Remote Control

Computer control of test equipment – including AC and DC power sources – is a critical requirement for building automated test systems (ATE) and to a lesser extend engineering development lab experiments. Key requirements for this type of computer control are:

• Reliable communication to reduce or eliminate communication errors
• Da [...]
  
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Following up on last month’s blog posting, this time we will be looking at AC voltage range requirements needed to support avionics power compliance testing.  If you missed last month’s blog entry, we encourage you to read it first for some background info. https://bit.ly/2xREMKo

For AC testing, requirements and test procedures [...]

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What is the difference between Inrush Current and Peak Current?

While inrush current has a peak current value, the term “Inrush Current” is commonly used to describe the current that is required to energize an AC powered device or product when first applying voltage and power to it.  This is especially true for inductive loads such as transformers, Indu [...]

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Critical Power Immunity Testing of DC Powered Equipment

Reliable operation of on-board electrical equipment under all circumstance is a critical requirement to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. This is true for both AC powered and DC powered equipment. With the continued growth of on-board electrical systems, the amount and types of equipment that needs certific [...]

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What Is Programmable Z?

Hate to disappoint, but programmable Z on an AC power source has nothing to do with getting sufficient sleep. Instead, the Z refers to the output impedance of the power source. A low AC source output impedance means there is little or no voltage drop at the output of the power source when the load current increases. This is obviously a good thing, as it means t [...]

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This blog discusses the AC source generator voltage rise and fall time requirements as covered by section 6.1.2, Table 4 of IEC test standard IEC61000-4-11 Ed. 3 and section 6.1.1, Table 4 of IEC61000-4-34.  Also included is a review of IEC61000-4-11 Ed.3, Annex D, sections 3, 4 and 5 that address this requirement in more detail and provides a rationalization for it. This requirement can be con [...]

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What is Load Regulation?

Load regulation ensures programmed output voltage remains constant despite load variations It is calculated using the following formula:

Where VLmin is the voltage at no load and VLmax is the voltage at maximum rated [...]

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What are voltage modes?

While all programmable AC power sources offer AC output mode, some also provide DC output mode. This may be useful for applications where only DC is required to power an EUT.  However, a growing number of power related products are coming on the market than can operate from both AC grid power and direct DC power.  This often eliminate [...]

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Irvine, California, December 2, 2022 -- Pacific Power Source has expanded the range of AZX Series Regenerative AC Grid Simulators for test and development of bidirectional AC powered products by releasing two new Models.  The new 45kVA/kW 3450AZX and 90kVA/kW 3900AZX models join t [...]

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