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DC Power Supplies:
Fundamental Concepts
Edwin A. Carrell, P.E.
Overview
This
course introduces the student to the purpose, function, and elements of the
ubiquitous DC (direct current) power supply. Modern electronic devices generally
require low-voltage DC sources to power their circuits. Some devices use battery
or even solar power, but all others need a DC power supply, typically connected
to a house or office AC (alternating current) wall outlet. These include radios,
stereo systems, TV, computers, and other devices which we use daily.
The
discussion starts with the primary power source - the wall socket, and a brief
history about AC power. Several basic power supply configurations are described
to support the functional concepts introduced. Features such as voltage
transformation, i.e., changing the voltage from one level to another, and
regulation, i.e., maintaining a constant output voltage, are presented and basic
components are described. Important issues such as cooling requirements,
protection circuits, and radio-frequency interference are addressed.
An
understanding of the overall operation and performance characteristics of such
power supplies will aid those in other disciplines who must accommodate power
supplies in the definition, layout, or packaging of electronic devices.
The
student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten (10) questions at the
end of this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained
This course teaches the
following specific knowledge and skills relating to DC power supplies:
- Process of transforming AC
voltages to different levels.
- Conversion from AC to DC.
- Functional operation of a
simple power supply.
- Process and techniques for
voltage regulation.
- Hardware components
involved.
- Definitions of terminology
and quantities.
Course
Click on the following PDF attachment and review the document
"DC Power Supplies: Fundamental Concepts" prior to taking
a quiz for credit.
"DC
Power Supplies" (147 KB)
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credit. Click on the link below.
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