Programmable Power Supplies PMBus and CANBus Applications

MEAN WELL RPB and DRP Series

Power supplies have had precise differences between generations, from rotary phones to smartphones, from traditional fuel vehicles to digitally controlled electric vehicles. In general, power supply management, including function control and status monitoring, is accomplished through three common methods.

To begin, output voltage programming is a feature that allows a user to change the output voltage of a power supply using an external DC source. Second, the most common method of displaying status is through the use of LED indicators. Third, the Power Good signal informs the user or controller that the output voltage of the power supply is ready. The preceding examples may meet the requirements of the majority of applications, but not in every case. With the advancement of modern technology and automation, the traditional method no longer meets the needs of users, who now need to process more information about the products at the same time.

Programmable Power Supplies

The Power Management Bus (PMBus) communicates via commands using two bidirectional lines, Serial Data Line (SDA) and Serial Clock Line (SCL), which means it only requires three signal wires (including a GND wire) connected between devices. For example, to achieve system control and monitoring with multiple power supplies, a controller unit (master) can communicate with each power supply (slave) via the bus. This method reduces the volume of control and signal wirings significantly, resulting in a lower incidence of circuitry failure, increased system controllability, and simplified installation. PMBus has been used in a variety of fields, including industrial automation and telecommunications.

Advantage: Because the protocol is open, developers can easily incorporate PMBus into their systems.

Disadvantage: Low immunity to electrical interference, making it only suitable for short-distance communication.

Programmable Power Supplies PMBus

PMBus - Protocol Interface: SMBus 1.1 | Version PMBus 1.1 | Bus Speeds: 100KHz

The controller area network (CANBus), which employs the differential signaling method (CANH and CANL), was designed initially for the automotive industry to replace complex wiring. CANBus is becoming more popular in a variety of industries, including manufacturing and automation systems, due to its high immunity to electrical interference and ability to self-diagnose and repair data errors.

Advantage: Excellent resistance to electrical interference.

Disadvantage: MEAN WELL defines a portion of the protocol; modifications may be required when implementing to the end system.

Programmable Power Supplies CANBus

CANBus - Physical Layer: 11898 | Data Link Layer: CAN2.0B | MEAN WELL Application Layer: Baud Rates: 250Kbps

Application: Automatic Guided Vehicle - PMBus

Model : RPB-1600-48

Programmable Power Supplies Charging Station

Two RPB-1600-48 are installed in parallel in the charging station of the Automatic Guided Vehicle in the logistics warehouse for this application. When the truck returns to the charging station, the system will detect the port's connection status and turn on the charger to charge the battery via PMBus. The system will also select the appropriate charging current to charge the truck's six battery packs via PMBus and will communicate charging information and power status.

Application: National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center - CANBus

Model: DRP-3200-48 (Optional CANBus)

Programmable Power Supplies Power System

In this case of the 96kW project, multiple sets of the high-power power supply system are used. The power system output is used to power the solid-state Radio Frequency Power Amplifier clusters, which generate high-frequency energy for boosting electrons to nearly light speed. To match the RF power required by the storage ring and achieve the best power efficiency, the power system's output voltage must be adjustable between 42Vdc and 54Vdc modulation range for each operating point with a specific RF power level.

Programmable power supplies with communication function not only makes complex control and monitoring simple, they all are suitable for applications requiring intelligent control and monitoring.

These models are suitable for various applications, including RSP-1600/RSP-2000 and DPU-3200 for general applications, RCP-1600/RCP-2000 and DRP-3200 for cabinet applications, and UHP-1500/UHP-2500, PHP-3500/PHP-3500-HV for fan-less or water-cooled applications.

Contact us today to discuss for more information. Send an email to [email protected] or call
1-800-794-9100 to request product samples and quote requests.

Learn more about MEAN WELL Power Supplies

MEAN WELL is the industry leader in the production of conventional AC/DC power supplies, LED drivers, DC/DC converters, and DC/AC inverters. As an industry pioneer, their products are renowned for their superior quality, dependability, and efficiency. Product copy and images provided by MEAN WELL.