Power supplies provide electrical energy in the form of operating voltage to power a wide range of systems, delivering stable, precise, and clean power to support different processes. These electronic, physical, or chemical processes create other forms of energy like heat, light, and electromagnetic fields or run electronic circuits, motors, pumps, etc. All these processes have some kind of variance.
A "fixed" power supply offers the same performance in almost all applications with a limited ability to adjust settings. On the other hand, a programmable power supply is adjustable through a program, such as software or firmware, to tackle diverse requirements and enable other features like a remote control. In many applications, having a smart power supply can greatly expand the capabilities and efficiency of your system.
Explore our air-cooled or liquid-cooled programmable power solutions
While traditional power supplies are fixed or give you few options, a standard power supply delivers constant voltage or current and plays a fundamental role in testing and simulation applications. Programmable power supplies offer more flexibility and multiple operating modes. These digitally controlled power sources offer control over different settings, including variable voltage, current, power, and mode of operation. The user can adjust these settings as needed, and it is important to set a minimum value for voltage or current to ensure safety and maintain precise control during testing or simulations.
Engineers and technicians benefit from this flexibility in certain applications where demands exceed standard offerings
Programmable power supplies can tackle these requirements by enabling switching between various operating modes. For example, a smart charger with a programmable power supply can charge a battery by supplying constant current (CC) initially and then switching to constant voltage (CV) as the battery nears full charge. Then, if the power supply exceeds the user’s current limit setting in CV mode, it can automatically switch back to CC mode. Mandatory protections such as Overvoltage Protection (OVP) and Overcurrent Protection (OCP) are standard in programmable power supplies to enhance safety.
In CC mode, the power supply regulates the current. This is typically considered the “safety” mode, but it can also be used in other ways. The output current is constant and determined by the user’s current limit setting. In CV mode, the power supply controls the output voltage, which is constant and user-determined.
In some chemical processes, the power supply needs to deliver a pre-determined set of power, also called constant power (CP). This calls for constant process monitoring and a programmable power supply that dynamically communicates with the control system. Programming is achieved by the controller, and the power supply responds to these commands. A programmable power supply can even have a controller built in, where the user simply writes and runs a program that fits their process. A standard programmable power supply thus fits the user’s specific, varying demands. Repeatability is crucial in these scenarios to ensure consistent voltage or current conditions and reliable results, especially when setting up sequential or complex testing protocols. High precision and low noise/ripple are also necessary to prevent measurement errors in electronic testing.
The front panel, or panel, of a programmable power supply serves as the main user interface, typically featuring real-time monitoring and manual control of voltage, current, and other parameters. Comprehensive guides are available to help users learn how to operate programmable power supplies effectively, making them accessible even to those without prior experience.
Many power supplies have some adjustable parameters. Programmable power supplies are capable of supporting advanced features such as remote control, multiple outputs, and different control modes, allowing for more comprehensive adjustments. A manually adjustable power supply might need to be changed, but a programmable power supply can run from computer programs, enable more sophisticated control, and can also read back set values and operational parameters for verification and monitoring.
A programmable power supply is made up of many different parts, including:
Programmable power supplies are often available in series, with each series offering standardized features, performance, and design consistency across the product line.
Typically, programmable power supplies are designed to operate over a wide range of values for voltage, current, power, and speed of response. They can provide AC, DC, or both AC and DC outputs.
Many programmable AC and DC power supplies have special features to improve performance. Some options include:
A 4-wire remote sensing feature compensates for voltage drops across test leads, ensuring correct voltage application at the load.
Key features of programmable power supplies include remote sensing for accuracy, comprehensive protection mechanisms, and versatile communication interfaces for automation.
Programmable power supplies are available in several types, each designed to meet specific application needs and performance requirements. The most common types include DC power supplies, AC-DC power supplies, and modular power supplies.
DC power supplies are ideal for applications that require a stable and precise DC output. They are commonly used in battery simulation, DC-DC power supply modules, and testing environments where accurate output voltage and current control are essential. Their ability to deliver programmable power makes them suitable for research, development, and manufacturing systems that demand repeatable and reliable results.
AC-DC power supplies provide both AC and DC outputs, making them suitable for more complex applications such as industrial control systems, laboratory equipment, and environments where both types of power are needed. These power supplies offer flexibility in output and are often equipped with advanced features like remote control and multiple operating modes.
Modular power supplies offer scalability and adaptability, allowing users to configure the supply to match varying power requirements. This makes them a great choice for applications where power levels may change over time or where multiple outputs are needed. Modular designs are especially useful in systems integration and manufacturing setups, where flexibility and expandability are key.
When selecting a programmable power supply, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your application, such as output voltage, current control, remote control capabilities, and the need for features like battery simulation. By browsing available models and comparing their features, users can find the most suitable power supply to meet their needs, ensuring optimal performance and control for any application.
With so many capabilities, you’ll find programmable power supplies usable in a wide range of applications. Some examples include:
Programmable power supplies are essential in manufacturing to test products like aircraft, semiconductor components, and automobiles without manual intervention. They are also commonly used for automated equipment testing, certification, intelligent debugging, simulation, and calibration.
Programmable power supplies also come in various styles and ratings. They can be modular and mounted on a floor, wall, desktop, or DIN rail mounted. Fast transient response is critical for testing devices with rapid load changes or power consumption spikes. Additionally, dynamic load profiling capabilities allow programmable power supplies to simulate real-world conditions, such as battery drain or power-on sequences.
Battery simulation is a critical application for programmable power supplies, especially in the development and testing of battery-powered devices and systems. By precisely controlling output voltage and current, a programmable power supply can accurately mimic the behavior of real batteries under various conditions.
This capability is essential for testing battery management systems, evaluating device performance, and ensuring product reliability without the need for actual batteries. Engineers can simulate different battery states—such as charging, discharging, or low-power scenarios—by adjusting the power supply’s settings. This allows for repeatable, controlled tests that save time and resources during product development.
Programmable power supplies used for battery simulation offer high precision and flexibility, enabling users to set exact voltage and current parameters to match the characteristics of different battery chemistries and capacities. Features like remote control and automated test sequences further enhance the efficiency of battery simulation, making it easier to confirm device performance and safety across a wide range of operating conditions.
Whether for research, manufacturing, or quality assurance, programmable power supplies provide a reliable and efficient solution for battery simulation, helping engineers and technicians achieve accurate, consistent results in their testing processes.
When it’s time to pick a programmable power supply, you’ll need to understand many different elements of your application. There are a lot of factors and features to consider, such as multiple outputs, control functions, and cooling technologies, which can make the selection process complex. Determine your application’s needs in the following areas:
Other factors to consider include the number of outputs you’ll need and the ability to enable and disable outputs. Having multiple isolated outputs allows for greater flexibility in running multiple applications simultaneously. The output enable/disable feature is recommended, as it allows users to switch the output on or off without shutting down the entire load supply, making test setups easier. Intuitive controls for voltage and current settings can significantly reduce setup time and improve testing efficiency. These features can be helpful in testing environments, where they allow you to connect multiple loads to one power supply or isolate and separate them. You can run various tests without being concerned about how adjustments in one output will affect the load in another.
Programmable power supplies can be either AC or DC, with digital interfaces for modern, automated environments. A programmable power supply delivers precise, adjustable voltage and current with automated control for circuit testing, validation, and production, ensuring accurate, repeatable measurements in R&D, manufacturing, and automated test environments. They can integrate seamlessly into automated test setups, enabling engineers to run complex voltage sweeps, stress tests, and device characterization with precision and efficiency. With automated sequencing, a programmable power supply can simulate real-world conditions by cycling power, adjusting voltage profiles, and testing device limits, which is essential for reliability testing in various industries.
Once you know what you need in a power supply, you can browse available models and view detailed specifications to find the best fit for your needs. Users can view voltage, current, and other measurements directly on the display for real-time feedback. Make sure their product ticks all your boxes and, if necessary, consider a custom solution built specifically for your application.
To see these features in action, watch a demonstration or tutorial video to better understand how programmable power supplies can improve your testing workflows.
Many brands like to design and manufacture standardized power supplies. While these might offer some adjustability on one parameter, they don't provide programmable power supplies' advanced controls and flexibility.
At Astrodyne TDI, we offer a wide range of fully programmable power supplies and systems you can use as-is or easily adapt to specific situations. We serve clients across industries, including those with rigorous demands like medicine and the military. All our products are built with quality first. Explore our programmable power supplies online by narrowing down your search according to your criteria. You can also contact your local representative to discuss further details, including customization, and arrange test units.