Tektronix PWS2000 Series DC Regulated Power Supply
| Brand | Tektronix |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | PWS2000 Series |
| Channel Configuration | Single-, Dual-, or Triple-Channel |
| Isolation | Fully Isolated Channels |
| Current Measurement Resolution | 0.1 mA |
| Application Focus | High-Voltage Device Testing, Low-Current Sensitivity Applications, Battery-Powered Device Evaluation, Programmable Power Simulation |
Overview
The Tektronix PWS2000 Series DC Regulated Power Supply is a precision-engineered benchtop power source designed for laboratory, R&D, and production test environments where stability, measurement fidelity, and programmability are critical. Built on Tektronix’s legacy of instrumentation rigor, the PWS2000 employs linear regulation architecture to deliver low-noise, highly stable DC output with minimal ripple and fast transient response. Each output channel operates independently and is fully galvanically isolated—enabling floating measurements, series/parallel configurations, and differential biasing without ground-loop interference. The series supports both constant-voltage (CV) and constant-current (CC) modes with automatic crossover, making it suitable for characterizing nonlinear loads such as diodes, LEDs, power converters, and semiconductor devices under controlled stress conditions.
Key Features
- Fully isolated, independently programmable outputs—available in single-, dual-, and triple-channel configurations for flexible system integration.
- High-resolution current measurement down to 0.1 mA, enabling accurate characterization of leakage currents, standby power consumption, and low-power IC behavior.
- Integrated voltage and current monitoring with real-time digital readouts and front-panel soft keys for rapid parameter adjustment.
- Standard USB-TMC and optional GPIB/LAN interfaces compliant with SCPI command sets, supporting seamless integration into automated test systems (ATE) and LabVIEW-based platforms.
- Over-voltage (OVP), over-current (OCP), and over-temperature (OTP) protection circuits ensure safe operation during fault conditions and device under test (DUT) failure scenarios.
- Built-in list mode programming allows users to define up to 80-step voltage/current sequences with programmable dwell times—ideal for stress testing, burn-in procedures, and battery charge/discharge simulation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PWS2000 Series accommodates a broad range of electronic components and subsystems—including analog and mixed-signal ICs, RF power amplifiers, MEMS sensors, and embedded microcontrollers operating from sub-microwatt to multi-watt power levels. Its low-noise output (< 350 µVRMS ripple) meets stringent requirements for sensitive analog circuit evaluation. From a regulatory standpoint, the instrument conforms to IEC 61010-1:2012 for safety in electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. It supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through audit-trail-capable logging when used with compatible host software, and its programmable interfaces facilitate compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures in regulated industries.
Software & Data Management
Tektronix provides the free KickStart Instrument Control Software, which offers intuitive graphical interfaces for configuring output profiles, capturing time-stamped voltage/current traces, and exporting data in CSV, MATLAB (.mat), or Excel formats. For advanced automation, the PWS2000 supports standard SCPI commands over USB, LAN, or GPIB, enabling direct integration with Python (PyVISA), MATLAB Instrument Control Toolbox, or National Instruments TestStand. All firmware updates are delivered via Tektronix’s secure support portal, ensuring long-term maintainability and traceability. Internal memory retains user-defined settings across power cycles, reducing setup time between experiments.
Applications
- Characterization of high-voltage semiconductor devices (e.g., GaN HEMTs, SiC MOSFETs) requiring simultaneous high-voltage sourcing and picoampere-level leakage current detection.
- Validation of ultra-low-power IoT sensor nodes and wearable electronics, where microampere-level current profiling is essential for battery life estimation.
- Power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) testing of LDO regulators and DC-DC converters under dynamic load transients.
- Simulation of battery discharge curves using list-mode sequencing to emulate real-world energy depletion profiles.
- Educational laboratories for teaching fundamental concepts in power electronics, circuit loading effects, and feedback control stability analysis.
FAQ
Is the PWS2000 Series suitable for testing devices that require floating ground references?
Yes—each channel is fully isolated with a minimum isolation rating of 250 VAC between outputs and chassis ground, supporting true floating operation.
Can multiple PWS2000 units be synchronized for phased output control?
While the PWS2000 does not support hardware trigger synchronization, precise temporal coordination can be achieved via external clocking or software-controlled SCPI command sequencing over LAN or USB.
Does the instrument support battery emulation functionality natively?
It does not include dedicated battery model libraries, but its list mode and arbitrary waveform capabilities allow users to replicate realistic battery voltage decay and internal resistance profiles programmatically.
What calibration options are available for maintaining traceable measurement accuracy?
Tektronix offers accredited NIST-traceable calibration services with documented uncertainty budgets and ISO/IEC 17025-compliant certificates upon request.
