dlite Wrote: > Pardon my ignorance guys, but eager to learn, but what is a switcher > exactly? And what type is better and why? In plain english please, > thanks for your time in advance.
This is an extremely abbreviated answer - Essentially there are two kinds of power supplies in common use: linear regulators, which can only "drop" a voltage, and switch-mode power supplies, which can make the voltage go up or down. The key difference is that linear supplies work like "variable resistors" - dissipating the difference between their input and output voltages as heat, whereas switchers essentially turn on and off in order to generate the output voltage, which makes them more efficient. The advantages of switchers is that they are relatively small, can deliver a large amount of power without waste, and if needed can be designed to _increase_ a voltage. Their disadvantage is that they may generate noise of various kinds, so great care must be taken if they are used in audio circuits. Linear regulators have the advantage of being simpler and usually less noisy than switchers. However, they are inefficent, and thus impractical for producing large currents. Transporter includes an exotic form of the linear regulator, called the Jung Regulator or Super Regulator, which has exceptionally low noise characteristics. Cost depends on the application, but usually linear supplies are less expensive when dealing with small currents (500mA or less). Both flavors come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Transporter uses several different kinds of power supplies - in total there are roughly four switchers and a dozen linear regulators. Choosing appropriate power supplies for each subsystem, and keeping the switching and linear power rails separate are among the basic noise/emi control techniques employed in Transporter. -- seanadams ------------------------------------------------------------------------ seanadams's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=25919 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
