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Regulator vs Switching power supply?
Hello,
I've heard that switching power supplies are better (more efficient) than regulators. I'm wondering:
How do both work respectively (principal of operation)?
Can anyone give any hints on using them? (ie if I have an application that needs to be powered with 5V and I'm powering it with a 12V supply followed by a 5V regulator, will everything blow up? Is this safe or unsafe? When does it become safe? (ie 6V supply with 5V regulator)
A switching supply does have a regulation mechanism. It would be better if you call the other regulator a linear regulator.
"Blowing up" usually happens when components are over stressed, such as when the temperature of that component is allowed to exceed the manufactures safe limits. Adequate heat sinking and operation within the design norms will usually allow long life.
How to Design a Complex Switching Regulator as Simple as a Linear Regulator - Linear Technology