What Is the Difference Between AC and DC Power Supplies?

Some of the most well-known devices convert from AC to DC power, but you also have the option of DC to Dc Power Supplies. Knowing the differences between these types of Power Supplies and when to use each will help you make an informed decision when you need to make a purchase.

WHAT IS DC POWER?

Direct current (DC) power uses electrons that move in a straight line. This linear movement, in contrast to AC’s wave motion, gives this current its name. This form of current comes from batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, alternator equipped with commutators that create direct energy, and rectifiers that convert from AC to DC power.

Because DC power is so consistent in the voltage delivered, most electronics require this power type. That’s why most electronics have DC power sources in the form of batteries or need to convert AC power from the outlets to DC power through a rectifier. Power supplies often have rectifiers built in along with transformers to raise or lower the voltage to the appropriate level.

Constant voltage for some devices is preferable, such as notebook computers. For such devices, you need an AC-DC power converter if you want to run these electronics from an outlet. The converter transforms the waveform into a steady, straight line. Direct current for electronics is preferable because the highs and lows of alternating current can damage the delicate components inside electronic devices.

WHAT IS AC POWER?

Alternating current (AC) power is the standard electricity format that comes out of outlets. The name comes from the waveform the current takes. To understand the composition of the AC wave, you need to understand that electrical currents come from a flow of electrons. As the electrons in an AC wave move, they can move in a positive direction, which corresponds to the upward part of the sinusoidal wave created by the current. When the electrons have a negative flow, the wave drops down.

These waves come from alternators at electrical power plants creating AC power. Inside an alternator, a  wire loop spins inside a magnetic field. The spinning creates the waves of alternating current when the wire moves into areas of different magnetic polarity. For instance, the current changes direction when the wire spins from the north to the south pole areas of the magnetic field. The waves created in the alternator are significant for AC power’s use.

Zhenhuan and Keysun mainly produce AC to DC constant voltage Power Supply with safety certifications for global market, welcome to order!