Is there a power supply guru?

[ambience exists]

I am a real newbie when it comes to Power Supplies and I am wondering...

Why do solid state amps have much bigger (over 10000uf) filter caps then tube amps?

Also, how do you get the values/voltages of those caps when building your own?

How do you design a Pi or CRC filter?

Pardon my innexperience, but I am very curious and could use some help.

Thanks

[astouffer]

Why do solid state amps have much bigger (over 10000uf) filter caps then tube amps?

Solid state draws higher currents and as a result need large capacitors to filter the ripple.

The easiest way to play with power supplies is to download PSUD from http://www.duncanamps.com/psud2/index.html

[bigwill]

Seconding the PSUD suggestion, it really rocks

[ambience exists]

Is there a Mac friendly power supply designer?

Or a friendly genius?

[analog_sa]

Originally posted by ambience exists
I am a real newbie when it comes to Power Supplies and I am wondering...

You need a guru to answer the most basic questions?

I appreciate the coolness factor of software and the buzz of forums but nothing beats reading a basic electronics text as far as gaining knowledge is concerned. Yes, it does take some effort.

[ambience exists]

"On the other hand, you can learn something from almost everybody." - Charles Hansen

[SY]

Seriously, this is discussed at length in any basic electronics text. Start with a classic like Horowitz and Hill. It is indeed a function of current requirements and voltage.

[Miles Prower]

Originally posted by ambience exists
I am a real newbie when it comes to Power Supplies and I am wondering...

Why do solid state amps have much bigger (over 10000uf) filter caps then tube amps?

Solid state are low voltage, high current (therefore Lo-Z) devices, whereas hollow state is high voltage, low current (Hi-Z) devices. That works out nicely since a 10000uF / 450Vdc capacitor would be extremely difficult to build (and would cost some major $$$$$).

Free download: Rectifier Applications Handbook. Study up and become your own PS "guru".

[Gordy]

Also have a read here:

http://www.freewebs.com/valvewizard/index.html

http://www.electronixandmore.com/art...pplies.html#11

[wakibaki]

Originally posted by ambience exists
"On the other hand, you can learn something from almost everybody." - Charles Hansen

Yeah, if you can persuade them to enlighten you.

You'll probably get more help if you take a slightly less glib attitude and show that you are putting in some work of your own by asking more educated questions.

'How do you design a Pi or CRC filter?' covers a lot of ground...

w