Any electronic device for normal operation requires the supply of an electric current of the specified parameters. To do this, use a special unit known as an adapter. This device is most often supplied with the main electronic device. Today we’ll talk about power supplies. We will consider the purpose of these devices, their characteristics and types.
Purpose of the power supply
An adapter is an electronic device that generates an output voltage with a given value and power. These power supplies, designed for household electrical appliances, convert the alternating current of the electrical network into direct current , which is necessary for specific equipment. We have adopted the standard of 220 V electric networks with a frequency of 50 Hz, however, in some countries these parameters are different. Accordingly, the power supply released for such a country will differ in terms of input voltage. The reader may ask, “Why use adapters, why can’t you power up electrical appliances directly with a voltage of 220 V?” Almost all electronic semiconductor elements have an operating voltage in the range of 3-36 volts (sometimes there may be exceptions). This is due to the fact that components with a low supply voltage have miniature overall dimensions, emit a small amount of heat during operation and are distinguished by low energy consumption. Power adapters are needed to provide this technique with operating voltage. It is much more economical to manufacture a power supply for equipment than to develop equipment that is powered directly from a 220 V network. For such devices, you will need powerful radiators that will have large overall dimensions. As a result, the price of such products will increase significantly.
Adapter classification
Power supplies are divided into two main groups: external and integrated. An external adapter is a stand-alone device that can go with or without a device. Most often, such blocks are small (as an example, charging for a mobile phone, laptop, etc.). The integrated devices are structurally in a single housing with the main device. Take, for example, the power supply unit of a personal computer. Here, the adapter is allocated in a separate node, but is located in a common housing. You can also consider the adapter for the TV. A device in this design can be spaced throughout the board or assembled into a single unit.
According to the manufacturing technology, power supplies are divided into transformer and electronic (switching). A transformer adapter is a device that contains a transformer in its design. These devices are distinguished by their large size and weight, simplicity, reliability, low cost; they are easy to repair. Pulse devices are small in size and light in weight, they are durable and stable in operation.
USB type adapter
Recently, USB-type switching power supplies are in great demand. This is explained by the fact that many gadgets (tablets, smartphones, etc.) are able to charge via a USB cable. This was made possible thanks to the fact that manufacturers of such electronic devices adopted a unified power supply standard - 4.7-5 volts.
Well, that’s probably all. In conclusion, we add that thanks to a high-quality adapter, your equipment will receive the required supply voltage, and this, in turn, will certainly affect the stability and duration of its operation.