Monthly Archives: March 2023

Isolated vs Non-Isolated Power Supply: What’s the Difference & Which is Better?

Selecting the proper power supply for your project is of the utmost importance to ensure everything operates as it should.

In this post, we'll go through the advantages and distinctions between isolated and non-isolated supplies, so you can make an informed decision about what type works most optimally for your system.

At Bravo Electro, our experts have decades of experience providing top-quality AC DC power supplies and are here to help you with this critical choice.

What’s the Difference Between Isolated vs Non-Isolated Power Supply?

To understand the key differences between isolated and non-isolated power supplies, let's take a closer look at each type. But two questions we should answer first is what’s the difference between AC and DC power and is household electricity AC or DC?

AC refers to Alternating Current and DC for Direct Current. The difference between the two is that AC current alternates direction when it flows, whereas DC maintains its direction. Home electricity utilizes power from the grid which is usually AC because it can cover long distances without losing power or causing safety issues.

Now we understand the basics of both AC and DC power, let's dive into the differences between isolated and non-isolated sources.

Isolated Power Supplies

Isolated power sources are built to provide electrical separation between their input and output. A transformer is utilized in this design which produces a barrier between the two circuits, meaning there is no direct connection.

The benefits of this type of module are increased safety, lower noise levels, plus the capability to offer multiple output voltages. 

This configuration is especially useful in medical applications, industrial con

The MEAN WELL XLG Series LED Drivers: Your Trusted Solution for LED Lighting

When it comes to lighting, you can’t beat LEDs. They’re as efficient and long-lasting as you’ll find and they greatly outperform fluorescents and HIDs in terms of power. Whether you’re in horticulture or just need a reliable, cost-effective solution for your lighting needs. 

And when it comes to powering your LEDs, you can’t beat the MEAN WELL XLG Series LED Drivers. These offer unprecedented power offerings, flexibility, reliability, & efficiency in a compact footprint. What more could you ask for in a LED driver solution? 

Maybe you manufacture multiple systems with LEDs and would like to reduce the amount LED driver part numbers you buy. Or, perhaps you’re designing a new lighting system with multiple LED strings and need an efficient and cost effective power supply. Either way, you can count on the XLG drivers to check off all your boxes.

We’ll take a few minutes below to explain what makes this series so special. You’ll also learn key facts/features about these drivers, and we’ll introduce you to the full lineup. Let’s not waste any more time!

What Makes the MEAN WELL XLG Series LED Drivers So Special?

MEAN WELL brings more than 35 years of experience to the table - and they continue to lead the charge in the power supply industry as a whole. Their LED drivers are no exception, and the XLG Series is the latest example of that. 

These drivers feature a constant power design and some of the lower power models are rated as Class 2 power supplies. Since being released initially in 2018, the series has earned high marks with customers. Here are the key takeaways from this series:

Unprecedented Power, Unparalleled Efficiency

This series is the result of the world’s greatest power supply engineers paired with rigorous testing to achieve something that other drivers are inc

Power Supply Topologies: The Complete Guide

Welcome to our complete guide on power supply topologies. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll delve into the world of power supply topologies, their importance, and how to choose the right one for your specific needs. 

Bravo Electro is here to help you navigate the complexities of AC DC power supplies, so let's get started!

What Does Power Supply Topology Mean?

The arrangement and design of the components within a power supply system is referred to as topology. This critical aspect has a direct bearing on the performance, efficiency, and dependability of any given PSU. Different topologies are used to meet specific requirements, such as power supply sizing, voltage regulation, or noise reduction.

Selecting the ideal topology for your power supply is critical to gaining optimal performance - from achieving the proper voltage and efficiency levels, to quickly responding to any load changes. Knowing each topology's unique characteristics and limitations will ensure you make an informed choice that works best for your specific application needs.

What are the Topologies of Power Supply?

Now that we've discussed what power supply topology means, let's explore the different types of topologies available.

Linear Power Supply

For applications where noise sensitivity is of paramount importance, linear power supplies are the ideal choice due to their capability of providing a consistent output voltage with low levels of background hum.

However, this topology can be bulky and inefficient as it generates heat easily. Thus, while they may be suitable for situations that require minimal noise disruption, it would not be wise to use them in high-power applications considering their lower efficiency and increased thermal dissipation.

Switching Power Supply

Switching power supplies are known for

LED Driver vs Power Supply: What’s the Difference, if Any?

Have you ever wondered what the difference between a LED driver vs power supply is?

Despite their similar names, and both being used to provide power to electronic devices, there are significant differences between them. While LED drivers and traditional AC DC power supplies are distinct from each other, they can sometimes be referred to interchangeably as LED power supplies - though this is not always the case.

In this article, we'll discuss the differences between LED drivers and traditional power supplies, as well as offer purchasing tips to help you find the perfect solution for your situation.

First, Understand That an LED Driver is a Power Supply - Designed Specifically for LEDs

Before diving into the differences between an LED driver and a power supply, it's important to understand that a LED driver is indeed a type of power supply.

Specifically, it is a power supply designed to provide the current necessary for lighting applications such as LEDs. As opposed to conventional AC DC power supplies that supply energy to various appliances, LED drivers are made specifically for LEDs.

Because of this differentiation, LED drivers are able to optimize the performance of LEDs. LED driver is the most accurate term. This provides many advantages over AC DC power supplies: greater efficiency, more precise voltage control, and protection from excessive current/voltage which can damage your lights.

Since improper use of an LED driver or AC DC power supply could lead to less-than-optimal performance or even failure, understanding the difference between LED driver vs power supply is essential for any consumer or commercial user looking to purchase quality lighting devices.

LED drivers, on this note, offer higher voltage accuracy and more efficient operation than traditional AC DC power supplies - both of which contribute to increased reliability and longevity in lighting systems.

Additionally,

Unregulated vs Regulated Power Supply - What’s the Difference?

In the world of electronics, power supplies play a crucial role in delivering the necessary energy to drive various devices and systems. 

When it comes to choosing the right power supply, the debate between unregulated vs regulated power supply often comes up. This blog post will provide an in-depth look at these two types of power supplies - fully covering their differences, advantages, and disadvantages.

We will also discuss how to tell if a power supply is regulated or unregulated, and help you decide which is best for your specific needs among other useful info.

What is the Difference Between Regulated vs Unregulated Power Supply?

The topic of regulated vs unregulated power supply can be quite complex if you don't have a good understanding of electronics. So we'll break it all down in the most easy-to-understand terms in the following sections.

What is a Regulated Power Supply?

A regulated power supply works to ensure a constant output voltage, no matter what fluctuations in input voltage or load occur. To guarantee this stability and precision, advanced electronic components such as voltage regulators are implemented into the system. 

This technology is often used in sensitive applications like computers, laboratory instruments, and communication devices where obtaining precise control over electrical current flows is critical for optimal performance.

A regulated power supply's voltage regulation ensures that sensitive components are protected from fluctuations in input voltage, which can lead to inconsistent performance or even damage. 

This protection is particularly important when dealing with high-voltage power supplies, as the potential for damage is even greater. Furthermore, a regulated power supply can help prevent