TDK Intros 3 kW Programmable AC-DC Supply With Wide-Range 3-Phase Inputs

TDK has expanded its TDK-Lambda HWS3000 series of 3,000 W programmable AC-DC power supplies with the introduction of the HWS3000GT4 model. The primary advancement of this model is the introduction of a wide-range 340 Vac to 528 Vac three-phase input option, providing power system engineers with enhanced installation flexibility across diverse global industrial electrical networks.

Traditional power supplies built for heavy industrial environments often constrain equipment designers to narrow input bands or necessitate bulky, dedicated step-down transformers to interface with localized grid topologies.

TDK’s HWS3000GT4 3 kW programmable AC-DC power supply

By tolerating a broad three-phase input span, the HWS3000GT4 eliminates extra passive conversion hardware, streamlining system footprints and elevating electrical resilience against line voltage fluctuations in demanding automated environments.

CV/CC Programmability and Digital Telemetry

The nominal output voltage and current parameters of the HWS3000GT4 remain fully programmable across constant-voltage and constant-current (CV/CC) modes from zero up to their maximum ratings. The hardware family includes six standalone baseline models covering nominal output voltages of 24 V, 48 V, 60 V, 80 V, 130 V, and 250 V, which can be dynamically programmed to cover a 0 V to 300 V envelope.

HWS3000GT4 features/benefits and model selector. (Click on image to enlarge)

A critical engineering benefit of the new model is its versatile control interface matrix. Output programming can be orchestrated digitally via a serial RS485 interface utilizing the standard Modbus protocol, or through traditional analog 1–5 V or 4–20 mA signals. This dual-domain capability ensures seamless compatibility with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated test equipment (ATE) racks, and modern industrial automation networks.

Furthermore, the integration of advanced digital control logic allows system developers to perform programming and parameter configuration without powering up the main unit, drastically improving bench-side safety and deployment efficiency during staging.

The platform also embeds integrated monitoring and diagnostic telemetry, capturing cumulative operating time, fault logs, and product identification parameters directly accessible via the communication bus. A digitally programmable voltage slew rate gives engineers precise control over transition profiles to shield sensitive loads from voltage overshoot. More information can be found in the HWS3000GT4 data sheet.

Thermal Management and System Scaling

Operating at a high efficiency rating of up to 93 percent, the HWS3000GT4 minimizes internal heating losses, enabling its high power capacity to be packaged within a highly compact 270 x 150 x 61 mm (10.6 x 5.9 x 2.4 inches) enclosed chassis footprint.

This reduced thermal dissipation relaxes aggressive external cooling demands. Active cooling is managed via an integrated variable-speed fan that keeps audible noise down to a quiet 45 dB under less than 70 percent load conditions at a typical 25°C ambient threshold. For complex mechanical configurations where standard front-to-back airflow is restricted, TDK-Lambda offers a factory "/RF" option that reverses the airflow path to match the localized chassis exhaust vectors.

For macro-scale industrial setups requiring higher potential differences or expanded current capacities, the series supports extensive multi-unit scaling topographies. Systems engineers can interconnect up to three units in a series connection or orchestrate up to ten units in parallel master/remote configurations, unlocking scalable, high-power solutions without diluting precision control.

The thermal architecture supports a broad operating temperature window spanning from -20°C to +70°C, with a verified cold start-up capability extending down to -40°C. Output loading derates linearly beyond 50°C down to a 50 percent capacity limit at the +70°C maximum thermal ceiling. To protect the architecture under localized brownout conditions, the output power also derates linearly below a 360 Vac line input, maintaining up to 70 percent load capacity at 340 Vac.

Rugged Architectures and Broad Integration Options

To satisfy the rigorous operating constraints of high-vibration heavy industrial machinery, semiconductor fabrication facilities, and laser machining systems, TDK-Lambda offers a ruggedized "/HD" version. This variant incorporates dual-sided printed circuit board (PCB) conformal coating, allowing the supply to comfortably meet and survive harsh MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration parameters.

The safety and insulation boundaries are similarly robust, featuring an input-to-output isolation rating of 3,000 Vac, input-to-ground isolation of 2,000 Vac, and an output-to-ground barrier of 1,500 Vac, all while restricting leakage current to less than 0.85 mA. The electrical design is rated for high-altitude operation up to 5,000 meters (capped at 2,000 meters for compliance with the strict IEC/EN62477-1 safety baseline).

Standard integrated auxiliary functions include a 5 V, 2 A independent standby voltage loop, remote sensing capabilities, a remote on/off interface, fan-fail telemetry, and a power-good status flag. The output terminals can be configured for either horizontal or vertical connections, offering additional layout flexibility.

Safety Credentials

The supplies carry formal safety credentials under IEC/EN/UL 62368-1 and IEC/EN62477-1 Overvoltage Category III (OVC III), backed by CE/UKCA markings spanning low-voltage, EMC, and RoHS guidelines, alongside EN55032A, EN55011-A, and FCC-A emissions compliance.

According to TDK-Lambda, the HWS3000 series is backed by a conservative seven-year warranty, underpinned by highly derated internal electrolytic capacitor operating temperatures to ensure a long field service life.

Moving forward, this hardware is ideally suited for test and measurement systems, high-power RF amplifiers, commercial printing installations, and specialized semiconductor processing environments looking to compress power hardware footprints while maximizing global grid adaptability.

All images used courtesy of TDK-Lambda.