What Is the Difference Between a DC/DC Converter and a DC/DC Controller?

[alexhong81]

I am just wondering, what is the difference between a DC/DC converter or DC/DC Controller?
It seems to be a same voltage converter IC?

 

[berkeman]

I am just wondering, what is the difference between a DC/DC converter or DC/DC Controller?
It seems to be a same voltage converter IC?

You might need to elaborate on your question, or show us where you are seeing these terms. But in general, a DC-DC controller circuit (an IC or discrete circuit) is the control element in an overall DC-DC converter circuit. The overall circuit includes the switching magnetics, for example.

 

[alexhong81]

Thanks Berkeman, yup, I guess you are right. Some of it having external circuit like protection circuit or filtering.