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This section provides an overview for linear power supplies as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 linear power supply manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked linear power supply companies as of December, 2024: 1.Pico Electronics, 2.Daburn Electronics & Cable, 3.SL Power Electronics.
Table of Contents
A linear power supply converts commercial AC power to DC power. It uses either a linear power supply or a switching-regulated power supply to stabilize the circuit and reduce voltage fluctuations.
Linear power supplies have been around since the days when vacuum tubes were used. A variable resistor or three-terminal IC is incorporated into the circuit to continuously control the power from the input and adjust the output voltage. It operates with analog control.
Although the output voltage accuracy is good, the device is large and heavy, and the internal power loss is large, resulting in low efficiency and high heat generation by the variable resistor.
Lightweight and compact switching power supplies are often used these days, but linear power supplies are often used for small output power supplies and when noise is to be suppressed.
Although they are larger, they produce less noise and are used in measuring instruments, medical equipment, and high-end audio equipment. They are also used in cordless telephones, desktop computer speakers, power tools, etc. Linear power supplies using three-terminal ICs were especially popular because of their relatively small size and ease of use.
Linear power supplies have simple circuit configurations and low noise. A commercial AC power source is extracted, and a variable resistor is placed in series to remove excess voltage to create a DC power source. The removed voltage becomes heat energy with the resistor, increasing the heat generated. Therefore, a heat sink is required at the regulator.
The circuit has a simple structure because it only uses resistors, but the heat cannot be controlled.
There are series regulators and shunt regulators, but series regulators are generally used and shunt regulators are used in limited applications. Zener diodes and three-terminal ICs are used.
Depending on the application, it is necessary to consider whether or not the linear power supplies can withstand the heat generated by the linear power supplies. In addition, since the noise of linear power supplies can be suppressed to a smaller level than that of a switching power supply and the sound quality can be improved, a person who is particular about audio equipment may make his or her linear power supplies to achieve the sound quality he or she desires.
There are measures to prevent noise between the ground of an electric circuit and ground, even in places where the potentials are different or where the ground is not groundable. Even in such cases, try installing a noise-cut transformer first. If this does not seem to work, the first is to ensure that the location where the noise-cut transformer is installed makes contact with the ground over as large an area as possible. The second is to make the input and output cables into shielded wires that can shield noise and to install this shielded wire and the case of the noise-cut transformer over a large area. The above operations are expected to improve the noise rejection effect.
This section describes the structure of a noise-cut transformer. Before that, when you want to cut noise, the measure generally taken is to insulate the noise source. By insulating the source of noise, the noise will have almost no effect. In most cases, a photocoupler is used in the circuit. Another method that can be used when a photocoupler is not used is an isolation transformer. From the standpoint of cost and space, it is preferable to use a photocoupler on a circuit board, but an isolation transformer is used if a circuit board cannot be used.
However, isolation transformers are not a panacea, and the secondary winding is also affected by noise coming from the primary winding. This is where noise-cut transformers come in. This transformer is not just an isolation transformer but a fault wave isolation transformer. Details of its principle and operation are omitted here, but its structure is introduced here.
The structural features of the noise-cut transformer are, in addition to the conventional insulated transformer structure, multiple encircling electromagnetic shielding plates on the outer circumference of the coil transformer. This is the most significant feature. Furthermore, the coil arrangement, core material, and shape are designed so that the magnetic flux of high-frequency noise does not interlock with each other, preventing the transmission of noise by distributed capacitance coupling and electromagnetic induction, making it an extremely excellent transformer for noise isolation.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Bel Fuse Inc, established in 1949 in New Jersey, USA, is a manufacturer of connectors, magnetics, circuit protection devices, and aviation power solutions. The company specializes in the manufacturing of patching and magnetic power solutions, alongside integrated connector modules, cable assemblies, aviation parts, and powerlines. These components are used in telecommunications, data centers, aerospace, industrial automation, and automotive industries for their precise data transfer, signal integrity, and protection against electrical interruptions. Their products are also ideal for military, medical, and test & measurement applications offering customized engineering solutions.
Pico Electronics was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Pelham, New York. Pico is a developer of miniature and ultra-miniature electronics used in aerospace, power generation, and military applications. The company specializes in miniature transformers and inductors designed to work in extreme temperature environments ranging from -55°C to +85°C (-67°F to +185°F). Pico Electronics also specializes in continued miniaturization. Other product listings include DC-DC converters, AC-DC power supplies, and power factor-corrected modules. The company also produces QPL MIL Spec products to military grade specifications such as transformers and inductors.
Daburn Electronics & Cable was founded in 1964 and is based in Dover, New Jersey. The company is a supplier of over 500 products including wire, cable, sleeving, vacuum systems, and related products produced in ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100-certified facilities. The company operates through two divisions: Wire & Cable Division and Electronic Hardware Division. The Wire & Cable Division offs military and commercial specification products including wire, cable, tubing, and over 20,000 standard items, mostly available for special construction to order. The Electronic Hardware Division produces in-house porcelain insulators, plugs, fastening devices, cords, and other devices and components.
SL Power Electronics, established in 2006 and based in California, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of AC/DC power conversion solutions. The product portfolio of the company includes open frame chassis, board only, desktop, wall mount, enclosed with fan, custom solutions, product explorer, and more. The products are used in various applications which include LED electronics, and medical and industrial solutions. The company offers innovative power supplies, and power conversion equipment with quality management systems and regulatory requirements.
L.A. Woolley Electric, Inc. (L.A. Woolley) was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1916 as a supply distributor to serve the industrial and commercial marketplace. The company offers products from such manufacturers as Acme, Mersen, Pass & Seymor, and Wago. The company specializes in control and panel board products, transformers, terminal blocks, wiring accessories, as well as hazardous location products. The company's in-house sales team also support customers in selecting, ordering, and receiving the correct order.
Acromag was founded in 1957 and operates out of Wixom, Michigan. Acromag designs critical measurement instrumentation equipment for the petrochemical and aerospace industries as a designer of analog and digital control products for the industrial I/O and defense OEMs markets. Acromag has two primary segments: signal conditioners & network I/O and embedded I/O & processing solutions. For signal conditioners, Acromag produces ethernet I/O modules, temperature transmitters, signal splitters, process limit alarms, signal converters, and more. For embedded I/O, Acromag also produces interface I/O boards, reconfigurable FPGA boards, and more. Acromag manufactures its products in the United States and ships globally.
Bel Fuse Inc. was founded in 1949 and is currently headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. The company designs, manufactures and distributes electronics and connectivity devices to global markets including telecommunications, commercial aerospace, transportation, and high-speed data transmission. The company sells products in 16 product segments, including optical connectivity, electrical connectivity, magnetics, power supplies, and others. The company also offers an online resource library for product configuration assistance including technical aspects and drawings, video libraries, and assembly instructions.
Samlex America Inc., established in 1991 in Canada, is a manufacturer and supplier of power conversion products and solutions. The company’s extensive product range encompasses a diverse array of offerings such as DC-AC inverters, battery chargers, and power supplies. These new solutions find applications in sectors including marine, mobile, and renewable energy. With an aim for quality and dependability, Samlex America Inc. delivers power conversion solutions that optimize performance and energy efficiency. Their zeal for customer satisfaction drives them to continuously develop advanced products that meet the evolving needs of various industries.
BST Caltek Industrial Ltd. is a manufacturer and supplier of electrical testing equipment and instruments established in 1989 and headquartered in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. The company specializes in products for testing, measuring, and diagnosing electrical and physical parameters. These include loop impedance testers, phase sequence indicators, and digital multimeters. It also offers infrared cameras, UV corona detectors, and thermal guns for troubleshooting applications. The company provides custom manufacturing services, testing, and certification for compliance with international safety standards.
TEXIO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION has been in operation in Japan for over 60 years. TEXIO specializes in custom orders of a variety of different products including power supplies. TEXIO also specializes in DC power supplies, oscilloscopes, multimeters, function generators, and safety testers.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pico Electronics |
25.9%
|
| 2 | Daburn Electronics & Cable |
12.2%
|
| 3 | SL Power Electronics |
11.5%
|
| 4 | Bel Fuse, Inc. |
10.8%
|
| 5 | L. A. Woolley Electric, Inc. |
10.1%
|
| 6 | Acromag, Inc. |
7.2%
|
| 7 | Samlex America Inc. |
7.2%
|
| 8 | Bel |
6.5%
|
| 9 | BST |
5.0%
|
| 10 | TEXIO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION |
2.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the linear power supply page as of December 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
|
7 | 70.0% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 20.0% |
|
Canada
|
1 | 10.0% |
37 products found
37 products
Audio Design Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
■Ultra high-performance DC adapter developed by an amplifier manufacturer for audio equipment This is a linear stabilized power supply developed us...
Audio Design Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 minutes ago
This is a high output current model of the DC adapter DCA-12V. Not only is it compatible with large currents, but each part has been upgraded, maki...
Keisoku Giken Power Electronics
290+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
Standard Response
1KVA at 2U height. Adopts ultra-noise circuit method We have a lineup of output capacities of single-phase linear type 500VA to 5kVA. It supports ...
5 models listed
IGOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
320+ people viewing
Last viewed: 54 minutes ago
Fast Response
■Product features ・DP832A/832: 3 channels, total power maximum 195W ・DP831A/831: 3 channels, total power maximum 160W ・DP821A/821: 2 channels, 6...
10 models listed
Cons Technology Co., Ltd.
280+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Standard Response
SIM928 is ideal for applications that require a clean voltage. If you use a dual battery in a dual battery, long -term driving is also possible. ■...
Wave Crest
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
Standard Response
4.0 Company Review
■Features ・Small body, convenient to carry ・Maximum output 180W ・High resolution: 1mV/1mA ・Low ripple/noise ・Overvoltage/overcurrent protectio...
Wave Crest
260+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Standard Response
4.0 Company Review
■ Overview ・ SPD1168X Programmable Liner DC power supply has a 2.8-inch TFT-LCD display, has a remote computer control function and a real-time wa...
2 models listed
Wave Crest
170+ people viewing
Standard Response
4.0 Company Review
■ Overview ・ Lightweight and full of functions LED display screen programmable linear DC power supply. ・ Three independent output: 2.5V, 3.3V, an...
Wave Crest
260+ people viewing
Standard Response
4.0 Company Review
■ Overview ・ SIGLENT's SPD3000X Series Programmable Liner DC power supply has a 4.3-inch TFT-LCD display, supports remote programming, and has a r...
2 models listed
Wave Crest
220+ people viewing
Standard Response
4.0 Company Review
■ Overview The ODP series is a new high -performance programable linear DC power supply. In order to meet various test conditions, set possible ti...
2 models listed
TEXIO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
100+ people viewing
Last viewed: 23 hours ago
Standard Response
■Low-noise, high-performance linear programmable AC power supply The APS-7000 series is a highly functional linear programmable AC power supply tha...
Towa Electronics Co., Ltd.
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 20 hours ago
Standard Response
5.0 Company Review
Usable output power and current vary depending on the cooling method (natural air cooling, forced draft). ■Features ・3x peak power ・High efficie...
Star Micro Co., Ltd.
520+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
■ Characteristics ・ Ripple noise is low and 0.4MVP-P or less is achieved ・ Common mode noise is very small ・ High quality and high reliability w...
6 models listed
Power Science Tokai Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
■Features ・No switching noise ・Low ripple ・Overvoltage protection circuit
Power Science Tokai Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
■Features ・No switching noise ・Low ripple ・Overvoltage protection circuit
Power Science Tokai Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
■Features ・No switching noise ・Low ripple ・Overvoltage protection circuit
