Performing DC-DC Converter Test Using DC Power Analyzers

Modern electronic equipment that uses power system technology faces great difficulties due to the demand for more power efficiency, especially in devices that run on batteries. The main system block that handles power conversion and delivery is the DC-DC converter, which changes DC power from an unregulated to a regulated voltage. Many designers want to check or evaluate the performance of the DC-DC converter based on efficiency, load and line regulation, power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) analysis, transient response, ripple, and turn-on time. However, DC-DC converter testing on a benchtop environment requires different test instruments such as a DMM, oscilloscope, power supply, and electronics load. The main challenge is making the instruments work together to do the required measurements properly.

This application note shows how to test a DC-DC converter using Keysight solutions, a DC Power Analyzer, and an Oscilloscope. Keysight’s automation software offers the framework for creating simple automated tests to fully characterize the DC-DC converter without writing any code, saving much time.

What are the advantages of using a DC power analyzer over a multimeter or an oscilloscope for DC-DC converter testing?

A DC power analyzer is a test instrument that measures the DC voltage, current, power, and energy of a DC-DC converter very well. A multimeter or an oscilloscope can only measure the voltage and current. A DC power analyzer can also find out the efficiency and other things of a DC-DC converter and offer different ways to analyze, store, and send data.

How can I measure the efficiency of a DC-DC converter using a DC power analyzer?

A DC-DC converter's efficiency is how much output power it gives for the input power as a percentage. To test the efficiency of a DC-DC converter with a DC power analyzer, connect the converter to the input and output channels of the analyzer and measure the input and output voltage and current simultaneously. The analyzer will determine the input and output power and efficiency. You can also use the analyzer's functions to study how the converter's efficiency changes under different conditions.

How can I measure the ripple voltage and the switching noise of a DC-DC converter using a DC power analyzer?

The ripple voltage and the switching noise are the variations and fluctuations of the DC-DC converter output voltage caused by the switching action of the converter. They can affect the stability and quality of the output voltage, and they can be measured using a DC power analyzer. To measure the ripple voltage and the switching noise, you need to set the DC power analyzer voltage range to a low level, such as 10 mV or 100 mV, and use a high bandwidth and sampling rate, such as 10 MHz and 100 MSa/s. You can also use the zoom, cursor, histogram, or FFT functions of the DC power analyzer to analyze the ripple voltage and the switching noise in more detail.

How can I store and transfer the measurement data and results of a DC-DC converter using a DC power analyzer?

The DC power analyzer can save and send the data and results from a DC-DC converter using different options, like internal memory, USB flash drive, LAN, or GPIB. You can choose the file name, format, location, and mode for the data storage and transfer with the DC power analyzer menu or remote commands. You can also use the DC power analyzer software or other tools or software to get, see, or share the data and results from the DC-DC converter.