Also called as Bench Power Supplies, a Variable DC Power Supplies has become a lot more affordable now-a-days. This is important, especially if you are a beginner, who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on them. That is why we decided to make a list of some of the Best DC Power Supplies you can buy online that benefits beginners, electronic aspirants, engineers and lab technicians. Making a list of the best power supply is a tough job as you mainly consider the price tag and quality factor to deal with. Ideally speaking, the product features should be your top priority. Here I’ve provided a “Buying Guide’ for the DC power supply. Read on to know more!
Best DC Power Supply 2023
Best DC Power Supply Reviews
1. Kungber SPS305 DC Power Supply
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Check Price On Walmart The first power supply in our list and if you are looking for a reliable yet affordable DC Power Supply, then you should definitely consider the Kungber SPS305 DC Power Supply. It is a switching DC power supply with output voltage adjustable from 0 – 30V and output current adjustable from 0 – 5A. There are other variations as well such as 30V / 10A, 60V / 5A and 120V / 3A. There are four dials for adjusting voltage and current with separate knobs for fine and coarse values. The power supply supports both CV and CC mode with automatic conversion between modes. The display module consists of three sets of 4-digit LED display to display Voltage (with a resolution of 0.01V), current (with a resolution of 0.001A) and power (with a resolution of 0.1W). The on/off switch is located at the back. Output ports consists of positive, negative and earth terminals. Additionally, there is a 5V / 2A USB Port using which you can charge different device or provide power supply to Arduino or ESP32. In terms of safety, the Kungber Power Supply consist of temperature controlled fan, over voltage, power overload, short-circuit protection and a 5A input fuse. Some important specifications of this power supply are:
Input AC Voltage: 110V 60Hz Output DC Voltage: 0 – 30V Output DC Current: 0 – 5A Line Regulation: Voltage ≤ 0.1% + 3mV, Current ≤ 0.2% + 3mA Load Regulation: Voltage ≤ 0.5% + 3mV, Current ≤ 0.2% + 3mA Output Ripple and Noise: Voltage ≤ 30mV RMS, Current ≤ 20mA RMS Working conditions: Temperature 32°F to 104°F, Relative humidity < 80%
Contents of the kit are:
Kingber SPS305 Power Supply Power Cord Test Leads User Manual
A lightweight (< 3 lbs.), affordable and a reliable power supply with unique display (power consumption of the load) and USB Charging Port. Highlights:
0 – 30V and 0 – 5A Adjustable Switching Power Supply 5V / 2A USB Port Displays Power Consumption of the Load as well Very light weight < 3 lbs. Suitable for hobbyist, beginner, students and even professionals
2. Tekpower Variable DC Power Supply
Check Price On Walmart The second power supply in our list is from a company called Tekpower, which manufacturers budget multimeters, power supplies and other test equipment. Tekpower TP3005T is a variable DC Power Supply with voltage range from 0 to 30V and current from 0 to 5A. The setup and read back resolution is 10mV (0.01V) for voltage and 1mA (0.001A) for current. An important specification of this power supply is that this is a Transformer based Linear Power Supply, which means it has low output ripple (noise) when compared to a switching power supply. This is important if you are working on sensitive components and devices, especially in R & D centers, research institutes, labs and other industrial use. Like any bench power supply, you can operate this either in Constant Voltage (CV) mode or Constant Current (CC) mode. Do refer to the provided user manual on how to set up output voltage or constant current. There are a couple of protection mechanisms for added safety such as Over Current Protection and Over Heating Protection. A temperature sensor based cooling fan helps radiate the heat from the power supply. Coming to the user interface, there are couple of seven segment displays for voltmeter and ammeter, indicators for CC, CV, OCP modes, couple of dials for voltage and current adjustment, output terminals (positive, negative and earth (ground)) and an on/off switch. Some important specifications of this power supply are:
Output DC Voltage: 0 – 30V Output DC Current: 0 – 5A Input AC Voltage: 110V @ 60Hz Adjustable voltage and current with a resolution of 10mV and 1mA Line Regulation: CV < 0.01% + 3mV, CC < 0.2% + 6mA Load Regulation: CV < 0.01% + 3mV, CC < 0.2% + 3mA Output ripple and noise: CV < 1 mV RMS, CC < 3 mA RMS Protection features: OCP and temperature sensor based cooling fan Operating Conditions: Temperature 32°F – 102°F and Relative Humidity < 80% Accuracy of LCD: ±2.5%
The contents of the package are:
Power Supply (TP3005T) Power cord 28” long test leads with alligator clips User Manual
Overall, the performance of Tekpower TP3005T Power Supply is great. If you are looking for a low-cost linear power supply, then this is one of the affordable options (a little bit expensive, if you consider an equivalent switching power supply). But if you are looking for a switching power supply, then continue browsing the list. Highlights:
Linear Variable DC Power Supply Adjustable voltage and current Low output ripple and noise 1-year manufacturer warranty Heavy at 12 lbs. (due to transformer) Expensive if you look at other switching power supplies Affordable in terms of linear power supplies
3. Eventek Digital Switching Power Supply
Check Price On eBay Eventek is another smalltime player that manufacturers good quality digital test and measuring equipment such as Multimeters, Clamp Meters, Power Supplies and Thermometers. The Eventek KPS305D is an affordable power supply with adjustable output voltage from 0 – 30V and output current from 0 – 5A. It is a switching power supply, so the efficiency figures are high at ≥ 89% and weighs very little at only 3.2 lbs. (as there is no mains transformer). There are totally four dials, two for voltage (separate dials for fine and coarse adjustment) and two for current adjustment. It supports both CV and CC mode and automatically converts from one mode to other depending on the usage. Apart from the knobs, there is a voltmeter and ammeter with a display resolution of 0.1V and 0.01A respectively. There are also indicators for CC and CV mode, a rocker style on/off switch and only positive and negative output ports (no earth (ground) port). There are multiple protection features such as: temperature sensor based cooling fan, over current protection, over voltage protection and short-circuit protection. Following are some of the important specifications of Eventek KPS305D Power Supply:
Output DC Voltage: 0 – 30V Output DC Current: 0 – 5A Line Regulation: CV < 0.01% + 3mV, CC < 0.2% + 6mA Load Regulation: CV < 0.1% + 1mV, CC < 0.1% + 3mA Output Ripple and noise: CV < 1 mV RMS, CC < 3 mA RMS
The contents of this power supply package are:
Eventek Power supply (KPS305D) Two Test Leads Input power cord A user-guide
If you are looking for an affordable switching power supply, then you can definitely consider the Eventek KPS305D. It is suitable for beginners, schools and training institutes. Highlights:
Affordable Switching type Variable Power Supply Lightweight (only 3.2 lbs.) Multiple protections 30 days money back offer and 12 months of limited guarantee
4. KAIWEETS DC Power Supply
KAIWEETS is a new brand in the market but its products have become a popular choice among the customers. Their DC power supply is specially designed for electronic maintenance, schools, scientific research, product development, and laboratories. It has output voltage of 0-30V and output current of 0-10A. It also comes with an adjustable power supply to charge the equipment you want to repair. With a large LED display, you can easily check the readings even in dim lighting conditions. This product is compact and light in weight. So, you can carry it anywhere you want without any strain. When it comes to safety, this power supply conforms to RoHs and CE-Marking. Key specifications of this power supply
Input AC Voltage: Switchable between 110V±10%/60Hz Output DC Voltage: 0 – 30V Output DC Current: 0-10A Line Regulation: Voltage ≤0.1%+10mV, Current ≤0.1%+10mA Load Regulation: Voltage ≤0.1%+5mV, Current ≤0.1%+10mA Output Ripple: ≤20mV r.m.s
Following are the contents of the package:
DC power supply Power cord User manual
This DC power supply comes with 36-month after sales service and lifetime technical support. Highlights:
Compact and portable Multiple protections Elastic handle 5V/2A USB Interface Large display Easy to operate
Buy Now From Kaiweets
5. NICE-POWER SPS3010 Variable DC Power Supply
Check Price On Walmart Another new player in the field of variable DC Power Supplies is a brand called NICE-POWER. The NICE-POWER SPS3010 Variable DC Power Supply is a switching power supply, which can be adjusted from 0 – 30V and 0 – 10A. It is a very affordable power supply considering these values. Front Panel is very simple with a couple of 3-digit LED display for voltmeter and ammeter. But the resolution (both setup and read back) is 0.1V and 0.01A, which is not that great if you want a very precise adjustment. There are couple of knobs for voltage and current adjustment along with a on/off switch. Output ports consists of positive, negative and earth. Additionally, there is a 5V / 2A USB port, which is an added feature if you want to charge you phone or power circuit boards. Protection wise, there is a temperature controlled cooling fan, over current, over voltage and short-circuit protection. The following are some key specifications of this NICE-POWER power supply:
Input AC Voltage: 110V 60Hz Output DC Voltage: 0 – 30V Output DC Current: 0 – 10A Line Regulation: Voltage ≤ 1% + 10mV Load Regulation: Voltage ≤ 1% + 10mV Output Ripple and Noise: Voltage ≤ 1% Peak-to-Peak Operating Conditions: Temperature 14°F – 113°F and Relative Humidity < 90%
Following are the contents of the package:
DC Power Supply Power Cord 2 x Test Leads User Manual
It is a low-cost DC Power supply with not that accurate values. Suitable for beginners, who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money but still get a reliable power supply. Highlights:
0 – 30V and 0 – 10A Adjustable Power Supply Switching type variable power supply Only three-digit readings USB with 5V and 2A Doesn’t have a fine resolution
6. Yescom DC power supply
Check Price On Walmart Yescom USA, started as a retailer for cell phone accessories, now contains a wide portfolio of products ranging from home and garden supplies to electronics. The Yescom Adjustable Switching Power Supply has 0 – 30V of output voltage and 0 – 10A of output current adjustment. Yes, with a maximum of 30V and 10A, this power supply can provide 300W of continuous power with both CC and CV modes. Aided by several protection features such as over voltage, over current and over temperature protection (with temperature sensor based cooling fan), you can use this power supply at full load for a long time without any interruptions. Coming to the user interface, the front panel consists of three-digit voltmeter and ammeter with a display resolution of 0.1V and 0.1A respectively. There are also four knobs, two each for fine and coarse adjustments for voltage and current. Apart from these, there are indicators for CV and CC mode, on/off switch and three output ports (positive, negative and earth). Let us see some important specifications of this power supply:
Output DC Voltage: 0 – 30V Output DC Current: 0 – 10A Input AC Voltage: 110V at 60Hz Line Regulation: Voltage ≤ 0.05% + 1mV, Current ≤ 0.1% + 10mA Load Regulation: CV ≤ 0.1% + 1mV, CC ≤ 0.1% + 10mA Output Ripple and Noise: CV ≤ 10mV RMS), CC ≤ 20mA RMS Working conditions: Temperature 14°F to 104°F, Relative humidity < 80%
The package contains the following components:
DC Power Supply Power cord Test leads User manual
This is yet another affordable switching power supply with a current range up to 10A. If you don’t want this high range, then you can choose the even low cost 5A variant. Highlights:
0 – 30V and 0 – 10A adjustable power supply Multiple protections for long duration usage Very low-quality test leads
7. KORAD DC linear digital power supply
Check Price On ebay Korad Technology is a company dedicated for developing all kinds of Power Supplies and Electronic Loads (Programmable, High-power, Switching, Linear, etc.). The KORAD KD3005D is yet another linear variable power supply in the list, where the output voltage is adjustable from 0 – 30V and output current is adjustable from 0 – 5A. it supports both CV and CC modes. Front panel consists of two 4-digit LED display one each for voltmeter and ammeter with a setup and readback resolution of 10mV and 1mA respectively. There are couple of rotary encoders for voltage and current adjustment with fine and coarse integrated into a single knob. Apart from these, there are indicators for OCP, CV, CC, on/ off switch and three output terminals (positive, negative and earth). As far as protection is concerned, there is a temperature controlled cooling fan, over voltage and over current protection and short circuit protection. Key specifications of this power supply are:
Input AC Voltage: Switchable between 220V 50 Hz and 110V 60Hz Output DC Voltage: 0 – 30V Output DC Current: 0 – 5A Line Regulation: Voltage ≤ 0.01% + 2mV, Current ≤ 0.1% + 5mA Load Regulation: Voltage ≤ 0.01% + 3mV, Current ≤ 0.1% + 3mA Output Ripple: Voltage ≤ 2mV RMS, Current ≤ 3mA RMS Operating Conditions: Temperature 32°F – 102°F and Relative Humidity < 80%
Contents of the package are:
KD3005D Power Supply Power Cord Test lead User Manual
This is an alternative to the Tekpower Linear power supply mentioned before. Compare the specifications and choose the suitable one, if you are interested in a linear variable power supply. Highlights:
0 – 30V and 0 – 5A adjustable Linear Power Supply 2-Year warranty A little bit heavy at 9.5 lbs. Slightly expensive
8. Dr. meter PS305DM Adjustable DC Power Supply
Check Price On eBay Dr. meter is slowly starting to be a reliable manufacturer of different meters (PH Meter, Multimeter, Light Meter and Wood Moisture Meter) and Power Supplies. The Dr. meter PS305DM is an affordable Linear Adjustable DC Power supply. The output voltage can be adjusted from 0 – 30V and the output current can be adjusted from 0 – 5A. There are a couple of 3-digit LED displays for voltmeter and ammeter with a resolution of 0.1V and 0.01A. Additionally, if the load current is less than 1A, the ammeter automatically displays the current in mA. There are also indicators for CV and CC modes. For adjusting voltage and current, there are four knobs with separate knobs for fine and coarse adjustment. There is an on/off switch and an output start/stop switch. Output ports has three terminals for positive, negative and earth. As this is a linear power supply, it contains a transformer, which is a heavy component and increases the overall weight of the unit. The handle on top allows you to easily carry it, if you wish to. Some important specifications of this power supply are:
Input AC Voltage: 220V 50Hz or 110V 60 Hz (selectable switch on the back) Output DC Voltage: 0 – 30V Output DC Current: 0 – 5A Line Regulation: Voltage < 0.01% + 3mV, Current < 0.2% + 3mA Load Regulation: Voltage < 0.01% + 3mV or 5mV (depending on max. current), Current < 0.2% + 3mA Output Ripple and Noise: Voltage < 0.5mV RMS or 1mV RMS (depending on max. current), Current < 3mA RMS Operating Conditions: Temperature 32°F – 102°F and Relative Humidity < 80%
The contents of the package are:
DC Power Supply Power Cord Test Lead User Manual
If you are looking for a low output noise Linear Power Supply at low-cost, then the Dr. meter power supply is definitely a good choice. Highlights:
0 – 30V and 0 – 5A Adjustable Linear Power Supply Easy-to-carry Handle Automatic conversion between mA and A 12-months warranty Suitable for scientific, R & D, sensitive electronics and communication applications
What is a DC Power Supply? Why do we Need It?
As the name suggests, a DC Power Supply is an electrical device capable of providing DC Voltage to a device under test (DUT), which is often a circuit board or an electronic product. Almost all small-scale electronics and appliances work on DC Power Supply, either from a battery or from an AC to DC adapter. So, while testing a component or a circuit, an engineer must be able to provide the right kind of power to the device under test to verify its working and performance. Engineer can easily set a specific voltage (as per the requirements of the DUT) using a Variable / Adjustable DC Power Supply and apply it to the circuit or device. As each circuit, component or device has unique power supply requirements, it is a feasible option to use a DC Power supply that allows us to set a specific voltage very easily.
What are the Different Types of DC Power Supplies?
Adjustable / Variable Power supply comes quite handy in testing situations and therefore power supply has emerged as an important piece of electronic equipment. So, let us have a look at the different types of DC power supplies that are commonly used for maintenance, development, testing and measurement. Basically, there are two types of DC Power Supplies. They are:
Linear Power Supplies Switching Power Supplies (also known as Switch Mode Power Supply or SMPS)
A Linear Power Supply consists of a transformer, which steps down the AC Mains voltage to a small value. This small AC voltage is then rectified and regulated to a clean DC Power Supply. A Switching Power Supply on the hand is a lot more complex than a simple linear power supply. The AC mains voltage is converted to high-frequency pulses using a “switching” transistor. The high-frequency AC is then stepped down and rectified to produce a DC Voltage.
What are the Features of Variable DC Power Supplies?
Constant Current/ Voltage
Constant current / voltage power supply as per the name says provides constant current as well as constant voltage. Besides, it is considered to be an important feature of a DC power supply. The main reason for using an adjustable DC Power Supply is that you can set the desired voltage and the maximum current for the load. If the load requires more current than the set current, the power supply enters a CC or Constant Current Mode, where the output current remains at the set current but there will be a drop in the voltage. If the load requires a current which is less than the set current, then the power supply will be in a CV or Constant Voltage Mode. Here, the set voltage remains a constant value and the current depends on the load.
Multiple Output Ports
Some power supplies consist of 2-3 power outputs. If you are someone who uses multiple voltages while you are testing different circuits, then a multiple output power supply can be a perfect choice for you. A number of users choose a double / triple output power supply where one output is connected to a digital logic output while other outputs for analog circuitry. Some of the features that you will find in multiple output power supply are settable Voltage limitations, timed operations, storage registers and connectivity of two channels in series for higher voltage or current.
Programmable
Programmable power supplies are commonly known as system power supplies and they are generally used hand-in-hand alongside computer-operated system for testing and production. A number of computer interfaces are used by system power supplies such as GPIB, IEEE-488, RS-232 serial communications, USB interfaces, and Ethernet. Also, the following type of power supplies use certain command languages through which instructions are sent to the instrument via the digital interface. Some of the language that are used are SCPI-like, proprietary and SCPI. This type of power supply is quite useful while you are working on complex setups as it has the ability to control the programmable power supply through the computer. Hence, you won’t have to push keys in the front panel of the instrument.
Unregulated vs Regulated DC Power Supply – What is the difference?
Unregulated DC Power Supply
Unregulated power supplies are those Power Supplies whose output voltage is not regulated i.e., it changes with the input. A simple unregulated power supply consists of a step-down transformer (to bring down AC main to, say, 12V), a diode and a capacitor (an example of a half-wave unregulated power supply). An Unregulated Power Supply can provide a constant output power but the output voltage and current may change (if voltage increases, the current decreases and vice-versa). Most modern DC Power Supplies are Regulated and unregulated power supplies are a used only in some special applications.
Regulated DC Power Supply
A lot of modern DC power supply doesn’t work out the way like we have mentioned above. So, any consumer electronics that you would buy these days would have a regulated DC power supply. A regulated DC power supply has the ability to produce a clean, stable and constant output voltage, irrespective of the input. Besides this, it has additional circuitry through which the output voltage can be tweaked down and up. This is perhaps done to compensate the variations of the input voltage as well as the variations in current due to load.
Factors to Consider before Purchasing a DC Power Supply?
You will find a number of DC power supply device available in the market but not each of them might be suitable for you. So, we would be covering some of the major considerations that you would need to keep in mind. Let us discuss:-
Accuracy
It is perhaps the most important factor that you should consider before purchasing the best DC power supply in 2023. Technically, it is defined as the extent at which the result of a calculation, measurement and specification matches to the correct standard or value. Besides this, it also determines the power supply performance by closely matching to the theoretical value. In general, the accuracy value are obtained by the quality of the regulation process and the conversion. Both current settings and voltage have accuracy specifications linked with them. The accuracy denotes the point at which the output values matches with the international standards. Most of the DC supplies comes along with in-built measurement circuits for measuring both the current and voltage. Just in case, the output which is obtained is not clear due to minor errors in DAC, then the best way through which the accuracy can be tested is by measuring the variable power system through which the offset setting value is obtained.
Resolution
Resolution is perhaps another factor that you should look out just in case you think of buying a DC electronic power supply. It is perhaps the small change in current or voltage that occurs due to the power supply device. In other words, we can say that resolution is absolute full-scale percentage or value. Besides this, it is limited to the number of DAC and discrete levels. You should also keep in mind that the more number of bits, perhaps better resolution you will obtain.
Ripple & Noise
The DC power supply output is commonly referred as random deviation and period. Ripple is commonly defined as the output voltage inherent ac component that is obtained due to internal switching that takes place in the power supply. So, when the signal is viewed in the frequency domain, then the ripples showcase false responses. On the other hand, noise is a parasitic manifestation that happens inside the power supply. It appears as a result of high-frequency voltage spikes that takes place in the output voltage. Noise in general is quite random and if you view that in frequency domain, then you will notice that there is a slight increase that occurs in the baseline. So, if you are testing noise and ripple, there are a few things that you would have to keep in mind. The first thing is that loading can have a significant impact on the ripple and thus it is important that you take the measurement in perhaps the same loading conditions. Moreover, ripple can also get affected due to the input voltage, and thus you should perform the tests at various input voltages. Additionally, there are a number of manufacturers who apply external capacitors at the power supply output for measurement purposes.
Stability
The DC power supply performance can get changed if used for the long term. So, in order to maintain the power supply stability, proper calibration and verification need to be done.
Transient Response
Transient response is denoted as the amount of output voltage deviation due to change that occurs in loading. So, when the change in the loading takes place, then either the power supply has a lot of stored energy or perhaps not enough of it. Hence, it is not able to react immediately in the new condition. Thus, output capacitors would be responsible for lack of energy or excess energy. So, they would preferably expend the charge to cope with the load. In such a case, there would be voltage decrease. On the contrary, excess energy would be stored which would result in voltage increase. There are a few conditions in context of transient response in which its measurement might get affected. Some of the important conditions are starting current, slew rate and the ending current. The slew rate has significant impact in the context of transient response. The reason is that the faster the load changes would be, the more deviation it would be in the output before finally the power supply copes up with the changing conditions. Besides this, the starting and ending of the current level can also cause significant impact. Lastly, for accurate transient response measurement, user would preferably need two scope channels.
What are the Applications of DC Power Supply?
DC power supply is used as a testing tools is used in a number of industries, labs, R & D centers and research institutes. Let us have a brief look at the area of application:-
Mobile and Laptop Repair Centers
It is widely used in Anodizing, Battery charging, Electroplating, LED applications, Hydrogen generation, Electrolysis, electrochemical applications to name a few. Additionally, it is also used for Transceiver car woofers, 3D printers, LED strips and Audio amplifiers.
Commercial and Domestic Premises
DC power supply is commonly used in a number of extra-low and low voltage applications especially when they are powered by solar power systems or batteries. In addition, a number of electronic circuits also need a DC power supply. Some domestic applications of DC power supply are connectors, sockets, fixtures and switches that are suitable for alternating current. On the contrary, some of the applications in commercial properties are medical centres, office buildings, retail stores, malls, hotels, farm land, multifamily housing buildings, garages, warehouses etc.
Automotive Industry
DC power supply is widely used in automotive battery that perhaps provides the power needed for lighting, engine starting and the ignition system.
Telecommunication Industry
The equipment that is used in telephone exchange communication uses the standard – 48 V DC power supply. In order to achieve the negative polarity, the battery bank and the positive terminal of the power supply system is grounded.
HVDC Systems
The HVDC power transmission systems makes use of DC for the purpose of bulk electrical power transmission. In addition, for the purpose of long-distance transmission, HVDC system proves to be less expensive and the electrical losses that are suffered is also low.
Conclusion:
Now you came to know about the key factors that improve the performance of a DC power supply. What will be your next step? Which one are you going to buy? Low or high price? Quality? or the Performance? Don’t get confused! We are here to help you out!
Of all the 7 DC power supply devices, we have selected Kungber SPS305 DC Power Supply as the best because of its simple design, reliability and accuracy. It is a Switching Power Supply with a 4-digit voltage and current readings. Additionally, it also has a power meter and an USB Port. If you are a beginner or first time buyer, then this power supply is definitely a bang-for-buck option out there. If you are looking for a low output ripple / noise Linear Power Supply, then we recommend the Dr. meter PS305DM Linear Adjustable DC Power supply. It is an affordable linear power supply in the list that is suitable for the lab, sensitive electronics and communication equipment, battery maintenance, scientific research and teaching institutes.
Take the right decision before you purchase the DC power supply. We hope this article is helpful. Further, if you have any doubts or questions about DC power supply, write to us in the comment section given below. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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