Software Tests Families of Power Supplies With One Test

Colin Sycamore, UK Sales manager for Intepro claims that Powerstar 5 V3.0 also reduces test times. “Compared to side-by-side DC-to-DC testing, we found test times to be reduced by 25% and the time may be reduced by as much as 70% compared to ‘rack and stack’ test methods. In one example, an 8 minute AC-DC test was reduced to less than 3 minutes.”



The “family test” feature also works for those manufacturers who have only a few power supply models but must retain them for decades, such as Mil or Telecomms applications. No need to search for that missed test that wasn’t updated when the nominal voltage changed. TPS re-certification becomes a matter of changing a value in a database.



The same feature that enables Powerstar 5 V. 3.0 to access a database also allows it to link to a quality management system, providing near real-time statistical process reporting on the test process. For instance, the software can automatically read the unit under test’s model and serial number, and check whether it needs to have a pre-burn-in, post-burn-in, or final test.



Other upgraded test features include, synchronous / asynchronous external process control, OLE support including new standard tests for I2C and SPI solutions, test library increased to over 200 standard tests, test speed 70% faster, links to statistical analysis software



Powerstar 5 V3.0 is included with all new Intepro test systems, and is available at no charge for customers under warranty contracts. It is also available to purchase as an upgrade for earlier Intepro systems.