Railway DC/DC Converters
DC/DC converters are electronic devices that convert direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another. They are commonly used in railway systems to convert the onboard DC power supply to the various voltages required by the different subsystems.
Railway DC/DC converters are typically required to meet strict safety and reliability standards, as well as to operate over a wide temperature range. Many converters are also required to meet specific fire safety standards.
There are a number of different types of DC/DC converter topologies that can be used in railway applications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Plug and play dc/dc converters for railway applications are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a simple and convenient way to upgrade or replace existing converter units. These units are designed to plug directly into the existing railway power supply and provide the required DC output voltage.
Advantages of plug and play dc/dc converters include:
- Reduced installation time and cost
- No need to modify the existing power supply
- Reduced risk of electrical faults
Disadvantages of plug and play dc/dc converters include:
- Limited flexibility – can only be used to replace an existing converter with the same output voltage
- Not all railway applications will have a compatible power supply
That's when a customised dc/dc converter for railways would be required. A customised dc/dc converter is designed and built to specific customer requirements. This means that the converter can be optimised for the particular application, which can result in improved performance and reliability.
Advantages of customised dc/dc converters include:
- Improved performance and reliability
- Can be designed to meet specific customer requirements More flexible than plug and play converters