Tanon EPS-200 Constant Voltage/Constant Current Electrophoresis Power Supply
| Brand | Tanon |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | EPS-200 |
| Output Channels | 4 independent |
| Voltage Range | 5–200 V |
| Current Range | 10–2000 mA |
| Timer Range | 0–999 min |
| Display | 3-digit LED (voltage/current) + 1-digit status indicator |
| Protection | Auto no-load cutoff, over-current & short-circuit protection |
| Memory Function | Yes |
| Compliance | Designed for ISO/IEC 17025-aligned lab environments |
Overview
The Tanon EPS-200 Constant Voltage/Constant Current Electrophoresis Power Supply is an engineered power source designed for reproducible and stable operation in routine protein and nucleic acid electrophoresis workflows. Based on high-efficiency switch-mode power supply (SMPS) architecture and microprocessor-based digital control, the EPS-200 delivers precise voltage or current regulation across a wide operational range—critical for maintaining consistent electric field strength during slab gel electrophoresis, Western blot transfer, and horizontal agarose gel runs. Unlike analog predecessors, its digital feedback loop ensures minimal drift (<±1% full scale) under varying load conditions, enabling reliable inter-run comparability essential for QC/QA laboratories operating under GLP or ISO 17025 frameworks.
Key Features
- Four independent output channels—enabling simultaneous operation of up to four electrophoresis units (e.g., two vertical mini-gel systems and two horizontal tanks) without cross-channel interference.
- Dual-mode regulation: Selectable constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) output with real-time switching—ideal for optimizing resolution in SDS-PAGE (CV mode) or ensuring uniform transfer efficiency in semi-dry blotting (CC mode).
- Precision timer with 1-minute resolution and 999-minute maximum duration; supports both pre-set countdown and continuous run modes with audible end-of-run alert.
- Intelligent safety architecture: Automatic shutdown upon open-circuit detection (no-load), current-limiting response to overloads (>2000 mA), and instantaneous short-circuit interruption (<10 ms reaction time).
- Non-volatile memory retains last-used parameters—including voltage/current setpoints, timer value, and mode selection—across power cycles, reducing setup time and operator error.
- Compact, stackable chassis with rubberized anti-slip base and rear-mounted ventilation—optimized for benchtop density in shared core facilities and teaching labs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EPS-200 is validated for use with standard electrophoresis configurations including Mini-PROTEAN®-style vertical polyacrylamide gels (up to 20 cm × 20 cm), Bio-Rad-style horizontal agarose systems (up to 15 cm × 15 cm), and semi-dry electroblotting modules. Its regulated output meets the electrical stability requirements specified in ASTM D4169-23 Annex A4 for analytical instrumentation power integrity, and supports method traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated with compliant LIMS or ELN platforms. While not certified as medical device hardware, its design adheres to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment.
Software & Data Management
The EPS-200 operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All parameter inputs and status monitoring occur via front-panel controls and LED indicators—eliminating driver installation, OS compatibility constraints, or network attack surface. For audit-trail generation, users may manually log settings (V/mA/min/mode) alongside gel IDs and experimental notes in paper-based or electronic lab notebooks. When deployed in regulated environments, the device’s deterministic behavior—zero firmware updates post-manufacture, no remote access capability—simplifies validation documentation and reduces requalification burden under GMP Annex 11.
Applications
- Routine SDS-PAGE and native PAGE for protein molecular weight estimation and purity assessment.
- Horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA fragment analysis (0.2–20 kb), plasmid screening, and PCR product verification.
- Semi-dry and wet electrotransfer of proteins from SDS-PAGE gels to PVDF or nitrocellulose membranes.
- Preparative electrophoresis in academic teaching labs where multi-user scheduling and robustness are prioritized over programmable gradients.
- Backup power unit in core facilities where redundancy and fast swap-out minimize instrument downtime.
FAQ
Can the EPS-200 be used for pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)?
No. The EPS-200 provides only DC output and lacks programmable voltage inversion, ramping, or pulse timing required for PFGE applications.
Is it compatible with third-party electrophoresis chambers?
Yes—provided the chamber’s rated voltage and current limits fall within the EPS-200’s 5–200 V / 10–2000 mA specification and use standard banana-jack or alligator-clip connections.
Does it support remote control or RS-232/USB interface?
No. The EPS-200 is intentionally designed as a manual, non-networked instrument to maximize reliability and simplify regulatory compliance in quality-controlled labs.
What maintenance is required?
None beyond periodic visual inspection of output terminals and cleaning of ventilation grilles with dry compressed air. No calibration is user-serviceable; factory recalibration is recommended every 24 months for ISO 17025 conformance.
How does the auto-memory function behave after a power failure?
All active parameters—including mode, setpoint values, and remaining timer—are retained in non-volatile memory and restored upon power-up, eliminating need for reconfiguration.
