Electric energy, power suppliers and converters and electrical loads, if you’re just learning about these or do not have a background in power supply, design and selection; it can all seem a little confusing. So in an attempt to get it straight, this article will start at the beginning with power supply: a device responsible for supplying electric energy to an electrical load. In this process, electrical energy is converted from one form to another. This is why a power supply can be confused with an electric power converter. A power supply can be small, big, and part of a bigger system or standalone. The power supply you are using right now can be found in the computer or smart phone.
Reaping In The Energy
All power, before it is converted and used, must be taken from a power source. The most common energy sources are a battery or electrical outlet or generator. All supplies have an input and an output that is hardwired into the circuitry.
Types Of Power Supply
Power supplies can be classified and packages in different ways. In mechanical power supplies one major difference is in how a power supply is mounted or enclosed. If it is a stand-alone piece, it can be considered a bench power supply; if it is only partially enclosed and built into the equipment, it is called an open frame power supply and if the unit is designed to be secured within electrical equipment, it is called a rack mount power supply.
Types Of Conversion
A linear power source or linear power converter processes electrical input directly opposed to switching types of power conversion in which the input is transferred from AC to DC before being processed. While switching modes of conversion predominately operate in non-linear capacities, they have proven to be the more efficient form of conversion. With that being said, there is a place for companies to use a linear power source.
This Job Calls For A Linear Regulator!
When a constant output voltage is necessary, an unregulated switching power supply just won’t do: the DC energy source’s variance is just too much. In this case a linear regulator is used to regulate the value, independent fluctuations of voltage and load impedance while also helping to reduce ripple and noise on the output voltage. Power supplies, at first glance, can be confusing and subject to a lot of jargon, but hopefully, this quick article has helped familiarize you with some of the more common functions and terms used in describing power supply. Click here to know more