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Ideal Power has introduced three new non-isolated DC/DC converter series manufactured by Yuan Dean Scientific: the 4101DC-500 Series, 4101DC-1A Series and 4108DC-500 Series.
The new ranges give engineers compact alternatives to traditional LM78xx and K78xx linear regulators, with efficiencies reaching 95% and no external heatsink required under suitable operating conditions.
For equipment where galvanic isolation is not required, these converters can help reduce heat, improve conversion efficiency and save PCB space. Their familiar 3-pin SIP format makes them particularly useful for new designs, equipment redesigns and regulator replacement projects.
The three series cover different input voltage and output current requirements, from compact 500mA conversion through to 1A outputs and higher-voltage DC inputs reaching 90V DC.
Three Non-Isolated DC-DC converter options
Each range serves a slightly different requirement:
| Ideal Power Series | Yuan Dean Series | Output Current | Input Range | Efficiency |
| 4101DC-500 Series | 01DC-500 | Up to 500mA | Up to 36V DC | Up to 95% |
| 4101DC-1A Series | 01DC-1A | Up to 1A | Up to 36V DC | Up to 95% |
| 4108DC-500 Series | 08DC-500 | Up to 500mA* | Up to 90V DC | Up to 93% |
*Output current varies by model. The 24V option within the 4108DC-500 Series provides up to 300mA.
This gives engineers options for 12V, 24V, 48V and higher-voltage DC systems, depending on the selected converter.
Why use a non-isolated DC/DC converter?
Linear regulators remain common across many electronic designs, yet they can dissipate significant energy as heat when there is a large difference between the input and output voltage.
A switching DC/DC converter can provide a more efficient alternative.
With efficiencies reaching 95%, the new Yuan Dean ranges can help:
- Reduce heat generated during voltage conversion
- Improve efficiency in battery-operated equipment
- Reduce the need for external heatsinks
- Save PCB space with a compact SIP3 package
- Simplify upgrades from compatible LM78xx or K78xx regulators
- Support wider DC input ranges
- Provide regulated low-voltage outputs for control electronics
These benefits make the converters useful for both new electronic products and existing equipment that needs a regulator redesign.
4101DC-500 Series: compact conversion up to 500mA
The 4101DC-500 Series, manufactured as Yuan Dean’s 01DC-500 Series, provides regulated DC/DC conversion in a compact 3-pin SIP package.
The range offers positive output voltages from 1.2V to 15V DC, with output currents reaching 500mA. Selected models support negative outputs too.
Input ranges extend up to 36V DC, depending on the model, with efficiency reaching 95%.
Its LM78xx-compatible pin configuration makes the series particularly useful where engineers want to replace an existing linear regulator with a more efficient switching converter.
A typical application could involve converting 24V DC to 5V DC to supply sensors, microcontrollers or industrial control circuitry.
Key specifications include:
- Up to 95% efficiency
- Up to 500mA output current
- Input voltage up to 36V DC
- 3-pin SIP package
- LM78xx-compatible pin configuration
- Operating temperature from -40°C to +85°C
- Continuous short-circuit protection with automatic recovery
- No-load input current as low as 0.3mA
- UL/cUL/IEC/EN 62368-1 approval with CB Report
- EN 55032 and EN 55035 EMC standards
4101DC-1A Series: Higher current from the same compact format
The 4101DC-1A Series, based on Yuan Dean’s 01DC-1A Series, increases the available positive output current to 1A.
It retains the compact SIP3 format and LM78xx-compatible pin configuration found on the 500mA range.
Output voltages extend from 1.2V to 15V DC, with input ranges reaching 36V DC depending on the selected model.
Efficiency reaches 95%, making the series a useful option for applications that need more current without moving to a much larger converter.
Typical loads could include displays, communication modules and embedded controllers.
Key specifications include:
- Up to 1A output current
- Up to 95% efficiency
- Input voltage up to 36V DC
- 3-pin SIP package
- LM78xx-compatible pin configuration
- Operating temperature from -40°C to +85°C
- Continuous short-circuit protection with automatic recovery
- No-load input current as low as 0.3mA
- UL/cUL/IEC/EN 62368-1 approval with CB Report
- EN 55032 and EN 55035 EMC standards
4108DC-500 Series: DC inputs reaching 90V
The 4108DC-500 Series, based on Yuan Dean’s 08DC-500 Series, supports much higher DC input voltages.
Selected models accept inputs reaching 90V DC, making the series particularly relevant to equipment running from 48V or other higher-voltage DC buses.
Output options include 3.3V, 5V, 6.5V, 9V, 12V, 15V and 24V DC. Most positive output models provide up to 500mA, with the 24V version rated at 300mA.
Efficiency reaches 93%.
The K78xx-compatible pin format gives engineers another route for replacing older regulator designs or adding low-voltage auxiliary rails to higher-voltage systems.
One example would be converting a 48V or higher DC bus to 5V or 12V DC for communication equipment, monitoring electronics or industrial control circuitry.
Key specifications include:
- Input voltages reaching 90V DC
- Up to 500mA output current
- Up to 93% efficiency
- 3-pin SIP package
- K78xx-compatible pin configuration
- Operating temperature from -40°C to +85°C
- Continuous short-circuit protection with automatic recovery
- No-load input current as low as 1.5mA
- UL/cUL/IEC/EN 62368-1 approval with CB Report
- EN 55032 and EN 55035 EMC standards
Where are these DC/DC converters commonly used?
The three series suit a broad range of electronic equipment where input-to-output isolation is not required.
Common markets include:
- Industrial automation and control
- Communication and networking equipment
- Test and measurement systems
- Building automation and security
- Battery-operated equipment
- Embedded electronics
- OEM control boards
Within these systems, the converters can supply low-voltage circuits such as microcontrollers, sensors, displays, communication modules and monitoring electronics.
They can provide local voltage conversion close to the load, giving engineers an efficient way to derive lower DC voltages from a central 12V, 24V, 48V or higher-voltage DC rail.
A practical option for 78xx regulator upgrades
One of the strongest use cases for these ranges is the replacement of existing 78xx linear regulators.
Older equipment may still use linear regulation to convert higher DC voltages down to 5V, 9V, 12V or 15V. Where the voltage difference and load current are high, that approach can create significant heat.
The 4101DC and 4108DC ranges give engineers a switching alternative in a compact pin-compatible format.
This can make them particularly relevant for:
- Existing equipment using LM78xx or K78xx regulators
- Industrial equipment based around 24V or 48V DC systems
- Designs experiencing excess heat around linear regulators
- Compact boards with limited available space
- Battery-operated products where conversion efficiency matters
- Maintenance and redesign projects requiring a straightforward regulator upgrade
Which series fits your design?
For applications requiring up to 500mA with DC inputs reaching 36V, the 4101DC-500 Series provides a compact option with efficiency up to 95%.
For designs requiring higher output current, the 4101DC-1A Series increases the available positive output to 1A.
For equipment running from 48V or higher DC rails, the 4108DC-500 Series provides input ranges reaching 90V DC on selected models.
Your final choice will depend on the input voltage, required output voltage, current demand, thermal conditions and available PCB space.
If you are specifying a non-isolated DC/DC converter for a new design or reviewing an existing 78xx regulator, speak with the Ideal Power sales and technical team about the available options.
