Switching and Linear Types

Depending on the process that energy goes through before it is fed to the load, power supplies can be categorized broadly as either switching or linear types. In linear types, the direct process is carried out by a circuitry that is comprised of active components that operate in the linear region throughout the conversion process. The input of a switching power supply undergoes conversion from AC to DC, or the converse, before processing begins. This conversion is done by components that operate in the non-linear regions. Whenever active components operate in the linear region, the resulting conversion of energy to heat leads to power loss. Therefore, switching power types are considered more efficient as compared to the linear types.

A DC power supply is designed to provide a load with a fixed polarity input from a DC source or an AC one. In the case of AC source, a transformer, rectifier, and a filter are required to produce a suitable DC input to the load. A linear voltage regulator may be added if the load requires a constant voltage. On the other hand, an AC power supply provides a load with a suitable AC input from the mains supply. For a switched-mode power supply, a rectifier, switching circuitry, transformer, and filters are used to produce a regulated supply. Other types of power supplies include programmable power supply, uninterruptible power supply, and high-voltage power supply.

If looking for a suitable power supply, Test Equipment Connection has a large inventory of different types from a variety of manufacturers. We offer both new and used power supplies, and have high quality power supplies in stock.