Can a Switching Power Supply Be Used as a Charger?

Switching power supply, also known as switching converter, is a high-frequency power conversion device.

Switching power supply is a kind of power supply that uses modern power electronics technology to control the ratio of time when the switch is turned on and off, and maintains a stable output voltage. The switching power supply is generally composed of a pulse width modulation (PWM) control IC and a MOSFET. Compared with linear power supplies, switching power supplies increase in cost as output power increases, but the growth rates vary. The linear power supply cost is higher than the switching power supply at a certain output power point, which is called the cost reversal point. With the development and innovation of power electronics technology, switching power supply technology is constantly innovating. Switching power supplies are widely used in almost all electronic devices due to their small size, light weight and high efficiency. It is an indispensable power supply method for the rapid development of the electronic information industry.

The switching power supply can be used as rechargeable battery to charge electronic devices. The current variety of chargers and power adapters are designed with switching power supplies.

For the finished-product charger, the internal circuit switching power supply is reasonably treated with the hot ground and cold low isolation, the output will not be charged, and the charging operation will not cause electric shock. Selecting the switching power supply can output more current, but cost high if too large. The main point is the output voltage can only be higher than 1.2% of the battery voltage; if too high, the current will be too large during charging, which will damage the charger.

The 5 series of 1.2v/2300mAh batteries are only 6V. The switching power supply with charging output voltage of 7.2V should be selected. If 12V 1.7A switching power supply is used, the switching power supply will be burned off quickly, but the output voltage of the switching power supply is 12V. It can be adjusted to 7.2V (pay attention to the isolation between hot and cold ground) and it can be charged normally.

This article is from Allicdata Electronics Limited. Reprinted need to indicate the source.