Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

A switchmode power supply is characterized by its ability to operate at high frequencies, which leads to the use of smaller components. This high-frequency operation means that inductors and transformers can be designed to be much smaller than those used in linear power supplies. In linear supplies, power conversion is accomplished using linear regulation, which typically operates at the frequency of the AC mains, leading to larger components that handle the higher voltages and currents required.

The efficiency of switchmode power supplies is generally higher due to their ability to reduce power waste during conversion, which contributes further to the compact size of the required components. Conversely, linear power supplies convert excess voltage into heat and, as a result, require larger heat sinks to manage this thermal output. Therefore, whereas linear supplies tend to be larger and less efficient, switchmode supplies benefit from miniaturization and improved efficiency, a defining characteristic of their design.