subject: Adjustable Power Supply [print this page] Adjustable Power Supply Adjustable Power Supply
An adjustable power supply is a type of power supply in which the voltage varies over a range. Through this kind of power supply, we can set the current at desired values. There are situations that are encountered by circuitry designers when an unregulated or constant power supply simply fails to work. In such situations, the designers opt for a supply of power which is adjustable. In such a supply mechanism, the current-limiting-device is required to prevent parts of the system from burning or exploding in case of short circuit.
Adjustable power supplies are used for critical electronic applications to stabilize and adjust the voltage. Such power supply units also reduce the noise levels and ripples in the output direct current. The current limiting provided by such devices protects the power supply as well as the attached circuits from overcurrent.
Adjustable Linear Power Supply
This is a variant of adjustable power supply. These are commonly used in laboratories and service shop test equipments. The power supply allows users to set the output voltage over a wide range. For example, a bench power supply can be adjusted to give output of up to 30 volts and 5 amperes. Such devices are used by the circuit designers.
Applications of Adjustable Power Supply
Such power supply devices find uses in a variety of equipment including:
* computers
* test equipments
* TV sets
* test equipments
* medical treatment equipments
* communication systems
Such a method of power is also used in telecoms equipments and battery-charging applications. This method of power supply is also used in transmitters. A variable DC power supply is used for marine units and mobile aviation. A variable AC transformer is used to power base station or fixed units.
Adjustable power supply is one of the tools used by the hackers. Such equipment is used in advanced electronic projects that require the analysis of a part of the system or specific circuits. Such tools are used towards reverse engineering of circuitry.
Other examples of such tools include the:
* digital multimeter
* device programmer
* oscilloscope
* logic analyzer
Precautions should be used only when it is required otherwise it may result in unnecessary heat that may damage the device and components.
