There are several cases where an isolated power supply may be required or provide some benefit in an application. *Note: Newsletter is currently only available in English.
However, in an isolated converter, as shown on the right side of Figure 1, the input and output return to their own independent ground and there is no path for direct current from one to the other. In a non-isolated converter, as shown on the left side of Figure 1, the input and output share a common ground and current can flow between them.
A result of isolation is that each of the isolated circuits has its own return or ground reference. Galvanic isolation (usually simplified to just isolation) is the physical and electrical separation between one section of a circuit and another. For those not familiar with power supplies this leads to additional questions: What are the benefits of isolated vs non-isolated power supplies? And how do I know which one I need for my application? Isolation Basics A non-isolated power converter has a single circuit in which current can flow between the input and output. In short, an isolated power converter isolates the input from the output by electrically and physically separating the circuit into two sections preventing direct current flow between input and output, typically achieved by using a transformer. What's the Difference Between Isolated and Non-Isolated Power Supplies?
