What are the purposes of a Transformer?

The purpose of a power transformer in Switch-Mode Power Supplies is to transfer power efficiently and instantaneously from an external electrical source to an external load. In doing so, the transformer also provides important additional capabilities:

• The primary to secondary turns ratio can be established to efficiently accommodate widely different input/output voltage levels.
• Multiple secondaries with different numbers of turns can be used to achieve multiple outputs at different voltage levels.
• Separate primary and secondary windings facilitate high voltage input/output isolation, especially important for safety in off-line applications.

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