This section provides an overview for ac power supplies as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 32 ac power supply manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked ac power supply companies as of November, 2024: 1.NH Research LLC., 2.CUI Inc, 3.Keysight Technologies.
Table of Contents
Categories Related to AC Power Supplies
AC power stands for alternating current power. It refers to power that changes direction and magnitude with frequency. Distributed network power, the lines that supply industries, commercial ventures, and homes all use AC power.
All electric power supplied by power companies to ordinary households is AC power. Air conditioners, refrigerators, lighting fixtures, and other home appliances that are plugged into electrical outlets all run on AC power. It’s the same with industrial premises: motorized pumps, large-scale refrigeration units, and even the control systems that manage all of these larger electrical machines, all supply AC power. Sometimes that power is supplied as a single-phase line, sometimes as a three- or four-phase line power supply, but it still travels as a frequency-regulated alternating current AC power supply.
In industrial applications, devices that convert direct current (DC) to alternating current are also called AC power supply and are widely used. Inverters may be required for these to run correctly.
AC power supplies are used in a wide range of applications, from general home appliances to industrial equipment.
Many household appliances, such as hair dryers, air conditioners, and microwave ovens run on AC power. Kitchen appliances, multimedia devices, and wall sockets, all operate on AC power. Most industrial equipment, such as commercial refrigeration units, ventilation blowers for exhaust air, and industrial water pumps, are also powered by AC.
In the IT industry when referring to an AC power supply, the term uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is sometimes used. Uninterruptible power supplies are used to protect critical data servers and data storage. AUPS is a product that supplies AC power while charging the battery with commercial power during normal times, and supplies power from the battery when the commercial power goes out. An inverter is added to a UPS to ensure the batteries inside the unit are charged with DC power.
UPS is also used to supply uninterrupted AC power to precision equipment. Data servers are one example of such critical and precise equipment. Even the slightest disturbance of the AC power supplies can cause them to malfunction, making UPS essential.
Simulators are also available to test whether electrical equipment can be damaged by intentionally creating disturbances in the AC power supply.
Commercial AC power is mainly supplied by synchronous generators. Synchronous generators use electromagnetic induction to supply power.
Electromagnetic induction is the principle that voltage is generated when a magnet is placed close to or away from a conducting solenoid (such as a wound copper wire). Synchronous generators create electric power by the voltage generated from rotating the windings at high speed while generating a strong magnetic field inside. A mechanically induced source of kinetic energy supplies rotor-generated force. As that force acts on a rotor, the generator stator receives magnetically induced power. The speed of the generator decides the initial frequency of the AC power.
AC (regulated) power supplies in the IT industry can be broadly classified into two types: AC stabilizer type (AVR) and frequency converter type (CV/CF).
The AC stabilizer type stabilizes the output voltage and waveform, while the frequency converter type also stabilizes the frequency.
AC stabilizer systems are broadly classified into SLIDAC systems and tap-switching systems. The SLIDAC method uses a servomotor (servo motor) or a similar device to continuously switch the taps of a transformer to maintain constant AC voltage.
The tap-switching method compares the voltage of the input AC current with a reference voltage, corrects the error, and outputs the result.
Frequency converter systems are broadly classified into linear amplifier systems and inverter systems. In both methods, the AC current is converted to a DC current.
The output voltage and frequency are then corrected using a linear amplifier (linear amplifier method) and a DC/AC inverter (inverter method) and put out as AC power supplies.
There are two major advantages of AC power supplies as follows.
AC power supplies can be easily transformed according to the winding ratio of the transformer. Long-distance power transmission can be done at high voltage to reduce losses, and power can be easily extracted by placing a transformer at the demand location.
Although it is possible to convert voltage using a DC power supply, the cost of the converter itself and the time required for the conversion are high. The greatest advantage of AC power supplies is that this method of adjusting voltage can reduce the equipment cost of power transmission and distribution.
AC power is characterized by cyclically alternating a positive and negative voltage. If you want to stop the current temporarily in the event of an accident or disaster, you can use the moment of zero current to interrupt the circuit, thereby minimizing damage to the electrical system and the circuit breaker itself.
AC power supplies were invented by an inventor named Nikola Tesla. Tesla was born in what is now the Republic of Croatia and excelled in mathematics from an early age.
While a student at the Technical University of Graz, he saw a "gram generator" (a device for generating a direct current that functions as both a generator and a motor), which inspired him to think about ways to improve power generation. Five years later, he succeeded in inventing the world's first AC current generator, the two-phase AC motor.
Tesla then developed his ideas on alternating current and went on to work for Thomas Edison, who was famous for inventing direct current. However, Edison was against Tesla's invention of the AC current.
Both Edison and Tesla appealed to the usefulness and safety of the current they had invented, and a "DC current Edison vs. AC current Tesla" configuration was later created. After this confrontation, Tesla's alternating current was recognized by the public, and today alternating current is indispensable.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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CUI is manufacturer of electronic components intended to create ease of access to power supply products. Established in 1989 and situated at USA The company offers PC adapters, wall plugs, board mounts and chassis mount as well as isolated and no isolated converters to clients. CUI Global is a publicly traded holding company devoted to maximizing shareholder worth through the acquisition and development of ingenious companies and technologies. From its GasPT2 platform targeting the energy sector, to its subsidiary the company is a elite digital power platform targeting the networking and telecom industries,
Kuriyama of America Inc., established in 1968 and based in Schaumburg, Illinois, is a manufacturer of an expansive line of thermoplastic hoses and accessories. The company stocks rubber, thermoplastic, and metal products for industrial and commercial applications, alongside accessories such as fittings and couplings. It is part of the eight subsidiaries of the parent company, and it has six distribution centers and an academy to help consumers learn about its products. It stocks products from subsidiaries like Piranha Hose Products Inc., Kuri Tec, and Hose Tec.
Acopian, founded in 1964 in Easton, Pennsylvania, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of quality power conversion products. The company specializes in offering a wide range of power supplies, including AC-DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, and custom power solutions. These products play a vital role in providing efficient power to various electronic systems and applications. Acopian's power solutions are utilized across industries such as aerospace, medical, and telecommunications. Emphasizing precision and performance, Acopian continues to be an ideal partner in delivering stable and dependable power solutions for critical applications.
NH Research LLC. established in Irvine, CA in 1964 is a manufacturer of power electronics test instruments and systems for automotive, military, aerospace and defense, and renewable energy. Their product portfolio includes Battery Emulators & Simulators, Battery Test Management Software, AC & DC Electronic Loads, and AC & DC Sources. The company has worldwide support services including factory-training programs, turnkey fixture & test program developers, calibration services, customized services and on-line support.
AMETEK Programmable Power Inc., founded in 1965, in San Dieogo, California, USA, is a manufacturer of AC and DC programmable power supplies, as well as electronic loads. The company specializes in providing advanced power solutions for various industries and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for rigorous standards in manufacturing. Its products offer pros such as precision, consistency, and adaptability, meeting the comprehensive needs of customers in sectors like aerospace, defense, automotive, and telecommunications, playing a vital role in testing and validating electronic devices.
Pacific Power Source, Inc., established in Irvine, CA in 1971, is a manufacturer of AC power solutions that feature fast transient response and tight regulation. The company offers a wide range of products including AC Power Sources, Programmable Frequency Converters, and AC to AC Power Supplies, used in markets such as manufacturing, military, aerospace, aviation, and communication. The company has sales offices in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and China.
BEHLMAN ELECTRONICS, INC. is a manufacturer of power supplies, frequency converters, inverters, and custom power products that is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, and was established in 1962. The company, an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, designs and manufactures a wide array of power products including AC Power Supplies, Frequency Converters, Inverters, COTS DC-DC, AC-DC and DC-AC power sources. It also offers services, such as system design, engineering, and manufacturing. The company provide solutions to aerospace and avionics, simulators and trainers, gas and oil exploration, railroad signal and government agencies.
Keysight Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1939 and headquartered in Santa Rosa, California. Keysight is a global developer and manufacturer of electronic design and test solutions to communications, networking, aerospace, defense, and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries. Keysight’s communications solutions group solutions include electronic design automation software; radio frequency and microwave test solutions, hardware and virtual network test platforms and software applications, as well as optical laser source solutions. Keysight’s electronic industrial solutions group offers various design tools and verification tools. Keysight offers product support, technical support, and training and consulting services. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, resellers, and manufacturer's representatives.
P-DUKE Technology, founded in Taiwan, 1992 is a manufacturer of high-performance power conversion products. The company's product portfolio includes DC/DC converters, AC/DC power supplies as well as custom power conversion solutions. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing. The company operates in Europe, America and Asia Pacific.
M.C.B. Srl is a power solutions manufacturer founded in 1996 in Como, Italy. The company's distinguishing feature is its customized technological solutions, where they work closely with clients to develop solutions that address specific requirements and challenges. Its product offerings include various customizable power conversion solutions, including power-boost series, power-trust, current generators, AC/DC power supplies, and battery chargers. Its power-boost series offers a cost-effective solution for frequency conversion, voltage regulation, and stabilization, especially for high-power applications with three-phase power.
Meech Static Eliminators USA Inc., established in 1907 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, USA, is a manufacturer of static control, web cleaning, and air technology products. It offers a diverse range of products, including static eliminators, web cleaners, and compressed air technology. The static control solutions prevent electrostatic discharge, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of various industrial processes. Web cleaning systems remove contaminants from substrates, enhancing print quality and production efficiency in the printing and packaging industries. The company serves multiple industries, including printing, packaging, plastics, automotive, and electronics, among others.
GS Yuasa International Ltd., estabblished in 2004 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of energy storage solutions. Its product line encompasses automotive and motorcycle batteries, traction batteries, industrial batteries, as well as lithium-ion batteries for aerospace and maritime applications, and battery chargers. The company has earned several accolades like the Commendation Award in the 2022 Internet IR Award for three consecutive years and the Mitsubishi Motors 2022 Quality Award.
PRODIGIT ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. established in Taipei, Taiwan in 1986 is a manufacturer of market power electronics test and measurement instruments. Their product portfolio includes AC Power Source with Power/Energy Analyzer, LED DC Electronic Load Simulator, DC Electronic Load, Digitizing Power Meter, and AC & DC Electronic Load. The company's products are used in industries including industrial Automation, Renewable Energy, Consumer Electronics, and telecommunication. The company also provides calibration services, repair services, and after-sales services.
Shenzhen Chuangxin Instruments Co. LTD established in China Shenzhen in 2013 is a manufacturer of test and measuring equipment used for calibration services. Their product portfolio includes flammability test chambers, led test instruments, electronic components testing instruments, plug sockets and switch testing devices. The company serves markets such as test laboratories, defense establishments, government institutions, and research and development establishments. The company also offers customer services that include custom research projects and customized services.
Preen AC Power Corp. established in Taipei in 1989 is a manufacturer of power products for commercial, industrial and military applications. Their product portfolio includes AC and DC power supplies, grid simulators, MIL-Standards compliant power supplies, ground power units, and line conditioners. The company's products are used in markets including military, aerospace, aviation, transport systems, industrial and government agencies. In 1993 the company established a manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, and in 2009 they opened an office in the USA.
Kongter, established in Shenzhen, Guangdong in 2001, is a manufacturer of test and measurement tools for preventative maintenance and power solutions. The company offers a wide range of products, including battery condition analyzer, battery/DC load bank, DC ground fault locator, meter test system and a full line of AC load banks. Kongter serves various industries including telecom, power utility, locomotive, and offshore platform, and is accredited by the international quality standards of ISO 9001: 2008.
Scientific Mes-Technik Pvt. Ltd., founded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 1963 is a manufacturer of Electronic Instruments such as Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers, and Network Analyzers. The company's product portfolio includes Function Generators, Digital Multimeters, Pulse Generators, Frequency Counters, and LCR Meters. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. They also offer calibration services in accordance with IEC-ISO 17025:2005, Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
EFFEKTA, founded in Germany, in 1984 is a manufacturer of power supplies for sensitive products. The company's product portfolio includes UPS / AC power supply units, DC power supply units, Modular DC power supply systems, DCH-series DIN rail ups and The WRS series of inverters. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
KIKUSUI ELECTRONICS CORP., founded in Yokohama, Kanagawa in 1951 is a manufacturer od electronic measuring instruments, electronic loads, and safety test equipment. The company's product portfolio includes Electrical Safety Testers, EMC Testers, Harmonics and Flicker Testers, Battery/Capacitor Testers, and AC Electronic Loads. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
Matsusada Precision Inc is located in Shiga, Japan, and was established in 1978, known as the developer, manufacturer, and global supplier of power supply products and imaging products. The power supply products include high voltage amplifiers, AC, DC, and regenerative DC power supplies as well as optical sensors, which have their use in research centers, aerospace, analytical instruments, electronics, and almost all industries that use power to operate. The imaging products are associated with businesses that use X-ray inspection as a service such as life sciences and electronics Environmental improvement equipment is also supplied, but only in Japan.
GW Instek or Good Will Instruments is a Taiwanese instrument maker founded in 1975. GW Instek has over 300 product lines, which include Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Sources, Basic Tests and Measurement Instruments, Safety Monitoring Systems, and more. Leading manufacturers choose them as their test and measurement provider. GW Instek has become the leading brand in the electronic test and measurement industry. They help electronic industries reduce testing costs and increase competitiveness. GW Instek has subsidiaries in five countries and is sold to more than 80. Their mission is to reduce total costs and create customers value from cost savings.
NF Corporation was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. The company serves automobile, clean energy technologies, aerospace, and digital appliance industries. The ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified company combines a vertically integrated approach of development, engineering, manufacturing, sales, and field services. The company’s product segments include function modules, electric measurement instruments, and power supply and control products. The company also builds customized products for customers including EMC testing systems, lithium-ion battery charging and discharge testing systems, and bipolar power amplifiers.
Total Power International, Inc., founded in 1984 and headquartered in Lowell, USA, is a manufacturer of custom power supplies and DC/DC converters. The company products include DC/AC inverters, DIN-rail, and modular power supplies. It specializes in customizing power supplies to specifications and offers tailored solutions, including sheet metal dimensions, voltage/amperage adjustments, and power factor correction. The company also ensures compliance with energy efficiency standards such as Energy Star and provides TTL signals and other customizable options.
Microset Int Srl S.U., founded in 1973 and headquartered in Sacile, Italy, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial and commercial power supplies and related power stabilizing equipment. The company's products include UPS on-off-line emergency power units, HF-VHF-UHF amplifiers, and field network extenders for mobile telephones. Most products are sold with all accessories and main parts for plug-and-play operation. It also offers consultation for custom product development and manufacturing. It accepts orders from wholesale buyers, OEMs, ODMs, and private label buyers.
ET System electronic GmbH, established in 1986 and based in Germany, is a manufacturer of laboratory power electronics and electrical measurement supplies. The company has customers from the industries of medical care, railway technology, and automotive electronics. The company provides customer support through their technology platforms and development teams.The features of the company's products can also be customized according to specific customer needs. Such solutions that they offer are direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) sources and electronic loads.
ITECH Electronic Co.Ltd, established in 2000 at Taiwan, Japan is a manufacturer of regenerative power supply equipment and testing solutions for power systems. The company with unique research and analysis manufactures advanced power testing solutions that come with intelligent technology, eco-friendly concepts as well as creativity offering enhanced performance. Their products involve source measure unit, Ac/DC Power supply, electronic load, power meter and discharge test systems. These products find applications in automotive electronics, electric vehicle, semiconductor, battery recycling and medical electronics. These equipment are highly regenerative and help handle performance gaps, test electric flow and ensure uninterrupted power supply from sources.
LISUN INSTRUMENTS LIMITED established in Jiading District, Shanghai in 2003 is a manufacturer of lighting and electrical test instruments such as integrating spheres, surge generators and led testers. Their product portfolio includes ESD Simulator, EMI Receiver, EMC Test Equipment, Electrical Safety Tester, and Environmental Chamber. The company has service offices in China, Russia, India, and Korea and in 2012, they opened a showroom and accreditation lab in Shanghai. Their products have ISO9001:2015 certification and CIE, IEC international standards.
ArKco Sales Inc., founded in 1977 and headquartered in Mahtomedi, Minnesota, United States, is a manufacturer's representative and a distributor of electro-mechanical components and equipment. The company primarily serves engineering companies with the supply and assisted sourcing of components, as well as facilitating product design and new product development. It has extensive experience with the technologies from its line-up of supportive partner manufacturers. The company offers technologies that cover five pillars of expertise: power, thermal, HMI, enclosures, and electrification, with products that include industrial power storage, COG (chip-on-glass) displays, and rugged-use cable jacks.
Gustav Klein GmbH & Co. KG, a company founded in 1948 and headquartered in Schongau, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of power supplies. The company's range of power supplies includes industrial UPS systems, frequency converters, and BSV systems for hospitals. These products find applications in various industries, including healthcare, railway supply, energy storage, and renewable energy. The company is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, with global partner companies in various countries.
Today, DSC-Electronics Germany supplies customers all over the world and offers the largest selection of models on the market, with over 255 customisable low and high-power power supplies (100W to 1MW) and ten product series. In mid-2018, the company moved into a new production facility in the centre of Bonn, further expanding its assembly and service capacities. Production to order makes it possible to implement almost any customer request quickly and effectively, which sets the company apart from other Europe-based competitors.
XP Power Limited designs and manufactures power supply solutions in Europe, North America, and Asia. The company offers AC-DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, high voltage DC-DC converters, high voltage AC-DC power supplies, RF power systems, EMI filters, custom power supplies, and 3 phase power sources. It also offers engineering services. The company serves healthcare, industrial technology, and semiconductor equipment manufacturing industries. XP Power Limited was founded in 1988 and is based in Singapore.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | NH Research LLC. |
7.0%
|
2 | CUI Inc |
6.7%
|
3 | AMETEK Programmable Power Inc. |
5.6%
|
4 | BEHLMAN ELECTRONICS, INC. |
5.6%
|
5 | Keysight Technologies |
5.6%
|
6 | ET System electronic GmbH |
4.9%
|
7 | Effekta Regeltechnik GmbH |
4.6%
|
8 | Preen AC Power Corp. |
4.2%
|
9 | Pacific Power Source, Inc. |
4.2%
|
10 | Kuriyama of America, Inc. |
3.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the ac power supply page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 8 | 34.8% |
Taiwan | 4 | 17.4% |
Japan | 4 | 17.4% |
China | 2 | 8.7% |
Germany | 2 | 8.7% |
Italy | 1 | 4.3% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 4.3% |
India | 1 | 4.3% |