KEPCO ATE QUICK START GUIDE

QUICK START GUIDE

KEPCO

An ISO 9001 Company.

VOLTAGE/CURRENT STABILIZED

POWER SUPPLY

I — INTRODUCTION

1.1. SCOPE OF MANUAL. This Quick Start Guide

covers simple installation and local operation of the Kepco
ATE Series of 50W, 100W, 250W, 500W and 1000W volt­age and current stabilized ATE d-c power supplies, both M
suffix (analog meter) and DM suffix (digital meter). Full
specifications, features and instructions are found in the
associated Operator Manuals that can be downloaded free
from the Kepco web site at:

www.kepcopower.com/support/opmanls.htm#ate

1.2. DESCRIPTION.

The Kepco ATE with programmable overvoltage protector
is a precision stabilized power supply which can deliver
either stabilized output voltage or current. The prevailing
operating mode is indicated by LED mode indicators at the
front panel (Figure 1). Operating mode crossover is auto­matic and may be monitored remotely by means of a flag
signal, available at the rear programming connector. The
power supply features “full range” output control by means
of 10-turn, high resolution front panel potentiometers for
output voltage and output current. A pair of front panel
meters constantly monitor the output voltage and output
current.

The ATE power supply features user-selectable “slow” or
“fast” operating modes. Slow mode operation is recom­mended for applications demanding a voltage source with
low ripple. Fast mode operation is best if the output voltage
must change rapidly, either in response to an external pro­gramming signal, or if the ATE is used as a current stabi­lizer which must react quickly to changes in load
resistance.

ATE

trigger point of the overvoltage protector may be set (or
checked) under actual operating conditions by the front
panel-accessible setup controls.

Units are shipped for 115V a-c operation (105V to 125V
a-c), 50 to 65Hz. For operation at 104V a-c, 208V a-c or
230V a-c refer to the full Operator manual (PAR 1.1).

1.3. OPTIONS. Standard models (M suffix) include ana­log voltage and current meters. Models with a DM suffix include digital meters. Suffix L indicates models with front panel knobs that have been replaced by locking-type screwdriver-adjustable front panel controls. Suffix L may be added to either M or DM models.

1.4. EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED.

• ATE 1/4 Rack only: PC 13 connector (PC 13 is an
unwired PC 12 that has been pre-wired for front
panel control of ATE 1/4 Rack models which
MUST be installed at rear panel to enable local
operation).

• ATE 1/2, 3/4, Full Rack only: PC 14 connector
(PC 14 is an unwired PC 12 that has been pre­wired for front panel control of ATE 1/2, 3/4 and
Full Rack models which MUST be installed at rear
panel to enable local operation).

• 115V a-c Line Cord

1.5. ACCESSORIES (NOT SUPPLIED)

• Unwired PC 12 programming connector(s)

The ATE power supply is delivered for “slow mode” opera­tion. Refer to Operator Manual (see PAR. 1.1) for convert­ing the ATE power supply to “fast mode” operation.

An overvoltage protection circuit, continuously adjustable
as well as remotely programmable, is a built-in feature. The

KEPCO, INC.  131-38 SANFORD AVENUE  FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.  TEL [phone]  FAX [phone]

http://www.kepcopower.com  email: [e-mail]

©2012, KEPCO, INC 1
Data subject to change without notice 228-1757

• Rack adapter RA 24, RA 32 or RA 37 to mount
rack unit(s) in 19-inch rack)

• Slides for Rack Adapter or Full Rack models

1/4 Rack

50W, 100W

1/2 Rack

250W

3/4 Rack

500W

Full Rack

1000W

FIGURE 1. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

KEPCO, INC.  131-38 SANFORD AVENUE  FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.  TEL [phone]  FAX [phone]

2 228-1757 021012

http://www.kepcopower.com  email: [e-mail]

II — SAFETY.

Exercise care in making all connections to and from the
ATE terminals.

be properly insulated and securely terminated on both
sides to make accidental touch impossible.

WARNINGS

1. Remove a-c power from the ATE before making any
connections.

2. Wires and/or cables, connected from the ATE terminals
to external components or programming devices must

III — INSTALLATION

3.1. UNPACKING. The power supply has been thor-

oughly inspected and tested prior to packing and is ready
for operation. After careful unpacking, inspect for shipping
damage before attempting to operate. Perform the Prelimi­nary Checkout (PAR. 3.2). If any indication of damage is
found, file an immediate claim with the responsible trans­port service

3.2. PRELIMINARY CHECKOUT. A simple operat-

ing check after unpacking and before permanent installa­tion, is advisable to ascertain whether the ATE has suffered
damage in shipment.

1. Install Programming Connector (supplied) at rear panel.
This is required for local control of the unit.

3. The ATE chassis and cover must be safety-grounded to
a reliable a-c source ground. A safety-ground may be
established by using a grounded a-c power outlet or, if
the latter is not available, by means of a separate wire,
from the provided GROUND terminal (at the rear barrier
strip) to a reliable a-c source ground point.

a. Turn the VOLTAGE control to about one-half of its

range.

b. Depress the DISARM pushbutton and turn the

(recessed) LEVEL control slowly counterclockwise
until the CROWBAR indicator lights.

c. Turn VOLTAGE control slightly counterclockwise

and release DISARM button. Now when the VOLT­AGE control is increased to the overvoltage set­point, the input circuit breaker trips off.

d. To set overvoltage to a different value repeating

steps a, b, and c, except at step a set the VOLTAGE
control to the desired overvoltage setting.

2. Refer to Safety instructions (see Section II) and connect
unit to 115V a-c source; refer to Operator manual (see
PAR 1.1) for different source voltage.

3. Set the ATE front panel controls (Figure 1) as follows:

a. Turn CURRENT control fully clockwise.

b. Turn VOLTAGE control fully counterclockwise.

c. Set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to ON.

d. Verify that Voltage MODE indicator is on.

4. Slowly turn VOLTAGE control clockwise and observe a
gradual increase of output voltage. Verify that the
VOLTMETER reads full scale when control is fully
clockwise.

5. Check the overvoltage “crowbar” circuit as follows:

e. Turn A-C POWER switch/circuit breaker to OFF.

6. Place a short circuit across the ATE output terminals.
Turn CURRENT control counterclockwise. Turn the ATE
power to ON. THE CURRENT MODE indicator should
now be on. Slowly turn CURRENT control clockwise
and observe the gradual increase in output current. Ver­ify that the AMMETER reads full scale when the control
is fully clockwise.

7. Set A-C POWER circuit breaker/switch OFF. Remove
the short circuit from the output terminals. This con­cludes the preliminary check-out of the ATE.

3.3. INSTALLING THE POWER SUPPLY.

ATE models are shipped with four plastic feet installed for
benchtop operation. The feet must be removed for rack
mounting. Kepco’s RA 24, RA 32 or RA 37 Rack Adapters
can be used to install these models in a standard 19-inch
rack (installation instructions supplied with rack adapter).

KEPCO, INC.  131-38 SANFORD AVENUE  FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.  TEL [phone]  FAX [phone]

021012 228-1757 3

http://www.kepcopower.com  email: [e-mail]

3.4. CONNECTIONS. Connections are made using the rear panel terminations (see Figure 3).

3.4.1. LOAD CONNECTION, GENERAL. Connect the load between –OUT and +OUT output power terminals at the rear panel (see Figure 3. Sense connections are

required, either local or remote, must be used; other­wise the unit will not operate.

See PAR. 3.4.2 for local sensing, see PAR. 3.4.3 for
remote sensing. Refer to the full Operator Manual (see
PAR. 1.1) if step changes in the load are expected if, for
example, the load is rapidly changing in value, or if the
power supply is programmed with step functions (square
wave, pulse, etc.) and maximum dynamic performance is
expected. If so, set the unit to “fast” mode by referring to
the full Operator Manual (see PAR. 1.1). Note that ripple
in “fast” mode will be higher than for the default “slow”
mode.

Terminals on the programming connector at the rear panel
and on the barrier strip (TB201) permit maximum flexibility
in power supply/load interface techniques. The program­ming connector supplied has been pre-wired with jumpers
configured for front panel (local) control of output voltage,
output current and VP crowbar level with the power supply
operating in the “slow” mode.

1/4 Rack

50W, 100W

1/2 Rack

250W

The rear programming connector MUST be installed for
power supply to operate.

To configure the programming connector to allow remote
programming of the power supply, “fast mode,” or to use a
user-configured unwired PC 12 programming connector
(or to modify the programming connector supplied), refer
to the full Operator Manual (see PAR. 1.1). If the program­ming connector jumper configuration has been altered,
make sure that all wires are properly soldered: loose con-

nections at the programming connector will cause the
power supply to malfunction.

3.4.2. LOAD CONNECTION, LOCAL SENSING. Figure

2 illustrates load connection using local sensing. Refer to
the full Operator Manual for load wire selection guidelines.
The output power leads should be twisted or tied together
to reduce EMI.

3/4 Rack

500W,

Full Rack

1000W

FIGURE 2. LOCAL SENSING

KEPCO, INC.  131-38 SANFORD AVENUE  FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.  TEL [phone]  FAX [phone]

4 228-1757 021012

http://www.kepcopower.com  email: [e-mail]

1/4 Rack

50W, 100W

1/2 Rack

250W

3/4 Rack

500W

Full Rack

1000W

FIGURE 3. REAR PANEL TERMINATIONS

KEPCO, INC.  131-38 SANFORD AVENUE  FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.  TEL [phone]  FAX [phone]

021012 228-1757 5

http://www.kepcopower.com  email: [e-mail]

3.4.3. LOAD CONNECTION, REMOTE SENSING. To avoid excessive output effects at remote loads, remote error sensing must be used (Kelvin connection). A pair of wires (twisted to reduce EMI) connected from the sensing terminals directly to the load will compensate for load wire voltage drops up to 0.5 volt per wire (refer to Figure 3. 3-

4). Observe polarities: the negative sensing wire must go
to the negative load wire, and the positive sensing wire
goes to the positive load wire.

For large capacitive loads with long wire runs, refer to the
full Operator Manual for techniques used to reduce low
frequency oscillations observed at the load.

3.4.4. INPUT A-C CONNECTIONS. Install the line cord (supplied) at the rear panel and connect to 115V a-c, 60Hz (105V to 125V a-c, 50 to 65Hz) mains. Refer to the full Operator Manual for operation at 104V a-c, 208V a-c or 230V a-c (see PAR. 1.1).A-C Safety Ground.

The power supply is equipped with a 3-wire safety line
cord and polarized plug. The third (green) wire in the line
cord is connected to the chassis and the case of the unit.
If a 2-terminal receptacle in combination with an adapter is
used, it is imperative that the chassis of the power supply
be returned to a-c ground with a separate lead. A ground­ing terminal is provided (at the rear barrier strip) for this
purpose.

supply. If the internal signal ground is not desired, the con­nection to the chassis can be opened (see full Operator
Manual).

1/4 Rack

50W, 100W

1/2 Rack

500W

3.4.5. ISOLATION FROM GROUND. The d-c output is

isolated from the a-c source and from any direct connec­tion to chassis or ground. The maximum output voltage
that can be supported between either output terminals
and ground or chassis is 500V (d-c or peak), plus the
maximum output voltage of the power supply. Either side
of the output may be grounded.

The common mode current (leakage from output to
ground) Is less than 5
power input, 60 Hz. To avoid common mode current from
affecting the ATE output, the system (including the pro­gramming device, if used, load, and ATE) must have a
single connection to ground (earth ground). The d-c
ground wire must be rated for the nominal output current
of the ATE (e.g, for ATE 6-10M, use rating of 10A).

Multiple signal grounds in the system may cause “ground­loop” problems, since noise signals develop across the
impedances between the multiple ground points. The
exact physical location of the “best” single ground point
must be carefully selected for minimum ripple/noise out­put.

NOTE: A resistor/capacitor network is connected from the
negative output terminal to the metal chassis of the power

µA (rms) or 50 µA (p-p) at 115V a-c

3/4 Rack

500W,

Full Rack

1000W

FIGURE 4. REMOTE SENSING

3.5. COOLING. The components in the ATE power supply rely on forced air cooling. SIDE PANEL OPEN­INGS AND THE TOP OF THE CASE MUST BE KEPT CLEAR FROM ALL OBSTRUCTIONS TO ENSURE AIR CIRCULATION. Periodic cleaning of the interior of the power supply is recommended. If the ATE is rack­mounted or installed into confined spaces, care must be taken that the ambient temperature (the temperature immediately surrounding the power supply) does not rise above 65°C (~149°F).

KEPCO, INC.  131-38 SANFORD AVENUE  FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.  TEL [phone]  FAX [phone]

6 228-1757 021012

http://www.kepcopower.com  email: [e-mail]

IV — OPERATION

Turn the unit on using the front panel a-c power ON/OFF
switch/circuit breaker (see Figure 1). CAUTION: DO NOT

repeatedly toggle the ON/OFF switch as this may
cause unit to fault. If actuator does not lock when

released, wait a few seconds before trying again. The cir­cuit breaker is “trip-free;” if overload exists, contacts cannot
be held closed by actuator.

NOTE: Rear programming connector (supplied) must

be installed to enable local control of the unit.

The ATE power supply is delivered for “slow mode” opera­tion (see PAR. 1.2). Refer to full Operator Manual (see
PAR. 1.1) for converting the ATE power supply to “fast
mode” operation.

4.1. VOLTAGE MODE OPERATION.

1. With a-c power OFF, connect the load to the output ter­minals of the ATE Power Supply in accordance with
safety (Section II), and grounding guidelines (PAR. 3.4).
Always monitor the front panel meters while adjusting
output voltage/current.

2. Turn VOLTAGE control completely counterclockwise
and CURRENT control completely clockwise.

3. Set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to ON.
Verify that voltage MODE indicator is on.

4. Observe front panel VOLTMETER and adjust VOLT­AGE control to the desired output voltage level. Set a-c
power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to OFF.

5. Turn CURRENT control completely counterclockwise.

4.2. CURRENT MODE OPERATION.

1. Before connecting the load to the power supply output
terminals, set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker
to ON. Verify that VOLTAGE MODE indicator is on.

2. Observe the front panel VOLTMETER and adjust the
VOLTAGE control to the required compliance (output
voltage) level.

3. Set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to OFF.
and connect a short circuit to the output terminals of the
ATE.

4. Set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to ON.

5. Observe the front panel CURRENT meter and adjust
CURRENT control to the desired value. Verify that
CURRENT MODE indicator goes on to indicate that the
power supply is in the current mode of operation.

6. Set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to OFF.

7. Remove the short circuit, then connect the load to the
output terminals of the ATE Power Supply in accor­dance with safety (Section II), and grounding guidelines
(PAR. 3.4).

8. Set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to ON. If
the ATE does not enter the current mode (as indicated
by the front panel CURRENT MODE indicator), the load
resistance (R

) is too high. Either 1) decrease RL, 2)

L

increase VOLTAGE control setting, or 3) decrease
CURRENT control setting. The ATE is now ready for
operation.

6. Apply a short circuit across the output terminals of the
ATE Power Supply.

4.3. OVERVOLTAGE CROWBAR, SETUP AND CHECK The overvoltage crowbar circuit protects the load

from momentary or long-term overvoltages. The crowbar

7. Set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to ON.
Verify that current MODE indicator is on.

SCR conducts across the power supply output, and the a-c
power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker trips if such overvolt­ages occur. The setting of the front panel LEVEL control

8. Observe front panel CURRENT meter and adjust CUR­RENT control to the required load current value, plus
2% of the rated current. In voltage mode operation, this

determines the threshold between the actual operating
voltage of the power supply and the level at which the
crowbar circuit will be activated.

setting will determine the voltage/current “crossover”
point.

The LEVEL control can be set from 3 volts to 110% of the
rated output voltage. The LEVEL control may be adjusted

9. Set a-c power ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to OFF.

10.Remove the short circuit from the output terminals. The
power supply is now ready for operation.

KEPCO, INC.  131-38 SANFORD AVENUE  FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.  TEL [phone]  FAX [phone]

http://www.kepcopower.com  email: [e-mail]

021012 228-1757 7

very close to the operating voltage (minimum threshold =
2% of rated output voltage or 0.5 volt, whichever is
greater). The operation of the crowbar circuit can be
checked without actually triggering the crowbar.

1. With the load disconnected from the power supply turn
SET LEVEL control fully clockwise and set a-c power
ON/OFF switch/circuit breaker to ON.

NOTE: If an exact crowbar point at a remote load must be

established, remote error sensing, must be used
(see PAR 3.4).

2. Observe front panel VOLTMETER and set VOLTAGE
control to desired value at which crowbar must trigger
(NOT to the actual operating voltage).

3. Depress the DISARM button (and keep it depressed)
while turning the crowbar SET LEVEL control counter­clockwise, until the SET LEVEL indicator goes on (sim­ulated crowbar action).

4. Turn VOLTAGE control slightly counterclockwise to the
actual operating voltage and release the DISARM but­ton. NOTE: This adjustment establishes the threshold
i.e., the difference voltage between the output voltage
and the voltage at which the power supply will “crow­bar.” For minimum false triggering use the largest
threshold your load can tolerate.

5. To check the adjusted crowbar trigger level, depress
DISARM push button and turn VOLTAGE control
clockwise. Observe front panel VOLTMETER and note
the voltage at which the crowbar SET LEVEL indicator
goes on. Correct SET LEVEL adjustment as described
above if necessary. Readjustment of the SET LEVEL
control may be required after load and power supply
have reached thermal equilibrium.

6. Reduce power supply output voltage to its operating
value.

4.4. ADDITIONAL FEATURES. The following fea-

tures of the ATE power supply are covered in the full
Operator manual (see PAR. 1.1).

• Remote Programming of the Voltage Control
Channel

• Remote Programming of the Current Control
Channel

• Remote Programming of Crowbar Level

• Automatic Tracking of Crowbar Level

• Use of EXT Current Comparison Amplifier

• Multiple System Control

• Series/Parallel Operation

• Use of Uncommitted Amplifiers and Isolated Flag
Signals

KEPCO, INC.  131-38 SANFORD AVENUE  FLUSHING, NY. 11355 U.S.A.  TEL [phone]  FAX [phone]

http://www.kepcopower.com  email: [e-mail]

8 228-1757 021012