Power Converters

The term "power converters" is a term that requires care when being used. The reason for this is that power converters can mean many different things to many different people. As a generic term it should only be used as meaning those devices that will change one form of energy into another form of energy.

To illustrate why this term can be confusing to people here are some examples of what power converters can be or do:

Devices that change DC power into AC power can be power converters. Conversely, devices that change AC power into DC power can also be power converters. When you plug your battery re-charger into a wall socket and charge up your cell phone, you are using a form of power converter. The same is true when a train station turns AC power into DC power and feeds that energy onto the third rail. These are all forms of power converters.

When running water turns a water wheel and that in turn is made into mechanical energy that turns the grinding stone, power conversion is accomplished as well. The same is true with the simple lever that we are all familiar with. These are forms of power converters.

In electronics, power converters are usually associated with the change of DC or AC energy into AC or DC output. But, again, you must be careful before assuming that is what is meant in any particular case. If you are working in optoelectronics, power converters might mean light sources being used on semi-conductor materials to achieve a certain result.

Power converters can also be associated with hydraulic lifts and linear actuators. The use of rotary motors to produce linear displacement can also be deemed as power conversion.

The truth is any form of energy that can be changed into another form of energy or power source falls under the term power converters. This is why it is important to understand the application that the term is being applied to. It is not difficult to become confused if this simple research is not conducted beforehand. And this can be especially true if you are dealing with complex systems that may have more than one power issue.

If you come across the term "power converters" and you are not completely sure what it is referencing you should ask before proceeding. It is always best to be on the right track as this will save time and money in the long run.