Laboratory power supplies
A stable, precisely adjustable voltage is what you need when bringing up electronics, testing components, charging batteries and electroplating. Choose from single- and multi-channel supplies, linear and switching models, programmable supplies with a USB interface and connecting leads with banana plugs.
Laboratory power supplies
The heart of every electronics workbench is an adjustable power supply, on which you set the output voltage and current limit, typically in the range of 0–30 V and 0–5 A or 0–10 A. Once the load reaches the set current, the supply automatically switches from constant voltage to constant current mode, protecting the circuit from short circuits and burnt-out components.
Linear power supplies have very low ripple and noise, which makes them suitable for sensitive analogue circuits and audio equipment. Switching supplies are lighter, more compact and run cooler at higher power levels. Multi-channel models offer two or three independent outputs that can be connected in series or in parallel for higher voltage or current.
A digital display shows voltage and current draw with a resolution down to hundredths, and programmable power supplies also store presets and can be controlled from a computer. It is worth looking for overvoltage, overheating and overload protection, as well as quality terminals for banana plugs and bare wires.