Trends in AC/DC switching power supplies and DC/DC converters

A survey of key original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifiers of power supplies reveals a number of changing power supply requirements. In particular, purchasers of AD/DC switchers are tending to add power factor correction and universal input voltages. There will be growing demand for 3.3 V outputs, and power requirements will generally move in a downward direction. DC/DC converter specifiers plan sharp increases in distributed power usage, and also expect to buy more high density, high frequency converters. Power rating will generally show an upward trend, along with more widespread demand for DC/DC converters with 3.3 V outputs for use in portable computers.<>