Power Products (electrical) Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What is the difference between switching and linear power supplies?
Answer
The main difference is how they convert the AC line supply voltage to DC output voltage.- Switching (switched-mode) power supplies first rectify the AC line supply, and then transform it.
Linear power supplies first transform the AC line supply, and then rectify it.
Switching power supplies have better efficiency, less heat loss, wider input voltage ranges, smaller size and weight, and are intended for general use in automation. Linear power supplies have less harmonics, and (if regulated) have more precise output regulation.
FAQ Subcategory: None
This item was last updated on 2021-02-15
Document ID: 853
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