The difference between linear regulated power supply and switching regulated power supply
Difference in working principle
The working principle of a linear regulated power supply is very simple. It reduces the input voltage and eliminates voltage fluctuations and noise through a linear regulator circuit to obtain a stable output voltage. Linear stabilized power supply has the characteristics of simple structure and stable and reliable operation.
Switching stabilized power supply uses a switching device (such as a switching transistor or switching diode) and a control circuit capable of high-frequency switching. When the input voltage is greater than the set value, the switching device opens; When the input voltage is less than the set value, the switching device is turned off. By continuously switching on and off the power supply, the output voltage can be regulated to achieve voltage stabilization.
Efficiency difference
Due to the fact that linear regulated power supplies obtain stable output voltage through voltage reduction processing, their efficiency is relatively low. When the input voltage is high, a linear regulated power supply needs to consume a large amount of power to maintain the stability of the output voltage, resulting in lower energy efficiency.
Switching regulated power supplies have higher energy efficiency. During the switching process of switching tubes or switching diodes, the energy conversion efficiency is high and the losses are small. Switching stabilized power supply achieves stable output voltage by adjusting the switching cycle and duty cycle, thereby improving energy efficiency.
Difference in size and weight
Linear stabilized power supply has a relatively large volume and heavy weight. This is because the structure of a linear regulator power supply is relatively simple, requiring additional heat dissipation devices to convert excess power into heat and dissipate it. Therefore, in the case of high power output, the size and weight of linear regulated power supplies will be larger.
Switching power supplies are relatively smaller and lighter in size. Due to its high energy conversion efficiency, smaller size and weight designs can be achieved through high-frequency switches. Therefore, switch mode stabilized power supplies have significant advantages in terms of volume and weight.
Difference in anti-interference ability
Linear stabilized power supply has good anti-interference ability. A linear regulator power supply eliminates noise and fluctuations in the input voltage through a linear regulator circuit, providing a relatively pure output voltage. Therefore, in certain scenarios that require high voltage ripple and noise, such as precision measurement and audio amplification, linear stabilized power supplies have been widely used.
Switching regulated power supplies may have significant ripple and noise at the output end, as high-frequency switching operations can introduce transient interference. Although filtering circuits can be used to suppress these interferences, they may not meet the requirements in some scenarios with high requirements for voltage ripple and noise.
Cost difference
Linear stabilized power supply has relatively low cost because its design and manufacturing process are relatively simple. Linear stabilized power supply does not require complex control circuits and high-frequency switching devices, so its cost is relatively low.
The design and manufacturing of switch mode stabilized power supplies are relatively complex, requiring precise control circuits and high-frequency switching devices. This makes the cost of switch mode stabilized power supplies relatively high.
