Internal power and external power (off-board) definitions
Internal power and external power (or off-board power) are two common power configurations in electronic equipment and system design. Their selection affects the size, heat dissipation, reliability, maintenance convenience and other aspects of the device.
What is an internal power supply?
Internal power refers to the power module or power circuit being integrated inside the device. This configuration means that the power supply unit is located in the same housing as other electronic components of the device.
What is an external power supply (off-board power supply)?
External power refers to the power module being independent of the device body and connected to the power input port of the device via a cable. This configuration is also called an off-board power supply.
Comparison of internal power and external power:
Common internal and external (off-board) power supply types each have a wide range of applications. Depending on the needs and design goals of the device, these power supplies can provide suitable voltage, current and other electrical characteristics. The following are some common internal and external power supply types.
Common internal power supplies:
| Features | Internal power | External power |
|---|
| Design integration | High | Low |
| Size and weight | May increase the size and weight of the device | Help reduce the size and weight of the device |
| Heat management | Needs to cooperate with the overall heat dissipation system of the device | Independent processing, easier heat dissipation |
| Maintenance and replacement | More complex, need to disassemble the device | Simple, users can replace it by themselves |
| Electromagnetic interference | Requires special shielding measures | Relatively few |
| Flexibility | Limited design, more targeted | Flexible design, strong adaptability |
| Cable management | Neater, no need for additional cables | May increase cable complexity |
Switching-Mode Power Supply (SMPS),
Linear Power Supply (Linear Power Supply), DC-DC Converter, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Internal Power Supply, Battery Management System (BMS)
Common external power supplies (off-board power supplies):
Wall Adapter/Wall Wart, Desktop Power Adapter, Adjustable Power Supply Adapter, AC-DC Power Adapter, Car Adapter/Charger, PoE Power Supply (Power over Ethernet)
