HP / Agilent / Keysight E3615A PSU - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: JaspaJami
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2018, 05:05:48 pm
content: Im looking for a really basic PSU for my lab. 0-15v i think is mostly needed, with small currents normally.I have been offered Agilent E3615A for a 110€ (includes 24% VAT) in a good condition.Is that PSU ok? No big issues etc?I think in future is going to build bigger another PSU (if i dont find cheap good one), but i think at the moment these specs should be ok for me (two channels would be better...)https://www.keysight.com/en/pd-838292-pn-E3615A/60w-power-supply-20v-3a

author: iainwhite
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 17, 2018, 05:17:22 pm
content: That family of power supplies are excellent and very reliable. I have an E3610A and an E3611A which work really well.One thing to make sure of is that the input voltage is correct for your territory - these power supplies do not have universal inputs.I assume your location is 220/230V ?

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2018, 05:23:45 pm
content: They're excellent. I have one, a 3620 and a 3630.

author: JaspaJami
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2018, 05:50:46 pm
content: Quote from: iainwhite on May 17, 2018, 05:17:22 pmGood point. Yeah, im 230VAC country and if i buy that one its locally and it has also 230VAC.

author: gslick
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2018, 06:26:18 pm
content: Quote from: JaspaJami on May 17, 2018, 05:50:46 pmFrom a quick look in the manual it appears that you can change that if necessary.https://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5959-5310.pdfAgilent E361xA 60W BENCH SERIES DC POWER SUPPLIESOPERATING AND SERVICE MANUAL FOR MODELS:Agilent E3614A, Agilent E3615A, Agilent E3616A, Agilent E3617AINPUT POWER REQUIREMENTSThis power supply may be operated from nominal 100, 115, or230 Vac 47-63 Hertz power source. A label on the rear panelshows the nominal input voltage set for the unit at the factory. Ifnecessary, you can convert the supply to another nominal inputvoltage by following the instructions belowLine Voltage Option ConversionLine voltage conversion is accomplished by adjusting two components:the line select switch and the rear panel fuse F1. To convertthe supply from one line voltage option to another, proceedas follows:a. Disconnect power cord.b. Turn off the supply and remove the top cover by lifting thecover upwards after taking it off from both sides of the chassisby inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the gap on the lowerrear portion of the cover.c. Set two sections of the line voltage selector switch on the PCboard for the desired line voltage (see Figure 2).d. Check the rating of the fuse F1 installed in the rear panel fuseholder and replace with the correct fuse if necessary. For 100and 115 V operation, use a time delay blow 2 A fuse and for230 V use a time delay 1 A fuse.e. Replace the cover and mark the supply clearly with a tag orlabel indicating the correct line voltage and fuse that is inuse.

author: iainwhite
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 17, 2018, 06:38:54 pm
content: Quote from: gslick on May 17, 2018, 06:26:18 pmNice! The 3610/11 that I have are hardwired to 110V.Also, I see from the photo that the 3615 has remote sensing as well. So it looks to have several upgrades compared to my supplies.

author: JaspaJami
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2018, 06:51:33 pm
content: Quite many of these HP PSU:s have switches for the correct voltage at PCB.

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 08:31:44 am
content: Quote from: JaspaJami on May 17, 2018, 05:05:48 pmYes, the E3615A would be a perfect fit. At 110 euros the price is right.It is a basic linear power supply but that's proven technology, very reliable.Plus, it is passively cooled with big radiator by the back. No noise on the bench.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 08:38:58 am
content: I'd go for a Thurlby / TTi PL series one if you're in Europe. As good as the HP performance-wise plus current damping, remote sense and separate output switch. Can get them for less than the 110 euros as well if you shop around. My main supply is a PL154 which kicks out 0-15V, 0-4A. Has a log pot for the current limit which gives you precise low current setting as well. They do a PL330 which is 0-30V 0-3A, PL320 0-30V 0-2A and a PL310 0-30V 0-1A (I have one of them as well). Not paid more than €60 each for mineI've had two E3630's. The HP ones are good but the transformers are buzzy on some of them, the case is total shit, there is no separate output switch and there are some with some serious issues that need correcting. Also RIFA X2's in the inlet and the damn adjustment trimmers for the metering are right next to the unshielded mains switch terminals.

author: larsdenmark
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 09:20:06 am
content: Where do you get a Thurlby power supply at those prices? I've searched Ebay and there doesn't seem to anything available near those values.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 09:26:26 am
content: Typical. There's none on ebay at the momentLook at the sold prices for the single channel models.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 06:56:22 pm
content: Quote from: larsdenmark on May 18, 2018, 09:20:06 amA rather tatty one (the display seems to be missing a segment) at £45:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thurlby-Thandar-Variable-Bench-Power-Supply-30V-2A-Tested-Working/142798428910?hash=item213f731aee:g:eYYAAOSwuvla~YuHBut yes, they seem over-priced and not in good condition at present.I bought my PLQM320D for £160 brand new (new old stock) but that was a few years ago. I've been very pleased with it and it is the one that I default to using despite having recently acquired a Hameg (R&S) and an Agillent supply.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 07:00:46 pm
content: Stay away from the black and white and brown cased ones. They are problematic. Grey ones are ok!

author: Haasje93
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2018, 08:35:54 pm
content: Hi!I have a 3612A, these are very nice power supplies. I use mine for all kinds of testing, just because that one goes til 120VDC.I can advise you to buy the 3615A.Christiaan