Brief Understanding of UCTRONICS Buck-Boost Converter

 

Traditionally, a Buck converter is a step-down converter, while a Boost converter is referred to as a step-up converter. But a Buck-Boost converter is a DC to DC converter in which both the counterparts work in unison. So in essence, a Buck-Boost converter has an output voltage that is either smaller or larger than the input voltage.

Working and Topology of Buck-Boost Converter

Basically, there are two states to the converter

1.       In the off state, the inductor is connected to the capacitor and the output load. ( energy goes from L to C to R)

2.       In the on state, the source is connected to the inductors causing it to accumulate energy, and the capacitor supplies the load with energy.

(Ref: https://homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/onstateoffstate.png)

The characteristics that differentiate a Buck-Boost converter from a buck or boost converter are that firstly for an ideal converter, the output can range from 0 to ∞ while for an ideal Buck converter, the output is 0 and similarly for an ideal Boost converter is ∞. Secondly, the polarity of the output is always opposite to the input.

To best understand the buck-boost converter's operation, boost or the buck-boost converter, we must study the inductor’s reluctance in allowing quick changes in current. In the ground state, when you first set the converter up the current through the inductor is zero because nothing is charged. On closing the switch for the first time after setting it up the current is restricted to go on the right side of the circuit due to the blocking diode. The only path left is through the inductor. Now the term reluctance comes into play, as the inductor wouldn’t allow fast changes in current (reluctance of the inductor). It initially causes the current to below by dropping most of the source voltage. As time passes, the inductor decreases its resistance, allowing more and more current to pass through, slowly increasing it.

Ideally, the voltage drop across the inductor should remain constant, but realistically, it’s not the case. In actuality, the voltage drop decreases as the current increases, which can be explained by taking into account the switch and the resistance of the wires. The inductor during this cycle charges itself with energy in the form of a magnetic field.

Uctronics Variable Voltage Power Supply  Adjustable Buck Boost Converter

U6229 is an 80W buck-boost converter manufactured by UCTRONICS. This can be used as a stabilized power supply module, giving a constant output of 0.6V to 36V DC with inputs ranging from 6.0V to 36V DC, respectively.

The protection mechanisms it comes equipped with are an LCD digital display and an intelligent temperature-controlled fan. The output can be varied by the rotating knob and read on the LCD.

Product Specifications

·         Input Current: 0-7 A

·         Input Voltage: 6.0V – 36.0V DC

·         Output Power: 80W

·         Output Current: 0-5.0 A

·         Output Voltage: DC 0.6V-36.0V

·         Voltage Accuracy: ±(0.3% + 1 digits), increment of 0.01V

·         Current Accuracy: ±(0.4% + 3 digits), increment of 0.001A

·         Intelligent Temperature controlled Fan: temperature trigger 50℃; current consumption trigger 1A

·         Safety Protection: Over-voltage protection(OVP), over-current protection(OCP), over-power protection(OPP), anti-reverse protection, Over-temperature protection(OTP, upper limit 100℃), low-voltage protection(LVP), self-protection of power chip (OEP), anti-backflow at output terminal(connect the rechargeable battery directly)