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Power Supplies - Selecting the Correct Power Supply

Selecting the Correct Power Supply
All industrial electronic devices require power sources or power supplies. A power supply is an electronic mechanism that changes AC line power to one or more individual DC outputs. This is accomplished via circuits that convert electrical input power - either AC or DC. Simply, power supplies change AC line voltage and current into DC power in preparation for consumption by another device or machine.

These systems are complex and have specific requirements. The intensity and the type of current used to power these industrial electronic devices are important to consider when picking the correct power supplies to make sure that the energy going to the circuit in question is powered correctly and the right type (i.e. DC or AC).

Power supplies can be broken down into families: Linear, Switching and Unregulated. Within those families are categories: AC adapters, AC Battery Chargers, DC Battery Chargers, Benchtop Power Supply, DC/AC Inverters, DC/DC Converters and Frequency Converters.

Family of Power Supplies

Linear Power Supply - The voltage produced by power supplies that are not regulated will vary depending on the load and on variations in the AC supply voltage. A linear power supply is useful because it has linear regulators that protect both circuit and the power supply from overcurrent. Adjustable linear power supplies are essential test equipment for the laboratory and service shop that requires precision. Linear power supplies are heavier than switching power supplies, but carry the same power rating. Popular devices that the linear power supply powers are:
  • micro-processors
  • keyboards
  • disk drives

Switching Power Supply - With a lighter and smaller packaging than the linear power supply, the switching power supply offers the same power rating as the linear. Switching power supplies also come equipped with built-in safety technology, such as its own circuit breaker on board if it runs too strong. This power supply converts the AC source to a high voltage, which in turn, is used to produce a DC current and voltage. The high voltage allows a switching power supply to be more efficient and require less AC current to produce equivalent DC current. Popular applications of the switching power supply are commonly found in consumer electronics.


Unregulated Power Supply - Unregulated power supplies are designed for high current applications at a low cost, when full regulation is not a requirement. These rugged, highly reliable power supplies are ideal for powering applications such as:
  • Solenoids
  • Relays
  • DC Motors
  • Lamps
  • DC/DC Converters
Power Supply Categories

AC Adapters & AC Battery Chargers - AC Adapters & AC Battery Chargers are power supplies that are ideal for converting the 120 VAC into the desired voltage of the targeted electrical device. These adapters are also used to charge the battery in the device it is being plugged into.

DC Battery Chargers - A DC Battery Charger is a device used to take energy in the form of a DC current and put it into a secondary cell or rechargeable battery unit by forcing electricity through it. DC Battery Chargers are very quiet and power sensitive. They are very rugged and reliable as they do not overcharge.

Benchtop Power Supply - Benchtop Power Supplies are great for handling high amounts of current, as they are heavy-duty in their construction. Equipped with either an analog or digital display, the benchtop power supply also features multiple outputs and binding post terminals. The Benchtop Power Supply is ideal for engineers or techs that demand variety. These power supplies are ready to handle loads with adjustable voltage and current output with a built in circuit breaking mechanism.

DC/AC Inverters - "True Sine Wave" Inverters are made purposely for powering computers and other electronics in mobile and off-grid locations. One standard AC receptacle provides for easy connection. Versions are available to operate from 24V or 32 volt battery systems.

DC/DC Converters - Either steps up or steps down the voltage for a given purpose or a set current regulation.

Frequency Converters - Controls the frequency of the output wave form
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The GPS-x303 series are 2-4 channel, 180 to 200W output, linear DC power supplies. Overload and reverse polarity protection and an output on/off switch keep the GPS-x303 series and their load safe from unexpected conditions.
Selecting the Correct Power Supply

Power Supplies can be found in many different combinations of families and categories. When selecting a power supply, it is helpful to know the power requirements. The most important questions to have answered are the following:
  • Input voltage and frequency?
  • Wattage needed?
  • Number of outputs?
  • Voltage of each output?
  • Amperage of each output?
  • Peak loading for each output?
Next, the power (wattage) of the power supply needed should be calculated. Determine the family of power supplies needed, and finally, determine the category of power supply that will best fit the needs of the application.
Power Supply Video Overview
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