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What is a switching power adapter?

Views: 154     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-12-15      Origin: Site

What is a switching power adapter?

Switching power supply is a method of converting 220V voltage into low-voltage DC, which is different from traditional power frequency transformers. The power conversion device using this switching conversion voltage technology is called a switching power adapter. It takes the principles of switching power supplies and adapts them to provide the necessary power requirements for electronic devices, making them more efficient and versatile than traditional linear power supplies.


How does switching power adapter differ from linear power adapter?

Switching power adapters differ from traditional linear power adapters in their power conversion methods.


Switching adapters use high-frequency switching for efficient AC to DC conversion, resulting in a smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient design. Ideal for applications prioritizing compact size and energy efficiency, they transform AC to high-frequency AC and then rectify it to DC.


On the other hand, linear power adapters employ a less efficient linear regulation process, involving a transformer and linear regulators for straightforward AC to DC conversion. Larger and heavier than switching adapters, linear power adapters are commonly used in applications where size and weight are less critical.


Functions of switching power adapter

The primary purpose of a switching power adapter is to supply power to a variety of electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phone chargers, digital cameras, and household appliances. It excels in converting alternating current to direct current while maintaining a stable output of the required voltage and current.


Utilizing switching power supply technology, these adapters are now prevalent in chargers and power adapters due to their compact size, lightweight design, and high efficiency. Widely employed across almost all electronic equipment, switching power adapters play a crucial role in powering the rapid advancements in today's electronic information industry.


Components of switching power adapter

The switching power adapter comprises approximately four components: the main circuit, the control circuit for switching power supply, the detection circuit, and the auxiliary power supply.


The main circuit

  • Inrush Current Limiting: Controls the inrush current during power startup to prevent excessive current.

  • Input Filter: Filters power grid interference, preventing machine-generated clutter from affecting the power grid.

  • Rectification and Filtering: Directly converts grid AC power into smoother DC power.

  • Inverter: Converts rectified DC power into high-frequency alternating current, serving as the core component of high-frequency switching power supplies.

  • Output Rectification and Filtering: Supplies stable and reliable DC power based on load requirements. Through two rounds of rectification, already stable AC power is re-rectified to produce usable DC power, effectively filtering out impurities and clutter from the AC power, ensuring a safer current supply.


Control circuit

  • Output Regulation: It involves sampling from the output end, comparing the results with the set value, and subsequently adjusting the inverter's pulse width or frequency to stabilize the output.

  • Protection Measures Implementation: Utilizing data from the test circuit and identification by the protection circuit, the control circuit implements various protection measures for the power supply.


Detection circuit

  • Parameter and Instrument Data Supply: Offers diverse operational parameters and instrument data to the protection circuit.


Auxiliary power

  • Software (Remote) Startup: Enables the initiation of the power supply through software (remote) means, providing power for the protection circuit and control circuit (including PWM and other chips).


How does the switching power adapter work?

The working principle of the switching power adapter is elucidated through the following steps:


Step1: EMI Filtration

The AC input undergoes filtration via the EMI filter circuit to eliminate power grid interference and noise.


Step2: Rectification and Filtering for High-Voltage DC

Filtered AC is rectified and filtered, yielding high-voltage direct current (DC)


Step3: Square Wave Cutting (MOSFET)

High-voltage DC enters the MOSFET square wave cutting device, segmenting it into a high-frequency square wave (50 to 200KHZ).


Step4: Isolation Transformer

The square wave signal is directed into the primary of the isolation transformer.


Step5: Rectification and Filtering for Low-Voltage Stable DC

The transformer's secondary induces low-voltage AC, which is rectified and filtered to obtain a stable low-voltage DC output.


Step6: Load Supply

The stable DC output is then supplied to the load.


Step7: DC Output Monitoring

The DC output monitoring circuit observes the output voltage.


Step8: Feedback to PWM Logic Control

Feedback from the monitoring circuit adjusts the duty cycle through the PWM logic control circuit, ensuring a stable output voltage.


Step9: Protection Mechanism Activation

In the event of a load failure (e.g., short circuit or overload), the protection circuit relays a signal to the PWM logic control circuit.


Step10: Square Wave Switching Component Deactivation

The PWM logic control circuit deactivates the square wave switching component promptly, activating the protection mechanism for swift intervention.


What is a switching power adapter used for?

A switching power adapter is used to convert electrical power efficiently for various electronic devices. Its versatile design makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including:


  1. Consumer Electronics: Powering devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras.

  2. Computer Systems: Providing power to desktop computers, monitors, printers, and other peripherals.

  3. Home Appliances: Powering appliances like LED lights, routers, and audio-visual equipment.

  4. Industrial Equipment: Supplying power to machinery, control systems, and other industrial devices.

  5. Medical Devices: Powering medical equipment, including diagnostic devices and patient monitoring systems.

  6. Communication Devices: Powering routers, modems, and other communication equipment.

  7. Gaming Consoles: Providing power for gaming consoles and accessories.

  8. Automotive Applications: Powering electronic components in vehicles, such as GPS systems and entertainment units.

  9. Networking Equipment: Supplying power to switches, hubs, and other networking devices.

  10. Portable Devices: Charging batteries in portable devices like power banks and handheld gadgets.


Switching power adapters are valued for their efficiency, compact size, and ability to handle a range of input voltages, making them a crucial component in the modern power supply ecosystem.



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