A switched-mode voltage regulator (also known as a switching regulator or DC-DC converter) is an electronic power supply that uses switching technology to convert a DC voltage from one level to another. It generally works by rapidly switching back and forth between two separate and distinct power supplies, while using either a transformer or inductor to store energy. This allows the output voltage to be individually regulated. Switching regulators are used due to their efficiency, stability, noise reduction, and lower cost, compared to linear voltage regulators. They have become increasingly popular in low-power applications where small, lightweight forms of regulation are needed.