Switchers
are inherently more
complex than linear supplies, but they are absolutely required
for the design of high power DC-DC converters (e.g. high power
car audio applications), as well as for the execution of Class
D, H, and DAFPS amplifier designs:
Advantages
They
offer better Energy control (SMART POWER).
New energy saving programs (like BLUE ANGEL ECO NORM in
Germany) require less than 1
Watt of dissipation in Stand-by mode.
This can only be achieved by using SMART Power
technologies.
Less
weight
Higher
density (Watts/in3)
It
can provide modularization
Provides
additional alternatives to optimize audio design circuitry.
Disadvantages
EMI
filtering required
Shielding
may be required to avoid HF Noise affecting sensitive circuitry
MOSFETs
can fail.
Linear transformers/supplies are more tolerant of power
line fluctuations and ESD (electro-static discharge).
Proper circuit design and bypassing can however make a
switcher fairly bullet-proof to these occurrences.
Comments:
Many
companies have started using HF converters consumer
products, such as VCR’s, DSS systems, Audio mini systems, and
of course audio amplifiers.
