Philippi DC/DC Voltage Converters – Reliable Power Supply for On-board Systems and Vehicles
Many navigation devices, radio systems, GPS receivers, sensors, and electronic consumers are designed exclusively for 12-volt operation. In vehicles and on-board systems with a 24V battery bank, a reliable DC/DC voltage converter is the technically clean solution to provide the required 12V operating voltage – without an additional 12V battery, without a separate charger, and without unbalanced battery load.
Brief explanation: The DC/DC voltage converter generates 12V from a 24V battery voltage. This eliminates the need for an additional 12V battery and a corresponding charger. It also avoids the harmful practice of drawing partial voltage from the 24V battery block.
Why a DC/DC converter instead of a center tap from the battery bank?
An unbalanced load on individual batteries due to direct partial voltage tapping significantly shortens the battery system's lifespan and leads to unstable voltage supply. A DC/DC converter draws current evenly from the entire 24V system – the batteries are loaded uniformly, and the output voltage remains stable and regulated.
Typical Applications
Navigation devices and chartplotters, radios and VHF marine radios, GPS systems and AIS receivers, radar and communication technology, sensors and controls, marine electronics, vehicle electronics in trucks and commercial vehicles, as well as measurement and monitoring systems.
Common Technical Features of all Philippi DC/DC Converters
Voltage converters in a compact housing, switch-mode power supply technology in SMD technology, stable aluminum housing with nylon end caps, electronic protection against overheating and overvoltage, protection against reverse polarity through internal fuse, connection via 6.3 mm plug contacts, supplied with mounting clip.
| Feature |
Details |
| Input voltage range |
17–32 V (PVS / PVi series) |
| Output voltage |
13.6–13.9 V (regulated) |
| Efficiency |
Typ. 93 % |
| Protection class |
IP 53 |
| Mounting |
Mounting clip (included) |
| Warranty |
Lifetime warranty |
All Variants at a Glance
PV S Series – Standard, without galvanic isolation
The PV S series is the compact standard solution for all common 24V to 12V applications. Input voltage range 17–32 V, output voltage 13.6–13.9 V, typical efficiency 93%, protection class IP 53.
| Model |
Continuous Power |
Typical Use |
| PV 3S |
3 A (36 W) |
Individual small consumers, sensors |
| PV 6S |
6 A (72 W) |
GPS, VHF radio, navigation |
| PV 12S |
12 A (144 W) |
Multiple consumers, instrumentation |
| PV 18S |
18 A (216 W) |
Larger consumer groups |
| PV 24S |
24 A (288 W) |
Extensive 12V supply |
PV i Series – With galvanically isolated output
The PVi series features a galvanically isolated output for isolated power supplies on ships and in vehicles. Input voltage range 17–32 V, output voltage 13.6–13.9 V, typical efficiency 93%, protection class IP 53.
| Model |
Continuous Power |
Typical Use |
| PV 3i |
3 A (36 W) |
Sensors, sensitive electronics |
| PV 6i |
6 A (72 W) |
Navigation devices, radio |
| PV 12i |
12 A (144 W) |
Multiple isolated consumers |
| PV 24i |
24 A (288 W) |
Extensive isolated supply |
The galvanic isolation of the PVi series prevents ground loops, protects sensitive electronics, and is particularly recommended for aluminum and steel ships as well as on-board systems with multiple ground points.
DD 24-12 600 – High-performance converter for high currents
For applications with high 12V current requirements, the DD 24-12 600 is available with a continuous power of 50 A – the most powerful variant in the Philippi DC/DC converter range. Ideal for motor vessels, commercial vehicles, and systems with high 12V demand in a 24V on-board network.
| Model |
Input |
Output |
Continuous Power |
| DD 24-12 600 |
24 V |
12 V |
50 A (600 W) |
DD 12-24 – Step-up converter 12V to 24V
For the reverse application – operating 24V consumers in 12V on-board networks – the DD 12-24 series is available:
| Model |
Input |
Output |
Continuous Power |
| DD 12-24 72 |
12 V |
24 V |
approx. 3 A |
| DD 12-24 240 |
12 V |
24 V |
approx. 10 A |
| DD 12-24 600 |
12 V |
26.5 V |
25 A / 50 A continuous / 60 A peak |
DDi 12-12 / DDi 24-24 – Same voltage, galvanically isolated
The DDi series is not for voltage conversion, but for galvanic isolation at the same input and output voltage. DC/DC converters 12V/12V or 24V/24V with galvanically isolated output, continuous power 3 A, peak load (ED 33%) 4 A.
| Model |
Voltage |
Continuous Power |
| DDi 12-12 36 |
12 V / 12 V |
3 A |
| DDi 12-12 72 |
12 V / 12 V |
6 A |
| DDi 24-24 240 |
24 V / 24 V |
10 A |
Typical use: galvanic isolation of navigation computers, communication systems, and sensitive measurement systems from the rest of the on-board network – without voltage change.
Galvanic Isolation – when necessary, when recommended?
Necessary for: Aluminum and steel ships (ground loop prevention), professional communication and navigation systems, on-board networks with multiple independent ground points.
Recommended for: sensitive measurement electronics, radio systems, on-board computers and tablets, anywhere where interference signals and hum loops could impair functionality.
Not strictly necessary for: simple 12V consumers in well-structured on-board networks with a clean ground point.
For which vehicles and applications are the converters suitable?
Motorboats and sailing yachts for operating 12V navigation and communication technology in a 24V on-board network, commercial shipping for stable 12V supply of sensors and safety technology, motorhomes and caravans with 24V vehicle networks, trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles for 12V auxiliary devices, as well as expedition vehicles and industrial applications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philippi DC/DC Voltage Converters
What is the difference between PV S and PV i? Both series convert 24 V to 12 V and are technically identical in construction. The only difference: the PVi series has a galvanically isolated output, which electrically completely separates input and output. Recommended wherever ground loops or interference signals pose a problem.
What power do I need? The required continuous power results from the sum of all connected 12 V consumers. For individual navigation devices and radio systems, 3–6 A are sufficient. For more extensive supplies with multiple consumers, 12–24 A are recommended. For high-performance use, the DD 24-12 600 with 50 A is available.
Why not use a center tap from the 24 V battery bank? A center tap loads the two batteries unevenly. The more heavily loaded battery discharges faster, leading to capacity differences, premature wear, and in the worst case, destruction of the battery bank. A DC/DC converter draws current evenly from the entire 24 V system.
How is the converter mounted? The converter is simply inserted into the supplied mounting clip – quick, secure, and service-friendly, even in confined spaces. Replacement is possible without tools.
Are there also converters for other voltage combinations? Yes. In addition to the 24V to 12V converters, Philippi also offers step-up converters 12V to 24V (DD 12-24), same-voltage isolators 12V/12V and 24V/24V (DDi), and converters from 48V to 12V (DD 48/12).
Philippi DC DC Voltage Converter · 24V to 12V Converter Boat · Voltage Converter Yacht · DC Converter Motorhome · PV 3S PV 6S PV 12S PV 18S PV 24S · PV 3i PV 6i PV 12i PV 24i · Galvanically Isolated Voltage Converter · DD 24-12 600 · DDi 12-12 · DDi 24-24 · Voltage Converter Commercial Vehicle · 12V Supply 24V On-board System · Philippi Electrical Systems
