Hello all,
the AC adaptor for my 4 year old Toshiba portable DVD player died. The specs on it list 12 VDC, 2 amps. Looking through the Mouser catalog I can certainly find these specs, but I do not know if I need a "regulated" supply, or a "switching" supply. I recognize these questions are freshman EE level, but could someone advise me as to what would be the best solution? The original Toshiba unit does not specify what type it is.
Thank you in advance for any and all replies!
Dan
A non switcher will be pretty heavy.
is a switcher. HOWEVER, it is possible there is something 'special' about the power supply - some current limiting perhaps? Not too likely but possible. The original may be preferred.
Regulated means that the voltage will remain constant as the load fluctuates. An unregulated 12v 2A supply might rise to 16v output when the load is light. Your Toshiba might well be able to deal with the increased voltage. I don't know. But personally I wouldn't risk the possible destruction of my laptop. I would suggest that you get a regulated supply.
As for switching vs non-switching, that's just a matter of what goes on inside the box. The user really just cares about what comes out - as long as it's 12v at 2 amps, fine.
Not that there aren't differences. As Homer points out, the switcher will be smaller and lighter. Probably cheaper too. Switchers tend to radiate a bit of RF noise that can cause interference in sensitive environments. They also tend to self-distruct when any small failure occurs in the circuitry, so reapir of a failed one isn't usually done. In the end, price will probably be the deciding factor. Pricewise, switchers win hands down.
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