Saturday, October 22, 2011

Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS)

SMPS IS Switch Mode Power Supply. The primary function of SMPS is to convert the alternating current (AC) power available in homes into direct current (DC) required for a computer system. In desktop computers, you will find a metal box in the corner of the CPU case supplies power to various components in the CPU box. The power supply converts 115-230 volt AC into DC that is required for computer components to work.
AC stands for alternating current. It is an electric current whose magnitude and direction vary cyclically.
DC stands for direct current. It is considered as the constant flow of electrons in a single direction from low to high potential. Computers use DC power. Because of the advantage of alternating current over direct current in transforming and transmission.



The SMPS or power supply of a computer comes in different industry standard. The commonly used SMPS are AT and ATX. There are also other SMPS standard like LPX, SFX... etc. But we will describe about ATX SMPS.

In AT SMPS system we have to manually Shutdown the computer. After giving Shutdown command “It is now safe to turn off your system” message appears then press the power button to shut down. In ATX SMPS shutdown is automatic, that is just give the Shutdown command.
The main power connectors in a SMPS are as follows.



TO CHECK WETHER SMPS IS WORKING OR NOT

Take a small piece of wire and connect one end in GREEN wire port and other in the BLACK. Switch ON the supply if the fan in the smps is working the smps is good. If not open the cover and check whether the Capacitors inside the Smps is bulged on the top. If bulged replace the capacitor with the same value of the earlier.Check the voltages with a multimeter.

A Good ATX SMPS wires gives the following voltage as the output. And work for different purpose

WIRE         VOLTAGE      FUNCTION
      
Black                 0                  Ground
Blue                 -12                 Serial Data
Brown/Violet    +3.3               Sensor
Gray                  +5                  Power good supply
Green                +5                  Power supply on/off
Orange              +3.3               D Ram Refreshing
Purple               +5                  Stored by voltage
White                -5                   Refreshing Ram
Yellow              +12                Motor Rotation
Red                  +5                   Logic circuit

In case of a defect or problem with power supply, it is not recommended that an inexperienced user open a power supply for repairing. The power supply has dangerously high voltage. Even after unplugging, power supplies can retain dangerous voltage and must be discharged (like a monitor) before servicing it. These internal repairs are not recommended unless the technician is specially trained to repair such components.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Computer motherboards and Industrial Motherboards

A motherboard can be defined as a central circuit board creating a complex electronic system from within a computer for example.

A motherboard is vitally important as it provides the electrical links by which the other components of the system talk to each other and also contains the central processing unit, most commonly called CPU and other subsystems such as real time clock for example, and some other secondary interfaces.
They are produced in different sizes and shapes which can be specific to each computer maker. Actually, most computer motherboards are now using a standard form since 2007.

Motherboards are most of the time air cooled with heat sinks often installed on larger chips. Most motherboards also have connectors for additional case fans as well just in case. More recent motherboards now have integrated temperature sensors to detect motherboard and CPU temperatures in order to regulate the fan speed and lower the temperature faster and better. This being mainly due to the appearance of thermal management systems that can now cool down the motherboard and reduce the noise more efficiently for better performances.

A recent study found that some computer crashes and other general issues like screen image distortions or other errors can actually be attributed not to software or peripheral hardware but to the motherboards. So a better performing motherboard is really essential if you want your computer to work properly and longer.

Laptops would usually use a much different kind of motherboard. They usually are miniaturized and highly integrated motherboards specifically designed for laptops. The fact that they are almost unique is actually one of the reasons why laptops are so difficult to upgrade and repair.

As a matter of fact, Industrial motherboards need to be tougher than normal motherboards found in personal computers or laptops. Being used in tougher conditions than standard computer motherboards, industrial motherboards, like industrial LCD displays or Industrial LCD touch screen need to be able to cope with higher temperatures, need to be tougher in case of a shock or a hit, and need to last much longer, simply because they are intended to provide stable motherboard platforms for industrial users who demand long production lifetimes in extreme conditions.
But obviously, a motherboard is not the only component of an industrial computer or other electronic equipment and if the case and the other components are not resistant enough or can not really cope with extreme conditions, everything will break down quickly.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Promotional products that last

Everyone has heard the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!". The same principal can be attributed to certain promotional gifts too, take promotional bug-eyed rascals for instance; They have barely changed in the last 20 years or more, yet they continue to be very good sellers in the promotional products arena.

The only real development in the advertising bugs range is the increase variety of style. You can get double-ended bugs, bugs that are industry based called action rascals and even animals, but even with all these new versions available, you can always rely on the originals to provided your company with that fun, vibrant and tactile edge.

Action Rascals have proved very popular in recent years though and included all sorts of designs including teachers, policemen, police women, builders and commandos. These particaular items are great as fun reminders of your message and are very popular at promotional events such as freshers weeks and school based campaigns.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Eco-Friendly Non-Woven Tote Bags


You'll have piece of mind knowing you are helping the environment with tote bags made from 80% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. These durable and attractive bags come in a choice of three colors with eco-symbol green accent. Recycled logo appears on bottom of bag.

They make great handouts at trade shows, health fairs, job fairs or corporate events. Besides giving a useful gift, you are setting the right example when it comes to helping to save the earth. Oh yea, and your logo or message comes imprinted for all to see.