Programmable ac power sources now include 18-kVA model

The Asterion 12K3 supplies ac and dc output power up to 12,000 VA or 12,000 W, and the Asterion 18K3 supplies up to 18,000 VA or 18,000 W. Both units come in a 14U chassis and can supply single- or three-phase output power.

Like the lower-power 1U, 2U and 4U models, Asterion Models 12K3 and 18K3 offer a compelling combination of intelligence, performance, and modularity that make them the most adaptable and affordable platform available today.

The key to the Asterion line’s outstanding performance is AMETEK Programmable Power’s iX2 current-doubling technology. With iX2, as the output voltage decreases from the maximum value to one-half the maximum value, the available output current increases up to two times the rated output current.

This allows Asterion to maintain maximum power through the widest range of voltages. As a result, the iX2’s current-doubling technology eliminates the need to buy multiple sources or overpowered sources to run tests at different voltage levels, such as when performing low line voltage testing. Furthermore, Asterion offers wide ac and dc output voltage ranges up to 400 Vac and 500 Vdc.

AMETEK Programmable Power stands behind the quality and reliability of the Asterion™ line of AC/DC power sources. To provide this assurance, the entire Asterion AC family now comes protected by an industry-leading five-year warranty to match the same warranty length on all Asterion™ DC power supplies as well.

Other unique Asterion benefits include Auto-Paralleling and Clock/Lock. With auto-paralleling, users can combine up to six units to achieve 36 kVA of output power. One unit becomes the master while the rest serve as auxiliary units. The clock/lock feature allows users to easily configure multi-phase systems, such as split-phase, three-phase, or even higher phase count systems.

This allows users to purchase only the power they need and easily add more as required. That scalability, along with the ability to easily expand, helps protect the value of the user’s initial investment and allows additional capital spending to be deferred until needed.

In addition, test engineers will appreciate the Asterion AC source’s ease of use. AMETEK Programmable Power developed an entirely new user interface for this platform. The intuitive, touch-screen interface — which is not available on other AC sources — allows users to quickly and easily set up the source and run tests. The Asterion offers a complete avionics test suite as an option, with a programmable frequency between 16 Hz and 5 kHz.

This powerful set of features allows Asterion to be used in both the lab and in ATE systems. If the Asterion is used as part of an ATE system, test engineers can order it without a front panel, which offers significant savings.

Asterion comes with standard LXI LAN, USB, and RS-232 interfaces. An optional GPIB interface is also available. Intuitive Virtual Panels control GUI software comes bundled with the instrument for easy remote control from a computer. Included drivers allow test engineers to quickly integrate the unit into ATE systems.

AMETEK, 1100 Cassatt Rd, Berywn, Pennsylvania 19312, www.powerandtest.com