Bench power supplies are essential tools for electronics hobbyists, engineers, and technicians. These versatile devices provide a controllable and regulated source of DC voltage and current, enabling users to test, debug, and power various electronic circuits. One common feature found on many bench power supplies is tracking. This article will delve into the concept of tracking on a bench power supply, explaining what it is, how it works, and its applications.
What is "Tracking" on a Bench Power Supply?
Tracking on a bench power supply refers to the ability of two or more output channels to maintain a fixed voltage or current relationship between them. In simpler terms, when tracking is enabled, the outputs of the power supply will move together in a synchronized manner. This synchronization can be either in terms of voltage or current, depending on the specific tracking mode selected.
Types of Tracking:
There are two main types of tracking commonly found on bench power supplies:
1. Voltage Tracking:
In voltage tracking mode, the outputs of the power supply maintain a fixed voltage difference. For example, if you have a two-channel power supply with tracking enabled, and you set the first channel to 5V, the second channel will automatically adjust its voltage to maintain a specific difference, such as 1V, 2V, or any other value you configure. This means that if you increase the voltage on the first channel, the second channel will also increase proportionally to maintain the desired voltage difference.
2. Current Tracking:
In current tracking mode, the outputs of the power supply maintain a fixed current ratio. This means that the currents flowing through each channel will always be in a predetermined proportion. For instance, if you have a two-channel power supply with a 2:1 current tracking ratio, the current flowing through the first channel will be twice that of the second channel. Similar to voltage tracking, any changes in current on one channel will be reflected proportionally on the other channel.
Applications of Tracking:
Tracking on a bench power supply offers a wide range of applications in various electronic projects and troubleshooting scenarios:
1. Balanced Power Supply:
One common use of tracking is in creating balanced power supplies. This is particularly useful in audio amplifiers and other applications where symmetric power supplies are required. By tracking the output voltages in a balanced configuration, you ensure that both positive and negative rails maintain equal and opposite voltages, reducing noise and distortion.
2. Testing Differential Amplifiers:
Differential amplifiers are widely used in electronic circuits to amplify the difference between two input signals. Tracking on a bench power supply allows you to precisely control the voltage difference between the inputs of a differential amplifier during testing. This ensures that the amplifier is operating under optimal conditions, facilitating accurate measurements and characterization.
3. Simultaneous Voltage and Current Control:
Tracking can be used to simultaneously control both the voltage and current on multiple output channels. This is particularly useful in applications where you need to adjust the power levels of multiple circuits simultaneously. For example, you can use tracking to control the voltage and current supplied to multiple LEDs in a lighting system, ensuring that they all operate at the same brightness level.
4. Testing Electronic Devices:
When testing electronic devices, tracking can help simulate real-world scenarios where multiple power sources are required. By adjusting the voltage and current relationships between the outputs, you can emulate the behavior of various power systems, allowing you to test the device's performance under different conditions.
Advantages of Tracking:
Tracking on a bench power supply offers several advantages:
- Simplified Setup: Tracking eliminates the need for manually adjusting multiple voltage or current settings, simplifying the setup process.
- Increased Accuracy: Tracking ensures that the outputs maintain a precise relationship, reducing errors and improving measurement accuracy.
- Improved Performance: In applications requiring balanced power supplies or simultaneous control, tracking enhances performance by reducing noise, distortion, and other undesirable effects.
- Flexibility: Tracking provides flexibility in configuring the voltage and current relationships between outputs, enabling you to adapt to various testing and development requirements.
Conclusion:
Tracking is a valuable feature found on many bench power supplies, enhancing their versatility and functionality. By synchronizing the output channels, tracking simplifies setup, improves accuracy, and facilitates various testing and development scenarios. Whether you are working on audio amplifiers, testing differential amplifiers, or controlling multiple circuits simultaneously, tracking on a bench power supply provides a powerful tool for achieving accurate results and optimizing your electronic projects.