What is PSU, What is the full form of PSU

ByPankaj Kumar

PSU refers to the Power Supply Unit that provides electricity for all parts of a computer. The PSU essentially provides the proper amount of power to the processor, motherboard, graphics card, and other such devices in the computer. In fact, it was in the 1960s when people began using more and more computers and realized a need for safe and stable supply of power, What is PSU, What is the full form of PSU.

Computer PSU on table, What is the full form of PSU

This device controls voltage and current to properly deliver electricity to various computer parts. The main function of the PSU is to convert AC (Alternating Current) into DC (Direct Current), which the computer components can use. Without a PSU, a computer cannot work, as no electronic device can function without electricity. The PSU is applied in all forms of computers: desktops, servers, etc. It depends on the requirements of the computer and its size and capacity will vary accordingly, What is PSU, What is the full form of PSU.

What is the History of PSU

1970-1980: The First PSU (AT PSU) and Initial Development

During the 1970s and 1980s, computers grew in size. Their power requirements increased with the size. Computers initially drew power directly from wall sockets. However, as they grew in size and complexity, their power needs became more demanding. This problem was solved by the AT PSU, which IBM introduced in the 1980s. The AT PSU supplied the required voltage to all parts of the computer, but its safety features and voltage control were limited.

1990s: Introduction and Development of ATX PSU

Computer technology improvement has led to the introduction of ATX PSU. It was designed by Intel and IBM in the 1990s. This PSU offers superior voltage control, safety, and energy efficiency. It delivers 3.3V, 5V, 12V different voltages for various components with protection against overvoltage and short circuits. This enhances safety and efficiency for power supply systems in computers, What is the History of PSU.

2000s: Modular PSU and Energy Efficiency

In the 2000s, modular PSUs were developed. This means that users can connect only the cables they need. This keeps the inside of computers clean and improves airflow. The 80 PLUS certification was introduced during this time, ensuring that PSUs provided at least 80% energy efficiency. This reduced power consumption and had a smaller impact on the environment.

2010s: SFX PSU and High-Quality PSUs

SFX PSUs came into play during the 2010 decade. They proved suitable for a small computer or compact servers in a gaming PC. Energy efficiency and safety became further enhanced through this period. High certifications came into play – 80 PLUS Gold and Platinum – that increased energy savings by minimizing power usage. Safety aspects in PSUs were also largely improved.

2020s: Smart PSUs and New Energy Efficiency

Today’s PSUs come with smart features, such as online monitoring, which enables users to see the performance of the PSU in real time. More attention has been focused on energy efficiency during the 2020s decade, and such efficiency actually saves more power and impacts the environment less. State-of-the-art PSUs have intelligent circuit designs and automated power management systems, hence making them smarter. The present advancements make PSUs last much longer and are therefore cheaper to operate.

What are the major hardware components in a PSU

There are many important components that work together in a PSU (Power Supply Unit) to ensure that the computer gets proper and safe power. It basically converts AC (Alternating Current) into DC (Direct Current) so that all parts of the computer can function properly.

  • Transformer: It changes the AC voltage into the correct voltage needed for the computer.
  • Rectifier: This converts the AC voltage to DC voltage in order to deliver power to the computer in stable conditions.
  • Filter: The output DC voltage has ripples; therefore, a filter is there that removes these ripples and allows smooth power.
  • Regulator: This maintains stable voltage so all components of a computer receive an accurate amount of voltage to run accordingly.
  • Cooling Fan: The PSU can produce heat, so it has a fan to throw out the heat and keep the PSU cool.
  • Capacitors: These help in stabilizing the flow of electricity and control small fluctuations in voltage.

All these components together make the PSU work properly and provide safe power to the computer.

What are the types of PSUs

There are many types of PSUs as per the needs and size of computer:

ATX PSU (Advanced Technology Extended Power Supply)

The most common PSU used in large desktop computers. It supplies 3.3V, 5V, and 12V voltage that can be applied to different parts of a computer. Many come with protection features such as overvoltage and short-circuit protection. This is commonly used in gaming and high-performance computers.

SFX PSU (Small Form Factor Power Supply)

This is for smaller computers, mini PCs, game consoles, and small servers. The SFX PSU has a compact size of 125mm x 100mm x 63.5mm, which can fit well in systems with limited space. It also has safety features and provides 3.3V, 5V, and 12V voltage outputs, although its power capacity is slightly lower, What are the types of PSUs.

AT PSU (Advanced Technology Power Supply)

This was used with older computers. It also provided the 5V and 12V voltage but is nowadays mostly used by older computers or projects. It had fewer safety features.

Modular PSU

This is an advanced PSU where you can attach only the necessary cables and remove the rest. The benefit is a clean setup inside the computer with improved airflow. It is used in high-performance computers and comes with energy efficiency features like 80 PLUS certification.

Semi-Modular PSU

This is a mix of modular and non-modular PSUs. Some cables are pre-attached, but the rest can be added as needed. It’s a good option for those who want some modular features but don’t need a fully modular setup.

External PSU (External Power Supply Unit)

This is an external power supply used for laptops, small computers, and other devices. It is small and portable, making it convenient for use anywhere.

Redundant PSU

The PSU is most important, especially for units like servers and data centers that have two or more power supplies. In case one stops working, the other power supply continues to provide power. That way, this unit ensures no interruption of the power supply with safety features included, What is PSU, What is the full form of PSU.

FAQs

What happens to the system in case of PSU failure

In case of PSU failure, the computer might just shut down abruptly or might not start at all. It can also lead to data loss, damage to computer hardware, and irregular power supply issues. It can also damage other parts of the computer.

What is the function of the fan in a PSU

The fan in a PSU keeps it cool. It draws heat from the inside of the PSU so that it will not overheat, hence protecting other system components from overheating. This also maintains the performance of the computer.

In which unit is PSU power measured

The power of a PSU is measured in watts, What is PSU, What is the full form of PSU.