Pulssilähteet

Pulssilähteet, also known as switching-mode power supplies (SMPS), are a type of electronic power supply that converts electrical energy from one voltage to another through a process of switching. Unlike linear power supplies that dissipate excess energy as heat, pulssilähteet utilize a switching regulator to efficiently convert voltage. This is achieved by rapidly switching the input voltage on and off at a high frequency, typically in the tens or hundreds of kilohertz. The output voltage is then filtered to smooth out the switching pulses, resulting in a stable DC output.

The core components of a typical pulssilähde include a transformer, a switching element (usually a transistor like a MOSFET), a diode, and an inductor and capacitor filter. The input AC voltage is rectified and smoothed, then fed to the switching element. The switching element is controlled by a feedback circuit that monitors the output voltage and adjusts the switching duty cycle to maintain the desired output. This efficient switching process leads to significantly lower heat generation and smaller physical size compared to linear power supplies, especially for high-power applications. Pulssilähteet are widely used in a vast array of electronic devices, from personal computers and mobile phone chargers to industrial equipment and telecommunications systems, due to their high efficiency and compact design.