Top 10 Applications of AC/DC Converters in Modern Electronics

AC-DC converters are vital components across a huge range of sectors and systems, including electronic devices, home appliances, motors, power distribution networks, and renewable energy systems. Their fundamental purpose is to convert AC (Alternating Current) voltage into DC (Direct Current) voltage, which allows DC-powered devices to operate and batteries to charge.

AC-DC converters are integral to the efficient and reliable operation of power electronics in various fields and applications. They provide power to DC loads or batteries by producing a stable output voltage and enabling efficient energy transfer. Therefore, they are essential components in numerous industries and systems within the electronics sector.

Top 10 Applications

• Power Supply for Consumer Electronics
• Electric Vehicles
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Data Centers
• Telecommunications Infrastructure
• Industrial Automation
• Healthcare Devices
• Home Appliances
• Lighting Systems
• Audio & Video Equipment

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. Power Supply for Consumer Electronics

To ensure that consumer electronics function effectively and securely, AC-DC converters change high-voltage AC power from wall outlets into the low-voltage DC power required for their internal circuitry. These converters, whether as external adapters or internal components, are essential for charging batteries and powering devices.

For smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and other personal electronics, efficient power conversion is critical for enhancing battery life, managing heat dissipation, and maintaining stable voltage. These factors are crucial for the reliable operation of sensitive electronic components.

2. Electric Vehicles

In electric vehicles (EVs), on-board AC-DC converters are essential for charging. They convert the AC power from a standard charging station into DC power to store in the vehicle’s battery. A separate component, a DC-AC inverter, is then used to convert the battery’s DC power back into AC to drive the electric motor. Together, these converters ensure efficient energy flow for both charging and propulsion.

The efficiency of these power electronics, particularly on-board chargers (which contain AC-DC converters), directly impacts charging speed, overall vehicle range, and energy consumption. The performance of these systems is a key factor driving the development and adoption of EV technology. This has also increased the adoption of electric vehicles and has led to increased sales. For instance, it is anticipated that sales of electric vehicles in the US will increase by 20% in 2024 over 2023, or nearly half a million more vehicles sold. Furthermore, sales of electric cars in China are expected to increase by nearly 25% from the previous year to around 10 million in 2024 due to the country’s fierce competition and reasonably priced vehicles.

Electric Car Sales, by Region, in Millions, 2023

Source: International Energy Agency

3. Renewable Energy Systems

Renewable sources like wind and solar often generate variable AC power. This power is converted to stable DC using AC-DC converters for energy storage in batteries. When needed, this DC power can be converted back to grid-compliant AC. The ability of modern converters to handle these variable inputs is key to integrating more renewable resources into power grids, enhancing overall stability and reliability. For example, during April 2023, CG Drives & Automation launched its modular Switch Mode Power Supply converter for hydrogen production and fuel cell utilization with very low grid harmonics, along with high adaptability. Emotron Modular Converters were made to meet the strictest Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) rules as well as be efficient and adaptable to suit the dynamic needs of your hydrogen production and storage system.

High-efficiency AC-DC conversion is crucial for maximizing the amount of usable energy generated from renewable sources, improving storage capacity, and supporting grid sustainability.

4. Data Centers

Data centers depend on high-performance AC-DC converters to provide a stable DC power supply to critical infrastructure, including servers, storage systems, cooling systems, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS). These converters ensure that essential equipment receives constant, reliable power, protecting against outages and surges to prevent data loss.

Maintaining a constant energy delivery is the main goal for data centers, and AC-DC converters help achieve this, thereby preventing data loss, enhancing operational efficiency, and helping ensure high availability. Further, the spread of internet use and the use of cloud computing have increased, which is increasing the demand. For instance, according to data from the International Telecommunications Union, the number of internet users increased to 5.1 billion in 2022, and expanded to 5.4 billion in 2023.

Figure 2: Number of Internet Users, Global, in Billions, 2022 to 2023

Source: International Telecommunication Union

5. Telecommunications Infrastructure

Telecommunications equipment requires a continuously available DC power supply, provided by AC-DC converters, for it to remain operational. Base stations, routers, switches, and other core network infrastructure rely on this stable power to enable reliable data transmissions and connectivity.

Reliable AC-DC conversion ensures that telecommunication networks are continuously functional, enabling essential services such as data transfer, voice communication, and internet access.

6. Industrial Automation

In industrial automation, components like robotics, conveyor systems, and process control machinery rely on AC-DC converters for power. These converters transform the mains AC supply into the precise DC voltages required by sensors, motors, and control systems.

This stable power conversion ensures the accurate control, precise operation, and reliability of automated processes. Efficient AC-DC power supplies are critical for maximizing performance and productivity in industrial settings. MORNSUN, for instance, has been able to develop a variety of products under its multiple-output series, as it continues to increase its assortment of load-bearing multi-output devices such as the LOxx-CBxx series of open-frame single-output AC/DC converters that are cost-effective with high power densities within the LOxx-10Bxx range.

7. Healthcare Devices

Medical devices require a stable and precise DC power supply to function correctly. AC-DC converters provide this crucial power, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical tools like patient monitors, diagnostic machines, life-support systems, and medical imaging devices. Reliable power conversion improves patient safety, supports accurate diagnoses, and increases the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

8. Home Appliances

Modern home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves use AC-DC converters to power their electronic control systems and variable-speed motors. This allows for smoother operation and more precise control, which leads to greater energy efficiency. By improving the performance of appliances, these converters play a key role in promoting energy savings in the home.

9. Lighting Systems

AC-DC converters are essential for the operation of modern lighting, particularly LED systems. They convert the high-voltage AC from the mains into the low-voltage DC that LEDs require. This conversion is crucial for enabling the high efficiency, long lifespan, and smart control features of LED lighting. By providing a stable DC supply, these converters ensure LEDs operate reliably, generate less heat, and consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs.

10. Audio & Video Equipment

High-quality audio and video equipment requires a clean and stable power supply to perform optimally. AC-DC converters transform AC mains power into the steady DC voltage needed by sensitive internal components. In audio amplifiers, a clean DC supply is critical for signal amplification, ensuring high-fidelity sound reproduction without noise or distortion.

Similarly, in televisions and media players, AC-DC converters provide various DC voltages to power processors, display panels, and audio circuits. This stable power minimizes electrical interference, allowing video processors and backlights to function correctly, which results in sharp images and accurate color fidelity.