DC Power Supplies

Programmable DC power supplies provide precisely controlled voltage and current for powering electronic devices, components, and complete systems under defined and reproducible conditions. They are used wherever stable operating points, adjustable protection limits, and repeatable test sequences are required in development, laboratory, production, or automated test equipment (ATE).

The ET System portfolio includes compact benchtop power supplies, multi-channel DC power supplies, autoranging DC sources, high-voltage power supplies, and scalable high-power systems. The appropriate DC power supply is selected according to the required voltage, current, and output power as well as dynamic response, number of channels, communication interfaces, mains connection, and mechanical integration.

Typical applications include testing electronic assemblies, control units, sensors, DC/DC converters, inverters, and other power electronics. Programmable DC sources are also used to simulate 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V vehicle electrical systems, perform burn-in and endurance tests, and supply automated production test systems. Applications that return energy to the source may require a bidirectional DC power supply. For separate load simulation, explore our programmable electronic DC loads.

How to Select a DC Power Supply

Selecting a suitable DC power supply starts with the electrical requirements of the device under test (DUT). In addition to maximum voltage, current, and power, the complete operating range, dynamic behavior, automation requirements, mains connection, and mechanical integration should be considered.

• Voltage, current, and operating point: Define the required voltage and current combinations across the complete test sequence. Maximum voltage and maximum current may not always be available simultaneously.
• Output power and autoranging: Autoranging DC power supplies provide a wider range of usable voltage and current combinations within their available output power. This is useful when different DUT variants or operating points must be tested.
• Dynamic performance: Depending on the application, response time, slew rate, ripple and noise, pulse operation, and support for programmable voltage or current profiles may be relevant.
• Channels and isolation: Multi-channel power supplies are suitable when several circuits or DUTs must be powered independently. Check the number of outputs, channel isolation, and required isolation between the DC output and protective earth.
• Interfaces and automation: For automated test equipment (ATE), verify the available communication interfaces, remote-control commands, sequence functions, and software compatibility. Depending on the series, relevant options may include LAN, CAN, RS232, RS485, SCPI, analog control, and digital I/O.
• Protection and output behavior: Consider overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature protection, interlocks, remote shutdown, status outputs, and the discharge behavior of the DC output.
• Mains connection and mechanical integration: Check whether the available mains supply is single-phase or three-phase, which input current is required, and whether a benchtop or 19-inch rack-mount unit is needed.
• Parallel operation: For higher power or current, verify whether the selected series supports master-slave or parallel operation and which limits apply to the combined system.
• Energy flow: If the DUT can return energy to the source, a bidirectional DC power supply may be required.

For application-specific test benches, ET System can combine DC power supplies, electronic loads, measurement equipment, safety components, and control systems through test system integration. For support with selecting a suitable configuration, contact our technical sales team.