Isolated DC-DC converters convert a DC input power source to a DC output power while maintaining isolation between the input and the output, generally allowing differences in the input-output ground potentials in the range of hundreds or thousands of volts. Further, the isolation prevents the input voltage to pass through to the output as a result of an internal failure (worst case).
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Non-Isolated DC-DC converters have no isolation between the input and output.
The input ground has to have the same potential as the output ground. Advantage is however the compact design and a higher efficiency due to a lesser amount of components used.
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Unregulated DC-DC converters have no direct comparison of the actual output voltage and the nominal output voltage.
Therefore no direct means to compensate a voltage drop, triggered by an increasing load, exists. Often an indirect control of the output voltage is used with a typical load regulation of ±15 to ±20% of Uout nominal.
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Main Advantages of Isolated Converters
+ Different input-output ground
potentials allowed
+ Provides better personal safety
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Main Advantages of Non-Isolated Converters
+ Very high efficiency
+ Compact design
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Main Advantages of Unregulated Converters
+ Cost-effective design
+ Compact design
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