13.8V 7Amp Linear Power Supply OK To Use with DAC?

[jmdesignz2]

If a DAC has 12V / 2A requirement, is it OK to use a 13.8V / 7A linear power supply?

 

I thought an electrical component only pulls as many amps as it needs from the power supply and that a slight voltage variance is OK?

[jmdesignz2]

Just found this info also - "You can easily drop the output voltage of a DC power supply using some diodes in a series. Use oridinary silicon diodes rated at least the same amp capacity as the power supply, or higher. For each diode in series, subtract 0.6 volts. Just three in series will reduce the voltage 1.8 volts, down to 12 volts."

[plissken]

Amperage is the ability for the supply to supply power. You will be more than fine. Think of it as the capacity of a fire house. It could deliver 600 gallons/minute if called upon, but if all you need is a gallon a minute, well it can deliver that too. Its just when you want 700 gallons/minute you run into problems.

 

I'm driving a computer that only consumes 3 amp with a 7amp Tripplite linear supply. The voltage will drop some when the supply is under load.

[One and a half]

Just found this info also - "You can easily drop the output voltage of a DC power supply using some diodes in a series. Use oridinary silicon diodes rated at least the same amp capacity as the power supply, or higher. For each diode in series, subtract 0.6 volts. Just three in series will reduce the voltage 1.8 volts, down to 12 volts."

 

Yes, the voltage is important, the diodes are a good trick, try 10A rated diodes and they won't melt, even a bridge rectifier, just two will get you out of trouble, like BR106. Use two Diodes in one bridge -ve terminal to +ve and a single in the other ~ and the +ve out. 7A is more than enough, the DAC will only draw the 2A. Regulation shouldn't be too bad. Then again the spend on power supplies can approach USD800 and higher....

[Panelhead]

I would recommend you measure the output voltage of the power supply. The Metric Halo will be fine if the highest voltage it sees is 13.8 volts. It should be fine at 15 volts. There are raw voltage circuits and then the regulators. The big filter caps are most likely 25 volt. The regulators are good good for higher input voltage.

Most of the sensitive digital components operate at 5 or 3.3 volts. This is regulated whether 12 or 13.8 input.

[jmdesignz2]

I would recommend you measure the output voltage of the power supply. The Metric Halo will be fine if the highest voltage it sees is 13.8 volts. It should be fine at 15 volts. There are raw voltage circuits and then the regulators. The big filter caps are most likely 25 volt. The regulators are good good for higher input voltage.

Most of the sensitive digital components operate at 5 or 3.3 volts. This is regulated whether 12 or 13.8 input.

 

I am actually going to use this with another dac that's rated for 12V / 2A input