Hot pursuit [configurable power supplies]

In the race to win market share, power suppliers are making real breakthroughs in configurable devices. The article looks at one device and its competitors. A former power distributor, XP, is aiming to take on leading suppliers of AC/DC power systems in Europe. XP has transformed itself from distributor to manufacturer with a series of acquisitions, re-branding itself as XP Power. XP recently released a configurable power supply called Flexpower. The AC/DC system is configurable from a universal input, providing 400 to 900 W at 3.3 to 60 V with a high line option that can bring the power output to 1100 W. Two chassis together can provide up to 2200 W. XP believes that the ability to connect units with different power levels allows system designers to specify the power level they need for different applications without having to pay extra for additional power capabilities. UK-based Lambda also has a range of AC/DC supplies. Their HWS series runs from 15 to 150 W versions, with nominal output voltages selectable from 3.3, 5, 12, 15, 24 or 48 V Each model accepts a continuous input from 85 to 265 VAC. California-based Astec Power, is also confident that configurable AC/DC power supplies form part of a major growing market.