1Overview
The Berkeley Nucleonics PVP-Series delivers fully digitally regulated DC high voltage for demanding test, calibration, and production work. A microcontroller paired with an FPGA, a Field Programmable Gate Array, holds voltage and current to tight tolerances in the digital domain. FPGAs are used in high-voltage supplies because they permit quick signal processing and flexible adaptation to varied load requirements. The result settles fast, drifts little, and repeats reliably from one run to the next.
The compact build needs only 2U, which is unusual for power densities of 2 kW and 3 kW. High performance comes without losing speed or control precision. The polarity of the high-voltage output can be electrically reversed, depending on whether a positive or a negative high voltage is needed.
PVP-Series supplies suit many applications. Customers use them for various kinds of HV testing, in semiconductor production and verification, in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells and components, for end-of-line calibration, and in basic research and development. Simple handling is combined with speed and high precision.
2Highlights
- Voltage classes. 0 to 1.5 kV DC, 0 to 5 kV DC, and 0 to 10 kV DC (higher-voltage 20 kV and 30 kV models are listed in the model table).
- Power. 3 kW or 2 kW.
- Currents. From 0.2 to 2 A.
- Fully digital regulation. Microcontroller plus FPGA control of both loops.
- Usable as 19-inch or desktop chassis, with integrated adapter.
- Compact. Approximately 11.5 kg, 2U.
- Wide-range AC input, single phase.
- Ethernet and RS232 on board.
- SCPI command set.
- Predictive fan control.
- Output polarity reversible, electrically.
- Ramp control (option).
- Arc detection (option).
3Function & Protection
Function. Digitally regulated DC high-voltage power supply.
Security. In addition to an external interlock and analogue control signals, the supply provides over-voltage and over-current protection. These features protect the user, the device, and the load.
- External interlock input.
- Analogue control signals.
- Over-voltage protection.
- Over-current protection.
4AC Input
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input voltage (3 kW version) | 230 V ±10% |
| Input voltage (2 kW version) | 187 V to 253 V |
| Input frequency | 47 Hz to 63 Hz |
| Power factor correction | Active |
| Mains socket | Rear side, IEC 60320 Type C20 |
| Phase | Single phase, wide range |
5Human Machine Interface
- Display. Colored 3.5-inch TFT screen with LED backlight.
- Input. Two soft keys and one turn/press button.
- Navigation. Clear menu structure with sub-menus.
- Access protection. Configurable code protection for sub-menus.
- Monitoring. Error and event monitoring including time tags (actual and shadow).
6DC Output & Polarity
The output supports positive, negative, or reversible polarity. The high-voltage connection is a female HV connector on the rear side.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Polarity | Positive, negative, or reversible |
| HV connector | Female HV connector, rear side |
7Precision & Typical Values
Overall accuracy class of 0.01% (100 ppm). The values below are typical and apply to voltage and current regulation (v/c).
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 16 bit |
| Setting range | 0.01% to 100% Unom |
| Setting accuracy | 0.1% Unom |
| Reproducibility | ±0.01% Unom |
| Line regulation (±10%) | 0.01% pp |
| Ripple | Unom ± 100 mV |
| Load regulation (10% to 90%) | 0.05% Unom |
| Response time on changes | 1 ms to 0.1% Unom |
| Stability | 0.01% Unom per 8 h |
| Temperature coefficient | 0.01% Unom / K |
8Interfaces & I/O
Remote control is built in. Ethernet and RS232 are provided on board, the supply accepts a full SCPI command set, and a configurable I/O terminal carries the interlock and additional signals.
| Interface | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ethernet | On board, standard |
| RS232 | On board, standard |
| USB | Service port |
| Command set | SCPI |
| I/O terminal | Interlock, configurable I/Os |
9Enclosure
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mounting | 19-inch and/or desktop, with integrated adapter |
| Height | 2U (89 mm) |
| Depth | 500 mm |
| Chassis | Steel, RAL 9005 |
| Weight | Approx. 11.5 kg |
10Options
| Option | Order code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ramp Control | OPT-510 | Controlled output ramp for rise and fall |
| Arc Detection | OPT-520 | Detects flashover events |
11Scope of Delivery
- PVP-Series HV power supply.
- Male HV plug with 3 m HV cable.
- Rubber feet for desktop application.
- Mains cord, 1.5 m, with Schuko connector (CEE7) on the grid side and a terminal block for the I/O plug.
12Model Selection
The table below lists the PVP-Series family by power class. Each row gives the model, power, maximum voltage, and maximum current. The model identifier serves as the order reference.
| Model | Power (W) | Max. voltage (V) | Max. current (A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 W class | 2000 | ||
| PVP 1500 - 1400 | 2000 | 1500 | 1.4 |
| PVP 1500 - 1400 FLO | 2000 | 15000 | 1.4 |
| PVP 5000 - 400 | 2000 | 5000 | 0.4 |
| PVP 1000 - 200 | 2000 | 10000 | 0.2 |
| 3000 W class | 3000 | ||
| PVP 1500 - 2000 | 3000 | 1500 | 2 |
| PVP 5000 - 600 | 3000 | 5000 | 0.6 |
| PVP 10000 - 300 | 3000 | 10000 | 0.3 |
| 500 W class | 500 | ||
| PVP 20000 - 25 | 500 | 20,000 | .025 |
| PVP 30000 - 17 | 500 | 30,000 | 0.017 |
13Safety & Compliance
The PVP-Series carries the CE mark and the MET safety certification (cMETus). Confirm the current marks and directives for a given configuration against the published datasheet.
14Contact
For a quote, configuration help, or application support, reach the Berkeley Nucleonics team.
Email: info@berkeleynucleonics.com
Phone: 800-234-7858
Address: 2955 Kerner Boulevard, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
For a quick question, chat with an engineer at berkeleynucleonics.com.