How to Set Up a Bench Power Supply

We will demonstrate how to set up a Bench Power Supply in this article. The CSI3005X5 Bench Power Supply 30 VDC has a current limiting protection feature. We will also explain a little bit about Constant Current and Constant Voltage mode and what they mean from an operational standpoint. The operation can also replicate for the brother unit CSI3003X3 30 Volt DC 3.0 Amp Triple Output Linear Bench Power Supply.

Table of Contents

1. What is Constant Current (CC)/Constant Voltage (CV)?
2. Constant Current Mode.
3. Constant Voltage Mode.
4. Conclusion.

What is Constant Current (CC)/Constant Voltage (CV)?

In CV mode, the DC output voltage of the power supply holds constant at its voltage setting, unless the output current or the output power reaches the current limit setting or the power limit. In both cases, the device will automatically change to constant current (CC) or constant power (CP) operation. The output voltage is no longer constant and will sink to a value according to Ohm’s law.

In CC mode, the DC output current holds constant by the power supply when the output current reaches the current limit setting. The power supply then switches from CV to CC mode. If, however, the power consumption reaches the set maximum power value, the device will switch automatically to power limit (CP) where Vout X Iout = Plimit.

Constant Current Mode

1. Make sure there is nothing plugged into the terminal.
2. Press the CC/CV button. If the LED indicator of the CC/CV on meaning that the unit is under Constant Voltage mode. For this case we will have the LED off.
3. Press up to increase the maximum current allowance.

Constant Voltage Mode

1. Make sure there is nothing plugged into the terminal.
2. Press the CC/CV button. If the LED indicator of the CC/CV on meaning that the unit is under Constant Voltage mode. For this case, we will have the LED on.
3. Press up to increase the maximum current allowance.

Conclusion

Knowing How to set up your Bench Power Supply is very important. The power supply can operate at the power limit without being damaged. However, the power supply is not guaranteed to meet specifications when operating in power limit mode. Output ripple may increase and neither output voltage nor current is regulated.