Intelligent Power Supply Controller R.S. Rumrill, Alpha Scientific Electronics

ABSTRACT chassis. CMOS circuits were used wherever possible to reduce power consumption, and therefore, the dissipated heat. We have developed anew power supply controller which would combine 20-bit precision, simple interfacing, and versatile software control. It performs many tasks internal to the power supply and also communicates with an external host computer. Parameters can be entered and/or read over a serial link using one of the 82 command words [l]. In addition, an optional remote control panel can be located up to thousands of feet away. This new controller will reduce the software dcvclopment time normally spent by the user, while increasing the reliability of the system. The cost is less than buying the equivalent separate CAMAC system. Nonvolatile memory remembers all configuration data; one generic controller can thus be programmed to use anywhere from the smallest power supply to the largest. We are presently building 22 power supplies using these controllers. They will be used at the Clinton P. Anderso