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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

Parents

  • I've designed and built many power supplies in my lifetime and if you want something simple that's premade then e14 has reasonably priced adjustable and programmable power supplies.

    The Tenma  72-253572-2535 is a good start with both Constant Voltage and Constant Current modes

    With both modes available it is very easy to use it to test LEDs.

     

    Another handy tool to have is an accompanying DC load unit as this will enable you to properly test power supplies and batteries)

  • in reply to COMPACT


    LOOkatu .. I'm going to build it myself.. MAKE IT MYSELF.. image
    Thanks image

     

    mudz

  • in reply to mudz

    Banana!

     

    If you live in a cold area you could use linear regulators with bypass transistors to provide you with both regulated power and heat.

    It has the bonus of less of a chance of blowing up the attached load.

     

    If you're more adventurous you could build your own power supply with some 741 opamps.

     

    King Bob!

  • in reply to COMPACT

    Papple?

     

    No the cold is not a problem here. It's the
    I am going to research some more then I will choose components for it.
    Thanks !image

     

    mudz

  • in reply to mudz

    Donut!

     

    If you're going to build a SMPS then consider some Wurth Inductors to save you the trouble of winding them yourself.

  • in reply to COMPACT

    Definitely going to buy components!

  • in reply to mudz

    Two sources on the Internet. I don't have specific URLs, but here goes. At the MOOC www.coursera.org was/is a course on Switching Power Supplies. IDK (I Don't Know) when they will offer it again. Then there are numerous Electronics/Power-Supplies/Load-Testers at YouTube. I have been thinking along the same lines as you, so I'll try to keep-up w/ this discussion. At another Blog, another Blogger gave me an URL for a Switching Power Supply Primer. I have to look for that URL. Sorry. But speaking on a Practically Level, if you are just starting out, A Variable Voltage/Current-Limiting LINEAR Power Supply would be Best. Again check YouTube.

  • in reply to COMPACT

    Ah ha - you've given me  a perfect lead in here !

     

    In the old days (and I do mean old) the 741 was the universal op amp - the first part most engineers considered when they started thinking about using an op amp in a project.

     

    I want to point out to those who haven't moved on (either at all or past TL07x type parts) about my suggestion for the universal op amps for the second decade of the 21st century (actually there are a pair of them):

     

    TI's OPA191 and OPA192.

     

    Sample from the OPA192 highlights:

    image

    and from the OPA191:

     

    image

    The opa191s are hard to get right now but Farnell have OPA192  - this isn't  achopper amp but just look at those specs for offset, drift and noise  all with 36V (yes 36V) differential input range and RRIO.

     

    I'm currently designing a board for a  tester (only 8 maximum will ever be made) and I'm using them everywhere - one opamp to fit all sockets, about 10 per board !

     

    They do cost more than 741s  image

     

    but are otherwise as near perfection as it gets !

     

    MK

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    You just took me down Memory Lane. I still have 741 Op-Amps in those Cylindrical Can Housings. Haven't done much w/ ICs and discrete Components in Decades. Doing mostly PC, RaspPi, Stuff. as a Hobby not a Vocation. Full Disclosure: I am a BSEE JD, Patent Attorney. Keep up the good work especially w/ TI Components.

    Full Disclosure2: I have TI Stock

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Hey
    Thanks for the heads up.. This is what I was really looking for an Experience, I'm definitely not going with the old age things. I know those are masterpiece of their time and some are still believed to be still in phase but I am going to make an advanced version of that. I might fail over few things but hey I'm building this up for the most important thing "Experience" then comes my power supply requirements.
    Well I'm still figuring out what will be the best to build with.. I will come up with a solution within this week..
    I can get my hands on those op ams.. bdw I have never worked on OP ams before.. So I am considering it straight away. image
    Thanks a lot !

     

    mudz

  • in reply to mudz

    Nothing like jumping in at the deep end !

     

    I can't post the complete design for the tester I mentioned  but it has a pair of interesting power supplies (tracking, +/- 0-12V, with current limiting) and I 'll post an extract showing that part of the design in a few days.

     

    It uses OPA192s.

     

    MK

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