Linear power supplies were the standard in power conversion until the latter half of the previous century. Since then, they’ve largely been replaced by newer switching power supplies but are still valid and essential technology for use-cases that depend on low noise and low ripple.
How a Linear Power Supply Works
A linear power source works by dropping the AC-line voltage to a considerably lower AC voltage with a large transformer. The process continues through rectifier circuits and filtering to convert the AC source to a consistent DC voltage, which then drops the voltage difference in an IC or transistor to regulate it into the target level of voltage.
Applications for Linear DC Power
DC power from a linear power source has several uses that depend on lower, specifically regulated DC voltage, including:
- Amplifiers with a low noise level
- Amplifiers for audio and studio mixing
- Signal processing
- Automated testing
- Data collection devices, including multiplexers and sensors
- Test machines for laboratories
- Control circuits
Current limiting is also a common function in a linear power supply to help safeguard the load and the supply against the destructive effects of overcurrent.
World-Class Manufacturing
A top-tier provider of general and specialized linear power sources and power amplifiers in West Nyack, NY, will be able to serve multiple testing and research markets, including universities, manufacturing, military, and government research, with reliable solutions for AC power in the frequency ranges of audio and ultrasound. Call Amp-Line Corp. at (845) 623-3288 to find out more.
