Q1: What are the differences between a linear DC power supply and a switching power supply?
Linear regulated DC power supplies offer high precision, low ripple, excellent regulation, and minimal external interference, making them widely applicable and easy to maintain. In contrast, switching power supplies are more compact but introduce grid pollution and electromagnetic radiation; they are unsuitable for high-voltage, high-current applications requiring continuous 0V-start adjustment, instead suiting fixed or semi-fixed output scenarios with low radiation demands. Switching power supplies also feature densely packed components, resulting in higher maintenance difficulty and requiring skilled technicians with oscilloscopes for troubleshooting.
Q2: In which applications is a linear DC power supply more suitable?
Linear DC power supplies are more suitable for precision equipment such as laboratory testing, measuring instruments, audio devices, and sensitive electronic circuits, thanks to their low ripple, high stability, low noise, and minimal electromagnetic interference.