Deliver Reliable Power for Automation and Control Systems

When it comes to the devices that make up industrial control and measurement systems, their seamless operation depends on an effective power supply. Whether powering programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and servo systems that are essential in industrial automation or the measurement instruments and automated inspection equipment that identify problems and verify quality, robust and reliable power supplies are critical to your operation. This blog post will describe the features and characteristics to look for in power supplies for automation and control systems and equipment.

Key Features for Power Supplies in Automation and Control Systems

When specifying a power supply for your industrial automation or control system, be sure to look for:

• Universal input voltage range. AC/DC power supplies with a universal input voltage range can operate across diverse equipment typically found in industrial automation and control environments. It also allows the power supply to be used in various regions with different standard voltages as well as be able to withstand unstable voltages.
• Output stability and voltage regulation. Consistent voltage and current levels, as well as low ripple, are critical to ensuring that servo systems and automated machines operate smoothly, automated inspection equipment perform without interruptions and that measurement instruments deliver precise readings.
• Compliance with safety standards. Regulating bodies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) issue stringent standards to ensure human safety and prevent equipment damage.
• High efficiency. Efficient power supplies keep operating costs in line and prevent heat generation that can otherwise threaten a power supply's lifetime.
• Ruggedness and durability. Automated facilities and industrial environments can be unforgiving, so power supplies must be able to withstand a variety of conditions such as vibration, shock, varying temperatures and humidity as well as dust, dirt and moisture incursion. Power supplies that are enclosed and sealed to IP standards add durability as well as reduce downtime and repair costs.
• Built-in protections. Power supplies need safeguards against electrical faults and other conditions that can cause interruptions or harm equipment connected to measurement instruments. Integrated overcurrent, short circuit overvoltage, output current and overtemperature protections increase system reliability. Isolation is also critical to ensuring user safety and preventing damage to downstream components.
• Compact size. Limited space is a never-ending challenge in automated systems and equipment.

Daburn's Polytron Devices KUIP300 is a perfect example of an AC/DC power supply series that combines performance and reliability for demanding industrial automation and control applications. The unit delivers up to 300 watts and up to 360 watts peak power for 5 seconds (typ.) while accepting a universal input of 85 to 264V AC. The series features a power good signal to indicate voltage stability, 3,000V AC isolation voltage and efficiency ratings as high as 93 percent. In addition to space-saving open- and base plate-type designs, the KUIP300 comes in a rugged enclosed version and a DIN rail version for easy integration into control panels. Suitable for OVC III applications, the KUIP300 meets the IEC/EN/UL 62368-1 safety standard and offers built-in overcurrent, overvoltage, short circuit and overtemperature protection.

Keep Your Automated Devices Running at Their Best

As you build or upgrade your automated devices, industrial control or measurement systems, it's important to partner with a power supply vendor that has the products that offer the reliability, safeguards and flexibility you need to meet your industrial application's needs. Daburn Electronics' Polytron Devices division products deliver these characteristics and other high-performance features so your devices will run at their best in their automation and control environments.

For more information about the Polytron Devices KUIP300, visit our product page.