GEN40-38
1520W programmable DC power supply with 0-40V, 0-38A output, USB/LAN/GPIB interfaces for automated testing.
Product Overview
Description
The GEN40-38 from TDK-Lambda is a high-performance 1520W programmable DC power supply designed for automated test systems and laboratory applications. With output ranges of 0-40V and 0-38A, this supply is ideal for testing 12V and 24V automotive systems, battery packs, and power components. The supply features exceptional programming resolution of 1mV and 10mA, allowing precise characterization of devices under test. Comprehensive interfaces including USB, Ethernet LAN, and GPIB enable seamless integration into automated test environments. Advanced features include list mode for automated test sequences, analog programming inputs, and extensive protection functions. The 2U rack-mount design allows efficient use of test rack space.
Product Series
GEN
Primary Application
Automotive electronics testing
Key Features
- 1520W output power (40V x 38A)
- High resolution programming 1mV/10mA
- Multiple interfaces: USB, LAN, GPIB
- List mode for automated sequences
- Analog programming and monitoring
- Low ripple and noise
- 2U rack-mount design
- SCPI command compatible
Specifications
| outputPower | 1520W |
|---|---|
| voltageRange | 0-40V |
| currentRange | 0-38A |
| programmingResolution | 1mV, 10mA |
| programmingAccuracy | ±0.05% + 10mV |
| readbackAccuracy | ±0.05% + 10mV |
| rippleVoltage | <10mVpp |
| interfaces | USB, LAN, GPIB, RS-232, Analog |
| operatingTemperature | 0°C to +50°C |
| dimensions | 2U rack mount |
| weight | 8.5kg |
Applications
Automotive electronics testing
Automotive and EV electronics
Battery pack testing
Battery and charging management
Power component characterization
Electronic system design
Semiconductor device testing
Electronic system design
DC-DC converter testing
Power conversion and supply
Aerospace systems testing
Electronic system design
Production test systems
Electronic system design
Research and development
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The GEN40-38 is an excellent workhorse for automated test systems. The 40V/38A range covers most automotive and industrial testing needs, and the 1mV programming resolution is impressive for this power level. I've integrated dozens of these into production test systems and they perform reliably year after year. The LAN interface with built-in web server is particularly useful - you can monitor and control the supply from any browser without installing software. The list mode is great for automated test sequences, allowing complex voltage/current profiles without constant computer communication. One minor limitation is the 0°C minimum operating temperature - for cold testing you'll need to keep the supply in a controlled environment. Overall, a solid, reliable programmable supply for demanding test applications."
High-resolution programmable supply with versatile interfaces for automated testing
— Dr. Robert Chen, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the settling time for voltage programming?
The GEN40-38 features fast settling times for responsive test applications: Voltage settling time to 0.1% of final value is typically less than 50ms for a full-scale change; Small-signal settling (10% change) is typically less than 10ms; Current settling time is similar to voltage settling time; The settling time includes both the power supply response and the measurement system settling. These fast settling times enable efficient production testing where rapid voltage transitions are required. For applications requiring even faster response, the analog programming input offers bandwidth up to 10kHz for tracking time-varying signals. The supply's output capacitance and internal compensation are optimized for stable operation with various load types including capacitive and inductive loads.
For applications requiring fast voltage transitions, the GEN40-38 settling times are suitable for most automated test applications.
How do I use the list mode for automated testing?
The list mode allows you to program up to 100 steps of voltage, current, and dwell time for automated test sequences: Create the list using the front panel or software interface; Each step includes voltage setpoint, current limit, and dwell time (1ms to 9999s); Lists can be stored in internal memory for recall; Trigger options include immediate, external trigger, or bus command; The supply automatically sequences through steps when triggered. Example application for battery testing: Step 1: 14.4V, 5A limit, 3600s dwell (constant voltage charge); Step 2: 5A, 10.5V cutoff, 7200s max (constant current discharge); Step 3: 0V, 0A, 300s dwell (rest period). List mode eliminates the need for constant computer communication during test execution, improving throughput and reliability.
Use list mode for repetitive test sequences to improve test throughput and reduce software complexity.
What is the remote sense capability and how do I use it?
The GEN40-38 includes remote sense terminals to compensate for voltage drop in test leads: Connect the main output terminals to the device under test through power leads; Connect the sense terminals directly to the DUT terminals using separate sense leads; The supply regulates voltage at the sense point, not at the output terminals; This compensates for voltage drop in power leads, which can be significant at high currents (e.g., 0.2V drop at 38A with 5mΩ lead resistance). To use remote sense: Keep sense leads separate from power leads to avoid noise pickup; Use twisted pair or shielded cables for sense leads; Do not disconnect sense leads while output is enabled - the supply will detect open sense and shut down; Maximum sense compensation is typically 1V per lead (2V total). Remote sense ensures accurate voltage at the DUT, critical for precise device characterization.
Always use remote sense for applications requiring precise voltage at the device under test, especially with high currents or long leads.
Can the GEN40-38 be used for battery charging and testing?
The GEN40-38 is well-suited for battery charging and testing applications: Constant voltage (CV) mode for charging - set voltage to battery's maximum charge voltage and current limit to charge rate; Constant current (CC) mode for discharge testing - set current to discharge rate and voltage limit to minimum safe voltage; List mode for complex charge/discharge cycles - program multi-step profiles for battery characterization; Data logging via interfaces - record voltage, current, and capacity during testing; Safety features - overvoltage and overcurrent protection prevent battery damage. For lithium battery testing, the 40V range covers up to 10-cell packs (37V nominal, 42V max). The 38A capacity allows testing of large battery packs or parallel configurations. The precise voltage control prevents overcharging, while the low ripple ensures accurate capacity measurements.
For battery testing applications, use CV mode for charging, CC mode for discharge, and list mode for complex test profiles.
What protection features are included and how do they work?
The GEN40-38 includes comprehensive protection features: Overvoltage protection (OVP) - user-settable threshold shuts down output if exceeded, protects sensitive DUTs; Overcurrent protection (OCP) - operates in constant current mode when limit reached, prevents supply and DUT damage; Overpower protection (OPP) - limits total output power to rated capacity; Overtemperature protection (OTP) - reduces output or shuts down if internal temperature is excessive; Remote inhibit - external contact closure disables output for emergency stop; Safe start - output remains off at power-up until explicitly enabled. Protection settings can be programmed via any interface and stored in non-volatile memory. Status registers report protection events for system monitoring. All protection features are designed to protect both the power supply and the device under test.
Configure protection thresholds based on your DUT specifications to prevent damage during testing.