Can power supplies cause temperature fluctuations....

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between power supplies and temperature fluctuations in circuits. Participants explore whether power supplies can cause these fluctuations or if they are merely affected by environmental temperature changes. The conversation touches on the sensitivity of various components to temperature changes and the implications for circuit performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether power supplies can cause temperature fluctuations in circuits or if they are sensitive to environmental temperature changes.
  • One participant suggests that while power supplies may influence temperature fluctuations, the significance of these effects depends on specific circumstances that require more detail.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on what constitutes a temperature fluctuation in a circuit, indicating a need for more information to provide a useful response.
  • A participant notes that Zener diodes are sensitive to temperature changes, which can affect voltage regulation in circuits where they are used as regulators or references.
  • It is mentioned that resistors and capacitors also exhibit sensitivity to temperature changes, with their behavior being defined by manufacturer specifications.
  • The proximity of heat-generating components to the power supply is discussed, with the suggestion that this can lead to heat interactions that may affect circuit performance, depending on the closeness of sensitive components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that temperature fluctuations in circuits can be influenced by power supplies and component sensitivities, but there is no consensus on the extent or significance of these effects. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific conditions under which these interactions occur.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for more specific information to assess the impact of power supplies on temperature fluctuations. There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and implications of temperature fluctuations in circuits.

lcr2139
Messages
58
Reaction score
0
can power supplies cause temperature fluctuations in a circuit? Or, instead, are they sensitive to temperature fluctuations in the environment, which can cause temperature fluctuations in a circuit?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Your question is too non-specific for a good answer. In general yes to all those questions. But whether these sensitivities and fluctuations are big enough to make a difference in the case you are thinking about, we can't say.

If you add more detail to your question, we may be able to give a better answer.
 
lcr2139 said:
temperature fluctuations in a circuit?
What is a temperature fluctuation in a circuit?

As anorlunda says, we need much more information to be able to help you out. :smile:
 
Zener diodes are sensitive to temperature change. So for example, if a zener were used as a regulator, or as a reference for a regulator, it will influence the voltage regulation of that specific rail.

Resistors and capacitors are also sensitive to temperature change, but this is much more attributed to their properties (as indicated on manufacturer spec sheet). Like a resistor has a temperature operating range and will have different resistance according to its properties.

The regulation issues will generally show up as voltage related and not so much show itself as an effect on current draw.

Another aspect is the proximity of heat generating components from the power supply to the circuit. If the circuit is co-located with the power supply, there will be a heat interaction between the two. How much that affects the circuit will depend on how close heat/EM generating are to other more sensitive components.
 

Similar threads

Replies
61
Views
7K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 79 ·
3
Replies
79
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K