Extech Instruments DCP42 User Manual

USER GUIDE

Model DCP42

160W Laboratory Grade Constant Power,
Switching Mode Power Supply

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Extech DCP42 160W Single Continuous Switching Power Supply

DCP42-EU-EN V1.2 9/13

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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES 4

2. SAFETY 5

3. POWER SUPPLY DESCRIPTION 6

4. CONTROL MODES 7

4.1 Normal Mode 7

4.2 Preset Mode 7

4.3 Set Mode 7

4.3.1 Setting the ΔV/Δt value 7

4.3.2 Activating the Remote Control Mode 8

4.3.3 Deactivating the Remote Control Mode 8

4.3.4 Factory Default Reset 8

5. OPERATION 9

5.1 Powering the Supply 9

5.2 Switching the Power Supply ON and Self-Test Information 9

5.3 Using the Control knobs 9

5.4 Connecting the Power Supply and running a Test 9

5.5 Keypad Lockout function 9

5.6 Manual Output ON/OFF 9

5.7 Ammeter/Wattmeter Selection 9

6. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS 10

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6.1 ΔV/Δt Function 10

6.1.2 Setting the DC generator voltage level 10

6.1.2 Setting the Δt 10

6.1.3 Generating Ramp-Up or Ramp-Down DC output cycles 10

6.2 Function A/B/C Waveform Generator 11

6.2.1 Set FUNC (A/B/C): 11

6.2.2 Generating Wave Form 11

6.3 Upper Voltage and Current Limits 12

6.4 Remote Sensing 12

6.4.1 Connection 12

6.4.2 Disconnection 12

6.5 Remote Control Operation 13

6.5.1 REMOTE CONTROL – METHOD 1: Using two external DC voltage sources 13

6.5.2 REMOTE CONTROL – METHOD 2: Using two 0 to 5K Ohm variable resistors 13

6.5.3 Remote Control Output ON/OFF 14

7. PC SOFTWARE PROGRAM 14

8. AUTOMATIC OUTPUT STEP PROGRAMS 14

8.1 External Timed Program Window 15

8.2 Output ON/OFF function 15

8.3 Automatic Timed Output Operation 15

9. APPENDIX – ADDITIONAL OPERATIONAL EXAMPLES 16

10. SPECIFICATIONS 17

11. TROUBLESHOOTING 19

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1. Introduction and Features

Thank you for selecting the Extech DCP42 Switching Mode Power Supply. This newly re-designed
laboratory grade power supply differs from a conventional power supply in that it can calculate
and change the voltage and current limit points according to the available maximum power.
Therefore the maximum limits of the voltage and current are changeable according to the rated
power. A conventional power supply has only a set maximum voltage and current such that all of
the operating V & A must fall within these limits. The DCP42 offers cost saving and space saving
advantages as one constant-power power supply can do the work of several conventional power
suppliers.

The DCP42 is highly efficient, incorporates upgraded SMPS circuitry with small form factor, benefits
from an automatic cross-over for CC and CV, has three (3) Voltage/Current presets, and can be
remote controlled. The DCP42 is perfect for solving a variety of loading conditions and applications.
Features include the following:

 Dual action (Course/Fine) tuning provides smooth, accurate, and quick setting of

Voltage/Current

 Setting, changing, and verifying the current limit level is convenient and can be

performed without output pole spiking

 The Remote Control feature permits output ON/OFF and Voltage/Current adjustments

without the need to touch the front panel of the power supply

 The USB port offers PC connectivity for programming and running ramp/soak cycles with

20 programmable sets of Voltage/Current and varying test durations (up to 999 cycles)

 The DC ramp and waveform generator can either be panel set or set by the supplied

software which previews the final waveform.

 Applications and industries where the DCP42 can be employed include laboratory,

telecommunications, production testing, field testing, DC network powering, and more

 Three (3) user programmable Voltage/Current settings offer quick recall of frequently

used test settings

 The DCP42 is suitable for a wide range of applications such as laboratory, production

testing, field test of remote critical voltage loads, powering of dc networks, and more.

This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of
reliable service. Please visit our website to check for the latest version of this User Guide, Product
Updates, and Customer Support.

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2. Safety

This manual contains important safety and operation instructions for correct use of the power
supply. Read through the manual and pay special attention to the markings and labels of this unit
and equipment to be connected.

Pay special attention to these two types of notices used in this manual:

WARNING : Failure to observe this warning may cause injury to persons and damage to power

supply or connected equipment.

CAUTION : Failure to observe this warning may result in damage to equipment and

improper functioning of the power supply.

WARNING

 Do not use this power supply near water

 Do not operate or touch this power supply with wet hands

 Do not open the casing of the power supply when it is connected to ac mains

 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only

 Before replacing the AC fuse, determine the cause and clear up the cause first

 Replace the AC fuse with the same type and rating as the original fuse

 The maximum output voltage of the DCP42 exceeds 60VDC, avoid touching the metal

contact parts at the output terminals

CAUTION

 Use a grounded 3 pin AC source
 This unit is intended for indoor use only
 Do not operate or place this unit in a humid, dusty location
 Do not operate this unit in direct sunlight or near any heat source
 Before plugging into local AC mains, check with the rating label at the back of the unit
 Do not block any ventilation openings of the unit
 This unit must be used within the specified rating; regular excessive continuous loading may

cause damage to the power supply

 The gauge size of the input power cable must be at least 0.75mm2 and the total length of

power cable must not exceed 3m

 Input Fuse Recommended: T3AL250V (3A Time-Lag)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR OPERATION

 10-80% R.H. (Relative Humidity)
 Altitude up to 2000m (6561 ft.)
 Installation category: CAT 2
 Pollution degree: 2
 Mains supply voltage fluctuation up to ±10% of normal voltage

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3. Power Supply Description

(1) LED panel meter display with CC/CV/W Indictor

(2) Remote Control Indicator (Remote Control/ USB mode)

(3) Output Voltage Control Knob

(4) Output Current Control Knob

(5) Power ON/OFF Switch

(6) 6 button Keypad (with illumination):

- Preset Keyd 1, 2 & 3

- Menu Key (Shift Key)

- Lock/ Unlock Key (A/W meter Key)

- Output ON/OFF (ΔV/Δt Key)

(7) Output Safety Jacks (Rated 10A)

(8) USB Remote Control port (For access to computer to run cyclical operation with programmable
voltage, current, period time and cycle)

(9) Remote Sensing Terminal

(Warning! Shorting the remote sensing terminal or Connect sensing terminal in reverse polarity
will damage the power supply)

(10) Remote Control Terminal

(11) AC Inlet socket (with fuse holder)

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