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Triple Output Bench-top power supply - Any requests?

Magnethicc

Hi Everyone,

I will be designing a high performance triple-output bench power supply and I was wondering if any of you have any information regarding your current benchtop power supply:

1. what do you like about it?

2. what do you don't like about it?

3. what kind of features is missing as of today and wish were available?

feel free to go nuts, any help is greatly appreciated!

  • I have two preferred bench power supplies:

    AimTTi QL564TP, Linear supply, 2 main outputs, switchable ranges 0-25V, 4A and 0-56V, 2A, full LAN control.

    Used almost all the time, there are few days when it isn't switched on.

    AimTTi MX180TP 

    imagealso with full LAN control

    Used less often but good when higher power is needed.

    Both of these supplies are quite easy to use under manual control and easy to programme via Ethernet or serial port.

    The metering (especially on the QL564) is quite accurate. The ergonomics could be  a little better on both supplies  - a rotary control per channel would be good and the QL564 would benefit from a better display.

    I have other supplies (many) for more specialised things.

    When you say high performance I wonder what you actually mean - putting everything in one box would be possible but absurdly expensive. 

    Perhaps you could explain the idea behind your project.

    Just for fun this is what I would like:

    +/-60V @ 10A full 4 quadrant operation , noise less than 0.5mV p-p 20MHz bandwidth, settling time < 100us, constant voltage, current and power modes, full LAN control, analogue modulation supported, 6.5 digit metering, 2U 19" format. Built in battery emulation mode. 3 identical channels fully isolated from each other, simultaneous 6 channel current/voltage metering at > 10ks/s

    (Effectively 3 high power source meters in one box)

    Price under £10k Relaxed

    MK

  • I have a triple output supply that I use extensively. It has one high current output but that output only goes to 6V. The two 30V  outputs only go to 2A. The only combination I miss is an output capable of 24V at 3A. (My supply can do this by using 2 outputs in parallel) but then I only have 2 outputs. It would be nice to have a USB output that monitors current or can limit current.

  • I've always wanted to build a really great desktop power supply.

    Due to lack of time, I postponed it and am now using the Keysight E36313A.

    https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/E36313A/160w-triple-output-power-supply-6v-10a-2x-25v-2a.html

  • in reply to geralds

    It will be  a lot of work to match the specs of that one with a home brew !

    MK

  • in reply to michaelkellett
    It's not so easy to "do"... "it" ... "yourself" (yes, I phrased it that way deliberately).
    I have many circuit diagrams and assembly drawings.
    I also have service manuals for older Keysight bench power supplies with detailed circuit diagrams and measurement descriptions. I've repaired such devices.
    In analog times, that would have been somewhat cheaper, but his question shows that he is looking for a microcontroller-controlled laboratory power supply.
    That's not so simple.
    His question also reveals that he's not particularly knowledgeable about electronics.
    Hmm, how can we help him? With a good recommendation. I think it would be best for him if he bought one.

  • I sure would be nice to have an array of usb jacks so I can use standard cables instead of breakout cables. 

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Thank you so much! a few questions:

    1. why would you want the analog modulation?

    2. would a 200W source, 20W sink will be good enough as a 2 quadrant or 20W is too little?

    3. Would you wish for an arbitrary waveform generator? if Yes what kind of specs would be necessary (what bandwidth for example?)

  • in reply to dougw

    Thank you Doug.

    What do you mean by USB output that can monitor or limit current? can you please elaborate?

  • in reply to geralds

    I do not know how you came to the conclusion that I am not knowledgeable about electronics Slight smile

  • in reply to geralds

    What do you like about the E36313A that you can't find in other bench power supplies?

    What does it miss?

    Thank you.