Executive Summary

Programmable DC power supplies are foundational to the precision, safety, and efficiency of modern electronic testing. From electric vehicles to aerospace systems and solar inverters, every advanced industry requires intelligent power control that adapts to both real-time conditions and long-term automation strategies. This white paper outlines the critical purchasing criteria, performance expectations, and technology trends in programmable DC power systems—offering a framework to help engineering and procurement teams select the right DC power supply that meets their evolving needs.

What Is a Programmable DC Power Supply?

A programmable DC power supply is a digitally controlled power source that delivers adjustable voltage and current to a device under test (DUT). These systems are indispensable in modern applications that require real-time control, repeatable test procedures, and integration with automated test systems.

Industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, aerospace, and semiconductor testing have driven the evolution of DC supplies into highly intelligent, high-performance tools. Today’s programmable DC power supplies are expected to deliver not only stable output, but also simulation capabilities, regenerative energy recovery, and connectivity across remote or cloud-based systems.

Understanding how these systems differ helps define your power supply system’s requirements and ensure compatibility with future use cases.

Voltage and Current Ratings: Core to Compatibility

At the heart of any programmable power system are its voltage and current capabilities. These two define how broadly the supply can be used and how it can respond to high-performance demands like power cycling or load transitions.

Choose a power supply that:

• Provides maximum output voltage exceeding your DUT’s peak requirement
  
• Offers high-current capabilities with stability under load
  
• Supports autoranging, allowing the supply to adapt to varying voltage/current demands without switching models

This flexibility ensures that a single unit can handle a range of products and test scenarios. For example, Sorensen Asterion DC ASM Series supplies allow users to configure high-output systems while keeping footprint low. Accurate power delivery at different current ranges is especially critical when dealing with sensitive electronics.

Output Characteristics and Load Regulation

Reliable output depends on how well the supply maintains its programmed levels despite changes in load or line conditions. Low ripple, fast transient recovery, and stable current limiting are all part of a high-performing system.

Output modes such as:

• Constant Voltage (CV)
  
• Constant Current (CC)
  
• Constant Power (CP) allows fine control across dynamic DUT conditions.

Remote sensing further improves accuracy by measuring voltage at the load—not just at the output terminal—compensating for any voltage drop across cabling. This is particularly helpful when deploying long leads in a dense lab setup.

Power and Power Density: High Output in Less Space

Power density is increasingly vital in modern testing labs and production racks. With rack space at a premium, selecting a supply that offers high power per unit volume helps reduce infrastructure costs and simplifies thermal management.

Parallel-operable systems also support future scaling: connect multiple power supplies in parallel to increase total output power without complex rewiring or manual recalibration.

As DC supplies evolve as performance demands grow, the ability to expand total power seamlessly becomes a clear advantage. High-efficiency, switching power supplies like those in the Asterion DC ASM Series pack significant output into compact formats and often come standard with remote monitoring and LAN/USB control options.

Programmable DC Power Supplies Evolve with Performance

Modern programmable DC supplies evolve not just in interface but also in intelligence. Look for systems that:

• Provide programmable waveform generation for simulating disturbances
  
• Include LIST, STEP, PULSE, and TRANSIENT modes
  
• Offer bidirectional capabilities to both source and sink current

Ametek programmable power offers advanced control, precise ramping, and multi-mode output flexibility that enable engineers to simulate complex field conditions with confidence. These light-weight power supplies are not only efficient but also meet the space and mobility needs of modern bench and rack environments.

Control Interfaces and Remote Integration

A key advantage of programmable power supplies lies in their ability to integrate into test ecosystems. Look for:

• USB, LAN, GPIB, and CAN for communication flexibility
  
• SCPI command support for scripting and software control
  
• Compatibility with LabVIEW, Python, or vendor GUIs

Whether operated from a front panel or through software, the power supply’s integration features should allow for complete test automation. This helps reduce power consumption during idle phases and enables more efficient load cycling through scripting.

Power Factor and Electrical Efficiency

As environmental and operational costs increase, the electrical efficiency of power supplies has become a top purchasing criterion.

Supplies with:

• Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)
  
• ≥90% power conversion efficiency
  
• Energy recovery via regenerative operation

not only reduce electricity bills but also generate less waste heat—translating to lower cooling costs and longer equipment life. Also consider power factor when designing high-density test setups—poor PF can lead to grid interference and inefficiencies.

Application-Focused Use Cases and Test Systems

No supply is universally ideal. Your selection should align with your system’s load profile, accuracy requirements, and test automation needs.

When assessing power levels and total power for your application, always consider flexibility and whether the model that meets your needs today can evolve with future requirements.

Comparing Programmable DC Supply Brands

Expert Answers from Engineers and Buyers

What are the criteria for power supply selection?

Begin with your voltage/current requirements, then evaluate programmability, remote interface support, regulation performance, and expansion capability. These criteria form the foundation of any purchasing criteria for programmable DC systems.

Do I need a programmable power supply?

Yes, especially when automated testing, accurate power control, and load simulation are required.

Can DC power supplies be connected in series or parallel?

Yes. Series configuration increases voltage, while parallel supports increased current capacity. Ensure the supply allows safe current-sharing and power synchronization.

What is load regulation and why is it important?

Load regulation ensures output stability when your DUT’s power draw changes—critical for safety, accuracy, and test repeatability.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right DC power supply is crucial for both current project needs and long-term infrastructure planning. As programmable DC supplies evolve, engineers must:

• Consider power factor, density, and interface scalability
  
• Evaluate the power supply’s ability to meet both current and future requirements
  
• Look at integration with automation, safety systems, and compliance standards

Whether you’re purchasing new systems or exploring premium used equipment, choosing the right supply begins with aligning performance needs with total lifecycle value.

Glossary of Key Terms

DUT (Device Under Test): The component or system receiving power during testing.

CV/CC/CP Modes: Output regulation modes: Constant Voltage, Constant Current, and Constant Power.

Autoranging: A feature that allows the supply to deliver different voltage/current combinations dynamically within its rated power.

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments): A standard command protocol used to control instruments remotely.

Power Factor Correction (PFC): Technology used to reduce reactive power and improve electrical efficiency.

Remote Sensing: Voltage is measured directly at the DUT to compensate for cable losses.

Bidirectional Operation: Ability to both source and sink current, often with regenerative feedback to the grid.

Internal Resources and Further Reading

Explore more from Infinipower:

• RPS-5000 Model G: Regenerative Grid Simulator
• Model S: High-Power Precision Programmable Power Supply
• Model L: Regenerative AC/DC Electronic Load
• Power Testing Applications

References

• Ametek Programmable Power. (2023). Asterion DC ASM Series Datasheet. Retrieved from https://www.programmablepower.com/products/asterion-dc-asm-series
• Keysight Technologies. (2022). Choosing the Right Power Supply for Your Application. Retrieved from https://www.keysight.com/us/en/assets/7018-06700/white-papers/Choosing-the-Right-Power-Supply.pdf
• Chroma ATE Inc. (2023). DC Power Supplies for Automated Test and Renewable Energy. Retrieved from https://www.chromaate.com/en/products
• Sorensen. (2023). Asterion DC Series User Guide. Retrieved from https://www.xppower.com/resources/documentation/sorensen-asterion-dc-manual
• IEEE Standards Association. (2020). IEEE 1789-2015 – Recommended Practice for Modulating Current in High-Brightness LEDs for Mitigating Health Risks to Viewers. https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/1789/7089/
• Rohde & Schwarz. (2021). DC Power Supplies: Bench, System, and Precision Applications. Retrieved from https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/solutions/test-and-measurement/power-supplies/