Central device control
Voltage, current, output state and measurements for connected power supplies are managed within one interface.
LAB ETS Steuerung – Steuersoftware für ET-System-DC-Stromversorgungen
Für die Steuerung und Überwachung von LAB-Stromversorgungen mit PV-Simulation, automatisierten Sequenzen und Datenlogging.
LAB/ETS Control combines operation, monitoring and PV simulation for programmable DC power supplies from the LAB/SMP, LAB/SMS and LAB/HP series. The software integrates single- and multi-device control with setpoint entry, measurement acquisition, sequences, scripts, and static and dynamic PV curves.
Static and dynamic PV simulation
I-V and P-V curves, irradiance profiles, temperature changes and shading support MPPT investigations.
Scripts and sequences
Command lists plus voltage, current and timing steps enable repeatable, logged workflows.
Flexible device connectivity
TCP/LAN, RS232, USB and IEEE-488/GPIB cover automatic discovery and manual connection setup.
Personal project consultation
Do you need support selecting the right power supply? Our technical specialists will provide personal advice tailored to your application.
Select the appropriate technical configuration or access product documentation directly.
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LAB/ETS Control overview
LAB/ETS Control is operating, monitoring and simulation software for programmable DC power supplies from the LAB/SMP, LAB/SMS and LAB/HP series. Connected devices can be selected, configured and managed through dedicated control and measurement panels. The interface transfers voltage and current setpoints, switches the output, and continuously displays voltage, current, power and resistance.
UI/VC, UIP/VCP, UIR/VCR, PVSim, USER and SCRIPT modes support different test tasks. The software also provides user-defined sequences, data logging, user limits, protection parameters, and parallel, series and independent master-slave configurations. Its PV functions generate static and dynamic I-V and P-V curves, process irradiance and temperature profiles, and visualize MPP tracking and MPPT efficiency. A demo device lets users explore the operating workflows without a connected power supply.
Key benefits
Multiple devices in one interface
Each connected power supply has dedicated control and measurement panels; setpoints, outputs and measurements can also be managed across devices.
PV curves and MPPT
Static and dynamic simulations display I-V and P-V characteristics and capture MPP values and MPPT efficiency.
Traceable measurement series
Measurement, sequence and PV data can be stored locally with a selectable logging interval.
Repeatable test workflows
Sequences combine voltage and current values with delays, while scripts process up to 1,000 commands.
Defined operating limits
User limits and adjustable voltage and current slopes constrain setpoints and shape transitions between operating points.
Practice without hardware
The demo device emulates a connection and makes the software functions available for training, development and demonstrations.
Operating modes and functional principle
LAB/ETS Control transfers setpoints and operating commands to the connected power supply and visualizes the returned values. The available setting range follows the hardware and user limits of the selected device.
| Mode | Operation | Typical purpose |
|---|---|---|
| UI / VC | Voltage and current setpoints are transferred directly to the controller. | Direct definition of a DC operating point |
| UIP / VCP | Adds an adjustable power limit to the voltage and current settings. | Operation within a defined power limit |
| UIR / VCR | Regulates the voltage setpoint to emulate an adjustable internal resistance; the current setpoint acts as the limit. | Emulation of a source with internal resistance |
| PVSim | Generates a PV curve from Voc, Isc, Vmp and Imp and runs static or dynamic simulations. | Investigation of MPPT and PV inputs |
| USER | Transfers user-defined voltage and current points to the device. | Custom characteristics and freely defined profiles |
| SCRIPT | Executes loaded or manually assembled command sequences. | Automated, repeatable control workflows |
Separate digital PID controllers are provided for UIR, UIP and PVSim. Proportional, integral and derivative components can be configured for each controller.
Supported device series and connections
The software is designed for programmable DC power supplies from the LAB/SMP, LAB/SMS and LAB/HP families. The actual setpoint and protection ranges are read from the connected device and displayed as hardware limits in the interface.
| Connection | Software setup | Details |
|---|---|---|
| LAN / TCP | Automatic device discovery or manual addition | IP address and port |
| RS232 | Serial discovery or manual addition | COM port and baud rate |
| USB | Direct connection between the power supply and computer | Supported device connection |
| IEEE-488 / GPIB | Manual addition | Primary address and GPIB board number |
Previously used devices remain available in the Recent Devices list together with device data and connection settings. New devices can be discovered, rescanned or added manually using their connection parameters.
Static and dynamic PV simulation
In static PV operation, LAB/ETS Control calculates the I-V and P-V curves from open-circuit voltage Voc, short-circuit current Isc, and voltage Vmp and current Imp at the maximum power point. During the simulation, the MPP is tracked, MPPT efficiency is displayed, and Vmp, Imp, MPP power and efficiency can be logged at a freely selectable interval.
Dynamic PV simulation combines module curves with time-dependent irradiance and temperature profiles. Preset profiles can be loaded and supplemented with custom files. Module curves are available from Sandia National Laboratories and California Energy Commission libraries, and the associated curve parameters can be adjusted. The irradiance rate of change is adjustable from 1 to 200 W/m²/s.
Shading simulation: The PV generator can combine at least two shading profiles. Using a single-diode model, the software calculates adjusted Vmp and Imp values and displays the resulting I-V and P-V curves together with MPPT efficiency.
Scripts, sequences and data logging
| Function | Capabilities | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Script mode | Load commands from a text file, enter them manually or program them through the digital interface; up to 1,000 commands | Workflows with setpoints, modes, delays, loops, standby and output control |
| Script View | Load an example, load a file, clear the list and start the script | Execute a command list directly in the application |
| Sequence View | Create rows with voltage, current and delay, load them from a file, edit, save, repeat or abort them | Tabular workflow with display of the active step |
| Sequence logging | Store voltage and current with an adjustable interval in milliseconds | Local measurement file for the executed workflow |
| PV logging | Store Vmp, Imp, MPP power, MPPT efficiency, irradiance and temperature at intervals in seconds | Local data for evaluating the PV simulation |
When loading a sequence, the software checks its voltage and current values against the configured user limits. Values outside these limits are not transferred to the device.
Multi-device and master-slave operation
Multiple connected power supplies are maintained in a device list and each has dedicated control and measurement panels. This allows setpoints, outputs and measurements to be managed for several devices without rebuilding the connection when switching between them.
Parallel
Supports coordinated operation of parallel-connected units to increase available current at a common voltage.
Series
Supports coordinated operation of series-connected units to increase available voltage at a common current.
Independent
Allows each unit to use its own voltage and current settings for different tasks within the same setup.
The selected electrical topology and the permitted device combination depend on the connected power supplies and the specific test setup.
Limits and protection parameters
User-defined voltage and current limits remain within the hardware limits read from the device. Voltage and current slopes can also be configured to define the rate of change during setpoint transitions.
| Parameter | Setting | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| User limits | Minimum and maximum voltage plus current limits | Restricts the setpoints permitted by the software |
| Voltage and current slope | Rate of change for setpoint transitions | Defines how quickly voltage or current reaches the new value |
| OVP, UVP and OCP | Overvoltage, undervoltage and overcurrent | Configures the device response to limit violations |
| UVP and OCP delay | UVP: 100 to 1,000 ms; OCP: 1 to 5,000 ms | Allows brief voltage or current transients before activation |
| Foldback | CC, CV, CP or OFF; delay 10 to 10,000 ms | Defines the operating mode and response delay of the foldback function |
Typical applications
MPPT testing of PV inverters
Static I-V and P-V curves supply the PV input with defined operating points and display MPP tracking and MPPT efficiency.
Dynamic irradiance and shading
Time profiles for irradiance and temperature plus combined shading profiles investigate MPPT behavior under changing conditions.
Recurring laboratory workflows
Scripts and sequences transfer defined setpoints, delays and loops, while data logging records the measurements for the workflow.
Multi-device test benches
Multiple power supplies can be managed through separate control panels or coordinated in supported parallel, series and independent configurations.
Training and software testing
The demo device emulates a connection so operating workflows can be explored and demonstrated without a connected power supply.
FAQ about LAB/ETS Control
Which power supplies are supported?
The software is intended for programmable DC power supplies from the LAB/SMP, LAB/SMS and LAB/HP series. Available functions and limits follow the connected device.
How are devices connected?
RS232, LAN/TCP, USB and IEEE-488/GPIB are provided. TCP and serial devices can be discovered or added manually with their connection parameters.
Can multiple power supplies be operated at the same time?
Yes. Connected devices have dedicated control and measurement panels. Parallel, series and independent master-slave modes are also available for suitable system configurations.
Which values can be logged?
Sequence operation stores voltage and current. PV simulation additionally logs Vmp, Imp, MPP power, MPPT efficiency, irradiance and temperature.
Can LAB/ETS Control test the MPPT of a PV inverter?
Yes. PVSim generates static or dynamic I-V and P-V curves, tracks the maximum power point and displays MPPT efficiency.
Can changing irradiance and shading be emulated?
Yes. Custom or preset irradiance and temperature profiles can be combined with module curves. The PV generator adds configurable shading profiles.
How are repeatable test workflows created?
Sequences combine voltage, current and delay in a table. Script mode adds command lists with loops, waiting periods, modes and output control.
Can operation be prepared without a connected power supply?
Yes. The demo device emulates a device connection and provides the software controls for training, development and demonstration.
Technical consultation and project enquiry
To select a suitable LAB/ETS Control configuration, we need the device series in use, the intended interface, the number and topology of the power supplies, and the required operating modes, PV profiles, sequences and logging data.
