Electronics Question - Power Supply

[redfishbluefish]

One of my antique Ecotech MP40 power supplies died. I replaced it matching volts, amps and the plug size and correct configuration of positive and negative. My question is the old power supply had a cylindrical thing-a-ma-bob in line with the power cord going to the controller. What is it and is it needed in the new power supply? The new power supply doesn't have this.

 

[blaxsun]

The "thinga-ma-bob" is called a ferrite bead or more commonly, a choke. Cables can act like unintentional antennas - broadcasting noise or electrical interference. The purpose of the choke is to prevent that.

 

[miran2782]

It is a ferrite core or ferrite bead. Basically a passive filter to reduce noise. It is not really in-line but a hollow cylinder and the wire passes through it. They do have snap together ones like the link below.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetai...wcSNKLzxMQAfeWA40SrUxG7ZafhkQUHAaAiZbEALw_wcB

 

[miran2782]

My guess is you don't need it unless you notice any issues.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Thanks for the quick reply. What's the down side of using the power supply without a ferrit core?

EDIT TO ADD:

Oops, you answered my question while I was typing. I'm going to give it a go without it and see what happens. Thanks again.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Potential electrical interference. If your are worried about that, clip on chokes are available as said above.