Re: Re: New kid on the block

----- Original Message -----
From: <TADGUNINC@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@onelist.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 1999 2:40 PM
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: New kid on the block
<snip>
> I have a quick question for everyone, what is a switching power supply?
> Tracey
>
Switching power supplies come in many configurations, but basically, a high
frequency oscillator is used to drive a small transformer (or inductor in
buck mode ps's). The output of the transformer is rectified and filtered.
A feedback loop monitors the voltage at the output, and varies the PWM duty
cycle of the oscillator at the front end. In some small switching power
supplies, the oscillator drives an RC filter directly with the same pwm
feedback loop.

Non-switching power supplies use a normal transformer to step up/down the
voltage, and use transistors as variable voltage drops (gross
oversimplification) to achieve voltage regulation.

In general, switching power supplies have much high power output per pound
of power supply, and are also much more efficient (less heat generated per
watt of output).

Dean