Laboratory Power Supplies

Laboratory power supplies

Introduction to laboratory power supplies

Laboratory power supplies are essential devices in many areas of science and technology. They are used to precisely regulate electrical voltages and currents, which is necessary for the development, testing and repair of electronic components. They are used in a wide range of applications, particularly in laboratories, but also in workshops and educational institutions.

Types of laboratory power supply units

There are different types of laboratory power supply units, which can be selected depending on the intended use and technical requirements. The most common types include linear and switching power supplies. Linear power supplies offer particularly stable voltages and are often used in research laboratories, while switching power supplies are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for mobile applications. Both types have their specific advantages and disadvantages, which should be weighed up depending on the application.

Controllable voltage and current

A key feature of laboratory power supplies is the ability to adjust voltage and current continuously and precisely. This controllability makes it possible to test and operate various electronic circuits under variable conditions. Many models also have the option of regulating several channels separately, allowing complex test setups to be realized.

Safety functions and protective mechanisms

Safety functions are an important aspect when choosing a laboratory power supply unit. Common protection mechanisms include overcurrent, overvoltage and overheating protection. These functions not only protect the circuit being tested, but also the power supply unit itself from damage. A high-quality laboratory power supply is also often equipped with a current limiter, which prevents excessive currents from damaging the tested object.

Precision and accuracy

The accuracy and precision of a laboratory power supply are crucial for the reliability of the test results. High-quality power supplies offer an extremely fine gradation of voltage and current settings and are characterized by low ripple and noise. These features are particularly important in research and development, where accurate measurement results are required.

Application areas of laboratory power supply units

Laboratory power supply units are used in many different areas. In electronics development, they enable new circuits to be tested. In teaching and research, they help students and scientists to investigate and understand electrical phenomena. Laboratory power supplies are also indispensable in the repair and maintenance of electronic devices in order to test various components under different operating conditions.

Digital and analog power supply units

Laboratory power supply units are available in both digital and analog versions. Digital power supply units usually have a display that shows precise values for voltage and current and are often equipped with additional functions such as a memory for storing settings. Analog power supply units, on the other hand, often have a simpler design and use mechanical controls. Both types have their respective advantages and should be selected depending on the area of application.

Operating modes and additional functions

Modern laboratory power supply units often offer various operating modes and additional functions. These include programmable sequences that make it possible to run special voltage curves automatically. These functions are particularly useful in the automation of test procedures. In addition, many devices offer the option of being connected to a computer via interfaces to facilitate control and data acquisition.

Tips for choosing a laboratory power supply

When selecting a laboratory power supply unit, several criteria should be taken into account. In addition to the required voltage and current ranges, the size of the device, the number of channels and the available protection mechanisms also play a role. It also makes sense to pay attention to user-friendliness and the quality of workmanship. A good power supply unit should be intuitive to use and offer a long service life even with intensive use.

Care and maintenance of laboratory power supply units

In order to maximize the service life and reliability of a laboratory power supply unit, regular care and maintenance is important. This includes cleaning the ventilation slots to prevent overheating and regularly checking the cables and connections. With digital devices, it may also be necessary to carry out software updates to ensure the latest functions and safety standards are always available.

Conclusion

Laboratory power supplies are versatile and indispensable tools in many areas of technology and science. With their ability to precisely regulate voltages and currents and numerous protection mechanisms, they offer a safe and efficient way to test electronic circuits and components. When making a selection, attention should be paid to the specific requirements and areas of application in order to find a suitable and durable device.

Our brands for laboratory power supplies

UNI-T (UNI-TREND):

For more than 30 years, UNI-T, as one of the most renowned manufacturers in the world, has been producing high-quality premium measuring instruments and other test equipment in various price categories. Besides low-priced entry-level models for teaching and hobby use, UNI-T offers many high-quality premium instruments, which have been designed for professional use and are highly appreciated by professional users.

PCWork:

We are proud to present our own brand PCWork Tools. PCWork was founded in 2020 and aims to be the brand for those who are passionate about electronics. We develop high quality tools at an attractive price that offer best-in-class features for any budget. Designed with the user in mind, our products are made for tinkerers, students, ambitious hobbyists and passionate professionals. We founded PCWork to share our team's passion and enthusiasm for working with electronics, and therefore believe that PCWork will establish itself as the brand for the "electronics enthusiast" in the future. Our first product line consisted of three distinctive digital multimeters and was followed by the introduction of other various test instruments and laboratory power supplies. Many new product lines will be launched soon, so stay tuned!

HYELEC:

HYELEC is highly specialized in the development and manufacturing of laboratory power supplies. The company successfully obtained the ISO9001 quality management system certification. Through HYELEC’s focus on excellence, their laboratory power supplies have won many universities over and continuously get high praise. As a result of this, HYELEC has established good relationships and partnerships with many Asian high-tech companies und universities such as eastern communications, Holley group, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University City College, Xi ‘an Jiaotong University, Shanghai Fudan University, and Shandong University of Science and Technology. Consequently, their products are perfectly suited for electronic labs in companies, universities, and (hobby-) workshops.