How to Choose a DC Power Supply that Simplifies System Integration

Almost every automated test system that tests electronic circuit boards, modules or equipment needs one or more power supplies. This could be DC to simulate the DC power bus within the equipment that powers the internal circuit boards or modules, or it could be AC to simulate the AC mains of different countries or the AC power bus used in aircraft. In any case, the power supply simulates the environment the electronic circuitry is used in, thus it is the device under test (DUT) that determines the power supply requirements. In addition, we need to consider the requirements for margin testing, namely deciding which internal or external standards apply to this DUT. For instance, some automotive standards require margin testing up to 27VDC on a 12VDC device. Although the DUT runs nominal on 12VDC, the maximum test voltage is much higher.