Comprehensive technical definitions, standards, and design metrics for electrical engineers, B2B procurement professionals, and industrial automation specifiers.
The temperature of the still air immediately surrounding a power supply operating inside or outside an enclosure. CAMTEC power supplies are engineered with industrial thermal headroom, operating reliably across wide ambient ranges up to +70°C with controlled derating.
In multi-channel power supplies, cross regulation describes the percentage change in output voltage on one rail caused by a dynamic load change on a secondary output rail. High-grade isolation design minimizes cross-regulation interference.
An overvoltage protection method utilizing a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) placed directly across output terminals to short-circuit the output when voltage limits are exceeded, preventing downstream machine electronics damage.
Internal protection topologies—including Constant Current, Foldback, and Cycle-by-Cycle modes—designed to prevent power supply damage during overcurrent or direct load short-circuit events.
The intentional reduction of maximum allowable output power at elevated ambient operating temperatures to keep power semiconductors within safe junction temperature parameters, prolonging component operational life.
Symmetrical high-frequency electrical noise flowing in opposite directions on the supply lines and return paths. Filtered effectively using custom X-capacitors and input stage chokes.
An independent safety insulation layer added over primary insulation to shield operators and downstream PLC equipment against electrical shock in safety-critical industrial applications.
A load condition that rapidly step-changes output current levels. High dynamic load response prevents voltage dips during heavy inductive switching, such as DC motor start-ups.
The ratio of usable output DC power to total input AC power drawn, expressed as a percentage. CAMTEC units feature high conversion efficiencies exceeding 94%, significantly reducing cabinet thermal dissipation.
High-frequency energy generated by switching transistors and diodes. Standardized EMI suppression ensures compliance with stringent European industrial immunity and emission norms (EN 61000-6-2 / EN 61000-6-4).
The internal resistance within an electrolytic capacitor. Low-ESR premium capacitors reduce output ripple voltage and minimize internal self-heating, extending overall system lifespan.
Frequency-selective passive or active circuit networks designed to eliminate unwanted AC ripple voltages, high-frequency spikes, and electromagnetic interference from DC power lines.
A circuit reference point insulated from direct earth ground, allowing potential flexibility and preventing ground loop currents in isolated process measurement architectures.
A isolated buck-boost converter topology utilizing a gapped transformer to store magnetic energy during the transistor ON time and transfer it to the output during the OFF time.
An overload protection characteristic where both output voltage and output current decrease simultaneously under short-circuit, preventing thermal runaway in sensitive loads.
A switching topology utilizing four switching transistors configured in an H-bridge to drive high power outputs with minimal strain on semiconductor switching components.
Unwanted noise currents circulating through common grounding paths shared by multiple equipment units, resolved via proper single-point earthing and isolated power stages.
A power switching configuration employing two semiconductor switches across a capacitive voltage divider, standard for medium-power industrial DC power modules.
Dielectric withstand voltage testing applied between input terminals, output terminals, and earth ground to verify insulation breakdown limits and safety compliance prior to shipment.
The time interval during which a power supply maintains rated DC output voltage after complete loss of input AC power. Extended holdup times enable orderly PLC shut-down procedures.
The wide-range AC or DC input voltage spectrum within which a power supply maintains continuous regulation without component overstress or derating.
The momentary peak charging current drawn by input capacitors when AC power is first applied. CAMTEC ESB limiters eliminate nuisance tripping of upstream circuit breakers caused by high inrush.
Electrical separation between input and output circuits preventing direct current conduction, eliminating dangerous shock hazards and ground noise transmission.
Stray electric current flowing from AC input lines through primary-to-secondary isolation capacitance or insulation to ground, strictly controlled to comply with international safety standards.
The maximum percentage change in DC output voltage resulting from variations in AC input line voltage across its specified operating window.
The percentage output voltage change when the connected load ramps from zero to full capacity, keeping DC control voltages within precise automation tolerances.
A control scheme where a primary master power supply actively dictates output current distribution across secondary slave units to ensure equal load sharing in high-power systems.
The statistical measure of component failure rate over time, evaluated per MIL-HDBK-217F or IEC 61709 standards. CAMTEC designs yield exceptional MTBF operational lifespans exceeding 500,000 hours.
A power supply provided on an unclosed metal chassis or bare printed circuit board, engineered for integration directly inside custom machinery enclosure panels.
An internal safeguard mechanism that clamps or disables output power if feedback loops fail, preventing high voltage stress on connected automation PLCs and sensors.
Active circuitry that aligns input current phase with AC input voltage, boosting power efficiency (cos φ > 0.95) and ensuring compliance with EN 61000-3-2 class D standard limits.
A logic signal (TTL or relay contact) generated milliseconds before DC output drops during grid failure, initiating immediate data backup in computer-controlled plant lines.
High-frequency voltage regulation method varying the duration of pulse width at a constant frequency to dynamically regulate DC power output under fluctuating loads.
Parallel coupling of N+1 power modules using external decoupling diodes or MosFET redundancy modules to ensure uninterrupted operation if one supply line suffers a fault.
Dedicated sensing terminals connected at the load point to automatically compensate for DC voltage drop across long wiring distances in heavy industrial installations.
Internal control ramping up pulse widths gradually upon turn-on, preventing severe current surges and high thermal stress on power semiconductors.
The speed at which primary power transistors pulse energy through the high-frequency transformer, typically operating between 50 kHz and 250 kHz in modern SMPS designs.
Integrated DC uninterruptible power supply combining a charging rectifier, battery management, and seamless microsecond transfer switching to keep 24V automation buses operational through power outages.
Safety-rated class capacitors connected across phase and neutral power lines to attenuate differential mode electromagnetic noise without risking fire hazards during dielectric failure.
High-isolation safety capacitors bridged between active power lines and earth ground to suppress common mode noise, strictly rated to fail open for shock prevention.
Consult with our German application engineering team to choose the right power converter, verify dynamic load parameters, or design custom modified voltage platforms.
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