2026 MPD Product Selection Guide
The MicroPower Direct Product Selection Guide provides a comprehensive overview of our expanding power conversion and electronic control portfolio. Explore AC/DC power supplies, DC/DC converters, non-isolated regulators, IGBT/SiC/GaN driver solutions, isolated transceivers, and current sensing products, with easy-to-scan selection tables covering power, input and output ranges, isolation, package styles, and dimensions. Designed to help engineers […]
Why Board-Mount AC/DC Modules Exist
Designing with board-mount AC/DC — 01 Why Board-Mount AC/DC Modules Exist In short A board-mount AC/DC module provides only the conversion and isolation stage — rectification, switching, transformer isolation and regulation — delivered as a PCB-mount assembly. Input filtering, protection and the bulk capacitor stay on the designer’s board. For equipment that already has a […]
Why Availability Matters More Than Ever
Supply and availability Why Availability Matters More Than Ever In short MicroPower Direct is significantly expanding the range of products stocked at DigiKey over the coming weeks. Dozens of additional models will be available for immediate purchase, including isolated DC/DC converters, encapsulated AC/DC power supplies and POL switching regulators — stocked in real volume across […]
DC/DC Converter Glossary: 20+ Power Terms Every Engineer Should Know
Power supply datasheets are dense. When you’re comparing specs at 2AM trying to make a selection, knowing the difference between line regulation and load regulation isn’t academic—it’s the difference between a design that works and one that needs a respin. Here are the essential terms you’ll encounter, with context that actually helps you make decisions. […]
Comparing Isolated vs. Non-Isolated DC/DC Converters: Which Is Right for Your Application?
Choosing between isolated and non-isolated DC/DC converters is one of the most fundamental decisions in power supply design. This choice affects safety compliance, noise immunity, cost, and efficiency in ways that ripple through the entire project. Understanding the key differences helps engineers make informed decisions that align with both technical requirements and practical constraints. Isolated […]
10 Common Mistakes in Power Supply Selection and How to Avoid Them
Selecting the right DC/DC converter can make or break your design. Power supplies that look perfect on paper can fail under real-world conditions, leading to costly redesigns, project delays, and field failures that could have been avoided with better upfront planning. The real challenge isn’t just finding a converter that meets your specs on paper. […]
Selection Criteria for DC/DC Converters: A Comprehensive Engineering Guide
Selecting an appropriate DC/DC converter requires balancing electrical specifications with practical constraints such as thermal limits, spatial restrictions, and long-term reliability. Increasing power density and efficiency targets above 90% necessitate precise alignment between application requirements and converter capabilities. This guide presents a technical framework designed to streamline the DC/DC converter selection process and minimize the […]
Powering Industrial Automation: Why Purpose-Built Power Supplies Matter
In modern manufacturing, even a brief voltage dip can stop production. This results in significant financial losses. While often overlooked, power supplies are essential to automation. Without stable, reliable power, advanced systems cannot perform as intended. The Challenge of the Factory Floor Industrial environments present significant challenges. Temperature fluctuations, voltage variations, electromagnetic interference, and constant […]
Top 5 Features Engineers Look for in AC/DC Power Supplies
Selecting an AC/DC power supply requires balancing performance, reliability, and integration within tight design constraints. Engineers focus on key features that drive long-term system success. Here are the five most critical features engineers demand, based on feedback from thousands of designs. #1: High Efficiency Across Load Conditions Efficiency impacts energy savings, thermal management, component lifespan, […]
How Engineers Are Managing Power Supply Disruptions in 2025
Ongoing pricing shifts and sourcing disruptions are forcing engineers to make fast, strategic decisions — especially when it comes to power supplies. The electronics supply chain continues to feel the aftershocks of recent years — shaped by volatile demand cycles, just-in-time inventory strategies, and evolving trade policies. After a long stretch of shortages and reactive […]
When to Use High Isolation DC/DC Converters – And Why It Matters
In high-performance electronics, isolation isn’t just a safety precaution—it’s a design necessity. Whether you’re working on sensitive measurement systems, industrial control, or medical-grade electronics, the right isolation barrier can mean the difference between safe, reliable operation and unexpected system failure. High isolation DC/DC converters are a critical building block in these designs, but what qualifies […]
Understanding Power Supply De-rating for Engineers
Power supply de-rating is a critical concept in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of power systems, especially under non-ideal environmental conditions. This article will delve into the technical aspects of de-rating, exploring its types, causes, and practical implications for engineers designing systems that must endure high temperatures, varying voltages, and extreme environmental conditions. What […]
Power Supply Safety: Understanding Certifications, Classes, and Best Practices
When designing systems that require reliable power, ensuring the safety of power supplies is crucial. Not only does it protect the equipment, but it also safeguards users from potential hazards like electric shock or fire. In this post, we will explore power supply safety standards, protection classes, and the critical certifications that every designer and […]
Understanding Isolation in DC-DC Converters
DC-to-DC converters play a critical role in power electronics by enabling manipulation of a DC power source’ voltage level. These converters come in a variety of types used across both industrial and consumer electronics. Notably, DC-DC converters can be classified into two distinct categories: isolated and non-isolated. The primary differentiating factors between these groups are […]
Importance of MOOP in Medical Power Supplies
In the realm of medical electronics, ensuring patient safety is essential. While devices like patient monitors and infusion pumps take center stage, a critical, yet often under-recognized component is the medical power supply. Unlike their commercial counterparts, medical power supplies endure stringent testing to meet rigorous safety standards mandated by bodies like IEC 60601-1. This […]
Essential Considerations: AC/DC Power Supply Selection for Smart Meters
What Are Smart Meters? Electricity meters have come a long way since their invention in the 1880s. Early models were analog, simply tracking total energy consumption. Digital meters followed, offering some improvements but still requiring manual readings. Today smart meters are transforming energy management. Smart meters actively capture meter readings at regular intervals and securely transmit […]