Equipments » Electronics » Choosing the Right Bench Power Supply

Choosing the Right Bench Power Supply

power supply
benchtop
test and measurement
electronics
equipment

This page of the equipments section of Test and Measurement World covers Benchtop Power Supplies. This page will guide you to choose the right Bench Power Supply. It mentions popular vendors of Benchtop Power Supplies.

Benchtop Power Supply Features

The following features need to be considered for selecting the right Bench Power Supply for your needs:

  • Resolution: The smallest change in voltage/current that can be set on the power supply.
  • Accuracy: A measure of how close the actual measurement is with respect to the theoretical one. Output uncertainty here depends on Digital to Analog Conversion errors.
  • Readback accuracy: A measure of how close the internal measurement is with respect to the theoretical output value.
  • Readback resolution: The smallest change in the internal measurement of voltage/current which can be distinguished by the power supply.
  • Stability: The performance of the power supply varies due to aging. In order to maintain stability, regular calibration and verification are required.
  • Temperature stability: The accuracy of the power supply is usually specified in terms of a temperature range. This is due to the fact that performance varies based on temperature.
  • Load regulation: A measure of the capability of the power supply’s output voltage/current to remain constant during variations in load changes. It is expressed as +/- (% of setting + offset).
  • Line regulation: A measure of the capability of the power supply’s output voltage/current to be within limits during variations in AC line changes. It is expressed as +/- (% of setting + offset).
  • Ripple: Spurious AC components present on the DC voltage supply. The lower the ripple, the better the power supply. Power supplies with more ripple generate unwanted spurious frequencies.
  • Transient Response: The measurement of the time required to settle for a stable DC voltage upon application of sudden changes in the load impedance and power supply settings.
  • Acceptable max. noise level at output.
  • Number of outputs needed.
  • Interface types: IEEE-488 (or GPIB), RS232, Ethernet, USB

Bench Power Supply Vendors

The following table mentions popular vendors of Benchtop Power Supplies.

CompanyModelFeatures
Keithley Instruments Inc.2230G-30-1* Available in 3 channels, DC programmable * Channel-1 & 2: 0 V to 30 V, 1.5A * Channel-3: 0 V to 6 V, 5A
MASTECHHY3005F-3* Variable triple outputs: 0 to 30 V, 0 to 5Amp * Fixed Output of value 5 Volt, 3 Ampere
B&K Precision9132B* Available in 3 channels programmable Benchtop power supply * Channel-1 & 2: 0 V to 60 V, 3 Amp. * Channel-3: 0 V to 5 V, 3 A
AIM-TTI InstrumentsQL355TPBench power supply, 3 channels, 35 Volt, 5 Ampere, programmable
LED and Luminaire Test Equipment Overview

LED and Luminaire Test Equipment Overview

An overview of LED and luminaire test equipment, covering measurements, manufacturers, and key parameters. Essential for ensuring product quality and reliability.

led
luminaire
testing
LED Testing: Measurement and Parameters

LED Testing: Measurement and Parameters

This article explores the key parameters and testing methods used to evaluate the performance of LEDs, including voltage, current, and light output.

led
testing
measurement
Mobile Phone Hardware Testing and Repairing

Mobile Phone Hardware Testing and Repairing

This article explores mobile phone hardware components, common faults, and troubleshooting methods. It covers essential tools, repair techniques, and problem-solving strategies.

mobile phones
hardware repair
troubleshooting