Today, devices under test (DUT) are often powered by multiple DC input voltages and it is these very same power sources that can cause extensive damage to sensitive DUT circuitry if not turned off in a controlled manner.
Particularly susceptible are individual assemblies such as satellites, which are prone to damage; these assemblies are, ironically, also the most costly.
"Ideally," says Steve Alves, managing director at Concilium Technologies, "multiple inputs must be turned off in a particular sequence, and this also includes specific timing between each switch off. In the case of a power fault condition such as over-voltage, over-temperature or over-current on one of the power supply outputs, it is also important to follow a sequenced shutdown."
However, creating a controlled and external shutdown sequence can be challenging, and often, depending on the method used, not overly successful.
For example, in the case of diodes - used between inputs as clamps - the results can vary; this is also the case when relays are used in series with each input. Software, on the other hand, responds slowly and imprecisely.
"The safest way is to build the intelligence into the power system itself, enabling it to control the sequenced shut-down as opposed to imprecise, external methods," recommends Alves.
Agilent Technologies' N6700 Modular Power System and N6705A DC Power Analyser both offer the above built-in sequencing control functionality. Each system can precisely control the turn-off sequence of four outputs. These systems can also be loaded with up to four power supply output modules selected from more than 20 available. Synchronisation across mainframe systems is also possible, which in turn facilitates the timed shut-downs of more than four outputs.
Concludes Alves: "Controlling the power supply shut-down sequence with the power supply system itself, can greatly reduce the effort, imprecision and resultant complexity associated with more traditional external shutdown control methods."
Power efficiency and robustness in electronics design
Power Electronics / Power Management
Mouser Electronics recently announced a new eBook in collaboration with Analog Devices highlighting essential strategies for optimising power systems.
Read more...USB Type-C-powered controllers Future Electronics
Power Electronics / Power Management
Diodes Incorporated has released two USB Type-C PD 3.1 extended power range sink controllers that can be embedded into battery-powered devices.
Read more...Multicell battery monitoring Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The LTC6811 from Analog Devices is a multicell battery stack monitor that measures up to 12 series connected battery cells with a total measurement error of less than 1,2 mV.
Read more...Full telemetry in tiny DC-DC converters RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
The FS160* series of µPOL DC-DC converters from TDK all offer full telemetry, provide increased performance, and are remarkable for extraordinary power density in the smallest sizes.
Read more...Power IC supplies 1650 W EBV Electrolink
Power Electronics / Power Management
Power Integrations has announced a two-fold increase in power output from the HiperLCS-2 chipset with the new device now being able to deliver up to 1650 W of continuous output power.
Read more...High-voltage step-down DC-DC converter Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The MAX17793 is a high-efficiency, high-voltage, synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with integrated MOSFETs operating over an input voltage range of 3 to 80 V.
Read more...High-voltage contactors RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK Corporation has announced two new additions to its high-voltage contactor portfolio for harsh environments: the HVC43MC with integrated mirror contact and the HVC45 with enhanced short-circuit current handling capability.
Read more...Chokes rated at 36 A RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK Corporation has launched the EPCOS SurfIND series, a new range of current-compensated ring core double chokes for high currents and surface mounting.
Read more...RF arrestor provides robust protection RFiber Solutions
Power Electronics / Power Management
NexTek’s range of coaxial RF surge and lightning arrestors are designed and built to provide robust protection for any radio or coaxial RF transmission application.
Read more...Wide-Bandgap Developer Forum 2025
Power Electronics / Power Management
To give designers the ultimate in design flexibility, the entire range of WBG power semiconductors will be provided including discretes, modules, and highly integrated solutions ranging from 40 V to 700 V for GaN and 400 V to 3,3 kV for SiC.
printer friendly version