For system integrators, panel builders, and electrical engineers, designing an Automated Test Equipment (ATE) system or a production line test rig involves strict space, power, and budget constraints.
Selecting the right power source is critical. Traditional rectangular power supplies often force engineers to over-specify wattage just to hit a specific voltage or current peak. This leads to wasted rack space, excess heat, and inflated costs.
The solution lies in the autoranging programmable power supply. Units like the EA-PS 9080-50 1U offer a flexible power stage that automatically adjusts voltage and current to maintain maximum power output across a wider operating range. This article explores why an autoranging programmable dc power supply is essential for modern test systems and how it streamlines system integration.
What is Autoranging in a Power Supply?
In a conventional (rectangular) power supply, maximum power is only available at one specific operating point—maximum voltage and maximum current. If your test requires high voltage but low current, or high current but low voltage, you are only utilizing a fraction of the unit’s total power capacity.
An autoranging programmable power supply changes this dynamic. It features a power stage that automatically adjusts the available current based on the requested voltage (and vice versa) to maintain the maximum rated power (e.g., 1500W) over a wide continuous range. This hyperbolic power curve means a single autoranging unit can replace multiple conventional supplies. Which making it the ultimate system integration power supply.
For engineers, this translates to significant cost savings and reduced rack space, as one versatile unit can test a diverse portfolio of devices under test (DUTs).
The EA-PS 9080-50 1U: A High Power Density Supply
The EA-PS 9080-50 1U is a microprocessor-controlled unit from the EA-PS 9000 1U series, engineered specifically for R&D, electronic testing, and prototype validation. As a 1500W model, it delivers an impressive 0-80V adjustable voltage and 0-50A variable current.
Space is a premium in industrial cabinets. This unit is a true high power density supply, packed into a compact rack mount power supply format (19“x1Ux500mm). This 1U form factor allows panel builders to stack multiple units or leave room for other critical instrumentation. For setups requiring different form factors, TPS also offers 2U programmable DC power supplies and 3U programmable DC power supplies.
The front control panel is designed for intuitive operation, featuring rotary knobs, pushbuttons, and a clear blue LCD that displays values, status, and alarms. Crucially for production environments, it includes a panel lock feature to prevent unintentional misuse by operators.
Electrical Performance & Precision
When acting as an ATE power supply, precision and stability are non-negotiable. The EA-PS 9080-50 1U excels in electrical performance:
- Efficiency & PFC: It achieves up to 91% efficiency, drastically cutting energy loss and thermal dissipation. The active Power Factor Correction (PF=0.99) ensures compatibility with 100…264V AC grids (45…65Hz). Note that the unit derates to 1000W at <150V AC input.
- Accuracy: Voltage accuracy is <0.1% of the rated value, with load regulation at <0.05%. Current accuracy is <0.2%, with load regulation at <0.15%.
- Low Ripple: To ensure stability for sensitive electronics, it boasts a low voltage ripple of 100 mV PP (HF) / 5.2 mV RMS (LF), and a current ripple of just 4 mA RMS.
Comprehensive safety features, including Overvoltage Protection (OVP), Overcurrent Protection (OCP), Overpower Protection (OPP), and Overtemperature Protection (OTP), automatically shut off the DC output upon detecting anomalies. Temperature-controlled fans ensure optimal cooling without excessive acoustic noise.
System Integration: Interfaces & Control
A modern production line power supply must communicate seamlessly with the central test sequencer. The EA-PS 9080-50 1U provides galvanically isolated interfaces to ensure reliable, noise-free control.
It functions as a highly capable dc power supply with ethernet and USB digital interfaces, supporting industry-standard SCPI and ModBus RTU protocols. For legacy or specialized setups, it also features an analog interface (15-pole D-Sub, 0…5V/0…10V signals for setting and monitoring). While USB and Ethernet are standard, environments requiring a GPIB programmable power supply can often integrate optional interface modules.
Furthermore, it is fully compatible with LabView VIs for custom applications and includes “EA Power Control” software for Windows, enabling multi-unit management. For scaling power, it supports remote sensing and parallel operation via a Share Bus.
Explore our full range of programmable power supplies to find the exact interface options your system requires.
Key Applications for ATE and Production
The versatility of the EA-PS 9080-50 1U makes it suitable for various stages of the product lifecycle:
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE): Its 1U size and SCPI compatibility make it the perfect ATE power supply for testing automotive components, aerospace electronics, and semiconductor devices.
- R&D and Prototyping: While rack-mountable, its precise control and clear LCD make it an excellent high-power benchtop dc power supply for laboratory validation. For dedicated desktop models, consider the EA-PSI 9000 DT series.
- Production Lines: The panel lock feature, combined with robust OVP/OCP protections and high efficiency, ensures reliable 24/7 operation as a production line power supply.
RFQ Checklist for Procurement
When sourcing a programmable power supply for your facility, procurement teams and engineers should align on the following checklist to ensure a smooth RFQ process:
- Voltage & Current Range: Does the autoranging profile cover all your DUT requirements?
- Form Factor: Do you need a 1U rack mount, or a larger 4U programmable DC power supply for higher power?
- Grid Compatibility: Verify your AC input. Remember the EA-PS 9080-50 derates to 1000W below 150V AC.
- Control Interfaces: Specify if you need Ethernet, USB, Analog, or a specific GPIB programmable power supply module.
- Compliance: Ensure the unit meets your regional standards. The EA-PS 9080-50 meets EN 60950, EN 61326, and EN 55022 Class B.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main advantage of an autoranging power supply?
Autoranging allows the power supply to deliver full output power across a wide range of voltage and current combinations, unlike rectangular supplies that only deliver full power at maximum voltage and current. This reduces the need for multiple power supplies.
2. Can the EA-PS 9080-50 1U be controlled via a network?
Yes, it is a dc power supply with ethernet and USB interfaces, supporting SCPI and ModBus RTU protocols for easy integration into networked ATE systems.
3. Is this unit suitable for 110V AC grids?
Yes, it features active PFC and works with 100…264V AC grids. However, please note that the output power derates from 1500W to 1000W when the AC input is below 150V.
4. How does the unit protect sensitive Devices Under Test (DUTs)?
It includes comprehensive, galvanically isolated protection features including Overvoltage Protection (OVP), Overcurrent Protection (OCP), Overpower Protection (OPP), and Overtemperature Protection (OTP), which immediately shut off the DC output if thresholds are exceeded.
5. Can I use this as a benchtop unit?
While optimized as a rack mount power supply, its clear LCD, rotary knobs, and precise manual control make it perfectly viable for benchtop R&D use. For dedicated desktop designs, explore our desktop programmable DC power supplies.
