Most bench work needs one DC rail. Embedded and mixed-logic board work often needs three or four - a variable analog supply plus one or more fixed logic rails - and running separate instruments for each is a waste of bench space and setup time. Vartech's multi-output linear supplies (3005-3 D2 triple output and 3005-4 quad output) put all of it in one chassis.
3005-3 D2 - Triple Output for Symmetrical and Fixed-Rail Work
The 3005-3 D2 gives two fully variable 0-30 V/5 A channels plus a fixed 5 V/3 A channel, with a 5-turn multiturn potentiometer for precise voltage setting on the variable channels. The two variable channels can run independently, in series, or in parallel - series operation gives a symmetrical ±30 V supply from a single instrument, exactly what op-amp and differential-input analog circuits need, while the fixed 5 V/3 A channel covers a standard TTL/logic rail without dedicating a separate supply to it. Each channel has its own 3-digit LED display for V and I, and auto CV/CC switching protects against accidental overload on any channel independently.
3005-4 - Quad Output for Multi-Rail Embedded Boards
The 3005-4 goes further: two main variable 0-30 V/5 A channels (Ch 1 & 2) plus two auxiliary 2.2-15 V/1 A channels (Ch 3 & 4), with preset voltage and current facility so you can dial in a setpoint before switching the output on - useful when the board under test can't tolerate a voltage ramp or momentary overshoot. This is the configuration for boards that genuinely need four independent rails at once: a variable analog or motor-drive supply on the main channels, and two lower-current auxiliary rails (3.3 V logic, sensor bias, reference voltages) on Ch 3 & 4, all from one 10 kg instrument instead of four separate supplies cluttering the bench.
Series and parallel operation
When a Single-Output Supply Is Still the Right Call
If your bench work only ever needs one variable rail, a multi-output supply is unnecessary complexity and cost - a single-output 3010 or 3020 covers that more simply. Multi-output supplies earn their keep specifically when a board or circuit needs multiple simultaneous rails and you'd otherwise be running two, three or four separate instruments side by side.
Quick Reference
- Op-amp / differential analog circuits needing ±V: 3005-3 D2 with variable channels in series.
- Variable rail + one fixed 5 V logic rail: 3005-3 D2.
- Variable rail(s) + two auxiliary logic/sensor rails: 3005-4 quad output.
- Single-rail bench work only: a standard single-output linear or SMPS supply is simpler - see our Vartech DC power supply buying guide.
CIE Instruments is an authorised distributor for the Vartech 3005-3 D2 triple-output and 3005-4 quad-output DC power supplies, part of the full Vartech DC power supply range. Contact us to confirm channel configuration against your board's rail requirements.