Precision power control for test, development, and production
Power you can program — versatile, accurate, and intelligent
Programmable power supplies are essential tools in modern engineering and development environments, offering adjustable voltage and current outputs to meet a wide range of application demands. Unlike fixed-output supplies, these advanced solutions allow users to fine-tune power delivery in real-time, automate test sequences, and simulate real-world conditions — all with a high level of precision and repeatability.
Whether you’re powering a sensitive circuit under development, running long-term reliability tests, or automating product validation in a production line, programmable power supplies offer the flexibility and control engineers rely on.
At their core, programmable power supplies are DC or AC power sources that can be controlled either locally or remotely (via USB, Ethernet, GPIB, RS-232, or analogue signals). They are designed to provide precise voltage and current outputs that can be easily adjusted or programmed to follow complex profiles.
Most commonly used in:
- Research & development labs
- Automated test equipment (ATE) setups
- Industrial manufacturing environments
- Battery charging and simulation
- Aerospace, automotive, and medical device testing
Explore our programmable power supply range
We offer a broad selection of programmable DC power supplies to suit various voltage, current, and power requirements — from compact bench-top units to high-power, rack-mounted systems. Whether you need a basic programmable source for R&D or a high-performance, multi-output solution for production test systems, you’ll find the right technology to match your application.
Key Benefits
- Precision Output: Fine resolution and high accuracy enable repeatable test results.
- Remote Control: Interface with test software via USB, LAN, GPIB, or analogue input.
- Built-in Intelligence: Many models support sequence programming, ramping, and data logging.
- Flexible Operation: Options for single or multi-channel, series/parallel operation, and dual-polarity output.
- Advanced Protection: Overvoltage, overcurrent, and thermal protections enhance safety and reliability.
- Low Ripple & Noise: Stable output power ensures minimal interference for sensitive devices.
Choose the right supply for your application
Not sure where to start? Contact our experts for guidance on selecting a programmable power supply that meets your technical and operational requirements. We’ll help you balance performance, control, and scalability to support your design and testing needs now—and into the future.
Programmable power supplies – advanced products by Acal BFi
FAQs about our Programmable power supplies
A programmable power supply is a DC or AC source where voltage and current can be adjusted and controlled either locally or remotely, for example via USB, Ethernet, GPIB, RS-232 or analogue signals. We recommend using programmable supplies whenever you need to fine-tune power in real time, automate test sequences, or simulate real-world operating conditions, such as in R&D labs, automated test equipment (ATE), industrial manufacturing, battery charging/simulation, and aerospace, automotive, or medical testing.
We offer a broad selection from compact bench-top units to high-power, rack-mounted systems, so the best fit depends mainly on your required voltage, current, and power, and whether you work at the bench or in a rack/ATE system. For many lab and QA tasks, 600 W single-output supplies such as the Artesyn iLS600 or iLS600-R are a strong starting point, while more demanding or power-hungry applications are better served by 1500 W solutions such as the iLS1500 Series. If you are unsure, we recommend contacting our specialists so we can match a range to your exact test environment.
Our programmable power supply portfolio supports remote control via standard interfaces such as USB, LAN (LXI), GPIB and analogue control signals. This allows you to integrate the supplies with your existing test software and ATE, automate test procedures, and collect data directly from the instrument. Specific interfaces depend on the product range, but all are designed for easy integration into modern lab and production setups.
Yes. Many of our programmable supplies include built-in intelligence such as sequence programming, ramping and data logging capabilities. In addition, models like the iLS ranges provide 12-bit A/D feedback for precise measurement, which you can read out via USB or LAN and log in your own software to build complete test records and trend analyses.
Yes. Low ripple and noise are explicitly highlighted as key benefits of our programmable power range, to ensure stable output and minimal interference for sensitive devices. Within the iLS family, for example, you benefit from low ripple, fast transient response, and ultra-low ripple in the higher-power iLS1500 Series, making these supplies suitable for precision electronics and measurement tasks.
Yes. Our programmable portfolio includes models that support series and parallel operation, allowing you to scale output voltage or current to meet more demanding load requirements. Ranges such as the iLS600, iLS600-R and iLS1500 are explicitly designed for series/parallel operation, making it easier to build flexible test configurations and grow your system over time.
We place strong emphasis on protection. Our programmable power supplies offer advanced protection features such as overvoltage protection (OVP), overcurrent protection (OCP), and thermal safeguards to enhance safety and reliability. By setting appropriate limits, you can protect both your DUT and your test system from unexpected conditions or wiring errors.
Yes. Many programmable models in our range support sequence programming and ramping functions, enabling you to implement controlled voltage or current ramps for soft-start and stress testing. Where additional flexibility is needed, you can also generate ramp profiles from your test software via USB, LAN, or other supported interfaces using the manufacturer’s programming manual.
Our programmable power supplies are commonly used in battery charging and simulation, as well as aerospace, automotive, and medical device testing. This includes applications where you need to reproduce dynamic load conditions, voltage dips, or long-term endurance tests. High-power ranges such as the iLS1500 are particularly suitable where higher current or power reserves are required.
We do not publish list prices directly on the technology page, as pricing depends on configuration, quantity and region. Instead, you can request a quote or use the contact form to discuss your application; our local team will then provide detailed pricing, availability, and any suitable alternatives from across the programmable portfolio.