DCvirtalähde

DCvirtalähde is a device that provides a direct-current (DC) output for powering electronic circuits and devices. The term covers a range of equipment, from simple wall adapters to laboratory bench supplies. A DCvirtalähde may draw power from AC mains, a battery, or another source and often includes regulation to maintain a stable output under varying load and input conditions.

Principle of operation: Most DC power supplies convert input to DC using a rectifier and a filter, then regulate the output. Regulation can be achieved with linear regulators, switching regulators, or DC-DC converters. Linear supplies are simple and quiet but dissipate excess voltage as heat; switching supplies are more efficient and lighter, using high-frequency operation to step voltage up or down.

Types and features: Unregulated supplies provide raw DC after rectification and filtering. Regulated supplies keep the output within specified limits; they may be fixed or adjustable. Output characteristics include constant-voltage (CV) and constant-current (CC) modes, which are common in laboratory and charging applications. Form factors range from compact wall-wart adapters to benchtop units.

Applications: DCvirtalähde are used to power microcontrollers, sensors, and other electronics, to test and prototype circuits, to charge rechargeable batteries, and to supply equipment in laboratories or workshops.

Safety and standards: Proper isolation, protection against short circuits, overload, and regulatory compliance (such as efficiency, EMI, and safety classifications) are important considerations in the design and selection of a DC power supply.