FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A DC power supply is a device that transfers electric power from an AC source to a DC source, or from one DC source to another DC source, while regulating the output voltage or current to stay within specified limits.

An adjustable power supply allows the user to manually set and vary the output voltage and/or current within a specific range, unlike a fixed power supply which has a set output.

A programmable DC power supply can be controlled remotely via a computer or other controllers using communication interfaces like USB, LAN, or GPIB to set output parameters and sequences.

Linear power supplies operate by using a transformer to step down the source voltage and then regulating it with a linear regulator. They offer very low ripple and noise but are larger and less efficient than switching power supplies.

A bidirectional DC power supply can both source (output) power and sink (absorb) power, making it ideal for battery testing and motor driving applications.

Switching power supplies use high-frequency switching techniques to convert power. They are much smaller, lighter, and more efficient than linear power supplies but can have higher ripple and noise.

Yes, advanced programmable DC power supplies can simulate various battery characteristics, including internal resistance and discharging curves.

They are used across electronics manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, telecommunications, and R&D laboratories.

A DC power supply provides a constant flow of electricity in one direction, while an AC power supply provides electricity that reverses direction periodically.

Ripple and noise are unwanted AC components on the DC output. High levels can interfere with sensitive electronic circuits or cause measurement errors.

Key parameters include maximum voltage, maximum current, power rating, ripple/noise, regulation, programming resolution, and available interfaces.

Remote sense compensates for the voltage drop in the load leads by measuring the voltage directly at the load, ensuring the precise desired voltage is delivered.

Noise can be caused by switching circuits or electromagnetic interference. It can be reduced using shielded cables, proper grounding, and external filters.

You can use a standard DC voltmeter or observe the display of a programmable power supply which typically shows real-time output measurements.

By connecting the positive terminal of the power supply to the common (ground) and using the negative terminal as the output.

It usually refers to the ability of the power supply's cooling or control systems to operate effectively across different input frequencies (e.g., 50Hz and 60Hz).

Typically: Overvoltage (OVP), Overcurrent (OCP), Overpower (OPP), Overtemperature (OTP), and Undervoltage (UVP) protections.

Switching: High efficiency, small size, lighter. Linear: Ultra-low noise, heavy, less efficient. Choose based on application sensitivity.

Common options include RS232, RS485, and USB-to-Serial emulations for legacy system compatibility.

Many Matrix models feature a universal input or a manual switch for 110V/220V operation.

Most models have a 'Lock' button that disables the front panel controls to prevent accidental setting changes during testing.

Yes, our programmable series supports extensive memory presets for rapid testing sequences.

Because it offers extremely low readback and programming errors, often as low as 0.01% + 2 digits.

This often occurs if the load's impedance is varying or if the power supply is hunting between CV and CC modes near the set limits.

A safe OVP setting is typically 10-20% above the operating voltage, so around 26V to 28V.

No, a DC power supply only outputs DC. For AC control, an AC Source product is required.

It switches automatically based on the load resistance. If the load tries to draw more than the current limit, it shifts to CC mode; otherwise, it stays in CV mode.

This indicates an open circuit (no load connected) or the load impedance is extremely high.

Advanced programmable linear models can, allowing for soft-start applications.

This depends on the model but is typically in the millisecond range for standard DC supplies.

A device that provides alternating current (AC) electricity with adjustable voltage and frequency, used for simulating global grid conditions.

AC periodically reverses direction and magnitude, while DC flows in a constant direction.

Equipment designed for 50Hz may overheat or fail if run at 60Hz, especially motorized or transformer-based devices.

A device designed to simulate electrical loads by absorbing power, used to test power supplies, batteries, and fuel cells.

This refers to the load's ability to draw current even at very low voltages (down to 0V), critical for fuel cell testing.

An instrument used to measure the Inductance (L), Capacitance (C), and Resistance (R) of components.

It eliminates the lead resistance error, providing much higher accuracy for low-resistance measurements.

Also known as a Hipot test, it applies high voltage to ensure the insulation of a product can safely handle peak electrical stress.

AC tests stress the dielectric in both polarities, while DC tests only stress in one direction but allow for measurement of leakage current without reactive current bias.

An instrument used to visualize and analyze electrical signal waveforms over time.

It refers to the amount of signal data the oscilloscope can capture and store in a single acquisition.