OK this is just a quick one. When you build an electronic circuit you have to power it, some how energize it so it can do your bidding. Here is what I use. 

When you start out in electronics it is recommended that you use batteries to power your circuits. The up side to this is that it is fairly safe to use, the down side is that you have to continually buy new batteries (not fun for the old wallet). As you gain confidence you will feel more comfortable using a bench power supply for your projects. 

So what is a bench power supply?

It’s what it says on the tin. It is a power supply on a bench (or table or the floor, basically anywhere you want to place it).  There are many types of supplies out there some simple, some mind bending-ly (is that a real word???) complex. I find for the hobbyist, it is a good idea to make your own to match your needs. By doing this you can save yourself a lot of hard earned cash plus you learn something at the same time. 

My first Bench Power Supply

My first bench power supply was a single channel, variable voltage (1.25V to 12.1V) DC power supply based around a LM317 adjustable voltage series regulator. After making one minor alteration to the circuit, I can say that it is still working well after around 15 years. Not bad going. And what was this  minor alteration I hear you ask, well it was the same circuit but with components of a higher current rating. 

Why do you need a Bench Power Supply???

I’m not going to tell you why you need it, I’m just going to tell you what I use it for. 

• Power small circuits.
• Power my hand drill while drilling PCBs
• Test relays, buzzers, LEDs etc.
• Test circuits at extremes of voltage supplies.

And those are just the normal things. As you can see there are a few applications plus what ever your imagination can throw at it. 

Simple 5V Regulated Power Supply (PSU)

OK, that’s it for me. If you want to see how simple it is to make a Bench Power Supply why not check out my Simple Regulated Power Supply project or even my hacked Three output Switch mode power Supply project. You may be pleasantly surprised.