From Computer History Wiki
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| − | A '''linear''' power supply is one that uses purely [[analog]] techniques (i.e. internal [[signal]]s with [[voltage]]s with continuously varying values) to convert input power to output, at the correct voltage needed. (Devices operating in this mode are said to be operating in their 'linear' mode.)
| + | An '''ampere''' (often shortened to '''amp''') is the unit of [[current]]. Technically, it is a [[coulomb]] of [[electron]]s per second. |
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| − | Linear supplies are generally inefficient since if they take in a given [[current]] (at the supply voltage), then without using a [[transformer]] (which only works with [[alternating current]]), there is no easy way to produce more than that much output current (since the number of [[electron]]s in the current is fixed, and 'electrons out' must equal 'electrons in').
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| − | Generally, the extra power (the actual amount is given by the [[ampere|amperage]] multiplied by the voltage drop from the input to the output) is discarded as heat.
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| − | The usual internal [[circuit]]ry is that a combination of a [[transistor]] and the load (output) are used as a voltage divider network; the [[emitter]] of the transistor is connected to the output, and the [[collector]] to the input voltage. The current through the transistor's [[base]] is adjusted so that the voltage drop across the load is as desired; the rest will be dissipated in the transistor.
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| − | Due to their low efficiency, in high-power applications they have generally been replaced by [[switching power supply|switching power supplies]].
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Latest revision as of 00:46, 14 December 2018
