Transformer Vs. Power Supply

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Transformers have many uses, such as in power supplies.

While people call some transformers “power supplies,” it is not technically accurate. There are similarities between transformers and power supplies that lead to the confusion; however, there are also some striking differences between the two.

Advertisement

Similarities

Video of the Day

Similarities between transformers and power supplies include the fact that both can alter electrical voltage for use by other circuits or devices. Power supplies often incorporate transformers into their designs to perform this function.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Differences

All power supplies supply power, however, transformers have other applications, such as isolating circuits or altering signal voltages in amplifiers.

Power Regulation

Power supplies can regulate and vary electricity in many different ways. They can even provide different forms of power to different circuits simultaneously. Unable to regulate power, transformer outputs are fixed and only as stable as their inputs.

Advertisement

Power Conditioning

A power supply can clean and filter noise or static from raw electrical power, such as from a wall outlet. Transformers pass along any noise or static they receive to the circuits they service.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Application

Both transformers and power supplies can provide electricity to devices. If the device needs a stable and clean source of power, it requires a power supply. If the electricity can be raw, unfiltered and fluctuate, a transformer alone will suffice.

Advertisement

Advertisement

references & resources