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Power Supply for Home lab?

mudz

Hi,
I am starting this year with different projects. Indeed, I need a power supply which I felt for so long is the main missing component in my small home lab. Currently, I am using PC SMPS, Transformers, and different adaptors to power up different projects and kits.
Many times I felt need of a variable power source but I did that with two different power supplies, but it is time consuming. And many more things to say but its just a waste of time to write and for yourself to read...... Now Its too much and I'm going to build one good power supply. Previously I'm fulfilling my power supply needs by using a adaptor and then using a voltage regulator(7805, 7809, 7812, LM317..) afterward for my projects.
So, what do you suggest?

Also I'm going to include few more additions to it like function generator, power consumption meter.
So what do you suggest what will be the best thing to make a good power supply?

An IC?

A Microcontroller? like PIC

Just build a box consisting a transformer/adaptor with voltage regulator and few pots?

Do tell me which will be better to use? A microcontroller or IC available in market for specific task for example Function generator IC? I'm confused should I go with a microcontroller and make my own program to do these tasks or should I buy an IC for individual task and then using a controller to control all?

 

 

mudz

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  • There is no best - it depends what you are doing - I have loads of different power supplies (it's my work not just a hobby so they can be paid for if needed.)

    My favorite general purpose supply is a rather old Thurlby Thandar (now Aim-TTi) 30V 2 A unit with LCD digital displays of current and knobs to adjust voltage and current limit. It's reliable, easy to set the current limit of load, low noise and simple. I have several programmable supplies which are very useful for automated tests, high power (Xantrex 100V 28A - for high power things image) and so on.

     

    For  a home build I suggest you go for something simple, 0-30V, 0-2A with analogue controls. Peter Oakes has posted  a design in some detail on E14 but he doesn't go as far as offer pcb designs or detailed construction information.

     

    If you don't have some power analogue experience and  a scope I think you would do better with a proven kit rather than do your own boards or design from scratch.

     

    MK

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Thanks

    The thing is I am in a habit of developing my own electronics things.. It helps me a lot in learning(most importantly EXPERIENCE) and building my confidence.. You know I was made to do build something great someday (haha).. So I cannot miss any single detail If I'm going to do that in future.

    I've already looked over Peter Oakes & many other blog's, so I was kind of confused what to choose, what should I prefer a programmable logic or an specific task IC.. I believe many out there, in past, were in my position and now they might have improved their designs many times, so they must knew what helps the most..
    I was myself considering a 0-30v and 0-5A supply (also -15v to 15v). with few more functions.. So indeed I'm going to need a micro controller.. but any specific IC/Microcontroller?

     

    mudz

  • in reply to mudz

    I would suggest starting with a basic naalog design (As I have shown in my series), understand its operation, then it should be a simple extension to add DAC and ADC monitoring

     

    this way it seperates the Power Supply core from the control core and if you wanted you could include a switch to select either a POT for control, or a DAC

     

    This is what I will be showing soon as I continue my series

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