Matching the DC Power Supplies to the Application

DC power supplies are used for a wide range of applications from training the next generation of electrical engineers to developing breakthrough ultra-low power, wearable products. Whether you need a DC power supply that provides basic power sourcing or one that pushes the limits of performance by delivering thousands of volts, choosing the appropriate power supply is critical to obtaining successful test results in teaching, research, design, and manufacturing.

How to Choose the Best DC Power Supply

The most common selection criteria are:

• Number of output channels (single or multi output)
• Output voltage, current, and power
• Setting resolution and accuracy
• Ripple and noise
• Features and programmability
• Advanced features like current measurement with nanoamp resolution, sequencing, analog inputs, digital I/O, and  programming features

DC Power Supply Basics

Keithley DC Power Supplies

Series 2230G High Power 3 Output DC Power Supplies

• 195 W and 375 W versions
• 6 A or 60 V per output
• Remote sensing on all outputs
• Two- or three-channel models
• Low noise
• Programmable

Series 2280 Precision Measurement DC Power Supplies

• 192W with up to 6A
• 6 ½-digit, 10nA current measurement resolution
• Displays plots of voltage and current
• Programmable
• Designed for benchtop and automated testing of power conversion devices and IoT devices

Series 2281 Dynamic Model Battery Simulator

• Used to model and simulate any type of battery
• Unique display shows battery state
• Precision power supply mode

Series 2220/2230/2231 Multiple Output DC Power Supplies

• Two or three independent outputs
• All outputs displayed simultaneously
• Remote sensing on all channels
• Low noise
• Programmable

Series 2260B 360W/720W/1080 DC Power Supplies

• Power up to 1080W
• Outputs up to 800V and 100A
• Analog input
• Single channel
• Wide range
• Programmable
• Used in automated test equipment

Series 2300 Battery Simulating DC Power Supplies

• Single and dual output models
• Each output can source or sink
• Programmable output resistance
• Low noise

Series 2200 USB/GPIB DC Power Supplies

• 20V to 72V and 1.2A to 5A outputs
• 1mV/0.1mA resolution
• Displays settings and outputs

Series PWS4000 USB DC Power Supplies

• 20V to 72V and 1.2A to 5A outputs
• 1mV/0.1mA resolution
• Displays settings and outputs
• Single channel
• Low noise
• Programmable

Series 2290 High Voltage DC Power Supplies

• 5kV and 10KV output models
• 1µA current resolution
• Safety interlock

Series PWS2000 DC Power Supplies

• Up to 192W
• Most economical
• Memory for up to 20 setups
• Single channel
• Low noise

DC Power Supplies FAQs

What is a DC power supply?

A DC power supply provides direct current (DC) voltage to power a device under test such as a circuit board or electronic product. A DC power supply typically sits on an engineer’s work area or bench and is often referred to as a bench power supply.

Why is a DC power supply needed?

A DC power supply is used by engineers to test a component, circuit or electronic device, such as IoT devices, medical products, mobile phones, and remote industrial sensors. The DC power supply allows engineers to set and supply specific voltages to power the device to confirm it’s working as intended.

How do you use a DC power supply?

A DC power supply is easy to use. These instruments connect to a device that’s being tested via leads that are inserted into the DC power supply panel. Using the front panel display, engineers can set voltages or current levels to power the device for testing.

How does a DC power supply work?

A DC power supply works by providing a regulated direct current to power a component, module, or device. Most DC power supplies have two modes of operation. In Constant Voltage (CV) mode, the power supply controls the output voltage based on the user settings. In Constant Current (CC) mode, the power supply regulates the current.

DC Power Supply Resources

Want detailed specifications? Download the complete Bench Power Supply Selector Guide.

Interested in learning more about bench power supply basics? Read our bench power supply blog.

Together, Tektronix and Keithley offer a comprehensive portfolio of bench power supplies to address your power sourcing needs from basic to the most challenging requirements for automated test, education, precision testing of low power, portable devices, and research & development.

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