Ametek Programmable Power adds 18 kVA unit to Asterion line of AC power sources

Ametek Programmable Power, a developer of programmable AC and DC power test solutions, has expanded its Asterion line of AC power sources with a new 18 kVA power source.

The Asterion 12K3 supplies AC and DC output power up to 12,000 VA, or 12,000 W, and the Asterion 18K3 supplies up to 18,000 VA, or 18,000 W. Both units come in a 14U chassis and can supply single- or three-phase output power.

The key to the Asterion line’s outstanding performance is AMETEK Programmable Power’s iX2 current-doubling technology. With iX2, as the output voltage decreases from the maximum value to one-half the maximum value, the available output current increases up to two times the rated output current.

This allows Asterion to maintain maximum power through the widest range of voltages. As a result, the Source: Ametek Programmable PoweriX2’s current-doubling technology eliminates the need to buy multiple sources or overpowered sources to run tests at different voltage levels, such as when performing low line voltage testing. Furthermore, Asterion offers wide AC and DC output voltage ranges up to 400 V AC and 500 V DC.

Other unique Asterion benefits include auto-paralleling and clock/lock. With auto-paralleling, users can combine up to six units to achieve 36 kVA of output power. One unit becomes the master while the rest serve as auxiliary units. The clock/lock feature allows users to easily configure multi-phase systems, such as split-phase, three-phase or even higher phase count systems.

This allows users to purchase only the power they need and easily add more as required. That scalability, along with the ability to easily expand, helps protect the value of the user’s initial investment and allows additional capital spending to be deferred until needed.

In addition, test engineers will appreciate the Asterion AC source’s ease of use. Ametek Programmable Power developed an entirely new user interface for this platform. The intuitive, touch-screen interface — which is not available on other AC sources — allows users to quickly and easily set up the source and run tests. Asterion offers a complete avionics test suite as an option, with a programmable frequency between 16 Hz and 5000 Hz.

This powerful set of features allows Asterion to be used in both the lab and in ATE systems. If Asterion is used as part of an ATE system, test engineers can order it without a front panel, which offers significant savings.

Asterion comes with standard LXI LAN, USB and RS-232 interfaces. An optional GPIB interface is also available. Intuitive virtual panels control GUI software and comes bundled with the instrument for easy remote control from a computer. Included drivers allow test engineers to quickly integrate the unit into ATE systems. The entire Asterion AC family now comes protected by an industry-leading five-year warranty to match the same warranty length on all Asterion DC power supplies