The purpose of an AC-DC converter is to convert an incoming AC signal into a variable DC voltage, which is then optimized through a filter to obtain an unregulated DC voltage. AC-DC converters are primarily used in consumer devices, medical equipment, industrial and process control systems, measurement equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and defense applications.
For example, in smart homes, power equipment implements efficient AC-DC conversion hardware to reduce energy loss and achieve significant cost savings. Smart homes and smart offices require mesh control systems with multiple nodes, actuators, and low-power sensors.
The development and selection of AC-DC converters will become a real challenge. However, the industry is offering an increasing number of integrated circuits that incorporate innovative features and reduce development time.
Select AC-DC devices
The choice of AC-DC controller is related to several factors. Topology, control algorithms and performance are just a few key aspects.
In power systems, protection functions are also an essential safety and reliability aspect. There are several types of protection, including those related to input (overvoltage and input voltage drop), output (overload, short circuit, reverse voltage and overvoltage), and temperature (overheating and ambient temperature rise). Typically, to meet specific needs, highly integrated solutions typically offer higher performance and lower power consumption than discrete components.
AC-DC converters usually require very good switching to achieve high energy efficiency. This can be achieved through innovative processes and technologies such as silicon carbide (SiC).
Every device is subject to changes, but a well-designed system must provide robustness to these edges. The use of highly integrated AC-DC converters reduces the variability of design errors and allows for robustness and parameter tolerances.
