transformer question

[Fishy]

Hello ...

I have a couple of questions regarding the use of transformers ... (I am
trying to power an audio amplifier)

(1) is it possible to supply +V / 0 / -V by using just a single secondary?

(2) considering it's an audio amp circuit (~ 70W), if the voltage output
from the transformer secondary is too high (it's 35.90VAC, so roughly
51VDC ... but I need around 40VDC), what's the most effective way of
lowering the DC voltage?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Jeffrey Turner]

Hello ...

I have a couple of questions regarding the use of transformers ... (I am
trying to power an audio amplifier)

(1) is it possible to supply +V / 0 / -V by using just a single secondary?

There are two terminals to the secondary, how do you propose to get
three voltages? If you want the two sides to share a common ground
then the answer is no. If the secondary circuit is isolated then the
voltages are arbitrary and you can get +V/2 | -V/2 and build the
circuit with ground between them.

(2) considering it's an audio amp circuit (~ 70W), if the voltage output
from the transformer secondary is too high (it's 35.90VAC, so roughly
51VDC ... but I need around 40VDC), what's the most effective way of
lowering the DC voltage?

By building a power supply, either linear or switching, out of it.

--Jeff

 

[Bob Masta]

Hello ...

I have a couple of questions regarding the use of transformers ... (I am
trying to power an audio amplifier)

(1) is it possible to supply +V / 0 / -V by using just a single secondary?

Not easily.

(2) considering it's an audio amp circuit (~ 70W), if the voltage output
from the transformer secondary is too high (it's 35.90VAC, so roughly
51VDC ... but I need around 40VDC), what's the most effective way of
lowering the DC voltage?

Many, if not most, audio power amps of the sort one is
likely to build as a beginner project are pretty tolerant
of different supply voltages. As long as the voltage
doesn't exceed that of your transistors, this won't
likely be a problem by itself.

However, the thing you *do* need to watch out
for is power handling of the output devices.
If you plan on running this thing hard into a
minimum load, you might exceed the device
limits. Usually the supply voltages are what
limits the output power. As a good approximation,
you take 70% of the supply voltage, square it,
and divide by the speaker impedance.

You might need bigger devices, or more of
them in parallel, or better heat sinks, or just
make sure you never use 4 ohm speakers, etc.



Bob Masta
dqatechATdaqartaDOTcom

D A Q A R T A
Data AcQuisition And Real-Time Analysis
www.daqarta.com

 

[Dimitrij Klingbeil]

Hello ...

I have a couple of questions regarding the use of transformers ... (I am
trying to power an audio amplifier)

(1) is it possible to supply +V / 0 / -V by using just a single secondary?

Yes. Even quite easily (2 diodes needed)

<-------\|/-x-|>|------x-------> + DC out
AC /|\ | D1 _|_ +
in \|/ | C1 --- -
<-------/|\------------x-------> DC common
| _|_ +
| D2 C2 --- -
'-|<|------x-------> - DC out

Select the capacitors depending on the load required.
Note that the rectifiers are only half-wave each one.

Note also that the diodes should be able to handle
approx. 4 times the current requirement (each side)

(2) considering it's an audio amp circuit (~ 70W), if the voltage output
from the transformer secondary is too high (it's 35.90VAC, so roughly
51VDC ... but I need around 40VDC), what's the most effective way of
lowering the DC voltage?

Try some workaround. A lot of audio amps just operate
on a poorly regulated / varying voltage. Maybe power
all electronics except the last stage from regulated
voltage (linear is enough) and use some trick to make
the last stage handle inexact PS voltages if possible.

Amp circuit needed for details on what 'trick' to use, please
post a small jpeg right here (I can't access ABSE at this time).

Dimitrij