DC power supplies have significantly improved over the past decade. Modern supplies offer higher power densities, helping you save rack space. In addition, modern supplies can provide considerable flexibility in power, current, and voltage ratings, helping you future-proof your test systems to meet changing requirements.

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Programmable DC supplies have the capacity to boost power density

The AMETEK Sorensen Asterion DC ASM Series packs 5,100 W into a 1U chassis (Figure 1), which is a great example of the high-power density now available. Offering three independent, isolated 1,700-W channels, the Asterion DC ASM replaces legacy systems that previously required three separate 1U chassis. These products are designed for telecommunications, commercial, military, aerospace, semiconductor, and automotive applications requiring low profile, light-weight power supplies, and it offers nine different fixed-range output-voltage options that extend from 40 to 600 V.

Figure 1. The Asterion DC ASM Series offers three 1,700-W channels in a 1U chassis. 

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Future-proof your systems

To achieve optimal flexibility in output voltage and current ratings, you can choose the Asterion DC ASA Series three-channel supplies. Each channel delivers a 600-W autoranging output in which maximum output voltage varies inversely with maximum output current (Figure 2). Available output configurations provide five constant-power output ratings:

• 60 V at 10 A to 14.2 V at 42A
• 80 V at 7.5 A to 27.2 V at 22 A
• 200 V at 3 A to 35.2 V at 17 A
• 400 V at 1.5 A to 100 V to 6 A
• 600 V at 1 A to 214.2 V at 2.8 A.

 Figure 2. The Asterion AC ASA Series offers five 600-W autoranging output configurations extending from 14.2 V at 42 A to 600 V at 1 A.

In addition to the ASA and ASM series, the Asterion DC family includes fixed-range and autoranging supplies with power ratings to 10 kW; 10-kW models fit into a 2U-high chassis. If you do not find a standard catalog model that meets your needs, contact Fuseco about low-cost customisation of a standard product.

Ethernet, USB push aside GPIB, but analog still plays a role

While power density, voltage and current flexibility represent the most significant changes in programmable DC power supplies, you will also notice other changes. For example, Ethernet (LXI) and USB are becoming prevalent. These particular interfaces come standard on Asterion DC, DC ASA, and DC ASM supplies. If you are looking for GPIB today to complement legacy equipment in a system, you will probably find it available as an extra-cost option.

It is recommended to not overlook remote analog programming interfaces, which can be useful in today’s power hardware-in-the-loop applications. The Asterion DC ASA and ASM models have user-selectable voltage or resistance analog interfaces, with the full-scale range adjustable from 5 V to 10 V or 5 kW to 10 kW.

With digital interfaces, you often use a test program to control your instruments, but sometimes you may want a simplified, intuitive approach to remote control. For its Asterion DC supplies, AMETEK Programmable Power offers the Virtual Panels GUI, which allows you to perform operations remotely as if you were working directly with the unit’s front panel.

Figure 3. The Virtual Panels GUI shows the status of an Asterion DC ASM supply. 

Noise, regulation, and power factor

This will come as no surprise, but regulation and noise will be factors in your power-supply choice. Since better regulation and lower noise add cost, carefully consider your needs to ensure you are spending appropriately.

In addition to output characteristics consider the input requirements, such as your facility’s ability to meet maximum and inrush currents. One should also consider power factor.