Power Supply Unit (PSU) in Computer Repair and Maintenance

Introduction: The power supply unit (PSU) is a critical component of a computer system
responsible for converting alternating current (AC) from the mains electricity into direct
current (DC) required by the computer's components. It provides the necessary power to
drive the motherboard, peripherals, and other internal hardware components. Understanding
the functions, types, form factors, connectors, and potential faults of a PSU is essential for
computer repair and maintenance technicians.
Parts of Power Supply:
1. Input Power Socket: This is where the power cable from the mains electricity supply
is connected.
2. Power code: It connects the PSU to the mains. (they are 3-pronged)
3. Power pass through: A connector found n some power supply the facilitates the
connection of the monitor’s power code.
4. Power switch: in older style PC case had a power switch at the back used to turn on
and off the PSU
5. Rectifier: Converts AC to DC.
6. Filter Capacitors: Smoothens the DC output.
7. Voltage Regulator: Maintains stable voltage levels.
8. Cooling Fan: Keeps the PSU cool during operation.
A computer power supply unit (PSU) is a critical component of a computer system,
responsible for providing stable and reliable power to all other components. Here are the
primary functions of a PSU:
1. Conversion of AC to DC Power:
o The PSU converts the alternating current (AC) from the electrical outlet into
direct current (DC) that the computer's internal components require.
2. Voltage Regulation:
o It regulates the output voltage to ensure that the various components receive
the correct and consistent voltage levels. This helps in protecting components
from damage due to voltage fluctuations.
3. Power Distribution:
o The PSU distributes the power to different parts of the computer through
various connectors, including the motherboard, CPU, graphics card, drives
(HDD/SSD), and peripherals.
4. Protection Mechanisms:
o PSUs include several protective features to safeguard the computer
components:
  Over Voltage Protection (OVP): Prevents components from being
damaged by excessively high voltage.
 Over Current Protection (OCP): Protects against too much current
flowing through any part of the system.
 Over Power Protection (OPP): Shuts down the PSU if the total
power draw exceeds safe levels.
 Short Circuit Protection (SCP): Prevents damage if a short circuit is
detected.
 Under Voltage Protection (UVP): Ensures that components do not
receive too low voltage which might cause instability.
5. Power Factor Correction (PFC):
o Many modern PSUs include power factor correction to reduce the reactive
power and improve energy efficiency. PFC can be either passive or active,
with active PFC being more efficient and capable of adapting to different
power inputs.
6. Efficiency:
o PSUs are designed with varying levels of efficiency, often rated by the 80
PLUS certification system. Higher efficiency units waste less energy as heat,
which is beneficial for both the user (lower electricity costs) and the
environment.
7. Cooling:
o The PSU often includes its own cooling system, typically a fan, to dissipate
heat generated during the power conversion process. Efficient cooling is
essential to maintain stable operation and prolong the lifespan of the PSU and
the computer components.
8. Modularity:
o Some PSUs are modular, meaning users can attach only the cables they need,
which helps in improving airflow and cable management within the computer
case.
Overall, the PSU plays a vital role in ensuring that a computer operates safely, efficiently,
and reliably by managing the power supply to its various components.
Types of Power Supply:
1. ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended): The standard form factor for desktop
computers.
2. SFX (Small Form Factor): Compact PSUs designed for smaller cases.
3. EPS (Entry-Level Power Supply): Basic PSUs for low-power systems.
4. Modular vs. Non-Modular: Modular PSUs allow you to detach unused cables,
reducing clutter.
Form Factors:
1. ATX: Standard size, typically used in full-sized desktops.
2. MicroATX: Smaller than ATX, suitable for compact desktops.
3. Mini-ITX: Designed for ultra-compact systems, such as mini PCs.
Power Connectors Involved:
 1. ATX Power Connector (24-pin): Connects PSU to the motherboard.
2. CPU Power Connector (4-pin or 8-pin): Supplies power to the CPU.
3. Peripheral Connectors (SATA, Molex): Power connectors for hard drives, SSDs,
and optical drives.
4. PCIe Power Connector (6-pin or 8-pin): Provides power to graphics cards.
Power Supply Faults and Problems:
1. Overheating: Caused by dust accumulation or fan failure.
2. Power Surges: Can damage internal components.
3. Capacitor Failure: Leads to voltage irregularities.
4. Short Circuits: Can occur due to faulty wiring or damaged components.
5. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): External factors like nearby appliances can
cause disruptions.
6. Under Voltage or Over Voltage: Results in unstable system performance or
component damage.
7. Electrolytic Capacitor Aging: Gradual deterioration of capacitors over time.
Troubleshooting:
1. Visual Inspection: Check for burnt components, bulging capacitors, or loose
connections.
2. Voltage Testing: Use a multimeter to test voltage outputs.
3. Replace Capacitors: If capacitors are visibly damaged, replace them.
4. Test with Another PSU: Swap out the PSU with a known working one to isolate the
issue.
5. Check for Shorts: Inspect for any wires touching metal parts of the case.
6. Update Drivers and BIOS: Software-related issues can sometimes mimic PSU
problems.
7. Monitor System Stability: Look for sudden shutdowns or erratic behavior that may
indicate power supply issues.
Conclusion: A thorough understanding of the power supply unit is essential for diagnosing
and resolving various hardware issues in computer repair and maintenance. By identifying
common problems and employing effective troubleshooting techniques, technicians can
ensure the smooth operation and longevity of computer systems.
Power Supply Modes:
Power supply units (PSUs) can operate in different modes to optimize efficiency and power
delivery. Understanding these modes is crucial for maximizing energy efficiency and
reducing electricity costs.
1. Active Power Factor Correction (PFC): Active PFC is a feature in modern PSUs
that helps improve power efficiency by correcting the power factor. It ensures that the
input current waveform closely follows the input voltage waveform, resulting in more
efficient power conversion. Active PFC is particularly beneficial in regions with
stringent regulations regarding power consumption.
2. Standby Mode: Standby mode, also known as sleep mode or low-power mode, is a
power-saving state where the computer consumes minimal power while remaining
operational. In standby mode, the PSU continues to supply power to essential
components such as the RAM and wake-up circuitry, allowing the system to quickly
resume full operation when needed. Standby mode helps reduce energy consumption
during periods of inactivity, prolonging the lifespan of the PSU and lowering
electricity bills.
3. Idle Mode: Idle mode refers to the state in which the computer is powered on but is
not performing any significant tasks. During idle mode, the PSU adjusts its power
output to match the system's minimal power requirements, thereby reducing energy
consumption. Modern PSUs incorporate features such as voltage regulation and fan
speed control to optimize efficiency during idle periods.
4. Active Mode: Active mode, also known as full-load mode, occurs when the computer
is operating at maximum capacity, such as during intensive gaming or video editing
tasks. In active mode, the PSU delivers the maximum amount of power required by
the system components to ensure smooth operation. High-quality PSUs are designed
to maintain stable voltage output and efficient power delivery even under heavy load
conditions.
5. Standby Power Supply: Some PSUs feature a standby power supply that provides
power to essential components such as the motherboard's standby circuitry even when
the main power is turned off. This enables features such as wake-on-LAN and remote
power management, allowing users to remotely power on or wake up their computers
from standby mode.
By understanding and utilizing these power supply modes effectively, users can optimize
energy efficiency, reduce electricity costs, and prolong the lifespan of their computer
systems. Additionally, modern PSUs often feature certifications such as 80 PLUS, which
indicate their efficiency levels across different load conditions, helping consumers make
informed purchasing decisions.
Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS):
Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) is a type of power supply unit (PSU) that converts
electrical power efficiently from one form to another using a switching regulator. Unlike
traditional linear power supplies, which dissipate excess power as heat, SMPS efficiently
regulates the output voltage by rapidly switching the power transistor on and off.
Working Principle:
1. AC to DC Conversion: SMPS first rectifies the alternating current (AC) input from
the mains electricity into a pulsating direct current (DC). This rectified DC is then
smoothed using capacitors to reduce ripple.
2. Switching Operation: The rectified DC voltage is fed into a high-frequency
switching circuit consisting of a power transistor (usually a MOSFET) and a diode.
The transistor rapidly switches on and off at a high frequency, typically in the kHz or
MHz range.
3. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): The duty cycle of the transistor's switching is
controlled by a feedback mechanism, such as pulse width modulation (PWM). PWM
adjusts the on/off time of the transistor to regulate the output voltage.
4. Output Filtering: The high-frequency switching generates harmonics and noise.
Output filtering components such as inductors and capacitors smooth out the voltage
waveform and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
5. Voltage Regulation: The output voltage is regulated by adjusting the duty cycle of
the switching transistor based on feedback from the output voltage. This ensures a
stable output voltage even with variations in input voltage or load.
Advantages of SMPS:
1. High Efficiency: SMPS operates more efficiently compared to linear power supplies,
resulting in lower power consumption and reduced heat generation.
2. Compact Size: SMPS are typically smaller and lighter than linear power supplies,
making them suitable for compact electronic devices and applications where space is
limited.
3. Wide Input Voltage Range: SMPS can accept a wide range of input voltages,
making them suitable for use in regions with varying mains electricity standards.
 4. Regulated Output: SMPS provides a stable and regulated output voltage even under
varying load conditions, ensuring reliable operation of electronic devices.
5. Flexibility: SMPS can be designed to provide multiple output voltages
simultaneously, making them suitable for powering various components within a
system.
Disadvantages of SMPS:
1. Complexity: The design and implementation of SMPS circuits can be more complex
compared to linear power supplies, requiring careful attention to component selection
and circuit layout.
2. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): The high-frequency switching operation of
SMPS can generate electromagnetic interference, which may interfere with nearby
electronic devices if not properly shielded.
3. Noise: SMPS can introduce electrical noise into sensitive electronic circuits, which
may affect the performance of audio or radio frequency (RF) equipment.
4. Cost: While SMPS offer advantages in terms of efficiency and size, they may be
more expensive to design and manufacture compared to linear power supplies,
especially for lower power applications.
Despite these drawbacks, SMPS remain the preferred choice for most electronic devices and
applications due to their high efficiency, compact size, and regulated output voltage. Proper
design, implementation, and testing are essential to ensure reliable operation and compliance
with regulatory standards.