FCC Exam Question: 39E5

Power supplies with inductive input filters have the following characteristics:

A. Poor voltage regulation with high peak rectifier currents.
B. Good voltage regulation with high transformer utilization factor.
C. Low transformer utilization factor with low rectifier peak currents.
D. High transformer utilization factor with high rectifier peak currents.
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Power supplies with inductive input filters (also known as choke-input filters) place an inductor in series with the rectifier output *before* the main filter capacitor. This inductor's property of opposing changes in current causes it to smooth the rectified current, spreading out the current draw over a longer portion of the AC cycle. This leads to: 1. **Good Voltage Regulation:** The smoother, more continuous current draw from the rectifier helps maintain the output voltage more consistently under varying load conditions. The output voltage drops less when a load is applied compared to a capacitor-input filter. 2. **High Transformer Utilization Factor:** Because the rectifier currents are lower in peak value and more continuous, the transformer is utilized more efficiently. Its VA (volt-ampere) rating is better matched to the DC power delivered, allowing for a higher percentage of the transformer's capacity to be used effectively. This means the transformer runs cooler and can deliver more DC power for its size. Therefore, options A and D are incorrect because they mention high peak rectifier currents, which are characteristic of capacitor-input filters, not inductive input filters. Option C is incorrect because inductive input filters provide a *high* transformer utilization factor.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.