Power supplies

Power supplies - Freshly tapped energy

Nowadays, there is an ever decreasing number of electronic devices that run on batteries. And if that is not the case, rechargeable batteries are used - because the operating voltage has to come from somewhere. The decisive advantage of rechargeable batteries over batteries is that they can be recharged without having to be removed from the device. You can find out here what types of power supply units there are and which is the right one for your device.

Different power supply units for different devices

Switched-mode power supply units: They convert an unstable input voltage into a constant voltage at the output. The efficiency is particularly high and they are found especially in the new designs of plug-in power supplies. They are short-circuit proof and can usually be operated on all mains voltages in the world from 85 volts to 250 volts. Particularly in the medium power range, power supply units are available as so-called stand-alone devices. They are also called fixed-voltage power supply units and are commercially available in many variants. They are largely standardised in production and can therefore be manufactured at very low cost. These power supplies are mainly used to charge the batteries in laptops, smartphones and other everyday devices. With regard to the intended use and the output power to be provided, the most widespread variant is probably the plug-in power supply. Here, the mains plug and the power supply unit form a single unit. The plug for the socket is already integrated in the power supply unit. The low voltage that is delivered is usually conducted to the end user via a cable. However, there are also USB chargers that have a small socket on the voltage side. The legally required specifications according to the energy efficiency requirements have led to the fact that today all plug-in devices are manufactured as switched-mode power supplies. Due to the mechanical load on the sockets, plug-in power supplies are only available up to a maximum of 50 watts.

Different plugs

Devices can have different plugs. Types of plugs include, for example

Hollow plugs, available in different sizes, also known as DC, low voltage or DC plugs. They are mostly used for small appliances that require a voltage of around 5 to 18 volts and a relatively low current. Jack plugs are also commercially available as jack sockets or jack couplings and are mainly used for the transmission of audio and video signals as well as in power supplies for powering small devices. We find jack plugs particularly often on headphones, instruments or - less frequently - in data transmission. Jack plugs are available in different sizes.

Handheld power supplies for smartphones have now received a Europe-wide standard. According to EN62684:2010, the Micro-USB standard has been defined. Mobile phones recognise the USB chargers by their resistance in the power supply unit. The Apple company has additionally coupled a voltage to data lines and stored a coding. This means that the power supply unit can be connected to the end device, but the battery cannot be charged. The user is therefore forced to use or purchase a special data and charging cable and power supply unit for Apple. Especially in the audio and video sector, the manufacturers have agreed on a uniform colour coding of the jack plugs. This is to reduce the risk of short-circuits, which can destroy the power supply unit. The risk of a short circuit arises when jack plugs come into contact with conductive objects.

Available for all small devices

Of course, you will find a large selection of power supply units of all kinds in our online shop for photo supplies. You can sort the power supply units according to their intended use. Make sure that the required input and output voltage match. This means that the power supply unit must also be able to deliver the amount of energy required by the end user. The connection that is available on the unit is also important. Of course, the new power supply unit must have the correct plug or connection for it.