Leading Power Supply Manufacturers

Power supplies form an integral part of the electro-mechanical world. From a broad perspective, their primary function is to provide electric energy to all types of electronic circuits (e.g. small electronic devices, large machinery) in both the commercial and industrial worlds. From a narrower perspective, their primary function is to power electrical circuits by converting or adapting one form of electrical power into another. Read More…

Power Supplies Power supplies form an integral part of the electro-mechanical world. From a broad perspective, their primary function is to provide electric energy to all types of electronic circuits (e.g. small electronic devices, large machinery) in both the commercial and industrial worlds.

TDK-Lambda Americas designs and manufactures a wide range of AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies and EMI Filters for Medical, Telecom, Industrial, Datacom, and Test & Measurement applications worldwide. The company has been a major provider of power solutions since 1948. TDK-Lambda is a subsidiary of the TDK Corporation, a leading global electronics company.

TDK-Lambda Americas Inc. $$$

Our company offers a variety of standard and custom power supplies. These items are great for a wide range of applications. If you have any special requests then please let our representatives know. If you ever run into any questions or issues then our engineers are available to assist you. There is no project too challenging for our teams! Give us a call today!

Triad Magnetics $$$

For 4 decades, Acopian Power Supplies has specialized in long lasting power supplies (0 volts – 30000 V). We offer AC power supplies, DC power supplies, AC to DC converters, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), AC to DC power supplies & high voltage power supplies. With quality customer service & technical support, we have thousands of power supplies for thousands of applications.

Acopian Power Supplies $$$

APS are specialists in power conversion and the manufacture of high performance power systems. Products include power converters and inverters; motor drives and brakes; battery chargers; AC and DC power supplies; driver circuits and more. Custom and standard power systems are available.

Applied Power Systems, Inc. $$$

At Quail Electronics, we are your power cord specialists. Our power supplies consist of green dot cords, high voltage cords, North American and international cords, specialty cords, plus adapters, plugs and strips.

Quail Electronics, Inc. $$$
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Grasping the parallel understandings of the term power supply is key in order to clarify the confusing terminology which often surrounds this subject. According to the broad definition, virtually every electronic device carries a component that can be identified as a “power supply” (e.g. flashlights containing batteries). It is important to note, however, that the term power supply strongly carries the connotation of converting pre-existing electric power into a more suitable form for a specific application. Oftentimes components identified as “power supplies” are physically integrated into the device or circuit the power (although independent units definitely exist).

One of the most common examples of a power supply is the adaption of electrical circuits to power computers. Ironically, this application can be a source of further terminological confusion. A power supply unit (PSU) converts alternating current to direct current (discussed below) for a computer while a power brick refers to a specific type of standalone converter for laptops. Both of these terms, however, are sometimes applied to the more general idea of a power supply. Similarly, the term power adapter technically refers to a component that converts a power supply by physically enabling a device to fit into a terminal with an otherwise incompatible shape. However, the label is sometimes indiscriminately applied to power supplies in a more general sense.

Power supplies play a very important role in the commercial world. They are critical for making electric circuits run properly within certain operational limits. Without the use of power supplies, electric circuits would be much more uncontrollable – and therefore, far more impractical.

There are a number of ways in which power supplies may be divided or categorized, including functionally, mechanically, and by power conversion method.

Parts

To ensure it can properly channel electrical energy, every power supply possesses a power input, (which receives incoming energy) and a power output (which transmits converted energy to the load). Usually, a power supply’s input and output are made up of hardwired circuit connectors or electrical connectors. (Some power supplies, instead of employing galvanic connections, utilize wireless energy transfer). The electrical energy that the power input receives may come from a number of sources, such as electrical transmission systems, solar power converters, fuel cells, batteries, and other energy storage devices, generators, and alternators.

Even though power supplies can vary widely, there are a few other components that many of them share in common. For example, many computing power supplies have some type of input voltage switch, which enables power cords to work in different countries by adjusting the external power coming through electrical outlets.

Types

There are a number of ways in which power supplies may be divided or categorized. Often, power supplies are classified by their function, mechanical structure, or power conversion method (either separately or simultaneously).

Classifications by Conversion Methods

In light of the aforementioned definitions of power supply, methods of power conversion are obviously an important aspect of categorizing power supplies in general. Power supplies are commonly described as converting incoming electric current into the correct output of current, voltage, of frequency.

Current is the specific rate at which electric charge flows.

Voltage specifically refers to the electric charge differential between two separate points in an electric circuit (it can be thought of as the phenomenon responsible for producing current).

Frequency refers to the number of electric circuit cycles which occur inside a predefined unit of time.

From a high-level perspective, power supplies can be divided into linear and switching types.

Linear power supplies process input power directly, and all of their active conversion components are contained inside their linear operating regions. One example of this is a frequency to voltage converter, which uses an operational amplifier to manage linear signals.
Switching power supplies make up the majority of power supplies. They work by taking input power and convert it to alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) pulses before processing it. The converting components of switching power supplies primarily operate in non-linear regions, resulting in a better level of efficiency.

Since most power supplies are switching types, a major dividing line between power supplies is whether they operate using alternating currents (AC) or direct currents (DC). The difference between AC and DC power is quite straightforward. AC power supplies operate via an electrical charge that periodically reverses (or alternates) direction at consistent intervals. (The measure of the alteration of a current is represented by a unit of frequency called Hertz, which is defined as one cycle per second. A 60 Hertz (Hz) current alternates sixty times in one second.) DC power supplies, on the other hand, use an electrical charge that flows only in a single linear direction. Power supplies may convert one type of flow into another (e.g. an AC-DC power supply) or change one type of current to a different level of intensity.

Classification by Output

Functionally, power supplies may be divided into the following categories:

Regulated power supplies maintain a constant output regardless of variations in input. (Both input and output are typically discussed in terms of current or voltage.) They operate by using a voltage regulator in conjunction with their output component. Some regulated power supplies can use multiple voltage regulators to maintain different outputs for separate devices.

Unregulated power supplies produce output that will not remain at a fixed value in terms of voltage or current. In contrast, the output of such power supplies may vary wildly as their load currents or input voltages are altered. These types of power supplies often vary input by switching power sources on and off in accordance with voltage oscillation within the system. (As a result, members of this family may also be known as switched mode power supplies.)

Adjustable power supplies are marked by having programmable load currents or output voltages. These values may be programmed with mechanical controls, a control input, or both. Adjustable power supplies tend to range farther in terms of variation and sophistication than other types of power supplies. They are capable of producing both AC and DC power.

Adjustable regulated power supplies form a hybrid category containing power supplies which are both adjustable and regulated.

Isolated power supplies have a power output that is not dependent on its power input. This is unlike most power supplies where a power input and power output share a common connector,

Classification by Structure

In terms of mechanics, power supplies may be classified according to the way they are packaged, or mechanically enclosed. Categories based on this methodology include the following:

Bench power supplies are standalone desk units used for applications like circuit test and development.

Open frame power supplies are usually built directly into existing equipment or machinery and only have a partial mechanical enclosure. In fact, they sometimes consist only of a mounting base.

Rack mount power supplies are made to fit into standard electronic equipment racks.

Integrated power supplies are power supplies that share a printed circuit board with their load.

Applications

An extremely broad range of electronic devices depends either in part or in whole on some type of power supply. A small sample of such devices include computers, cell phones, battery chargers, kitchen appliances, various types of industrial machinery, and electric motors. Some specific types of power supplies are used more with other certain applications than others. For example, frequency to voltage converters are often used in automotive testing applications, such as the evaluation of tachometers and speedometers. On the other side of the spectrum, adjustable power supplies are commonly used for electron microscopes and scientific equipment used for chemical analysis.

AC and DC power supplies are usually harnessed to provide power to different types of electrical products. DC power supplies usually work inside metal conductors, medical equipment, process control systems, video technology, laptop computers, and cell phones. Usually, they are independent from the electronic device they are powering and housed inside a protective casing. AC power supplies, on the other hand, are often used to power the electrical functions of residential and commercial buildings, as well as electronic adaptors or converters. (This is due to the efficiency of transporting AC over long distances.) As has been mentioned before, power supplies which convert AC to DC via electrical outlets and power supply cords are some of the most common forms of power supplies in general. Common household appliances which plug into AC outlets usually have a component known as a rectifier (made from electronic pieces known as diodes) that is responsible for the actual AC to DC conversion. Other household appliances function via the DC to AC conversion; they depend on components called inverters which transform DC into AC smoothly varying, usable forms of energy.

Considerations

Power supplies may be purchased or ordered in a wide variety of configurations and designs. Customers, for example, are offered a number of different ways to present monitored and measured current and voltage information, including analog visual indicators, graphic displays, video displays, and digital numerical displays. Optional features include computer interface technology, adjustable voltage, fan cooling systems, water cooling, overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, integral heat sinks, power factor correction, pure sine output, short circuit protection, and backup batteries. Other things to consider when purchasing power supplies include a unit’s output voltage, output power, output frequency, number of outputs, apparent power, operating temperature, and whether the unit runs on direct current, alternating current, or both.

It is always wise to invest time in finding a quality power supply provider who can provide you with not only a broad range of products but also a deep level of expert advice to aid you in power supply selection. The scenarios below illustrate just a few of the kinds of factors that need to be assessed as you consider the best power supplies for your specific application.
Switched mode power supplies are ideal for scenarios where efficient power use is of prime importance. Unfortunately, switched mode power supplies tend to be more complex and produce greater electrical “noise” than other types (e.g. linear power supplies). Sometimes the interference from a switched mode power supply will require additional shielding to keep it from affecting other electronics.

Unregulated power supplies are, in general, less expensive than regulated ones. However, unregulated power supplies (by definition) do not supply clean or predictable power. Thus, if you are powering sensitive electronic equipment, it is probably necessary to make the financial investment in regulated power supplies that can provide clean and predictable voltage.

Power Supplies Informational Video

 

Power Supplies Power Pages

AC DC Power Supply

AC DC Power Supply

Power supplies are electrical circuits and devices that are designed to convert mains power or electricity from any electric source to specific values of voltage and current for the target device...

AC Power Supplies

AC Power Supplies

An AC power supply is a type of power supply used to supply alternating current (AC) power to a load. The power input may be in an AC or DC form. The power supplied from wall outlets (mains supply) and...

DC DC Power Supply

DC DC Power Supply

A DC DC power supply (also known as DC DC Converter) is a kind of DC power supply that uses DC voltage as input instead of AC/DC power supplies that rely on AC mains supply voltage as an input...

DC Power Supply

DC Power Supply

A DC power supply is a type of power supply that gives direct current (DC) voltage to power a device. Because DC power supply is commonly used on an engineer‘s or technician‘s bench for a ton of power tests...

EMI Filters

EMI Filters

An electromagnetic interference or EMI Filter is an electrical device or circuit that filters specific unwanted frequencies in power lines or offending frequencies that are detrimental to a system. They receive AC or main power signal input, modify it, and release output that has noise removed...

High Voltage Power Supply

High Voltage Power Supply

By definition a power supply is a device that is designed to supply electric power to an electrical load. An electrical load refers to an electrical device that uses up electric power. Such a device can be anything from...

Programmable Power Supplies

Programmable Power Supply

A programmable power supply is a method for controlling output voltage using an analog or digitally controlled signal using a keypad or rotary switch from the front panel of the power supply. They control voltage output, current, and, with an AC power supply...

Power Cords

Power Cords

A power cord is an electrical component used for connecting appliances to an electrical utility or power supply. It is made from an insulated electrical cable with one or both ends molded with connectors...

Electronic Connectors

Electronic Connectors

Electronic connectors are devices that join electronic circuits. They are used in assembling, installing, and supplying power to electrical devices. Connectors are an important component of every electronic equipment used in...

Electric Switches

Electric Switches

An electric switch is a device – usually electromechanical – that is used to open and close an electric circuit. This disables and enables the flow of electric current, respectively...

AC Power Cord

AC Power Cord

An AC power cord is a detachable way of providing an alternating current of electric energy from a mains power supply to an electrical appliance or equipment. Serving industries like...

Push Button Switches

Push Button Switches

Push button switches are electrical actuators that, when pressed, either close or open the electrical circuits to which they are attached. They are capable of controlling a wide range of electronic gadgets...

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