*Question G7A08:
Which of the following is characteristic of a switchmode power supply as compared to a linear power supply?*  

*Correct Answer is  C: High-frequency operation allows the use of smaller components*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

Switchmode power supplies (SMPS) and linear power supplies are two different types of power supply designs, each with its own characteristics.

### Correct Answer: C: High-frequency operation allows the use of smaller components

1. **Why the correct answer is correct:**
   - Switchmode power supplies operate at high frequencies, often in the range of tens to hundreds of kilohertz. This high-frequency operation allows the use of smaller inductors and capacitors compared to linear power supplies. The size of these components is inversely related to the frequency: as frequency increases, the size of the components needed for energy storage decreases.

### Why the other choices are incorrect:

2. **A: Faster switching time makes higher output voltage possible**
   - Faster switching time does not inherently make higher output voltage possible. The output voltage of a power supply is determined by its design and the components used, not just the switching speed.

3. **B: Fewer circuit components are required**
   - Switchmode power supplies typically require more components than linear power supplies. They include additional components like switching transistors, diodes, and control circuitry to manage the high-frequency operation.

4. **D: Inherently more stable**
   - Stability in power supplies is more about the design and feedback mechanisms rather than the type of power supply. Switchmode power supplies can be stable, but they are not inherently more stable than linear power supplies. Stability depends on how well the power supply can maintain its output under varying load conditions.

### Additional Notes:

- **Efficiency:** Switchmode power supplies are generally more efficient than linear power supplies because they minimize wasted energy as heat.
- **Size and Weight:** Due to the smaller components, switchmode power supplies are often lighter and more compact than their linear counterparts.

Understanding these characteristics will help you differentiate between switchmode and linear power supplies, which is essential for the exam.