The power source or power supply is an electronic component that serves to supply electricity to the computer. A more appropriate name would be the transformer, because it converts or transforms alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), and lowers the voltage from 120 volts AC to 12.5 volts DC, necessary for the PC and its components. It also ensures that it does not operate unless the current supplied is sufficient for it to function properly.
What is source of power
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It is an electronic device that serves to regulate and filter the electricity received by the computer so that the circuits and its operation are not affected by electrical overloads and can operate optimally, which means that the power source prevents it from the computer starts or operates until all the correct power levels are present.
In addition to this, it converts electricity from alternating current to various forms of direct current. They are not only used for use with computers, but also for other electronic devices such as televisions or printers, for which they also need said electrical conversion.
According to its quality, the price of the power source in the market could vary, and could range between 50 and 500 US dollars. An XBOX One and 360 power supply can vary between 25 to 60 US dollars, according to its brand. A 600w power supply is between 20 and 130 US dollars and a 500w power supply between 15 and 80 US dollars.
Power source characteristics
This electronic device is characterized by:
- Its power cord is inserted into a socket located on the outside of the computer, which belongs to the source.
- Many cables run from it to various components of the PC, such as the motherboard and disk drives.
- Current power sources are switched and dual voltage, which satisfy two different operating modes: while the equipment is operating and in stand-by mode.
- The air from its fan or cooler passes through the motherboard, which favors the temperature of the entire computer, and has a characteristic sound.
- They are classified as linear and switched; the linear ones being designed in a simple way, although their tension regulation is not very effective; while the commutated ones have the same force as a linear one, being smaller and their efficiency will be greater, but being very complex, they are susceptible to damage.
- It has a three-phase cable, which goes from the external power outlet to the main connector of the source, to output several cables with direct current that will go to each computer device.
- It has diodes, circuits, and resistors that convert currents.
Power source function
Its main functions are:
- Provide the power supply to each component of the system, so it not only powers the motherboard, but also supplies power to the other complementary devices that are inserted into the PC, such as cards, optical drives, devices that are connected by USB port, the mouse or mouse, keyboard, speakers, among others.
- Its function is that of a transformer, which modifies the alternating current in a direct flow, and does so through fuses and regulators that filter the electricity.
- It generates 5v and 12v voltages that are not common or widely used, but are necessary for the motherboard.
It is very important that the power supply has an ideal power that allows it to work in a looser way, since in the case of being connected to a computer, other elements are usually added to it (keyboards, mice, recorders, hard disk, lights, etc.) that will end up demanding energy to function; Therefore, if the power is insufficient, it is likely that some of the devices will fail, preventing them from working as the required power does not reach them, causing the computer to not work.
Parts of the power source
Depending on the type of power supply, they will have certain parts in them to perform slightly different functions. However, according to whether they are inside or outside of it, the main parts are:
External
- Fan or cooler, which keeps the equipment cool.
- Power connector, which supplies electricity to the device.
- Voltage selector, which provides the type of voltage required.
- Supply connector, which carries electricity to the monitors.
- AT or ATX connector, which carries electricity to the main board.
- 4-pin IDE type connector, which carries power to optical drives and hard drives.
- Manual switch, which turns on the source.
- Connector of 4 terminals type FD, that give power to the floppy drives.
- Voltage cables, which are to emit voltage to the computer and control the system.
Internal
- Switching transformer, which change electrical energy.
- Switching transistors, which are like ordinary transistors, and have high currents.
- Filtering capacitors, which achieve an electrical signal with direct current.
- Diodes, which allow current to pass in a single direction.
- Coil, which control sudden changes in current.
- BERG connector, which connects to floppy drives.
- Processor auxiliary, which has voltage and ground.
- SATA cable, connected to hard drives.
- MOLEX power cable, which connect to hard drives and CD drives.
- PCI-Express power cable, connected to the graphics card.
- PCI-E 6 + 2 pins, connected to the graphics card.
Types of power sources
AT power sources
This type of PC power source is characterized by going in a computer cabinet, and its acronym corresponds to the term in English "Advanced Technology" or advanced technology.
This type of power supply is coupled inside the computer cabinet and is characterized by its manual or mechanical ignition, which cuts off the supply completely.
In addition to the components mentioned in the previous point, the AT source has a 4-terminal MOLEX connector and a 4-terminal connector for BERG. This type of font is currently in disuse.
ATX power supplies
This type of source, whose initials correspond to "eXtended Technology" or extended technology, came to replace the AT source, which is digital or push-button, and is installed inside the computer cabinet.
It can be controlled to be turned off through software, so it does not have an on or off button. However, there are some versions that have a rear off switch that allows energy savings and does not consume unnecessarily.
Operation of the power source
The PC power source and for other devices, complies with the following processes in its operation:
Transformation
In this stage, it is sought to reduce the input voltage to the source (generally 220 or 120V) to another voltage more appropriate to be treated, being able to work with alternating currents, which means that the input current will be alternating, and the output, same.
Rectification
In this stage, the alternating voltage that leaves the transformer is transformed into direct voltage, its objective being to guarantee that voltage fluctuations do not originate over time; in other words, the voltage does not drop below 0 V and always stays above this figure.
Filtered out
In this stage the signal is leveled to the maximum, this is achieved by using one or more capacitors that retain the current, letting it pass little by little; in order to achieve the desired effect.
Stabilization
In this step there is already a continuous and almost completely flat signal, so it is only necessary to stabilize it completely.
