DC to DC Conversion

When the SCR came into use, a DC to DC converter circuit was called a chopper. Nowadays, a SCR is rarely used in a DC to DC converter. Either a power BJT or a power MOSFET is normally used in such a converter and this converter is called a switch mode power supply. A switch mode power supply can be of one of the types listed below:
 

• Step down switch mode power supply
• Step up chopper
• Fly back converter
• Resonant converter

The typical applications for a switch mode power supply or a chopper are:

• DC drive
• Battery charger
• DC power supply