R&S®HM C8041/8042/8043 Power Supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2014, 03:03:10 pm
content: This looks like a new HMC model. Other was theHMC8012Digital MultimeterLinkNew Compact Power Supply• Realtime voltage, current and power values• High setting and readback resolution• Low residual ripple due to linear postregulation• High energy efficiency, low heat dissipation and quiet fans• Convenient parallel and serial operation via V/I tracking• Overvoltage and overpower protection (OVP, OPP) for all outputs• FuseLink: individual channel combination of electronic fuses• EasyArb function for user-definable V/I curves• EasyRamp for simulating a start-up curve• Sequencing (sequenced start of channels)• Energy meter (measurement of energy output)• Data logging to USB flash drive in CSV formatbroschure dated 14 May 2014.

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 11:38:55 am
content: Just what I'm looking for. Well, if the price is "compact series"Looks like a lower powered HMP2020/HMP2030, with all the features but without sensing.Any idea of the price ?

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 11:42:53 am
content: Ooooooo, I like that.

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 11:54:42 am
content: Eyewatering.http://webstore.rohde-schwarz.com/us/hmc8041.html$1,337.00 usThey dont make it easy to find.edit: 1337 on au site too. very odd.having said that, the hmp2020 is like $1,442 (2 channels).

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 12:10:26 pm
content: Might have been a release Ooops, product link is now dead.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 12:16:48 pm
content: Cached datasheet highlights:

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 12:20:17 pm
content: Here you go.http://value.rohde-schwarz.com/media/wysiwyg/VI-Microsite/Datasheet/Brochures/Brochure_HMCSeries_V00_01_EN.pdf

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 12:21:58 pm
content: Quote from: nowlan on June 02, 2014, 11:54:42 amAt $1337, that's no more so eyewateringHMP2030 = around 1400 eurosHMP2020 = around 1200 eurosWould be great if the two outputs version HMC8042 is around 800 euros or much lessOtherwise just get the HMPs.

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 12:29:37 pm
content: Just checked the de site, and comes up 1337 euro. Wondering is some cute (leet speak) place holder value.

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 01:44:06 pm
content: Damn, I failed to notice the l33t indeedI guess they'll make an announcement on Hameg's blog, let's wait.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 02:11:05 pm
content: Interesting. I won't be paying l33t though.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 08:16:38 pm
content: Quote from: nowlan on June 02, 2014, 12:29:37 pmThe SKU is also a bit special. 123456666

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 08:35:04 pm
content: for 1337 Euro you can build decent lab for a hobbyist

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 08:55:15 pm
content: Just got a quote back from R&S, 3-channel version, $1297USD, Ouch,

author: aroby
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 09:02:16 pm
content: They do say on their web site that one of their promises is "Unexpected Price" ...Anthony

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 11:06:58 pm
content: As a hobbyist I would buy a 300+ Watts power supply even without a color LCD.

author: skipjackrc4
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2014, 11:23:32 pm
content: Quote from: Hydrawerk on June 02, 2014, 11:06:58 pmWhat!!?? A power supply without a color display? But how could you possibly use it?Seriously, I like that supply.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 12:53:41 am
content: Well, buy it if you need that advanced analysis features.

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2014, 06:54:45 am
content: new datasheet on their blog i see.http://blog.hameg.com/?p=1912

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2014, 08:16:25 am
content: Now the question is : What is the pricing ?

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2014, 08:28:41 am
content: Product seems to be already available on german R&S webshop :http://webstore.rohde-schwarz.com/de/hameg/netzgerate/netzgerate.htmlPricing is not very good HMC8042 = 898 euros whereas HMP2020 = 1028 euros.That's a bit better for HMC8043 = 948 euros whereas HMP2030 = 1238 euros.It's been a long time I wanted to buy a quality programmable PSU.I haven't checked the HMC's manual yet, but except for power, they have same capabilities as the HMP.But HMP have a bit more power and they are not that much more expensive.So I think I'm gonna get an HMP.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2015, 06:32:38 pm
content: I thought I'd bring this back to life and see if anyone has picked up one of these. I like the looks and specs. US is ~$1300. It's a little low on the power, the new Keysight U8031A is 375W at around $1400 US but it doesn't have the resolution:https://d3fdwrtpsinh7j.cloudfront.net/Docs/document/5990-9083EN.pdfBut Keysight makes really good supplies along with meters that I've been using for years. I see they still sell the 6632B which I've had on the bench for quite some time now. Really tight resolution and one of the best supplies I've ever owned.Thing is I want to consolidate all the supplies on my bench to just one or two and the R&S looks good on paper anyway. Sure I could buy the DP832 with the higher resolution but I have these snigling little quirks about overshoot and life expectancy (MBTF) and the DP832 won't make my bench room much smaller, in fact it's about 17 or 18" deep.Rob

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2015, 07:05:48 pm
content: Quote from: Robaroni on December 24, 2015, 06:32:38 pmI ordered one a couple weeks ago, shows shipping ~ Dec 30th.More to come when it gets here.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2015, 09:33:00 pm
content: Quote from: dr.diesel on December 24, 2015, 07:05:48 pmGreat! Can't wait to hear about it!Rob

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2015, 06:07:41 pm
content: Quote from: Robaroni on December 24, 2015, 06:32:38 pmIf I'm not wrong, the Keysight isn't programmable, and it is an older design.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2015, 06:27:16 pm
content: I think it has front panel automation but I'm not sure if it has LXI or USB programability through a PC. It may be linear also, although switching supplies done right don't trouble me the way they did 10 years ago.It's pretty rare that I need the programming option but it is nice to have. I like the size of the R&S along with the resolution so I'm leaning toward it. Elektor did a review and found overshoot on power down but I thought it was basically a silly test. They shut off the mains to simulate a power failure. Well, gee it had a 1.1 volt overshoot! The "soft" off button didn't show any overshoot.I guess if you leave it in a remote location powered up for months mains failures might be a problem but I still think it's a stretch.Rob

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 04:46:55 pm
content: WooHoo

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 05:44:39 pm
content: OK, that's it! I'm getting one!

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 07:58:50 pm
content: Peak inside.Power supply caps are Nippon Chemi-Con, main board caps are Matsushita/Panasonic.Build quality is top notch.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 08:04:36 pm
content: And one last pict with the PS removed:

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 08:21:57 pm
content: Ok, one more, PS is an off the shelf unit:

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 09:18:47 pm
content: OK, could be built to Hameg's specs. but could be a game changer depending on how well the unit functions and build quality.Rob

author: anotherlin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 09:02:55 am
content: I guess the 48V switch mode supply is so they can replace a bulky and heavy 200VA transformer.In the end, the supply outputs are linearly regulated, so I don't think that's much of problem.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 11:56:40 am
content: Quote from: Robaroni on December 29, 2015, 09:18:47 pmYeah, this doesn't bother me at all, standard practice with just about any manufacture these days, and it's well built.Quote from: anotherlin on December 30, 2015, 09:02:55 amIt appears to be 48V SMPS > Variable SMPS > Linear Reg > Output.I pretty much took it apart yesterday and had to leave, more paying today. If this performs well I will replace my other random supplies with more of these.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 02:16:33 pm
content: Quote from: dr.diesel on December 30, 2015, 11:56:40 amThat's my problem too, I just counted 7 supplies here. I'll leave the old 24V, 20A brute force HP, the HV supply and the HP 6632B super accurate supply but I really need bench space.Rob

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 07:06:21 pm
content: Not much of a test, but I am seeing about 1mVpp ripple on the 8043, vs about 20uVpp on my trusty E3610A, as read by a DMM7510. (Instrument spec is 450uVrms/4mVpp)I don't expect perfection with an upstream SMPS, but FYI for potential buyers.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 07:59:12 pm
content: Quote from: dr.diesel on December 30, 2015, 07:06:21 pmI have a 3610A too. I think it has a bad cap, the current set does go to zero until it warms up, maybe noise somewhere in the settting circuit.

author: Robaroni
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 08:18:32 pm
content: I just compared specs with the Keysight U8031A and the R&S are just as good or better. First, it's a real triple supply not like the Siglent(which I wouldn't buy regardless) or the Keysight.I'm still thinking it might work for me. How noisy is the fan? Loud fans kill me, I sold a 34410A because I hated the fan noise. Fortunately they fixed it on the 34465A.Rob

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 08:26:59 pm
content: Quote from: Robaroni on December 30, 2015, 08:18:32 pmThe fan is thermo controlled, you can briefly hear it spin up on boot, then it shuts off. So far I've only seen it cycle on low, I didn't even hear it, just noticed it spinning cause the cover was off.I'll try and load up all 3 channels, see what happens.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 09:13:18 pm
content: So it's been sitting on 65 watts total for about 20 min now, fan is running constantly on what I'd guess is low, which is not audible.I was also navigating the setup menu and somehow managed to reboot it, came back up defaulted. I've not been able to repeat since.

author: Messtechniker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2016, 02:04:45 pm
content: After having put my new R&S HMC 8043 lab psu through its pacesover the last few days, here now some remarks:To start with, I am absolutely satisfied with the unit.Even so, there is some room for improvement.1. The manual is not particularly clear as to invoking ofthe overvoltage protection adjustment menu. Specificallythe ADV (Advanced) button is not mentioned in this context.2.) The virtual COM port settings 7,N,N,1 and the defaultLAN port (I think the default was 5026 which I changed to 5025)are not mentioned in the manual. I found out the virtual COM portsettings by running the HM Explorer and detecting HMC 8043 thougha virtual COM port.3.) Since the 3 outputs can be connected in series, I would havebeen pleased to find 2 bridging plugs with a tap socket in the box.4.) Instead of only displaying “OVP” when it is on, I would benicer, if the actual OVP voltage setting would be displayed.5.) When wanting to remotely control the unit using a potentiometer(analogue control) you will need an external 10 V source. A built-infixed 10 V output (on the rear) would simplify such an arrangement.Also did a bit of programming with “Profilab”. You can find a currentlogging example here:http://forum.abacom-online.de/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=4482Agreed, the unit is expensive, but it is well designed and operation is veryuser friendly. It comes with a calibration certificate. And it fits – frog style –without the risk of slipping on top of my 33465A. See pic.Yours Messtechniker

author: Weston
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 10:08:50 pm
content: Has anyone with one of these power supplies observed that the supply outputs are temporarily enabled when you turn off the power supply from the front panel?From my observations on channel 1 of my HMC8042 I see that when I turn it off ~2/3 of the set voltage appears on the output, the waveform looks like its the output capacitors discharging.This is concerning behavior as if you change what is connected to the power supply and then turn off the supply without changing the set voltage it could fry something. I wonder (hope) this can be fixed in software. The front power button is in software, so it should be something as simple as sequencing the internal supplies to 0V before actually shutting off.Attached are waveforms of the unloaded, and loaded with a 22 ohm resistor, when the supply is set for 5V and 32V.

author: Messtechniker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2020, 05:46:06 am
content: My HMC 8043 with "MASTER OFF" and upon powering down with "POWER" it produces a peak:No load:Voltage setting/Power down peak+32 V /8V+15 V /+3.5 V+9 V/+1.6 V+3 V/+0,1 VAnd with a 22 Ohm load:+32 V /+0.4V+15 V /+38 mV+9 V/+48 mV+3 V/-7 mVMeasured using the trend display function of my 34465A.Basically nothing to grumble about.The scope shows more:PS. Not many users here have a HMC 803X power supply. So you will not get much of a response.

author: Weston
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2020, 05:24:13 am
content: I am a bit confused by your listed values of the power down peak given the scope screenshots you posted. The picture you posted that is titled "32V 22 Ohm.jpg" shows a 13.7V peak based on the cursors, which is pretty much in line with the measurements I have taken.If I connect some 5V or 3V3 logic circuit to the output, set the max voltage of 32V, and shut down the power supply without ever enabling the output, I would not be surprised if the output spike damages what is connected.

author: Messtechniker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2020, 10:02:48 am
content: Of course you are right. This 13 V spike might certainly damage 3.3 V or 5 V powered circuits. If you can confirm this by damaging a 3.3 V powered test circuit you should inform R&S. I have a good contact there.Since I don't usually use 3.3 V powered circuits, I have none at hand at the moment. However, my next order, probably by the end of November, will include some.

author: Thomas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2020, 11:33:41 am
content: The scope shows higher values because it samples faster.