What happens to the average output voltage of a power supply when the load is increased?

When the load on a power supply is increased, the average output voltage typically decreases due to the internal resistance of the power supply and potential voltage regulation issues. As more current is drawn from the power supply to meet the increased load, the voltage drop across the internal components (like resistors and regulators) can cause the output voltage to fall below its nominal value.

This behavior is common in linear and switching power supplies, where they are designed to maintain a steady output voltage within a certain load range. However, if the load exceeds the power supply's capability, the ability to maintain the desired output voltage diminishes, resulting in a decrease in the average output voltage. Therefore, understanding the relationship between load and output voltage is critical for ensuring that a power supply operates within its designed parameters, especially under varying load conditions.