Glossary of Terms – Powerbox Website

A

AC/DC Power Supplies
Converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) to provide power to electronic devices.

Absolute Encoder
An encoder that provides the exact position of the motor’s shaft at any given point.

Active Clamp Reset Technology
A mechanism that minimizes power losses and improves efficiency in switching power supplies.

Active PFC
Power Factor Correction implemented actively using electronic components and control circuitry.

Adjustable Output
Power supplies that allow the output voltage or current to be manually adjusted within a certain range.

Ageing Testing
Subjecting a power supply to extended operation to simulate its performance and reliability over time.

Armature
The rotating part of a motor, typically consisting of windings that carry current.

Auto Restart
Feature that automatically restarts a power supply after a power outage.

 

B

Back EMF
The voltage generated by the motor’s rotor that opposes the applied voltage.

Ball Screw
A mechanism used in linear actuators to provide smooth and precise linear motion.

Battery Backup System
A system that provides backup power using batteries to maintain power during outages.

Battery Chargers
Power supplies that charge rechargeable batteries.

Battery Management System (BMS)
A system that monitors and manages the charging, discharging, and overall performance of batteries.

Backlash
The amount of play between gears when the direction of rotation is reversed.

Brakes
Devices used to stop or hold motion in place, often categorized into electromagnetic, dynamic, and holding brakes.

Brushes
Conductive materials that transfer electric current between stationary and moving parts of the motor.

Burn-in Testing
Testing a power supply under elevated temperature and load conditions to identify any potential issues or failures.

 

C

Circuit Breaker
A safety device that automatically stops the flow of electric current in a circuit as a protection measure.

Closed-Loop System
A control system where the motor’s position or speed is constantly monitored and adjusted based on feedback.

Commutator
A mechanical switch that periodically reverses the current direction in a motor to maintain rotation.

Common Mode Noise
Noise or interference that appears on both of the power supply's output terminals simultaneously.

Conducted Electromagnetic Interference
EMI that is transmitted through conductive paths like wires.

Constant Current
Power supplies that provide a stable, fixed current output.

Constant Voltage
Power supplies that provide a stable, fixed voltage output.

Controllers
Electronic devices that regulate and control the operation of motors.

Cooling
Mechanism or components used to dissipate heat generated by a power supply.

Current Limiting
A mechanism that limits the amount of current that a power supply can deliver.

 

D

DC/AC Inverters
Converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for use in applications that require AC power.

DC/DC Converter
Converts direct current (DC) voltage from one level to another.

Desktop Adapters
Plug-in power supplies that typically have a low power rating and are used to power small electronic devices.

Differential Mode Noise
Noise or interference that appears as a voltage difference between the power supply's output terminals.

Drive Controller
An electronic device that controls the operation of motors by regulating voltage, current, and speed.

Dynamic Braking
A braking method that uses the motor’s own electrical energy to create braking force.

 

E

Efficiency
Measure of how effectively a power supply converts input power to output power.

Efficiency Level (e.g., 80+)
Energy efficiency rating system for power supplies, indicating the level of efficiency achieved.

Efficiency Testing
Testing the efficiency of a power supply to measure how effectively it converts input power to output power.

Electromagnetic Brake
A brake that uses an electromagnetic field to create friction and stop motion.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
The ability of a power supply to function without interfering with other electronic devices.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing
Testing the ability of a power supply to function without causing interference to other devices.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Unwanted electromagnetic radiation emitted by a power supply that can interfere with nearby electronic devices.

Electromagnetic Susceptibility (EMS)
The ability of a power supply to withstand electromagnetic interference from external sources.

Encoder
A sensor that provides feedback on motor position or speed.

ESD Protection
Protection mechanism that safeguards against damage caused by electrostatic discharge.

 

F

Fault Monitoring
Power supplies with built-in monitoring features to detect and report faults or abnormalities.

Fail-Safe Brake
A brake designed to engage automatically when power is lost to prevent unwanted movement.

Field-Oriented Control (FOC)
A technique used to precisely control the torque and speed of AC motors by controlling the magnetic field.

Fixed Output
Power supplies that provide a fixed output voltage or current that cannot be adjusted.

Frequency Conversion
The ability of a power supply to convert the frequency of the input power.

 

G

Gear Ratio
The ratio between the number of teeth on the driven gear and the driving gear, determining the torque and speed output.

Gearboxes
Mechanical devices used to increase torque and decrease speed or vice versa, through the use of gears.

Grounding (Earthing)
A technique that connects parts of an electric circuit to the ground, providing a path for electrical current to disperse safely in case of a fault.

 

H

Harmonics
Voltage or current components in an electrical power system that are multiples of the fundamental frequency.

Harmonic Distortion
The presence of additional unwanted frequencies in the output waveform of a power supply.

Helical Gear
A type of gear with teeth cut at an angle, providing smoother operation and less noise compared to spur gears.

Holding Brake
A brake that holds the motor shaft stationary when the motor is not in use.

Holding Torque
The maximum torque that the motor can withstand without moving when energized but not rotating.

Hold-Up Time
The duration for which a power supply can maintain output power during a power interruption.

 

I

Incremental Encoder
A type of encoder that provides relative position data based on the counting of pulses as the motor rotates.

Induction Motor
A type of AC motor where current is induced in the rotor by the magnetic field of the stator.

Input Current Harmonics
Unwanted harmonics present in the input current waveform of a power supply.

Input Reverse Polarity Protection
Protection mechanism that safeguards the power supply against incorrect polarity of the input voltage.

Input Surge Protection
Protection mechanism that safeguards against voltage spikes and surges on the input side of a power supply.

Input Voltage Range
The range of voltages that a power supply can accept as input.

Inrush Current
The surge of current that occurs when a power supply is first turned on.

Inverter
A power electronic device or circuitry that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).

 

L

Linear Actuator
A device that converts rotational motion into linear motion.

Linear Encoder
A sensor that measures the position of the linear actuator for precise movement control.

Linear Low Noise
Power supplies designed to minimize noise and interference in sensitive electronic systems.

Line Regulation
Ability of a power supply to maintain a stable voltage output when the input voltage fluctuates.

Load Regulation
Ability of a power supply to maintain a stable voltage output under varying load conditions.

Load Testing
Testing a power supply under different load conditions to evaluate its stability and performance.

 

M

Mechanical Form
The physical design and dimensions of a power supply unit.

Methanol
Fuel cells or power supplies that use methanol as a source of energy.

Microstepping
A technique where the stepper motor operates in smaller steps for smoother motion and higher resolution.

Modular Inverters
Inverters composed of multiple smaller, interchangeable modules, offering flexibility and scalability.

Modular UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
A backup power supply composed of smaller units, providing redundancy and scalability.

Moisture Resistant
Power supplies that are designed to withstand moisture and operate reliably in humid environments.

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
Measure of the average time between failures of a power supply.

 

O

Open Circuit Protection
Protection mechanism that safeguards against operating the power supply without a load connected.

Operating Temperature Range
The acceptable range of temperatures in which a power supply can operate reliably.

Output Power Rating
The maximum power that a power supply can deliver to the load.

Output Reverse Polarity Protection
Protection mechanism that safeguards the load against reverse polarity of the output voltage.

Outputs
The electrical power or voltage that a power supply delivers to the load.

Output Transient
Temporary changes in the output voltage or current caused by changes in the load or input voltage.

Output Voltage Accuracy
The measure of how closely the output voltage of a power supply matches the desired output voltage.

Output Voltage Range
The range of voltages that a power supply can provide as output.

Output Voltage Tolerance
The acceptable range of variation in the output voltage of a power supply.

 

P

Passive PFC
Power factor correction implemented passively using passive components like capacitors and inductors.

Phase Imbalance
A condition where the power distribution in an electrical system's phases is not equal.

PID Controller
A control mechanism used to maintain a desired output by adjusting inputs based on feedback.

Planetary Gearbox
A compact, high-torque gearbox design where gears rotate around a central "sun" gear.

Power Density
The amount of power output per unit of volume or space in a power supply.

Power Factor (PF)
A measure of how effectively a power supply uses the input power.

Power Factor Correction (PFC)
Technology used to improve power efficiency by aligning the input current waveform with the input voltage waveform.

Power Line Conditioning
The process of cleaning and stabilizing the incoming power supply to ensure a smooth and reliable output.

Power Quality
The measure of how well a power supply delivers clean and stable power to the connected load.

Power Quality Monitoring
Monitoring and analyzing the power quality parameters of a power supply to ensure clean and stable power delivery.

 

Q

Quadrature Encoder
An encoder that uses two output signals to provide directional information in addition to position.

 

R

Radiated EMI
EMI that is emitted as electromagnetic waves and can be picked up by nearby devices.

Rectifier
An electrical device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

Regulation
The ability of a power supply to maintain a stable output voltage or current despite changes in input or load conditions.

Remote On/Off Control
Ability to remotely turn a power supply on or off.

Resolver
A rotary sensor used in servo motors to provide precise position feedback.

Ripple and Noise
Unwanted variations or fluctuations in the output voltage of a power supply.

RoHS Compliance
Compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electronic products.

 

S

Safety Certifications
Certifications indicating that a power supply meets safety standards and requirements.

Safety Testing
Testing the safety features and compliance of a power supply with safety standards and regulations.

Security Power Supplies
Power supplies specifically designed for use in security systems, providing reliable and uninterrupted power.

Setpoint
The desired position, speed, or output that the servo motor aims to achieve.

Short Circuit Protection
Protection mechanism that safeguards against short circuits.

Single-Phase Input
Power supplies designed to be compatible with single-phase electrical systems.

Slip
The difference between the synchronous speed and the actual speed of the rotor in an induction motor.

Soft-Start Feature
This feature gradually increases the output voltage during power-up to avoid excessive inrush current.

Solar PV
Power supplies that convert solar energy into electrical energy.

Standby Power Consumption
Power consumed by a power supply when it is not actively providing power to a load.

Start-Up Time
The time it takes for a power supply to reach its stable output voltage after being turned on.

Stepper Motor
A motor that moves in discrete steps, allowing precise control of position.

Stroke Length
The maximum distance a linear actuator can extend or retract.

Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
Devices used to protect power supplies against high-energy power surges and transients.

Surge Protector
A device that protects electrical equipment from voltage spikes by limiting the voltage supplied to an electric device.

 

T

Three-Phase Input
Power supplies designed to be compatible with three-phase electrical systems.

Torque
The rotational force produced by the motor’s armature.

Transformer
A device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction.

Transient Response
The ability of a power supply to respond quickly to sudden changes in the load or input voltage.

 

U

Undervoltage Protection
Protection mechanism that safeguards against low voltages.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
A backup power supply that provides power during a power outage or voltage fluctuations.

 

V

Vector Control
A control method for AC motors that independently controls motor torque and flux.

Voltage Drop
The voltage decrease that occurs when current flows through the internal resistance of a power supply or its cables.

Volt In/Out
Voltage input and output levels of a power supply.