POWER SUPPLY

power supply or power supply unit is a hardware component of a computer that supplies all other
components with power. Every energy supply must drive its load, which is connected to it.
Depending on its design, a power supply unit may obtain energy from various types of energy
sources, like electrical energy transmission systems, electromechanical systems such as
generators and alternators, solar power converters, energy storage devices such as a battery and
fuel cells, or other power supply.

The power supply is located at the back of the computer, usually at the top. However, many more
recent tower computer cases house the power supply at the bottom back of the case. In a desktop
computer case (all-in-one), the power supply is located at the back left or back right.

Everything contained in the computer chassis is powered by the power supply. For example, the
motherboard, RAM, CPU, hard drive, disc drives, and most video cards are all drawing power
from the power supply. Any other external devices and peripherals, such as the computer
monitor and printer, have a power source or draw power over the data cable like some USB
devices.

1.1 Purposes of a Power Supply

The main functions of a power supply include the following:

i. Convert AC to DC
ii. Provide DC voltage to the motherboard, adapters, and peripheral devices
iii. Provide cooling and facilitate air flow through the case
1.2 PARTS OF POWER SUPPLIES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

Basic power supplies consist of several parts. These components help the unit to step up or down
voltage, convert power and reduces ripple voltages, which are residual variations in the voltage
and results in wasted power and overheating.

• Transformer: The transformer changes the incoming voltage to the needed outgoing voltage
level. These devices may step up or step down the voltage.

• Rectifier: To convert the incoming power from AC to DC, the power supply uses a rectifier,
which may be half-wave, full-wave, or bridge.

• Filter: When AC power changes to DC, it still has distinct waves that need smoothing out. The
filter does not completely smooth out the waves to nothing, but it does reduce them considerably.
The output from this part is unregulated power.

• Regulator: A voltage regulator reduces the ripple voltages left by the filter, getting rid of any
voltage surges or drops that could damage devices plugged into the power supply.
 1.3 Types of PC Power Supplies

Choosing a power supply for a PC build can be a daunting task. As the essential part of the entire
system, it is an important choice that comes with a selection of different types.

The different types of power supplies are: Hard-wired, Modular, Hybrid.

I. Hard-Wired Power Supplies

Hard-wired power supplies are the basic choice that

most people think of when picturing a power supply.
In these models, every wire from the main connector
down to the smallest hard-drive powering cable is
fully connected. There are no options to remove any
cables. Often , hard-wired power supplies can be
cumbersome to install, especially on smaller
systems. Due to having the most straightforward
technology, hard-wired power supplies tend to be slightly cheaper than other types.

II. Modular Power Supplies

Modular power supplies allow for each wire that a

power supply or computer may need to be removed
and replaced. These designs look more complicated
than their hard-wired elders but are actually easier
to use after an initial adjustment period. With a
modular power supply, every wire has a set place on
the power supply to connect to using pins. Looking
at one makes this obvious, and most modular power supplies do a great job of clearly labelling
what wires go where.

The benefit of a modular power supply is that cable management and efficiency become much
more manageable. Additionally, because unneeded wires can be removed, there is no need to
find space for them in the case. However, not every part of a modular power supply is the perfect
choice for everyone. There is a chance that a pin is misplaced or a connection is not complete
while placing the wires into the power supply, causing issues in later parts of the build.

III. Hybrid Power Supplies

A hybrid power supply, occasionally called a semi-

modular power supply, mixes the two options
together. Hybrid power supplies are a great choice for
people who want a modular power supply’s benefits
without worrying about user error for most
wires. There is no need to worry about misplacing the
main power connector, as it is already done for you.

This avoids the complications of a hard-wired power supply while maintaining most of the
modular power supply benefits, making it an excellent choice for most builders.

1.4 What is a Battery?

A Battery is a chemical device that stores electrical energy in the form of chemicals and by
means of electrochemical reaction, it converts the stored chemical energy into direct current
(DC) electric energy. Alessandro Volta, an Italian Physicist, invented the first battery in 1800.
The electrochemical reaction in a battery involves transfer of electrons from one material to
another (called electrodes) through an electric current.
 Cell and Battery

Even though the term battery is often used, the basic electrochemical unit responsible for the
actual storage of energy is called a Cell. A Cell, as just mentioned, is the fundamental
electrochemical unit that is the source of electrical energy produced by conversion of chemical
energy.

Types of Batteries

Basically, all the electrochemical cells and batteries are classified into two types:

 Primary (non-rechargeable)
 Secondary (rechargeable)

Primary Batteries

A Primary Battery is one of the simple and convenient sources of power for several portable
electronic and electrical devices like lights, cameras, watches, toys, radios etc. As they cannot be
recharged electrically, they are of “use it and when discharged, discard it” type.

Usually, primary batteries are inexpensive, light weight, small and

very convenient to use with relatively no or less maintenance.
Majority of the primary batteries that are used in domestic
applications are single cell type and usually come in cylindrical
configuration .

Eg Zinc – Carbon , Magnesium (Mg/MnO2) ,Mercury (Zn/HgO) , Alkaline (Zn/Alkaline/MnO2

Secondary Batteries

A Secondary Battery is also called as Rechargeable Battery as they can be electrically

recharged after discharge. The chemical status of the electrochemical cells can be “recharged” to
their original status by passing a current through the cells in the opposite direction of their
discharge.
 Common Secondary Battery Types

There are some other types of Secondary Batteries but the four major types are:

 Lead – Acid Batteries

 Nickel – Cadmium Batteries
 Nickel – Metal Hydride Batteries
 Lithium – Ion Batteries

1.5 Common problems and solutions of power supply

When it comes to working with power supplies there are many considerations design engineers
must take into account to avoid common issues such as input under and over voltages. This
assignment will take a deeper look at five key power supply problems, how to know when they
arise, and the best ways to address or mitigate them.

1. Input Overvoltage and Undervoltage

Both input undervoltage and overvoltage can be extremely problematic for power supplies, and
they are among the most common issues encountered. 

Electromagnetic disturbances, such as voltage surges, sags, and ESD (electrostatic discharge),
can cause fast but severe over and undervoltage conditions. Common sources include the
powering up and down of machinery, lightning strikes, and the touching of the power supply by
a charged object. 

2. Output Overpower and Overcurrent

output overcurrent or overpower can have serious repercussions for the power supply and the
powered device, including failure of the power supply and melted circuitry and cables.
Exceeding the current ratings also leads to increased power dissipation and heat and a significant
efficiency decrease.

3. Reversed Polarity

Reversed polarity refers to incorrectly connecting the positive and negative inputs or outputs of a
power supply. Many components, such as electrolytic capacitors, cannot tolerate reverse polarity
and will fail if subjected to it. Suppose the polarity is reversed on the power supply’s output
connections. In that case, the load may be damaged, potentially leading to power supply failure,
with worst-case scenarios being ruined circuits or electrical fires. 

4. Temperature Issues

Falling either under or over the recommended temperature range for a power supply is another
common issue that can cause problems for a power supply. Thermal limits ensure that the power
supply safely operates within a range where you can account for its performance. 

5. Missing External Components

Power supply performance can be seriously impacted by missing external components or

connections. The performance listed in datasheets is sometimes characterized using a specific
circuit, often to mimic a typical application. If a similar circuit is not applied during testing, the
performance may vary from what was specified. For example, some power supplies require
external capacitance at the input and/or output for performance and stability. Not including
recommended or required external components can negatively affect performance or even lead to
failure.  
 Power Supply Solutions

Fortunately, careful consideration of design specifications and a few additional calculations can
allow you to avoid, protect against or mitigate these issues. Following is a simple flowchart to
help you zero in on common power supply–related problems:

 Check AC power input. Make sure the cord is firmly seated in the wall socket and in the
power supply socket. Try a different cord.
 Check DC power connections. Make sure the motherboard and disk drive power
connectors are firmly seated and making good contact. Check for loose screws.
 Check DC power output. Use a digital multimeter to check for proper voltages. If it's
below spec, replace the power supply.
 Check installed peripherals

REFERENCE

https://www.pearsonitcertification.com/articles/article.aspx?p=2024310&seqNum=17

What Is a Power Supply & How Does It Work? | Advanced Conversion Technology
(actpower.com)

https://www.electronicshub.org/types-of-batteries/

https://www.actpower.com/educational/what-is-a-power-supply-and-how-does-it-work/

https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/industry-articles/understanding-and-addressing-5-key-power-
supply-issues/