1U Programmable DC Supply Promises Performance, Power, Price

Automatic-test-equipment (ATE) applications can take advantage of the N6700 1U (rack unit) multiple-output programmable dc power supplies' high-end processing speeds, auto-ranging output, and measurement capabilities. These Agilent Technologies devices provide flexibility to mix and match from 13 different power modules to create a one- to four-channel power system.

Units accept universal 100- to 240-V ac (50/60-Hz) inputs with no need to change over input voltage settings. They feature flexible auto-ranging of output voltage and current values. Rated at 50 W, the N6751A can be programmed to produce output dc voltages of 50 V at 5 A, 20 V at 2.5 A, 33.3 V at 1.5 A, 50 V at 1 A, or any value in between.

The supplies boast fast response times (500 µs to change 50 to 0 V and vice versa), low output ripple and noise from 10 to 20 mV p-p (2-9 mV rms), load voltage regulation of 2 to 6 mV (at 2 mA), and source voltage regulation of 1 to 6 mV (at 1 mA). Programming and measurement accuracies are rated at 0.1% for voltages and 0.15% for currents. Load transient recovery time is less than 200 µs (for a ±80-mV settling band).

The series is the first to provide USB 2.0, 10/100BaseT Ethernet, and general-purpose interfaces. Units can be remotely operated from any Web browser.

"The N6700 is all about providing the test system engineer with maximum flexibility, performance, and value," says Scott Sampl, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Basic, Emerging and Systems Technologies Divisions.

Power modules are available now. Prices range from $450 to $2480. A low-profile MPS mainframe that can hold up to four modules (see the figure) is priced at $2200.