Hey everyone! I'm diving into a DIY project where I'm building a custom power supply, and I want to know if it's safe and efficient to use a DC-DC Boost Converter followed by a Buck Converter in series.
Here's what I'm working with: I have an old ATX power supply with multiple outputs:
- 12V rail rated at 18A
- 5V rail at 29A
- 3.3V rail at 30A
For my setup, I'm planning to use a 150W DC-DC Boost Converter to step up the voltage from the 12V rail to 24V, and then send that to a Buck Converter to adjust the output voltage from 1.5V to 24V. I aim to power some desk toys, LED lights, and do some electronics prototyping (like Arduino projects).
Here are the specific questions I have:
1. Is it safe to connect a boost and a buck converter in series?
2. Will I experience excessive ripple or instability due to having two converters in line?
3. Should I add input/output capacitors to help with smoothing?
4. Are there any thermal or other concerns I should keep in mind?
I'm open to any suggestions or insights you might have on this! Thanks!
1 Answer
Using a boost and a buck converter in series is generally fine! Just make sure you check the specs of both converters. They should handle the load your project requires without overheating. I mean, investing in separate modules could sometimes save you bucks in the long run compared to a single all-in-one device, but keep an eye on the efficiency. Additionally, adding some capacitors at the inputs and outputs can help stabilize the voltage and minimize ripple. So yeah, go for it, but watch those thermal issues especially if you’re pushing them near their limits!
Good to know about the caps! Any recommendations on what types I should be using for this kind of setup?