Variable power supplies are DC (direct current) and able to continuously adjust the output voltage to specific requirements. Also called a variable bench power supply, they are separate components from electronics, computers and various devices.
Related Categories
Variable power supplies are reliable, simple, durable and will not short. They are ideal for hobbyists and experimentation that requires current or voltage adjustment as needed. They are usually lower in voltage, about 24v, and have currents up to 2A. They are considered user friendly and easy to operate, and often have dual digital LCD displays that provide information on voltage and current monitoring. The scientific and manufacturing industries use variable power supplies the most, since they are not practical for at-home use with electronics and computers, which require constant and consistent voltage in order to work properly. Industrial labs that test electronic products in order to determine their ideal voltage and current often employ variable power supplies for the job. They are also used in automated equipment testing, crystal growth monitoring, training, manufacturing production testing, bench calibration and repair, product design and differential thermal analysis. Varying the output of a power supply is the best way to test a project after double checking parts placement against circuit drawings and the parts placement guide when assembling an electronic device.
All variable power supplies are DC, or direct current. Today, their voltage variance is controlled digitally by a computer interface and can alter or change their voltage, current and frequency. They are composed of a processor, voltage and current programming circuits, current shunt and voltage/current read-back circuits. Most power supplies that have variable outputs are of bench top design. They are portable and enclosed in a non-conductive protective casing, usually square and designed to sit atop a flat surface. The casing size is determined by whether or not there is metering. More than likely the power supply will measure the output, meaning the casing will be larger. Inside, all the components are mounted on tag strips. The power supply is assembled with nuts, bolts and washers. The voltage output and current can be manually adjusted by using knobs, dials or buttons located on the casing's front panel. They usually have more than a single output, each of which can be programmed to a varying voltage level or current.
