--- description: What is DC-to-DC Converter? It is an electrical system that changes the voltage level of direct current sources. title: What is DC-to-DC Converter? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Depositphotos_501992154_L.jpg --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is DC-to-DC Converter? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read ![Jan23 What is DC-to-DC Converter?](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Depositphotos_501992154_L-1024x683.jpg "What is DC-to-DC Converter?") A DC-to-DC converter is an electrical system (device) that changes the voltage level of direct current (DC) sources. To put it another way, a DC-DC converter takes a DC input voltage as input and outputs another DC voltage. The difference between the DC input voltage and the DC output voltage is possible. A DC-DC converter, as its name suggests, **only functions with sources of direct current** (DC) and not with sources of [alternating current](https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Alternating_current) (AC). A DC-DC converter is often referred to as a voltage regulator or DC-DC power converter. **What are the Types of DC-to-DC converters?** There are several types of DC-to-DC converters. When it comes to the ratio of input to output voltage, these converters can be classified into two types: - **Boost DC to DC Converters:** The output voltage of a boost DC-DC converter is greater than the input voltage. If we neglect the losses, power conservation dictates that the output current will be less than the input current. - **Buck DC to DC Converters:** The output voltage of a buck DC-DC converter is less than the input voltage. If we ignore the losses, power conservation dictates that the output current will be greater than the input current. Different types of DC-DC converters exist. The linear converter, often known as the linear voltage regulator, is the most basic type of DC-DC converter. Because it can only function as a buck DC-to-DC converter, a linear voltage regulator can only reduce higher [voltage](https://energytheory.com/what-is-activation-voltage/) levels. Because it is a regulator, it also makes sure that the output voltage is kept constant **even when the output load is fluctuating**. The switching DC-to-DC converter is a form of DC-to-DC converter that is more effective. **Also Read: **[What is Direct Current (DC)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-direct-current-dc/) Linear converters predated switching DC-to-DC converters in terms of popularity. The shunt voltage regulator and the series voltage regulator are the two basic topologies available for linear voltage regulators (DC-DC converters). Transistors are used in this style of voltage regulators as dependent current sources with relatively **substantial voltage drops at high currents**, squandering a lot of energy. The efficiency of a linear voltage regulator is often low due to excessive power dissipation. Although linear regulators frequently weigh a lot and are big, they are good for audio applications because of their low noise levels. Share. 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With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/ "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") #### [What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/) February 3, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-dc-to-dc-converter/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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