1U DC power supply series for test and development of EVs

TDK Corporation has introduced two new models to the 5kW TDK-Lambda GENESYS+ series of high-power density programmable DC power supplies. This expansion gives engineers incremental and seamless output voltage and current options ranging from 0-10V/500A to 0-1500V/3.4A. Target applications for these high voltage 5kW power supplies are automotive testing, including EVs and HEVs with high voltage batteries, general test or research, measurement, semiconductor fabrication, battery manufacturing, and renewable energy.

The two new voltage models offer 0-1000V/0-5A and 0-1500V/0-3.4A programable outputs. They can be selected to accept three-phase 170VAC to 265VAC or wide range 342VAC to 528VAC inputs with active PFC. The units can perform in constant current, constant voltage, or constant power limit modes and also provide internal resistance simulation.

The series benefits from DSP technology and the latest generation components, including ferrite materials, to acquire up to 92% efficiency. Less internal waste heat provides a higher power rating with no compromise to reliability.

The device is ideal for zero stack rack mounting, measuring 423mm (W) x 486.5mm (D) x 43.6mm (1U) (H). Cooling is supplied by variable speed fans monitoring the ambient temperature and the output load for lower audible noise to decrease operator fatigue. The weight of the unit is under 8.5kg for easy handling.

All models in the series provide a high contrast, wide viewing angle LCD with user-controllable brightness and dimming functions and faster up and down programming response times, with user-adjustable voltage and current slew rate control. Arbitrary waveform test profiles of up to 100 steps may be generated and stored in four memory cells and activated by commands from the communication ports or the front panel controls.

For extra power, the 5kW PPS use the company’s advanced parallel system (patent pending), enabling a multiple-unit system to accomplish a dynamic response and ripple and noise performance comparable to a single power supply. Up to 12 of the units may be connected in parallel simply by connecting a single data link cable between units and connecting the DC outputs. The command and auxiliary units auto-configure by detecting the parallel data connection and setting their parameters accordingly.

Programming is consistent across the complete 1kW to 60kW series by front panel controls, remotely via LAN (LXI 1.5), USB 2.0, and RS232/485 communications, or by utilising the isolated analogue control and monitoring (0-5V, 0-10V), which are supplied as standard. Optional interfaces include EtherCAT, Modbus-TCP, or GPIB (IEEE488.2). The software package provides software drivers, a waveform creator and a virtual front panel GUI. Safety features are standard in these power supplies, providing Safe/Auto Re-Start, Last Setting Memory, and built-in protection functions. A blank front panel option, without a display, is offered to avoid unauthorised changes to the unit’s settings.

The five-year warranty series is safety certified to IEC/EN/UL/CSA 61010-1 with CE and UKCA marking to the Low Voltage, EMC and RoHS Directives. The series also complies with IEC/EN 61204-3 Class A for conducted and radiated EMI and EMC immunity.