Any electronic device for normal operation needs to be supplied with electric current of the specified parameters. To do this, use a special block, known as an adapter. This device is most often supplied with the main electronic device. Today we will talk about power supplies. We will consider the purpose of these devices, their characteristics and types.
Power supply assignment
Adapter is an electronic device that generates an output voltage with a given value and power. These power supplies, designed for household electrical appliances, convert the alternating current of the mains into the direct current required for specific equipment. We have adopted a 220 V 50 Hz electrical standard, but in some countries these parameters are different. Accordingly, the power supply, released for such a country, will differ in terms of input voltage. The reader may ask the question: “Why use adapters, why you can’t power electrical appliances directlyvoltage 220 V? Almost all electronic semiconductor elements have an operating voltage in the range of 3-36 volts (sometimes there may be exceptions). This is due to the fact that low-voltage components are small in size, generate little heat during operation, and consume little energy. Power adapters are needed to provide such equipment with operating voltage. It is much more economical to make a power supply for equipment than to develop equipment that is powered directly from a 220 V network. For such devices, powerful radiators will be needed, which will have large overall dimensions. As a result, the price of such products will increase significantly.
Classification of adapters
Power supplies are divided into two main groups: external and integrated. An external adapter is an independent device that can be supplied with or without any device. Most often, such blocks are small in size (an example is charging for a mobile phone, laptop, etc.). Integrated devices are structurally located in a single housing with the main device. Take, for example, the power supply of a personal computer. Here, the adapter is separated into a separate node, but located in a common housing. You can also consider a TV adapter. A device in this design can be spaced throughout the board or assembled into a single unit.
According to the manufacturing technology, power supplies are divided into transformer and electronic (pulse). A transformer adapter is a device that contains a transformer in its design. These devices are distinguished by their large size and weight, simplicity, reliability, low cost; they are easy to repair. Impulse devices, on the other hand, are small in size and light in weight, they are durable and stable in operation.
USB Type Adapter
Recently, USB-type switching power supplies are in great demand. This is explained by the fact that many gadgets (tablets, smartphones, etc.) can be charged via a USB cable. This became possible due to the fact that manufacturers of such electronic devices adopted a single power supply standard - 4.7-5 volts.
Well, that's about it. In conclusion, we add that thanks to a high-quality adapter, your equipment will receive the required supply voltage, and this, in turn, will certainly affect the stability and duration of its operation.
