Handle Complex Test Scenario with Programmable Power Supplies
A comprehensive article that covers the definition, functioning and application of programmable power supplies as well as how they fit different testing scenarios.
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Streamline Your Validation with Programmable Power
Programmable power supplies, offering precise and fully configurable control over voltage and current in both source and sink operation, are engineered to accurately reproduce fault and stress conditions. ActionPower's programmable sources and loads enable systematic validation of a device under test (DUT) against these conditions, supporting robustness assessment, regulatory compliance, and application-specific qualification.
Technical Advantages of Programmable Power
Bidirectional and Regenerative
Supports seamless sourcing and sinking operation to accurately replicate real-world power flow scenarios, while regenerative energy recovery feeds absorbed power back to the grid to reduce heat dissipation and operating costs.
Ultimate Precision and Accuracy
Delivers high-resolution voltage and current control with excellent regulation stability, enabling precise characterization of power electronics and reliable verification against demanding test standards.
Automation and Programmability
Provides comprehensive SCPI command support and industrial communication interfaces for easy ATE integration, enabling programmable sequences and repeatable, unattended test execution.
Scalable Architecture
A modular, parallel-capable architecture allows flexible expansion from single-unit systems to multi-megawatt configurations while maintaining consistent performance across all power levels.
First Time with ActionPower's Programmable Power?
First Time with ActionPower's Programmable Power?
We are ready to take actions and solve your challenges. ActionPower's passion to power electronics ever since our foundation in 1996 has been proven with our expertise and consecutive landing of benchmarking and standard-setting projects with industrial-leading references.
Browse the Right Option for Your Requirements and Context
Programmable power supplies by specifications and architecture types
▶Modular Power Supplies850W-30KW
Modular programmable power supplies are of rack-mount construction, available for being used either as a standalone single unit or to be integrated into 19-inch, 42-inch and different rack sizes for scaling up to high-power ratings.
▶Cabinet Types100KW-650KW
Cabinet power supplies are designed for high voltage and power testing application sceanrios offering improved flexibility with module-based power and architecture while coming in form of cabinet system.
▶Tower Types300KW-1.0MW
Tower type programmable power supplies are specifically developed for Megawatt and Megavolt-ampere testing applications with parallel connection capability to reach 10MW or 10MVA as maximum power without compromising the communication between each units of the platform.
▶ATE SystemsCUSTOMIZED
ActionPower's team of R+D engineers that takes up more than 52% of our headcount is always at your disposition to rise to the challenges of developing for you any kind of complex and customized automated testing systems specifically matching your projects.
Application of Programmable Power Supply
FAQs about Programmable Power Supply
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What is the difference between constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC) modes in a programmable power supply?
CV mode regulates output voltage while limiting current, whereas CC mode regulates output current while allowing voltage to vary within the compliance range. Understanding the CV/CC crossover point is critical for safe DUT bring-up and for preventing unintended current overstress during transients.
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How do bandwidth, control-loop response, and output impedance affect transient performance?
Faster control-loop response and wider bandwidth improve recovery from step-load events, but must be balanced with stability margins. Low and well-controlled output impedance helps maintain regulation under dynamic loads, which is essential for inverter, motor-drive, and fast-switching converter validation.
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Bidirectional vs. electronic load: when should a bidirectional power supply be used instead of a standalone load?
A bidirectional supply covers both sourcing and sinking in one instrument, enabling seamless transitions between charge/discharge or drive/regen scenarios without rewiring. It is typically preferred when you need closed-loop energy flow emulation (battery, DC bus, microgrid) and regenerative operation to reduce heat and facility power cost.
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What does “regenerative” mean, and what practical benefits does it bring at high power?
Regenerative systems return absorbed energy back to the AC mains instead of dissipating it as heat, which reduces thermal management requirements and improves overall test efficiency. This becomes especially valuable in long-duration burn-in, power cycling, and MW-class validation where heat and energy costs dominate.
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How is current sharing handled when paralleling multiple programmable power supplies?
Paralleled operation requires coordinated control (master-slave or distributed) to maintain stable current sharing and avoid oscillation or circulating currents. High-speed synchronization and deterministic communication are key to preserving transient response and accuracy comparable to a single high-power unit.
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What should be considered when using a programmable power supply to emulate a battery?
Battery emulation typically requires dynamic output behavior such as internal resistance, voltage droop under load, current limits, and controlled transitions between charge and discharge. For realistic verification, the emulator must remain stable with highly dynamic DUTs and support fast updates to match the BMS or converter control behavior.
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What determines measurement accuracy versus programming resolution in a test power supply?
Programming resolution defines the smallest setpoint step, while accuracy defines how closely the delivered output matches the setpoint across range, temperature, and time. A high-resolution DAC without a robust measurement and calibration chain will not guarantee high accuracy in real validation work.
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How do remote sense and wiring practices impact regulation at the DUT terminals?
Remote sense compensates for voltage drops across cables and connectors by regulating at the DUT terminals rather than at the power supply output. Proper sense wiring and grounding are essential to avoid noise pickup and instability, especially with long leads, high currents, or fast-switching loads.
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What protection functions are most important for power electronics validation?
Key protections include OVP/OCP/OPP, programmable slew-rate limiting, foldback behavior, and fast shutdown on fault conditions. These features help protect both the DUT and the test setup during abnormal events such as inrush, control-loop instability, or wiring mistakes.
Technical Introduction to Multi-Channel Programmable Power Supply
Channel-and-module-based architecture of ActionPower's "Helion" programmable power supply facilitates and simplifies the testing of various DUT's offering simultaneous AC and DC for both sinking and sourcing.
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Why Does Ripple Matter for DC Programmable Power Supply?
A programmable DC power supply rectifies the AC source from its AC input bus and regulates it in to programmable DC output, however, ripple is inevitable with all DC source and the level of which stands for its precision.
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Understand Three-Phase System and Select the Right AC Programmable Power Supply
A engineering article that shares insights around three-phase power system and provides suggestions for how to select the right programmable AC power for your testing application.
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Advantages of Bidirectional Programmable Power Supply
Discover why it is a better approach to testing scenario where both source and load functions are needed by implementing a bidirectional power supply.
Check Advantages of Bidirectionality
Save Testing Energy Cost with Regenerative Programmable Power Supply
Discover how regenerative programmable power supply improves energy saving and sustainability with power testing applications in various industries.
Discover AdvantagesGet in Contact for Your Programmable Power
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