Monthly Archives: February 2023

  1. Power Supply Efficiency: What is the Typical Efficiency Rating for a Power Supply?

    When selecting a power supply for your electronic device, it's imperative to consider the efficiency rating. Not all power supplies are the same - some may be more effective than others in supplying voltage and current that keep your device running optimally.

    A power supply's efficiency rating determines how much of the electricity drawn from the house electrical AC or DC is actually converted into usable power for your device.

    This comprehensive guide will give you insight into efficiency ratings on power supplies. We'll explain significance, review common power supply ratings, and teach you how to calculate their efficiency. Furthermore, we have tips to enhance your own hardware's performance as well.

    Whether you're someone who likes a DIY project or an experienced technician - this guide has something for all levels of technical expertise when it comes to understanding power supply efficiency.

    What is the Efficiency Rating of Power Supply?

    When you purchase a power supply, make sure to look at its efficiency rating. This ratio indicates how much of the power coming from the AC or DC source is usable for your device - with 80% being an excellent benchmark. 

    The other 20%, unfortunately, dissipates as heat and isn't available for powering up electronic components. Keeping this in mind will ensure that you get the maximum performance out of your hardware.

    When it comes to your device's performance and life span, power supply efficiency matters. Sub-standard efficiency can increase energy use, elevate heat output, and limit the longevity of your machine. 

    However, if you opt for a higher level of efficiency with your power supply unit - electricity costs will be reduced while thermal levels are minimized thus leading to greater lifespan potential.

    It's important to note that the efficiency rating of a power

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  2. Are Power Supplies Universal?

    Working on tech projects requires power supplies that are reliable and efficient. But choosing the right power supply can be confusing – with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know what is compatible or suitable for your project. 

    This blog post will explore whether or not power supplies are universal and how you can choose the right one for your needs.

    Are Power Supplies Universal?

    Are power supplies universal? Not always – but there are some that are made to be used in any situation. When shopping for a power supply, you should consider what device is being powered, electrical requirements such as voltage and power output, and any certifications needed to ensure the product is safe.

    Modularity can also be important when choosing a power supply – does it need an AC or DC connection, or both? But what does modular mean on a power supply? It simply means that the power supply can be re-configured, or “modularized”, to suit different devices and electrical requirements. 

    And on the topic of UL listed vs UL recognized, a UL-listed power supply may be necessary for some projects, while a UL-recognized one might suffice for less critical tasks.

    When it's time to troubleshoot power supply, LED drivers and other components that are part of the system can help pinpoint the source of the problem. Bad power supply symptoms can be identified by looking for power fluctuations, dim or flickering lights, and other signs of instability.

    Knowing ho

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  3. How Do Switching Power Supplies Work?

    Switching power supplies are electrical power converters that efficiently convert AC or DC input voltage to the desired output voltage. In this blog post, we'll discuss what switching power supplies are, how they work, when you should use them, and who makes the best power supplies for your application.

    From understanding how they work and the components they contain to learning about modular designs and UL listed vs UL recognized products—we've got all the information you need to make an informed decision when selecting a switching power supply!

    What are Switching Power Supplies?

    Switching power supplies, also known as switched-mode power supplies or SMPS, are among the most energy-efficient power supply devices available on the market today. They’re popularly used in personal electronics and have also become increasingly popular for powering industrial equipment.

    Unlike linear power supplies, which regulate voltage using a control loop that dissipates energy as heat within a device like a resistor, switching power supplies use high-frequency switching of an electronic circuit to achieve the same regulation of voltage without needing to expend any energy. This makes them much more efficient than linear types of power supply voltage devices.

    The switching power supply has come a long way since its invention in the 1950s. Thanks to ever-evolving technology, modern switching power supplies are now more reliable, efficient, and safe than ever before.

    Modern switching power supplies are now capable of producing a wide range of voltage depending on the application. They can also be customized with features such as over-voltage protection to prevent any damage due to voltage spikes or surges, further increasing their reliability and

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  4. What Power Supply Do I Need? How to Find the Right Fit For Your Use-Case

    What power supply do I need? Whether you're working on a project for an electrical device or replacing an existing unit, it's essential to understand the basics of powering your setup.

    Let's explore what kind of power supplies exist and what to look for when making your choice. We'll discuss power ratings, form factors, and more. After reading this article, you'll have a better idea of what power supply to select for your use case.

    What Type of Power Supply Do I Need? All the Factors to Consider When Shopping

    When shopping for a power supply, there are many important factors to consider.

    AC vs. DC Power Supply

    What is an AC DC power supply? There are two primary types of power supplies: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current). The type needed depends on the device being powered by the power supply. 

    For example, AC is commonly used in household appliances while DC is often found in electronics like phones or computers. It’s important to check the requirements for both your device and desired power supply so that they match.

    What Watt Power Supply Do I Need?

    A lot of people are asking "what watt power supply do I need?". The wattage required depends on your device’s specific energy consumption needs. Knowing exactly how much energy it needs will help determine what size power supply should be purchased. 

    Generally speaking, greater wattage means increased capability when powering multiple devices at once or operating multiple peripherals simultaneously with one system.

    UL Listed vs UL Recognized

    When shopping for a power supply it’s important to look

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  5. Are All Power Supplies the Same Size? Power Supply Sizing Guide

    Are all power supplies the same size? Welcome to Bravo Electro's comprehensive guide on power supply sizing. This is a question that many people ask when they are in the market for a new power supply. The truth is that power supplies come in different shapes and sizes, and it's important to choose the right one for your needs.

    In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the question "what size power supply do I need?" and provide you with a power supply size guide to help you choose the right one. Let's begin.

    Are All Power Supplies the Same Size?

    Are all power supplies the same size? As stated above, power supplies come in different shapes and sizes. Power supply size guides are based on wattage ratings which indicate the amount of electrical power they can provide. Typically, power supplies range from 1W all the way up to 30,000W. The size of each power supply will correlate to its wattage rating, with higher wattage ratings requiring larger power supplies.

    And the actual size itself is measured in a number of different ways, such as the physical footprint (the area it takes up), the height and length of the device, and the number of cables that come with it. 

    For example, a phone power supply usually has a lower wattage rating, so it will be smaller in physical size and have fewer cables. On the other hand, high-performance gaming PC power supplies will have a much higher wattage rating and be larger in size, with more cables.

    In addition to this, some power supplies are modular and can be built to fit your specific device needs. But what does modular mean on power supply? Modular power supplies are designed with removable cables that can be configured depending on your computer's needs. This allows for greater flexibility and customization of the power. This is usually done with higher-end gaming PCs that require

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  6. Inventronics vs Mean Well: Which Manufacturer Makes Better LED Drivers?

    In recent years, LED lighting has become an increasingly popular option due to its energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, in order for LEDs to work properly, they must be supplied with a reliable, consistent amount of power, which is where Inventronics and Mean Well come into play. 

    These two companies are some of the most renowned manufacturers of LED drivers in the market today, offering quality products that meet the needs of their customers.

    It can be difficult to know which manufacturer produces the best LED driver – Inventronics or Mean Well? That’s why this article is here to provide you with a comparison of these two brands. 

    We’ll look at their different features, facts, and other crucial info so that you can make an informed decision on what LED driver you need for your unique needs.

    The Importance of Getting the Best LED Driver Possible

    Before we explore the details of Inventronics vs Mean Well LED drivers, let’s take a moment to consider the importance of getting the best LED driver available by talking about what an LED driver does.

    An LED driver is an essential component in any LED lighting system: it regulates and controls the flow of power to the LEDs. A top-quality driver will allow you to enjoy a longer lifespan and better performance from your LEDs, while a poor-quality one may cause flickering, dimming, or even damage to them.

    When searching for an LED driver, one important factor to consider is UL listed vs UL recognized. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent safety organization that tests and certifies products for safety. 

    Products that have been aw

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  7. The Different Types of High Voltage Power Supplies Available at Bravo Electro

    You may already know that Bravo Electro is your one-stop shop for all things standard AC DC power supplies. But, were you aware that we also have a range of different types of high-voltage power supplies as well? 

    These are sourced directly from the most reputable manufacturer in the industry - MEAN WELL. Reaching voltages as high as 380Vdc, these units are the highest-voltage power supplies we carry. From centralized bus power to high-voltage charging systems, automatic industrial equipment, 5G communication equipment, and a whole lot more - the use cases for these devices are vast. 

    And today, we’re going to break down the different products in MEAN WELL’s high-voltage lineup - including key features that set them apart from the rest. 

    What are the Different Types of High Voltage Power Supplies Available at Bravo Electro?

    Here are the four series we’re going to discuss today that you can count on for any project demanding the highest output:

    • SHP-10K series
    • HEP-2300 series
    • RST-7K5 & RST-15K

    Without any further ado, let’s introduce you to the SHP-10K series

    The MEAN WELL SHP-10K Series

    Looking for a high-efficiency power supply for your business or industrial needs? Look no further than the SHP-10k series from MEANWELL. These powerful devices boast 10KW 3-phase input AC-DC power supplies with 55V DC, 115V DC, 230V DC, and 380V DC outputs. And with a broad three-phase AC input range, you don't even need a neutral wire.

    These devices aren’t just powerful - they’re h

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