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Generally speaking, the power supply board and the switching power supply are not two opposing terms; there is little meaning in comparing them. However, some students ask this question while learning how to design switching power supplies. We will explain the differences between a switching power supply and a power board by discussing their definitions and the scope of application for each. Definitions of power boards and switching power supplies: Power boards have a fairly wide range; they include switching pulse power supplies as well as coupled transformer power supplies. By its literal definition, a power supply board is a single board that serves the function of providing power ； In principle, a power supply board is a functional circuit in electronic devices that converts the input power voltage into various voltage levels required by the electronic circuits; by placing these components on a single board, a circuit board is formed, which is what we call a power supply board. Switching power supplies: We have discussed this topic in detail in previous articles on principles and technology. Switching power supplies come in parallel and series configurations; they are power supply systems that achieve voltage conversion through switching. Their main advantages are small size, light weight, and high efficiency, which sets them apart from linear power supplies. In fact, switching power supplies are a type of power conversion circuit. The difference between a power board and a switching power supply: Literally speaking, the biggest difference is that a power board is just a circuit board without any external casing ； There are many types of switching power supplies: there are those that are bare circuit boards, as well as waterproof power supplies with enclosures, and so on; this is a difference in terms of appearance. In principle, the power supply board is used to provide electrical power for the load ； A switching power supply delivers a constant voltage and current; it is a power supply system that achieves voltage conversion through switching, and it is also a highly efficient power supply with a very high output power. There is no contradiction between the power supply board and the switching power supply, but when learning about switching power supplies, some students still have such doubts. For power boards and switching power supplies, it is sufficient for everyone to understand the difference between them based on their definitions and principles. If anyone has a better explanation, feel free to share it with us.