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Power Supply

How Linear Power Supply Works

High-end adjustable linear power supply is commonly used in laboratory applications. They allow the output voltage over a wide range such as between 30 volts and 5 amperes output. Another common use of linear power supply is rechargeable flashlights that are based on simple circuitry.

 

Linear power supply accepts AC input and generates a respective output. It utilizes a transformer to convert the main supply into low voltage AC. To produce DC output, the main supply is passed through a rectifier. The main supply AC comes along with severe deviations called as noise. To contour this pulsating current, a capacitor is placed in the AC to DC circuit. However, small deviations continue to exist in the resultant DC, called as ripples. The noise frequency of the ripples is in resonance to the main power supply frequency.

 

Regulated vs. Unregulated Linear Power Supply

Linear power supply can be regulated or unregulated depending on the circuit configuration. In the unregulated mode, the output supply cannot be accurately predicted. The output voltage generated through unregulated power supply varies as per the characteristics of the main AC supply voltage. The overall load on the circuit also affects output supply. Thus, attaining the state of constant voltage or constant current is difficult at unregulated linear power supply mode.

 

For critical electronic applications, the linear mode power supply is attached to a regulator. It helps in stabilizing both the current and the voltage. Regulator also filters ripple and noise elements in the input. The purpose of such filtering is to generate a better quality DC output. To protect the equipment from over-current, the linear regulators limit current flow in the circuit.

 

Linear Power Supply vs. Switch Mode

Comparative analysis of the linear power supply with advanced switch-mode system helps to understand its industry application.

 

The advantages of linear power supply over switch-mode are:

• Easy circuit operations

• No high frequency switching associated with electro-magnetic interference

• Offers high output regulation

• Adherence to strict output specifications is possible

 

Some disadvantages to watch out for while using the linear power supply as compared to the switch-mode are:

• Power loss due to voltage drop

• Isolation of the voltage output poses severe challenges

• Utilizes a low frequency bulky transformer

• Produces low frequency ripples that are difficult to filter

• Less efficient

 

CyPower has demonstrated its expertise as a global distributor of power supply equipments. Browse and search for whatever information you need on linear power supply and equipments at www.cypower.com.

About the Author

Cypower offers a great collection of linear power supply at affordable prices.

Is there any easy way to check compatibility between power supplies and the size of power supply drive bay?

I am looking to build my own computer and am having some trouble trying to find the dimensions of the power supply bay on computer cases. I see the dimensions of the entire case and the dimensions of the power supply on both Newegg and Tiger Direct but there doesn't seem to be a listing of the power supply housing on either site. Where can I find this?
I meant dimensions of the power supply housing in the case.

You can always look your model (for already built computers) up online. In your case, find out what your motherboard will support, since you're building your own. I personally asked the company I bought my computer from, and they will tell you the limits (in terms of upgrades) for your computer. For example, my computer came with a 300W power supply. I was told max upgrade was 450W, and that anything higher was likely to fry my motherboard, thus voiding any computer warranties I had. In your case, finding what your motherboard will support will allow you the highest possible power output, without frying anything.

You should also make sure the box will fit inside your tower (the dimensions of the boxes vary by wattage and also depending in the brand. I upgraded to a 400W just fine, but when I tried a 450W, the power supply itself was too big to fit inside my tower, and some of the wires were too short to reach where they had to connect.

You can always return the power supply ifit doesn't fit too, just get one from your local Best Buy or something. They really helped me as far as info and kept me informed that I could return anything if it didn't work. It was just a matter of trial and error to find out personally what worked best for my computer.

Also, before you disconnect your old power supply, take pictures so you know what to connect to where.

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