DC Power Supplies

DC power supplies accept an input power and output the desired form of DC power. Common forms of DC power supplies include linear power supplies, switching power supplies, DC-DC converters, and high voltage power supplies.  

Linear or series-regulated power supplies produce an output that is proportional to the input.  They contain rectifiers and filters similar to those on unregulated supplies but have a power transistor in series with the output. A sensing circuit monitors the output voltage, adjusting voltage drop across the transistor to hold output voltage at a preset level. These power supplies provide excellent line and load regulation, a low temperature coefficient, and very little ripple. Switching or switch-mode power supplies draw AC from the input line and rectify the current to charge their sizable input capacitor.  The capacitor stores the energy and provides a filtered DC voltage.  The DC voltage is then "chopped" at a high frequency (the switching frequency), transformed to the right level, and rectified again to provide the desired DC output.  

Switching power supplies are usually more efficient than linear power supplies and have a higher power density; that is, they can provide a higher output power than a linear power supply of the same size.  They can also contain interface signals and other features not found on linear power supplies.  DC-DC converters accept DC power supplies input and provide regulated and/or isolated DC output in various applications including computer flash memory, telecommunications equipment, and process control systems.  They are also frequently used on vehicle-mounted systems.  High voltage power supplies utilize linear or switching technology to provide one or more DC outputs at voltage levels of hundreds or thousands of volts.  Some have outputs that are adjustable, either locally or via computer interface.  They are DC power supplies used in specialized applications such as telecommunications, video technology and medical equipment.

DC power supplies, all types can be PCB mount, internal or open frame, wall mount adapters, desktop, rack mount, and DIN rail.  Input voltages accepted can be DC input, AC single phase, and AC three phase.  Common outputs 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V, 24V, and 48V.  High voltage power supplies have a polarity that is positive, negative, or reversible.  User interfaces for DC power supplies, all types can include analog front panels, digital front panels, computer interfaces, serial interfaces, parallel interfaces, application software, analog meters or displays, digital readouts, and video display terminals.  An important environmental parameter to consider when searching for DC power supplies includes the operating temperature.

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Part Numbers for DC Power Supplies