Jan-11-2018, 02:54 PM
When a computer is turned off, the only current used is a minuscule amount to keep the clock running.
This is called hibernate mode, and uses a ridiculously low amount of current. In this mode, memory needs to be restored on
power up, but it is used on devices like space equipment where there is no outlet available for recharging batteries.
Most mcu's also have a sleep mode which still uses a small amount of current, but enough to maintain the memory. This is where the 'instant on' comes from.
In old electronics, there was a rectifier circuit which had large filter capacitors. These served dual purposes, one was to absorb the initial power surge
when power was applied, and the other was to smooth the dc output of switching power supplies. If a power supply was not adequately filtered, some of this
surge current could get into the equipment and damage it.
I don't think that this is still a problem today.
I'd say if it makes you feel warm and fuzzy, leave the power on.
I will still turn mine off.
This is called hibernate mode, and uses a ridiculously low amount of current. In this mode, memory needs to be restored on
power up, but it is used on devices like space equipment where there is no outlet available for recharging batteries.
Most mcu's also have a sleep mode which still uses a small amount of current, but enough to maintain the memory. This is where the 'instant on' comes from.
In old electronics, there was a rectifier circuit which had large filter capacitors. These served dual purposes, one was to absorb the initial power surge
when power was applied, and the other was to smooth the dc output of switching power supplies. If a power supply was not adequately filtered, some of this
surge current could get into the equipment and damage it.
I don't think that this is still a problem today.
I'd say if it makes you feel warm and fuzzy, leave the power on.
I will still turn mine off.