Evaluation Boards for DC/DC & AC/DC (Off-Line) Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) are specialized tools designed for testing, developing, and prototyping power supply systems. These boards serve as platforms for engineers to analyze the functionality and performance of various power conversion designs, which convert alternating current (AC) from the mains to a lower voltage direct current (DC) or adjust DC voltage levels to suit different electronic devices. The main functions include testing the efficiency, output voltage stability, thermal performance, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics of power supply circuits before moving on to full-scale production.
Primarily used by electronic engineers, hobbyists, and educational professionals, these evaluation boards are essential in applications ranging from consumer electronics to industrial systems. Their characteristics often include onboard measurement points, thermal protection, various output voltage options, and configurable components that allow for comprehensive experimentation and optimization of circuit designs. These boards simplify the complex process of designing power supply circuits, thus speeding up development time and ensuring that the final products meet necessary specifications. Some notable manufacturers of these types of evaluation boards include Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, STMicroelectronics, and Microchip Technology.