Maker Pro
Maker Pro

Power supply question

D

Dan Beck

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hello all,

the AC adaptor for my 4 year old Toshiba portable DVD player died. The
specs on it list 12 VDC, 2 amps. Looking through the Mouser catalog I can
certainly find these specs, but I do not know if I need a "regulated"
supply, or a "switching" supply. I recognize these questions are freshman EE
level, but could someone advise me as to what would be the best solution?
The original Toshiba unit does not specify what type it is.

Thank you in advance for any and all replies!

Dan
 
H

Homer J Simpson

Jan 1, 1970
0
the AC adaptor for my 4 year old Toshiba portable DVD player died. The
specs on it list 12 VDC, 2 amps. Looking through the Mouser catalog I can
certainly find these specs, but I do not know if I need a "regulated"
supply, or a "switching" supply.

A non switcher will be pretty heavy.

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/PS-1226/480/12_VDC_2.6_AMP_SWITCHING_POWER_SUPPLY_.html
13.50 each

is a switcher. HOWEVER, it is possible there is something 'special' about
the power supply - some current limiting perhaps? Not too likely but
possible. The original may be preferred.
 
B

Blake

Jan 1, 1970
0
Dan Beck said:
Hello all,

the AC adaptor for my 4 year old Toshiba portable DVD player died. The
specs on it list 12 VDC, 2 amps. Looking through the Mouser catalog I can
certainly find these specs, but I do not know if I need a "regulated"
supply, or a "switching" supply. I recognize these questions are freshman
EE
level, but could someone advise me as to what would be the best solution?
The original Toshiba unit does not specify what type it is.


Regulated means that the voltage will remain constant as the load
fluctuates. An unregulated 12v 2A supply might rise to 16v output when the
load is light. Your Toshiba might well be able to deal with the increased
voltage. I don't know. But personally I wouldn't risk the possible
destruction of my laptop. I would suggest that you get a regulated supply.

As for switching vs non-switching, that's just a matter of what goes on
inside the box. The user really just cares about what comes out - as long as
it's 12v at 2 amps, fine.

Not that there aren't differences. As Homer points out, the switcher will be
smaller and lighter. Probably cheaper too. Switchers tend to radiate a bit
of RF noise that can cause interference in sensitive environments. They also
tend to self-distruct when any small failure occurs in the circuitry, so
reapir of a failed one isn't usually done. In the end, price will probably
be the deciding factor. Pricewise, switchers win hands down.
 
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