Calibration Methods and Precautions for High-Precision DC Regulated Power Supplies
High-precision DC regulated power supplies (with output accuracy ≤0.01% and ripple ≤1mVrms) are core equipment in scenarios like precision testing and metrological calibration. However, their output accuracy gradually deviates over time (e.g., capacitor aging, resistor drift) and due to environmental changes (temperature, humidity). Long-term uncalibrated use may lead to distorted test data, such as excessive sensor calibration errors or misjudgment in electronic component screening. Combining practical experience, this article details the calibration method for high-precision DC regulated power supplies and recommends suitable KUAIQU models to help users efficiently complete calibration and maintenance.
I. Before Calibration: Clarify Core Indicators and Prepare Tools
Calibration of high-precision power supplies focuses on three core indicators: "output voltage accuracy," "output current accuracy," and "ripple voltage." Before calibration, confirm the equipment status and tool compatibility.
1. Key Calibration Indicators
Indicator Type
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Calibration Standard (Reference)
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KUAIQU Recommended Models & Indicator Reference
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Output Voltage Accuracy
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Deviation ≤±0.02% (rated output voltage)
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KPS-3005D: 0-30V/0-5A, accuracy 0.01%
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Output Current Accuracy
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Deviation ≤±0.05% (rated output current)
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KPS-6003D: 0-60V/0-3A, accuracy 0.02%
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Ripple Voltage
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Ripple ≤2mVp-p (at rated output)
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KPS-12002D: 0-120V/0-2A, ripple 1mVp-p
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2. Essential Tool List
- Standard Measuring Equipment: High-precision digital multimeter (e.g., Fluke 8846A, voltage accuracy 0.002%, current accuracy 0.005%), oscilloscope (bandwidth ≥100MHz, for ripple measurement);
- Auxiliary Tools: Standard resistance load (accuracy 0.01%, e.g., 10Ω/20Ω, for current calibration), insulating gloves (anti-electric shock), calibration record form (to record data before and after calibration);
- Environmental Requirements: Calibration environment temperature 23℃±2℃, humidity 45%-65%, avoid direct sunlight and air disturbance (e.g., direct air conditioning blowing). Ensure the equipment is powered on and preheated for 30 minutes (to stabilize internal temperature).
II. Step-by-Step Calibration Method: Voltage, Current, Ripple
Taking KUAIQU KPS-3005D (0-30V/0-5A, high-precision adjustable power supply) as an example, the calibration process is detailed. Other models can adjust parameters with reference to this logic.
1. Output Voltage Calibration (Core Step)
Voltage calibration should cover three typical output points ("low, medium, high"), e.g., 5V, 15V, 25V for a 30V power supply, to ensure full-range accuracy.
- No-Load Preparation: Disconnect the load at the power output terminal, power on and preheat for 30 minutes. Adjust the "voltage adjustment" knob to the first calibration point (e.g., 5V) and wait for stable values (no fluctuation for 1-2 minutes);
- Standard Measurement: Use a high-precision multimeter (red probe connected to power positive terminal, black probe to negative terminal) to measure the actual output voltage and record the value (e.g., measured 4.998V, theoretical value 5V, deviation -0.002V);
- Internal Calibration:
- Activate the calibration mode of KUAIQU KPS-3005D (long-press the "CAL" key for 5 seconds, the panel displays "CAL-V");
- Adjust via the "voltage trim" potentiometer (some models require opening the case, marked "V-ADJ" inside) until the multimeter reading matches the theoretical calibration point (5V±0.0005V);
- Press the "confirm" key to save the calibration value of this point, and complete the calibration for 15V and 25V in sequence;
- Verification: After calibration, re-measure the voltage at each point to confirm the deviation ≤±0.01% (e.g., 5V deviation ≤0.0005V). If not, repeat Step 3.
2. Output Current Calibration (With Standard Load)
Current calibration requires simulating actual current with a standard resistance load to avoid no current output under no-load conditions.
- Load Connection: Connect the standard resistance load (e.g., 10Ω, rated power ≥10W) to the power output terminal (positive terminal → resistor → negative terminal), ensure firm wiring (avoid contact resistance affecting measurement);
- Current Setting: Adjust the power "current adjustment" knob to the calibration point (e.g., 1A, 3A, 5A for KPS-3005D). The power supply enters "constant current mode" (CC light on), record the current value displayed on the panel;
- Standard Measurement: Connect the multimeter in "current mode" in series with the circuit (note polarity: red in, black out) to measure the actual current (e.g., set 3A, measured 2.999A);
- Internal Calibration:
- Enter current calibration mode (long-press "CAL" key + "current" key, display "CAL-I");
- Adjust the internal "I-ADJ" potentiometer to make the multimeter reading match the set current (3A±0.0003A);
- Save each calibration point. After calibration, verify the deviation ≤±0.02% (e.g., 3A deviation ≤0.0006A).
3. Ripple Voltage Calibration (With Oscilloscope)
Ripple calibration focuses on "peak-to-peak value (Vp-p)" and avoids high-frequency interference affecting measurement.
- Wiring and Shielding: Adjust the power output to the rated voltage (e.g., 30V). Connect the oscilloscope probe (set to "AC coupling" and "10X attenuation") to the power output terminal. Keep the probe ground wire as short as possible (avoid external interference) and stay away from interference sources like frequency converters and motors;
- Measurement and Judgment: Set the oscilloscope trigger mode to "auto" and read the ripple peak-to-peak value (e.g., 1.5mVp-p measured for KUAIQU KPS-3005D before calibration);
- Optimization and Adjustment: If the ripple exceeds the standard (e.g., >2mVp-p), check the internal filter capacitor of the power supply (for bulging) or fine-tune via the "ripple suppression" knob (available on some models) until the ripple ≤1mVp-p (meets factory standards).
III. Recommended KUAIQU High-Precision Models & Application Scenarios
- Core Advantages: High voltage/current accuracy, low ripple, dual independent outputs, support for USB data export;
- Application Scenarios: Laboratory sensor calibration, electronic component screening tests.
- Core Advantages: High voltage, low current, full-color LED display, 4 groups of memory storage, output switch button;
- Application Scenarios: High-voltage testing, precision applications.
- Core Advantages: Battery charging protection, panel lock button, precise adjustment and display;
- Application Scenarios: Industrial applications, laboratory research, lead-acid battery charging.
For more DC regulated power supply models/functions, please visit the official KUAIQU website: https://www.kuaiquinstrument.com/.
KUAIQU brand has a wide range of products waiting for you to browse! There are all kinds of industrial tools available ,such as : DC Power supply , Microscope Measurement Meters , Testing Instruments, Hand Tool.
Whether you have basic or high-end requirements, you can find suitable products.
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