Case Study

Universal 4kW Power Supply Automated Test Equipment

This case is a universal ATE for power supply products. The project design range is 0–4kW, 0–320VAC and 0–800VDC, supporting AC-DC converters, DC-DC converters, AC/DC adapters, telecom power supplies, DC power modules and SMPS. These ranges are Project Scope, not general capability limits for onTAP.

Project Overview

Universal ATE case for multiple power supply products, with project scope covering 0–4kW, 0–320VAC, 0–800VDC and input, output, dynamic, protection, safety and burn-in tests.

Testing Requirements

  • Support multiple power supply product types and test sequences.
  • Cover the project scope of 0–4kW, 0–320VAC and 0–800VDC.
  • Organize input, output, dynamic/protection, safety and burn-in tests.

System Architecture

NI LabVIEW / NI TestStandIPCAC / DC SourceElectronic Load / DMM / Switch Matrix / MSO / Power MeterCustomized PCB / FixturePower Supply DUTReport

Key Test Items

Input / Line: SAG, Line Regulation, Over / Low VoltageOutput: Load Regulation, Output Ripple, PARDDynamic & Protection: Dynamic Load, Overload, Short CircuitSafety: DC-DC Isolation with High VoltageReliability: Burn-In

Engineering Challenges

  • One ATE needs to support multiple power supply product types and different test sequences.
  • System resources include sources, loads, DMM, switch matrix, oscilloscope and power meter.
  • Project range parameters must be stated as Project Scope to avoid being read as company-wide limits.

Implementation

  • NI LabVIEW and NI TestStand organize test flow and execution management.
  • Project instrumentation examples include Chroma Electronic Load, AC/DC Source, Sorensen DC Source, Agilent DMM, Agilent Switch Matrix, Tektronix MSO and Yokogawa WT230 Power Meter.
  • Customized variable resistive load, IPC and customized PCB support platform-based testing.

Engineering Outcome

  • A universal ATE platform was built for multiple power supply products.
  • The project scope covers 0–4kW, 0–320VAC and 0–800VDC.
  • Test sequences cover input, output, dynamic protection, safety isolation and burn-in.

Related Solutions

Related Engineering Capabilities

InstrumentationPower MeasurementSoftwareSystem IntegrationFixture
View Engineering Capabilities

Discuss a Similar Test Requirement

If your DUT, coverage, cycle time or data requirements are similar, we can start from interfaces and test strategy to evaluate the architecture.

Contact onTAP