Details

Camtec programmable DC power supplies can be used in research institutes and factories around the world in fields such as energy/environment, vehicles/aerospace, Semiconductors (Process control, Burn-in), bio/medical, analytical instruments, electronics, and industry. Camtec's high-quality and reliable DC power supplies can easily satisfy your requirements for your OEM or laboratory applications.

Whether you need a programmable DC power supply that provides power sourcing or one that pushes the limits of performance by delivering thousands of volts, choosing the appropriate variable bench power supply is critical to obtaining successful test results in teaching, research, design, and manufacturing.

Bench power supplies are essential for providing low-output ripple/noise and ensuring the protection of devices under test (DUT). You can choose from fully-featured programmable power supplies or simple variable DC power supplies.

Speed, precision, and advanced programming capabilities make bench power supplies ideal for applications like battery testing. Features such as fast programming times and downloadable voltage and current sequences help reduce risks during test and system development.

Selecting the right benchtop DC power supply and understanding its functions and features allow engineers to perform tests more efficiently and achieve more precise measurements in the lab.

First, consider the benefits of a programmable power supply. Manually setting voltage values and current limits can be time-consuming, especially during long or complex tests. Fortunately, most bench power supplies offer test sequence features that provide a basic level of programmability.

When evaluating bench power supplies, there are several key factors to consider beyond whether they are linear or switching:

1. Regulation: Ensure the power supply regulates output effectively, with no overshoots or undershoots, to prevent damage to your DUT.
2. Output Capacitance: Opt for a power supply with minimal output capacitance, particularly if you plan to use it as a constant current source in milliampere (mA) ranges. Excessive capacitance can deliver too much current when the DUT is connected, potentially causing damage.
3. Displays: Choose a power supply with independent displays for the set value and the actual value, allowing for easier monitoring and adjustments.
4. Output Control: Look for a power supply with a dedicated switch to turn the output on and off without powering down the entire unit.

Other key points:

• Select a bench power supply with the correct power limits
• Choose a bench power supply with remote sense voltage monitoring
• Find a bench power supply with the appropriate response time

How to Choose the Best Power Supply

The most common selection criteria are:

• Number of output channels (single or multi output)
• Output voltage, current, and power
• Setting resolution and accuracy
• Ripple and noise
• Features and programmability
• Advanced features like current measurement with nanoamp resolution, sequencing, analog inputs, digital I/O, and  programming features

Camtec power supplies are high-performance DC regulated power supplies/bidirectional power supplies (regenerative power supplies) that pursue "compactness," "low noise," and "high power". Camtec has a wide range of products, from palm-sized precision DC power supplies to benchtop sizes and high-power Rackmount/Cabinet types. Should you need specifications that are not covered by Camtec standard products, Camtec can customize to your requirements, thereby reducing your development cycles.