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| Linking grounds . K3 n! S# C7 w, o- [The link between the direct-current (DC) ground of a local electronic circuit and the earth reference potential of the mains is usually provided by the local power supply converting the line voltage into the required DC output.
 7 D5 p! V# G# D- RFigure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a low-cost switched-mode power supply (SMPS) typically used in personal computers, laser printers, and other equipment. Here the DC ground of the SMPS output is referenced to the protective earth (PE) conductor of the mains via the SMPS chassis. This direct link, therefore, acts as a sense conductor, establishing the PE voltage as the local DC ground potential.
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