226140307126 Computer Maintenance &Troubleshooting (4360701)

Date:
Practical No. 04
Test power supply (SMPS) and identify different connectors with various voltage levels.
A .Objectives:
Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) is a power supply used in Computers that employ
a switching regulator to control and stabilize the output voltage by switching the load
current ON and OFF. These power supplies offer a great power conversion and reduce
the overall power loss. Hence students will be able to identify different voltage level
generated by SMPS required to operate computer system.

B .Relevant Program Outcomes (POs):

• Basic and Discipline specific knowledge (PO1): Apply knowledge of basic
mathematics, science and engineering fundamentals and engineering
specialization to solve the engineering problems.
• Problem analysis (PO2): Identify and analyse well-defined engineering problems
using codified standard methods.
• Design/development of solutions (PO3): Design solutions for engineering well-
defined technical problems and assist with the design of systems components or
processes to meet specified needs.
• Engineering Tools, Experimentation and Testing (PO4): Apply modern
engineering tools and appropriate technique to conduct standard tests and
measurements.
• Project Management (PO6): Use engineering management principles
individually, as a team member or a leader to manage projects and effectively
communicate about well-defined engineering activities.
• Life-long learning (PO7): Ability to analyse individual needs and engage in
updating in the context of technological changes in field of engineering.
C. Competency and Practical Skills:
This practical is expected to develop the following skills for the industry-identified
competency like
1. Install SMPS.

2. Measure various output voltage levels.

3. Handle computer system carefully.

D. Relevant Course Outcomes (COs):

a. Classify various types of motherboards and its components.

E. Practical Outcomes:
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a. Identify different connectors with various voltage levels.

b. Troubleshoot common problems of SMPS.

F. Relevant Affective domain Outcomes (ADOs):

5 Identify different voltage levels
6 Understand Functionality
7 Installation and Assembly
8 Troubleshooting

G. Prerequisite Theory:
The connectors used in Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) typically carry various
voltage levels depending on the specific design and requirements of the power supply and
the connected electronic system. Here are some common types of connectors associated
with SMPS, along with their potential voltage levels:

1. ATX Power Connector (PC Power Supply):

o Found in computer power supplies, the ATX power connector includes
various voltage levels:
 +3.3V
 +5V
 +12V
 -12V
2. EPS Power Connector (PC Power Supply):
o Similar to ATX connectors, the EPS connectors are used for additional
power to the CPU in computer systems. They also provide various voltage
levels, including +12V.
3. Molex Connectors (Peripheral Connectors):
o Molex connectors are commonly used to supply power to peripherals and
drives in computers. The voltage levels may include +5V and +12V.
4. SATA Power Connector (PC Storage Drives):
o Used to power SATA hard drives and SSDs in computers, SATA power
connectors typically provide +5V and +12V.
5. PCI Express (PCIe) Power Connector (Graphics Cards):
o PCIe connectors supply power to graphics cards in computers. The voltage
levels include +12V.
6. DC Power Jacks (External Power Supplies):
o External power supplies, such as those used for laptops and other electronic
devices, often have DC power jacks. The voltage level depends on the design
and requirements of the specific device but commonly includes +12V or
other voltages suitable for the device's power needs.
o
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H. Work Situation:
a. Faculty will demonstrate installation of SMPS.

b. Faculty must form a group of four or five students.

c. Students group will observe different voltage levels generated by SMPS on

connectors.
I. Resources required:
d. SMPS

e. Digital multi-meter
J. Procedure.
1. Connect main AC supply to SMPS and switch ON.

2. Check voltage levels in all connectors of SMPS using digital Multi-meter.

3. Note all voltage levels in observation table given below.

4. If voltage levels of all connector are correct, then switch OFF the power supply.

K. Practical related Question:

1. Explain SMPS with its functional block diagram.
Answer:
• A switching regulator is included in an electronic power supply called a switched-mode
power supply (SMPS) to facilitate effective electrical power conversion.
• An SMPS converts voltage and current while transferring power to DC loads via a DC or
AC source, just like other suppliers.
• Switching regulators are employed in SMPS devices to maintain & regulate the output
voltage by turning on or off the load current. The mean value between on and off is the
appropriate power output for a system.
• The SMPS reduces depletion strength because, in contrast to the linear power supply, it
carries transistor switches between low dissipation, full-on as well as full-off phases and
spends significantly fewer seconds in high dissipation cycles.
• In the initial stage, a rectifier and filter are used to process the AC power that comes in into
DC.
• Because the SMPS operates at high frequencies, the DC signal is processed by a
highfrequency switch to produce a medium-frequency pulsating DC signal.
• A power transformer reduces the high-voltage DC output to the proper level of DC signal.
• Reversing and filtering the stepped-down DC signal results in a constant steady DV output.
• To guarantee a constant output stream of the intended voltage, the control circuitry
continuously monitors the generated voltage and modifies the high-frequency switch.

2. State how many power connectors on SMPS.

Answer:
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A typical SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply) for a computer usually has the following power
connectors:
o 24-pin ATX connector – This is the main connector that powers the motherboard. o 4-pin/8-pin
12V connector – Provides additional power to the CPU. o SATA power connectors – Typically 1 to
4 connectors for powering hard drives and SSDs. o 6-pin/8-pin PCIe connectors – Used to provide
power to graphics cards. o 4-pin Molex connectors – Older power connectors used for
peripherals, but still available in some power supplies for backward compatibility.
o Floppy drive power connector – An older 4-pin connector that is rarely used today, but still
included on some SMPS units.

3. Write down the different voltage level observed in table given below.

Pin No Wire Color Output Voltage

+3.3V
1 Orange
+3.3V
2 Orange
Ground
3 Black (0V)

+5V
4 Red
Ground(0V)
5 Black
+5V
6 Red
Ground(0V)
7 Black
Power Good
8 Gray (PG)

+5VSB
9 Purple (Standby)

+12V
10 Yellow
+12V
11 Yellow
+3.3V
12 Orange
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+3.3
13 Orange V

-12V
14 Blue
Ground(0V)
15 Black
Power On
16 Green (PS_ON)

Ground (0V)
17 Black
Ground(0V)
18 Black
Ground (0V)
19 Black
-5V
20 White
+5V
21 Red
+5V
22 Red
+5V
23 Red
Ground(0V)

24 Black
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Aim: Test power supply (SMPS) and identify different connectors with various voltage
levels.

SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) Definition:

Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) is an electronic power supply that uses switching
regulators to convert electrical power efficiently. It transfers power from a source (like the
mains) to a load (such as a computer) while ensuring the required voltage and current
characteristics.

Working of SMPS:
1. Rectifier
• Purpose: Converts AC (Alternating Current) into DC (Direct Current).

• Working:
o The AC voltage from the input power source is passed through a rectifier circuit
(usually a bridge rectifier).
o This rectifier allows only one direction of current flow, producing a pulsating DC
output.
o The pulsating DC is then smoothed by a capacitor (filter) to reduce ripple and
provide a steady DC voltage.
• Types: Half-wave rectifier, full-wave rectifier, or bridge rectifier.

2. Transformer
• Purpose: Steps up or steps down the input AC voltage and provides isolation between
input and output.
• Working:
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o The transformer is connected before the rectifier in some SMPS designs or after in
high-frequency SMPS designs.
o In SMPS, high-frequency AC is fed to the transformer instead of low-frequency
mains AC.
o The high-frequency operation makes transformers smaller and more efficient
because the size of the transformer depends on frequency.

3. Switching Element
• Purpose: Controls the flow of current to maintain a stable output voltage.

• Working:
o The DC output from the rectifier is fed to a high-speed switching element (typically
a MOSFET or IGBT).
o The switch operates at high frequencies (e.g., 20 kHz to several MHz), turning on
and off rapidly.
o By adjusting the duty cycle (on/off ratio), the switching element regulates the
output voltage.
o The high-frequency switching reduces power loss and makes SMPS more efficient
than linear power supplies.

4. Filter
• Purpose: Smoothens the pulsating DC output and removes high-frequency noise or ripple.

• Working: o The filter is usually a combination of capacitors, inductors, or both.

o After the switching stage, the output voltage contains high-frequency components.
o The filter eliminates these unwanted components, ensuring a clean and
stable DC voltage is delivered to the load.
o It also helps in improving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) by reducing noise.

How They Work Together in SMPS

1. Input AC → Passed to a Rectifier → Converted to DC.
2. DC Voltage → Fed to a Switching Element → Chopped into high-frequency pulses.

3. High-Frequency Pulses → Sent to a Transformer → Voltage adjusted as per

requirements.

4. Rectified Again (if needed) → Smoothed by the Filter → Clean, stable DC output.
This combined system makes SMPS highly efficient, compact, and reliable for powering devices
like computers, TVs, and chargers. Let me know if you'd like any part explained further!
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Usage of SMPS:
• Used in computers and servers to power motherboards.

• Powering telecommunication equipment.

• Found in consumer electronics like TVs, chargers, and gaming consoles.
• Utilized in industrial machinery and automation systems.

Advantages of SMPS:
1. High Efficiency: Minimal power loss due to high-frequency switching.
2. Compact Design: Smaller components like transformers and inductors are used.
3. Lightweight: Reduced size and weight compared to linear power supplies.
4. Wide Input Range: Can handle varying input voltage effectively.
5. Better Regulation: Provides stable output even with load and input changes.

Types of SMPS:
1. AC to DC Converter: Converts AC input into DC output.
2. DC to DC Converter: Converts one DC voltage level to another.
3. Flyback Converter: Used for low-power applications.
4. Forward Converter: Used for medium-power applications.
5. Push-Pull Converter: Offers high power for industrial use.
6. Half-Bridge and Full-Bridge Converters: Used in very high-power applications.

Pin diagram of SMPS:

226140307126 Computer Maintenance &Troubleshooting (4360701)

• SMPS has two version they are mentioned below:

1. Version 1.0 (20-pin)
2. Version 2.0 (24-pin)
Explanation of Main Pins:
Each pin has a specific voltage or function:
Power Pins:
• +3.3VDC (Orange): Provides 3.3V power to motherboard components.

• +5VDC (Red): Supplies 5V power.

• +12VDC / +12V1 DC (Yellow): Provides 12V power for components like CPU and GPU.
• +5VSB (Purple): "Standby Power" – supplies 5V when the system is off but plugged in.
Ground (COM) Pins:
• COM (Black): Ground connections.

Control Pins:
• PS_ON# (Green): Power Supply On – The motherboard pulls this pin low (0V) to turn on
the power supply.
• PWR_OK (Gray): Power Good Signal – Indicates the power supply is stable and
operating correctly.
Negative Voltage Pins (Used in Older Systems):
• -12VDC (Blue): Used for serial ports and older expansion cards.

• -5VDC (White, only in Version 1.0): Used in older ISA slots (removed in Version 2.0).
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Key Differences Between Version 1.0 and 2.0:

1. Version 2.0 has 24 pins, while Version 1.0 has 20 pins.
2. Version 2.0 includes additional +12V and +3.3V pins for improved power distribution.
3. Version 1.0 has a -5V pin, which is removed in Version 2.0 since it became obsolete.
4. Version 2.0 has an "N/C" (Not Connected) pin in place of the -5V pin.
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L. Assessment Rubrics:

% of
Criteria poin Rubrics Marks
t
Excellent (90-100%): Thorough understanding and
precise explanation with accurate and comprehensive
information.
C1: Adequate (70-89%): Good understanding with accurate
Content 50 % presentation, covering essential aspects.
Accuracy &
Needs Improvement (50-69%): Basic understanding with
noticeable inaccuracies or missing details.
Insufficient (Below 50%): Significant lack of
understanding with major inaccuracies or
misunderstandings.
Excellent (90-100%): Insightful analysis and logical
reasoning with coherent and well-developed arguments.
Adequate (70-89%): Reasonable analysis with logical flow
C2: and coherent arguments, though lacking depth.
Analysis / 25% Needs Improvement (50-69%): Limited analysis or logical
Testing flaws, requiring improvement in depth and coherence.
Insufficient (Below 50%): Lack of analysis or significant
logical flaws, indicating insufficient understanding or
effort.
Excellent (90-100%): Clear and concise writing with
effective use of language and appropriate terminology.
Adequate (70-89%): Mostly clear with occasional
C3: ambiguity, utilizing language appropriately.
Clarity 25% Needs Improvement (50-69%): Lack of clarity and
Presentation confusing expression, requiring improvement in
language usage.
Insufficient (Below 50%): Poor clarity and confusing
& expression, indicating significant issues in language and
presentation.
Total Marks for Practical = 0.5 * (Marks of C1) + 0.25 * (Marks of C2) + 0.25 * (Marks of
C3)

Signature with Date: