Justin Madsen

What Does an Uninterruptible Power Supply Do?

Picture this: You're in an industrial setting. Sophisticated machinery humming, critical systems are operating at peak performance, and all gears are in motion to deliver excellent results. Unexpectedly, there's a total system shutdown. A power interruption has just transformed a thriving production line into a sudden standstill.

This is the exact moment where an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) could have been the hero. But what is an uninterruptible power supply? And more specifically, what does an uninterruptible power supply do? 

Let's delve into this essential equipment and discover its significance in our daily operations.

What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply?

An uninterruptible power supply is a device that leaps into action when the main power source falters. It ensures an uninterrupted flow of supply voltage, offering a lifeline against unpredictable power disruptions. These disruptions can harm delicate equipment and hamper crucial operations, creating a cascade of problems.

The UPS, however, serves as a vigilant guardian, ensuring your activities remain undisturbed. Be it a significant event depending on continuous power supply, a critical industrial process, or essential medical equipment – a UPS stands guard, securing your operations against unforeseen power issues.

But to appreciate its role fully, we need to delve deeper and ask: what does an uninterruptible power supply do?

What Does an Uninterruptible Power Supply Do?

A UPS is more than just a

Why Choose Bravo Electro for Custom Power Supply Design?

In an age where precision, reliability, and customization have become non-negotiable, navigating the intricate world of power supply solutions can feel like trying to find a needle in an ever-expanding technological haystack.

Professionals know that one size does not fit all when it comes to power systems, and finding the right solution - tailored to the specific needs of your operation - can be a daunting task. 

Missteps in this crucial journey are not just inconvenient. They can be costly, compromising efficiency, performance, and even the integrity of critical equipment. Amid these challenges, who do you trust with your custom power supply design requirements? You needn’t look any further than Bravo Electro.

We’re your beacon of innovation in the vast sea of power supply solutions. As a distinguished provider of customized power supply units, we're here to tell you that you don't have to settle for the standard. We understand that your power supply needs are as unique as your business, and we believe that you deserve solutions that mirror this individuality.

Our partnership with MEAN WELL amplifies our dedication to delivering exceptional services and unrivaled expertise, allowing us to transcend ordinary power supply solutions and engineer designs tailored to your specific challenges. 

From local, on-demand support to navigating the maze of regulatory compliance, and from rigorous quality control to strategic inventory management, our comprehensive suite of value-added services is designed to put you in control. 

Below, we’ll expand on all the r

Why are Power Supplies so Expensive?

Why are power supplies so expensive? If you are looking for a power supply unit (PSU) for your computer or any other electronic device, you may have had this question roll across your mind as you look at the steep prices. But as you’ll discover in this blog post, there is a reason prices have recently risen.

We'll explain what makes expensive power supplies better, and address the question - what is the difference between cheap and more expensive power supplies?

After reading this post, you will have clear criteria for selecting a quality and cost-effective PSU.

Why are Power Supplies so Expensive?

So, why are power supplies so expensive? In order to answer that, we need to break down the various factors that contribute to their high price. But let's first address a different question. What is the difference between cheap and more expensive power supplies?

The main difference between cheap and more expensive power supplies is the quality of the components used. Cheap power supplies generally contain low-cost parts that may not be as reliable or efficient as those found in high-end units. 

Some power supply manufacturers use lower quality, cheaper metal contacts and components such as capacitors, transistors, and other electrical devices to reduce costs. This results in a power supply with lower efficiency, higher temperatures, and more noise.

In contrast, more expensive power supplies often contain better-quality components such as Japanese capacitors which are known for their durability and reliability. They also tend to use higher wattage ratings and more advanced technologies such as active PFC (Power Factor Correction). 

Now that you know what makes expensive power supplies better, let's look at some of the other factors that determine power supply prices in more detail.

You Get Quality & Reliability That Unlocks Peace of Mind

One of the main reasons why power supplies c

How to Prolong the Life of Your Power Supply

If you want your electronic system to operate properly, it's important to have a functional power supply. 

However, power supply components can wear out over time and may eventually need to be replaced. To make sure you get the most out of your investment, it's important to understand how to prolong the life of your power supply. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss ways to extend the lifespan of your power supply, the average power supply life expectancy, and provide some helpful tips to keep your power supply running efficiently for several years.

What is the Average Power Supply Life Expectancy?

A power supply's lifespan varies depending on quality, usage, environment, and maintenance. Typically, a high-quality power supply can last between five and ten years. Nonetheless, with appropriate care, some units can endure for more than a decade.

Understanding the difference between AC and DC power, as well as the power supply voltage, can help you choose the best power supply for your needs, further impacting its longevity.

Can You Prolong the Life of Power Supplies?

Prolonging the lifespan of electronic devices can be an important consideration, particularly when it comes to power supplies.

These components are essential for ensuring that electronic devices receive the necessary voltage and current to operate correctly, but they can also be vulnerable to certain factors that may lead to wear and tear over time.

Fortunately, by following proper maintenance practices, using the unit within its specifications, and ensuring a suitable environment, you can help to prolong the life of your power supply and ensure that your electronic device remains functional for a long time to come.

In the following s

How are Power Supplies Rated?

Welcome to the Bravo Electro blog! Today, we'll be discussing an essential topic for any design engineer or professional: How are power supplies rated? To choose an appropriate power supply, it's important to have a good understanding of different ratings and specifications. 

This will help you make informed decisions based on your specific requirements.

In our discussion, we will address efficiency, voltage, and safety standards. Additionally, we will provide several suggestions on how to choose the ideal power supply for your specific requirements. 

So, let's dive in and learn more about power supply specifications!

How are Power Supplies Rated?

So how are power supplies rated? This section will discuss the important ratings and specifications to consider for power supplies. These ratings can be categorized as follows:

Power & Efficiency Ratings

A power supply's efficiency rating is a crucial factor in determining its performance. The power supply efficiency rating indicates how well it converts the input power (usually from your home's electricity) into the necessary output power for your equipment. A greater efficiency rating indicates less energy waste and lower operational expenses.

To gauge a power supply's efficiency, you should assess its efficiency curve which depicts how its efficiency varies with different loads. It's preferable to settle for a power supply with higher efficiency and a vast range of load accommodations for optimal performance in versatile situations. 

Moreover, particular power supplies meet specific efficiency regulations, like the 80 PLUS certification, signifying an efficiency level of 80% or more at different load conditions.

Input Voltage

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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,