Power Supply & Filter Industry Blog I Astrodyne TDI

High Slew Rate Programmable Power Supply | AWG by Astrodyne TDI

Written by Astrodyne TDI | Jun 19, 2025

As laser systems, plating technologies, and beam steering applications become faster and more precise, traditional programmable power supplies are struggling to keep up. Output speed, waveform flexibility, and precision are no longer “nice to haves”—they are critical to performance, yield, and innovation.

Astrodyne TDI has answered the call with a new class of power technology: the AWG (Arbitrary Waveform Generator).

Why the Industry Needed a New Power Architecture

Modern OEMs in motion control, semiconductor, RF amplification, and materials processing are pushing power systems to their limits harder than ever before. These demanding applications often require:

  • High-speed transient response

  • Complex, custom waveforms

  • High-frequency pulse delivery

  • Bipolar output currents

  • Precise amplitude control

Traditional switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) with large output capacitors can’t meet these needs. Their built-in filtering—which works well for clean, stable DC power—introduces limitations in slew rate, preventing rapid voltage and current transitions.

Introducing the AWG: Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Astrodyne TDI’s new AWG brings together high-speed performance, waveform flexibility, and ultra-compact scalability in one field-ready power solution.

Designed to sit downstream of any AC-DC programmable power supply, the AWG delivers:

  • Pulsed output capabilities up to 1000A/ms and 2000V/ms

  • Output frequencies up to 5 kHz

  • Support for any wave shape: sine, triangle, trapezoid, custom

  • True bipolar output for precise forward and reverse current control

  • 2kW per brick, with parallel scalability for higher output needs

This compact 3.5” x 6.5” brick can be liquid, air, or conduction cooled, and is designed for rapid integration with hands-on engineering support from Astrodyne TDI.

Real-World Applications That Demand High Slew Rates

Several industries are already exploring AWG-class power to overcome bottlenecks and improve performance:

  • Semiconductor Lasers: Require clean, high-speed pulse trains with tight amplitude control

  • Pulse Plating & Metal Finishing: Need programmable bipolar currents with fast rise/fall times

  • Beam Steering: Requires precise, dynamic waveform shaping for accuracy and control

  • RF Amplifier Systems: Benefit from rapid waveform flexibility for heat control and modulation

These applications all have one thing in common: they are outgrowing the capabilities of conventional power supplies.

The ATDI Advantage: High-Speed Power, Off the Shelf

Astrodyne TDI’s AWG gives OEMs a critical edge in power delivery with:

  • High slew rate outputs with no tradeoffs

  • Scalable, modular design

  • Compatibility with any AC-DC backend

  • Ultra-high reliability

  • Configurable control and cooling options

Unlike competitors offering rigid platforms, Astrodyne’s AWG is ready for rapid deployment, with the flexibility to evolve alongside your application.

Ready to Go Beyond Traditional Power?

The AWG is more than just a fast power supply. It’s a new building block for advanced systems that demand programmable performance, reliability, and speed.

Let’s bring waveform agility to your next innovation.

👉 Download the AWG Datasheet
👉 Request a Demo
👉 Talk to Our Applications Team