Intepro Systems, a leader in power component and power system automated test equipment (ATE), has published a technical note describing the benefits of auto-ranging in power conversion equipment test applications.
Unlike DC sources that provide rated power only when maximum voltage is applied to the load, DC power sources equipped with an auto-ranging output stage are capable of delivering higher output current at reduced voltages.
This feature is especially useful when testing products that require varied input voltages while maintaining regulated output power. With auto-ranging, a single, smaller power source can often be used to address low- and high-voltage/current requirements.
The two-page technical note uses an example of the production test of a 2.5 kW DC/DC converter to demonstrate the versatility of an auto-ranging programmable DC source. The DC/DC converter must be tested for operation over both high- and low-input voltage conditions. A single 3 kW auto-ranging source handles all test conditions. With a standard power source, a larger 5 KW programmable source would be required.
