N3600 – Programmable Wide-Range DC Power Supply up to 9 kW

N3600 programmable DC power supply overview

The N3600 series is a programmable DC source for laboratories, development and automated testing. Its 36 models cover rated powers from 800 W to 9 kW. Depending on the model, the adjustable output extends from 0 to 16 V or up to 1,200 V, with maximum currents ranging from 5 A to 1,500 A. Voltage, current and power jointly define the available operating point.

In V/I operation, the unit changes between constant voltage and constant current according to the load and current limit. A dedicated CP mode supports power-controlled tests. Sequences, adjustable slew rates and external setpoints add defined test procedures to the DC supply. Operation is available through a 4.3-inch LCD, numeric keys and rotary controls or the integrated remote interfaces. Models up to 3 kW occupy 2U, 6 kW models occupy 4U and 9 kW models occupy 6U.

Key benefits

Operating principle: regulating voltage, current and power

In CV operation, the source maintains the set voltage while the required current remains within the current limit. If the load demands more current, regulation changes to CC and adjusts the voltage accordingly. In CP mode, voltage or current is adjusted to provide the set power within the configured voltage and current limits.

For inductive devices that return energy, a suitable additional electronic load can be connected as an external dissipater. Its voltage threshold is set above the N3600 setpoint by a configurable increment. If the DUT raises the voltage above this threshold, the external load absorbs the returned energy. Selecting and sizing this load is part of designing the test setup.

Models, power range and output characteristic

The table lists the limits of each individual unit. Maximum voltage and maximum current can only be used together if their product does not exceed rated power. For U > 0 within the permitted output characteristic: I_max = min(I_rated, P_rated / U).

Dynamics and regulation

Voltage and current slew rates are adjustable and can be assigned to individual sequence steps. The achievable dynamics depend on the model, load and configured limits. For the N3630-080-120, voltage rise time is no more than 20 ms at no load and no more than 500 ms at full load. Following a load change from 10% to 90%, voltage returns to within 0.5% of rated voltage in less than 20 ms. These figures apply to this particular model and are not universal series specifications.

Operating modes and programmable functions

Typical applications

Interfaces, software and automation

Parallel and series operation

Parallel operation supports up to ten units with identical specifications, including one master. RS485 communication and additional current-sharing cables coordinate the group. Setpoints, measurements and status are controlled or displayed centrally at the master. Master/slave roles are assigned at the factory; changing a role requires recalibration by the supplier.

Series operation is specified for a maximum of two units with identical specifications and a rated voltage below 600 V. Other series configurations require project-specific consultation. Parallel and series operation must not be combined simultaneously. If a unit triggers a protection shutdown, the output of the entire group is switched off.

Installation and infrastructure

Protection functions

Overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overpower and overtemperature protection switch off the output when their trip conditions are met and show the condition on the display. OCP includes an adjustable response time. Transitions between CV and CC can also be monitored against a time limit. Fan and cascade-group faults are detected as well. Protection thresholds and monitoring periods should match the DUT and its start-up behaviour.

Frequently asked questions about the N3600 series