Power Supplies Explained

By Paul Lee, G3ZKO

A power supply is something that is often overlooked by radio amateurs, as for many it is simply the box, that at the flick of a switch, provides stable DC voltage. A modern power supply is though much more, combining theory that dates back to the nineteenth century incorporating the latest techniques in digital control, with a wealth of electronics practice in between. Power Supplies Explained sets out to do exactly this - explain in understandable terms what that little box is doing, right through to designing your own bespoke power supply.

Some believe there is a little magic in power supply design; beginners especially are wary of the challenging mixture of digital, analogue, magnetics and control loops, with cooling, EMC and safety to contend with as well. Whilst many books deal with the theory in depth, they often give little guidance on the practical aspects of achieving working designs - Power Supplies Explained is different. This book seeks to detail how circuits are chosen for the application and how circuits are designed including their inductors and transformers. Calculations are outlined in a simple way so that the reader can use them as a basis for their own designs.

Readers will find chapters that include descriptions of 'linear' supplies and a wide range of 'switched-mode' types from simple buck converters to the latest off-line high-efficiency topologies. The worked examples are based around typical radio amateur requirements and in many cases are versions of commercial products that the author has successfully designed. There are also chapters on magnetics theory, control loops, EMC, practical construction techniques, test equipment and much more. High voltage power supplies are included with comprehensive guidance on safety.

Power Supplies Explained sets out to dispel the mystery and encourage readers to 'have a go' with their own designs and get the satisfaction of being able to say, 'I made that'.

This book is also available on Amazon Kindle click here for that version

Size 174x240mm, 320 pages
ISBN: 9781 9101 9364 8