Power Supply Output Sequencing

Create custom timings with your power supply!

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When using a triple output power supply, it can sometimes be risky to simple turn on all the outputs. A lot of devices need to be powered up in a very specific order – or you could damage them. Today, we’re going to look at a way to protect your device using a power supply mode called sequencing.

Hi I’m Daniel Bogdanoff, and I’m here with Bill Griffith on of our Power Supply folks here at Keysight. Many devices or models require multiple bias or rail voltages, and devices such as an FPGA require the voltages to turn on and off in a set sequence. If you’re working with devices that have specific timing requirements, you’ll want to use a power supply with power sequencing.

Thanks for having me! Power supply sequencing allows you to automatically set voltage outputs and delays according to a pre-scripted pattern of your choosing. This means you won’t have to manually turn on different channels or manually set output voltages – helping you avoid accidental damage.

So, let’s look at how to set up power sequencing – we’re going to use the E36312A, if you’re using a different supply your menus will look different. Also, instead of powering up an FPGA or board – we’re going to use these lights Bill brought with him, so it’ll be obvious when power is applied.

The first step is to set up each output for the correct voltage and current limit. This power supply’s three outputs are all independent and isolated, so it’s easy to set the voltages and not worry about having a common ground.

Once we’ve done that, it’s time to set our delays. I’ll Configure the “On Delay” and “Off Delay” for each channel. The on delay is how long it waits to turn on after you start the sequence, and the off delay is how long it waits once you initiate the end of the sequence.

The delays can be set with millisecond resolution but realize the power outputs take 10 to 50 ms to reach their programmed voltage. We’re using rather long delays, so we can see each output turn-on and then off.

Now that everything’s setup, we’re ready to connect to our light and start our sequence. I’ll press the “on all” button. You can see the outputs turn on with their respective delays. Likewise, you can turn off all the outputs and see the turnoff delays. Some device can be damaged if they are not powered down in the correct order.

What if you need more than three voltages? You can couple ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQQpscCFEts