What Is DC Power Supply Used For?
Electricity comes in two main forms: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). DC current has the flow of electricity going in only one direction (forwards), whereas AC current has the electricity going in two directions (backwards and forwards). DC current is easier for smaller devices to utilize and is the most common method of power supply for anything that runs on battery power as well.
Power supplies
Most electrical power from a wall outlet comes in alternating current form
AC to DC conversion
Alternating current must be converted to direct current (DC) by a rectifier.
Uses for DC current
DC current is commonly used to power small electronics
Electronic devices
Many devices, such as computers, stereos, and other smaller electrical appliances have their DC converting rectifier built right into the device.
Batteries
Batteries also supply a DC current, so any device that uses batteries also utilizes a DC power supply.
Cite This Article
MLA
Cloe, Adam. "What Is DC Power Supply Used For?" sciencing.com, https://www.sciencing.com/what-dc-power-supply-used-5001832/. 24 April 2017.
APA
Cloe, Adam. (2017, April 24). What Is DC Power Supply Used For?. sciencing.com. Retrieved from https://www.sciencing.com/what-dc-power-supply-used-5001832/
Chicago
Cloe, Adam. What Is DC Power Supply Used For? last modified March 24, 2022. https://www.sciencing.com/what-dc-power-supply-used-5001832/