Each unit is built with a systems interface as standard for master/slave operation. This enables setting values to be equally shared amongst units that are configured in parallel.

Redundancy

To ensure minimal disruption, redundancy is provided when operating multiple LAB-HP units in master/slave. Values set on the master unit are multiplied by number of units in series or parallel (e.g. if you have three units in parallel and set 10A on the master unit, each unit will provide 10A for a combined 30A total). If a unit device fails, the remaining units continue to provide their pre-assigned output (e.g. in the example above each unit will would provide 10A for a combined 20A total should one unit fail).

Custom V/I Modifications

The LAB-HP is an incredibly flexible product platform. We don’t just offer standard models. You can specify your own nominal voltage and current ranges. For example you might have a DUT that needs exactly 850V at 15kW. We can provide a new unit with exactly those output ranges.

The power supply can be operated in constant current, voltage, power or resistance modes. The adjustable internal resistance and optional automotive starting curves make this range ideal for automotive simulation as well as general laboratory and production work.  

A PV operation mode is built in as standard. This enables a photovoltaic generator's MPP tracking to be simulated. The MPP is available in both voltage and current modes.

Where the power system is being supplied for use in a specific country, we can tailor the three phase input voltage to match the local grid conditions. A single phase input is possible up for 4kW and 5kW models on request (option /1P). 3kW models are built with a single phase input as standard.

Units can also be built with a user specified nominal DC input voltage in the range of 250VDC-750VDC ±10% (option /DC). For example, if you chose a 400VDC nominal then the power supply would be built with an input range of 360VDC–440VDC.

Front Panel Touchscreen HMI

The large touchscreen display indicates all relevant output quantities simultaneously. Output values can be preset and read prior to releasing the output. ATE options are offered for system integration. 

Interfaces

Each unit has an RS-232, LAN and isolated analogue interface with switchable ranging as standard. If computer control is required then any combination of Integrated RS-485, GPIB and USB interfaces can be specified.

USB Drive (Option /USB-PORT)

A front panel USB port can be specified on order. This is a useful feature to enable the DC Source to follow pre-determined voltage and current curves. Data is programmed on a PC using text or .WAV formats. It can then be simply transferred to a USB drive and recalled from the front panel of the LAB-HP. 

The USB drive can also be used for data logging. Output values can be recorded at intervals of 1 sec to 71 mins. The front panel display indicates when the unit is logging data and will alert the user when the USB drive becomes full.

All new LAB-HP units are provided with free operating software. Live values of the power systems can be viewed remotely in a simple and intuitive way. This is particularly useful when operating the power supply in a location that is remote to the DUT.

Voltage, current, power and resistance values can all be controlled through the GUI. A test sequence function allows for more complex DC waveforms to be implemented directly through the software.

A specialised PV simulation software package is also provided for free with every LAB-HP. This allows the power system to simulate a generator's MPP tracking in both current and voltage modes. The software contains many pre-loaded solar panels from different manufacturers.

Soft Interlock

A soft interlock circuit is provided as standard which allows users to connect the unit to an external safety device such as an emergency stop. This feature requires a high signal (+10V) to be present between two pins, otherwise the output will be shutdown.

Passive Overvoltage Protection (Option /POP)

Transient suppression diodes are fitted within the unit across the output stage. This is used to detect and clamp transient voltage spikes.

Decoupling Diode (Option /DDS)

Built-in diodes in the positive lines to guard against the DUT's voltage being fed back to the PSU. Rated at 150% of the nominal output of the model. The decoupling diode is commonly used when the LAB-HP is used to charge battery packs.

Freewheeling Diode (Option /FD)

Built-in diode arrangement across the output. This can permanently cycle the maximum current through the output stage. The main applications area is when the LAB-HP is used for testing electric drives and inductive loads. The worst case fault condition of the DUT should be considered. If the DUT actively generates back towards the power supply and there is nothing else in circuit to sink the current then there’s the potential for voltage to rise above the nominal value and the rating of the DC filter which would cause damage.

Interlock AC or DC (Option /LOCK-AC or LOCK-DC)

This is an external option and provides a physical disconnection at either the AC input or DC output. The higher power systems may require additional rack space compared to standard units for either of these options. There is a choice of operating the hardware interlock via closing the contacts or applying an external voltage.

Safety Cover Set (Option /SC)

Metal covers for the input and output terminals with cable glands. Screws are M4 × 8mm.

Ruggedised Modifcations (Option /RUG)

Modifications can be made to the LAB-HP to ensure suitability in harsh conditions by providing protection against shock and vibration. This is often ideal for companies who regularly need to move equipment to different sites, to mitigate the risk of any potential transit damage. This option is only available when /ATE is selected (no front panel control or display).

Conformal Coating of PCBs (Option /CC)

The PCBs of the units are coated with a solution to protect against environmental conditions such as condensing humidity, as well as providing resistance against salt moisture. This option is only available when /ATE is selected (no front panel control or display). Option /CC can also be combined with /RUG. 

Each LAB-HP system comes in a 19" rackmounting case as standard. If you require a desktop unit, models can be built without rackmounting flanges.

Units can be treated to a laboratory rack or flight case integration. Having a programmable power system mounted into a flight case on castors is often advantageous, especially when several departments or test cells share the same equipment. If you don’t have the time or resources to mount them into an enclosure, then we can do this for you. To view the possible integration options please view the separate rack enclosures datasheet.

Multiple power systems can be fitted into the same flight case. Door hangers are fitted for convenience. Existing ETPS systems can also be retrospectively integrated into new flight cases where requested.

If your test requirement is short term, we have multiple LAB-HP units in our rental DC source range.

The versatile programming capability of the LAB-HP ensures that it is popular across many research and development sectors. Common applications include battery/capacitor emulation, battery charging, component lifetime testing, as well as the testing of inverters and DC-DC converters.

A special single phase 5kW LAB-HP system was used by Bath Zero Emissions Motorcycles team to optimise pre-race within track restrictions at the Isle of Man TT Zero. Multiple units were also used at the University of Aberdeen due to their high flexibility and built-in PV mode.

Cranking Curve Testing

Electrical components within a vehicle's subsystem must be able to withstand a wide range of input voltage surges and drops during a start-up. The LAB-HP can accurately recreate these conditions. This increases reproducibility and accuracy of results when compared to using real batteries. Hard to replicate conditions such as voltage cranking during a cold start can be achieved. The front panel USB port option provides a convenient method of implementing and editing cranking waveforms using simple script files.

Battery Emulation

Using real batteries to test battery powered equipment can be unreliable and time consuming. To compare experiments like for like, control variables such as state of charge and temperature need to be conditioned and accurately measured before testing. The LAB-HP's constant power mode can replicate the standard discharge curve of a battery pack. An adjustable resistance mode is also provided to help simulate an aging pack.