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DC Power Supply
Matching the DC Power Supplies to the Application
DC power supplies are used for a wide range of applications from training the next generation of electrical engineers to developing breakthrough ultra-low power, wearable products. Whether you need a DC power supply that provides basic power sourcing or one that pushes the limits of performance by delivering thousands of volts, choosing the appropriate variable bench power supply is critical to obtaining successful test results in teaching, research, design, and manufacturing.
How to Choose the Best DC Power Supply
The most common selection criteria are:
- Number of output channels (single or multi output)
- Output voltage, current, and power
- Setting resolution and accuracy
- Ripple and noise
- Features and programmability
- Advanced features like current measurement with nanoamp resolution, sequencing, analog inputs, digital I/O, and programming features
DC Power Supply Basics
Keithley DC Power Supplies
DC Power Supplies FAQs
What is a DC power supply?
A DC power supply provides direct current (DC) voltage to power a device under test such as a circuit board or electronic product. A DC power supply typically sits on an engineer’s work area or bench and is often referred to as a bench power supply.
Why is a DC power supply needed?
A DC power supply is used by engineers to test a component, circuit or electronic device, such as IoT devices, medical products, mobile phones, and remote industrial sensors. The DC power supply allows engineers to set and supply specific voltages to power the device to confirm it’s working as intended.
How do you use a DC power supply?
A DC power supply is easy to use. These instruments connect to a device that’s being tested via leads that are inserted into the DC power supply panel. Using the front panel display, engineers can set voltages or current levels to power the device for testing.
How does a DC power supply work?
A DC power supply works by providing a regulated direct current to power a component, module, or device. Most DC power supplies have two modes of operation. In Constant Voltage (CV) mode, the power supply controls the output voltage based on the user settings. In Constant Current (CC) mode, the power supply regulates the current.
DC Power Supply Resources
Want detailed specifications? Download the complete Bench Power Supply Selector Guide.
Interested in learning more about bench power supply basics? Read our bench power supply blog.
Together, Tektronix and Keithley offer a comprehensive portfolio of bench power supplies to address your power sourcing needs from basic to the most challenging requirements for automated test, education, precision testing of low power, portable devices, and research & development.
