Troubleshooting & Repairing Switch Mode Power Supplies
What is SMPS? SMPS stands for switch mode power supply. The function of SMPS is to transform the voltage from one level to another. Typically it is taken from the AC mains and transformed into regulated DC voltage(s) required for electronic circuits or equipment.
Switch mode power supplies have gained much popularity since in the beginning of 80ís because of the benefits they offer. The advantages of the SMPS are:
- Smaller size and lighter weight
- High Efficiency and less heat generation
- Better regulation
- Wide range of AC input and
- Low cost
Switch mode power supplies have also some disadvantages in comparison with the linear power supplies such as:
- Because of more electronic components used in the power supply circuit and when failure occurs, it could take out many parts in the SMPS for example; lightning strikes on the SMPS.
- With so many different type of circuits used in the design of a SMPS such as oscillator, feedback, protection, start up and etc and when problem happens it could actually cause complication when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing the SMPS.
- Some spare parts are expensive and quite hard to get from the market for example; power FETs, power ICs and switch mode transformer.
- Strong Electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by the SMPS, without proper shielding can cause the computer or other devices to generate intermittent problems.
- Strong induced voltages get feedback to the mains, thus polluting the main supply to other devices in use nearby.
DOWNLOAD :- HERE