I'm working on building an AC to DC converter that converts 230V AC to 24V DC, but I'm a bit confused about the voltage step down process. Should I first step down the voltage from 230V to 24V before rectifying it, or should I rectify it first and then use a flyback converter? I'd really appreciate your guidance and any corrections if I'm misunderstanding something!
2 Answers
It's generally easier to step down the voltage first with a transformer before rectifying it. A linear power supply is a lot simpler, especially if you're just starting out with power supplies. Just be careful though; working with high voltages can be dangerous! Always prioritize safety when you're tinkering with electronics.
What are your current needs for this project? If you need around 1.5A, that affects your design. Also, do you have any specific size or weight limits for your converter? It's definitely great that you're eager to learn, so keep asking questions like this as you build your project. The fundamentals will help a lot as you get into it!