Design Negative Power Supply with Positive Voltage Input

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of negative power supplies that utilize only a positive voltage input and ground. Participants explore various design approaches, requirements, and specifications for such power supplies, emphasizing creativity and practicality in the design process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about alternative designs for negative power supplies beyond buck-boost converters and charge pumps.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the desired characteristics of the power supply, such as simplicity, isolation, cost, and power requirements.
  • Suggestions for potential topologies include transformers and Ćuk converters.
  • A participant shares a reference to a switching mode power supply (SMPS) document for further insights.
  • One participant specifies that the design should be simple, powered by +5V, and does not require isolation, while considering load capacity and ripple.
  • Another participant notes the difficulty in providing suggestions without more detailed specifications, highlighting the variety of options available.
  • Resources are shared that discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various SMPS topologies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the design requirements and options available, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on a specific design approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific power requirements or load specifications, which may limit the applicability of suggested designs. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions about the desired characteristics of the power supply.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in power supply design, particularly those exploring negative voltage generation from positive inputs, may find this discussion relevant.

Wicketer
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Hey guys,
Are you guys aware of any designs (other than buckboost or charge pump) for negative power supplies using just a positive voltage (and ground of course) as inputs? Creative designs are totally welcome.

Thanks in advance!
 
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There are other topologies that can provide you with a negative rail, but you haven't really specified what you're looking for in a power supply, other than that.

Should it be a "simple" design? Should it provide isolation? Should it be cheap to build? How much power do you need? etc.
 
Thanks for your replies guys!
milesyoung, the design can be simple as it will be powered with only +5V, and doesn't require isolation...but the design will be weighed against things like how large (or small) of a load it's capable of driving, ripple etc. I'm just juggling ideas to come up with an optimal design for the spec. Any relevant design suggestions rather than general topology will be appreciated too :)

Thanks again!
 
It's really hard to come up with a sensible suggestion if not given more to go on - there are so many options. There's a lot of industry resources on the subject, though, that treat the advantages/disadvantages of the various SMPS topologies, e.g.:
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/appnotes/01114a.pdf
 
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