AC-DC Power Supply

 

Here you won´t find CDs of your favourite rock band, but rather A-DC power supplies to electrify your project straight from the wall socket.

They are divided into 2 types:

1)Linear power supplies – much less common nowadays. They consist of three components: a) a transformer to lower the grid voltage; b) a rectifier/ diode bridge to rectify the voltage; c) a voltage filter to ensure stability and prevent fluctuations.

2)  Switch-mode power supplies – more modern one, ideal for small and more powerful sources. Unlike linear power supplies, they rectify and filter the input network voltage right form the start.  The voltage the passes through a semiconductor device, typically MOSFET, which converts DC into pulses. These pulses are then transformed into lower constant voltage outputs by a capacitor and an inductor (in some cases a special transformer).