Kikusui Adds Advanced Programmable Power Supplies and DC Loads

DC power supplies and electronic loads are essential for any engineer’s benchtop. By providing stable direct current for devices and simulating real-world loads for testing power sources, these devices ensure precise control and accurate evaluation of electronic components and systems' performance. 

While DC power supplies enable engineers to fine-tune power delivery to match the specific requirements of their circuits, ensuring optimal functionality and reliability, electronic loads allow engineers to simulate various load conditions, from constant current and constant voltage to more complex dynamic loads. Together, these tools form the backbone of rigorous testing and development processes and enable engineers to design, troubleshoot, and optimize electronic devices confidently and precisely.

Kikusui has released a series of programmable DC power supplies and electronic loads that introduce new functionalities to the company’s repertoire. 

DC power supplies. Image used courtesy of Kikusu

DC Power Supply and Load

DC power supplies and electronic loads are fundamental tools in electrical engineering, each serving distinct yet complementary roles in designing, testing, and evaluating electronic systems.

A DC power supply provides a stable direct current electricity source to power electronic devices and circuits. It converts alternating current from the power grid into a consistent DC output with adjustable voltage and current to meet the specific device needs under test. Engineers use DC power supplies to ensure their circuits receive a precise and stable voltage, which is crucial for accurate testing and reliable operation. Features such as programmable outputs, remote sensing, and various protection mechanisms (overvoltage, overcurrent, and thermal protection) enhance the functionality and safety of these devices.

DC power supply connected with DC electronic load. Image used courtesy of Telonic

In contrast, electronic loads are designed to simulate various load conditions a power source might encounter in real-world applications. These devices absorb power from the source under test, providing a controllable load that can mimic different operational scenarios. Electronic loads can operate in multiple modes, including constant current, constant power, constant voltage, and constant resistance. These modes allow engineers to test how power supplies, batteries, and other energy sources respond to different loads. This is essential for evaluating power sources' performance, efficiency, stability, and reliability under varying conditions.

Kikusui’s Extended Line of DC Supplies and Loads

Kikusui has introduced a series of high-capacity, wide-range, compact DC power supplies and compact, high-voltage, multifunctional DC electronic loads.

Kikusi’s PWR-01 series offers voltage options ranging from 40 V to 650 V, with currents reaching up to 200 A and power up to 2000 W. Standard features include front-facing output terminals (Max 10 A), an output on/off delay function, a soft start/stop function, and selectable bleeder modes. Additionally, the power supplies feature a variable internal resistance function. 

The  PWX Series, on the other hand, offers voltage ranges from 0-30 V to 0-650 V, currents from 0-7 A to 0-150 A, and powers from 750 W to 1500 W. Features include bleeder circuit on/off setting, memory function, universal input voltage support (85 V to 265 V), and PFC circuits achieving 0.99 (with 100 V) or 0.97 (with 200 V) at full load.  

PLZ series. Image used courtesy of Kikusui

Kikusi’s PLZ-5W series supports input voltage ranges from 0.25 V to 150 V, input currents from 0 A to 2160 A, and power options from 200 W to 10,800 W. The series boasts a fast 4μs rise time to rated current, supports standard interfaces such as LAN, USB, and RS232C, and offers a current reduction of 10% per 0.1 V for input voltages ≤1 V. Similarly, the PLZ-5WH2 series of loads supports input voltage ranges from 10 V to 1000 V, input currents up to 400 A, and power options of 1 kW to 20 kW. Parallel operation in the PLZ-5WH2 series allows scaling up to 100 kW (maximum 5 units).  

Powering Progress

By offering capabilities like high voltage and current ranges, rapid response times, and advanced control functionalities, Kikusui's new lineup aims to meet the evolving demands of modern electronic designs.