required by the flash. Also, to get to 3000Vdc, you would probably use a flyback transformer topology boost, much like TV sets use to make the 15kVdc to 35kVdc CRT bias voltage. Be careful with high voltages like that, Karim.
 

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