Linear vs Switching DC Power Supplies - What's the Difference?

In this video, we discuss the major differences between the two DC power supply types: Switching and Linear.

For more information on the (switching) PWR-01:

For more information on the (linear) PMX-A:

For inquiries:

SOLUTIONS NOTES, WHITE PAPERS AND MORE!

The 2:33 graphic contained a mistake. Since it is currently not possible to edit the graphic without deleting and reuploading the video, we have decided to blur it out.

We would like to apologize for the confusion and thank everyone who pointed out the mistake.

[jjacobsr]

FYI - your summary slide shows the linear power supply as using PWM...and the switching PWS using a transformer

[adrinathegreat]

I always use linear power supplies due to noise.
They are almost as clean as a battery, in many applications this is essential.
A lot of the background noise heard within the radio spectrum nowadays is caused by switching power supplies.
I have a couple that were made back in the late 70s and more importantly they are in almost daily use, you may occasionally get coil whine but this is easily solved.
Downside is they cost more money and aren't as efficient.
I do have a switch mode supply a thurby tsx3510, which is now at least 10 years old and proven it's worth.. over a grand new.
Like the video says. It all depends on what you want it for, but be sure to buy a linear if using RF or highly sensitive prone to noise interference circuits

[markrhine]

Hi, Very good video, I have two power supplies, one being switching and the other linear. When I use the switching mode power supply on an amplifier I built, I get all kind of distortion, however, when I use the linear power supply, the amplifier distortion is gone... You have helped to understand why this is so. Thank you for sharing this video...

[scorpions]

fantastic video...short and to the point. Thanks!

[h.matiin]

Thanks for sharing . Simple and easy to understand

[krzysztofmeler]

Isn't it mistake on the image on 2:45? I think PWM is replaced by place with Transformer on the height of "How it works".

[braaitongs]

Great this what I needed to know! I am a novice looking for my first dc power supply :)

[northox]

What about the switching noise of the rectifier bridge in the linear power supply and the typical 60hz/120hz humming noise?!?

[festeplatte]

Nice presentation and really great products.
But where in Europa (Germany) can I purchase your products?

[dryster]

the slide shown at the end seems to be wrong, transformer and pwm are on the wrong sides?

[RobDunsford]

As several folks have mentioned below - the comparison chart which is displayed at 2:31 is incorrect. Leaving it uncorrected after folks have taken the trouble to flag it up, and after you've promised to fix it, and after 2 years has passed is irresponsible, and reflects badly on your company. The video is easily sorted - but a bad reputation isn't.

[KissAnalog]

Thanks but there are some mistakes. Switching supplies are very fast - even your graphs show this. Also your table at the end shows PWM under linear supply:)

[Zodliness]

You know you're being hoodwinked, when he seller describes them as a 'UK Variable Linear Adjustable switch-mode Lab DC Bench Power Supply 0-30V 0-10A 220V'
Something is going to be dodgy, if it costs only £50 and was made in China!

[tonyrink]

So, which one do you use for working on audio electronics?

[fljvcvz]

So what I gather for an electrolysis plating use linear would be the better option or does it not matter? Any assistance would be gratuitous.

[just_noXi]

Video is great but the image is wrong. It states linear=PWM and switch=transformer. 👀

[AppleJack]

Graphics are misleading. Someone who knows about these supplies should be sitting with the editor and go over the video before uploading.

[scomputers]

Thanks for this but if you are not going to correct the mistake where you identify the linear system-ply as using PWM then you need to take the video down before you confuse even more people. You said previously you would, so why hasn’t it been done?

[Foxfried]

Switching power supplies can not be used in parallel meaning you can not put 2 of them to double the amp output. You can with regulated ones. Switching will start fighting each other.

[MultiFreks]

in the table there is one error. Linear not PWM.