That first circuit makes no sense. DC into a resistor and then a transformer won't do anything but create heat after the core saturates.
steamrolled 4 hours ago [-]
Yeah, and given that the mistake is consistent between the text and the image, I think the author just sort of doesn't understand inductors.
"The efficiency numbers aren’t based on calculations or research – I merely ran each circuit in the excellent Lush Projects simulator [SIM] and recorded the numbers it gave me."
I don't want to diss people for writing about stuff as they learn, but I wouldn't take this article too seriously. You can theoretically achieve very high efficiency with basic architectures. The main problem is that you typically also want to make the device small and cheap.
mjmas 4 hours ago [-]
I think the transformer on it is just supposed to be a 'black box' to show what the other conversions are meant to be filling out
bobmcnamara 18 minutes ago [-]
I assumed it was an ideal transformer, with near infinite inductance and never saturates
sameasiteverwas 1 hours ago [-]
The circuits simulated are valid, just that first picture is bad.
The serial boost converter is interesting, I've never seen that topology before - can anyone offer an explanation on how it works?
eternityforest 2 hours ago [-]
But it will make a single pulse when you first connect it. Dealing with inductive inrush transients can easily become the single most annoying thing in electronics design, besides ESD.
So annoying that a lot of OSHW designs seem to just completely ignore it! It's amazing things work as well as they do!
willis936 4 hours ago [-]
If you need higher voltages at modest currents you can consider using one of many voltage doubler circuits after the booster. Just make sure you have enough Ic and simulate it.
If you get rid of the diode and instead use a well timed MOSFET, you can save a diode's drop worth of energy on each cycle. Synchronous switching supplies as they are called can have over 95% efficiency
Isn't that a charge pump? If so, then yes, but it didn't perform well enough to be included.
Calwestjobs 4 hours ago [-]
wehnelt interrupter / electrolytic interrupter can work as a switching up or down converter, fully analog, no transistors, thyristors, no ic, no capacitors, just coil.
single electric motor can be used stationary as a transformer
or in pairs, in motion like inverter, rectifier, (synchronous rotary converter)
"The efficiency numbers aren’t based on calculations or research – I merely ran each circuit in the excellent Lush Projects simulator [SIM] and recorded the numbers it gave me."
I don't want to diss people for writing about stuff as they learn, but I wouldn't take this article too seriously. You can theoretically achieve very high efficiency with basic architectures. The main problem is that you typically also want to make the device small and cheap.
The serial boost converter is interesting, I've never seen that topology before - can anyone offer an explanation on how it works?
So annoying that a lot of OSHW designs seem to just completely ignore it! It's amazing things work as well as they do!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_doubler
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_multiplier
single electric motor can be used stationary as a transformer
or in pairs, in motion like inverter, rectifier, (synchronous rotary converter)
autotransformer