>> Apart from the inductor and rectifier simply being in different
>> positions, what is the difference between the boost and Buck-boost DC-
>> DC converter?
>>
>> Is one more reliable than the other? Is one more energy-efficient?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Michael
>
>
>Crossposting to SED due to the underwhelming response...
>
>MD
Besides the characteristics noted in other responses, keep in mind that actual energy processed in the boost converter is less for the same output power. In effect, the source is present during energy transfer to the load for the boost, where as in buck-boost the source is disconnected from the load during transfer.
So energy processing and transfer efficiency does come into it.
RL