Definition and Form Factor Differences
Switching Power Supply: Generally refers to an open-frame or enclosed unit that converts AC mains power to DC (e.g., 12V/24V). Power ranges from tens of watts to several thousand watts, and it includes complete peripheral circuits and heat dissipation structures.
Modular Power Supply: A highly integrated DC-DC or AC-DC conversion unit, typically in standard packages (such as 1/4 brick, 1/2 brick), which can be directly mounted onto a circuit board.
Application Scenarios
Switching Power Supply: Suitable for powering complete equipment (industrial computers, chargers, LED displays), requiring larger installation space and allowing for natural cooling or forced air cooling.
Modular Power Supply: Suitable for space-constrained scenarios with high requirements for electromagnetic compatibility and reliability, such as board-level power supply inside communication base stations, railway signaling equipment, and medical devices. Modular power supplies offer design flexibility, allowing multiple units to be connected in parallel or configured for redundancy, but the cost per unit of power is higher.
In a Nutshell: Ample space inside the equipment, high power, cost-sensitive → Switching Power Supply; Board-level embedded, high power density, high reliability required → Modular Power Supply.