Bench power supplies are crucial electronic test and measurement devices that provide a stable and adjustable DC power source for testing, repairing, and troubleshooting multiple electronic circuits and devices. These versatile devices are must-have equipment for laboratories, research facilities, and workshops, providing a controlled voltage and current output for testing circuits and electronic components. A bench power supply typically consists of functional knobs, meters, and digital displays–showing values and output voltages. Additionally, these plug-in devices provide stable outputs with robust accuracy, facilitating professionals in powered projects.
Advantages of Bench Power Supplies
A bench power supply offers unparalleled benefits in terms of:
- Precision and Accuracy – Bench power supplies provide accurate and precise voltage and current regulation. Some high-quality models offer low ripple and noise levels, ensuring stable and reliable power output for critical applications.
- Protection Features – To safeguard circuits and devices from accidental short circuit damage, bench power supplies are incorporated with overcurrent, thermal, and overvoltage protection features that automatically shut down the output when set limits are exceeded.
- Reliability and Stability – Bench power supplies offer stable and reliable output, making them crucial when working on critical projects or conducting long-term tests.
Types of Bench Power Supply
Bench power supplies come in several types, each with varied features and capabilities. The most common types include:
- Linear Bench Power Supply – Linear power supplies are known for their relatively low noise and good regulation and use a linear regulator for stable output voltage. These power supplies tend to be larger, heavier, and less efficient, making them suitable for applications requiring low noise and high accuracy.
- Switch Mode Bench Power Supply – These power supplies use a switching regulator to convert input voltage to the desired output voltage efficiently. Unlike linear supplies, switch mode power supply is more compact, lightweight, and energy efficient. However, they can produce more noise with lower voltage regulation features.
Other Popular Bench Power Supply Types Include
- Programmable Bench Power Supply
- Multi-Output Bench Power Supply
- High-Voltage Bench Power Supply
- Low-Noise Bench Power Supply
- Adjustable Bench Power Supply
- Dual-Tracking Bench Power Supply.
Typical Applications of Bench Power Supplies
Bench power supplies are indispensable devices for engineers, hobbyists, and professionals used in testing, debugging, simulating, and prototyping a great range of electronic components and circuits. Some typical applications of a bench power supply in various settings include:
- Laboratories
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Automotive Electronics
- Industry
- Research Facilities
- Production Lines
- Workshops.
