The 1U 1000V and 1500V models are for test and development of electric vehicles with batteries greater than 600V. As a result, the series offers engineers incremental and seamless choices in output voltage and current ranging from 0 to 10V/500A to 0 to 1500V/3.4A.

Target applications are automotive testing, which includes electric and hybrid cars with high voltage batteries, general test or research, measurement, semiconductor fabrication, battery manufacturing and renewable energy.

The two new models can be specified to accept three-phase 170 to 265V AC or wide range 342 to 528V AC inputs with active PFC (power factor correction). The power supplies can operate in constant current, constant voltage or constant power limit modes and also offer internal resistance simulation.

DSP (digital signal processing) technology and the use of ferrite materials contribute to efficiencies of up to 92 per cent. There is also less internal waste heat, says the company, to ensure a higher power rating without compromising reliability.

The Genesys 5kW measures 423 x 486.5 x 43.6mm (1U) high, making it suitable for zero stack rack mounting. Variable speed fans monitor the ambient temperature and the output load for lower audible noise. The supply weighs less than 8.5kg for easy handling.

All models in the Genesys series have a high contrast, wide viewing angle LCD display with user-controllable brightness and dimming functions. They also have fast up and down programming response times, with user-adjustable voltage and current slew rate control. Arbitrary waveform test profiles of up to 100 steps can be generated and stored in four memory cells and activated by commands from the communication ports or the front panel controls.

They use TDK-Lambda’s patent pending parallel system which allows a multiple-unit system to achieve a dynamic response and ripple and noise performance comparable to that of a single power supply. Up to 12 power supplies can be connected in parallel by simply connecting a single data link cable between units and connecting the DC outputs. The command and auxiliary units auto-configure by detecting the parallel data connection and setting their parameters accordingly.

Programming options are via front panel controls, remotely via LAN (LXI 1.5), USB 2.0, and RS232/485 communications, or by using the isolated analogue control and monitoring (0 to 5V, 0 to 10V), which are provided as standard. Optional interfaces include a choice of EtherCAT or Modbus-TCP or GPIB (IEEE488.2). Software drivers, a waveform creator and a virtual front panel GUI are provided in the software package. Safe/auto re-start, last setting memory and built-in protection functions contribute to safe operation. A blank front panel option, without a display, is offered to avoid unauthorised changes to the unit’s settings.

The power supplies are covered by a five-year warranty series and safety certified to IEC/EN/UL/CSA 61010-1 with CE and UKCA marking to the Low Voltage, EMC and RoHS Directives. They also comply with IEC/EN 61204-3 Class A for conducted and radiated EMI and EMC immunity.