Design techniques for very wide input range power converters

One of the primary functions of any power supply is to provide a constant or regulated output from an input source that is not constant. The variations in the level of input that must be accommodated will have an impact on the circuit type that is used and the performance that will be achieved. As the range of input voltage that must be accommodated increases, the stress on critical components also increases. Therefore, it is prudent to limit the input dynamic range as much as possible. There are special instances where it is not possible to limit the input dynamic range. In such cases, a power supply with increased size and/or reduced performance must be accepted.