What Is Autoranging in a Power Supply?

In a conventional rectangular power supply, maximum power is typically available only at one operating point: maximum voltage combined with maximum current.

In practical test environments, however, applications often require:

• High voltage with lower current
• High current with lower voltage
• Multiple DUT profiles within one system

In these cases, only part of the available power capacity is utilized.

An autoranging programmable power supply automatically adjusts the available current according to the selected voltage (and vice versa) to maintain the rated output power over a broader operating range. This operating behavior is commonly represented by a hyperbolic power curve.

As a result, a single autoranging unit may cover operating ranges that would otherwise require multiple conventional power supplies.

For engineers and system integrators, this can help reduce:

• Rack space requirements
• System complexity
• Heat generation
• The number of power supply variants needed in one test environment

The EA-PS 9080-50 1U Overview

The EA-PS 9080-50 1U is a microprocessor-controlled programmable DC power supply from the EA-PS 9000 1U series. It is designed for applications such as:

• R&D and validation
• Electronic testing
• Prototype development
• Automated production testing

The unit provides:

• Adjustable voltage: 0–80 V
• Adjustable current: 0–50 A
• Output power: 1500 W

Its compact 1U rack-mount design (19” × 1U × 500 mm) supports space-efficient integration into industrial cabinets and test racks.

For applications requiring different power densities or installation formats, additional 2U and 3U programmable DC power supply variants are also available.

The front panel includes:

• Rotary controls
• Pushbuttons
• Blue LCD display
• Status and alarm indicators

For production environments, the integrated panel-lock function helps reduce the risk of unintended parameter changes during operation.

Electrical Performance and Precision

In ATE and validation systems, stable output characteristics and repeatability are important considerations.

The EA-PS 9080-50 1U includes the following electrical characteristics:

Efficiency and Power Factor Correction

The unit offers efficiency levels of up to 91% and includes active Power Factor Correction (PFC) with PF = 0.99.

It supports AC input ranges from:

• 100–264 V AC
• 45–65 Hz

Please note: output power derates to 1000 W when the AC input voltage is below 150 V AC.

Accuracy and Regulation

Specified performance values include:

• Voltage accuracy: <0.1% of rated value
• Voltage load regulation: <0.05%
• Current accuracy: <0.2%
• Current load regulation: <0.15%

Low Ripple Characteristics

For sensitive electronic applications, the unit provides:

• Voltage ripple: 100 mVpp (HF) / 5.2 mVrms (LF)
• Current ripple: 4 mArms

Protection Functions

Integrated protection mechanisms include:

• Overvoltage Protection (OVP)
• Overcurrent Protection (OCP)
• Overpower Protection (OPP)
• Overtemperature Protection (OTP)

When threshold values are exceeded, the DC output is automatically disabled to help protect connected devices and the power supply itself.

Temperature-controlled fans support thermal management while helping reduce unnecessary acoustic noise during lower-load operation.

System Integration and Interfaces

In automated production and test environments, communication between the power supply and the central control system is essential.

The EA-PS 9080-50 1U includes galvanically isolated interfaces designed for integration into industrial control environments.

Standard interfaces include:

• Ethernet
• USB
• Analog interface (15-pole D-Sub)

Supported communication protocols include:

• SCPI
• ModBus RTU

The analog interface supports:

• 0–5 V signals
• 0–10 V signals
• Monitoring and remote setpoint control

Optional interface modules may be available for applications requiring additional communication standards, including GPIB integration.

The unit is also compatible with LabVIEW VIs for custom automation workflows and can be managed via “EA Power Control” software for Windows-based environments.

Additional integration features include:

• Remote sensing
• Parallel operation via Share Bus

Explore our full range of programmable power supplies to identify suitable interface configurations for your application.

Typical Applications for ATE and Production

The EA-PS 9080-50 1U can be integrated into different stages of product development and manufacturing.

Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

Its compact 1U form factor and SCPI compatibility make it suitable for automated test systems used in areas such as:

• Automotive electronics
• Aerospace electronics
• Semiconductor testing

R&D and Prototyping

Although designed for rack integration, the front-panel controls and display also support laboratory-based development and validation tasks.

For dedicated desktop systems, the EA-PSI 9000 DT series may also be considered.

Production-Line Testing

Features such as:

• Panel lock
• Integrated protection functions
• High-efficiency operation

support continuous operation in production and validation environments.

RFQ Checklist for Procurement Teams

When sourcing a programmable DC power supply, engineering and procurement teams should align on key technical and integration requirements before issuing an RFQ.

Voltage and Current Range

Confirm that the autoranging operating profile covers all DUT requirements.

Form Factor

Determine whether the application requires:

• 1U rack integration
• Higher-power 2U/3U systems
• Larger 4U programmable DC power supplies

AC Input Requirements

Verify compatibility with the available AC grid.

Please note that the EA-PS 9080-50 output power derates to 1000 W below 150 V AC input.

Communication Interfaces

Specify required interfaces such as:

• Ethernet
• USB
• Analog control
• GPIB

Compliance Requirements

Verify compatibility with applicable regional or project standards.

The EA-PS 9080-50 is specified as compliant with:

• EN 60950
• EN 61326
• EN 55022 Class B

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main advantage of an autoranging power supply?

Autoranging technology allows the power supply to maintain rated output power across a wider range of voltage and current combinations compared with conventional rectangular power supplies.

This may reduce the number of separate power supplies required within a test system.

2. Can the EA-PS 9080-50 1U be controlled over a network?

Yes. The unit includes Ethernet and USB interfaces and supports SCPI and ModBus RTU communication protocols for integration into automated systems.

3. Is the unit suitable for 110 V AC grids?

Yes. The power supply supports 100–264 V AC input ranges with active PFC.

Please note that output power derates from 1500 W to 1000 W when the AC input voltage is below 150 V AC.

4. How does the unit help protect sensitive DUTs?

The unit includes integrated protection mechanisms such as:

• OVP
• OCP
• OPP
• OTP

If configured thresholds are exceeded, the DC output is automatically disabled.

5. Can the unit be used on a benchtop?

Yes. Although primarily designed for rack integration, the front-panel controls and display also support laboratory and development use cases.

For dedicated desktop-oriented systems, desktop programmable DC power supply series may also be considered.