Maximizing IoT battery usage means you need to know the DC-DC converter’s efficiency across many different loads. Learn how to measure it on your electronics bench. This video shows how to use a multimeter, power supply, electronic load, oscilloscope, or even resistors to evaluate the efficiency of a DC-DC converter.
Watch the Video:
Bonus Content:
- DC-DC Converters - eBook
- How to Program Test Tools with Python - Workbench Wednesdays 66
- Measurements with an SMU - Workbench Wednesdays 40
- Instrument Basics: Electronic Loads -- Workbench Wednesdays 14
- Instrument Basics: Bench Power Supplies -- Workbench Wednesdays 13
Bill of Material:
| Product Name | Manufacturer | Quantity | Buy Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC-DC CONVERTER, 3.3V, 0.5A | Multicomp Pro | 1 | Buy Now |
| LM317BTG - Adjustable Positive Regulator | TI | 1 | Buy Now |
| 72-7270 Decade Box, Resistance, 7, 1ohm to 11.1Mohm, 1 % | Tenma | 1 | Buy Now |
| HMC8043 Bench Power Supply, Programmable, 3 Output, 0 V, 32 V, 3 A | Rohde & Schwarz | 1 | Buy Now |
| MP730028 US Bench DMM, 5.5 Digits | Multicomp Pro | 1 | Buy Now |
| 115 - Handheld Digital Multimeter, 6000 Count, True RMS, Auto, Manual, 3.5 Digit | Fluke | 1 | Buy Now |
| MP7300256 Handheld DMM 3.75 Digits with Bluetooth | Multicomp Pro | 1 | Buy Now |
| MP710259 DC Electronic Load, 300 W, Programmable, 0 V, 120 V, 30 A | Multicomp Pro | 1 | Buy Now |
| RTM3000 - 4 Channel Oscilloscope (RTM3K-COM4) | Rohde & Schwarz | 1 | Buy Now |
| Oscilloscope Current Clamp Probe RT-ZC20B | Rohde & Schwarz | 1 | Buy Now |
| 2602b, SourceMeter, 2-Channel, 4-Quadrant, 3A DC, 10A Pulse | Keithley | 1 | Buy Now |
| B2901BL, Precision, 1-Channel, 21V, 1.5A, 1pA Resolution | Keysight | 1 | Buy Now |
| GSM-20H10, 4 Channels, Current/Voltage/Resistance Measure, Current/Voltage Source, 22 W | GW Instek | 1 | Buy Now |
| NGU404, 1-Channel, 4-Quadrant, 40V, 3A, 60W with Digital I/O Option | Rohde & Schwarz | 1 | Buy Now |
Top Comments