Multichannel power supplies are an important player in electronic testing. The devices are designed to satisfy the needs of devices under test (DUTs) that require multiple, simultaneous output voltages, as well as process applications that require multiple voltages in sequential steps. Because they provide those outputs from a single AC input, moreover, multichannel power supplies offer the potential for increased power density and space savings in automatic test equipment racks.
Ametek Programmable Power describes one of the newest additions to its platform of power testing solutions as “the next evolution in the programmable power space.” According to the company, there are no other multioutput power supplies currently available that can achieve the power of the Asterion DC ASA series, a high-performance, three-channel power supply marketed under the company’s Sorensen brand.
The 3-channel Sorensen Asterion DC ASA Series offers a combined total output power of 1800 W. Source: Ametek Programmable PowerA closer look yields some impressive specs. Within a 1U form factor (1.75 in high), three independent, isolated 600 W channels provide a combined total output power of 1800 W. Four auto-ranging output options provide voltage and current from 60 V DC at 42 A to 400 V DC at 6 A, satisfying a wide range of testing needs without the need for additional equipment. The DC supply is also controllable with an intuitive color touch screen; there are also Ethernet LXI, USB and RS232 standard control interfaces and an optional GPIB control interface as well as optional remote analog programming.
Programming options include sequencing, ramps and delays; up to 50 sequences of 20 individual steps can be stored, and sequences can be tied together. The device also features active power factor correction (PFC) and global single-phase and three-phase AC input power options. Control resolution is adjusted by a dynamic rate change algorithm that, according to Ametek, combines the benefits of precise control over small parameter changes with quick sweeps through the entire range.
Ametek said that applications for the new device include telecommunications and commercial electronics, as well as automatic test equipment (ATE), military and aerospace electronics testing, automotive component and battery testing, DC power simulation and others.
For more information about the Asterion DC ASA series, visit Ametek Programmable Power, or the company's link on Globalspec.
