Would that work? I connect, say, 3x 3.7v batteries to it and despite the fluctuation in their voltage as they drain the device will deliver a constant 9v?
Also, is there a difference between a “Voltage Regulator” and a “Buck Converter”?
Yes, there is a difference between a “Voltage Regulator” and a “Buck Converter,” though a buck converter can be a type of voltage regulator.
Voltage Regulator: This is a general term for a device or circuit that maintains a constant output voltage regardless of changes in the input voltage or load conditions. Voltage regulators can be linear or switching.
Buck Converter: This is a specific type of switching voltage regulator that steps down (reduces) the input voltage to a lower output voltage. It is also known as a step-down converter.
DFR1015 is a step-down converter, the input voltage should be larger than the output, and it works better with a voltage difference of 2V and above.
So in your case, since you want to connect in series 3 x 3.7V Li-Ion batteries, your input voltage is around 11V, and you would set output voltage to 9V, so it should work.
There could be a problem if your voltage drops down significantly. Also, there is a question on how will you charge these batteries?
The main difference between linear and switching voltage regulators lies in how they manage the conversion of input voltage to output voltage and their efficiency levels. Here’s a quick overview:
Linear Voltage Regulator:
Operates by dissipating excess voltage as heat.
Provides a constant output voltage while drawing current from a higher-voltage input.
Simpler design and typically cheaper.
Offers low noise and fast response to changes in load or input voltage.
Less efficient, especially when the difference between input and output voltage is high, leading to more heat generation.
Suitable for low-power applications where minimal noise is crucial.
Switching Voltage Regulator:
Uses an inductor, capacitor, and other components to efficiently convert input power to desired output voltage.
Can step up, step down, or invert input voltage based on the design (buck, boost, buck-boost, etc.).
More complex and potentially costs more.
High efficiency because it minimizes power loss as heat, even with large differences between input and output voltages.
Can generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to switching operation.
Suitable for high-power applications or battery-powered devices where energy efficiency is critical.
Regarding this step down dc-dc power converter. I would say it is the same. Input voltage has to be greater than output. It does not mentions 2V difference explicitly but I guess it works on the same principle so there has to be some difference.
