Computer Instructor: HELNER D.

TAGHAP

POWER SUPPLY UNIT

A power supply unit (or PSU) converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the
internal components of a computer. Modern personal computers universally use switched-mode power
supplies. Some power supplies have a manual switch for selecting input voltage, while others
automatically adapt to the mains voltage.

Types of Power Cord

Power Cord

A power cord, line cord, or mains cable is a cord or cable that temporarily connects an
electrical appliance to the distribution circuits of an electrical power source via a wall socket or extension
cord.

The terms are generally used for cables using a power plug to connect to a single-phase
alternating current power source at the local line voltage—generally 100 to 240 volts, depending on the
location. The terms power cable, mains lead or flex are also used.
 Computer Instructor: HELNER D. TAGHAP

AVR AND UPS

A voltage regulator (Automatic Voltage Regulator) is an electrical regulator designed to

automatically maintain a constant voltage level.

It may use an electromechanical mechanism, or passive or active electronic components.

Depending on the design, it may be used to regulate one or more AC or DC voltages.

With the exception of passive shunt regulators, all modern electronic voltage regulators operate
by comparing the actual output voltage to some internal fixed reference voltage. Any difference is
amplified and used to control the regulation element in such a way as to reduce the voltage error.

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS), also known as a battery back-up, provides

emergency power and, depending on the topology, line regulation as well to connected equipment by
supplying power from a separate source when utility power is not available.

A UPS, however, can be used to provide uninterrupted power to equipment, typically for 5–15 minutes
until an auxiliary power supply can be turned on, utility power restored, or equipment safely shut down.
While not limited to safeguarding any particular type of equipment, a UPS is typically used to protect
computers, data centers, telecommunication equipment or other electrical equipment where an
unexpected power disruption could cause injuries, fatalities, serious business disruption or data loss.

POWER SUPPLY

Power Supply - The device responsible for supplying power to the computer is the power supply. The
power supply is the metal box usually found in a corner of the case. The power supply is visible from
the back of many systems because it contains the power-cord receptacle and the cooling fan.

Pin Wire Color Signal

1 Yellow +12v
2 Black Ground
3 Black Ground
4 Red +5v
 Computer Instructor: HELNER D. TAGHAP

MAIN FUNCTION OF POWER SUPPLY

Main function of the power supply is to convert alternating voltage (a.k.a. AC), which is supplied
by the electrical power system into continuous voltage (a.k.a. DC). In other words, the power supply
converts the conventional 110V or 220V alternating voltage into continuous voltage used by the PC
electronic components, which are: +3,3V, +5V, +12V, -5V and -12V. The power supply is also present
in the PC cooling process, facilitating the airflow inside the case.

Two types of power supplies form factors:

1. AT
2. ATX and BTX

AT ATX

Difference of AT and ATX

1. The AT form factor is older and is hardly found in the market today.
2. The ATX form factor is widely used and can be easily found at stores specialized in computing
products

The primary difference between AT and ATX is related to the output voltage that each one can supply
to the PC.
➢ AT form factors are capable of supplying +5V, +12V, -5V e -12V voltages.
➢ ATX form factors are capable of supplying the same voltages of AT (+5V, +12V, -5V and - 12V),
and also +3,3V voltage.

AT and ATX also differ in connector type used to connect the motherboard.

AT style power - supplies have two six-pin outs power connectors, which must be inserted into the
motherboard, in such a way that the black wires are placed in the center of the connector. But the
connection between ATX and the motherboard is done through just one connector of 20 terminals
divided in two rows of ten.
 Computer Instructor: HELNER D. TAGHAP

New Form of Power Supply

BTX/ATX Power Supply

There is also other type of power supply form factor, which will be used by high-performance BTX and
ATX motherboards. It's the BTX form factor power supply, which is based on the ATX. This form factor
has a connector with 24 terminals, divided in two rows of 12, and an auxiliary connector with 8 terminals.
It's possible to use an adapter for converting an ATX power supply into BTX and vice versa.

POWER SUPPLY CONNECTORS

Power supplies, often referred to as "switching power supplies", use switcher technology to
convert the AC input to lower DC voltages. The typical voltages supplied are:
1. 3.3 volts
2. 5 volts
3. 12 volts
Computer Instructor: HELNER D. TAGHAP