Key components determination method for DC-DC converter life assessment

Since increasing complexity of the device, harsh environment, the growing importance of applied electronic systems, life assessment for the DC-DC converter becomes imperative. There are some weaknesses in the existing methods. A method for key components determination used in DC-DC converter life assessment was presented in this paper. Firstly, the simulation circuit of the converter was built. According to the input and output waveforms of the components and the module, the key components under electrical stress of life assessment for DC-DC converter were determined. They are power switches, diodes, optocouplers, and output filter capacitors. Then the simplified 3D model of the converter was established. After analyzing the normal range of operating temperature of the components, the key components under the effects of temperature are power switches tubes, diodes, transformers and optocouplers. Finally, a random vibration analysis was conducted and the key components under the effects of random vibration of life assessment for DC-DC converter were determined, which include transformers, reset windings, output inductors, diodes, PWM chips and optocouplers. We can conclude that the key components of life assessment for the DC-DC converter based on three different simulation methods include power switches, transformers, diodes, and optocouplers. It can be seen that the method presented in this paper is feasible for DC-DC converter life assessment.