Design, Simulation, and Implementation of a Buck Converter for Efficient DC Voltage Regulation

The increasing demand for efficient power regulation in embedded systems, renewable energy, and portable electronics has elevated the importance of DC-DC converters in modern power electronics. Among them, the buck converter a type of step-down converter is widely favored due to its high efficiency, compactness, and suitability for low-voltage applications. This study was undertaken to explore the design, simulation, and hardware implementation of a buck converter capable of stepping down a 12 V DC input to output levels of 3 V, 6 V, and 9 V based on duty cycles of 25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively. The objective was to validate theoretical predictions using both simulation and physical testing. The circuit design incorporated essential power electronic components such as IRF9530 MOSFETs, IR2110 driver IC, inductors, capacitors, and freewheeling diodes, assembled on a Vero board for prototype development. Proteus simulation results closely followed expected voltage levels, while hardware testing showed minor deviations due to non-idealities like component tolerances, switching losses, and thermal effects. The comparison between theoretical, simulated, and measured outputs confirmed the operational integrity and efficiency of the design. In addition to the technical focus, this work considers safety measures, ethical responsibility, and environmental impact ensuring the converter's alignment with modern sustainable engineering practices. This project not only demonstrates the functional reliability of buck converters in real-world scenarios but also contributes to students’ hands-on learning and fosters innovation in scalable energy systems.