AMETEK launches Asterion™ power platform

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AMETEK programmable power has introduced a new AC and DC power platform which pushes the limits of power density, performance and ease of use.

AMETEK's initial platform launch is for its California Instruments Asterion™ AC Power Source, available in 500VA, 750VA and 1500VA power levels, all in 1u rack format. At the heart of the system is AMETEKs new iX2™ current doubling technology which increases the available output current as the output voltage is decreased, allowing it to maintain maximum power through its voltage range.

Other benefits include auto-paralleling and Clock/Lock which enable the use of multiple units in order to achieve higher output power and multi-phase configurations.  Users can combine up to six units to achieve 9kVA per phase of output power.  One unit becomes the master while the rest serve as auxiliary units.  System setup can be accomplished using a single front panel or digital interface.  Multi-phase systems can be configured for split-phase, three-phase, or even higher phase count requirements.

An additional advantage of the scalability is that users can purchase only the power they need today, and easily add more power and/or phases later as required, protecting the initial investment and allowing capital spending to be deferred until needed.

Asterion's power performance specifications are also impressive, offering wide AC and DC output voltage ranges with an accuracy of ±0.2% from DC to 1kHz.  Load and line regulation are ±0.025% and ±0.015% respectively. 

Test engineers will appreciate the Asterion's ease of use which is based on a new touch screen user interface developed specifically for the platform.  The hardware can also be ordered without the front panel display at a significant saving, which is of particular benefit for ATE systems and when the units are used as slaves in a multiple device system. The units are equipped with LAN, USB and RS-232 as standard and an optional GPIB interface is available.  "Virtual Panel" control GUI software is offered with the instrument and makes it easy to set up and operate a system interactively from a computer.  Drivers are also included to make it simple to integrate the units into existing or new built ATE systems.  The Asterion's initial series launch also includes, as an option, a complete avionics test suite.

For more information, please refer to the links below, call us on 01480 412451 or contact us using a webform.

 

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