review + teardown - Agilent U8001A 30V 3A linear power supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2012, 09:50:18 pm
content: So i just filmed a short tear down of the Agilent U8001A.Short review:Very well build power supply from Agilent ! This is in their budget range so it does not have any lan / serial / GPIB connections.I bought it for around 280 euro on Farnell and it got delivered within 24 hours. The noise from the fan is not to bad on the low / high settings.It can handle shortcuts very well (as expected from a top brand) . It can also handle the 90 W continuous without any signs of getting hot. Even the exhaust fan is still pushing out cold air. Everything you expect from a good power supply.Feedback:The fan goes into high speed mode above 2 A. So if your load is pulsing you can hear the fan jumping from low to high setting.It's quite a long and heavy power supply ( it can be a drawback for you) . The power supply is well build and there is a lot of quality control even for this budget model. There is also great attention to details like the copper clips that ensure for a good connection between the pieces of the metal case to make a good cage of Faraday .Pictures:Frontpanel:http://dl.dropbox.com/u/100819959/Agilent%20U8001A/20121219_210903.jpgTop view:https://www.dropbox.com/s/gxryk8vsj5a0exf/20121219_210851.jpgInput terminals:https://www.dropbox.com/s/ad4pgdhyvv7lp92/20121219_210816.jpgCaps + heatsink :https://www.dropbox.com/s/addufkoh9s8i7iv/20121219_210649.jpgMicroprocessor / ADC (main chip) :ADUC848http://www.analog.com/en/processors-dsp/analog-microcontrollers/aduc848/products/product.htmlhttps://www.dropbox.com/s/cfewtw1828jiyd0/20121219_210637.jpgmore info is in the video.Rest of the pics:https://www.dropbox.com/s/kdsmatevk8y22w6/20121219_210612.jpghttps://www.dropbox.com/s/glie3idrouy3ek2/20121219_210630.jpghttps://www.dropbox.com/s/ud09cdoxh6ni4gi/20121219_210645.jpghttps://www.dropbox.com/s/y1lw2hn4gf6qjf7/20121219_210658.jpgVoltage regulators:https://www.dropbox.com/s/4fys3sdof8z1lwl/20121219_210739.jpgIRFP150N:https://www.dropbox.com/s/dkgggv2abk4h7xs/20121219_210756.jpgInput panel:https://www.dropbox.com/s/r22gkhp47rijzvq/20121219_210828.jpgDisplay lcd:https://www.dropbox.com/s/3r320m5pgd2ak21/20121219_210834.jpgOverview:https://www.dropbox.com/s/3ndg30rudf23zh7/20121219_210847.jpghttps://www.dropbox.com/s/dsspo09gq6t87b2/20121219_210841.jpgIf their are any questions just contact me via YouTube / EEVblog or just post it hereGr. SpikeeEdit:Put the new youtube link in.

author: Alex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2012, 10:41:56 pm
content: Hi Spikee,Thank you for the nice pictures!Just one question, do you know if this is Agilent's own design?Alex

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2012, 11:05:08 pm
content: I'm not completely sure but it seems that it is. I coulden't find another brand on the pcb.See free_electron reply.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 12:31:00 am
content: Agilent design made by their Escort division. They absorbed Escort ( a taiwanese instrument maker ) about two years ago.

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 12:34:40 am
content: Quote from: tronixstuff on December 20, 2012, 12:08:54 amJust search for spikeguns1 on youtube an click on the last video.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 02:10:00 am
content: Nice review Spikeeare you going to do a performance review next?

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 08:23:44 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 20, 2012, 02:10:00 amWhat would you like to see ?Noise performance , if it overshoots , put it on the dummy load , load regulation ,over current , over voltage ...Please reply.Gr.spikee

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 11:57:13 am
content: Quote from: Spikee on December 20, 2012, 08:23:44 amIf you have the time and desire, all of the above. It would also be nice to see how the control panel works

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 02:01:13 pm
content: Nice teardown.Do you have any idea why there is a second transformer (may be a choke instead) along with the (big) main toroidal transformer ?

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 03:39:50 pm
content: Yes, second, very nice teardown and most excellent photos. Performance test please! As freee- said, you can see the made in Malaysia label on the lower right of the main mobo images. The LCD panel and controls board have either made in Malaysia or Taiwan labels on them. On the main mobo, top notch components all around, impeccable assembly.It looks like the small transformer is the PSU of the main board. I'm guessing the entire control section is a complete module so all that needs changing is the toroidal and the firmware, to get to the next model up the line.

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 04:18:08 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on December 20, 2012, 03:39:50 pmSpikee, sorry to bother youBut you can easily check that guess and answer us.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 04:59:22 pm
content: The red wrapped core is a big damn inductor, not a transformer. There are only the two wires going in, and they're way too big to be for anything but the main output. The control supply is via the small white connector.The grey wire running back to with the output wires is sense wiring (makes it easy to rig up remote sense if you want to).If there's a relay it's probably tucked under that inductor.

author: krish2487
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 07:42:49 pm
content: And in addition to what monkeh said,(I am almost certain)the white ic is an optocoupler to drive the mosfet next to it.maybe a TLP250 or so..

author: kek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2012, 08:11:50 am
content: Just received a U8002U two days ago. Looks the same on the insides, main board marked "U8001-26001 Rev A"... maybe a software mod to go from 3A to 5A?Ken

author: kek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2012, 08:53:43 am
content: Just reviewed Spikee's video, looks like the main transformer is shorter than the one in the U8002A. Couldn't see what the main secondary winding was rated at but the U8002A is rated 36V 10.26A.The data sheet shows the U8002A is heavier, copper is expensive if not needed I suppose.

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2012, 02:17:44 pm
content: I have the Agilent U8002A 30V/5A. I will sell it because I bought a programmable Tektronix PWS4305 power supply.I think that I can open it and make some pictures, if there are no seals.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2012, 04:31:20 pm
content: You're right Monkeh, I stand corrected, but if someone can check that fairly large inductor to insure it is what it is.Quote from: Monkeh on December 20, 2012, 04:59:22 pm

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2012, 07:20:07 pm
content: Quote from: AcHmed99 on December 21, 2012, 04:41:19 pmIt is, indeed, a common mode choke. Which is just an application of an inductor.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2012, 08:19:44 pm
content: Quote from: AcHmed99 on December 21, 2012, 07:51:35 pmA common mode choke should have 4 wires, not?

author: Danstroem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 07:54:59 am
content: Hey guys,just a short question: I ordered a U8002A 30V/5A with firmware "0549 0". Unfortunately, the fan is always on full speed, even when setting limits to 1V/0.1A. Any ideas, why it isn't slowed down? Very noisyAny comments greatly appreciated!Daniel

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 12:00:36 pm
content: I dont know about the 5A version , you could contact agilent ?

author: Danstroem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 20, 2013, 02:21:48 pm
content: QuoteCorrection: The fan did not run on full speed. As described earlier with the U8001, the fan switches between low and high speed at 2A load. I think, even the low speed is very annoying. The audio meter measured 51 dBA (1 meter distance) with U8002 on low fan speed. Too loud for me. I talked to the Agilent support. It is how it is

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2013, 02:39:19 pm
content: Quote from: Danstroem on February 20, 2013, 02:21:48 pmI friend of mine with same problem, changed the noisy fan with one of these.http://www.blacknoise.com/en/site/page/products.industry

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2013, 03:04:40 pm
content: I also know that problem with fan noise. Although having a U8002A sitting around, deciding what to do with it, I think I will change the fan with one of this, it just costs 6 to 12 euro’s, for a super quiet.

author: Huluvu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2013, 05:40:51 pm
content: Hi Sotos,be carefull with the super quite Fan'sI think somethimes there is a need on the airpreasure too!Therefore I would recommend to compare the Datasheets or keeping an extra Eye on the internal temperature distribution after changing the FanRgds Arne

author: Telstar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2013, 01:42:39 pm
content: Hi Sotos, I sent you a PM

author: Danstroem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 22, 2013, 03:15:53 pm
content: QuoteThanks Sotos, I will have a look. And yeah, there are always two important measurements: air flow and air pressure! I don't know, if the Agilent will turn off, when it gets too hot...

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2013, 12:51:17 pm
content: Quote from: sotos on February 20, 2013, 02:39:19 pmI can't seem to find specs for the 60x60x25 Fan , maybe suitable for an Agilent 6632BNo CFM orAm i going blind ? , or do they only make custom parts ?/Bingo

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2013, 06:08:19 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on February 23, 2013, 12:51:17 pmHere are the specs.http://www.blacknoise.com/en/products/it/32/Noiseblocker-NB_BlackSilent_Pro_60mmhttp://www.blacknoise.com/en/products/it/13/Noiseblocker-NB_BlackSilentFan_60mmhttp://www.blacknoise.com/en/site/page/products.it

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2013, 07:45:21 pm
content: Thanx for the "digging" , and nice result.Unfortunately it seems like those fans won't cut it as a replacement for the original Pabst 612 - in an Agilent 6632BThe Pabst 612 (6..12v operated) is noisy like h.... but delivers 40m3/h or 24CF/minThe ones you point to only delivers max 29m3/hI would have loved to get a more silent fan for the 6632B's , but these aren't the ones.I have found a replacement , the pABST 632 NU (33dB) , it has same specs asthe old 612 (40dB)But i can't find anywhere to buy it in single q's EU :-(Maybe it's to new./Bingo

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2013, 10:04:09 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on February 23, 2013, 07:45:21 pmThat's useful info. Could you point me to a link where larger quantities could be bought?

author: dougg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 01:59:40 am
content: Quote from: bingo600 on February 23, 2013, 12:51:17 pmI too have an Agilent U8001A and the fan is loud and annoying. The fan part number is DFB602512H and I found specs here:http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/511869812/60x60x25mm_DC_Cooling_Case_Fan.htmlI took a screenshot of the table at the bottom of that page and that is attached. The PS fan is last in that screenshot, 29.32 dB they claim. This digikey fan is close but only 3 dB quieter:http://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/2410SB-04W-B40-B00/P14739-ND/2615552.Anyone got other suggested replacement fan part numbers?

author: Danstroem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 07:47:25 am
content: QuoteThey don't have industrial parts at 60x60x25. Try these instead:Pro Series:WebpageandDatasheet(17dB)Silent Series:WebpageandDatasheet(15dB)edit: oups, forgot to reload the thread before posting

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 06:19:45 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on February 23, 2013, 10:04:09 pmMaybe Pabst ?I haven't seen them for sale , only at Papsthttp://img.ebmpapst.com/products/datasheets/DC-axial-fan-632NU-ENG.pdfI wonder if they're vapourwarehttp://www.arrow.com/item/detail/ebm-papst/632nuIf you find them , you'd better get 2 for me also (pls) or %-B/Bingo

author: sotos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 07:24:13 pm
content: I have the AGILENT - U3606A multimeter-power supply, as I can hear it’s a little quieter then the U8002A but also loud and it’s always on. Why they don’t have a heat sensor to start the fan when it’s getting hot?

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 07:51:03 pm
content: Quote from: sotos on February 25, 2013, 07:24:13 pmIt is their budget model so they probably want to spend as little development time as possible.

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2014, 02:32:30 am
content: It took me quite a while but finally i have made a follow up video:Video index:1:10 Test setup2:10 Agilent U8001A fan noise comparison5:10 Demonstration functions of the lab psu9:20 Video recap & Video channel plansOriginal tear-down video:http://goo.gl/Ob2Up2Agilent U8001A:http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pd-1401523-pn-U8001A/dc-power-supply-30v-3a?[Sorry to bump up this old topic]

author: timelessbeing
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2014, 07:49:24 pm
content: The audio level in your review is too low. I couldn't hear the fan noise.The teardown audio has no right channel.Otherwise a good review.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2017, 12:50:43 pm
content: Did any of you end up successfully replacing the fan? I just picked up a used U8001A and the fan is unbelievably loud, louder than all my other bench gear combined. I'd love to get something quieter in there...

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2018, 10:48:55 pm
content: I just picked up a used U8002A. Its fan was way too noisy also.Putting a 5.6v 1W zenner in series with the fan made it much quieter. An IGBT bypasses the zenner when the heat sink for the post regulator reaches 50 degrees C. The Gate(4v threshold) of the IGBT is driven by a divider consisting of a 10K NTC and a 5K VR.Now the PSU makes little noise for most of the time. I hear the fan speeding up after a few minutes when loaded at and above 2.5A.A MOSFET would have been my first choice. I only had fully encapsulated IGBTs handy.