Component Analysis

Before reading this page, we strongly suggest a look at this article, which will help you understand the internals of a PSU better.



This is a new CWT platform with a very small PCB for its maximum power output. The design is clean as most power transfers are done through PCB traces instead of wires. However, such an overpopulated PCB doesn't allow for much space between components, so airflow won't be optimal. There are no proper heatsinks on the secondary side, which is typical for a CWT design, and the main transformer is connected to the +12 V board with a pair of short and thick wires. The +12 V board is right next to the main transformer to minimize energy losses and increase efficiency.


The transient filter has all the required components to suppress power surges and EMI emissions.


There is an NTC thermistor and bypass relay combo for restricting large inrush currents.


Each of the two bridge rectifiers can handle up to 15 A. They have been installed in parallel.


The APFC converter uses quality components, including a Chemi-Con cap rated at 420 V instead of the 400 V many manufacturers use to decrease cost.


The primary switching FETs are configured in a half-bridge topology. A resonant converter is also utilized to reduce energy losses.


The FETs that regulate the +12 V rail are installed on a vertical board right next to the main transformer. CWT uses a few small heatsinks to cool down these FETs.


The majority of electrolytic caps are of very high quality. Many polymer caps are also used for ripple-filtering purposes.


Two voltage regulation modules generate the minor rails.


The 5VSB circuit uses a FET on its primary side and an SBR on its secondary side.


The supervisor IC is an IN1S313I-SAG.


Lots of polymer caps are installed on the modular board as an extra ripple filtering stage.


As per usual for CWT, soldering quality is good.


As is usually is the case, optocouplers are used to pass signals between the primary and secondary sides.


The cooling fan is provided by Hong Hua, a company that has managed to conquer the PSU manufacturing market with its fans. It uses a fluid dynamic bearing and measures 120 mm across.