12v 4A power supply

[Sadlercomfort]

Hi guys,

My friend is working on a project, but he needs a supply which takes 230v on the input and 12v 4A on the output. What is the simplest way to create this supply circuit? I imagine some of the components might be expensive as well, because of the 4A on the output.

Thanks,

Ash

 

[Harald Kapp]

For a do it yourself project, the simplest, albeit not most effective way, is a transformer, rectifier, filter capacitor and regulator. A suitable regulator is e.g. here or here.
A switched mode power supply is more efficient, but is more difficult to get working.

A very simple solution would be a used PC power supply which is efficient (switched mode), ready to run and inexpensive to come b(u)y

It will also deliver more than 4A without problem.

 

[duke37]

It depends on whether the output is AC or DC and what stability is required.

A simple solution for a 'dirty' supply is to use a simple old style battery charger with a big capacitor on the output. You will get DC at more than 12V.

The difficuty in building your own supply is boxing it up to be safe and a 50VA transformer will be quite pricy.

 

[KrisBlueNZ]

http://www.google.com/search?q=pc+power+supply+to+bench+power+supply

 

[(*steve*)]

Added to Kris' reply, try to find a PC power supply that doesn't need a load on the 5V rail (I have one that specifies a "Minimum load 0A").

Also note that the 12V is typically rated as +/- 10% although they're usually a bit tighter than that.