Does a combo PSU/function generator exist?

[jonnyGURU]

Hi guys!

Looking for something that might not exist.  LOL!

I currently use a DC power supply and a separate function generator (simple one that just adjusts duty cycle) to test cooling fans.

I would like to have an all-in-one solution.

Essentially, something that looks like a bench power supply, with the current and voltage knobs and displays, but then an additional knob for duty cycle with a display showing the percentage.

Does such a beast exist?

Working in a cubicle and am just trying to clear up some of the clutter and create better portability.

[tautech]

Welcome to the forum.

Most AWG's can provide a variable DC output at modest current however they don't offer CC to my knowledge.

[mawyatt]

I'm not aware of one of these, but you can create the waveform with just about any AWG and a high current buffer amp. If you want to keep the cost down, the Juntek DPA-1698 provides a dual amp with 40VPP and 1A (not simultaneously) maximum capability limited to 10W max per channel and a 100KHz BW. Of course you can always build a DIY buffer amp for any of the popular AWGs.

Best,

[jonnyGURU]

I'm not aware of one of these, but you can create the waveform with just about any AWG and a high current buffer amp. If you want to keep the cost down, the Juntek DPA-1698 provides a dual amp with 40VPP and 1A (not simultaneously) maximum capability limited to 10W max per channel and a 100KHz BW. Of course you can always build a DIY buffer amp for any of the popular AWGs.

Yeah.  That's actually where I'm at today.  I'm not without a solution.  Just was hoping for an "all in one solution".

[tautech]

How much voltage and current do you want/need, you haven't said. 

[jonnyGURU]

How much voltage and current do you want/need, you haven't said. 

Oh weird.... I actually did type that out, but it's nowhere to be found.

Still trying to get used to this forum format. 

My fans are usually 12V, 1/2 amp at the most. 

[tautech]

Hmmm, a wallwart might be your simplest solution as FG's/AWG's mostly max out at 200mA.
See if you can find an old linear one so to not have a SMPS close to the bench spewing RFI.

[jonnyGURU]

Hmmm, a wallwart might be your simplest solution as FG's/AWG's mostly max out at 200mA.
See if you can find an old linear one so to not have a SMPS close to the bench spewing RFI.

Ha ha.. Yeah.   But I like having the variable voltage output.  If I can reduce the fan's overall curve by reducing the voltage and not just the duty cycle, I can design the fan controller to run at a lower voltage.

Looks like I'm stuck with my two piece kit. 

[james_s]

Seems like a function generator is overkill for this. It's quite a niche instrument, maybe build one yourself? You could start with an inexpensive bench PSU and add the function generator if you want, or just use something like the classic LM317 followed by a PWM stage and put it all in a little box powered by a wall wart.

[yo0]

Something like that? I think you can still find those used at the bay. I know those exist for English and Spanish speaking users

https://articulo.mercadolibre.com.mx/MLM-677282512-multimetro-generador-de-funciones-y-fuente-de-alimentacion-_JM


Best regards.

Pio

[David Aurora]

Look into the Tektronix 500/5000 series modular stuff. I picked up a 6 bay mainframe with a couple plugins years ago just because it was a great deal, then loved it so much it became my most used equipment (and I've bought a handful more plugins since). You could easily have a power supply and function generator together in a mainframe, and even extra stuff like a scope/frequency counter/etc to observe details all in one box.

[Electro Fan]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source_measure_unit

https://www.analog.com/en/analog-dialogue/studentzone/studentzone-december-2017.html#

https://www.tek.com/document/brochure/source-measure-units-save-time-space-and-money-and-make-multiple-measurements

[jonnyGURU]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source_measure_unit

https://www.analog.com/en/analog-dialogue/studentzone/studentzone-december-2017.html#

https://www.tek.com/document/brochure/source-measure-units-save-time-space-and-money-and-make-multiple-measurements

Is this spam?

[Electro Fan]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source_measure_unit

https://www.analog.com/en/analog-dialogue/studentzone/studentzone-december-2017.html#

https://www.tek.com/document/brochure/source-measure-units-save-time-space-and-money-and-make-multiple-measurements

Is this spam?

Why would it be spam?
It answers the question, I think.

https://download.tek.com/document/1KW-61419-0_SourceMeasureUnit_SMU_Save-Time-Space-Money_070918.pdf

[Electro Fan]

PS, nice to bite the new hand that feeds you.

[jonnyGURU]

PS, nice to bite the new hand that feeds you.

Sorry.  Thought it might have been one of those bot posts since there were links with no reply or context.

Like I said, I'm not without the proper equipment.   I can provide power, duty cycle and measure.  I just want to do it all in one device (a power supply that allows adjustment of duty cycle). I didn't see in any of the links where that addressed those needs.

[tautech]

What sort of signals do you require from a FG ?

[Electro Fan]

I think SMU is a search term that might help you find some alternatives for what your are looking for, or at least get you in the vicinity.

[jonnyGURU]

What sort of signals do you require from a FG ?

I provide power and PWM signal to a fan motor.  I adjust the voltage and duty cycle to change the fan's RPM.  That's really it.

[tautech]

What sort of signals do you require from a FG ?

I provide power and PWM signal to a fan motor.  I adjust the voltage and duty cycle to change the fan's RPM.  That's really it.

For other than the fan ?

[jonnyGURU]

What sort of signals do you require from a FG ?

I provide power and PWM signal to a fan motor.  I adjust the voltage and duty cycle to change the fan's RPM.  That's really it.

For other than the fan ?

The fan speed is determined by voltage and duty cycle.  I need to adjust and monitor both.

[tautech]

What sort of signals do you require from a FG ?

I provide power and PWM signal to a fan motor.  I adjust the voltage and duty cycle to change the fan's RPM.  That's really it.

For other than the fan ?

The fan speed is determined by voltage and duty cycle.  I need to adjust and monitor both.

OK it might be outside the capability of a programmable PSU....just a thought a 3ch PSU might give you options for the supply and the DC if it wasn't too fast.

[Electro Fan]

So this might be similar to what you have?

https://www.amazon.com/6-30V-CONTROLLER-DIGITAL-DISPLAY-SWITCH/dp/B016FHHGSU

So you would ideally have this in a lower power version / the power supply and maybe 2 more meters (for current and voltage) all in one box?

[jonnyGURU]

So this might be similar to what you have?

https://www.amazon.com/6-30V-CONTROLLER-DIGITAL-DISPLAY-SWITCH/dp/B016FHHGSU

So you would ideally have this in a lower power version / the power supply and maybe 2 more meters (for current and voltage) all in one box?

That's a pretty cheap version (mine's all integrated into a "box") but that's the gist of it.

So yeah.. add that to a power supply (fully integrated) and I'm good to go.

[Keysight DanielBogdanoff]

It's not cheap, but something like a "power analyzer" might fit the bill.

https://www.keysight.com/en/pc-1113932/dc-power-analyzer?cc=US&lc=eng

It's basically a modular power supply, but you get a scope and some other goodies with it.