Linear power supply: voltage reduction through transformer → rectification and filtering into DC → regulator stabilization (similar to "wide inlet and narrow outlet of water pipe").
Features: Small adjustable current range, low output ripple (suitable for precision equipment).
Switching power supply: Convert DC to high-frequency AC → Quickly switch through switching tubes → Step down with transformers → Rectify and filter into DC (similar to "repeated voltage regulation by electronic switches").
Features: High efficiency but slightly higher ripple (suitable for high current scenarios).
Example: Choose a linear power supply (with stable voltage) to power the microscope, and choose a switch power supply (with light, small, and high efficiency) to charge the phone.
1. Volume and weight: Switching power supply crushes linear power supply!
Linear power supply: Due to the need for a large transformer and rectifier filter circuit, the volume is large (such as a 220V to 5V linear power supply of about 10cm × 5cm × 3cm) + weight (over 1kg).
Switching power supply: high-frequency circuit + integrated design, small size (only 1/3 of the same power) + lightweight (within 500g), preferred for portable devices such as drones and laptop power supplies.
2. Efficiency: Switching power supplies are more energy-efficient!
Linear power supply: Energy conversion relies on resistance heating, with an efficiency of about 60% (such as 220V to 5V input of 100W, output of only 60W).
Switching power supply: High conversion efficiency (80% -95%), almost no heat generation (input 100W, output above 90W), long-term use saves electricity costs.
3. Stability: Linear power supplies are more resistant to manufacturing!
Linear power supply: with small output ripple (<10mV), suitable for equipment sensitive to voltage fluctuations (such as medical instruments and laboratory equipment).
Switching power supply: High frequency switching may introduce ripple (>20mV), but modern switching power supplies are already stable through optimization (such as high-frequency filtering) (acceptable for most devices).
4. Transient response: Linear power supply is faster!
Linear power supply: The regulator directly responds to voltage changes, with fast transient response (microsecond level), suitable for scenarios that require rapid power adjustment (such as precision experiments).
Switching power supply: Due to delayed switching of the switching tube, the transient response is slightly slower (in milliseconds), but the impact on most devices can be ignored.
Myami Power
