To begin with, programmable power supplies are power supplies that provide remote control capabilities to the output voltage via an analog control signal that can be regulated using a keypad or rotary switch. As a custom power supply, some programmable functions are voltage output and current. Let’s talk about that for a minute:
Custom Supply
Normally, standard power supplies are ordered from the manufacturer using a specific part number. They are usually already produced, tested, and qualified and mostly reflect the manufacturer’s experience in terms of performance.
If a power supply deviates from these standard power supplies, it qualifies as a custom power supply. The customized power supplies could be anything from semi-custom which involves slight voltage or connection changes to full custom which include new input and output voltage levels and changes in the output current as well.
When to Get Custom Supply
The default of power supply options is going for the standard power supply. However, if you are unable to find a solution that meets your requirements in terms of performance and mechanical fit for your design, you can go for a semi or full-custom judging by which one meets all your requirements.
Another reason to go for custom supply as a designer is when you want to ensure the power supply doesn’t change in any way in the future. The reason this works is because manufacturers cannot make any changes without notifying you.
Advantages of Custom Power Supply
The main advantage custom supplies have over their standard counterparts is that you get exactly what you need. Standard power supplies are rigid and that may limit you in a way which may force you to make some compromises in your specifications.
To add to my point, a standard power supply may come with more performance specifications than what you need and that margin between enough and excess can lead to higher costs of repair and maintenance.
With custom supply, you can find that sweet spot between not enough and just enough. A custom supply is a perfect match for whatever you want to use it for because it is specifically tailored for just that.
So I don’t seem biased, I’ll give you a downside: there may be some higher costs in the process of customization and design. On top of that, there is some red tape to get through. Agency approvals may take longer.
How Programmable DC Power Supply Works
A decent DC power supply should provide regulated DC output to power equipment that requires stable and precise voltage as well as current with minimal noise to any type of load.
Most DC power supplies have two modes of operation, constant voltage and constant current depending on the setting on the electronic load which leads me to a side note.
Electronic Loads
These are load devices that can be set to the desired resistance value. A load device is a device in a circuit that produces light, heat, sound or electrical movement when current is flowing. A load always has resistance and only consumes voltage when current is flowing.
Electronic loads are made up of an array of semiconductor elements.
Modes of Operation
Constant Current
In this setting, the current value is set and kept. Even when the terminal voltage changes, the current remains constant.
Constant Voltage
This particular setup operates at a set voltage value. Even when the terminal current changes while discharging, the voltage remains constant.
Constant Resistance
The unit operates at a set resistance value. The terminal voltage value is measured and used to determine the value of the current for discharging according to the set resistance value.
Constant Power
The unit operates at a set power value. If the terminal voltage changes while discharging, a constant level of power can be consumed with regard to the change.
