DC-regulated power supplies are fundamental equipment in the electronics field, with extremely wide applications, covering almost all situations requiring DC power. This article will introduce DC regulated power supplies in detail from the following aspects:
What is a DC-regulated power supply?
What are the characteristics of a DC-regulated power supply?
What are the common applications of DC regulated power supplies?
Comparison of common DC-regulated power supply brands and models.
A DC-regulated power supply is an electronic device that converts unstable input electrical energy (usually alternating current (AC) or fluctuating direct current) into stable, clean, and continuously adjustable direct current (DC).
The mains power we use daily is 220V/50Hz AC, but most electronic devices (such as mobile phones, computers, and chips) require DC power to operate. Moreover, these devices have very high requirements for the "quality" of the DC power:
1. The voltage must be stable: Too high a voltage will burn out components, while too low a voltage will prevent normal operation.
2. It must be "clean": Raw DC power converted from AC contains a large amount of ripple and noise, like water mixed with sediment, which can severely interfere with the operation of precision circuits.
DC-regulated power supplies were developed to solve these problems.
DC-regulated power supplies typically achieve "voltage regulation" through the following three main steps:
1. Transformation
A transformer reduces the high voltage of the mains power (e.g., 220VAC) to the required lower AC voltage.
2. Rectification
A rectifier bridge composed of diodes converts the alternating-direction AC power into a unidirectional pulsating DC power. The current at this point fluctuates significantly, resembling a series of peaks.
3. Filtering and Stabilization
Filtering: Using components such as capacitors and inductors, the "peaks" of the pulsating DC power are smoothed out, making it relatively smooth.
Stabilization: Through complex feedback control circuits (modern power supplies mainly use switching regulation or linear regulation technology), the output voltage is monitored in real time. Once a slight fluctuation in the output is detected, adjustments are made immediately, ultimately outputting a very stable, low-ripple, pure DC power supply.
Based on their working principle, DC regulated power supplies are mainly divided into two categories.
| Types | Linear Regulated Power Supply | Switching Regulated Power Supply |
| Working Principle | Linear Regulated Power Supply "dissipates" excess voltage by adjusting transistors operating in the linear region, much like a dam precisely controlling water levels. | Switching Regulated Power Supply regulates voltage through high-speed switching (tens of thousands of times per second) and energy storage components, much like a highly efficient water pump system. |
| Advantages | Extremely low output ripple, low noise, and fast response. | High efficiency (up to 90% or more), low heat generation, small size, and light weight. |
| Disadvantages | Low efficiency, high heat generation, large size, and heavy weight. | Switching noise exists at the output, and the circuit is relatively complex. |
| Applications | Applications requiring extremely high power purity, such as audio equipment, precision sensors, laboratory instruments, and low-noise amplifiers. | Most modern electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phone chargers, televisions, and industrial equipment, where high efficiency and small size are required. |
The core function of a DC regulated power supply is to convert unstable DC (or AC) power into stable, pure DC power. Its three most prominent characteristics are as follows:
This is the most basic and important characteristic of a DC regulated power supply. Regardless of fluctuations in the input voltage (AC mains power) or load current (connected devices), it can automatically maintain the output voltage or current at a preset value through internal feedback and control circuitry.
Coping with Mains Fluctuations: For example, when electricity consumption is low at night and the mains voltage rises, the regulated power supply can ensure that the output remains unchanged.
Coping with Load Changes: When the operating state of connected devices changes (such as from standby to full speed operation), causing changes in current demand, the output voltage remains stable.
Ideally, direct current (DC) is a smooth, straight line, but in reality, DC after rectification and filtering contains AC components (ripple) and random interference (noise). DC regulated power supplies, through precise filtering and voltage regulation circuits, can greatly suppress these noises, outputting very "clean" DC power.
Ripple: Primarily residual power frequency or switching frequency, manifesting as periodic fluctuations.
Noise: Random interference from internal components or external sources.
This is crucial for precision electronic equipment (such as audio equipment, sensors, and communication equipment) because noise and ripple can interfere with signal accuracy.
High Precision: Modern DC regulated power supplies can set and display output voltage and current values with very high precision, down to the millivolt (mV) and milliampere (mA) level. This is indispensable for experiments and research requiring a precise power supply.
Adjustability: Most laboratory or engineering DC regulated power supplies have continuously adjustable output voltage and current limits. Users can flexibly set the required voltage and maximum protection current according to the needs of the device under test, greatly enhancing its applicability and safety.
It typically features overcurrent protection (OCP), overvoltage protection (OVP), overtemperature protection (OTP), and short-circuit protection. In case of an abnormality, the power supply will automatically shut down the output to prevent damage to itself and connected expensive equipment.
DC regulated power supplies are fundamental equipment in the electronics field, with extremely wide applications, covering almost all occasions requiring DC power.
Circuit Board Debugging: Provides a stable and reliable power supply for newly designed circuit boards, and can prevent component burnout due to soldering errors or design defects through current limiting functions.
Component Testing: Tests the characteristic curves (IV curves) of components such as diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.
Prototype Power Supply: Serves as the power source for products before they have their own power modules designed.
Production Line Testing: Used as a standard power supply for functional testing and aging processes on electronic product (such as mobile phones and computer motherboards) production lines.
Provides clean DC power for industrial control equipment such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), sensors, and servo drives.
Electronic Experiment Courses: Essential equipment for students to understand circuit principles and perform practical operations in electrical and electronic technology experiments in universities and vocational schools.
Repair Centers: Used to repair various household appliances and industrial equipment, such as televisions, computers, and audio equipment, quickly locating faults by replacing the original power supply.
Communication Equipment Maintenance: Provides backup or test power for communication base stations and other equipment.
Some dedicated DC regulated power supplies can be set to constant voltage/constant current (CV/CC) mode for charging lead-acid batteries and lithium battery packs. While not as powerful as professional smart chargers, they are very practical in specific situations.
Automotive Electronics: Simulates the voltage of a car battery for testing automotive electronic products such as car audio systems and navigation systems. LED Lighting Testing: Provides adjustable voltage for LED strips and modules to test their luminous performance and driving circuitry.
1. Single-channel output power up to 20kW, capable of outputting up to 700V and 67A.
2. Employs high-frequency PWM control and phase-shifted full-bridge converter technology, resulting in fast dynamic response, strong overcurrent capability, and low output ripple.
1. Single-channel output power up to 800W, capable of outputting up to 60V and 80A.
2. Provides advanced characterization and power simulation functions, including voltmeters and ammeters, data logging, oscilloscope views, and an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG).
1. Power range: 600W/1200W/2400W/5000W; Voltage output range: 0-600V; Current output range: 0-120A.
2. Capable of simulating complex DC transient waveforms to test device transients, voltage rise, and deviations from other voltages.
DC regulated power supplies are like the "reliable granary" and "precision ruler" of the electronic world. They not only provide energy but also ensure the quality and precise controllability of that energy, making them an indispensable basic tool in modern electronic technology.
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