What is a Power Supply?
Industrial power supplies are an integral part of manufacturing and automation. They convert AC power to reliable DC power for a wide range of equipment, such as PLCs, HMIs, relays, sensors, actuators, and drives. By ensuring a consistent, clean DC power source, these power supplies significantly enhance the performance, reliability, and longevity of industrial systems.
The most common types of power supplies are linear power supplies and switching power supplies. The main difference is how they convert AC to DC voltage. Linear power supplies work by converting AC to DC and use a transistor to regulate the voltage. Switching power supplies switch the input voltage on and off at high frequency, then convert it to DC through rectification and filtering.
Switching power supplies are intended for general use in automation and are more efficient, have less heat loss, wider input voltage ranges, and are smaller in size and weight. Linear power supplies have fewer harmonics and more precise output regulation. They are frequently used in stepper motor applications, where they can handle high starting/acceleration currents and regeneration without triggering the protection circuits commonly found in switching power supplies.
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Power Supply & DC-to-DC Converter Overview – AutomationDirect Power Products
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The Benefits of High-Performance Power Supplies
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WAGO Pro2 Power Supply Communication Modules from AutomationDirect
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DC Power Supplies
Industrial DC power supplies provide efficient and stable power in many form factors and ratings, including DIN-rail mounted, enclosed panel mount, and compact units; open frame and linear stepper power supplies are also available. Available nominal output voltages range from -12 VDC to 75 VDC. Read More –>
Dealing with Low-voltage Power Issues
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