- 0.03% basic voltage and 0.1% basic current readback accuracy for higher data reliability
- Independent outputs for improved test flexibility
- Easy-to-interpret display

October 9, 2012 – Keithley Instruments, Inc., a global manufacturer of advanced electrical test instruments and systems, announced the addition of two multi-channel power supply models to its Series 2200 line of programmable DC power supplies. Both products deliver superior output accuracy at significantly lower prices than competitor products. In addition to these advantages, the new models combine improved ease of use for circuit design, university laboratories, and materials research, as well as device test capabilities requiring multiple power sources. With the introduction of these new models, Keithley now complements its comprehensive line of source and measurement instruments by offering a variety of 1-, 2-, and 3-channel power supplies. Detailed information about Keithley's expanded DC power supply line is available on the Keithley website at www.keithley.com/data?asset=57005.

The output levels of the new power supplies are designed to handle the wide range of sourcing requirements needed to characterize components, circuits, modules, and complete devices. The Model 2230-30-1 supply features two output channels primarily used to power analog circuits, with each channel capable of delivering up to 30V/1.5A/45W, plus a 6V/5A/30W output channel for digital circuit power supply. In comparison, a competing 3-channel power supply from another manufacturer provides only 25V@1A analog output. The Model 2220-30-1 power supply has two output channels, each capable of delivering a maximum of 30V/1.5A/45W. Combined with high maximum output levels, 1mV voltage setting and readback resolution, and 1mA current setting and readback resolution, it can generate a wide range of output power and read a wide range of load currents with high precision.

Superior voltage and current output and readback accuracy compared to competitors
The Series 2200 multi-channel power supplies feature 0.03% basic voltage setting accuracy and voltage readback accuracy per output channel, while leading competitor products achieve only 0.05% accuracy. Users can be confident that the programmed voltage on any channel will be precisely applied to the output terminals. Unlike many competitor products that lack remote sensing capability, the new Series 2200 power supplies feature rear panel remote sense terminals on each channel that compensate for voltage drops in the power supply leads, ensuring accurate voltage at the DUT load terminals and improving overall system accuracy. Additionally, with 0.1% basic current setting and readback accuracy (compared to 0.15% for leading competitor products) and ripple and noise below 3mVp-p, high quality can be maintained in load current measurements.

Independent outputs provide superior test flexibility compared to competitor products
Each output channel of the new power supply is completely isolated, allowing power to be supplied to two isolated circuits at different reference points without requiring auxiliary supplies. Many competitor multi-channel power supplies do not provide isolated channel outputs, making it difficult to cleanly power isolated circuits. Additionally, each channel can be individually turned off and on, useful when powering circuits that need to activate multiple voltage levels according to a specified time sequence. Furthermore, a programmable timer enables unattended test setups and allows the output to be turned off after a specified time period.

Output reconfiguration and easy-to-understand display
For applications requiring more than 30V or 1.5A, the new power supply's 30V outputs can be combined in various configurations. For example, they can be connected in series to generate a maximum current output of 1.5A at 60V, or in parallel to generate 3A output at 30V. When configured this way, a special display mode shows the actual voltage and current of the combined pair. This represents a significant advantage over competitor products that do not display the combined actual output, potentially leading to misinterpretation or confusion of the displayed results. Additionally, Keithley's new power supply can configure the 30V output to test bipolar circuits or maintain a user-defined ratio between two outputs when using tracking mode.

Protection of sensitive devices under test (DUT)
There are several features to protect fragile or experimental DUTs from being damaged during testing. For example, a programmable voltage limit function prevents accidental input of voltage above a preset value to a channel. This setting is added to a circuit limit function that controls the current level input to the DUT, allowing individual limit settings for each output channel. Additionally, a user-defined password can be used to lock all front panel controls, preventing unexpected changes during critical testing.

Optimized for test system integration
The new multi-channel power supplies are designed to operate effectively in automated test systems just as they do in manual configurations. They can be easily controlled remotely from various programming environments using USB TMC-compatible device ports. For example, National Instruments' Tektronix Edition LabVIEW SignalExpress™ provides all the tools needed for basic equipment control, data logging, and analysis. By using this programming environment that supports various Tektronix bench instruments, you can access the functions of multiple instruments from a single intuitive software interface, allowing you to automate your entire test bench or automated test systems.

Flexible operation and excellent usability
The following features enhance the versatility of the new power supplies and simplify operation:

• Instrument settings can be stored in 30 internal memory locations, saving time when performing repeated tests.
• A stepped rotary knob simplifies the learning process for how the DUT responds to voltage or current changes.
A numeric keypad can also be used for precise value input.
• Unlike competitor products that can display only one channel at a time, all output voltages and currents for all channels are simultaneously displayed on a bright vacuum fluorescent display.
• Integration with automated test environments is straightforward using standard IVI-Com and LabVIEW instrument drivers.

Additional Information
The latest information on the Series 2200 product family is available on the Keithley website at www.keithley.com/data?asset=57005.