The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Overview

This course introduces the student to the purpose, function, and elements of the ubiquitous DC (direct current) power supply. Modern electronic devices generally require low-voltage DC sources to power their circuits. Some devices use battery or even solar power, but all others need a DC power supply, typically connected to a house or office AC (alternating current) wall outlet. These include radios, stereo systems, TV, computers, and other devices which we use daily.

The discussion starts with the primary power source - the wall socket, and a brief history about AC power. Several basic power supply configurations are described to support the functional concepts introduced. Features such as voltage transformation, i.e., changing the voltage from one level to another, and regulation, i.e., maintaining a constant output voltage, are presented and basic components are described. Important issues such as cooling requirements, protection circuits, and radio-frequency interference are addressed.

An understanding of the overall operation and performance characteristics of such power supplies will aid those in other disciplines who must accommodate power supplies in the definition, layout, or packaging of electronic devices.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten (10) questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

  · Process of transforming AC voltages to different levels.
  · Conversion from AC to DC.
  · Functional operation of a simple power supply.
  · Process and techniques for voltage regulation.
  · Hardware components involved.
  · Definitions of terminology and quantities.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.