Power Supply For Optics/Photonics and Mass Spectrometry Work - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: 3rj4
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2019, 11:48:17 am
content: Hi again everyone,As I explained in my previous oscilloscope thread (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/purchasing-first-oscilloscope-for-serious-researchcommercial-electronics-work/), my goal is to do (1) optics/photonics work with Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers, (2) mass spectrometry work (MALDI-TOF, ion trap, electrospray ionization), and (3) embedded systems work.Now that I have my oscilloscope, I'm looking to buy (or at least start researching) a power supply (my first) that is appropriate for this type of work. I'm on a students' budget, so I'm seeking something that can accomplish my goals for the least cost. I do not mind buying second-hand.I would appreciate it if you would take the time to offer suggestions.

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2019, 03:35:34 pm
content: if you don't have any specific needs for now, like extreme low noise, high voltage, or high current - then some general purpose lab supply like Siglent SPD3303X-E would work (or a similar brand name model like agilent/keysight/r&s if you can find a deal...)

author: nfmax
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2019, 04:13:00 pm
content: For an optics lab, it can be useful if the supply can operate completelydark. Passive LCD or even analogue meters rather than LED, and power on indicators that can be (surgically) removed if necessary

author: 3rj4
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2019, 12:37:54 am
content: Quote from: awallin on December 21, 2019, 03:35:34 pmThanks for the recommendation. So you think a Siglent SPD3303X-E would be appropriate for the work I listed?What about the GPC-3030D? That's another one that was recommended in a past thread. Or is the Siglent SPD3303X-E superior for my purposes?

author: 3rj4
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2019, 12:40:38 am
content: Quote from: nfmax on December 21, 2019, 04:13:00 pmWhat specific models should I be looking at?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2019, 06:56:38 pm
content: Quote from: 3rj4 on December 22, 2019, 12:37:54 amThe Rigol DP832 and Siglent SPD3303X-E are often recommended here but both have drawbacks. The Rigol doesn't have fully isolated outputs and the Siglent doesn't have a keypad. On a digital PSU you will want to have a keypad. I have several PSUs with keypads and on those I never use the knob to set voltage or current. Fully isolated outputs make life a lot easier so all in all neither of these power supplies is a really good buy.If you need a low noise / high accuracy PSU then one of the Agilent DC telecom sources like the 66311B (with a different fan) can be a good buy. The fan is rather loud but that is easy to fix. Come to think of it... modifying my 66311B with a more silent fan (ordered) and putting front binding posts on it seems like a nice Christmas project.

author: 3rj4
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2019, 02:23:41 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 22, 2019, 06:56:38 pmThanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any 66311B listing in Australia, and a new 66311B seems to beveryexpensive. At this point, I'm thinking that getting an SPD3303X-E might be the best option.

author: 3rj4
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2019, 06:47:38 am
content: Quote from: 3rj4 on December 23, 2019, 02:23:41 amAnd from what I can see herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ads-firmware-file-format/325/, the SPD3303X-E can be hacked into the SPD3303X.