Pico Electronics DC-DC Converter Replacement Guide

When a Pico Electronics DC-DC converter is unavailable, obsolete or has a long lead time, choosing a replacement requires more than matching the input and output voltage.

Engineers and buyers should also check output power, regulation type, polarity, isolation, package, pinout and operating temperature before selecting an equivalent.

What Should You Check When Replacing a Pico DC-DC Converter?

Start with these specifications:

A converter with the same voltage rating is not automatically a drop-in replacement.

For an overview of Pico's available voltage and power ranges, see our Pico High-Voltage DC-DC Converter Guide.

Regulated vs Proportional: Do Not Ignore This Difference

Many Pico miniature high-voltage converters use a proportional output, meaning the output voltage changes with input voltage and load.

For example, the Pico AV, SMV and MV families are proportional converters. Their main differences include mounting style, output range and temperature capability.

If you are replacing one of these models, see our Pico AV vs SMV vs MV selection guide.

A regulated converter, however, is designed to maintain a more stable output.

Therefore, do not replace a regulated converter with a proportional model simply because the input voltage, output voltage and wattage appear similar.

Match Voltage, Current and Power Together

Suppose the original converter is specified as:

5V input → 200V output

You still need to know:

• required output current;

• continuous output power;

• mounting type;

• regulation requirement;

• operating temperature.

For example, the Pico 5SA200SM provides 5V input, 200V output and 3W power in a surface-mount package.

A lower-power 5V-to-200V converter may have the same voltage conversion ratio but may not support the same load.

Check Package and Pinout

An electrically similar converter may still require PCB modification.

Before calling a replacement “drop-in compatible,” compare:

• package dimensions;

• pin spacing;

• pin assignment;

• mounting method;

• maximum component height.

This is particularly important when replacing a through-hole Pico converter with an SMD version.

For example, AV and SMV models can have similar electrical ratings, but their mounting formats are different.

Check Temperature and Military Requirements

For aerospace, defense and harsh-environment equipment, temperature range and screening can be just as important as electrical specifications.

Check whether the original design requires:

• −55°C operation;

• extended temperature components;

• shock and vibration performance;

• MIL screening;

• specific documentation or traceability.

For these applications, see our Pico Military and Wide-Temperature DC-DC Converter Guide.

What Pico Series Could Be Considered?

The correct series depends on the original specification.

For higher-power designs, see the Pico QP Series 50W DC-DC converters or our Pico PA, PB, PC and PD high-power converter guide.

How to Request a Pico Replacement

If you need an equivalent for an existing Pico part number, provide:

• Pico part number

• Input voltage

• Output voltage

• Output current or power

• Positive or negative output

• Regulated or proportional output

• Package / pinout

• Operating temperature

• Required quantity

If the original part number is unclear, a datasheet or clear product photo can also help identify the correct replacement.

Need a Pico DC-DC Converter Replacement?

If your Pico Electronics DC-DC converter is obsolete, unavailable or has a long lead time, send us the original part number and required quantity.

We can help check the original specifications, available Pico alternatives and possible replacement options for your application.