What are the different types of power supplies?

ATX Power Supplies: The most common type, designed for standard desktop systems. These follow the ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) standard, ensuring compatibility with most motherboards and cases. SFX Power Supplies: Small Form Factor (SFX) units cater to compact builds like mini-PCs, where space constraints are critical.

What is the difference between external power supplies and battery chargers?

External power supplies represent a design decision to keep the power transformation process outside the main device. By doing so, devices can stay cooler, become more compact, and avoid internal complexities linked to power conversion. Battery chargers are devices used to inject energy into secondary cells or rechargeable batteries.

What is the difference between a linear and a switched power supply?

Switching power supplies, or switched-mode power supplies (SMPS), are the modern counterparts to linear ones. These work by rapidly switching on and off to regulate the output voltage. This method is far more efficient and allows for a compact design. However, they can produce more electrical noise compared to linear power supplies.

Is a linear power supply a lifeline?

However, they can produce more electrical noise compared to linear power supplies. This can create interference and the more complex design has more points of failure, too. This type of power supply is a lifeline in scenarios of power disruptions.

What is the difference between a variable and a programmable power supply?

Variable power supplies let you adjust the output voltage or current to meet the specific requirements of the equipment or application in question. These are often equipped with knobs, dials, or digital controls for precise customization. Programmable power supplies allow users to set specific voltage and current levels based on their needs.

What is a high voltage power supply?

As the name suggests, high voltage power supplies deliver higher voltages than standard units. They're specifically designed to ensure safety and performance when working with high voltage applications.