20/05/2026
1. Buck Converter (Step-Down)
The Goal: Provides an output voltage lower than the input.
How it works: It "chops" the input voltage using a high-speed switch and uses an inductor and capacitor to smooth out the energy.
Key Application: Powering microprocessors from a high-voltage battery (e.g., dropping 12V down to 3.3V).
2. Boost Converter (Step-Up)
The Goal: Provides an output voltage higher than the input.
How it works: The inductor stores energy when the switch is closed and "kicks" that energy to the output at a higher potential when the switch opens.
Key Application: Driving LED backlights or boosting a single-cell Li-ion battery (3.7V) to run 5V USB peripherals.
stupid Science
Science Channel