Power supply unit facts for kids
A power supply unit (or PSU) is like the heart of a computer. It takes the electricity from your wall outlet and changes it into the right kind of power for the computer's parts. This is important because wall outlets use AC power, but computers need DC power.
Modern computers use special PSUs called switched-mode power supplies. These are very efficient. Some PSUs have a switch to pick the right voltage. Others can automatically adjust to the electricity coming from the wall. This makes them easy to use anywhere.
How a Power Supply Works
A PSU's main job is to convert AC power to DC power. AC power changes direction many times a second. DC power flows in only one direction. Computer parts like the motherboard and hard drive need steady DC power to work correctly. The PSU also makes sure the power is at the correct voltage. Too much or too little power can damage the computer.
Types of Power Supplies
There are many kinds of power supplies. Not all of them are for computers. Some are used in science labs. Others power things like mobile phone chargers. Each type is designed for a specific job. For example, a phone charger is a small power supply. It changes wall power into the low-voltage DC power your phone needs.
Images for kids
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A simple general-purpose desktop power supply used in electronic labs, with power output connector seen at lower-left and power input connector (not shown) located at the rear
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A rackmount, adjustable regulated DC power supply
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Electronic bench power supply unit with "banana connector" output
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Switch-mode mobile phone charger
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Programmable power supplies
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A 30 kV high-voltage power supply with Federal Standard connector, used in electron microscopes
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A bipolar power supply (Kepco BOP 6-125MG)
See also
In Spanish: Fuente de alimentación para niños
