User and process profiles can be edited, saved and archived so that the reproducibility of a test or other application is improved. In addition, a single 3U chassis houses up to 15kW of DC power and can be paralleled up to 1MW. Each chassis features a controller which allows the flexibility of separating into individual sources or paralleling for high power applications.

All PSI 9000 models feature a flexible Auto-Ranging output stage which provides higher output current at reduced voltages so the source maintains maximum output power across a wide range of voltage operation. Traditional DC sources offer a square operation curve meaning the source maintains maximum rated current at less than full scale voltage. A traditional 5kW DC source with a voltage range of 500V provides 10A at full scale. At 200V, the source still only offers 10A so 2kW is delivered to the unit under test.

Auto-Ranging addresses this issue by automatically increasing the output current at reduced voltages. Take the PSI 9500-30 which is 5kW as an example. At 500V the source offers 10A. At 200V the source provides 25A which means the source maintains a 5kW output rating.

Auto-Ranging is especially useful when testing products that require varied input voltages while maintaining regulated output power. This feature often results in a single chassis solution versus buying multiple sources to address low and high voltage / current requirements. It can also help reduce inventory as many voltages can be covered by a single model number.

The remote sensing function is achieved via dedicated input which is directly connected to the load equipment, in order to compensate voltage drops along the load cables up to a certain degree. The power supply detects automatically whether the sensing input is connected and will stabilize the voltage directly at the load.

Integrated Function Generator

The FPGA based control circuit provides additional features such as a function generator using a table-based regulation circuit for simulation of non-linear internal resistances.

RECTANGLE WAVE

TRIANGLE WAVE

TRAPEZOID WAVE

SINE WAVE

Complex Sequence Generator

By linking together a number of differently configured sequences, complex progressions can be created. Smart configuration of the arbitrary generator can be used to match triangular, sine, rectangular or trapezoidal wave functions and thus, e.g. a sequence of rectangular waves with differing amplitudes or duty cycles can be produced.

For the implementation of the LabView IDE Intepro offers ready-to-use components (VIs) to be used with the Ethernet interface. Other IDEs and interfaces may be supported upon request.

COMPLEX SEQUENCE GENERATOR

Solar Array Simulation

The PSI is an ideal solution for simulating static or dynamic irradiance levels of solar array. The high accuracy irradiance curve is based on 16,400 data points and adjustable in 1% increments. Isc, Uoc, MPP and Impp are user programmable.

SOLAR PV ARRAY

Fuel Cell Simulation

An embedded Fuel Cell table function is used to simulate the characteristics of voltage and current of a fuel cell. Simply define slope points and the data is automatically calculated then transferred to the function generator and output from the DC source.

FUEL CELL ARRAY

FRONT PANEL

USER INTERFACES

User Control

The large LCD touch panel offers a modern and intuitive user interface for controlling the four operating modes: Constant Voltage (CV), Constant Current (CC), Constant Power (CP) and Constant Resistance (CR). Response times for the control via analog or digital interfaces by the DSP controlled hardware are among the fastest in the industry. In parallel operation of multiple devices, a master-slave bus is used to connect the chassis to create high power system where the actual values are totaled and the set values distributed.

An Internal resistance control provides a means to virtually simulate an internal resistance (Programmable Impedance) which is in series to the voltage source and thus also in series to the load. According to Ohm’s Law, this causes a voltage drop, which will result in a difference between adjusted output voltage and the actual output voltage. This is beneficial for simulation of various lengths of different types of cables to determine loading effects.