The design of DC power supplies is a critical aspect of electronic circuit design. The study of power supply design is often viewed as tedious, and even trivial, when compared to elaborate large-scale integrated circuits and high-speed processors
Power supplies usually appeal to the analog-oriented individual, and their design is often delegate to someone who specializes in this area. As the performance of power supplies has increased over the years, their design has become more complex with the utilization of more switching circuits to decrease their size and cost. Many new integrated circuits have been developed that include elaborate functions that improve power supply reliability and efficiency and reduce their size. As we continue to deal with reduced energy supplies, the efficiency of power supplies becomes increasingly important. In this chapter we will discuss some of the many types of power supplies, their design concepts, and how to measure and compare their performance. The specific topics covered are as follows:
