XP Power Unveils Space-Saving 3U Digital 10 kW Power Supply

XP Power has launched its WBQ series, a family of digital, regulated high-voltage AC-DC power supplies. Delivering up to 10 kW in a 3U, 19-inch rack-mount format, the power supplies specifically target applications where rack space, efficiency, and controllability are primary constraints.

The WBQ Series from XP Power. Image used courtesy of XP Power

The WBQ Series

The WBQ series provides regulated DC outputs with standard models covering 15 kV through 100 kV at output currents from 670 mA down to 100 mA, depending on voltage rating. Each unit provides a full 10 kW of output power and supports parallel operation to scale total system power beyond 100 kW for higher-current processes without increasing rack height.

Housed in a 132 mm-high (3U) chassis measuring 431.8 mm wide and 609.6 mm deep, the WBQ occupies a footprint that XP Power describes as the smallest available at this power level. The supply accepts a three-phase 208 VAC input as standard, with a 400 VAC option available for global installations.

Conversion efficiency typically exceeds 90% at full load, which XP Power credits for the supply’s ability to remain air-insulated rather than the conventional oil-filled solutions for many high-power supplies.

Back view. Image used courtesy of XP Power

Digital control is the WBQ design’s clear focus. The device features a fully digital control loop that manages voltage and current regulation, with line and load regulation specified at ±0.05% of rated output.

Output voltage ripple is specified as low as 0.03% of rated voltage plus 0.5 V RMS at full load, with some configurations achieving ripple levels approaching 0.01%. Meanwhile, dynamic response is designed to accommodate rapid load transients, recovering to within 1% of nominal voltage in 500 µs following large step changes.

The platform also supports both analog and digital interfaces, including CAN as standard, with USB and EtherCAT available as options. A graphical interface allows users to configure operating parameters, monitor voltage, current, and temperature, and access to diagnostic data.

Other programmable features include ramp rates, arc detection thresholds, and arc quench timing, which inhibit the high-voltage output during discharge events and can automatically shut down the supply if repeated arcs occur.

Understanding Arc Control

High-voltage DC systems are inherently susceptible to arcing caused by insulation breakdown, contamination, or transient load conditions. An electrical arc can release large amounts of energy in a very short time, potentially damaging power supplies or loads. As output voltages increase into the tens of kilovolts, controlling these events becomes a fundamental design challenge.

Pictures of arc quenching taken by high-speed camera. Image used courtesy of Li et al.

Modern high-voltage power supplies rely on fast sensing circuits to detect an arc’s onset by monitoring abrupt changes in current or voltage. Once faults are detected, the control system quickly suppresses the output to limit the energy delivered into the fault. The response effectiveness depends on both detection speed and the amount of stored energy in the system, which is influenced by output capacitance and cable length.

Arc quench functions temporarily disable the high-voltage output for a defined period, allowing ionized paths to collapse before voltage is reapplied. Arc count logic adds a further protection layer by tracking discharge event frequency. If arcs occur repeatedly within a short interval, the system can initiate a longer shutdown to prevent cumulative damage and to signal a persistent external fault.

Availability and Outlook

By combining a dense mechanical design with digital regulation, advanced arc management, and scalable parallel operation, XP Power is positioning the WBQ series for applications like ion implantation tools, e-beam welding platforms, and additive manufacturing equipment. The WBQ series is now available directly from XP Power with a three-year warranty.