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What is the difference between Linear Power Supply and Switched Mode Power Supply?

What is the difference between Linear Power Supply and Switched Mode Power Supply?

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Asked by Lysa , Last updated: Dec 20, 2024

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2 Answers

D. Smith

D. Smith

Learning new things along with my music

D. Smith
D. Smith, Musician, MA, Nottingham

Answered Jul 16, 2020

These are two common types of power supply. The central difference between the two is the way they operate. Linear power supplies always provide a constant voltage while the power generated by a switched-mode power supply continually varies.

The switching power supply works by continuously switching the source on and off. The needed voltage at the output controls the rate of this. A linear power supply is simple; therefore, it is often the preferred method. Linear regulators occur in packaged IC’s that only need a corrected voltage source to operate.

A switched-mode power supply is very complicated, as it requires a bunch of ICs as well as inductors. The significant benefit of a switched-mode power supply operated like a voltage divider that is always changing resistance to adjust the output voltage. The voltage of a switched-mode power supply frequently varies at a very minute amount and determines when to link and disconnect from the source.

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C. Hughes

C. Hughes

Learning new things along with my music

C. Hughes
C. Hughes, Musician, MA, Bradford

Answered Jul 13, 2020

Power supplies are important to electrical devices, for they are what provides the electrical device with power. Linear and switch mode are two types of power supplies that are offered. The main difference between the two is in regards to how the AC voltage coverts over to DC voltage. When a linear power supply delivers DC to the AC, it does so through a transformer. Once done, it removes the AC component. The switch power supply makes use of a power transistor. This transistor gives off a voltage that is high in frequency. Another difference between the two is their size. Linear power supplies are heavier, while switch power supplies are lighter in weight.
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