What it is
A single-channel programmable DC power supply with autoranging output, delivering 15 kW in a 3U chassis through SiC circuit design, for photovoltaic, EV, and automotive electronics testing.
Prestige / Harmony / Universal
The GW Instek PHU Series covers 5 kW, 10 kW, and 15 kW in a 3U, 19-inch rack-mount chassis, with output voltages from 80 V to 1500 V and currents up to 510 A. Eighteen models span six voltages and three power capacities.
- Eighteen models: 3 power capacities (5 kW/10 kW/15 kW) × 6 voltages (80 V/200 V/500 V/750 V/1000 V/1500 V)
- Maximum current output: 510 A
- Autoranging (multi-range) output: output power ratio up to 3
- C.V/C.C priority mode and adjustable voltage/current rise and fall time
- AWS (Advanced Web Server) control through a web browser
- APC (Adaptive Parallel Connection): up to 10 units, 150 kW
- High power density: 3U height, 19-inch rack mount size
- Three sets of preset function, bleeder control, internal resistance, and panel lock
- Protection: OVP, OCP, OHP, UVL, AC fail, fan fail
- Interfaces: USB, LAN, isolated analog control standard; RS-232 & 485, GPIB, CAN Bus, DeviceNet, or Anybus optional
What it is used for
Some of the use cases for the PHU Series include:
- Photovoltaic systems — including solar array simulation and MPPT (options)
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Automotive electronics
- Battery applications — battery simulation (option) and variable internal resistance to simulate lead acid batteries and fuel cells
What does the PHU Series do?
The PHU Series is a single-channel programmable DC power supply with a multi-range output feature which offers a wide range of voltage and current combinations for greater flexibility. The circuit design adopts SiC (silicon carbide) components to achieve high power density characteristics which can generate 15 kW of high output and keep the compact size at just 3U height.
PHU's wide voltage and current range, along with its high-power characteristics, can cover a broader range of testing applications such as photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles (EVs), and automotive electronics. The launch of PHU multi-range high power DC source enhances the completeness of the DC power supply product line of GW Instek, and provides customers with more comprehensive and integrated solutions.
The AWS (Advanced Web Server) function allows the user to operate devices directly through a web browser, without needing to install any complicated software or drivers. This functionality allows users to complete tasks more efficiently, saving time and increasing productivity.
The unique APC (Adaptive Parallel Connection) feature offers adaptability in parallel connection, allowing users to make the best choice according to their needs. For instance, users can opt for a 15 kW model and a 10 kW model to combine both to reach a 25 kW capacity within their budget constraints. Up to 10 PHU units can be connected to reach 150 kW without the need for additional power distribution for control.
For industry interface, PHU provides a variety of embedded industrial interface options to meet user needs, eliminating the need for users to prepare additional interfaces. The available ports including EtherCAT, CANopen, Modbus, Profinet and DeviceNet, etc. Except the standard built-in programmable sequence function, PHU also offers a variety of optional functions including Datalogger, MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking), Solar Array Simulator, AH/WH Meter and Battery Simulation to meet customer's requirements.
There are a total of 18 models, consisting of 3 power capacities (5 kW/10 kW/15 kW) and 6 voltages (80 V/200 V/500 V/750 V/1000 V/1500 V) to meet all customer needs.
Why engineers pick it
- One source, many voltage and current combinations. Autoranging lets the supply deliver higher output voltage at smaller current, or higher current at lower voltage. The output power ratio is 2.72 on 80 V models, 2.8 on 200 V, and 3 on 500 V and above.
- 15 kW in 3U. SiC components bring 15 kW into a 442 × 130 × 675 mm chassis.
- Mix-and-match paralleling. APC lets units of different power capacities be paralleled, for example 15 kW + 10 kW = 25 kW, up to 10 units and 150 kW.
- Battery-ready behavior. CC priority prevents inrush current and surge voltage at turn-on, the bleed circuit can be turned off for battery applications, and internal resistance can be user-defined to simulate sources such as lead acid batteries.
Which PHU model do I need?
Medium Voltage
| Model | V | A | W |
| PHU 500-30 | 500 | 30 | 5 kW |
| PHU 500-60 | 500 | 60 | 10 kW |
| PHU 500-90 | 500 | 90 | 15 kW |
| PHU 750-20 | 750 | 20 | 5 kW |
| PHU 750-40 | 750 | 40 | 10 kW |
| PHU 750-60 | 750 | 60 | 15 kW |
High Voltage
| Model | V | A | W |
| PHU 1000-15 | 1000 | 15 | 5 kW |
| PHU 1000-30 | 1000 | 30 | 10 kW |
| PHU 1000-45 | 1000 | 45 | 15 kW |
| PHU 1500-10 | 1500 | 10 | 5 kW |
| PHU 1500-20 | 1500 | 20 | 10 kW |
| PHU 1500-30 | 1500 | 30 | 15 kW |
High Current
| Model | V | A | W |
| PHU 80-170 | 80 | 170 | 5 kW |
| PHU 80-340 | 80 | 340 | 10 kW |
| PHU 80-510 | 80 | 510 | 15 kW |
| PHU 200-70 | 200 | 70 | 5 kW |
| PHU 200-140 | 200 | 140 | 10 kW |
| PHU 200-210 | 200 | 210 | 15 kW |
Each model is ordered with an input version: -C for 3P3W, 180 … 265 Vac (also supports single phase on 5 kW models), or -D for 3P4W, 342 … 528 Vac (covers 380/400/415/440/460/480 Vac).
What else does the PHU Series do?
- Slew rate control (soft start/stop): in CVLS (Constant Voltage Low Speed) mode, set the voltage rise when starting and fall when stopping the output; in CCLS (Constant Current Low Speed) mode, set the current rise and fall. The default is the highest speed.
- Output on/off delay: sets a specific delay for output on after the output is turned on, and for output off after it is turned off.
- Bleed circuit on/off: discharges the filter capacitors when the equipment is turned off, for safety; it can be disabled for purposes such as battery applications.
- Variable internal resistance: user-defined in software, acting as a resistance in series with the positive output terminal.
When is the PHU Series the wrong choice?
- Single-phase input above 5 kW. Single-phase input is supported on 5 kW models (and on the 10 kW PHU-B single-phase version); 15 kW models need three-phase input.
- Low-power bench work. The smallest model is 5 kW, at 21 kg (46.3 lb), in a 3U chassis.
- Operating environment. Operating temperature is 32 … 122 °F (0 … 50 °C).