DC DC Converter Alternatives

Thread Starter

Daniel - RoboNoob

Joined May 21, 2009
11
Hey Guys, I'm trying to create a DC-DC converter to go from around 5 V to 120 V. I would buy one, but my project is heavily price constrained. Does anyone have any advice on cheap alternatives (where to buy/schematics on how to make? I've found something called a chopper amplifier but I can't quite figure it out...

Thanks all.
 

bertus

Joined Apr 5, 2008
22,270
Hello,

You want a 120 Watt converter from 5 Volts input to 120 Volts output.
If the output power is 120 Watts and the efficiency is 80 % you need 120 / 0.8 = 150 Watts input power.
At 5 Volts that is 30 Amps.

Are you sure about these requirements?

Greetings,
Bertus
 

Wendy

Joined Mar 24, 2008
23,415
You can buy a 100W inverter for less than $15 nowdays. It would be a snap to convert that back to DC. What kind of money are you looking to spend?
 

radiohead

Joined May 28, 2009
514
Try the VT-series DC single output DC-DC converter, available at Mouser Electronics for a little over $200. part number 618-VTD48SC12 at http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=618-vtd48sc12
you are going to have a tough time trying to find a converter that will go from 5 VDC to 120 VDC over 100W. Query manufacturers of DC-DC converters for a suitable unit. Here are a few manufacturers: Artesyn, Cincon, Ericsson, ETA-USA, Murata Power Solutions, Tyco Electronics Power Systems, and Vishay. Unless you have experience building high-voltage power supplies, I would advise you to purchase one instead of attempting to build one.
 

Thread Starter

Daniel - RoboNoob

Joined May 21, 2009
11
Sorry about that guys, boss gave me the wrong specs - 5 or 10 W would be great. Thanks for all of the responses everyone. Does anyone know any alternative/diy circuits?
 

Wendy

Joined Mar 24, 2008
23,415
A lot of what was said still applies. Have you looked for a cheap inverter in your area? There will still be plenty left over to build, but it will save a lot of work.

To put it in perspective, 12W at 12V is 1A, at 120VAC it is 0.1A.
 
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