Metrology Glossary: Power Supply
What Is A Power Supply?
A power supply is an electrical device that transforms and dispenses electrical power from a source to a recipient. It constitutes a vital element in the operation of electronic devices by furnishing the demanded power. Power supplies can be categorized into two primary types: AC to DC power supplies, which alter alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into direct current (DC) for electronic device utilization, and DC to DC power supplies, which adjust DC voltage from one level to another, frequently essential for energizing various elements within an electronic device.
What Are Power Supplies Used For?
Industry and Manufacturing:
- Industrial Power Solutions: Robust and high-power variants tailored to energize factory machinery, robots, CNC machines, and other industrial equipment.
- Uninterrupted Power Delivery Systems (UPS): Ensuring seamless operations by providing backup power during outages, safeguarding critical machinery and preventing data loss.
- Adjustable DC Power Sources: Essential tools for the testing and development of electronic circuits and devices in various applications.
Medical Equipment:
- Healthcare-grade Power Systems: Engineered for safety and dependability in powering medical devices such as diagnostic imaging equipment, life support systems, and surgical instruments.
- Battery Charging Solutions: Dedicated chargers for medical batteries used in portable devices such as defibrillators and infusion pumps.
Telecommunications:
- Telecom Power Solutions: Delivering stable and reliable power to support communication infrastructure, including cell towers, data centers, and network equipment.
- Emergency Power Systems: Ensuring continuous communication for vital services and critical infrastructure during power disruptions.
Renewable Energy:
- Solar Energy Inverters: Transforming DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity for residential and commercial use.
- Battery Oversight Systems: Managing and regulating the charging and discharging processes of batteries in renewable energy setups.

Related Terms
A distortion meter is an electronic testing device used to gauge the extent of distortion within a signal....
Inductive reactance is a property inherent to inductors that resists alterations in alternating current (AC) flow, similar to resistance in DC circuits, stemming from the inductor's magnetic field influence....
Alternating Current (AC) in electrical engineering and physics refers to an electrical current that cyclically changes direction within a circuit....