what is the difference between linear power supply and switch mode power supply?

[PremalShah]

please give me the technical difference between switch mode power supply (S.M.P.S.) used in computers, and the linear power supply generally used in college laboratories for practical studying purpose. Also give advantages of S.M.P.S.

 

[Unregistered]

f k

 

[DonQuixoteDeLaMancha]

A linear regulator is a voltage regulator based on an active device (such as a bipolar junction transistor, field effect transistor or vacuum tube) operating in its "linear region" (in contrast, a switching regulator is based on a transistor forced to act as an on/off switch) or passive devices like zener diodes operated in their breakdown region. The regulating device is made to act like a variable resistor, continuously adjusting a voltage divider network to maintain a constant output voltage. It is very inefficient compared to a switched-mode power supply, since it sheds the difference voltage by dissipating heat.

 

[mohit mani]

please give me the technical difference between switch mode power supply (S.M.P.S.) used in computers, and the linear power supply generally used in college laboratories for practical studying purpose. Also give advantages of S.M.P.S.