subject: Dual Power Supply and its Applications [print this page] Dual Power Supply and its Applications Dual Power Supply and its Applications
Power supply refers to electrical or mechanical energy supply. Dual power supply is a particular type of power supply in which the circuits are designed to get multiple types of voltages. There are a number of applications of a dual power supply such as the UPS.
Types of Power Supply
Most power supply systems are designed for converting high voltage AC mains electricity to a low voltage supply. These low voltages are then supplied to electronic circuits and electronic devices. Such systems can be broken into a series of blocks where each block does a particular type of function.
Linear and switching supplies are the two main types of electrical power supplies. While linear supply involves a relatively simple design, it results in low efficiency. A switching supply of the same rating would be more efficient. However, this is a complex design of power supply. Dual power supply is a particular type of switching supply in which the circuits have positive and negative outputs.
The Design of a Dual Power Supply
In some cases, the electronic circuits may require both positive and negative outputs of the power supply as well as zero volts. Such circuits are called dual power supply. They are called so as they work as two ordinary power supplies connected together as one. A dual power supply would have three outputs. For example, a power supply of 9V would result in output of +9V, 0V and -9V.
Applications of Dual Power Supply
Computer systems are good examples of power supply applications. Linear power supplies were applied to the first generation of computers. However, modern computers are increasingly using switched-mode power supply. This could either be single or double power supply.
One of the uses of a dual power supply is very popularly used. The UPS or Uninterrupted Power Supply, is an integral part of the computer system. The UPS can be external or internal. Even the internal UPS are of two types. The first is a small version of regular external UPS that is fitted inside the computer chassis.
The other type is a reengineered switching system which uses a dual power supply. The input in such a system could be either AC and/or DC. This system also has an AC/DC switching management unit. The common point of these connections is called earth.'
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