Academic Company Events NI Developer Zone Support Solutions Products & Services Contact NI MyNI
This Document is not yet Rated  Rate this Document

What is the Maximum Voltage and Current that the NI DC Power Supplies can Source when Cascading Outputs?

Hardware: Modular Instruments>>Power Supplies>>PXI-4110

Problem:
I am cascading multiple NI PXI-4110 modules to increase my voltage and current output ranges. What is the maximum voltage and current that I can source from cascading outputs?

Solution:
As detailed in the NI DC Power Supplies Help, you can connect multiple PXI-4110 channels or modules in series to generate a greater output voltage. For safety, do not exceed 60 VDC from any terminal to ground when cascading power supplies. The NI PXI-4110 loses isolation at voltages greater than 40 V.

For higher current output using the PXI-4110, the channels/modules can be used in parallel to source current over 1 A.  Be sure to use wire that is thick enough to avoid overheating if the output current from the power supply were to short circuit.

It is important to note that it is not possible to cascade the two channels of the PXI-4130 SMU together to achieve a higher output current. Since one of the SMU's channels (Ch1) can operate in all 4 quadrants and the other (Ch0) can only operate in one of the quadrants, stacking current on channel 1 could potentially damage the device because it could sink current if connected to another source. Therefore, in order to get a higher current through stacking SMU channels, many SMU Channel 0's would be required.

Another important point to note about the PXI-4130 is that it does not provide isolation when using Ch0. Therefore, although it is possible to cascade multiple Ch1 of several PXI-4130 modules together for greater voltage values, it is more cost effective to achieve higher voltages by cascading multiple PXI-4110 modules together.

Overall, when trying to achieve higher current or voltages through cascading, it is recommended to use the PXI-4110. For more detailed information on how to cascade outputs, refer to Cascading Outputs in the NI DC Power Supplies Help linked below.



Related Links:
Products and Services: NI PXI-4110
Product Manuals: NI PXI-4130
Product Manuals: NI DC Power Supplies Help (February 2007)
Developer Zone Tutorial: Cascading the Outputs of a DC Power Supply to Extend Voltage and Current Ranges
KnowledgeBase 465CUS7E: How Do I Cascade Two PXI-4110 Modules Together to Produce a Higher Voltage Output?


Attachments:





Report Date: 01/16/2007
Last Updated: 03/19/2008
Document ID: 45FDQOZN

Your Feedback! poor Poor  |  Excellent excellent   Yes No
 Document Quality? 
 Answered Your Question? 
  1 2 3 4 5
Please Contact NI for all product and support inquiries.submit