Description of AC DC Converters, Offline Switches

Products in this family are control components used to build equipment that converts AC utility power into DC, usually at a much lower voltage. This includes both devices with the main switching element built-in and those without. Because these systems often have a big difference between input and output voltages and require isolation, they’re usually used with an external transformer. While custom transformers are often used for this, there are also plenty of off-the-shelf products made for this purpose, which fall under the category of Switching Converter or SMPS transformers.

AC-DC Converters

An AC-DC converter changes the AC power from a plug into DC power, which most electronic gadgets need. These converters are used in everything from small electronics to big industrial machines. Here’s what they do:

Rectification: Turns AC into DC using diodes or similar parts.

Filtering: Smooths out the DC output to cut down on any ripple and make sure the power stays steady.

Regulation: Keeps the DC output at a steady voltage, even if the AC input or the load changes.

Offline Switches

Offline switches, or offline switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), are a type of AC-DC converter that works directly with the AC mains (usually 110V or 220V). These switches are super efficient and compact because they use switching technology. This makes them a lot smaller and more efficient compared to older, bulkier linear power supplies.

High efficiency: They switch on and off really quickly, which helps cut down on energy loss—a common problem with older power supplies.

Isolation: These systems usually have transformers that keep the high-voltage AC and the low-voltage DC separate from each other.

Compact size: Because they’re so efficient, they’re smaller and lighter than traditional linear power supplies.

In short, AC-DC converters change AC power to DC, and offline switches, a type of AC-DC converter, provide efficient and reliable DC power from the mains for various uses.