Dc-Dc Converter- Samlex

The Samlex SDC-60 is a highly flexible and efficient DC-DC "step-down" power converter. It takes a higher DC electric current and throttles it down to a lower DC current. It is specifically designed to take an input voltage of 24 VDC and reduce it ("step down") to a highly regulated output voltage of 12 VDC.

What makes the Samlex SDC-60 stand out, however, is its highly flexible switch mode design-it can take a range of input voltage, from anywhere between 20 and 35 VDC, and convert it into an exact output voltage of 13.8 VDC (60 Amps). This is a non-isolated converter (meaning no galvanic isolation between input and output) for use in negative ground systems.

The converter is primarily designed for heavy-duty use, such as in heavy trucks, buses, earth-moving equipment, and marine vehicles. It is also, however, flexible enough to be used in less powerful electronics, such as 12-volt lighting systems, CB radios, AM/FM sound systems, and other communications equipment. Fortunately, the SDC-60 is small and compact, measuring only 3.5" x 7" x 4", and at 2.75 pounds is very lightweight, meaning it can be mounted almost anywhere.

Its design incorporates a host of safety features, including preventing overloading and over-heating, and protection against reverse polarity. Over voltage is avoided with an over voltage crowbar circuit. It has a current limiting circuit and short-circuit protection. All these safety features make the SDC-60 is suitable for use in hazardous locations, such as where flammable or volatile liquids or gasses are processed, handled, or used (hazardous location classifications 1 & 2, groups C&D).

The main drawback of the SDC-60 is its expense. Sure, it may be highly flexible and have a ton of built-in safety elements, but all those features drive up the price. The SDC-60 retails for around $400-a lot of money for what is, essentially, just a converter.

Luckily, the SDC-60 happens to be the flagship of Samlex's DC-DC converter series. Samlex offers two less expensive (but also less powerful) models. The SDC-20 converts 20-30 volts DC into 12 volts DC, and the SDC-23 converts the same voltage input into 13.8 VDC output. These two converters are inferior to the SDC-60 in two ways, however. First, they both accept a smaller range of energy input-20-30 VDC compared to the SDC-60s 18-35 VDC range. Second, both the SDC-20 and SDC-23 are less precise than the SDC-60. Whereas the SDC-60 provides a highly regulated current of exactly 13.8 volts, the other two DC-DC converters in Samlex's series have an approximate output. For example, the SDC-23 puts out 13.8 volts, plus or minus eight percent. If you only need a DC-DC converter for one very specific purpose instead of general use, however, then perhaps one of the other less powerful converters in the series might achieve your goal at a lower cost.

The SDC-60 DC-DC converter is a specialized tool for a specialized use. It may be expensive, but it is also very high quality. Shoppers can consider this product to be a large, but wise, investment of their hard-earned money.