The invention of DC/DC switching regulators has improved efficiency, but requires more complex design methods. Compared with the design of linear regulators, switching regulators utilize the energy storage characteristics of inductive and capacitive components to transmit power in the form of discrete energy packets. These energy packets are stored in the magnetic field of inductors or the electric field of capacitors. The switch controller ensures that each energy packet only transmits the energy required by the load, making this topology highly efficient. The optimal design can achieve an efficiency of 95% or higher. Unlike linear regulators, the efficiency of switching regulators does not depend on the voltage difference between input and output.

Multiple types of switch topologies provide great design flexibility. Switching regulators can generate outputs that are higher or lower than the input (boost or buck), or invert the input voltage to the output voltage. Among them, there are both isolated topology structures and non isolated topology structures. Due to the higher efficiency and reduced heat dissipation requirements of switching regulators, their structure is more compact. However, the design and implementation of switching regulators have become increasingly difficult, requiring designers to master various skills such as digital and analog control, magnetism, and circuit board layout. For a given power level, improving efficiency typically requires the use of more components, resulting in more complex designs and increased costs.

Quick switching actions may introduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) or switching noise, which can affect nearby components. Designers must pay attention to component layout, grounding, and wiring to minimize the impact of switch noise. For any efficiency oriented application, switching regulators are the preferred choice, such as high-power power supplies used in servers, computers, and industrial process control. Battery powered applications also benefit from higher efficiency and extended battery life, such as portable devices and electric vehicles. Due to the efficient operation of switching regulators, there is usually no need to use bulky heat sinks, which is particularly beneficial for space limited designs.