Abstract: A digitally implemented slew rate controller for a power supply and a power supply having the same. An output up-programming signal is provided that enables the power supply to change an output voltage and current at a maximum rate which does not engage the protection circuits which are employed to protect components of the power supply. The maximum rate of change decreases as the output voltage increases. The up-programming speed of the power supply output optimizes the output by considering that an amount of output current available for charging an output capacitor of the power supply will decrease as the output voltage increases for a resistive load. An output down-programming control signal enables a discharge device to dissipate heat with a constant power characteristic, which will minimize a time required to reduce the output voltage while not exceeding a maximum power dissipation rating of the discharge device.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of making very accurate non-invasive current measurements of current flowing from a power source to a device under test (DUT). A power supply, which operates in a pass through mode and which incorporates a plurality of sense leads, compensates for voltage drops due to system wiring and measurement shunts within the bandwidth limits of the power supply. The resulting circuit voltage and impedance seen by the load, after the addition of the measurement system and system wiring, is nearly identical to the power source's output voltage and impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of making very accurate non-invasive current measurements of current flowing from a power source to a device under test (DUT). A power supply, which operates in a pass through mode and which incorporates a plurality of sense leads, compensates for voltage drops due to system wiring and measurement shunts within the bandwidth limits of the power supply. The resulting circuit voltage and impedance seen by the load, after the addition of the measurement system and system wiring, is nearly identical to the power source's output voltage and impedance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power supply capable of being configured to produce an equivalent negative output resistance or to produce both negative and positive output resistances. The power supply comprises components that can provide equivalent output resistance values that transition from negative values through zero to positive values, and vice versa. By selecting an appropriate negative output resistance for the power supply, the power supply can compensate for the load lead voltage drop caused by the elements (e.g., cabling) between the output sense leads of the power supply and the load. This allows the voltage level provided to the load to be set, or controlled, by setting a voltage level VSET at the power supply. Preferably, a multiplier chip is used that enables the output resistance values of the power supply to be programmably varied from a negative resistance value through 0 to a positive resistance value, and vice versa.