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What's the difference between linear power supply and switching power supply?

Article Source：Kinri Energy | Author：Kinri Energy | Issuing Time：2024.04.15
In modern electronic devices, power plays a crucial role. Switching power supply and linear power supply are two common types of power supply, which have significant differences in working principle, efficiency, volume, voltage stability performance, and price. This article will explore these differences in detail through specific examples.


linear power supply



Switching power supply


1. Working principle

Linear power supply: Stabilize the output voltage by adjusting the conductivity of the transistor. The working principle of a linear power supply is relatively simple and direct, just like a faucet that can adjust the size of the water flow and adjust the output voltage as needed.

Switching power supply: Using the conduction and turn off of switching tubes to control voltage conversion. Switching power supply is more like an intelligent water valve, quickly switching on and off to control water flow, thereby achieving efficient voltage conversion.

2. Efficiency

Linear power supply: Due to the limitations of its working principle, its efficiency is usually low. Most of the energy is lost in the form of thermal energy during the conversion process.

Switching power supply: By effectively controlling the on and off time of switching tubes, energy loss is reduced, resulting in higher efficiency. This makes switch mode power supplies have significant advantages in energy conservation.

3. Volume and weight

Linear power supply: Due to the need for larger filtering elements and heat sinks, the volume and weight of linear power supply are usually larger.

Switching power supply: With a higher operating frequency, the required filtering components are smaller, resulting in a relatively smaller volume and weight. This is very important for devices with limited space, such as portable electronic products.

4. Voltage stabilizing performance

Linear power supply: The output voltage is relatively stable, the ripple is small, and the response to load changes is fast.

Switching power supply: There may be some ripple, but in most applications, through reasonable design and filtering, it can meet the requirements of voltage regulation.

5. Price

Linear power supply: The manufacturing cost is relatively high and the price is relatively expensive.

Switching power supply: Due to its high efficiency and small size, the cost is relatively low, and the price is also relatively economical.

6. Application scenarios

Linear power supply: commonly used in situations with high requirements for power quality, such as audio equipment, laboratory instruments, etc.

Switching power supply: widely used in various electronic devices, such as computers, communication equipment, consumer electronics products, etc.

Taking mobile phone chargers as an example, in order to achieve a compact and portable design while meeting energy-saving requirements, switch mode power supplies are usually used. In some professional audio equipment, linear power supply may be chosen to ensure the purity of sound quality.

7. Other aspects

Noise: Switching power supplies may produce some noise during operation, while linear power supplies are relatively quiet.

EMI (Electromagnetic Interference): Switching mode power supplies may generate strong EMI, which requires appropriate filtering and shielding treatment.

In summary, switching power supplies and linear power supplies each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different application scenarios. When choosing a power supply, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as equipment requirements, budget, and space. For most common applications, switch mode power supplies are a more economical and efficient choice; In some situations where there are special requirements for power quality, linear power sources may be a better choice. I hope this article can help you gain a deeper understanding of the differences between switching power supplies and linear power supplies, and make wise choices in practical applications.
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