Can I Buy/Build a 500V 4A Power Supply?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of buying or building a power supply rated at 500V and 4A. Participants explore various approaches, including commercial options and DIY solutions, while considering cost and functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the reasonableness of obtaining a 500V, 4A power supply, noting that while 500V is achievable, the high amperage may be problematic.
  • Another participant suggests that building a power supply could be more cost-effective, proposing the use of a step-down transformer in reverse to achieve the necessary voltage, although they acknowledge the need for multiple transformers to meet the amperage requirement.
  • Several participants express a desire for a ready-made solution rather than a DIY approach, emphasizing the importance of reliability over cost.
  • A participant recommends Lambda's high-power line as a potential solution, citing a specific model that meets the voltage and current requirements.
  • Another participant mentions Agilent as a manufacturer that may offer suitable power supplies, although they caution that prices are likely to be high unless one opts to build the supply themselves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether to buy or build the power supply, with some advocating for commercial options and others suggesting DIY methods. There is no consensus on the best approach, as preferences for reliability versus cost-effectiveness vary.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various transformer configurations and the potential limitations of DIY solutions, including insulation concerns and the need for multiple setups to achieve the desired output. No specific technical details are resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in high-voltage power supply solutions, including engineers and hobbyists exploring both commercial and DIY options.

Cyrus
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Is it unreasonable to buy or build a power supply circuit that is rated at 500V and 4Amps?

Thanks.

I know 500V is possible, but not at that high an amperage.

Anything in and around $5k would be fine.
 
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Yea, would be a lot cheaper to build one.

The problem would be finding a suitable step up 2000 W transformer to do the job.

But there is a way to get around that,

A simple step down transformer from 120 volts to 30 volts when connected in reverse will step up 120 V to 480 V. (turns ratio is 4)

Assuming the insulation holds up, you might get up to 1 amp from one transformer.

You would need four or more of these set ups in parallel to generate the required amperage at 500 V.

After you rectified them, you a simple transistor regulator.
 
I don't care about price, I just want it to work.
 
yes, will a little tinkering and tweaking could be done well under $500 bucks.
 
I don't care about price, I just want it to work.

I don't want to tinker, or tweak. I just want something that works.

If you know of any power supplies or circuits that would do what I want, please let me know.
 
Last edited:
cyrusabdollahi said:
I don't care about price, I just want it to work.
You are in an enviable position. Check out Lambda's high-power line; they have a 2.5kW supply that puts out 0-600VDC at up to 4 Amps, and others that will address your needs too.
http://www.lambda-hp.com/product_html/emspower.htm"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes, you are the man sir marcusl.

This is EXACTLY the reply I was looking for, thank you!
 
Have you tried Agilent? They make (or used to?) some big ones like what you want. Check their website or give them a call. And don't expect to drop anything short of $5K...unless you build it yourself.

EDIT : Wrote this post when I hadn't yet seen marcusl's suggestion.
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
Yes, you are the man sir marcusl.

This is EXACTLY the reply I was looking for, thank you!

Whoo! :biggrin:
 

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