Switching power supplies, as core power supply components for electronic devices, are widely used in industrial control, home appliances, and communication terminals due to their high efficiency and miniaturization. So how do you choose a switching power supply? Here are some selection tips to help you buy the right product for your needs.
First, clarify your needs when choosing a switching power supply.
Generally, we only consider buying a switching power supply when we need it or when our products malfunction. You can contact the seller and tell them your needs; they will usually recommend a suitable model. Alternatively, you can take your existing power supply to a professional switching power supply company to see if they have a replacement model or one with matching specifications. Specifically, consider the following aspects:
1. Input and Output Types of Switching Power Supplies
These can be broadly categorized as: ① AC/DC ② DC/DC ③ DC/AC. Note: AC stands for alternating current, and DC stands for direct current. For example, AC/DC means AC input and DC output.
2. Input Voltage
Common input voltage specifications are 110V and 220V. Before purchasing, you need to confirm the specifications and select the appropriate input voltage based on your region of use.
3. Output Voltage and Current
When selecting a switching power supply, the voltage should be the same as the rated voltage, followed by the rated current. The rated current of the switching power supply must be greater than the maximum current of the load. For example, if your circuit is 15V, 60mA, it is generally recommended to choose a power supply with a rated current of 100mA or higher. Furthermore, as long as the voltage is the same, regardless of how much larger the current supplied by the switching power supply is than the actual usage, the circuit will only draw that much current and will not suffer any damage.
4. Switching Power Supply Functions
① Regulated Switching Power Supply: Both input and output voltages are rated at a certain value; ② Thyristor Switching Power Supply: The output voltage can be changed by adjusting the input voltage; ③ Adjustable Switching Power Supply: Within the rated input voltage range, the output voltage and current can be adjusted via potentiometers, etc.
5. Switching Power Supply Load Characteristics
To improve system reliability, it is recommended that the switching power supply operate at 50%-80% load, i.e., choose a model with approximately 30% more output power than rated. For example, if the power required is 20W, a switching power supply with an output power of 25W-40W should be selected. If the load is a motor, light bulb, or capacitive load, the current is large at startup, and an appropriate power supply should be selected to avoid overload.
6. Ambient Temperature
The operating ambient temperature of the switching power supply and the availability of auxiliary cooling equipment also need to be considered. In excessively high ambient temperatures, the power supply's output needs to be derating. Refer to the derating curve of output power based on ambient temperature.
The second point in choosing a switching power supply is choosing a suitable brand.
There are many brands of switching power supplies, and their lifespan is relatively long, with frequent and prolonged use. If the switching power supply is of low quality, problems are likely to occur. Everyone prefers to buy high-quality products. Although the price of switching power supplies on the market ranges from tens to hundreds or even thousands of yuan, it is difficult for non-professionals to compare the quality of different products. Therefore, it is essential to choose branded products. Products from major brands or manufacturers have undergone testing by authoritative departments, resulting in better product quality. Although the unit price is slightly higher, the price difference is not significant, making them a more suitable choice. Here we recommend the idealplusing brand, which supports customized products to better meet customer needs.
The third point to consider when choosing a switching power supply is after-sales service.
Switching power supplies generally last for several years, provided you purchase a genuine product. Confirm with the seller that if problems arise within one month of purchase, they should offer an unconditional replacement or repair. Avoid choosing unbranded, substandard products, as these are likely to have quality issues and may even pose a safety risk. Sellers offering better after-sales service generally provide a higher quality guarantee.
IDEALPLUISNG Power Expert：
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