What are the Different Types of Power Supply and their Applications?
Going by a simple definition, a power supply is an electrical device that feeds an electronic system. Also known as a power supply unit, power brick or power adapter, it supplies power to an electrical device. Performing a crucial role of converting alternative current voltage to regulated direct current voltage, these hardware components also regulate the voltage to an adequate amount. There are several types of power supplies available, and choosing the right amongst them is of utmost important based on the electrical device’s specifications. Would you like to know the popular types of power supplies widely been in use today? This post is intended to give you details on the same.
7 Major Types of Power Supplies
The right power supply units must be selected considering several factors such as wattage, efficiency, modularity, power requirements of the device, and system noise immunity, to name a few. Owing to their abundance, it is quite possible to get confused with them. To make the selection process a little less confusing, here are listed the most popularly used power supply units.
- SMPS- Switched Mode Power Supply: A switched-mode power supply (SMPS) is an electronic circuit integrated with the switching regulator for converting the electrical power. Different types of topologies for SMPS include DC to DC converter, AC to DC converter, Flyback converter and Forward converter. Offering advantages in terms of size, weight, cost, efficiency and overall performance, these types of power supplies are widely used in computers and other sensitive electronic equipment.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply: An uninterruptible power supply or uninterruptible power source (UPS) provides instantaneous power in case of a failure of the main utility power source or voltage drop to an unacceptable level. Providing the advantage of immediate protection against the input power interruptions, UPS power supplies find immense applications in data centers, telecommunications, hospitals, and banks and insurance.
- AC Power Supply: Being an important source of power for many electronics equipment, these supplies are designed to offer an almost stable current. Mainly classified as single -phase systems as well as three-phase systems, AC power supplies are used in bulk power and power conditioning applications across a wide variety of industrial segments including information technology, communication, aerospace, and defense.
- DC Power Supply: Designed to provide a consistent DC voltage to its load, DC power supply offers optimal choices in voltage, current, capability, and precision. It is the most common method of power supply for a wide range of low voltage and low current applications.
- Regulated Power Supply: Also known as a linear power supply, a regulated power supply is a kind of electronic circuit that helps convert an unregulated AC to a constant DC. Performing a crucial function to supply a stable voltage to a circuit or device, the regulated power supply is ideal for almost all types of electronic devices.
- Programmable Power Supply: A programmable power supply is a type of linear power supply that is designed to provide accurate and adjustable levels of voltage, current, and frequency. The high-performance programmable power supplies, which provide stable DC power, encompasses a processor, voltage and current programming circuitry, a current shunt, and a readback circuit. Designed to provide AC, DC, or both AC and DC outputs, this type of power supply finds applications in automation and process control, semiconductor processing, medical imaging and treatment, among others.
- Linear Power Supply: The LPS (linear power supply) or LR (linear regulator) circuit, which encompasses a step-down transformer, rectifier, filter circuit & voltage regulator, converts alternating current (AC) into a steady direct current (DC). Offering the advantages of reliability, simplicity, and low cost, the linear power supply is the right solution for applications that require minimal noise and ripple.
The aforementioned types of power supplies are being popularly used for providing the required power supply to a wide range of electronic devices for a long time. By regulating the voltage supply, all these power supplies play a critical role in rendering protection to electrical and electronic devices. If you are looking out to buy power supplies online, consider procuring it from EE USA. The company offers different kinds of power supply units of top rated brands. Browse through the wide range of electronic component parts and products that boast of high quality and performance, and get the right one that meet your purpose. Here is your chance to buy the product at incredible prices. Let the team know about your specific requirements!
