ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the unsung hero of most electronic systems, the power supply. Nearly all electronic circuits require a source of well regulated d.c. at voltages of typically between 5 V and 30 V. In some cases, this supply can be derived directly from batteries (e.g. 6 V, 9 V, 12 V) but in many others it is desirable to make use of a standard a.c. mains outlet. This chapter explains how rectifier and smoothing circuits operate and how power supply output voltages can be closely regulated. The chapter concludes with a brief description of some practical power supply circuits.
