Power semiconductors

Which DC-DC converter outputs a DC voltage higher than its input?

  1. AStep-up chopper (boost converter)
  2. BStep-down chopper (buck converter)
  3. CBridge rectifier
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Step-up chopper (boost converter)

A boost converter stores energy in an inductor while the switch is on, and when the switch turns off, the inductor voltage adds to the input voltage at the output, giving a voltage higher than the input. Ideally, the output voltage is input voltage ÷ (1 − duty cycle).

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