Final answer:
The statement that DC-DC converters are required to continue to regulate their load in battery-powered portable equipment is true. They ensure stable voltage to the device and adjust the voltage as the battery discharges or if its output is too high.
Step-by-step explanation:
In DC-DC converters used in battery-powered portable equipment, it is required that the converter continues to regulate its load. This statement is true. DC-DC converters are crucial in ensuring stable DC voltage to the device, despite the potential fluctuations in battery output as it discharges. When the battery voltage falls, the DC-DC converter steps up the voltage to maintain the level required by the load. Conversely, if the battery voltage is too high, the converter will step it down accordingly.
For example, in the application of charging portable devices, an adapter—often incorrectly referred to as a charger—is used to convert AC from a wall socket into the DC appropriate for charging the device's battery. This adapter contains a transformer and additional circuitry to convert and regulate the DC output. Notably, an adapter that operates on AC input would not function with a DC input, as transformers require alternating current to induce voltage changes.
Fundamentally, the role of these converters is vital to ensure that the portable device operates effectively throughout the battery's usable charge range. This continuous regulation by the DC-DC converter directly influences the efficiency and performance of the device being powered.