The Difference Between a Linear Supply and a Switched Mode Power Supply

RE: The Difference Between a Linear Supply and a Switched Mode Power Supply

michaelkellett — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:12:26 GMT

And I'm going to moan about the efficiency figures, way too low in both cases:

Check here to see how mass produced and cheap PC supplies can do:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus

The Power-one Linear Power Supplies Data Sheet rates their 12 and 15V models at 55% (at full power I suspect but it doesn't say)

The compelling reason to use switch mode supplies for anything using more than 50W or so (depends on local laws) is that strict limits are placed on load power factor and harmonic currents drawn.

Conventional transformer/rectifier/capacitor type supplies just can't meet these regulations.

So although conventional supplies don't make much RF interference they do cause problems because of the non resistive load they present to mains supplies.

RE: The Difference Between a Linear Supply and a Switched Mode Power Supply

Jan Cumps — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 20:37:35 GMT

I’m going to contest the Reliability row in the chart. Both have proven to be reliable when well designed.

RE: The Difference Between a Linear Supply and a Switched Mode Power Supply

three-phase — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 20:13:02 GMT

This is a helpful summary of the difference between the power supply types. Thanks for posting.

Kind regards.