What is switcher unit?

A switcher unit, also known as a switching power supply or switched-mode power supply, is an electronic device that converts a high-voltage, low-current input into a low-voltage, high-current output. It works by rapidly switching the input voltage on and off to create a high-frequency alternating current (AC) signal, which is then converted into a direct current (DC) output with the help of a rectifier and filter circuit.

A switcher unit is much more efficient than a linear power supply, which works by regulating the input voltage through a variable resistor. This is because a switcher unit wastes significantly less energy as heat, thanks to its use of a high-frequency AC signal. As a result, switcher units are widely used in electronic devices that require high power output in a compact form factor, such as laptops, smartphones, and embedded systems.

However, switcher units can also generate significant amounts of electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to their high-frequency operation. As such, they require careful design and shielding to avoid interfering with other electronic devices.