FPGA Based Digital World - DC-DC Converter Test

DC-DC Converter Test

A DC-DC converter converts one DC voltage to another, which can be linear or switching regulator.

To test the DC-DC converter, you need to select the parameters you really care about first.

Below are some frequently used parameters to be tested.

1. Output Line Regulation and Voltage Range

Used to measure the output voltage when the input voltage varies from minimum to maximum operating voltage.During the test, the output load is usually set to nominal or maximum current as specified.

The output voltage can be monitored by a mutlimeter or an oscilloscope, and electric load is usually used for the convenience of changing the load.

The output line regulation can be calculated as in percent:

Ro=Abs(Vomax-Vomin)/Vonorm*100

where Vomax and Vomin are the output voltages when the input voltages are maximum and minimum,while Vonorm is the norminal output voltage.

2 Output Load Regulation

Used to measure the output voltage when the load current varied from minimum to maximum.

It's calculated as

Lr=Abs(Vo_iomin-Vo_iomax)/Vonorm*100

where Vo_iomin and Vo_iomax are the voltages when the output current are minimum and maximum.

3 Output ripple and noise voltage

This parameter is important for switch-mode regulators, it's usually measured using an oscilloscope and with a dc electronic load. The load current is usually selected to be the norminal or maximum current during the test.

4 Output over-current protection

It's to protect the DC/DC converter and its powered device when the load exceeds the converter’s maximum rated current.

Typical measures are fold-back current limit and pulsing current-limit.

Other parameters include Input turn-on, input turn-off voltage levels and timing, Output transient response deviation and time, Output over-voltage protection, etc.

[refer to http://www.testandmeasurementtips.com/test-dc-dc-converters]


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