The Concept of Switching Power Supply

The concept of switching power supplies is important for a variety of electronic configurations.

Switching power supply sources require two types of design in a given product. They’re characterized by a configuration that requires DC-to-DC, DC-to-AC, or AC-to-DC frequency conversions.

Unlike linear power supplies that typically require diodes, SMPSs utilize precise switching to control duty cycle operation. Transistors allow for a better amount of control.

In general, high voltage switching power supply is primarily used in digital systems such as the following: telecommunication devices, computers, audio equipment, mobile phone charges, medical equipment and other electronic technologies.



Power supplies are converters. Typically, they convert one parameter (or more) from supplied power to the type/level required by the load or circuit. A power supply adapter allows for the utilization of a supply that was initially incompatible.

High-voltage low-current power supply designs may consist of conversion circuitry or an adapter.

The most common design types for switching power supplies are:

      Buck

      Boost

      Buck-boost

      Forward

      Flyback

      Push-pull

      Half bridge

      Full bridge

Exact control of the switching action is an important design requirement, especially for switching power supplies. It’s important to realize that this switching, however, creates high frequencies and noise. For PCBAs, lower RF frequencies are not a big problem.

On the other hand, high-speed designs require special considerations (trace lengths, terminations, board impedance, and material type).

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