Michael said:
Hi - I remember hearing that some DC power supplies cannot be connected in
series, while others can. Can anybody tell me what
features/specifications/etc. to look for in a power supply that can be
connected in series with other power supplies? Thanks!
-Micahel Noone
You can hook power supplies in series if they're designed to be hooked
in series.
Make sure the outputs are designed to float as far as they will in series.
Make sure they can withstand reverse current, negative voltage at rated
current.
Sounds like any old supply will do as long as the load is happy.
But what happens when you short the output. One will limit first and be
ripped negative by the other one. I've seen power supplies, even with
reverse protection diodes, latch up when the output was pulled negative.
You can get some interesting turn-on transients, especially if you have
to throw two switches.
Some VERY interesting things can happen when the supplies have foldback
current limiting.
If your supplies are mismatched, your problems multiply. You really
don't want your 40A supply trying to reverse your 4A supply.
Safest is to tell the vendor what you intend to do and get their blessing.
mike
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