DC Power Supply - Variable Power Supplies

Matching the DC Power Supplies to the Application

DC power supplies are used for a wide range of applications from training the next generation of electrical engineers to developing breakthrough ultra-low power, wearable products. Whether you need a programmable DC power supply that provides power sourcing or one that pushes the limits of performance by delivering thousands of volts, choosing the appropriate variable bench power supply is critical to obtaining successful test results in teaching, research, design, and manufacturing.

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How to Choose the Best DC Power Supply

The most common selection criteria are:

Number of output channels (single or multi output)
Output voltage, current, and power
Setting resolution and accuracy
Ripple and noise
Features and programmability
Advanced features like current measurement with nanoamp resolution, sequencing, analog inputs, digital I/O, and programming features

DC Power Supply Basics

Keithley DC Power Supplies

Series 2230 High Power 3 Output Programmable DC Power Supply

Series 2230 High Power 3 Output DC Power Supplies

195 W and 375 W versions
6 A or 60 V per output
Remote sensing on all outputs
Three-channel models
Low noise
Programmable power supply

Series 2280 Precision Measurement Variable Bench Power Supply

Series 2280S High Precision Bench Power Supply

192W with up to 6A
6 ½-digit, 10nA current measurement resolution
Displays plots of voltage and current
Programmable power supply
Designed for benchtop and automated testing of power conversion devices and IoT devices
TFT LCD display to monitor current and voltages

Keithley Series 2281 Dynamic Model Battery Simulator

Keithley Series 2281S Battery Simulator/Emulator

Used to model and simulate any type of battery
Unique display shows battery state
Precision power supply mode
TFT LCD display to monitor current and voltages

Series 2220/2230/2231 Multiple Output DC Power Supplies

Two or three independent outputs
All outputs displayed simultaneously
Remote sensing on all channels
Low noise
Programmable power supply

Keithley Series 2260B 360W/720W/1080 Programmable DC Power Supplies

Series 2260B 360W/720W/1080 DC Power Supplies

Power up to 1080W
Outputs up to 800V and 100A
Analog input
Single channel
Wide range
Programmable power supply
Used in automated test equipment

Series 2300 Battery Simulating DC Power Supplies

Single and dual output models
Each output can source or sink
Programmable output resistance
Low noise

Keithley Series 2200 USB and GPIB Programmable DC Power Supplies

Series 2200 USB/GPIB DC Power Supplies

20V to 72V and 1.2A to 5A outputs
1mV/0.1mA resolution
Displays settings and outputs

Series 2290 High Voltage DC Power Supplies

5kV and 10KV output models
1µA current resolution
Safety interlock

EA-BT 20000 Series Battery Testers

Optimized for battery testing and battery simulation

EA-PSI 10000 Series Programmable Power Supplies

High power density, efficient unidirectional supplies with autoranging

EA Bidirectional Power Supplies

High-voltage supplies with built-in load to source and sink power at 96% efficiency

EA Elektro-Automatik Autoranging Bench Power Supplies

Precision benchtop power supplies with touch screen and autoranging

Resources

Technical Brief

DC Power Supply Technical Information

DC power supplies are a foundational tool for testing and design that provides a regulated DC output to power any component, module, or device. Explore what a DC power supply is and how they operate in this brief.

Application Note

Power Measurements on AC-DC Power Supplies

AC to DC power supplies are fully integrated into our daily lives. Learn more about what AC-DC power supplies do and how they are the heart of all our electronics.

Product Selector Guide

Selector Guide - General Purpose Bench Power Supplies, Special Purpose Power Supplies, and Electronic Loads

Choose the best DC bench power supply for your application. Tektronix and Keithley offer a comprehensive portfolio of bench power supplies to address your power sourcing needs.

Blog

DC Bench Power Supply Fundamentals

DC Bench power supplies are a staple of every engineer’s bench. Here are six things you should know about bench power supplies.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a DC power supply be used for both prototyping and production?

Yes, many DC power supplies are versatile enough to serve both prototyping and production needs. Programmable units are particularly beneficial in production environments where different test scenarios may be required.

How does a DC power supply work?

A DC power supply works by providing a regulated direct current to power a component, module, or device. Most DC power supplies have two modes of operation. In Constant Voltage (CV) mode, the power supply controls the output voltage based on the user settings. In Constant Current (CC) mode, the power supply regulates the current.

How do you use a DC power supply?

A DC power supply is easy to use. These instruments connect to a device that’s being tested via leads that are inserted into the DC power supply panel. Using the front panel display, engineers can set voltages or current levels to power the device for testing.

What is a DC power supply?

A DC power supply provides direct current (DC) voltage to power and test a device under test such as a circuit board or electronic product. A DC power supply typically sits on an engineer’s work area or bench and is often referred to as a bench power supply.

What is a programmable DC power supply?

A Programmable DC Power Supply is a device that provides a stable and adjustable DC voltage and current output. Unlike traditional power supplies, programmable ones allow users to set and control the output parameters digitally.

Why would I need a programmable DC power supply?

These power supplies are essential in various applications, such as electronics testing, product development, research, and manufacturing. Their programmability allows for precise control in testing scenarios.

What is the purpose of using a DC power supply?

A programmable DC power supply is used by engineers to test a component, circuit or electronic device, such as IoT devices, medical products, mobile phones, and remote industrial sensors. The DC power supply allows engineers to set and supply specific voltages to power the device to confirm it’s working as intended.