Programmable output regulation
The power supply operates in constant-voltage, constant-current or constant-power mode according to the operating point.
N38300 – Programmierbare Weitbereichs-DC-Stromversorgung bis 180 kW
Wide-range DC source for laboratories, ATE, power electronics and industrial test systems.
The wide output characteristic covers numerous voltage and current operating points with fewer device variants. Its compact 19-inch design therefore supports space-efficient integration into high-power laboratory, development and automated test systems.
Automated test profiles
Sequence, RAMP and internal-resistance functions support repeatable voltage and current profiles and the emulation of resistive sources.
Interfaces and protocols
LAN and RS232 are standard; RS485, CAN, GPIB and USB are optional. Supported protocols include SCPI, Modbus and CANopen.
Master-slave scaling
Up to ten units with identical specifications can be operated in parallel and controlled centrally from the master unit.
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.
ART. NO.
Description
Current [A]
Power [P]
Voltage [V]
N38305-80-170
|
Description
N38305-80-170 Programmable wide-range DC source, 5 kW, 80 V, 170 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
170
|
Power [P]
5000
|
Voltage [V]
80
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38306-300-75
|
Description
N38306-300-75 Programmable wide-range DC source, 6 kW, 300 V, 75 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
75
|
Power [P]
6000
|
Voltage [V]
300
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38306-500-40
|
Description
N38306-500-40 Programmable wide-range DC source, 6 kW, 500 V, 40 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
40
|
Power [P]
6000
|
Voltage [V]
500
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38306-800-25
|
Description
N38306-800-25 Programmable wide-range DC source, 6 kW, 800 V, 25 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
25
|
Power [P]
6000
|
Voltage [V]
800
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38310-80-340
|
Description
N38310-80-340 Programmable wide-range DC source, 10 kW, 80 V, 340 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
340
|
Power [P]
10000
|
Voltage [V]
80
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38312-300-150
|
Description
N38312-300-150 Programmable wide-range DC source, 12 kW, 300 V, 150 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
150
|
Power [P]
12000
|
Voltage [V]
300
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38312-500-80
|
Description
N38312-500-80 Programmable wide-range DC source, 12 kW, 500 V, 80 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
80
|
Power [P]
12000
|
Voltage [V]
500
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38312-800-50
|
Description
N38312-800-50 Programmable wide-range DC source, 12 kW, 800 V, 50 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
50
|
Power [P]
12000
|
Voltage [V]
800
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38312-1000-40
|
Description
N38312-1000-40 Programmable wide-range DC source, 12 kW, 1000 V, 40 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
40
|
Power [P]
12000
|
Voltage [V]
1000
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38312-1500-25
|
Description
N38312-1500-25 Programmable wide-range DC source, 12 kW, 1500 V, 25 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
25
|
Power [P]
12000
|
Voltage [V]
1500
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38315-80-510
|
Description
N38315-80-510 Programmable wide-range DC source, 15 kW, 80 V, 510 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
510
|
Power [P]
15000
|
Voltage [V]
80
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38318-300-225
|
Description
N38318-300-225 Programmable wide-range DC source, 18 kW, 300 V, 225 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
225
|
Power [P]
18000
|
Voltage [V]
300
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38318-500-120
|
Description
N38318-500-120 Programmable wide-range DC source, 18 kW, 500 V, 120 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
120
|
Power [P]
18000
|
Voltage [V]
500
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38318-800-75
|
Description
N38318-800-75 Programmable wide-range DC source, 18 kW, 800 V, 75 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
75
|
Power [P]
18000
|
Voltage [V]
800
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38318-1500-40
|
Description
N38318-1500-40 Programmable wide-range DC source, 18 kW, 1500 V, 40 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
40
|
Power [P]
18000
|
Voltage [V]
1500
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38318-2250-25
|
Description
N38318-2250-25 Programmable wide-range DC source, 18 kW, 2250 V, 25 A, 3U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
25
|
Power [P]
18000
|
Voltage [V]
2250
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38324-1000-80
|
Description
N38324-1000-80 Programmable wide-range DC source, 24 kW, 1000 V, 80 A, 6U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
80
|
Power [P]
24000
|
Voltage [V]
1000
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38330-80-1020
|
Description
N38330-80-1020 Programmable wide-range DC source, 30 kW, 80 V, 1020 A, 6U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
1020
|
Power [P]
30000
|
Voltage [V]
80
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38336-300-450
|
Description
N38336-300-450 Programmable wide-range DC source, 36 kW, 300 V, 450 A, 6U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
450
|
Power [P]
36000
|
Voltage [V]
300
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38336-800-150
|
Description
N38336-800-150 Programmable wide-range DC source, 36 kW, 800 V, 150 A, 6U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
150
|
Power [P]
36000
|
Voltage [V]
800
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38336-1000-120
|
Description
N38336-1000-120 Programmable wide-range DC source, 36 kW, 1000 V, 120 A, 9U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
120
|
Power [P]
36000
|
Voltage [V]
1000
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38336-1500-80
|
Description
N38336-1500-80 Programmable wide-range DC source, 36 kW, 1500 V, 80 A, 6U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
80
|
Power [P]
36000
|
Voltage [V]
1500
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38336-2250-50
|
Description
N38336-2250-50 Programmable wide-range DC source, 36 kW, 2250 V, 50 A, 6U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
50
|
Power [P]
36000
|
Voltage [V]
2250
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38345-80-1530
|
Description
N38345-80-1530 Programmable wide-range DC source, 45 kW, 80 V, 1530 A, 9U, M/S parallel scalable
|
Current [A]
1530
|
Power [P]
45000
|
Voltage [V]
80
|
Autoranging DC Source
Technical Data
Height
30
27
24
21
15
12
9
6
3
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Product category
DC Power Supply
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
N38300 series overview
The N38300 series is a programmable high-power DC power supply with a wide-range output characteristic. The product range covers power ratings from 5 kW to 180 kW, voltage classes from 80 V to 2,250 V and output currents up to 5,100 A. Standalone units up to 18 kW use a 19-inch 3U enclosure, while higher-power configurations are available with heights of up to 37U. The wide-range characteristic provides different voltage and current combinations within the rated power envelope of each model. A model's maximum voltage and maximum current cannot therefore be used simultaneously at full output power. The series is designed for laboratories, development departments, automated ATE and production test systems and applications involving power electronics, batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaics, automotive electronics and aerospace electronics. Master-slave parallel operation with units of identical specifications extends the system power up to 1.8 MW.
Key benefits
Wide output characteristic
A single model covers numerous voltage and current operating points within its rated power, allowing different DUTs to be supplied by the same unit.
High power density
Standalone units provide up to 18 kW in a 19-inch 3U enclosure for compact laboratory and rack installations.
Precise programming
At 23 ±5 °C, the specified base models provide voltage setting and readback accuracy of 0.05% + 0.05% of full scale.
Fast signal acquisition
Voltage and current are sampled at 500 kHz with 16-bit resolution.
Efficient grid operation
The series provides typical efficiency of up to 93% and a typical power factor of 0.99.
Scalable system power
Up to ten units with identical specifications can be connected through the PAR bus and controlled as a master-slave system.
Operating principle of the programmable DC power supply
The N38300 supplies a regulated DC output voltage to the device under test. Voltage, current and power are programmed as setpoints or operating limits. Depending on the connected DUT and the current operating point, the unit automatically transitions between constant-voltage, constant-current and constant-power regulation.
Constant voltage
The power supply maintains the programmed output voltage while the current and power limits are not reached.
Constant current
When the output current reaches the programmed limit, the unit regulates the current and adjusts its output voltage to the DUT.
Constant power
Once the programmed power value is reached, the power supply limits the delivered output power.
CC and CV priority
For capacitive or inductive DUTs, current or voltage regulation can be prioritised during output activation. CV priority supports a controlled voltage rise, while CC priority can reduce current peaks during start-up.
Power range and wide-range characteristic
The series is available in seven voltage classes, each with multiple power ratings and output-current levels. During model selection, the maximum voltage and maximum current must not be assumed to be available simultaneously at full power. The permissible operating point is determined by the respective output characteristic.
| Voltage class | Available power | Highest output current in class | Enclosure height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 V | 5 to 150 kW | up to 5,100 A | 3U to 37U |
| 300 V | 6 to 180 kW | up to 2,250 A | 3U to 37U |
| 500 V | 6 to 180 kW | up to 1,200 A | 3U to 37U |
| 800 V | 6 to 180 kW | up to 750 A | 3U to 37U |
| 1,000 V | 12 to 120 kW | up to 400 A | 3U to 37U |
| 1,500 V | 12 to 180 kW | up to 400 A | 3U to 37U |
| 2,250 V | 18 to 180 kW | up to 250 A | 3U to 37U |
Model-selection example
Model N38306-300-75 has a rated power of 6 kW, a maximum voltage of 300 V and a maximum current of 75 A. However, 300 V × 75 A does not represent a permissible 22.5 kW operating point. Voltage and current must be selected within the 6 kW output characteristic.
Dynamic performance and regulation
Voltage and current slew rates can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the DUT. The maximum programmable voltage slew rate depends on the selected voltage class. Slew rate must be distinguished from rise time and from the settling time following a load change.
| Characteristic | Specification | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage slew rate | model-dependent, up to 40 V/ms | Limits the programmed rate of change of the output voltage. |
| Current slew rate | adjustable; maximum value depends on model | Allows the current rise to be matched to the connected DUT. |
| Transient recovery time | maximum 2 ms | Applies to a load change from 10% to 90% and recovery of the voltage to within 0.75% of rated value. |
| No-load voltage fall time | approximately 0.5 to 4.5 s depending on model | Time required for the voltage to fall below 50 V after switching off at full voltage with no load. |
| Voltage and current sampling | 500 kHz, 16 bit | Provides high-resolution internal acquisition of the output quantities. |
Operating modes and programmable test functions
| Function | Scope | Typical benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Normal operation | CV, CC and CP regulation | Static powering and testing with defined voltage, current and power limits. |
| SEQ | 10 sequence files with up to 100 steps per file | Automated voltage, current and power profiles with dwell time and programmable voltage and current slew rates. |
| Sequence linking | Cycles and links to subsequent files | Creates longer or repeating test procedures without continuous PC control. |
| RES | Simulation of an adjustable internal resistance | Emulates the load-dependent voltage drop of a battery, fuel cell or supercapacitor. |
| RAMP | Three-point voltage profile with hold times and slew rates | Provides defined linear voltage transitions between starting, intermediate and final points. |
| Save/Recall | 20 parameter groups in normal mode | Provides rapid access to recurring voltage, current, power and slew-rate settings. |
| Timed output | up to 2,678,400 s or 31 days | Automatically switches the output off after a defined test duration. |
| No-load standby | adjustable current threshold and delay time | Automatically switches off after extended operation below a defined output-current threshold. |
Typical applications
The N38300 provides a programmable DC supply for high-power components, assemblies and automated test stations. Its broad model range supports low-voltage, high-current applications as well as high-voltage test requirements.
DC/DC converters and inverters
The power supply feeds the DC input of power converters with defined voltage, current and power limits. RAMP and sequence functions support repeatable input-voltage profiles.
Battery, fuel-cell and energy-storage technology
The N38300 can provide defined DC operating points for powering and development tasks. Its RES function emulates the load-dependent voltage drop of a source with internal resistance.
Test solutions for automotive and e-mobility
Control units and power electronics can be tested using programmable supply profiles. SEQ mode supports the reproduction of start-up and supply-voltage variation profiles.
Test setups for PV power electronics
The N38300 can provide DC input voltages for developing and testing PV inverters and other power-electronic components.
Automated production and end-of-line testing
Remote-control interfaces, fast communication, sequence procedures and digital status signals support integration into automated ATE and production test stations.
Power supplies for aerospace electronics
High-voltage and high-power variants provide programmable DC operating points for powering and testing high-power electronic assemblies.
Interfaces, software and automation
The N38300 can be operated locally using its display, buttons and rotary control or remotely within test and automation systems. LAN and RS232 are standard, while additional communication interfaces are available as options.
| Interface or function | Availability | Technical scope |
|---|---|---|
| LAN | Standard | Remote control using SCPI or Modbus; TCP and UDP connections can be configured for LAN operation. |
| RS232 | Standard | Serial remote control using SCPI or Modbus with configurable baud rate and parity. |
| RS485 | Optional | Serial system integration; Interface supports Modbus RTU and SCPI. |
| CAN | Optional | CANopen communication with a fixed transmission rate of 500 kbit/s. |
| GPIB and USB | Optional | Additional interfaces for integration into existing laboratory and test systems. |
| External analogue programming | Available | 0-to-10-V signals can program voltage, current and power setpoints at a sampling rate of 1,000 points/s. |
| Analogue output monitoring | Available | Monitoring of output voltage and output current at up to 1,000 points/s with selectable 0-to-10-V or 0-to-5-V scaling. |
| Digital control and status signals | Available | External output control, regulation-mode monitoring and a TTL fault signal for system integration. |
| Remote sense | Standard | Compensates voltage drops in the load cables: less than 1.5 V for 80 V models and less than 5 V for higher voltage classes. |
| PC software | Available | The PC software enables instrument connection, configuration and operation through RS232 or LAN. |
Communication performance
The communication response time is no more than 5 ms. Multiple units can be connected to one or more control computers through a network switch or router, provided that every unit uses a unique IP address.
Master-slave parallel operation and scaling
For higher currents and power levels, the N38300 supports parallel operation of up to ten units with identical specifications. One unit is configured as the master and up to nine further units are assigned unique slave addresses. Communication is handled through the shared PAR bus.
Central operation
Setpoints and output status for the entire system are controlled from the master. The master display presents the combined setting and readback values.
Coordinated fault response
If one unit enters a protection or fault state, the system automatically switches off the outputs of all connected units.
- Only units with identical specifications may be connected in parallel.
- Only one unit may be configured as the master within a parallel system.
- Slave addresses must be assigned consecutively in ascending order.
- Remote sense is connected to the master unit during parallel operation.
- External analogue programming of the master applies to the complete parallel system.
- The original local protection parameters are cancelled when a unit is configured as a slave.
- The maximum scalable system power is 1.8 MW.
Installation and infrastructure
| Installation characteristic | Requirement or specification |
|---|---|
| AC input | Three-phase, 340 to 460 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz. |
| Protective earth | The unit must be reliably connected to protective earth before operation. |
| Multiple 5, 6, 10 or 12 kW units | Balanced distribution across the supply phases is recommended when several units are operated from the grid simultaneously. |
| 19-inch installation | Standalone units up to 18 kW use a 3U enclosure with dimensions of 132.5 × 482 × 711 mm including the output shield. |
| Weight of 3U units | Approximately 18 kg, 25 kg or 32 kg depending on the power rating. |
| Higher power ratings | Depending on the model, system configurations are listed with heights of 6U, 16U, 22U, 27U, 32U or 37U. |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40 °C. |
| Storage temperature | −20 to 70 °C. |
| Operating environment | Altitude below 2,000 m and relative humidity of 5 to 90%, non-condensing. |
| Cooling and placement | Air inlets and outlets must not be obstructed during operation. |
| Remote-sense wiring | Twisted wires with a cross-sectional area of 0.5 to 1 mm² are recommended. |
Protection and monitoring functions
The N38300 monitors its output quantities, operating status and communication. Upper and lower setting limits can be defined for voltage, current and power. Setpoints outside these limits are automatically corrected to the permitted range.
Overvoltage protection
A detected overvoltage condition disables the output and is shown on the unit as a protection event.
Overcurrent protection
The output is switched off when the programmed protection value is exceeded and can be reset after the cause has been removed.
Overpower protection
Power monitoring limits the permitted operating range and protects the power supply and connected DUT.
Undervoltage protection
Adjustable undervoltage monitoring detects deviations below the defined protection value.
Overtemperature protection
Temperature monitoring protects the unit against impermissible thermal loading.
Communication monitoring
An external communication timeout can be monitored as a protection event and configured with a delay.
Response to protection events
When a protection alarm occurs, the power supply switches off its output, displays the specific cause and activates the audible alarm. After the cause has been removed, the protection status can be cleared using the PROT-CLR function.
Frequently asked questions about the N38300 series
How is the appropriate N38300 model selected?
The required voltage, current at the actual operating point and output power must be considered together. Maximum voltage and maximum current must not simply be multiplied.
Which regulation modes does the power supply support?
The N38300 supports constant-voltage, constant-current and constant-power operation and automatically changes regulation mode according to the operating point.
Can dynamic voltage profiles be programmed?
Yes. SEQ mode provides ten files with up to 100 steps per file. A separate RAMP function is available for defined linear voltage transitions.
Can the N38300 emulate a battery?
The RES function emulates a voltage source with adjustable internal resistance, reproducing the load-dependent voltage drop of a battery, fuel cell or supercapacitor.
Which interfaces are included as standard?
LAN and RS232 are standard. RS485, CAN, GPIB and USB are listed as optional communication interfaces.
How many units can be operated in parallel?
Up to ten units with identical specifications can be connected as one master and up to nine slaves, extending the system power up to 1.8 MW.
Can the unit be integrated into ATE and EOL test stations?
Yes. Remote-control interfaces, SCPI, Modbus and CANopen support, analogue programming, status signals and sequence functions support system integration.
Which AC input is required?
N38300 units require a three-phase input of 340 to 460 VAC at a line frequency of 47 to 63 Hz.
Technical consultation and project enquiry
Selecting the appropriate N38300 model requires the complete voltage and current profile, continuous power requirement, required regulation behaviour and the interface and parallel-operation requirements.
ET System supports the technical configuration, integration into automated test systems and design of scalable high-power solutions.
Discuss your project with ET System
Downloads "N38300"
