In this QuickChat, Bill Wong, head of content for Electronic Design, and Jared Birk, technical marketing engineer with Würth Elektronik , break down one of the most common challenges engineers face: choosing the right power supply topology for their application. From understanding isolated versus non-isolated power supply designs to navigating the nuances of AC to DC versus DC to DC converters, Birk walks through the key decisions that impact performance, safety, and efficiency.
He explains how designers often rely on familiar approaches, but selecting the right topology — whether it’s buck and boost converter design for simplicity or more advanced flyback, forward, and LLC converters for higher power applications — can significantly influence system outcomes. The discussion also highlights how power supply efficiency and safety design considerations, including regulatory requirements and signal integrity, play a critical role in determining when isolation is necessary.
Birk simplifies complex concepts into a practical decision-making framework, helping engineers better align their designs with application needs, from low-power electronics to high-performance systems.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of power conversion strategies and make more informed design choices, this conversation is a must-watch. Tune in to the full video to hear Birks’s expert insights and real-world guidance.