Guide to Using the Charging Function of DC Stabilized Power Supplies

With its stable voltage output and adjustable current control, the charging function of DC stabilized power supplies serves as a flexible and efficient charging solution in the electronics field. It meets both small-batch charging needs in laboratories and repair shops, and standardized charging requirements in industrial production, making it a versatile and precise charging tool. This article first introduces its core application scenarios, then details the usage methods to help users get started quickly.

1. Common Application Scenarios of the Charging Function

The core advantage of the charging function lies in "precise voltage and current adjustment," making it suitable for various scenarios requiring customized charging:

Small Battery Charging: Applicable to charging small batteries such as lithium batteries , nickel-metal hydride batteries, and lead-acid batteries. It is especially useful for customized charging of different battery specifications in laboratory research and DIY electronic projects.

Pre-charging and Activation of Electronic Devices: When repairing mobile phones, tablets, and smart wearables, this function can pre-charge and activate the built-in batteries of devices, or replenish power for backup batteries on circuit boards, preventing devices from failing to start due to low battery.

Auxiliary Charging in Industrial Production: During the production of electronic components like sensors and small controllers, it enables standardized charging tests for built-in batteries of products, ensuring the power supply stability of factory-ready products.

Charging Tests in Experimental Scenarios: In electronic experiments, it provides stable charging for prototype devices and test modules, or simulates the working status of devices under different charging currents and voltages, supporting the collection of experimental data.

2. Core Usage Steps of the Charging Function

Using a DC stabilized power supply for charging focuses on "matching the charging parameters of the battery/device + following standardized operating procedures." Taking a common button-type power supply as an example, the steps are detailed below:

(1) Preliminary Preparation: Confirm Parameters and Device Status

Clarify the Parameters of the Charging Object: First, refer to the battery or device manual to confirm key parameters: rated voltage, standard charging current, and charge cut-off conditions. Ensure these parameters fall within the rated output range of the power supply.

Inspect the Power Supply and Charging Object: Ensure the DC stabilized power supply is fault-free and its terminal blocks are not loose. Check the charging interface of the battery or device for damage or short circuits to avoid safety hazards during charging.

Select the Charging Mode: Choose the mode based on battery type: Lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries commonly use the "Constant Current-Constant Voltage (CC-CV)" mode (charging at a fixed current first, then switching to constant voltage trickle charging when the voltage reaches the threshold); nickel-metal hydride batteries can use the "Constant Current (CC)" mode to prevent overcharging.

(2) Key Operations: Parameter Setting and Wiring

Set the Charging Voltage: Press the "VOLTAGE" button on the power supply panel, enter the charge cut-off voltage (e.g., 4.2V for a 3.7V lithium battery) using the knob or numeric keys, then press the button to confirm. Ensure the voltage does not exceed 1.2 times the rated voltage of the battery to prevent damage from overvoltage.

Set the Charging Current: Press the "CURRENT" button, enter the standard charging current (recommended to be 0.1-0.5C of the battery capacity; e.g., 0.5A for a 1000mAh battery). Avoid high-current fast charging, which may cause the battery to heat up and reduce its lifespan.

Connect the Charging Circuit: Connect the positive output terminal (red terminal) of the power supply to the positive terminal of the battery/device, and the negative terminal (black terminal) to the corresponding negative terminal. Do not reverse the polarity (some power supplies have reverse polarity protection, but without it, reversal may burn the device). Gently pull the wires after connection to ensure a secure fit.

(3) Start Charging and Process Monitoring

Turn on the Power Supply and Start Charging: Press the "OUTPUT" button of the power supply to start output. The power supply will then enter the set charging mode (e.g., CC-CV mode), and the display will show the real-time charging voltage and current.

Monitor the Status in Real-Time: In the initial charging stage (CC mode), the current remains at the set value while the voltage rises gradually. When the voltage reaches the set cut-off voltage, the current will decrease gradually (CV mode). During this period, monitor the values on the power supply display. If there are abnormalities such as sudden changes in voltage/current or device overheating, immediately press the "STOP" button or turn off the "OUTPUT" to stop charging and troubleshoot.

Stop Charging: Stop charging when the current drops below 10% of the set value (e.g., 0.05A from an initial 0.5A) or when the preset charging time is reached. Press the "OUTPUT" button to turn off the power supply, then disconnect the wiring.

(4) Reference for Parameter Setting of Different Charging Objects

Charging Object	Rated Voltage	Charging Voltage Setting	Charging Current Setting	Recommended Mode
3.7V Lithium Battery	3.7V	4.2V	0.2-0.5C (e.g., 0.2-0.5A for 1000mAh)	CC-CV
11.1V Li-Polymer Battery	11.1V	12.6V	0.3-0.8C	CC-CV
1.2V Ni-MH Battery (Single)	1.2V	1.4V	0.1-0.3C	CC
6V Lead-Acid Battery	6V	7.2V	0.1-0.2C	CC-CV

3. Precautions for Use

Prohibit Parameter Mismatch: The set voltage and current must match the rated parameters of the charging object. Overvoltage or overcurrent charging is strictly forbidden, as it may cause the battery to bulge, burn, or damage the device.

Avoid Long-Term Overcharging: Most DC stabilized power supplies do not have an automatic power-off function (some high-end models do). Stop charging manually promptly when the cut-off conditions are met, especially for lithium batteries, which have a high risk of damage from overcharging.

Ensure Heat Dissipation and Safe Distance: During charging, the battery or device may heat up slightly. Maintain ventilation for heat dissipation, keep it away from flammable materials, and do not leave the charging process unattended to handle abnormalities in a timely manner.

Follow Standard Wiring Sequence: Always connect the positive and negative wires first before turning on the power output. After charging, turn off the power supply first, then disconnect the wiring to prevent sparks during disconnection.

Summary

The core of the DC stabilized power supply's charging function is to achieve safe charging through "precise parameter matching + standardized operation." Whether for small battery charging, device repair activation, or charging needs in experimental and production scenarios, following the process of "confirm parameters - set values - wire properly - monitor in real-time" allows full use of its stability and flexibility. Mastering this function turns the DC stabilized power supply into an indispensable multi-purpose charging tool in electronic work.

For more tips on using power supplies, please follow the official website of KUAIQU: https://www.kuaiquinstrument.com/ .

The following is the KUAIQU brand charging DC stabilized power supply:

SPPS-C305C 30V 5A :