| Electronics > Beginners |
| Converter whine |
| (1/3) > >> |
| davelectronic:
After having just picked up four DC to DC buck converters, one of the units has a whine under load. These converter are rated to 8 Amps, but I'm testing at just over 3 Amps load. Three of the modules seem fine, no problems. But the whining module also has a greater voltage drift than the other three under the same load. I'm not certain what's generating this whine in one of the modules. Any help or ideas appreciated. Thanks for reading. |
| amyk:
Use a stethoscope to figure out where it's coming from. It's likely to be the inductor, in which case some varnish can fix it. |
| cdev:
Some transformers - like a toroid, may emit a whine at twice the frequency they operate at, typically. On iron core transformers, varnish, "Glyptol" I think is one brand, are used to dampen transformer hum. |
| cdev:
I've also used a fat straw as a substitute for a stethoscope for locating the source of sounds. |
| Brumby:
+1 on the inductor probability. Coils in such circuits create an oscillating magnetic field - which in turn will put a mechanical force on the conductors in the coil. If they are not properly secured, they can physically move - even if microscopically - and create sound. Running some thin liquid into the windings - such as varnish - which will penetrate and dry hard, will (hopefully) mechanically secure the conductors from moving and thus reduce (and possibly eliminate) the sound produced. |
| Navigation |
| Message Index |
| Next page |