ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Switched-mode power supply

Okay kiddo, let me tell you about switched-mode power supply!

Do you ever see electronic devices with power cords? Those devices need electricity to run, and that electricity comes from the power cords. But do you know where the electricity comes from before it goes into the power cord? It comes from electric outlets, which are connected to a power grid.

However, the electricity that goes into the power cords is not the same as the electricity that comes from the power grid. The electricity from the power grid is too powerful and too dangerous to be used directly by devices, so it needs to be changed or converted to a form that can be safely used by devices. This is where switched-mode power supply comes in!

Switched-mode power supply is like a translator between the power grid and the devices that need electricity. It takes the raw electrical energy from the power grid and converts it into a form that can be safely used by devices.

Now, let's imagine a system where a computer is connected to a monitor, both of which need electricity to work. If we used traditional power supplies, we would need two different power cords and two different power supplies to provide electricity to both the computer and monitor. This would take up a lot of space and be inconvenient.

But with switched-mode power supply, we can use only one power cord and one power supply to provide electricity for both the computer and monitor. It does this by constantly switching the electrical signal on and off at high frequencies, which is similar to turning a light switch on and off really fast. This switching process allows the power supply to effectively convert the raw electrical energy from the power grid into different forms, voltages, and currents that can be used by different parts of the computer and monitor.

So, in simpler terms, imagine your power supply is like a transformer that changes the electricity from a strong and dangerous form into a softer and more practical version. It helps your electronic devices work better together, and is perfect when you need to use one power supply for multiple devices.

That's the basics of switched-mode power supply, sweetheart!