AMETEK Launches Sorensen XG 1500 Programmable Power Supply

New Unit Eases Integration, Saves Money

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Apr 13, 2011, 02:19 ET

SAN DIEGO, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AMETEK Programmable Power (http://www.programmablepower.com) has introduced the Sorensen XG 1500 Series, a 1500 W programmable DC power supply designed for ATE, OEM, burn-in, and R&D applications. The unit is available in a number of different versions, with output voltages ranging from 8 V (187.5 A maximum output current) to 600 V (2.5 A maximum output current).

The Sorensen XG 1500, a product line extension to the highly successful XG 850 and X1700, has many features designed to make integration easier and save money:

Wide variety of control options
Front panel controls
Programmable analog interface
Output sequencing
Output flexibility
DUT protection
Auxiliary DC outputs
"Green" features

Wide Variety of Control Options

The XG Series is available with standard USB, RS-232/RS-485 interfaces. It is also available with optional LXI Ethernet, GPIB IEEE 488.2 and isolated analog interfaces at substantially lower prices than competitors' units. In most cases, these optional interfaces cost less than half that of competitor units.

While digital interfaces are important today, approximately half the programmable supplies currently in use are controlled with an analog voltage. For most power supplies on the market, the input voltage range is a fixed 0 - 5 V or 0 - 10 V. The XG 1500 lets users select whatever input voltage range they need from 0 - 2 V to 0 - 10 V. The XG 1500 can also be programmed by varying an input resistance, with the full scale resistance being any value between 2 kiloohm and 10 kiloohm.

Another feature of the XG family not found with other power supplies is called internal sequencing. With most programmable power supplies, to implement a voltage or current sequence, the test program has to issue a separate SCPI command for each step in the sequence. Because each command takes about 25 milliseconds to process, this can slow down the test sequence.

To solve this, XG users can separately store and run sequences, using SCPI commands. This greatly speeds up the process, as the XG 1500 can run up to 1,000 steps per second. This feature allows the user to run sequences that are just not possible with other programmable power supplies.

For users that may not require computer control, the XG Series allows users to completely control the supply from the front panel. Users can program output voltages and currents, turn on and off the auxiliary outputs, and turn on and off the main supply outputs.

Output Flexibility Reduces Integration Time

The XG 1500 allows users to configure its outputs in many different ways in order to ease integration. For example, if a user needs more output current, up to four XG 1500 units can be connected in parallel. When connected this way, each of the supplies provides an equal amount of current to the load. Not only do the supplies equally share the load, but provide faster transient response and more accurate load regulation due to the XG control technology.

For outputs higher than 600 V, users can connect two units in series. This is possible because the power supply outputs are floating with respect to chassis ground. Depending on the application, the ground can be connected to any point in the circuit.

Another output feature that eases integration is the user definable foldback shutdown mode control. When enabled, the power supply will turn off/disable the output and lock in foldback mode after a specified delay if the power supply transitions into CV (Constant Voltage) mode or into CC (Constant Current) mode, depending on the foldback mode settings. This feature is particularly useful for protecting current or voltage sensitive loads or driving reactive loads. If shutdown mode is not selected, the power supply will transition from CV to CC as setpoint and load requires.

Auxiliary Outputs Power Relays, Accessories

Many ATE systems require one or more low-power, fixed voltage supplies to power relays or other accessories. The XG Series eliminates the need for these additional supplies, along with complicated computer-controlled relay boards, by providing two standard auxiliary DC output channels—one 5 V, 0.4 A output and one 15 V, 0.4 A output. Users can control these outputs directly from the front-panel or via SCPI commands.

"Green" Features Reduce Power Consumption, Lower Noise

The Sorensen XG Series has a couple of "green" features that reduce power consumption and noise output. For example, when the XG has been idle for some time, the supply will go into "sleep mode," much like a computer monitor. In this mode, the supply consumes less power, but since it is still "on," the outputs come on more quickly than if the supply had been turned off.

Another green feature is the variable fan speed control. Unlike other supplies on the market, which turn on the forced air cooling fans when the supply output is on and off when the output is off, the XG 1500's fan speed is proportional to the supply's internal temperature. This control scheme reduces fan noise and increases fan life.

Pricing and Availability

Sorensen XG 1500 availability is currently seven weeks after receipt of order.

For more information, contact AMETEK Programmable Power sales at http://www.programmablepower.com or contact an authorized sales representative.

AMETEK Programmable Power is a division of AMETEK, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with 2010 sales of $2.47 billion.

Full data sheet is available at:

http://www.sorensen.com/products/xg1500/downloads/XG_1500_Datasheet.pdf

For high resolution image: http://www.ggcomm.com/Ametek/XG1500.jpg

CONTACT: Craig Frahm
858-678-4459
[email protected]

SOURCE AMETEK Programmable Power