Linear Power Supplies: The Original Clean Power
Before switching tech took over in the late 70s, linear DC supplies ran the show. Even today, they’re irreplaceable where ripple/noise ruin results. Here’s how they deliver the cleanest DC in the business:
Transformer: Slams 120/240V AC down to your target AC voltage
Rectifiers: Hammer AC into raw DC
Filters: Scrub out ripple like a degreaser
Regulator (Transistor/Shunt): Burns off excess voltage to lock in rock-solid DC
Why Engineers Still Choose Linear
Zero-Ripple DC: When noise kills precision:
Studio mixers/audio amps
Sensor data acquisition
ATE & lab gear calibration
Instant Load Response: Compensates for spikes before switchers wake up
EMI/RFI Silence: Won’t nuke sensitive signal processing or control circuits
Electroplating’s Powerhouse
Why electroplaters swear by them:
Dead-Stable Current:
• Wobbly current = patchy coating thickness
• Inconsistent color on decorative pieces
• Reliability takes a hit
Lightning Response:
When bath resistance jumps – adjusts now. Fewer scrapped parts. Less downtime.
Shop-Friendly:
Doesn’t blast interference that:
• Screws with bath chemistry
• Trips control systems
Where They Dominate
Decorative (Wheels/Fixtures):
Holds current tight for mirror finishes. Hits color specs dead-on.
Functional (PCB Traces/Connectors):
Stable current = predictable coatings:
• Solid copper conductivity
• Bulletproof nickel corrosion resistance
Precision (Micro-Components):
Delivers micro-amp control (<0.1% ripple). Builds flawless micron-scale coatings.
Critical Non-Plating Apps:
Studio mixers? Check. Sensor arrays? Check. Test gear? Check. Anywhere clean power trumps efficiency.
While switchers win on size and efficiency, linear supplies still pull weight where it counts: When your application can’t tolerate noise, ripple, or sluggish response – whether you’re plating a Rolls-Royce grille or amplifying microvolt signals.
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