In electronics development process specialists consider a necessary supply voltage and prefer the right single DC-DC converter. To make good choices, engineers usually take into account high availability and acceptable worth. Unfortunately, most assembly parts can be a risky purchase. Not to mention that if you hesitate long enough, the part can be sold out by other manufacturers or be more expensive.
If you found pin-to-pin replacements for DC-DC switching regulators, it’s better to get risk and buy immediately. Difficulties with selecting parts also arise because brands do not strive to make them interchangeable. Parts can have identical functionality, but be different shapes or connect to other parts differently. Most DC-DC switching converters differ in several ways:
- Input voltage;
- Output voltage;
- Voltage switching frequency, Hertz;
- Temperature operating range.
This small guide will help our readers to quickly find the right DC-DC switching regulator IC cross-references. We’ll also touch on the subject of matching parts from different manufacturers. And finally, we’ll talk about automating the search.
Fast Cross-reference between DC-DC Switching Regulator constituent elements
How do I check the interchangeability of electrical parts? The easiest way is to make a comparative table of characteristics. The first step is to check the dimensions and technical parameters. Then the electronic microcircuitry is analyzed.
Let’s demonstrate a simple example. For comparison we chose the Texas Instruments MC33063ADRG4 and the STMicroelectronics MC34063ABDTR. Do you think the first can replace the work of the second and vice versa? Let’s find out!
This approach will save you money. Also, the ability to find analogues will help in situations where there is no access to the original parts. First, you need to know about:
- Control circuit ICs for step-up (boost);
- Step-down (buck);
- Voltage inverting applications.
Now that we know all the important information regarding mechanical properties, it’s time to look at the electrical ones. These values must be identical. Any practising engineer should first compare the voltages, voltages and frequencies at which the mechanism operates. Let’s look at the Texas Instruments datasheet and see:
- The output is between 3 and 40V, and take as input 1.25 to ~40V.
STMicroelectronics model shows the corresponding values:
- 38V.
Both components under test operate at 100 kHz and are designed for 1.5A AC. Next we check the temperature conditions. In both cases the range is -40 to 85 Celsius. Also, both components work in non-synchronous converters. Thus, one control signal is produced.
From the above comparisons, even a non-technical person will be able to conclude that both components are compatible with the same system. Also both parts are interchangeable.
SourcingBot for a quick comparison of DC-DC Switching Regulators
We only compared two similar parts, but it took a significant amount of time. Keep in mind that a simple description in an online store may not be enough. You will have to study the specifications for each product. To avoid wasting your working time searching for and comparing parts, we’ll show you a handy service that will do the hard work for you.
The app may not give you a 100% answer to the question of buying a particular part, but it will definitely reduce your search time by several times. You’ll get a list of the best analogs available on the market, and then you can easily make your choice.
A quick check of component interchangeability can be done on the SourcingBot:
The web resource allows you to automatically check if a component has the following specifications:
DC and AC stabilizer performance;
Enclosure dimensions;
Number and location of input contacts and connectors;
Input and output voltage ranges;
The operating current;
Synchrony;
Number and parameters of outputs;
The range of acceptable temperatures for operation.
All you have to do is enter the required parameters into the system. The algorithm will create a crossover table for you by comparing the existing models on the market. You will get a complete list of fully interchangeable counterparts.
In addition to the technical factory parameters, the system algorithm shows the cost, availability in stock and in what quantity you can order each part. You can request a list of analogues from different manufacturers or from one particular brand.
The web service has data not only on voltage regulators. Many semiconductor parts have been loaded into the system to allow for comparison and selection. Among the available categories are:
Resistors,
Capacitors and inductor coils,
Connectors of all types;
Terminal strips.
Have we convinced you that business can be done quickly and efficiently through automation? Check out the functionality of SourcingBot and enjoy all its benefits. Set all the necessary parameters at once, including the manufacturer and filters by price. You will appreciate the comfort from the very first try.
