B&K Precision 1762 - Manual - Manual (Page 34)

34
APPLICATIONS
ELECTRONICS DESIGN LAB
The technician or engineer working in an engineering laboratory
requires a DC power supply to power breadboard and prototype
circuits. This power supply is ideal because it monitors output
current and voltage, limits current to protect the circuit, is adjustable
over a wide range, and has excellent regulation and very low ripple.
Use of the instrument in an engineering laboratory is very similar
to that described for servicing electronics equipment and modules,
except that lower currents may be prevalent when powering
individual circuits. The current limiting feature is very valuable in
this application because it can protect unproven circuits from
damage.
ELECTRONICS EDUCATION
The student in an electronics curriculum may use the power supply
for powering equipment and circuits as previously described for all
other applications. In addition, the power supply can be used in the
classroom laboratory to conduct experiments in fundamental
electronics. In learning Ohm’s law, for example, the relationships of
resistance, current, and voltage are easily demonstrated by the use of
a power supply.
BATTERY CHARGING
The power supply can be used as a battery charger to restore the
charge in rechargeable batteries such as lead-acid, nickel-cadmium,
and some alkaline types. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s charging
specifications for proper voltage and current settings.
Charging information is sometimes printed on the batteries.
Battery charging, at least initially, requires the constant
current mode of operation. Before connecting the power
supply to the battery, preset the VOLTAGE controls to the
fully charged terminal voltage specified by the battery
manufacturer. Turn off the power supply while connecting
the battery. Observe proper polarity and connect as for
constant current operation. Adjust the CURRENT control
for the maximum charging current specified by the battery
manufacturer (If the maximum charging current is greater
than the power supply’s maximum load current, set the
CURRENT control to maximum). The CC indicator will
light and the battery will charge at the preset current limit.
As the battery approaches full charge, its terminal voltage
will approach that of the power supply output and the
charging current will taper off. The power supply may
automatically switch to CV (constant voltage) operation.
When this occurs, the power supply will continue to provide
a trickle charge.
SPLIT SUPPLY
Frequently, “split power supplies” are required for
amplifier and other electronic circuits. The Model 1760A is
ideally suited for “split power supply” operation. This
supply can be configured to provide two positive voltages
with a common negative, two negative voltages with a
common positive, or one positive and one negative with a
common ground. In addition, each of these configurations
can be obtained with identical or differing voltages.