What does efficiency mean in the context of power supplies?

The efficiency value is the ratio of the output power to the input power of a power supply. The difference between the input and output power is converted as power losses into heat.

Efficiency values are normally specified for the nominal load and the nominal voltages. In the PULS datasheets there are also characteristic curves that show efficiency under partial load or with different input voltages. High efficiency under partial load is becoming increasingly important, because power supplies do not normally operate constantly under full load.

The latest technologies used in the design of power supplies allow high efficiency levels of 97% to be achieved cost-effectively.

PULS monitors these technologies, develops them further and makes them available to users in its various power supply families. High efficiency levels result in less heat, a long lifetime and good reliability for all the components in the cabinet. In addition, high efficiency also makes it possible to develop compact power supplies.