AIM & THURLBY THANDAR INSTRUMENTS
1200 watt dc power supplies with PowerFlex regulation
QPX1200S & QPX1200SP
Variable voltage/current combinations over a wide range
Up to 60 volts and up to 50 amps within a power envelope
Linear final regulation provides very low output ripple & noise
Analog, RS-232, USB, GPIB & LAN interfaces (model dependent)
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QPX1200S - 1200 watt dc power supply with
PowerFlex
60V, 50A max.
0A 10A 20A 30A 40A 50A
0V
10V
20V
30V
40V
50V
60V
PowerFlex
Power Envelope
(1200W max.)
PowerFlex design with 1200 watts maximum power
Wide range of voltage/current combinations
Up to 60V and up to 50A within a power envelope
Linear final regulation provides very low output noise
and fast transient reponse
Setting by direct numeric entry or by spin wheel
High setting resolution of 1mV in up to 60 volts
Multiple non-volatile setting memories
Variable OVP and OCP trips
Low resistance and power calculation
Analog control interfaces for voltage and current
Bench or rack mounting with front and rear terminals
GPIB, RS-232, USB & LAN (LXI) interfaces (QPX1200SP)
The QPX1200S is a laboratory dc power supply with a maximum total output
power of 1200 watts and is suited to both bench-top and system applications.
The QPX1200SP adds full digital remote control using USB, RS-232, LAN and
GPIB interfaces. Both models include analog remote control.
PowerFlex
The QPX1200S is a different type of laboratory power supply designed to meet
the need for flexibility in the choice of voltage and current.
A conventional PSU has a fixed current limit giving a power capability that
reduces directly with the output voltage.
The TTi PowerFlex design of the QPX1200S enables higher currents to be
generated at lower voltages within an overall power limit envelope. Each
output can provide three times the current of a conventional PSU of the same
maximum voltage and power (see power curve).
Example voltage/current combinations include 60V/20A, 48V/25A, 37.5V/30A,
26V/40A, and 20V/50A.
The PowerFlex regulator includes a linear output stage giving the QPX1200S
exceptionally low output noise for a unit of this power, and ensuring good
transient response
Bench or rack mounting
The QPX1200S is housed in a 350mm (13¾”) wide case suitable for use on the
bench-top. Output and remote sense terminals are mounted both on the front
and on the rear panel along with the analog and logic interface connectors
and, on the QPX1200SP, the bus interface connectors.
The power supply is 3U high and a rack mounting kit (RM310 or RM310A) is
available as an option.
Power calculation
The meter for each output can be set to show the total power currently being
provided to the load (V x A) to a resolution of 0.1 watts.
The power is shown in addition to the voltage and current values.
Low resistance calculation
The meter for each output can
be set to show the equivalent
resistance of the load by
displaying voltage divided by
current.
Low resistance measurements
using a DMM utilise a low excitation current and suffer from thermal emf
errors and other low voltage effects.
This function enables low resistance measurements to be made at high
currents by using the remote sense terminals to create a four terminal
connection. This can give much more reliable results for certain component
types, such as magnetics, which operate at ampere levels.
QPX1200SP & QPX1200L - USB, RS-232, LAN & GPIB
QPX1200SP - comprehensive bus remote control
To meet a wide variety of needs, the QPX1200SP adds a comprehensive
array of digital bus interfaces. RS-232, USB, GPIB and LAN (Ethernet)
with LXI support are all provided as standard.
Each of the digital bus interfaces provides full control of voltage,
current, output on/off and set-up, plus read-back of voltage, current
and status. The interfaces are at ground potential and are opto-isolated
from the output terminals.
The GPIB interface is compliant with IEEE-488.1
and IEEE-488.2. Currently GPIB remains the most
widely used interface for system applications.
An RS-232/RS-423 interface is provided for use with
legacy systems. This type of serial interface remains
in common useage and is perfectly satisfactory for
the control of power supplies because data speed is not an issue.
USB provides a simple and convenient means of
connection to a PC and is particularly appropriate
for small system use. A USB driver is provided
which supports Windows 2000, XP , Vista and Windows 7.
The LAN interface uses a standard 10/100 base-T
Ethernet hardware connection with ICMP and
TCP/IP Protocol for connection to a Local Area
Network or direct connection to a single PC. This interface supports LXI
and is highly appropriate for system use because of its scalable nature
and low cost interconnection.
The LAN interface is compliant with LXI class C. LXI
(LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation) is the next-
generation, LAN-based modular architecture
standard for automated test systems managed by
the LXI Consortium, and is expected to become the successor to GPIB in
many systems. For more information on LXI and how it replaces GPIB,
or operates along side it, go to: www.tti-test.com/go/lxi
IVI Driver
An IVI driver for Windows is included. This provides support for common
high-level applications such as LabView*, LabWindows*, and HP/
Agilent VEE*.
* LabView and LabWindows are trademarks of National Instruments.
HPVEE (now Agilent VEE) is a trademark of Agilent Technologies.
* Windows is a trademark of Microsoft.
QPX1200L
The QPX1200L is identical to the QPX1200SP but omits the GPIB
interface.
Other models in the QPX series
For those requiring only a dual output power supply, the QPX600D offers dual
outputs of 600 watts each using PowerFlex+ regulation.
Go here for details: www.tti-test.com/go/qpx
Graphic display for clarity and ease of use
The QPX600D incorporates two
high resolution graphic LCDs
capable of showing numbers and
text in a variety of sizes.
The standard display mode shows
voltage and current in large characters along with text annunciators such as
CV mode and Output On.
When settings are being
changed, a dual display of
parameters is used enabling
existing and new settings, or
actual and limit values to be
viewed simultaneously.
More complex functions are
provided with text prompts or
complete selection menus.
Current meter averaging
When measuring rapidly varying loads it can become difficult to get useful
readings from the current meter.
By selecting meter averaging, the reading is stabilised by averaging the last
four readings to reduce the speed and extent of the variation.
Numeric or rotary entry
Voltage and current levels can be set directly via the numeric keypad.
Alternatively settings can be changed via the jog wheel at user selectable
increments.
Multiple settings stores
Non-volatile stores are incorporated for rapid recall of voltage and current
settings and are useful for repetitive testing applications.
Separate stores are provided for each output.
OVP and OCP trips
Variable trips for over-voltage and over-current are provided on each output.
Unlike a limit setting, the trip setting turns the output off and provides a
different level of protection.
For example, when repetitively testing a unit which normally takes a peak
current of 10A, the current limit could be set to 11A and the OCP to 10.1A to
ensure that a faulty unit will trip the supply off and not be damaged by over
dissipation.
The output trip can also be activated by other fault conditions including over
temperature and remote sense mis-wiring. The cause of the trip is shown on
the display.
Analog and Logic interfaces
Both models incorporate analog interfaces for voltage
control of both output voltage and output current
(non-isolated).
The control voltages are digitised to control the PSU and the scaling can be
selected as 0 to 5V or 0 to 10V for zero to full scale.
Monitor outputs for voltage and current are also provided, and can similarly be
selected as 0 to 5V or 0 to 10V.
An opto isolated logic control signal is provided for control of output on/off.
This can be menu selected as true = output on, or true = output off.
An opto isolated open-collector logic output signal is also available. This can
be menu selected as true or false for output enabled or disabled, current limit,
power limit, or any fault trip.
Designed and built in Europe by:
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE29 7DR United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1480 412451 Fax: +44 (0)1480 450409
Email: sales@aimtti.com Web: www.aimtti.com
Brochure Part No. 82100-1320 Iss. 4A
QPX1200S, QPX1200SP - Technical Specifications
OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage/Current Levels
Voltage Range: 0V to 60V
Current Range: 0A to 50A.
Power Range: Up to 1200W - see PowerFlex power envelope graph.
Operating Mode: Constant voltage or constant current with automatic cross-over
and mode indication.
Output Setting
Voltage Setting: By floating point numeric entry or rotary jog wheel; resolution 1mV.
Current Setting: By floating point numeric entry or rotary jog wheel; resolution 10mA.
Setting Accuracy: Voltage - 0.1% ± 2mV
Current - 0.3% ± 20mA
Setting Stores: Up to 10 set-ups can be saved and recalled via the keyboard
(or the digital interfaces on QPX1200SP and QPX1200L).
Keyboard & Rotary Control
All functions, including the selection and set-up of the remote control interfaces, can be set from
the keyboard. The rotary Jog control can be used to adjust output voltage and current settings in a
quasi-analogue mode. The output to be controlled is first selected with the appropriate Control key.
Output Performance
Load regulation: <0.01% +5mV (CV mode) for any load change within the
PowerFlex envelope, using remote sense.
Line regulation: <0.01% +5mV for a 10% line voltage change.
Ripple & Noise: Typically <3mV rms, <20mV pk-pk, (20MHz bandwidth).
Transient Response: <250µs to within 100mV of set level for 5% to 95% load change.
Temp. Coefficient: Typically <100ppm/oC.
Sensing: Selectable local or remote sensing.
Output Protection
External Voltage: Output will withstand forward voltages of up to 70V.
Reverse protection by diode clamp.
Power Limit: Automatic protection within PowerFlex control system.
Fault Trip: The output will be shut down if any of the four trip conditions listed
below occur.
Over Voltage (OVP): Settable 2V to 65V in 0.1V steps
Over Current (OCP): Settable 2A to 55A in 0.1A steps
Over Temperature: Monitors internal temperature rise to protect against excess ambient
temperature or blocked ventilation slots.
Sense Error: Monitors the voltage between the remote sense terminals and output
terminals to protect against mis-wiring.
Output Switching
Push switch operating electronic power control. LED indication of On state
Connection
Output Terminals: Front and rear output terminals. Safety terminals accepting 6mm wire
diameter, 6mm plugs or 8mm spades at 50 Amps max,
or 4mm plugs at 30 Amps max.
Sensing Terminals: Screw-less terminals on front panel and on rear panel.
METERING
Display Type: Large dot-matrix black-on-white backlit LCD.
Meter Function: 5 digit voltage meter and 4 digit current meter. Display of limits values,
memory contents etc. Wide range of alpha-numeric messages/menus.
Limits Display: Limits settings can be displayed simultaneously with measurements.
Meter Resolution: Voltage: 1mV. Current: 10mA
Meter Accuracy: Voltage: 0.1% of reading ± 2 digits (CI mode and Unreg)
Current: 0.3% of reading ± 2 digits (CV mode and Unreg)
Additional Metering Functions
V x A Display shows calculated power in watts. Resolution 0.1W.
Accuracy 0·5% ± 0·1W
V/A Display shows calculated resistance. Resolution up to 5 digits.
Measurement uncertainty is shown on display.
ANALOG & LOGIC INTERFACE
Analog Remote Control and Monitoring
Non-isolated inputs and outputs to set voltage and current limit and to monitor actual output volt-
age and current. These signals are referenced to the negative output and have a range of 0 to 10V
or 0 to 5V (selectable via the keyboard). Note that the analog control voltage is digitised within the
power supply.
Control Accuracy: Voltage: 0.3% ± 4mV; Current: 0.5% ± 40mA
Monitor Accuracy: Voltage: 0.3% ± 4mV; Current: 0.5% ± 40mA
Logic Control Input and Output
LOGIC IN is a rear-panel opto-isolated input that is activated at an input current greater than
approximately 1mA. User can set LOGIC IN (via the keyboard) to enable the output, disable the
output, or be ignored when it is activated.
LOGIC OUT is an isolated rear-panel open-collector output that will sink up to 2mA when activated
(‘switch closure’); the maximum voltage that can be applied to LOGIC OUT is 30VDC. User can set
LOGIC OUT to be ‘closed’ or ‘open’ for output enabled or disabled, current limit
(CI mode), power limit (UNREG mode), or for any fault trip.
DIGITAL BUS INTERFACES (QPX1200SP only)
The QPX1200SP offers full remote control and read-back using RS-232, USB, GPIB or LAN
(compliant with LXI class C). All interfaces are at ground potential and opto-isolated from the
output terminals. The QPX1200L has USB, RS-232 and LXI compliant LAN only (no GPIB).
RS-232
Standard 9-pin D connector. Baud rate 9,600.
USB
USB 2.0 connection (backwards compatible with USB 1.x). Operates as a virtual COM port.
GPIB (IEEE-488)
The interface conforms with IEEE-488.1 and IEEE-488.2.
Ethernet (LAN)
Standard 10/100 base-T hardware connection. ICMP and TCP/IP Protocol for connection to Local
Area Network or direct connection to a single PC.
LXI Compliance
LAN interface is compliant with LXI class C. (LXI is the abbreviation for Lan eXtensions for
Instrumentation). For more information visit: www.tti-test.com/go/lxi
DIGITAL PROGRAMMING PERFORMANCE (QPX1200SP only)
Setting Accuracy and Resolution
As per Manual Control (see Output Setting under Output Specifications)
Programming Speed
Command Delay: Typically <100ms between receiving the command terminator for a step
voltage change at the instrument and the output voltage beginning to
change.
DRIVER SOFTWARE SUPPLIED (QPX1200SP only)
IVI Driver
An IVI driver for Windows is supplied. This provides support for common applications such as
LabView*, LabWindows*, HPVEE* etc.
USB Driver
An installation file is supplied which calls a standard Windows* USB driver.
* LabView and LabWindows are trademarks of National Instruments.
HPVEE (now Agilent VEE) is a trademark of Agilent Technologies.
* USB interface is supported for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Input
AC Input: 110V to 240V AC ±10%, 50/60Hz. Installation Category II.
Input Power: 1600VA max.
Temperature & Environmental
Operating Range: +5ºC to +40ºC, 20% to 80% RH
Storage Range: -40ºC to + 70ºC
Environmental: Indoor use at altitudes up to 2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
Cooling: Intelligent variable-speed fans.
Safety & EMC
Safety: Complies with EN61010-1
EMC: Complies with EN61326
Physical
Size: 350 x 130 x 413mm (WxHxD) (3U height) .
Weight: 9.2kg (20lb).
Benchtop Operation: Folding legs are incorporated that can be used to angle the front panel
upwards when required.
MODEL RANGE
QPX1200S - Analog interface only
QPX1200SP - Analog, USB, RS-232, LAN and GPIB interfaces.
OPTIONS
Rack Mount (RM310 or RM310A)
19 inch 3U rack mount.
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. operates a policy of continuous development and reserves the right to
alter specifications without prior notice.
Accuracy specifications apply for the temperature range 18°C to 28°C after 1 hour warm-up.
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd.
Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 7DR England (United Kingdom)
Tel: +44 (0)1480 412451 Fax: +44 (0)1480 450409
Email: info@aimtti.com Web: www.aimtti.com
Designed and built in Europe by:
Company name and product brands
Thurlby Thandar Instruments Ltd. (TTi) is one of Europe’s leading
manufacturers of test and measurement instruments.
Products have been sold under two brand names:
TTi and Aim.
In the future, however, the full product range will be branded Aim-TTi.
This changeover will be gradual and many products will continue to carry
the TTi or Aim brands for some time to come.
Web Addresses (URLs)
The preferred URL for obtaining information concerning Aim-TTi products
is:
www.aimtti.com (international customers)
Customers in the UK should use the URL:
www.aimtti.co.uk
Customers in the USA should use the URL:
www.aimtti.us
Note that previous URLs such as www.tti-test.com will continue to operate
for the time being.
Product Summary
Laboratory Power Supplies
Bench and system power supplies from 30 watts up to
1200 watts using linear, mixed-mode and PowerFlex
regulation technologies.
Waveform Generators
Analog and digital (DDS) function generators, true
arbitrary generators, arbitrary/function generators and
pulse generators.
Precision Measurement Instruments
Benchtop DMMs, frequency counters, component
measurement instruments (LCR), electronic dc loads,
current probes.
RF and EMC Test Equipment
Spectrum analyzers, signal generators, frequency counters,
power meters, emc measurement instruments.
