Würth Elektronik has significantly upgraded its online DC-DC Converter Designer, available through the REDEXPERT platform. The updated tool offers more precise loss calculations, broader component selection, and improved analysis capabilities, helping engineers move from application requirements to component selection and a complete bill of materials (BOM).
One of the major enhancements is Würth Elektronik’s proprietary approach to calculating inductor losses. The method is based on measurements taken from real component characterization, providing a more accurate representation of actual operating conditions. The tool now also accounts for DC-bias effects in both inductors and capacitors. For inductors, DC bias can alter permeability and inductance, while ceramic capacitors can experience a reduction in effective capacitance as voltage increases. By including these effects, the tool can deliver more realistic estimates of power losses and temperature rise on the PCB.
Designers can also perform worst-case analysis for losses and temperature rise. This feature makes it easier to assess circuit behavior under unfavorable operating conditions and identify designs with greater reliability margins.
Based on the specified input parameters, the software automatically recommends an appropriate converter topology. Supported options include synchronous and asynchronous buck and boost converters, along with SEPIC configurations. Users with more specialized requirements can choose a custom topology instead. Selection can be further refined using filters for automotive applications, shielding requirements, and component height.
The analytical capabilities have been expanded as well. The tool can recommend up to five components by evaluating electrical performance and package dimensions according to weighted criteria. Engineers can compare several components on the same graph, displaying losses against output current and switching frequency. Graphs can be zoomed and examined with a crosshair cursor, while results can be exported as images or Excel files. Users can also manually choose components from the Würth Elektronik product portfolio.
Component recommendations now extend beyond inductors to include appropriate capacitors and a microcontroller for the selected operating conditions. The platform also allows designers to compare a discrete solution with an integrated MagI3C power module using a direct connection to the MagI3C Power Module Designer.
A dedicated overview page brings the simulation results together and produces a BOM containing up to six components. Selected parts can be requested as free samples or placed directly into the Würth Elektronik shopping cart.
The enhanced DC-DC Converter Designer is now available through the REDEXPERT platform, providing engineers with a more comprehensive tool for designing and evaluating DC-DC power-conversion solutions.
