SMPS Full Form: Switched Mode Power Supply

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    • In the field of computers and electronics, the term SMPS is quite common and has been talked about a lot. SMPS is one of the important components of a computer. But the first question that comes to mind is - what is the full form of SMPS.


    In this article, we will learn what SMPS is, what the SMPS full form is, a brief history of SMPS, how SMPS works, its functions, features, types, and more.

    What You Will Learn


    What is the full form of SMPS?

    SMPS is an abbreviation used for ‘Switched Mode Power Supply’. Sometimes, it can also be referred to as ‘Switching Mode Power Supply’. SMPS is one of the important parts required for a motherboard or PCB (printed circuit board) to function in a computer system.

    SMPS Full Form

    The full form of the SMPS can be detailed as:

    S Switched
    M Mode
    P Power
    S Supply

    Brief History about SMPS

    SMPS was first introduced in 1977. It was used in Apple II. Later in 1980, SMPS was used with a synthesized signal generator providing an alternative to very lightweight computers.

    In the mid-1800s, when there was no SMPS, the induction coil was the first component that helped generate high voltages. However, the use of the induction coil was replaced by several inventions over time. Before SMPS, the MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) was widely used for power devices to switch power supplies. MOSFET was developed in 1959.

    How does SMPS work?

    SMPS uses a switching regulator to regulate and stabilize the output voltage by turning on and off load-current. The mean voltage between the two states (on and off) is the appropriate power for the device. Unlike linear power supplies, SMPS pass-transistors switch between low-dissipation, full-on & full-off states, and remain in high-dissipation cycles for very short periods, reducing energy waste to the maximum extent.


    Function of SMPS

    The primary function of SMPS is to convert unregulated AC or DC voltage into the computer acceptable regulated DC voltage. It uses a power control electronic mechanism to convert electrical power efficiently and minimizes the power loss. 

    Characteristics of SMPS

    The main characteristics of SMPS include the followings:

    • SMPS is highly power efficient. It provides an efficiency of around 65-70%.
    • SMPS is capable of handling temperature proficiently. The temperature may rise to a 20-40 degree Celsius maximum.
    • The magnetic material used in SMPS is known as Ferrite Core.

    Types of SMPS

    SMPS is mainly divided into the following four types on the basis of circuit topology:

    Buck: In this type of SMPS, the current remains continuous at the output.
    Boost: In this type of SMPS, the current remains continuous at the Input.
    Buck-Boost: In this type of SMPS, the current on both input and output remains discontinuous.
    Split-pi: In this type of SMPS, the current remains bidirectional.


    Advantages of SMPS

    The following are the main advantages of SMPS:

    • SMPS is small in size, and hence it is also lightweight.
    • Anti-interference in SMPS is powerful.
    • SMPS consumes approximately 60–70% of power, making it ideal for use.
    • The output range of SMPS is high, so SMPS is highly efficient.

    Disadvantages of SMPS

    The following are the main disadvantages of SMPS:

    • SMPS is very complex in nature.
    • SMPS consists of a single output voltage.
    • SMPS can only be used as a step-down regulator.
    • The output reflection in SMPS is high, and its management is weak.

    Summary

    This article states that SMPS (stands for Switched-Mode Power Supply) is one of the most important parts of a computer system, and it is not possible to start a computer without SMPS. SMPS mainly helps the computer to convert the incoming voltage into an acceptable form in the computer.

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    What is HTTPS? Definition and Working

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    • This article is designed to help people learn the basics of HTTPS along with the topics such as what is HTTPS, working of HTTPS, and the advantages of HTTPS.

    What is HTTPS

    What is HTTPS?

    HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is an encrypted version of HTTP. It is not actually the opposite of HTTP. Instead, it is an improved version of HTTP. HTTPS uses a combination of Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This establishes a secure encrypted connection between the host server and the browser.

    In HTTPS, transactions are carried out with the help of a key-based encryption algorithm. The public key infrastructure (PKI) is used because it is supported by most web browsers, while the private key is used by the webserver of the particular website the user wants to access. The distribution of public keys is done through certificates that are maintained by web browsers. 


    When a client starts a connection with a host server, the two devices use the public and private key to agree on new keys, known as session keys, to encrypt further communications between them. Encryption keys are exchanged between the host server and the web browser before the actual data or hypertext.

    How does HTTPS work?

    Just like HTTP, HTTPS is also used to request web data and display it on the web browser. But, HTTPS has a slightly different working process. Unlike HTTP, HTTPS encrypts requests and responses so an intercepting hacker would not see the actual text a user has entered. Instead, the hacker will see random characters and would not be able to understand it due to the encryption.

    The SSL certificate is responsible to encrypt the information that the user enters on the site. The information or data is converted into random code. In addition, TLS provides an extra layer of security. TLS helps provide data integrity, which helps prevent data from being modified or corrupted and authenticated, proving to your users that they are communicating with the intended website.

    What is HTTPS - How does https work

    Advantages of HTTPS

    • It encrypts the connection and helps users to do secure online transactions such as online banking.

    • It uses SSL technology to protect user information from unauthorized sources which builds the trust of users.

    • Typically, HTTPS uses the redirect option to provide increased security. This means that if a user enters http: // instead of https://, it will automatically redirect to an https:// and establish a secure connection.

    • An independent authority verifies the identity of the owner of the certificate. Therefore, each SSL certificate contains unique, certified information about the certificate owner.

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    Full Form of CMOS: What is CMOS in Computer?

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    • The term CMOS might sound unfamiliar but you probably may have heard it frequently. Have you ever thought about how the computer keeps time and date even when it has turned off! The reason for this is CMOS. So, what is CMOS?


    In this article, we have briefly covered the most important topics about CMOS, such as the full form of CMOS, What is CMOS, Who invented CMOS, and more. 

    What You Will Learn


    What does CMOS stand for?

    CMOS stands for “Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor”. Other terms commonly used for CMOS are CMOS RAM, RTC (Real-Time Clock), NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM), Non-Volatile BIOS memory, and COS-MOS (Complementary-Symmetry Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor).

    Full Form of CMOS

    The full form of CMOS can be explained as:

    C Complementary
    M Metal
    O Oxide
    S Semiconductor

    Now, let’s talk about what CMOS is:

    What is CMOS?

    CMOS is a battery-powered integrated circuit that is assembled on a computer motherboard. It is a special kind of memory chip used to store basic information on the computer. The information that is stored can be BIOS settings, system time and date, as well as hardware settings of the system. 

    Who invented CMOS?

    Frank Wanlass first invented CMOS at ‘Fairchild Semiconductor’ in 1963. Later in 1968, the CMOS Integrated Circuit was invented by Albert Medwin and his team.


    The first CMOS RAM chip was used in early IBM computers. The chip was named as the Motorola 146818. It was capable of storing 64 bytes of data. 

    What is CMOS used for?

    As stated above, the main function of CMOS is to store start-up data that BIOS uses to boot the computer system. The CMOS chip is generally powered by the CMOS battery.

    For example, there are several functionalities in computers that keep on running even when the computer is turned off. They require very less power consumption. The clock system in computers is one such functionality that consumes a significant amount of power. The clock system keeps on working and this is possible only because of CMOS. 

    Besides, we can reinsert the CMOS battery to reset the BIOS settings to the default configuration. This is one of the easiest troubleshooting steps for most of the complex computer errors. 

    What is CMOS Battery?

    The CMOS battery is a coin-sized cell battery that is responsible for powering up the CMOS memory chip. The CMOS battery is found on the motherboard and can be easily replaced if it is dead. However, replacing a CMOS battery will change the BIOS settings as well as the date and the time of the computer system to default. 

    The assembled CMOS battery looks like the following image:

    Full Form of CMOS - CMOS in Computer


    Note: It should be noted that the CMOS battery and CMOS sensor are the two different things. CMOS sensors are generally used in digital cameras to convert images into digital data.

    Devices that use CMOS

    CMOS technology is generally used in the following devices:

    • Microprocessors
    • Microcontrollers
    • SRAM (Static RAM)
    • Digital Logic Circuits

    Life Span of CMOS

    CMOS is a technology that includes both negative and positive metal-oxide semiconductors. Because CMOS uses one charge at a time, it consumes very less power.  The main reason for this is that the charges can stay in the same state for a longer time. Therefore, energy is consumed only when it is required. Due to this, CMOS based transistors do not generally heat up and provides high-speed. It also helps CMOS last longer.


    The standard lifespan of a Lithium-based CMOS battery is around 10 years. However, it may vary depending on the usage and the atmosphere where the computer system resides.

    How to know if CMOS battery is failing?

    It is very easy to know if the CMOS battery is failing. In such a case, the computer clock system will behave inappropriately. This means that the date of the computer will change to January 1, 1990, and the time will reset to 12:00 pm. This is the common sign that indicates the CMOS battery has failed.

    Besides, if there are the following errors as soon the computer boots up, then this might also be an indication for the CMOS battery failure:

    • CMOS Read Error
    • CMOS Battery Failure
    • CMOS Checksum Error
    • System battery voltage is low

    Can we recharge a dead CMOS battery?

    It actually depends on the types of battery your computer has. There are both types of batteries. But, most computers are using Lithium batteries and they cannot be recharged. CMOS CR2032 is an example of a non-chargeable battery while CMOS ML2023 is an example of a rechargeable battery. However, the rechargeable batteries cannot be recharged from the computer itself.

    How CMOS and BIOS work together?

    BIOS and CMOS are the chips on the computer motherboard, but they are two different components with different functionalities. They both work together for a specific purpose on computers. The purpose of the BIOS chip is to communicate between the CPU and other hardware components. Besides, BIOS firmware is responsible for Power-On-Self-Test that makes sure that all the connected components or devices are working.


    On the other side, the CMOS chip is similar to a RAM chip, which means it will lose the settings once the computer is turned off. But, CMOS battery is used to keep the CMOS chip working even when the computer is turned off.

    When a computer is started, BIOS pulls the data from CMOS chip and synchronizes the time, date, and hardware settings, etc. Then it creates communication between hardware components and boots up normally. The CMOS chip usually stores as little as 256 bytes of data.

    Summary

    CMOS (abbreviation for 'Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor') is one of the most important components of a computer system, and turning on the computer without CMOS will be problematic. Besides, if there is a dead CMOS in a computer, the system will boot normally but the time and date will be changed to default every-time when it is turned off. The computer won’t be able to keep the current time and date.

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    VIRUS Full Form: What does VIRUS stand for?

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    • We have heard the term 'VIRUS' in the field of medical and computers. Most people are aware that it is dangerous in both areas, but most people do not really know the full form of VIRUS.


    In this article, we are going to understand what the VIRUS full form is, what a VIRUS is, its effect, types, symptoms, and more, in the field of computers.

    What You Will Learn


    What is the full form of VIRUS?

    The meaning or full form of VIRUS is ‘Vital Information Resources Under Seize’. A computer virus is a type of malicious program or a set of codes that attacks computers to cause damage to them and their data. A virus can also steal the user's information and send it to the attackers. Other related dangerous software includes malware, adware, Trojans, spyware, etc.

    VIRUS Full Form

    The full form of VIRUS can be explained as:

    V Vital
    I Information
    R Resources
    U Under
    S Seize

    Let's talk about what the VIRUS is:

    What is a Virus?

    According to a definition, ‘Computer virus is a malicious code or a program designed to change the way a computer system operates and is written in such a way that it can spread from one computer to another by itself without the user’s knowledge to operate malicious actions.’

    In case the VIRUS succeeds to get into the computer or any other electronic device, it tends to affect the data files, drives, software, or boot sector, etc. There can be several ways that a virus can use to harm the devices or the data stored in the devices. Viruses are created or developed by humans to gain access to the private information of individuals, companies, or government organizations. Such humans are called attackers or hackers.


    Effects of Computer Virus

    Attackers can use viruses to perform a variety of actions. Some of the most critical effects performed using the viruses are listed below:

    • Viruses can slow down computers by damaging the system files.
    • Viruses can delete user data without the user's permission.
    • Viruses can affect a boot system of a computer so that it does not operate.
    • Viruses can access stored data and transfer it to someone else.
    • Viruses can gain access to social accounts stored on computers and even automatically post irrelevant content on their behalf.
    • Viruses can display many malicious advertisements or exaggerated messages on a computer screen to attract users' attention. This, meanwhile, helps to insert the virus into the computer.

    Types of Computer Virus

    There are many types of computer viruses and they affect computers in different ways. We cannot really define how many types of computer viruses are because they are constantly evolving with technology. Attackers are always working to bypass security with new viruses to gain access to the user's devices.

    Some of the most important types of computer viruses are listed below:


    • Boot Sector Virus
    • Directory Virus
    • FAT Virus
    • Direct Action Virus
    • Resident Virus
    • Non-resident Virus
    • Multipartite Virus
    • Retrovirus
    • Stealth Virus
    • Spacefiller Virus

    Check the complete list of computer viruses and their definition here: Types of Computer Virus

    Symptoms of a Computer Virus

    Most viruses are designed with such a nature that they can replicate themselves from one device to another. Besides, the Internet is the main medium from which viruses can be automatically downloaded from malicious websites to computers. Viruses can produce a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:

    • Computer becomes slow
    • Frequent pop-up windows open automatically
    • Unknown programs start with the windows start-up
    • Unknown programs are running in the background
    • Unusual activities like password changes or file deletion
    • Frequent crashes even when the computer is idle
    • Mass emails being sent from the attached email account on a computer
    • Irrelevant status updates on connected social media accounts

    How to protect a computer from viruses?

    To protect a computer from viruses, it is best to use trusted antivirus software and keep it updated with the latest virus definitions. Apart from this, we should not open malicious websites or attachments that might come with the emails. Also, programs should only be downloaded from the official websites or trusted third-party sources.


    Summary

    VIRUS (stands for ‘Vital Information Resources Under Seize’) is a malicious program designed by humans to access the sensitive data of any individual, enterprise, or government organizations through their devices without permission. Attackers use the retrieved information for their personal profit. Viruses can be dangerous, and so it is recommended to use computer devices by following the proper safety guidelines. Apart from this, good antivirus software can be beneficial.

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