Power Supply

Power Supply PSU for Dreambox DM500S 500S DM600 DM800
Power Supply PSU for Dreambox DM500S 500S DM600 DM800
Paypal   US $11.84
TV AFN AFGHANISTAN PACKAGE Antenna Yagi High Def Directional w power supply an
TV AFN AFGHANISTAN PACKAGE Antenna Yagi High Def Directional w power supply an
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WSI Satellite Receiver DDR NFS3 w Power Supply SNP PA51
WSI Satellite Receiver DDR NFS3 w Power Supply SNP PA51
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AzBox Premium HD Plus replacement power supply
AzBox Premium HD Plus replacement power supply
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TV AFN Antenna w 110 220 power supply Plus RG6 COAX KIT
TV AFN Antenna w 110 220 power supply Plus RG6 COAX KIT
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NEW Dreambox DM500 AC power supply for 500S 500C 500T
NEW Dreambox DM500 AC power supply for 500S 500C 500T
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Lot of 5 RF Technology Audio Reciever Microwave Associates Power Supply
Lot of 5 RF Technology Audio Reciever Microwave Associates Power Supply
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How to install a Power Supply

Choosing the Right Dc Power Supply for Your Application

The DC Power Supply is a rather fundamental electronic device, however there are hundreds of DC Power Supply products on the market from dozen of manufacturers. Narrowing down the best product for your application and budget can be a daunting task. This article addresses DC Power Supply differentiators, functions and the applications they are best suited for. The article's focus is DC Power Supplies used by engineers, manufacturers, quality professionals and electronic hobbyists for the purposes of R&D, manufacturing and testing.

Power Supplies can range in price from $50 to $20,000 and the cost is often directly proportional to the amount of power the device outputs. The primary function of a power supply is to regulate output voltage and current. It takes an input power and regulates the output power as to enforce a constant voltage and current. In the case of DC Power Supplies, the input power is converted from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). There are two basic types of regulated DC Power Supplies: Linear and Switching.

Linear power supplies can never output a higher voltage than the input source. In theory, a linear power supply that is driven by typical 110V wall outlet could only output 110V, assuming the device were 100% efficient. Realistically, no power supply is 100% efficient because power conversion always results in energy loss, usually in the form of heat dissipation. Therefore, linear power supplies usually output voltage that is significantly less than the input.

Switching power supplies can step-up, step-down or invert the input voltage. Switching power supplies are usually larger, noisier and more expensive than their linear counterparts, however, switching power supplies are typically more efficient.

Choosing the right DC power supply for your application requires definition of some basic design specifications: voltage range, current range, number of outputs, power cleanliness (known as "ripple") and programmability. In general, the higher the output voltage and the lower the ripple, the more expensive the DC Power Supply. Multiple outputs and programmability features will also add to the cost.

The least expensive DC Power Supplies are ideal for electronics hobbyists and basic electro-mechanical applications where only raw power is required. It is likely that the devices being powered in these applications already have power-conditioning features that eliminate the need for precision input power. Low power, single output, DC power supplies range in price from $50 to $200.

Mid-range power supplies are best suited for non-critical, laboratory projects involving more advanced electro-mechanical applications or basic board-level testing. Mid-range power supplies might have multiple outputs, higher power ratings, lower ripple and precision, digital metering (+/- .001V, +/- .01A). Mid-range DC power supplies can be linear or switching and could range in price from $200 to $1,000.

High-end applications requiring high output voltage, advanced programmability (GPIB PC Interfaces), numerous outputs and very low ripple should budget in excess of $1,000 for their DC power supply. Many laboratory, R&D and testing applications could easily spend $5,000 to $10,000 per power supply.

This article has introduced some basic features and applications of DC Power Supplies. Before making your final purchase, be sure to consult the manufacturer and thoroughly understand all the specifications of a particular product. Choosing the best and most economical DC Power Supply for your application does not have to be a complex and time-consuming task. By identifying your design parameters, you will quickly narrow down product selection to a niche class of products from only a few manufacturers.

About the Author

Robert Preville is the President and CEO of Global Test Supply, LLC, a distributor of test and measurement equipment, and welcomes question from those looking for a DC Power Supply

How much electrical power do I need total to supply?

We have 15 laptops with 15 power supplies. Each laptop needs 240 watts. Each power supply requires 100 watts. How much power do I need total to supply? What is the maximum rating or amperage should my power source to meet safety standards?

Hello:

In the USA most power outlets are use 10, 15, or 20 amp fuse/breakers,

For your 15 laptops at 100 watt power supplies,
I would have you use one 20 amp circuit feeding four 5 amp power strips.

You could use a 15 amp circuit but you used the "safety" word, so use a 20 amp circuit, you never know if/when someone will plug just one more thing into the circuit.

Regards