toiteplokki

Toiteplokk is a term used in Estonian to describe a device that provides electrical power to other components or systems. In practice it refers to a power supply unit or power module, which may be built into a piece of equipment or sold as a separate unit. The function of a toiteplokk is to convert an input power source, such as AC mains or a higher-voltage DC supply, into the appropriate voltage and current levels required by a device or circuit.

There are several common types of toiteplokk. Linear power supplies regulate output with a series element, typically producing low noise and stable voltage but generally lower efficiency and larger size. Switching (or switching-mode) power supplies use high-frequency conversion to improve efficiency and reduce weight, at the cost of more complex design and potential high-frequency noise. Power supplies can be internal, integrated into devices, or external, as separate bricks or enclosures.

Key components typically found in a toiteplokk include a transformer (for voltage change and isolation in AC-DC designs), rectifier and filter circuits (to create smooth DC), regulation circuitry (to maintain stable output under varying load), and protection features (overload, short-circuit, overvoltage, and thermal protection). Connectors and enclosures are chosen to meet safety and reliability requirements, with considerations for insulation, cooling, and regulatory compliance.

Applications span consumer electronics, computers and servers, audio equipment, industrial controllers, and laboratory instruments. Design considerations focus on efficiency, voltage accuracy, noise, heat dissipation, size, and safety standards. See also power supply, AC-DC adapter, and DC-DC converter.