Definition
of Power Source
When talking
about a power source , (or, sometimes, a power sourceand
a power source ), reference is made to the system that provides
the essential electricity to power equipment such as computers or computers. Generally,
on desktop PCs, the aforementioned power source is located on the back of the
cabinet and is complemented by a fan that prevents the device from overheating.
The power
source, therefore, can be described as an electrical type source that
manages to transmit electric current by generating a potential difference
between its terminals. It is developed based on an ideal source, a concept
contemplated by circuit theory that allows to describe and understand the
behavior of electronic parts and real circuits.
The power
supply has the purpose of transforming the alternating voltage of the
industrial network into an almost continuous voltage. To achieve this, it
uses the utilities of a rectifier, fuses and other elements that make it
possible to receive electricity and allow it to be regulated, filtered and
adapted to the specific requirements of the computer equipment.
It is
essential to keep the source of power clean; otherwise, accumulated dust
will prevent air from escaping. When the temperature rises, the source can suffer
an overheating and burn, an inconvenience that will make it stop
working. It should be noted that power source failures can damage other
elements of the computer, such as the case of the motherboard or the video
card.
In
particular, we can determine that there are two basic types of power
sources. One of them is called AT (Advanced Technology), which has a
longer antiquity since it dates from the decade of the 80s, and then there is
the ATX (Advanced Technology Extended).
The first of
these is installed in what is the computer cabinet and its mission is to
transform what is the alternating current that comes from what is the
electrical line in direct current. However, it also has among its
objectives to protect the system from possible voltage surges or to supply the
devices with all the amount of energy they need to operate.
In addition
to AT source it is also known as analog source, AT power supply or mechanical
ignition source. Its mechanical ignition and its safety are its two main
hallmarks.
The ATX,
meanwhile, we can say that it is the second generation of computer sources and
specifically designed for those who are equipped with Intel Pentium MMX
microprocessor.
The same
functions as its predecessor are those developed by this source of power that
is characterized by being digitally powered, by having a switch that is
dedicated to avoiding what is unnecessary consumption during the state of Stand
By and also offers the possibility to be perfectly suitable for what are the
equipments that are equipped with more modern microprocessors.
