Basic considerations for DC to DC conversion networks

For a number of basic reasons, a dc to dc conversion network is defined as an electrical or electromechanical network in which the sole source of energy is a dc source and which is capable of supplying direct current to a load at a voltage level or at a current level which exceeds that of the source. Several constraints encountered in all dc to dc conversion networks are pointed out including the necessity for dc to ac inversion as an intermediate step within a dc to dc conversion network, the minimum amount of ac power which must be involved in this intermediate step, and the requirement for any network in which dc to ac inversion takes place to contain one or more active resistors which are properly connected in relation to the dc source. The relationship which exists between the characteristics of an active resistor and the maximum ac power which the active element can cause to be generated within any network is defined quantitatively and discussed in some detail. Heuristic in nature, the paper points out and discusses certain basic impossibilities, although its primary purpose is to be provocative and to provide useful guidelines and ideas for further basic research in the power-conditioning field.