The Workbench: Building a Benchtop Power Supply

RE: The Workbench: Building a Benchtop Power Supply

artful_bodger — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 12:28:09 GMT

If you want a really simple FET based variable current dummy load, google 'design showcase dummy load' - it should take you to a pdf, which was a National Semi 'design showcase'

You can use pretty much any FETs and parallel them up. I used a CA3140 opamp off 5V to 16V, and 2 IRFZ46N in parallel. You need a big heatsink, as all the input power is 'wasted' by the FETs. I use mine up to 50V/12A, but no more than 100W continuous. Elektor did something slicker, with warning LEDs etc, in Feb 2012. By moving the voltage reference from the precision ref to a potential divider on the input test voltage, you get a constant resistance unit.

RE: The Workbench: Building a Benchtop Power Supply

Former Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 10:33:09 GMT

Interesting project, good luck.

RE: The Workbench: Building a Benchtop Power Supply

DAB — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:26:06 GMT

Good soldering technic.

Your finished joints look good and clean.

Are you going to show how well the supply works under load?

I have always wondered how good the regulation is on a computer supply.

DAB