Ametek Sorensen Asterion AST Series User manual

M330460-01 Rev A www.powerandtest.com
DC Asterion 1U
Operation Manual

M330460-01 Rev A iii
About AMETEK
AMETEK Programmable Power, Inc., a unit of AMETEK Electronic Instruments Group (a division
of AMETEK, Inc.), is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision, programmable
power supplies for R&D, test and measurement, process control, power bus simulation and power
conditioning applications across diverse industrial segments. Offering bench-top supplies to rack-
mounted industrial power subsystems, AMETEK Programmable Power is the proud manufacturer
of Elgar, Sorensen, California Instruments, Power Ten, and Amrel brand power supplies and
electronic loads.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical
devices with annualized sales of $3.6 billion. The company has over 14,000 colleagues working at
more than 120 manufacturing facilities and more than 80 sales and service centers in the United
States and around the world.
Trademarks
AMETEK is a registered trademark of AMETEK, Inc.
Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and product names are the property of their respective
owners and are used herein for identification purposes only.
Notice of Copyright
M330460-01 DC Asterion 1U Operation Manual © 2018, AMETEK Programmable Power, Inc.,
All rights reserved.
Exclusion for Documentation
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, AMETEK PROGRAMMABLE POWER, INC.
(“AMETEK”)
(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY
TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER
DOCUMENTATION.
(b) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS OR
EXPENSES, WHETHER SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL,
WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH
INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK, AND
(c) REMINDS YOU THAT IF THIS MANUAL IS IN ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH,
ALTHOUGH STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THE
TRANSLATION, THE ACCURACY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. APPROVED AMETEK
CONTENT IS CONTAINED WITH THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION, WHICH IS POSTED AT
WWW.PROGRAMMABLEPOWER.COM.
Date and Revision
July 2018, A
Part Number
M330460-01
Contact Information
Telephone: [phone] (toll free in North America)
858 450 0085 (direct)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
[e-mail]
Web: www.powerandtest.com

M330460-01 Rev A iv
Product Family: M330460-01
Warranty Period: Five Years
Warranty Terms
AMETEK Programmable Power, Inc. (“AMETEK”) provides this written warranty covering the
Product stated above, and if the Buyer discovers and notifies AMETEK in writing of any defect in
material or workmanship within the applicable warranty period stated above, then AMETEK may,
at its option: repair or replace the Product; or issue a credit note for the defective Product; or provide
the Buyer with replacement parts for the Product.
The Buyer will, at its expense, return the defective Product or parts thereof to AMETEK in
accordance with the return procedure specified below. AMETEK will, at its expense, deliver the
repaired or replaced Product or parts to the Buyer. Any warranty of AMETEK will not apply if the
Buyer is in default under the Purchase Order Agreement or where the Product or any part thereof:
•is damaged by misuse, accident, negligence or failure to maintain the same as specified
or required by AMETEK;
•is damaged by modifications, alterations or attachments thereto which are not authorized
by AMETEK;
•is installed or operated contrary to the instructions of AMETEK;
•is opened, modified or disassembled in any way without AMETEK’s consent; or
•is used in combination with items, articles or materials not authorized by AMETEK.
The Buyer may not assert any claim that the Products are not in conformity with any warranty until
the Buyer has made all payments to AMETEK provided for in the Purchase Order Agreement.
Product Return Procedure
1. Request a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from the repair facility (must be done
in the country in which it was purchased):
•In the USA, contact the AMETEK Repair Department prior to the return of the product to
AMETEK for repair:
•Telephone: [phone], ext. 2295 or ext. 2463 (toll free North America)
858-450-0085, ext. 2295 or ext. 2463 (direct)
•Outside the USA, contact the nearest Authorized Service Center (ASC). A full listing
can be found either through your local distributor or our website,
www.programmablepower.com, by clicking Support and going to the Service Centers tab.
2. When requesting an RMA, have the following information ready:
•Model number
•Serial number
•Description of the problem
Note: Unauthorized returns will not be accepted and will be returned at the shipper’s expense.
Note: A returned product found upon inspection by AMETEK, to be in specification is subject to
an evaluation fee and applicable freight charges.

M330460-01 Rev A v
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Before applying power to the system, verify that your product is configured properly for
your application.
WARNING!
Hazardous voltages might be present when covers are removed. Qualified
personnel must use extreme caution when servicingthis equipment. Circuitry,
test points, and output voltages might be floating with respect to chassis
ground. Do not touch electrical circuits and use appropriately rated test
equipment. A safety ground wire must be connected from the chassis to the
AC mains input when servicing this equipment.
WARNING!
This equipment contains ESD sensitive input/output connection ports.
When installing equipment, follow ESD safety procedures. Electrostatic
discharges might cause damage to the equipment.
Only qualified personnel, who understand and deal with attendant hazards in power
supplies, can perform installation and servicing.
Ensure that the AC mains input ground is connected properly to the chassis safety ground
connection. Similarly, other power ground lines, including those to application and
maintenance equipment, must be grounded properly for both personnel and equipment
safety. Always ensure that facility AC mains input is de-energized prior to connecting or
disconnecting any cable.
In normal operation from the front panel, the operator does not have access to hazardous
voltages within the chassis. However, depending on the application configuration, HIGH
VOLTAGES HAZARDOUS TO HUMAN SAFETY might be normally generated on the
output terminals. The user must ensure that the output power lines are labeled properly
as to the safety hazards and that any possibility for inadvertent contact with hazardous
voltages is eliminated.
Guard against risks of electrical shock during open cover checks by not touching any
portion of the electrical circuits. Even when power is off, capacitors mayretain an electrical
charge. Use safety glasses during open cover checks to avoid personal injury by any
sudden component failure.
Neither AMETEK Programmable Power Inc., San Diego, California, USA, or any of the
subsidiary sales organizations, can accept any responsibility for personnel, material or
inconsequential injury, loss or damage that results from improper use of the equipment
and accessories.

M330460-01 Rev A vi
SAFETY SYMBOLS
WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard
HAZARD: Strong oxidizer
GENERAL WARNING/CAUTION: Read the accompanying message for
specific information.
BURN HAZARD: Hot Surface Warning. Allow to cool before servicing.
DO NOT TOUCH: Touching some parts of the instrument without protection
or proper tools could result in damage to the part(s) and/or the instrument.
TECHNICIAN SYMBOL: All operations marked with this symbol are to be
performed by qualified maintenance personnel only.
ELECTRICAL GROUND: This symbol inside the instrument marks the
central safety grounding point for the instrument.

M330460-01 Rev A vii
FCC NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference inwhich case the userwill be required tocorrect the interference at his own expense.

About DC Asterion Series
viii M330460-01 Rev A
ABOUT THIS MANUAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
This manual has been written for the Asterion DC Series of power supplies, which have been
designed and certified to meet the Low Voltage and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
Requirements of the European Community.
These models have been designed and tested to meet the Electromagnetic Compatibility
directive (European Council directive 2014/30/EU; generally referred to as the EMC directive)
and to the requirements of the Low Voltage directive (European Council directive 2014/35/EU,
93/68/EEC, dated 22 July 1993). In addition, these models have been found compliant with FCC
47 CFR Part 15, Subpart B107(e) Class A, 109(g) Class A.
Since the Low Voltage Directive is to ensure the safety of the equipment operator, universal
graphic symbols have been used both on the unit itself and in this manual to warn the operator
of potentially hazardous situations (see Safety Instruction page).

DC Asterion Series Contents
M330460-01 Rev A ix
CONTENTS
1OVERVIEW...................................................... 1-1
1.1 General Description.....................................................................................1-1
1.2 Specifications...............................................................................................1-3
1.2.1 Output Current and Voltage Models...............................................................1-3
1.2.2 AC input specifications ...................................................................................1-3
1.2.3 Output Power derating characteristics with AC input Voltage........................1-4
1.2.4 DC output programming and measurement specifications ............................1-4
1.2.5 DC output regulation Characteristics..............................................................1-4
1.2.6 Output transient specifications .......................................................................1-5
1.2.7 Remote Analog programming and External user control interface characteristics
1-6
1.2.8 Output Isolation...............................................................................................1-7
1.2.9 Remote Control Digital Interface Characteristics ...........................................1-7
1.2.10 Protection Function Characteristics................................................................1-8
1.2.11 Environmental Specifications .........................................................................1-8
1.2.12 Mechanical Specifications ..............................................................................1-9
1.2.13 Regulatory Agency Compliance.....................................................................1-9
2INSTALLATION................................................ 2-1
2.1 Inspection.....................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Contents of Shipment..................................................................................2-1
2.3 Mechanical Installation................................................................................2-2
2.4 Rack Mounting .............................................................................................2-3
2.5 Chassis Removal from Rack .......................................................................2-4
2.6 Outline drawings..........................................................................................2-5
2.7 Rear Panel Input/ Output Connections.......................................................2-7
2.8 AC input power connection.........................................................................2-9
2.8.1 AC input overcurrent protection......................................................................2-9
2.8.2 AC Input Safety Disconnect Device................................................................2-9
2.8.3 AC Input Connector........................................................................................2-9
2.8.4 1-Phase AC Input Operation ........................................................................2-11
2.8.5 3-Phase AC Input Operation ........................................................................2-11
2.9 DC output power connection.....................................................................2-12
2.10 Remote Sense ............................................................................................2-12
2.11 Wire Gauge Selection.................................................................................2-14
2.11.1 Wire Size ......................................................................................................2-14

Contents DC Asterion Series
x M330460-01 Rev A
2.12 Load Considerations..................................................................................2-17
2.12.1 Inductive and Stored-Energy Loads.............................................................2-17
2.13 Rear Panel User Interface Connectors .....................................................2-17
2.13.1 Remote Analog programming and External user control interface ..............2-18
2.13.2 RS-232C Serial Interface..............................................................................2-23
2.13.3 USB interface................................................................................................2-24
2.13.4 LAN interface................................................................................................2-25
3OPERATION .................................................... 3-1
3.1 Front Panel Display Menu and Functionality .............................................3-1
3.1.1 Power-Up Screens..........................................................................................3-1
3.1.2 Home Screen Top-Level Menu.......................................................................3-2
3.1.3 Dashboard Screen Top-Level Menu...............................................................3-4
3.1.4 Output Program Screen..................................................................................3-6
3.1.5 Measurements Screen ...................................................................................3-8
3.1.6 Ramp Screen..................................................................................................3-9
3.1.7 Configuration Screen....................................................................................3-14
3.1.8 Control Interface Screen...............................................................................3-23
3.1.8 System Settings Screen ...............................................................................3-31
3.1.9 Warning/Fault Screen...................................................................................3-34
3.1.10 Local/Remote Screen...................................................................................3-35
3.1.11 Parallel/Series Screen..................................................................................3-36
3.2 Output Verification.....................................................................................3-36
3.2.1 Constant-Voltage Mode Operation...............................................................3-36
3.2.2 Constant-Current Mode Operation...............................................................3-37
3.2.3 Overvoltage Protection.................................................................................3-38
3.2.4 Constant-Power Mode..................................................................................3-39
3.3 Remote Analog Programming Connector ................................................3-40
3.3.1 Remote Analog Isolated Interface Control (Option) .....................................3-40
3.4 Remote Current Programming..................................................................3-44
3.4.1 Remote Current Programming by Resistance..............................................3-44
3.4.2 Remote Current Programming by Voltage Source.......................................3-45
3.4.3 Remote Current Programming by 4-20mA Source ......................................3-46
3.5 Remote Voltage Programming..................................................................3-46
3.5.1 Remote Voltage Programming by Resistance .............................................3-46
3.5.2 Remote Voltage Programming by Voltage Source.......................................3-47
3.5.3 Remote Voltage Programming by 4-20mA Source......................................3-48
3.6 Remote Power Programming ....................................................................3-48
3.6.1 Remote Power Programming by Resistance ...............................................3-48

DC Asterion Series Contents
M330460-01 Rev A xi
3.6.2 Remote Power Programming by Voltage Source.........................................3-49
3.6.3 Remote Power Programming by 4-20mA Source ........................................3-49
3.7 Remote Overvoltage Programming...........................................................3-50
3.8 Remote Output On/Off Control..................................................................3-50
3.8.1 Remote Output ON/OFF by Contact Closure...............................................3-51
3.8.2 Remote Output ON/OFF Control by External Source ..................................3-51
3.9 Parallel and Series Operation....................................................................3-52
3.9.1 Parallel Operation.........................................................................................3-52
3.9.2 Series Operation...........................................................................................3-53
4CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION ............... 4-1
4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................4-1
4.1.1 Calibration and Verification Cycle...................................................................4-1
4.1.2 Digital programming and readback calibration...............................................4-1
4.1.3 Analog control interface calibration (Standard and Isolated analog interface)4-1
5MAINTENANCE............................................... 5-1
5.1 Introduction..................................................................................................5-1
5.2 Preventive Maintenance...............................................................................5-1
5.3 Fuses.............................................................................................................5-2

Contents DC Asterion Series
xii M330460-01 Rev A
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1. Rear Panel Connectors...............................................................................2-9
Table 2-2. AC Input Connector Pinout and Safety-Ground.........................................2-10
Table 2-3. AC Input Connector Type..........................................................................2-11
Table 2-4. DC Output Power Connections.................................................................2-12
Table 2-5. Recommended Lugs................................................................................2-12
Table 2-6. Analog Programming and External User Control Interface Connector Type.2-
13
Table 2-7. Minimum Wire Size...................................................................................2-15
Table 2-8. Wire Resistance and Voltage Drop, 20°C .................................................2-16
Table 2-9. Analog Programming and External User Control Interface Connector Type.2-
18
Table 2-10. Analog Programming and External User Control Interface Connector Type2-
20
Table 2-11. Analog Programming and External User Control Interface Connector Pin out
..................................................................................................................................2-23
Table 2-12. RS-232C Interface Connector Type........................................................2-23
Table 2-13. RS-232C Interface Connector Pinout......................................................2-24
Table 2-14. USB Interface Connector Type ...............................................................2-24
Table 2-15. USB Interface Connector Pinout.............................................................2-25
Table 2-16. USB Interface Connector Type ...............................................................2-25
Table 2-17. LAN Interface 8P8C Modular Connector Pinout......................................2-26
Table 3–1. Home Screen Menu Content.....................................................................3-3
Table 3–2. Analog Programming Connector, Designations and Functions................3-44
Table 5–1. Fuse Ratings.............................................................................................5-2

DC Asterion Series Contents
M330460-01 Rev A xiii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Asterion DC Series Power Supply, 1U Models..........................................1-1
Figure 1-2. Asterion DC Series Model Number Decoding ...........................................1-2
Figure 2-1. Rack mounting, 1U Models........................................................................2-4
Figure 2-2. Installation Drawing, Enhanced (front panel version) 1U Models ...............2-6
Figure 2-3. Rear Panel View, 1U Models, (with GPIB option).......................................2-7
Figure 2-4. Rear Panel Protective Cover Installation....................................................2-7
Figure 2-5. AC Input Connector and Safety-Ground Stud..........................................2-10
Figure 2-6. DC Output Busbar ...................................................................................2-12
Figure 2-7. Remote sense connector.........................................................................2-13
Figure 2-8. Remote Sense Connection at the Load, 60V-40V Model........................2-14
Figure 2-9. Diode Connections ..................................................................................2-17
Figure 2-10. Analog Programming and External User Control Interface Connector....2-18
Figure 2-11. RS-232C Interface Connector................................................................2-23
Figure 2-12. USB Interface Connector.......................................................................2-24
Figure 2-13. LAN Interface 8P8C Modular Connector................................................2-25
Figure 3-1. Splash Screen ...........................................................................................3-1
Figure 3-2. Power-On Screen Displaying Model & Version..........................................3-1
Figure 3-3. Output-Enabled Warning Screen ..............................................................3-2
Figure 3-4. HOME Screen Menu 1..............................................................................3-2
Figure 3-5. HOME Screen Menu 2..............................................................................3-2
Figure 3-6. HOME Screen Menu 3..............................................................................3-2
Figure 3-7. Dashboard Screen in CC/CV Mode ..........................................................3-4
Figure 3-8. Real-Time, Immediate Output Parameter Adjustment...............................3-5
Figure 3-9. Touch-Screen Numeric Keypad................................................................3-5
Figure 3-10. Default Screen........................................................................................3-6
Figure 3-11. OUTPUT PROGRAM Screen Top-Level Menu........................................3-6
Figure 3-12. Voltage Setting .......................................................................................3-7
Figure 3-13. Current Setting........................................................................................3-7
Figure 3-14. OVP Setting............................................................................................3-7
Figure 3-15. Regulation Setting...................................................................................3-8
Figure 3-16. Power Setting .........................................................................................3-8
Figure 3-17. Output State Setting................................................................................3-8
Figure 3-18.Measurements Screen.........................................................................3-8
Figure 3-19. Ramp Screen Top Level Menu ............................................................3-9
Figure 3-20. Voltage Ramp Screen..............................................................................3-9
Figure 3-21. Ramp-Screen (Initialization)..............................................................3-10
Figure 3-22. Voltage Ramp-Screen (SW Trigger) .....................................................3-10
Figure 3-23. Voltage Ramp-Screen (HW Trigger) .....................................................3-10
Figure 3-24. Voltage Ramp-Screen (Abort)...............................................................3-11
Figure 3-25. Current Ramp Screen........................................................................3-12

Contents DC Asterion Series
xiv M330460-01 Rev A
Figure 3-26. Current Ramp-Screen (SW Trigger)......................................................3-13
Figure 3-27. Current Ramp-Screen (HW Trigger) .....................................................3-13
Figure 3-28. Current Ramp-Screen (Abort)................................................................3-13
Figure 3-29. Configuration Screen Top-Level Menu..................................................3-15
Figure 3-30. Multi-Chassis Screen (Single Chassis) .................................................3-15
Figure 3-31. Multi-Chassis Screen (Multiple Chassis)...............................................3-15
Figure 3-32. Power ON Settings Menu Screen 1 ......................................................3-16
Figure 3-33. Power ON Settings Menu Screen 2 ......................................................3-16
Figure 3-34. Power ON Settings Menu Screen 3 ......................................................3-16
Figure 3-35. Power On Voltage Setting.....................................................................3-16
Figure 3-36. Power On Current Setting.....................................................................3-17
Figure 3-37. Power On Output Setting......................................................................3-17
Figure 3-38. Regulation Mode...................................................................................3-17
Figure 3-39. Power On OVP Setting .........................................................................3-17
Figure 3-40. Output Sense Setting Screen................................................................3-18
Figure 3-41. Voltage User Limit ................................................................................3-18
Figure 3-42. Current User Limit.................................................................................3-18
Figure 3-43. Power User Limit ..................................................................................3-18
Figure 3-44. Analog Reference Mode ........................................................................3-19
Figure 3-45. Volatge Reference Mode ......................................................................3-19
Figure 3-46. Current Reference Mode.......................................................................3-19
Figure 3-47. Power Reference Mode .........................................................................3-20
Figure 3-48. OVP Reference Mode...........................................................................3-20
Figure 3-49. Voltage Average Samples.....................................................................3-20
Figure 3-50. Current Average Samples......................................................................3-20
Figure 3-51. User V/I Limits Screen..........................................................................3-21
Figure 3-52. Output Sense Setting Screen................................................................3-21
Figure 3-53. Measurement Settings Screen...............................................................3-22
Figure 3-54. Auxiliary Settings Screen.......................................................................3-22
Figure 3-55. Control Interface Screen Top-Level Menu.............................................3-23
Figure 3-56. RS232 Setting Home Screen................................................................3-24
Figure 3-57. RS232 Setting Screen ..........................................................................3-24
Figure 3-58. LAN Screen ..........................................................................................3-24
Figure 3-59. LAN Screen (Settings)...........................................................................3-24
Figure 3-60. LAN Screen (Configure).........................................................................3-25
Figure 3-61. LAN Screen (DHCP).............................................................................3-25
Figure 3-62. LAN Screen (Auto IP) ............................................................................3-25
Figure 3-63. LAN Screen (Host Name) ......................................................................3-26
Figure 3-64. LAN Screen (Port) .................................................................................3-26
Figure 3-65. LAN Screen (IP Address).......................................................................3-26
Figure 3-66. LAN Screen (Subnet Mask) ...................................................................3-26
Figure 3-67. LAN Screen (Gateway Address)............................................................3-27

DC Asterion Series Contents
M330460-01 Rev A xv
Figure 3-68. LAN Screen (Restore Default) ...............................................................3-27
Figure 3-69. LAN Screen (Apply)..............................................................................3-27
Figure 3-70. Analog Screen......................................................................................3-28
Figure 3-71. Analog Mode Settings 1........................................................................3-28
Figure 3-72. Analog Mode Settings Screen 2............................................................3-28
Figure 3-73. Configure Analog Mode Screen............................................................3-28
Figure 3-74. Analog Reference Mode Screen...........................................................3-29
Figure 3-75. Voltage Reference Mode Screen..........................................................3-29
Figure 3-76. Current Reference Mode Screen ..........................................................3-30
Figure 3-77. Power Reference Mode Screen............................................................3-30
Figure 3-78. OVP Reference Mode Screen...............................................................3-30
Figure 3-79. System Settings Screen Top-Level Menu 1...........................................3-31
Figure 3-80. System Settings Screen Top-Level Menu 2...........................................3-31
Figure 3-81. System Settings Screen (Status) ...........................................................3-31
Figure 3-82. System Settings Screen (Version) ........................................................3-32
Figure 3-83. System Settings Screen (Hardware Limits)............................................3-32
Figure 3-84. System Settings Screen (Language).....................................................3-32
Figure 3-85. System Settings Screen (LCD Settings).................................................3-33
Figure 3-86. System Settings Screen (LCD Settings) Brightness..............................3-33
Figure 3-87. System Settings Screen (LCD Settings) Calibration..............................3-33
Figure 3-88. System Settings Screen (Default Screen Enabled)................................3-33
Figure 3-89. System Settings Screen (Factory Default) .............................................3-34
Figure 3-90. System Settings Screen (Parallel Chassis Reset)..................................3-34
Figure 3-91. Fault Screen .........................................................................................3-35
Figure 3-92. OVP Warning Screen............................................................................3-35
Figure 3-93. Local/Remote Screen ............................................................................3-35
Figure 3-94. Slave Parallel Screen.............................................................................3-36
Figure 3-95. Slave Series Screen ..............................................................................3-36
Figure 3-96. Constant-Power Example .....................................................................3-39
Figure 3-97. Remote Analog Programming Connector Pin-Out.................................3-41
Figure 3-98. Remote Current Programming Using Resistance..................................3-45
Figure 3-99. Remote Current Programming Using 0-5 VDC or 0-10 VDC Source...3-
45
Figure 3-100. Remote Current Programming Using 4-20mA Source...................3-46
Figure 3-101. Remote Voltage Programming Using Resistance................................3-47
Figure 3-102. Remote Voltage Programming Using 0-10 VDC Source .....................3-47
Figure 3-103. Remote Voltage Programming Using 4-20mA Source ........................3-48
Figure 3-104. Remote Power Programming Using Resistance .................................3-49
Figure 3-105. Remote Power Programming Using 0-10 VDC Source.......................3-49
Figure 3-106. Remote Power Programming Using 4-20mA Source.....................3-50
Figure 3-107. Remote Overvoltage Programming Using DC Voltage Source............3-50
Figure 3-108. Remote Output On/Off Control by Contact Closure.............................3-51

Contents DC Asterion Series
xvi M330460-01 Rev A
Figure 3-109. Remote Output On/Off Using Isolated AC or DC Source.....................3-51
Figure 3-110. Remote Output On/Off Using Isolated TTL/CMOS Source..................3-51
Figure 3-111. Parallel Connection and Remote Sense..............................................3-53
Figure 3-112. Series Connection with Anti-Parallel Diodes .......................................3-54

M330460-01 Rev A 1-1
1
OVERVIEW
1.1 General Description
The Sorensen Asterion line of DC power supplies by AMETEK Programmable Power
combines intelligence and flexibility to create an advanced platform of DC solutions.
This easy-to-configure design features sophisticated technology for delivering high
performance, programmable DC power. Its sleek design packs maximum power
density into a low-profile form factor; with an intuitive touch screen interface placing
that power at your fingertips. Centralized control and unparalleled modularity make
Asterion the most adaptable platform on the market. Its groundbreaking capabilities
set the standard for affordable, precision power supplies.
The Asterion DC Series is Digital Signal Processor (DSP) controlled and can
be operated from the intuitive, easy-to-use front panel touchscreen or the
Ethernet LXI, USB and RS232 standard control interfaces, as well as through
the optional GPIB control interface.
Figure 1-1. Asterion DC Series Power Supply, 1U Models
The touchscreen function group icons include a Dashboard, Output Programming
Parameters, Measurements, Ramp and Triggers, Configuration, Control Interfaces,
and System Settings. Function selection and parameter entry can be achieved either
by direct selection from the touchscreen or by using the encoder selector button. The
control resolution is adjusted by a dynamic rate change algorithm that combines the
benefits of precise control over small parameter changes with quick sweeps through
the entire range.
The Asterion DC Series is designed for testing today’s complex electronics, including
telecommunications and commercial electronics requiring low profile, light weight
power supplies with high power density. Other applications include:
•Military and aerospace electronics test

Overview DC Asterion Series
1-2 M330460-01 Rev A
•DC power simulation
•Commercial manufacturing and process control
•Research and development
•Automotive component and battery testing
•ATE applications
See Figure 1-2 for decoding the DC Asterion Series Model Number.
AST XXX (AR) - XXX DXC - E XX
SERIES
Asterion
UNIT OUTPUT VOLTAGE (VDC)
40 60
AUTO RANGE
Blank = Fixed Range
AR = Auto-Ranging
UNIT OUTPUT CURRENT (ADC)
42 28
85 56
125 83
PRODUCT FAMILY
D = DC
FORM FACTOR (U)
1 = 1U
UNIT INPUT VOLTAGE (VAC)
C = 90-145 VAC 1-ph, 180-264 VAC 1-ph/3-ph
D = 400 V 3-ph*
1
E = 480 V 3-ph*
FRONT PANEL
E = Enhanced
GPIB OPTIONS
0 = None
1 = GPIB
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
0 = None
1 = Isolated Analog
Figure 1-2. Asterion DC Series Model Number Decoding
*Consult factory for option

DC Asterion Series Overview
M330460-01 Rev A 1-3
1.2 Specifications
The following sections provide electrical, environmental, and physical specifications
for the DC Asterion Series power supplies.
Unless otherwise noted, the specifications are valid under the following conditions:
a. Ambient temperature of 25 5C, after a 30-minute warm-up, and at fixed AC
input line and load.
b. DC output into a resistive load.
c. Specifications values are valid from 5% of the full-scale value.
d. Stability is over an 8-hour period after a 30-minute warm up.
e. If remote sense is used then the output voltage accuracy, regulation and
stability specifications are valid at the point where the remote sense leads are
connected.
1.2.1 Output Current and Voltage Models
1U-Models
Power
1.7 kW
3.4 kW
5.0 kW
Voltage (V)
Current (A)
40
42
85
125
60
28
56
83
1.2.2 AC input specifications
Input Voltage, Nominal
Rating
1-Phase line-neutral: Low Input Range: 100VAC-132VAC, High Input: Range:
200VAC-240VAC
3 Phase Line-Line: 200VAC-240VAC
Input Voltage, Operating
Range
1-Phase line-neutral: 90-145 VAC low input range, and 180VAC-264VAC high
input range
3-Phase line-line: 180VAC-264VAC
Current1, maximum per
phase
1-Phase line-neutral: 19 A (RMS) at 90 VAC, 18 A (RMS) at 180 VAC, 21 A
(RMS) at 200 VAC
3-Phase line-line: 20 A (RMS) per phase at 180 VAC
Input Frequency, Nominal
Rating
DC or AC 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 400 Hz
Input Frequency Range
DC or AC 47-63Hz, 360-440Hz
Efficiency, typical
89% for 1.7 kW 1U Models
91% for 3.4 kW and 5 kW 1U Models
Power Factor, typical
0.98 for Single Phase Input and 0.94 for Three Phase Input
Hold-Up Time, typical
≥10 ms
Inrush Current, typical
50 A (PK) at 264 VAC

Overview DC Asterion Series
1-4 M330460-01 Rev A
1-PH Input Connections
2 wires + ground, 264 VAC, Maximum Line-Neutral
3-PH Input Connections
3 wires + ground; delta configuration; 264 VAC, maximum line-to-line
Isolation Voltage
1500VAC primary to earth, 3000VAC on primary to SELV and Hazardous
secondary to SELV isolation barriers
THDV
≤1%
1) Typical Value, at full load, with 200VAC Input voltage
2) At full load and with 200VAC input voltage, 50/60 Hz input frequency
3) Typical Value, At full load and with nominal AC input voltage, 50/60 Hz input frequency
1.2.3 Output Power derating characteristics with AC input Voltage
Output Power derating
characteristics with AC
input voltage
Model
Rated
Output
Power
1-Phase Low
Input Range
(90 -145 V AC)
1-Phase High
Input Range
(180-200VAC)
1-Phase High
Input Range
(200- 264 VAC)
3-Phase
(180 -264 VAC)
1U
1.7 kW
1.2 kW
1.7 kW
1.7 kW
1.7 kW
3.4 kW
1.2 kW
3.0kW
3.4 kW
3.4 kW
5.0 kW
1.7 kW
3.4kW
3.4 kW
5.0 kW
1.2.4 DC output programming and measurement specifications
PROGRAMMING & READBACK (FRONT PANEL OR REMOTE DIGITAL INTERFACE)
Voltage Output programming accuracy
+/- 0.1% of rated output voltage
Current Output programming accuracy
+/- 0.2% of rated output current
Power Output programming accuracy
+/- 0.3% of rated output power
Overvoltage programming accuracy
±1%, maximum, of rated output voltage
Voltage Output programming resolution
0.012% of full scale
Current Output programming resolution
0.012% of full scale
Power Output t programming resolution
0.012% of full scale
Overvoltage programming resolution
0.1% of full scale
Voltage Output readback accuracy
+/- 0.1% of rated output voltage
Current Output readback accuracy
+/- 0.2% of rated output current
Pout readback accuracy
+/- 0.3% of rated output power
Voltage Output readback resolution
0.012% of full scale
Current Output readback resolution
0.012% of full scale
Power Output readback resolution
0.012% of full scale
Overvoltage Response time
20 ms
1.2.5 DC output regulation Characteristics
Constant Voltage Mode
Maximum line regulation
+/- 0.01% of rated voltage