How to Minimize Voltage Transients During Source-Sink Transitions

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Pro ATE System Power Supplies
+ Pro ATE System Power Supplies
Pro ATE System Power Supplies
+ Pro ATE System Power Supplies

Measure Source-Sink Crossover Transients

Source-sink transition testing requires a unipolar two-quadrant direct current (DC) source, a bidirectional device under test (DUT), and time-correlated voltage and current measurements. Configure the source to hold the required positive DC voltage while the DUT alternates between drawing current and returning current. Program a dynamic output event, or operate the DUT through a controlled state change, so current crosses zero from sourcing to sinking. Use the integrated measurement system to capture voltage transient measurement data and the corresponding current response on the same time base. Record the voltage before the transition, the maximum deviation during crossover, and the time required to return to the programmed level. The current trace should identify the exact crossover point and confirm continuous two-quadrant operation.

Run bidirectional power testing at the voltage, current, and power conditions defined for the DUT. Repeat both source-to-sink and sink-to-source transitions, then compare overshoot, undershoot, and settling behavior across operating points. A regenerative power supply or integrated two-quadrant DC source keeps sourcing and sinking under one closed-loop controller, avoiding the deadband and mode-crossover behavior associated with a separate DC source and electronic load. Use source-sink transition testing to evaluate whether the voltage remains controlled as current changes direction. Capture voltage, current, and power for each event; add charge and energy measurements when the DUT stores or returns energy. Continuous data logging and configurable trigger routing can align dynamic output events, transient measurements, and application-specific protection actions for repeated test sequences.

Source-Sink Voltage Transient Test Solution

Perform the test with an integrated two-quadrant direct current (DC) source that drives the device under test from sourcing to sinking while measuring terminal voltage and current through the crossover. The Keysight Pro ATE system power supply combines source and sink functions under closed-loop control, provides 100% continuous sinking capability without an external power dissipation unit, and measures voltage, current, power, charge, and energy. Dynamic output and transient measurement capabilities support source-sink transition testing and voltage transient measurement without coordinating a separate DC source and electronic load. Available 5, 10, 20, and 30 kW configurations and multiple voltage and current ranges support bidirectional power testing across different power levels. Configurable trigger routing supports application-specific controls, triggers, and protection functions. Use the regenerative power supply to create repeated current-direction changes, observe the two-quadrant DC source response, and compare voltage deviation and recovery during each crossover.
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