Here we go with the second in the pair of articles about power supplies that I promised and have not yet finished. I have already completed the article about linear power supplies and here is the one about those of the switching variety.

There are both and advantages and disadvantages for switching power supplies as compared to linear power supplies. It is also worth noting that as technology continues to improve, the disadvantages continue to be eliminated.

One major advantage to switching power supplies as compared to linear is that they are smaller and lighter. In fact, a switching power supply the size of a mobile radio can produce enough power to power that radio (always check device specifications before making any connections) while a linear power supply would need to be about 2 or 3 times that size. This smaller size also means that they weigh less and are easier to bring along on trips or to move from one place to another.

Another thing that many people point to as being advantageous for users of switching power supplies is that they are said to be more energy efficient and a greater amount of the power going in is converted for use on the output and less power is lost.

The disadvantages, though still present, are becoming fewer and less significant due to advancements in technology. Disadvantages include uneven reliability and electrical noise. While the components used in switching power supplies have improved, there is still a higher rate of failure for switching power supplies than their linear counterparts. The power that is put out by these supplies may change in voltage and/or current which can cause problems in regards to whatever is hooked up to it.

The noise that is created due to the components in switching power supplies has also been reduced with advancements in the components used, but still exists. In many cases, VHF and UHF FM communications will not be affected by this noise. The noise generally becomes more of an issue for HF communications using single-sideband communications.

With this information, you can now make a more informed decision when choosing your next power supply. Keep the advantages and disadvantages of each in mind and consider your plans for using it. What may be perfect for one application will not always be the best choice for your next project. Personally, I (and many other people) have both linear and switching power supplies that are used on a regular basis. Deciding what type of power supply to get/use depends on what you are going to use it for, what you want it to do, and what disadvantages you are willing to put up with.