What is the difference between alternating current and direct current?

Here is a brief explanation of alternating current and direct current. What exactly is the difference between the two and what should you pay attention to when using a power supply for your electronic circuit? Can't I just use any power supply for my electronic project, you may ask yourself? No, unfortunately you can't. You not only have to pay attention to the correct voltage, but also whether you are dealing with AC of DC. In addition, a power supply must be well stabilized for your electronic circuit.

Alternating Current (AC)

Alternating Current (AC) flows first in one direction and then in the other direction, continuously changing direction. An AC voltage changes continuously between positive (+) and negative (-). A pole (connection wire) is therefore very quickly alternately positive (+) and then negative (-).

The speed at which the direction changes is called the frequency of the AC and is expressed in hertz (HZ). This is the number that indicates the number of changes in direction per second. The electricity that comes from the mains in Europe has a frequency of 50 HZ. This means that the alternating current in our country changes direction 50 times per second. An alternating current power supply is suitable for powering motors (vacuum cleaner) or lighting, but most electronic circuits require direct current (DC).

Direct Current (DC)

Direct Current (DC) always flows in the same direction but it can increase or decrease. So there is always a pole (connection wire) that is negative (-) and one pole (connection wire) that is positive (+). Electronic circuits normally need a stable DC power supply that constantly delivers one and the same level.

Batteries and so-called stabilized power supplies provide the necessary stable direct current that is ideal for electronic circuits. Power supplies contain a so-called transformer. This transformer converts the dangerous alternating current of 230 volts to a lower alternating current voltage. The alternating current is then converted into a direct current by using a so-called rectifier, also called a bridge cell. The output is however a varying direct current and this is not yet suitable for electronic circuits.

That is why most DC power supplies also have an electrolytic capacitor to generate a stable DC current. This stabilized DC current is finally suitable for your electronic circuits.

Dexman

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