Computer SMPS (Power Supply)

What is Power Supply Unit (SMPS)?

A power supply unit (or PSU) or SMPS means "switch mode power supply" converts mains AC into low voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer system.It is an electronic power supply cercuit that uses a switching regulator to convert electrical power efficiently. It is power supply unit (PSU) generally used in computers to convert the voltage into the computer acceptable voltage range.Switched Mode Power Supply uses a best power conversion technique to reduce overall power loss (power factor).

How SMPS(switch mode power supply) works ?

The electronic power supply integrated with the switching regulator for converting the electrical power efficiently from one form to another form with desired characteristics is called as Switch-mode power supply. It is used to obtain regulated DC output voltage from unregulated AC or DC input voltage. The power supply unit uses switching regulators that switches the load current on and off to regulate and stabilize the output voltage. The average of the voltage between the off and on produces the appropriate power for a device. SMPS circuit is operated by switching and hence the voltages vary continuously.

The efficiency of SMPS is high because, instead of dissipating excess power as heat, it continuously switches its input to control the outpu, which minimizes wasted of power loss. The output of this process is Pure DC, and it was given to the switching transistor. It has NPN transistors, which provide one AC output with the help of the switching cycle.

How it produce Multi-voltage for motherboard components?

We all know SMPS converts High voltage AC to low voltage DC. SMPS supplies Power to various system components of the computer's such as the motherboard ,Hard disk ,DVD writer or other external components. The main parts of SMPS are Power Connectors. Power connectors provide DC voltage to all system components. Power Supply generate more heat so it has fan that is used to keep this SMPS Cool as much as possible .

After converting the main power source into Dc the Rectifier and Filter once again which converts it to this AC Supply and once again to Smooth DC(In this SMPS we use DC transformer). When the Power of green cable is ON the output produce after this action is in three forms, 12VOLT, 5 VOLT, 3 VOLT with some cables . These three output cables are connecting to the motherboard.

SMPS connector's wires and its ouput voltage

1. Blue > -12 V
2. White > -5 V
3. Black > 0 V
4. Orange > +3.3 V
5. Red > +5
6. Yellow > +12 V

5 types of Connectors of SMPS

1. 20 pin ATX Power Connectors

   ATX power connector has 20 pins. In these 20 pins connector from which six types of volts are coming out.this connector is used to supply power to the motherboard. The same color of two wires on the pin indicates its corresponding voltage.

   

2. 24 Pin ATX SMPS Connectors:

   This 24 pin connectors same as ATX style of power connectors. This connector is used to provide power supply to the motherboard. It has 4 extra pins. Therefore, it is known as the PC main power connector 24 pins that take different voltage levels than 20 pin connector. Pin No. 11, 12, and 23 +12 V, +3.3 V, +5 V, and Pin No. 24 are used as ground.

   

    

3. Molex connectors

   Standard Peripheral Power Connectors This connector is used to connect Hard disk drives, CD / DVD drives. It has 4 pins. The color of the wires of the pin indicates their respective voltage.

   

    

4. SATA Power Connectors

   This SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is a power connector is used to supplies power to a computer’s hard disk drive, CD / DVD drive or other SATA power connector devices. It is a 15-pin connector. Three of these pins are used for supplying three different voltages -3.3V, 5V, and 12V. Three pins collect each energy, and there are six pins for ground.

   

5. PCI-E 6 Pin Connectors

   This PCI-e connector is used to connect the external PCI expension cards such as graphics card. it supply 12-volt power to PCI express slot and it is refer as PCI Express Cable or PEG (PCI Express Graphics) cables.

   

There are two main types of SMPS (switch-mode power supplies) based on the modularity:

1. Non-Modular SMPS: This type of power supply has all of its cables permanently attached, meaning that you cannot remove or add cables as needed. This type of power supply is typically less expensive, but can result in cable clutter and make it more difficult to install and manage the cables inside the computer case.

2. Modular SMPS: This type of power supply allows you to remove or add cables as needed, making it easier to manage the cables inside the computer case and helping to reduce cable clutter. The cables connect to the power supply using modular connectors, which can be easily removed or added as needed. Modular power supplies are typically more expensive than non-modular power supplies, but offer the benefits of improved cable management and easier installation.

Overall, the choice between a non-modular and modular power supply will depend on personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of the computer system. Both types of power supplies can be effective for powering a computer, but modular power supplies tend to be more convenient and offer better cable management options.

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