strömförsörjningskrets

A strömförsörjningskrets, or power supply circuit in English, is an electronic circuit responsible for converting electrical energy from a source into the appropriate voltage and current for a particular device or system. Power supply circuits are fundamental components in virtually all electronic devices, from small portable gadgets to large industrial machinery.

The primary function of a strömförsörjningskrets is to ensure that the output power is stable and within the specified limits required by the connected load. This often involves several stages. A common first stage is rectification, where alternating current (AC) from the mains power is converted into direct current (DC). This is typically achieved using diodes. Following rectification, the resulting DC voltage is often smoothed or filtered to reduce ripple, which is the AC component remaining after rectification. Capacitors are commonly used for this filtering process.

Further regulation may be necessary to maintain a constant output voltage, even if the input voltage or the load current fluctuates. Linear regulators or switching regulators are employed for this purpose. Switching regulators are generally more efficient, especially at higher power levels, as they switch the current on and off rapidly, minimizing power loss. Conversely, linear regulators offer very clean and low-noise output but can be less efficient, dissipating excess energy as heat. The specific design of a strömförsörjningskrets depends heavily on the application's requirements for voltage, current, efficiency, size, cost, and noise tolerance.