Sometimes an application requires more voltage than a single channel of a programmable power supply can output. If your power supply offers isolated outputs or a combination of isolated and non-isolated channels, you can easily extend the maximum output range by cascading channels in series.
For example, the NI PXI-4110 triple output power supply offers default configuration shown in figure 1.
NOTE: When cascading modules, be sure to not exceed the maximum common mode of a power supply. For example, the PXI-4110 has a maximum common-mode of +60VDC from ground
If your power supply offers isolated outputs or a combination of isolated and non-isolated channels, you can easily extend the maximum output range by cascading channels in parallel. This type of configuration is sometimes quicker or even costs less than purchasing a new higher-current power supply.
For example, you can extend the current output of a single NI PXI-4110 power supply by cascading an isolated and non-isolated channel, as shown in figure 2.
A
B
Figure 2. (A)Cascading two channels to create a single +6V@2A channel (B) Cascading the +20V channel from two PXI-4110 modules to create a single +20V@2A channel
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