Switching power supply (SMPS) is a key link in modern power conversion technology and is widely used in various electronic devices. It not only performs well in power conversion efficiency, but also has a small design, stable performance and versatility. It is widely used in home, industry and various electronic devices. In this article, we will explore why we need SMPS and have a deep understanding of its advantages and applications.

What is a switching power supply (SMPS)?

In order to better understand why we need SMPS, we first need to understand what it is. SMPS is called Switched-Mode Power Supply, which is a type of 24v DC power supply. Compared with traditional linear power supplies, SMPS has higher efficiency and smaller size, which can meet the high requirements of modern electronic devices for power conversion.

Working principle of switching mode power supply

The working principle of switching mode power supply is different from that of linear power supply. It cuts the voltage into high-frequency pulses through high-frequency switching devices and adjusts these pulses to achieve the required output voltage. The specific process includes the following steps:

Input voltage rectification: Convert the input alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).

High-frequency switching conversion: Convert the direct current into a high-frequency pulse signal through the high-speed switching of the switching transistor.

Filtering and voltage regulation: The high-frequency pulse signal is smoothed into a stable output voltage through the filtering circuit, and adjusted to the voltage level required by the device.

Main advantages of SMPS

Compared with traditional linear power supplies, SMPS has the following key advantages:

High efficiency: Since SMPS uses high-frequency switching technology, it reduces the waste of electric energy in the conversion process, and the efficiency can usually reach 85% to 95%.

Small size: High-frequency switching allows SMPS to use smaller transformers and inductors, so the overall size of the device can be greatly reduced.

Strong stability: The output voltage of SMPS can be very stable and adapt to a wide range of voltage inputs, so it can provide stable power supply for different devices.

Why is SMPS so important in modern devices?

SMPS is widely used in modern devices, from home appliances to industrial equipment, and even portable electronic products. SMPS not only provides efficient and stable power supply for devices, but also greatly improves the overall performance and life of the equipment.

Energy saving and environmental protection

In today's world where energy is scarce and environmental awareness is gradually increasing, SMPS is favored for its high efficiency and energy saving. Traditional linear power supplies generally have an efficiency of only about 60% due to large losses during energy conversion, while SMPS can increase the energy utilization rate to more than 90%, greatly reducing power consumption.
For example, in large-scale data centers and communication equipment, the energy-saving advantages of SMPS are obvious. Data centers require a lot of electricity to drive servers and related equipment. The use of efficient SMPS can significantly reduce power waste while reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.

Support for multiple voltage ranges

SMPS can handle a wide range of input voltages, which makes its application more flexible around the world. For example, SMPS can handle input voltages from 100V to 240V, and SMPS can maintain stable performance whether in areas with large voltage fluctuations or switching between different countries. This feature makes SMPS an ideal choice for portable devices and global power supply equipment.
Taking 24V DC power supply as an example, many modern industrial equipment, communication equipment and household equipment rely on this power conversion technology to ensure that the equipment can operate normally and adapt to different power supply environments.

Small size, suitable for portable devices

As electronic equipment develops towards lightness and miniaturization, the small size and light weight of SMPS make it the only choice for portable devices. Traditional linear power supplies require the use of large transformers and inductors, while SMPS uses high-frequency switching technology to greatly reduce the size of transformers, adapting to the miniaturization design requirements of modern electronic products.
For example, laptops, mobile phone chargers, portable speakers and other devices all use SMPS. They are not only small in size, but also can provide sufficient power in a limited space while maintaining efficient power conversion.

How to determine whether SMPS is needed?

Not all devices need to use SMPS, but for some specific scenarios or devices, switched-mode power supply is almost indispensable. SMPS is the best choice in the following cases:

The equipment has high requirements for energy efficiency

If the equipment you use has high requirements for energy efficiency, such as servers, communication base stations or household electrical appliances that need to run for a long time, then the high energy efficiency of SMPS can significantly reduce operating costs. Especially for those devices that require high power supply stability, the stable output of SMPS can ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

Need multiple voltage outputs

Some electronic devices may require multiple voltage outputs. In this case, SMPS can provide different voltages through different output ports. For example, computer motherboards usually require multiple voltages, including 12V, 5V and 3.3V. SMPS can provide multiple voltages at one time through efficient voltage regulation to meet the different needs of the equipment.

Areas with harsh environments and large power fluctuations

In some areas with unstable power supply, using SMPS can ensure that the equipment can still operate safely when the voltage fluctuates or the power is cut off. SMPS can quickly respond to changes in input voltage, ensure the stability of output voltage, and avoid equipment failure or damage due to power fluctuations.

What are the common application scenarios of SMPS?

Switching power supplies (SMPS) are widely used in multiple industries and devices. In addition to common household electronic devices and industrial equipment, SMPS also plays an irreplaceable role in various professional applications, especially in situations where stable voltage output and efficient power conversion are required. The following are several typical application scenarios of SMPS, covering multiple fields from industry to education.

School network laptop charging cabinet

In modern educational environments, the use of electronic devices in schools is increasing, especially network laptop charging cabinets have become common equipment for centralized charging of students' laptops. Due to the need to charge a large number of devices at the same time, the charging cabinet has extremely high requirements for the stability of the power system.
SMPS performs very well in this application. It can not only ensure the stability of voltage when multiple devices are charged at the same time, but also reduce power consumption through efficient energy conversion. This is especially important for scenarios such as schools that require long-term and simultaneous charging of multiple devices. Especially in systems with 24V DC power supply, SMPS can provide stable voltage for each charging port, ensuring that each laptop can be charged in the best state and reducing the risk of overcharging or battery damage.

3D Printer

The rapid development of 3D printing technology has driven the demand for efficient power supplies, especially in the fields of industrial design, architectural models, education, etc. 3D printers have become indispensable equipment. 3D printers usually need to operate for a long time and have high requirements for the stability of the power supply. If the power output is unstable, it may cause problems such as printing interruption and reduced printing accuracy.
switch mode power supply is widely used in 3D printers. It not only provides stable power, but also ensures that the current fluctuation remains within a reasonable range when operating continuously under high load. Due to the extremely high precision requirements of 3D printers, SMPS can ensure that the equipment is not affected by voltage fluctuations during the printing process through precise voltage regulation, thereby obtaining high-quality printing results.

Embroidery Machine

Modern embroidery machines have developed from traditional mechanical equipment to highly automated electronic equipment. During the operation of the embroidery machine, the work of the motor, stitches and coils needs to be precisely controlled, which makes the embroidery machine's demand for power supply very special. The instability of the power supply may affect the operating accuracy of the embroidery machine, resulting in a decline in product quality.
In the application of embroidery machines, SMPS ensures that the machine is in the best condition under high-precision and high-speed operation by providing a stable power supply. The high efficiency and stable output of SMPS can significantly reduce machine downtime and prevent product defects caused by unstable power supply. In addition, SMPS can adapt to the limited space inside the embroidery machine through its compact design, making the design of the embroidery machine more compact.

Irrigation machine

In modern agriculture, automated irrigation systems are an important means to improve production efficiency and save water resources. Irrigation machines usually rely on power systems to control water pumps, sensors and automation equipment to ensure that farmland can get accurate water supply. SMPS plays a vital role in irrigation machines. It can provide stable power output under different environmental conditions to ensure the continuous operation of the irrigation system.
In irrigation equipment, especially in fields that run for a long time or are far away, the stability and efficiency of the power supply are particularly important. SMPS can not only provide a stable 24V DC power supply, but also ensure that the irrigation machine can maintain normal operation under different load conditions through its efficient voltage regulation function. In addition, SMPS can adapt to voltage fluctuations in the outdoor environment to prevent irrigation equipment from malfunctioning due to unstable power supply.

Conclusion

In summary, SMPS is widely used because it can provide continuous and stable power to the equipment, ensuring the stability and safety of the equipment under high load and long working conditions. It not only improves the operating efficiency of the equipment, but also extends the service life of the equipment and saves energy costs. Therefore, SMPS has become an indispensable power conversion technology in modern electronic equipment, industrial automation and agricultural technology.