Hardware-Enforced PSU Protection for High-Throughput DUT Testing with MP5000

High-density validation and production test systems place strict demands on power delivery, fault response, and system uptime. When a fault occurs, protection mechanisms must act deterministically and locally - without relying on host software or halting an entire test sequence. The Tektronix MP5000 Series modular power supply platform is designed to meet these requirements through hardware-enforced, per-channel protection.

This technical brief examines how the MP5000 protects DUTs and test hardware using autonomous overvoltage (OVP), overcurrent (OCP), overtemperature (OTP), and overpower limiting mechanisms combined with solid-state output disconnect relays. These protections operate at hardware speed, isolating faults in less than 50 microseconds and allowing unaffected channels to continue operating.

This technical brief:

• Describes the MP5000’s hardware-level protection architecture and response behavior
• Explains how per-channel output disconnect relays provide physical isolation during fault events
• Details configuration considerations for OVP, OCP, OTP, and power limiting
• Shows how protection status is surfaced consistently across TSP scripts, drivers, web UI, and front-panel interfaces
• Illustrates how channel-level protection supports parallel, high-throughput production testing