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Linear Power Supply - Basic Properties, Terminology, and Theory

What is a Linear Power Supply?

Linear Power Supply exist to provide four separate and distinct functions:

  1. Change the output to a different voltage level than the input (step up or step down)
  2. Rectify ac into dc
  3. Isolate the output from the input
  4. Stabilize the output against the influence of:
    • Source changes (source effect)
    • Load changes (load effect)
    • Temperature changes (temperature effect)
    • Passage of time (time effect or drift)
Linear power supplies are about 50% efficient. Only the smallest linear power supplies are capable of being securely mounted to a DIN Rail. Linear power supplies are still popular today because they provide very tight regulation (.01% typically), almost perfectly clean DC, fast transient response and their low component count helps provide a lower material cost for its user. Linear power supplies are typically open frame because of the excessive heat dissipation from their low efficiency.
DC Power Supply Selection Process
  1. Gather the required information
    • Input voltage and frequency
    • Number of outputs
    • Voltage of each output
    • Amperage of each output
    • Peak loading of each output
    • Battery Backup
  2. Determine which models meet all of the required specifications
  3. Check power supply mounting style, connections and physical size to ensure application suitability
  4. Check for applicable safety approvals for the country and application the power supply will be used in
    • Discrete manufacturing machine diagnostics and controls
    • Oil platform monitoring and control in the petroleum industry
    • Central and remote water and wastewater control panels
    • Monitoring and control panels for local facilities/air handling equipment
    • Tire manufacturing mixing and building processes
    • Industrial and commercial power house controls; building HVAC controls
    • Material handling and palletizing monitoring and control
    • Automotive press and machine parts controls
Linear power supplies are available in a wide variety of outputs and inputs. Select from 1-4 outputs, 5-265 VDC outputs and 100-240 VAC inputs to fit your application.
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