Switching-Mode Power Supply Design Tutorial; Part 2: Simple Dissipative Power Supply Topologies

Focus:

To help readers understand why switching power supplies are needed, Part 2 of this tutorial discusses two non-switching power supply topologies. These are simple dissipative circuits that can be used for dc-dc conversion. The specific examples step down 12 V to 5 V at 20 A max. Simplified circuits for series and shunt regulators are presented, their operation is described, and their low efficiency is explained.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand operation of shunt and series voltage regulators

Notes:

This section is Part 2 of 3. For a description of Parts 1 and 3, see the How2Power Design Guide under "Power Supply Function" and "DC-DC Converters."

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Author & Publication:

Jerrold Foutz, SMPS Technology, Oct 07 2007

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