How to convert from ac to dc, 6 types of AC-DC power supplies

How to Convert from AC to DC?

Why do we need to convert AC to DC?

Let's talk about high voltage AC and DC, and how does the converter and adapter work.

The reason is that in our lives, the power source/system in houses and buildings is either the 100Vac or 200Vac. However, lots of electronic devices work under 5Vdc or 3.3Vdc. Therefore, it requires to convert from AC to DC. Otherwise, electronic devices will not work properly.

 

In addition, while the electricity is generated, AC is the dominant way of transporting power. It gives some advantages while compared to DC, including lower distribution costs and simple way of converting between voltage levels by using the transformer. AC power sent at very high voltage from power plants over long distances and then converted to a lower voltage in substations and is a more efficient (less power loss) and safer source of power in homes and buildings.

 

How to convert AC to DC:

AC mains in homes could be from 110V to 250V, depending on where you live. In addition, almost every electronic device, containing some sub-circuits and each sub-circuit has its own voltage level, is driven by DC. So, it is required to convert AC to DC.

 

The basic method of the conversion from AC to DC is mainly about rectifying.

 

This process has two types which are full-wave and half-wave rectifying. In either way, a diode is used to clamp the negative side amplitude of the AC input voltage.

 

For half-wave rectification which uses only a diode to clamp the negative side, it removes the negative component and produces half a waveform.

 

For full-wave rectification, it uses a diode bridge including four diodes and then inverts the negative side and makes the output to the positive side. Therefore, the full wave turns into DC.

 

After converting to DC, it is required to use a capacitor to smooth the waves. Even though it goes through the smoothing process, the ripple remains. The ripple voltage varies due to the size of the capacitor and the load. If the size of the capacitor and load are equal, the ripple voltage would be smaller.

 

Types of AC-DC Power Supplies

Here are types of AC-DC power supplies categorized by packaging:

• Wall-mount adapter:

It is external power supply. In this category, the AC plug is either fixed or interchangeable. In addition, the type of DC jack is various.

• Desktop adapter:

It is external power supply. In this category, the AC inlet could be Class II or Class I (with ground). In addition, the type of DC jack is various.

• Open-frame power supply

It is internal power supply. In this category, you may find PCB mountable type (pin) and wafer type (connector).

• Encapsulated power supply

According to application, it could be either internal or external power supply. In this category, you may find PCB mountable type (pin) and wire type.

• Enclosed power supply

It is internal power supply. In this category, you may find the power supply with metal cover.

• Din-rail power supply

It is internal power supply. In this category, you may find the power supply with metal cover and screw terminal.

 

Check Cincon’s AC-DC power supply page to learn more.