Power supply recommendation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 10:21:01 am
content: I'm looking for programmable DC power supply with at least 2 outputs, 30V/5A and 150W for at least one channel and the option to parallel two channels for the same voltage but double the current would be perfect.I really like the Rigol ones but couldn't find any that go higher than 3A which is very low for any power electronicsunless two or more channels can be combined of course.The power supply needs to have advanced features like waveform analysis, timer features and preferably a colored display.What do you recommend that fits my description? Price shouldn't be over 1K USD.

author: finos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 11:34:01 am
content: The spd3303x can do that but only goes up to 3.2a but it can be paralleled to get 6.4

author: colorado.rob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 02:48:38 pm
content: Aim-TTi MX180TPOver your budget, no color display, but kicks ass as a programmable power supply and meets your power requirements.http://www.saelig.com/aim-tti-mx-series/mx180tp.htm

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 05:28:06 pm
content: Quote from: colorado.rob on June 18, 2019, 02:48:38 pmWay out of budget and not needed.

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 05:28:37 pm
content: Quote from: finos on June 18, 2019, 11:34:01 amUnfortunately Dave does not approve of this model. Watch his youtube video.

author: finos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 05:32:53 pm
content: Quote from: drummerdimitri on June 18, 2019, 05:28:37 pmΙ have watched the video, a lot of timesBut were exactly does he does not like the supply?Because I thought that overall was an OK Instrument

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 05:53:41 pm
content: As with most things, there are complaints, but I don't think he didn't like it from the video either. I've got two SPD3303X-Es hacked to Xs and they work great. Some minor annoyances with UI (display fonts, button choice), but they are workable, and I have virtually no BNC to banana adapters, so I've never even run into the plug spacing as an issue. For the cost, I think they're some of the best value for money available, though there are some other good options.You're going to have some trouble finding 5A output per channel in a triple supply at this pricepoint, so if you really need that output, maybe consider two single supplies. For the budget, you could also get two SPD3303X-Es and run both in parallel mode (32V 6.4A per unit plus auxiliary channel), but if you don't need the extra channels, a pair of single channel units is probably a better bet.

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 06:26:01 pm
content: What you want doesn't exist at that price point as far as I'm aware. Especially when you put in features like waveform analysis and a colored display. If I'm understanding you correctly, what you really want is a minimum of 300W power supply (150W per channel), that is capable of 2x 30V/5A or 30V/10A in parallel.This power supply does exist, and it is ~$2700. (Keysight E36233A or E36234A)You may be able to find something used that can meet those power requirements, but your probably going to have to script everything else. It would most likely be easier to find two separate single channel power supplies (something from HP/Agilent). The TTi MX180P is honestly one of your better options to have that power in a single unit, and be some what close to your price point. You would still have to script all the other features you want.

author: electricMN
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 06:55:59 pm
content: Don't know anything about this one but it covers your voltage and current requirements.https://www.amazon.com/Dr-meter-HY3005F-3-104-127V-Alligator-Included/dp/B009622HC2/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?crid=1MBWW927KTQGO&keywords=korad+power+supply&pd_rd_i=B009622HC2&pd_rd_r=d5245c23-730b-45b5-b782-aa9f9ec7f953&pd_rd_w=iZekJ&pd_rd_wg=VGCZe&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=PFGTP8P228NKH46GR5RX&qid=1560883902&s=gateway&sprefix=korad+power%2Caps%2C324

author: Rich@RohdeScopesUSA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 06:59:54 pm
content: It will be over your $1K budget by a couple hundred dollars, but you might consider our HMC804x family:https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/product/hmc804x-productstartpage_63493-61542.htmlThe HMC8042 will give you two channels at 32V/5A with the ability to combine them together for 10A for $1,230.-RichEdit: Just reread your requirements - while they can do up to 32V OR 5A per channel, it is limited to 100W, so it may not cover exactly what you need.One more edit: Here is a third party review of the HMC8043 (3-channel version) if you'd like to see someone else's take on it:http://houseofthings.gr/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Elektor_2015_11-12.pdfPage 111

author: djacobow
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 07:06:49 pm
content: Quote from: electricMN on June 18, 2019, 06:55:59 pmI have the "Mastech" version of this supply. I have had it for years with no problems. It obviously has no digital controls, and the knobs are all single-turn and twitchy, but it works. It also has no fan, which is nice. OTOH, I have never taken it all the way up to 30V @ 5A + 5A. Honestly, my rule with this sort of cheap equipment is to treat the max values as about double what the unit can do comfortably.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2019, 07:30:13 pm
content: A pair of SPD1305Xhttps://www.siglenteu.com/power-supplies/spd1000x-series-programmable-dc-power-supply/

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 04:18:53 pm
content: After much digging, I found a very suitable one being the Owon ODP3063.It has 3 channels with the first two being 0-30V 6A channels and supports parallel and series connections on the outputs for a total of 368W of power and costs only 469$Not sure about Owon as a brand in terms of quality and the user friendliness of the GUI.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 04:25:37 pm
content: Quote from: drummerdimitri on June 19, 2019, 04:18:53 pmInteresting. I'd test it for power-on and power-off transients though. That is where many power supplies go wrong.

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 04:37:32 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on June 19, 2019, 04:25:37 pmGood to know. Unfortunately I would not be able to test it prior to purchasing it since I will have to order it online as there are no re-sellers in my area. Might go for the Rigol DP832 but since this model is quite old now shouldn't I just wait for a new model to come out? I can make due with my boost and buck converters for now.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 05:14:34 pm
content: The DP832 like the SPD3303X-E really doesn't suit your specifications as a single unit, so unless you want to buy two, I don't really think it's making the cut at this point.Owon is an established brand with a history of making OEM equipment, but while their gear is usable, it generally seems to be a lower level of polish than Rigol or Siglent as of late - maybe have a look at the threads about their scopes or spectrum analyzers that are around the forum to get an idea of the level of polish you can expect.That all said, with the exception of the screen/UI, the age of a power supply design really doesn't count for much with its quality. Power supplies are well understood and when they swapped over to digital control, you can get comparable quality units for almost 30 years now. Keysight's E3631A doesn't suit your requirements at all, but it began its sales under the HP brand in the 90s and it's still a very good quality supply (though the display is a very limiting factor, since you can only get readout on a single channel at a time). I wouldn't hold the DP832's age (or those of other brands) against them if the display suits your needs.

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 05:20:45 pm
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on June 19, 2019, 05:14:34 pmI can see that the fit and finish on the Owon units are quite poor as Rigol looks and feels like Keysight units and similar brands.The DP832 suits my needs perfectly since I can parallel both channels and get 30V at 6A or 60V at 3A which will be sufficient most of the time and when I require more power my DPS5020 will do the job.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 05:45:54 pm
content: ITECH IT6332A3 outputs (2x 30V/6A, 1x 5V/3A), 375W

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 05:49:26 pm
content: IIRC the Rigol DP832 suffers from start-up and/or shutdown spikes. This might kill sensitive circuits.

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 06:16:14 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on June 19, 2019, 05:49:26 pmI don't work with sensitive circuits mostly power electronics, fans, LED's etc.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 06:31:41 pm
content: Quote from: drummerdimitri on June 19, 2019, 05:20:45 pmIf that's the case, it's certainly a reasonable choice, but the original specifications were 5A on two 30V channels, and it can only do that on one. When I had a similar choice I found the SPD3303X-E a better value for money, but I would prefer the adjustable third channel of the DP832 and it's a solid choice (and well documented on the forum).

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 07:23:17 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on June 19, 2019, 05:49:26 pmMine DP831 has very little, on order of 250mV. Not really a problem..As I stated before, ITECH IT6332A fits original requirements.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 07:46:58 pm
content: The Itech IT6332A looks nice as well. It is hard to determine how it compares to the (much cheaper) Owon.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 08:27:49 pm
content: While the Itech meets the power spec, is decently made and most likely would satisfy the precision and noise requirements, I believe its dated interface puts it at a major disadvantage compared to devices from other manufacturers offering native USB / Ethernet connectivity and graphical displays.I don't have this supply, but I do have an Itech 8511+ load built on this same platform. The features are difficult to navigate given the UI interface and the ITech PC software is rather dismal as well.

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 08:32:09 pm
content: Ok so I've chosen to go for the Rigol DP832A since it has a colored display and all the nice features included that the DP832 has as an option.Thanks!

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 08:59:14 pm
content: The 832 can be unlocked though. You can even unlock the multi color display if you need it.

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 09:44:43 pm
content: Quote from: maginnovision on June 19, 2019, 08:59:14 pmI know it can. Where did you read about the multi color display unlock? Is this an option from Rigol or some hack?

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 10:14:17 pm
content: Here you go:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/need-help-hacking-dp832-for-multicolour-option/msg2320485/#msg2320485

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2019, 11:40:35 pm
content: I'm actually seriously considering getting a Keysight E36233A 400W power supply even though it is over twice my budgetOnly reason is I can see it as a good long term investment and this unit should last me well over 20 years of use so might as well go all out.It's exactly what I'm looking for except for the weird looking high current binding posts. The E36232A has regular banana/spade binding posts so how would I use all my aligator clips with the E36232A?

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 01:03:56 am
content: Quote from: drummerdimitri on June 25, 2019, 11:40:35 pmI would just make up some custom cables for whatever you need. Also, contact Keysight or a distributor and see if you can get a demo of the unit you are interested in. When you are buying new stuff at these sorts of prices you really should consider opening a dialogue with these companies before purchasing. Getting to demo the unit, or possibly getting a discount are real possibilities sometimes if you just ask.As an example, I personally contacted Tektronix, explained what I wanted and who I am. Now I am getting a full educational discount for new purchases of Keithley products as a current university student (28% off new gear). So, you never know what they can offer you until you ask.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 05:08:27 pm
content: Quote from: drummerdimitri on June 25, 2019, 11:40:35 pmWell you probably end up buying that...The E36233A has two channels. This seems more versatile to me.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 08:44:45 pm
content: Quote from: drummerdimitri on June 25, 2019, 11:40:35 pmI mean if you want it thats fine, but lasting 20 years is hardly a good reason. You could get 6 rigol DP832's for that price, a new one every 3-4 years.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 09:00:34 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on June 26, 2019, 08:44:45 pmThat is one way of looking at it. But then again the Rigol DP832 doesn't really have an edge over any older 3 channel PSU you can buy from Ebay. Last year I bought the E36313A power supply; what made me pull the trigger is the low current measurement feature. That gives you a very good view on how much current a circuit draws without needing an extra DMM. So you need to add the value of 2 good DMMs to the Keysight PSU as well.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2019, 09:26:36 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on June 26, 2019, 09:00:34 pmYeah for sure that is a useful feature, to be able to read low uA's. I see one sold for $1,400 which is reasonable.The readback accuracy is quite average at the higher ranges, 5mV and 3mA, but low range is good, 80uA.

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2019, 05:02:22 pm
content: I forgot to mention that an energy (mAh/Wh) reading would be a hell of nice thing to have. Any of the power supplies mentioned have such functionality?

author: JxR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 27, 2019, 07:30:58 pm
content: The only models I know for sure that include this info on their display is:Rhode&Schwartz NGL200 series (Wh)Keithley 2281s-20-6 (mAh)I don't think either of these units would be a good fit for what you described as your use case. A good amount of power supplies that have logging features though would allow you to calculate these values yourself after the fact though.The newer Keithley DMMs can be scripted to provide this info on the display as well, but that obviously is an additional expense over the power supply (but... DMM6500/7510 have nice graphing abilities if you really want to see accurate current consumption). Much better than any power supply I've seen outside of Keysight's drool worthy N6705 DC Power Analyzer.

author: sn4k3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2019, 09:21:06 pm
content: Sorry to took this thread, but this fit me too.Today my non programmable PSU (2x30V/5A) died, kind of, it auto set to max voltage 53V alone and killed expensive fan that were connected when accident happens. Reboot, turn knobs to 0 does nothing, PSU is 32V per channel and is acting like series, and it really output that voltage to CH2, even the probes are not in series configuration. Anyway the PSU got fire +/- two years ago, since then i use it to spare money but now is the time for refresh.My needs are at least good programable 30V 5A, the 3A will not suit me and dislike to put parallel to get those 6A max, but if parallel acts like automated way with a push of a button, for example CH2 will set as same voltage as CH1 automatically i would consider it, eg: SPD3303X-EAfter read this thread i found the SPD1305X with good price and features, but also saw Rigol DP711 which cost only 40€ more.SPD1305X VS DP711 what would be the better choice?There's also the Korad 2x30V 5A, is that any good compared with the models above?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 02:51:13 am
content: Quote from: sn4k3 on June 29, 2019, 09:21:06 pmSorry for your PSU loss, don't you just hate it when that happens.The SPD3303X-E does mirror channels in both series and parallel modes in which Ch1 becomes the master channel on which adjustments are made.SPD1305X is a very very clean PSU that's hard to even measure ripple on with a scope.SPD1168X and 1305X thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-spd1168x-siglent-psu/

author: sn4k3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 03:05:12 am
content: Quote from: tautech on June 30, 2019, 02:51:13 amI knew latter or sooner that PSU would die, it survive a house fire and tap water inside without proper clean up, so i guess it done more than it should. I only regret my fan connected there instead a simple LED, but could be worst, 60€ loss...I'm very attracted to SPD1305X... But i do have some questions now regard SPD3303X-E:1) In parallel mode: In CH1 you can set 30V 5A? Or need to set 2.5A on each chanel manually?2) In series mode: Same question, if i want 60V do i need to set 30V each channel or can i set 60V at CH1? If so, when set 50V the both channel split 25V equaly?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 03:31:36 am
content: Quote from: sn4k3 on June 30, 2019, 03:05:12 amCheck the Quick Start guide for series and parallel mode exact operation but yes Ch1 becomes the master channel for all adjustments.

author: sn4k3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 03:57:38 am
content: Quote from: tautech on June 30, 2019, 03:31:36 amHave checked, it's easy like i want. Now i'm split SPD3303X/-E OR 2 x SPD1305X...There's any advantage on new SPD1305X over SPD3303X? ie: Cleaner power? Beside the 4Wire

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 04:09:57 am
content: Quote from: sn4k3 on June 30, 2019, 03:57:38 amYep cleaner power in particular however IMO 1305X is a more specialised PSU than 3303X-E.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 10:31:23 am
content: Quote from: sn4k3 on June 30, 2019, 03:57:38 amIt's hardly worth mentioning, but the SPD3303X/-E also has the third output (albeit very limited compared to the other two).I think choosing between the two really depends on how much higher current work you'll be doing. I've got the 1168X and the 3303X-E (hacked to 3303X), but use the 1168X when I need the higher current (or more-precise 4 wire operation). However, when I have the need for multiple outputs the 3303X-E is very handy to have as it's one compact supply that takes up only one power socket and one ethernet jack.If bench space isn't an issue, I don't think you could go wrong with 2 1305X's.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 10:48:48 am
content: My BK 9310 3 Ch PSU (rebadged ITECH) on my main R&D bench is having issues again (recapping fixed it once, but now readback on Ch2 is wrong), so I was going to replace it with a newer ITECH model.While shopping for a new LCR meter, I came across the Tonghui TH6412 3 Ch PSU. Better specs than the ITECH that I was considering and a more modern UI. I've ordered one and should have it in a few days.http://www.tonghui.com.cn/en/Product/DC_Power_Supply/2018/0320/541.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/32993681002.htmlJust another option to look at over Rigol or Siglent, but of course buying from China does complicate support/warranty issues. This seller has been very helpful so far in getting me English datasheets and manuals for review before purchase, and I've spent about AU $6k with them recently on test gear.I also have on order a R&S HMC8042 & 2 x HMC8012 which will likely take a little longer to arrive. They're for a different testing setup, not for day to day R&D. Another AU $4k! It will be good to compare.

author: sn4k3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 11:33:49 am
content: Quote from: BillB on June 30, 2019, 10:31:23 amI use 5V very often, but the lack of display and control over it make's the third output useless to me, it's dum like a phone charger. My dead PSU had the 3rd too and never use because of that.Quote from: BillB on June 30, 2019, 10:31:23 amBench space isn't an issue to me.Can post the link to (hacked to 3303X)?I'm a bit general purpose, last operation when fan died i was using 24V 6A. But i also work with higher voltage, in terms of 32V to 48V. Only the 3303X match that with PARA and SER functions (as single unit), still would be usefull to me to get up to 5A at 48V... so hard to decideWish they did the 3305X along with the new 1305X's but noOn the expensive hand, dual 3303X cost (2x€370) not much more than dual 1305X (2x€249.00) = 242€ difference and can do 120V/3A OR 60V/6A in a future if i need moreQuote from: Kean on June 30, 2019, 10:48:48 amThat PSU looks great on papper and in terms of features and V/C, it had the third CH controlled wich is great to have. UI looks ok to me. The mains work on 110v or 220v without jumpers, they use auto transformer or SMPS and DC output as a buck without taps? Can it be some kind of 3 x DPS3005 internally? I blind fear that kind of chinesse tech, but we never know util we try...Looking forward for your review

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 01:01:10 pm
content: Quote from: Kean on June 30, 2019, 10:48:48 amThanks for showing other types / brands to buy. I hope you have time to write something about this PSU after you have tried it.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 01:21:40 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on June 30, 2019, 01:01:10 pmFor sure. Once things quiet down a little I will try post at least a "first look" of the Tonghui TH6412 3-Ch DC PSU.Maybe after that I will do short posts on the other recent test gear I got from China if there is interest:ITECH IT7321 programmable AC PSUApplent/anbai AT8612 DC Load (seems to already be a tear down post on here for that)Tonghui TH3321 single phase power analyzerCKT5000 LCR meterI probably won't be doing a tear down of any sort on my R&S gear (probably others exist already) during warranty period, or any of the other gear until it has been trouble free for at least a few months.

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2019, 02:42:00 pm
content: Quote from: sn4k3 on June 30, 2019, 11:33:49 amhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ads-firmware-file-format/msg1830584/#msg1830584

author: sn4k3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2019, 01:04:02 am
content: I pull the trigger and already brought the SPD1305X, one unit, as i have free shipping if i fell the need will reorder.Hope my next buy will be the Electronic Load from them SDL

author: sn4k3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2019, 11:59:31 pm
content: Don't DPS have high ripple? Also the UI sucks, sigilent not much better, as it take ages to recall profiles....

author: bloodhunter007
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 06:05:56 am
content: do you have ability to make a DIY power supply? if yes, there are many chioce ..