Power Supply Offers Fast Voltage Response for Precision Industrial Processes
The output voltage of the low profile FETA3000BC, 3000 W, AC-DC power supply from COSEL can adjust in less than 2 milliseconds across its full range.
COSEL has announced the release of the latest in its FETA series of industrial AC-DC power supplies. The FETA3000BC is a 3000 W, fully-enclosed AC-DC power supply designed for industrial applications that require fast and precise control of the voltage delivered to emitting elements, such as plasma processing and industrial heating.
COSEL designed its FETA3000BC AC-DC power supply for industrial use. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock
To meet these demanding requirements, the FETA3000BC output voltage can rapidly respond across its full range (100 – 350 VDC) in just 1.5 milliseconds.
The FETA3000BC is packaged in a compact, rack-mountable 1U (4.02 x 1.61 x 13.39 inches) form factor with a single-phase AC input (170 to 264 VAC) and nominal 250 VDC output. The supply uses a phase-shift, full-bridge topology that allows it to reach conversion efficiencies up to 93% at its rated output of 12 A.
FETA3000BC 3 kW industrial power supply. Image used courtesy of COSEL
Powering Precision Industrial Processes
Numerous industrial applications can benefit from the precise and rapid output control of the FETA3000BC power supply, including measurement and analysis equipment, machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and battery chargers.
Ion implanters are an important piece of capital equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing and an example of the type of equipment that might benefit from the fast and accurate voltage control of the FETA3000BC.
These high-performance machines generate a steerable ion beam that precisely embeds ions from the desired source material into the semiconductor for doping to define the electrical characteristics of the semiconductor and allow for device formation.
The amount of energy applied during the implant process determines the concentration and depth of the implanted impurities and needs to be carefully controlled.
Precision doping of a semiconductor wafer with an ion implanter. Image used courtesy of Axcelis
Constructing an Industrial AC-DC Power Supply
Typical of a high-power AC-DC supply, AC line power into the FETA3000BC is first rectified, with power factor correction (PFC), to an intermediate DC voltage, which is then inverted back to AC. An internal transformer isolates the input stage from the output and steps down the AC voltage through its turns ratio. The AC output of the transformer is then rectified, filtered, and conditioned to generate the desired DC output voltage.
FETA3000BC-250 functional block diagram. Image used courtesy of COSEL
Voltage and current sensing elements at both the input and output stages feed the control circuitry that regulates operation of the high voltage switches in the inverter stages to maintain the selected output voltage.
Based on the published block diagram, the rectification blocks on either side of the transformer operate passively, possibly constructed as diode bridges, although some form of active rectification may be employed.
Optical isolators allow control signals from the output to be relayed across the high-voltage isolation boundary to help regulate the supply output.
Diode bridge rectifier requires no active control. Image used courtesy of ElectronicsTutorials
Adjusting the Output Voltage
From the AC input (170 to 264VAC), the nominal output of the FETA3000BC-250 is 250 VDC. With the built-in potentiometer, this output can be adjusted from 180VDC to 350VDC. Using the trimming analog control function, accessed via the interface connector, the output voltage range can be extended down to 100 VDC.
Adjusting the output of the FETA3000BC-250. Image used courtesy of COSEL
FETA3000BC-250 control interface. Image used courtesy of COSEL
Parallel Operation
Active current sharing allows for up to 10 units to be operated in parallel by connecting the VB, CB, and COM outputs of the multiple supplies. An internal microprocessor helps with voltage and current balancing during parallel operation.
