The term SMPS is often heard and you might have also seen it being used in different applications like computers, mobiles, battery chargers, vehicles, etc. But what does the term SMPS mean, what is its working and why is it being used very often in various applications. Well, all your doubts will be cleared through this guide.

SMPS

SMPS or Switched Mode Power Supplyis an electronic power supply that incorporates a switching regulator to convert electrical power efficiently. Like other power supplies, an SMPS transfers power from a DC or AC source to DC loads, such as a personal computer, while converting voltage and current characteristics. Switching regulators are used as replacements for linear regulators when higher efficiency, smaller size or lighter weight are required. As a result of their performance, switch mode power supplies are used in all but the most exacting applications to provide an efficient and effective source of power for most forms of electronic systems.

Switch mode power supply, SMPS, technology may be referred to by a number of similar terms. While they all look at the same basic technology, they refer to different elements of the overall technology:

• Switch mode power supply, SMPS:   The term switch mode power supply is generally used to indicate an item that can be connected to the mains, or other external supply and used to generate the source power. In other words it is a complete power supply.
• Switch mode regulator:   This typically refers just to the electronic circuit that provides the regulation. A switch mode regulator will be part of the overall switch mode power supply.
• Switch mode regulator controller:   Many switch mode regulator integrated circuits do not contain he series switching element. This will be true if the current or voltage levels are high, because an external series switching element would be able to better handle the higher current and voltage levels, as well as the resultant power dissipation.

SMPS Basic Working

The basic concept behind a switch mode power supply or SMPS is the fact that the regulation is undertaken by using a switching regulator. This uses a series switching element that turns the current supply to a smoothing capacitor on an off.

The time the series element is turned on is controlled by the voltage on the capacitor. If it is higher than required, the series switching element is turned off, if it is lower than required, it is turned on. In this way the voltage on the smoothing or reservoir capacitor is maintained at the required level.

SMPS Advantages

• High efficiency: The main advantage of the switching power supply is greater efficiency than linear regulators because the switching transistor dissipates little power when acting as a switch.
• Compact:   As a result of the high efficiency and low levels of heat dissipation, the switch mode power supplies can be made more compact. Also it has lighter weight due to the elimination of heavy line-frequency transformers, and comparable heat generation.
• Costs:   one of the points that makes switch mode power supplies very attractive is the cost. The higher efficiency and the switching nature of the design means that the Standby power loss is often much less than transformers and this reduces costs.
• Flexible technology:   Switch mode power supply technology can be used to provide high efficiency voltage conversions in voltage step up or "Boost" applications or step down "Buck" applications.

SMPS Applications

• The switch mode power supply (SMPS) is used in personal computers.
• It is used in machine tool industries.
• The SMPS is used in security system.
• It is used in railway system.
• It is also used in mobile.
• It is used in battery charger.
• The SMPS is used in vehicles.

SMPS battery chargers plays a vital role for the durability of many industrial batteries.  Thus I hope that you have understood the importance of SMPS in the electronic industry and why it is being used in many applications. Get More Information on SMPS and try using it yourself in some project/application.