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What is a step-up converter?

The step-up converter is a power converter mechanism in which the output direct current, voltage exceeds its input direct current voltage. Owing to the increase in output voltage, it is also known as a Boost Converter.

A boost converter pertains to the switched-mode-power supply (SMPS) category of switches. The introduction of semiconductor switches in the 1950’s can be credited with the popularity of the SMPS.

Step Up Voltage Transformers

Step Up Voltage Transformers

Source of Power for Boost Converter 

A typical DC-to DC-conversion involves the process when one DC voltage transforms or converts to another DC voltage. A boost converter does that and therefore deals primarily with DC-to DC Conversion. Consequently, all probable DC sources can be regarded as the appropriate source of power for these converters. Some of the possible sources could include the following:

– Batteries
– Solar panels
– Rectifiers
– DC generator

Components of a Boost Converter

The Boost converter comprises the following components:

– Two semiconductors, namely a diode and a transistor
– One energy storage element, either a capacitor or an inductor, or both in appropriate combination.

How does a Boost converter work?

There are two stages in which a Boost converter functions as shown below.

1.    The ON stage – In this stage the semi-conductive switch while conducting enables current to build up in the inductor causing an electromagnetic field to be created which stores energy.
2.    The OFF stage – At this stage, the semiconductor stops conducting and the electromagnetic field disintegrates. The energy that has been stored in it passes through the diode and into the capacitor at a very high voltage.

Applications of Boost converter

Boost converters are widely found in Hybrid Electric vehicles. The NHW20 model Toyota Prius HEV uses a 500 V motor and utilizes only 168 cells as compared to the 417 cells, it would have required had it not used the boost converter. The Prius equipped with the converter is able to hike the battery voltage from 202 V to 500 V.

Another very popular area of application for the boost converters is the portable lighting systems like white LED lights, LCD backlights and flashlights. With the help of boost converters, lighting systems can power low voltage battery cells and to emit high voltage output.

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