To achieve maximum efficiency from a converter it is necessary to minimise the total losses of the converter. In this applet it is possible to manipulate the various components that cause losses and to see the impact that they have on the efficiency. Some of the losses are constant, some have a linear characteristic and others have a square characteristic. The constant losses are independent of the output power level and are due to devices such as the control electronics and losses in the magnetics. The linear losses are due to the switching loss and forward voltage drop of the diodes, while the square losses are due to resistance since power loss is proportional to the current squared.
In this applet a boost converter is used as the example.

• Change the red time line to observe the different current paths in the converter.
• Adjust the switching frequency and observe the changes in losses and efficiency.
• Change the resistance of the input inductor, or diode resistance, or transistor on-resistance, or load resistance.
• Change the forward voltage drop of the boost diode.