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Useful information about laboratory power supplies and laboratory power supplies
With a laboratory power supply or laboratory power supply it is possible to regulate the output voltage variably, so the devices can be used flexibly in the areas of development, maintenance and research. was you interested in the difference between the power supply and the power supply unit and what you should pay attention to when buying, you will find out in our guide.
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The difference between laboratory power supplies and laboratory power supplies
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What is the special feature of a laboratory power supply unit?
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Differences between transformer power supplies and switched-mode power supplies
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What is to be observed when purchasing laboratory power supplies and laboratory power supplies?
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Our practical tip: Keep an eye on waste heat from transformer power supplies!
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about laboratory power supplies and laboratory power supplies
The difference between laboratory power supplies and laboratory power supplies
The main task of a conventional power supply unit and a laboratory power supply unit is identical:
They supply a connected electrical device with power.
The term power supply or power supply often refers to a power supply unit or the power supply of a computer. Such a power supply usually supplies the exact voltage that an electrical device, such as a notebook, requires for operation. On the other hand, the current and voltage can be set variably with a laboratory power supply. The device can thus be set individually for different tasks. Most laboratory power supplies have an integrated LC-display, which shows the user the currently selected voltage and current.
The terms laboratory power supply and laboratory power supply are often used interchangeably. This usually refers to a power supply unit in which the voltage can be regulated variably. In our online shop you will find 19-inch laboratory power supplies for installation in an appropriate rack or a device cabinet as well as table devices.
What is the special feature of a laboratory power supply unit?
In addition to the option of setting the current and voltage variably, adjustable laboratory power supplies also have some other special features: A laboratory power supply unit can have several outputs, depending on the respective model. These are always protected against short-circuit, polarity reversal and overload, at least for branded devices. Residual ripple, pulse behavior and output voltage noise are usually specified in a laboratory power supply. Such a power supply unit also has an adjustable current limitation. Some adjustable power supplies can also be precisely controlled via a computer thanks to the corresponding interfaces.
Differences between transformer power supplies and switched-mode power supplies
The design of laboratory power supplies and laboratory power supplies depends on whether they are transformer or switched-mode power supplies: The main component of a transformer power supply is the name-giving transformer. This is a solid coil with a Kern made of iron. In the case of such a power supply unit, the incoming voltage is either raised or lowered by the transformer. The voltage is then equated and the capacitors are smoothed. If the voltage is additionally stabilized by a linear regulator, it is also referred to as a linear power supply. The advantages of such models are the simple construction and the low purchase price. In addition, less interference is caused by a transformer power supply. The high weight, for which the transformer is primarily responsible, as well as the low degree of efficiency are to be mentioned as a disadvantage. The low degree of efficiency results in increased heat generation, corresponding power supplies therefore usually have to be cooled by an additional fan.
On the other hand, the design of a switched-mode power supply is much more complex. In a first step, the applied AC voltage is equalise. This voltage is then "chopped" in the power supply unit, so that a high-frequency alternating voltage is generated. The voltage is then re-equated and smoothed. Switching power supply points with a high degree of efficiency and have a significantly lower weight than a transformer power supply. Another advantage of these laboratory power supplies is the large tolerance of the input voltage. For this purpose, the circuit is much more complex than with a power supply unit with transformer. The effort to smooth and filter the tension is much higher. Moreover, switched-mode power supplies are more sensitive to high-frequency interference.
What is to be observed when purchasing laboratory power supplies and laboratory power supplies?
When purchasing an adjustable power supply, the available power as well as the maximum output voltage and the maximum output current are among the most important points. Before purchasing, consider how many outputs the power supply device should have. In addition to devices with a single output, models are available that offer up to four outputs. In general, a 0-30V laboratory power supply offers a choice of desktop and 19-inch models that can be installed in a suitable rack or cabinet. If you need a calibrated adjustable power supply, you can choose between DAkkS, ISO or manufacturer-specific factory certification.
A laboratory power supply unit 0-30V with adjustable current limitation is already sufficient for many applications. For particularly demanding tasks, a programmable laboratory power supply can make sense. The devices can be connected to a computer via various interfaces. With such a power supply unit, for example, current and voltage trends can be individually programd. Normally, laboratory power supplies have digital displays on which you can read the current and voltage. Here you should set a value on an illuminated display. Although it is only a detail, a backlit display is much easier to read, especially in low light conditions. The accuracy with which the device works is also important. For the accuracy of a power supply, a distinction must be made between the display accuracy and the setting accuracy. The so-called display accuracy indicates how high the accuracy between the displayed current and voltage values corresponds to the actual voltage. The setting accuracy, on the other hand, indicates the accuracy of the settable setpoints.
Our practical tip: Keep an eye on waste heat from transformer power supplies!
Take into account that a transformer power supply can generate a considerable amount of waste heat. The devices are usually equipped with an additional fan for cooling. Make sure that the fan operates as quietly as possible to avoid disturbing noise. It is also important that there is sufficient space for such a laboratory power supply to prevent air circulation from being obstructed.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about laboratory power supplies and laboratory power supplies
What was residual
The term residual ripple refers to the component of an alternating voltage that superimposes a rectified and smoothed direct voltage.
What was a sieve capacitor?
When a rectifier circuit is operated, a DC voltage is generated that can pulse strongly. With the help of an electrolytic capacitor, which has a high capacity, this pulsation can be prevented. In this case, the capacitor smoothes the voltage and is also referred to as a screen capacitor.
Can ich use a laboratory power supply as a charger?
If the programmable laboratory power supply used permits the setting of output voltage and output current, it is generally possible to use it as a charger. In this case, please note that the final charge voltage of the battery must be set as the max. output voltage and the charging current as the max. output current on the power supply unit.