Bench Power Supplies

A bench power supply is an indispensable tool for anyone extensively working with electronics or other powered projects. It provides a reliable source of adjustable voltage, making it invaluable for testing circuits. With a benchtop power supply, you can precisely set the voltage and current according to your project needs. Additionally, a variable DC bench power supply includes a safety feature that shuts it down in case of a short circuit, potentially saving your components from damage. These supplies are known for their versatility, accuracy, stability, and affordability.

Understanding the four key units—Current, Voltage, Power, and Resistance— is crucial when working with power supplies. It is essential to ensure that the power supply can sustain the current demanded by your circuit at the supplied voltage.

Differences Between Bench Power Supplies and Other Power Supplies

Bench power supplies are distinct in that they prioritise user control and convenience. Unlike other DC power supply instruments designed for automated testing or advanced measurement, bench supplies are more user-friendly and accessible. For example:

• Automated Test Equipment (ATE) power supplies are typically integrated into production environments for automated testing, focusing on connectivity and fast programmability.
• Source metres, on the other hand, merge the functionalities of power supplies with digital multimetres and electronic loads, capable of rapid mode switching and precise measurements.
• Power analysers extend these capabilities further, incorporating the features of oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and more, often available in both AC and DC models.

Features of Bench Power Supplies

Bench power supplies stand out for their precision and reliability, offering advanced control features that cater to varied technical needs. Here’s a closer look at their defining characteristics:

• Enhanced Control: Bench power supplies provide superior current and voltage control compared to standard AC-DC converters, facilitating focused design and diagnostics efforts.
• Adjustment Precision: Features fine and coarse adjusters for meticulous control of DC output, ensuring adjustable and precise voltage adjustments.
• Voltage Limitations: Incorporates voltage limitation settings to prevent overpowering, crucial for protecting circuits during testing.
• Programmable Settings: Some models offer memory storage or external computer regulation for prolonged or repetitive testing scenarios.
• Operational Modes:
  • Constant Current Mode: Maintains a preset current level regardless of changes in the load's resistance, ideal for testing under stable current conditions.
  • Constant Voltage Mode: Ensures consistent voltage delivery even as resistance varies, essential for applications requiring stable voltage.

Types Of Bench Power Supplies

Bench power supplies come in various configurations, each designed to meet specific requirements and applications.

Single and Multi-Channel Power Supplies

Single-Channel: Features one controllable output; simpler and cost-effective, suitable for basic applications.

Multi-Channel: Offers two or more controllable outputs, ideal for complex projects involving analog and digital circuitry that require different voltage inputs.

Bipolar and Unipolar Power Supplies

Unipolar: Capable of generating only positive voltage, with manual switching of terminals needed for negative voltage.

Bipolar: Supports both positive and negative energy environments, enabling a wider range of applications such as the development of magnetic materials, bidirectional inverter testing, and laser diode testing.

Linear and Switching Power Supplies

Linear: Delivers high-accuracy readings with low signal distortion using a large transformer to convert and clean voltage. Ideal for applications where precision is critical.

Switching: Provides high power output in a more compact and energy-efficient form, though slightly less precise than linear models.

Industrial Applications of Bench Power Supplies

• Laboratory Testing: In laboratories, bench power supplies are indispensable for testing and powering electronic components, ensuring experiments run smoothly with stable voltage and current outputs.
• Education: Educational institutions utilise bench power supplies in classrooms and labs to teach students about electronics by providing a safe and controlled power source for experiments.
• Industry: Critical for test and measurement applications, bench power supplies offer adjustable settings and protection features that ensure precise calibration and safe operation of industrial equipment.
• Research and Development (R&D): R&D departments rely on bench power supplies for developing new technologies and prototypes, requiring dependable and precise power delivery for complex and sensitive setups.
• Production Testing: During production, bench power supplies ensure that every product meets stringent quality standards by providing reliable power for stress and functionality tests.
• Workshops: For design validation and PCB assembly testing, bench power supplies provide the necessary power to components and circuit boards, ensuring every piece operates flawlessly before full-scale production.

Ordering and Delivery Information

Ordering your bench power supplies from RS is straightforward and flexible. For the fastest service, you can place orders online, navigating through our comprehensive selection to add products to your basket for next-day delivery or pickup at your nearest branch. Alternatively, orders can be placed by calling us directly at +65 6865 3400.

For complete details on all available delivery options, please visit our delivery information page.