Remote Sense Connection

Remote sense connector

Note

Wired remote sense is only available for models rated ≤ 1000 Vdc and without the High Isolation Output (+ISO) option.

Remote sensing can improve regulation at a remote reference point. Appreciable voltage drop can occur in the wire between the power supply and load as the current increases. By default, the load operates in local sense, where feedback is internally connected at the power supply’s outputs terminals. However, the power supply can also operate in remote sense, and compensate for wire voltage drop by connecting its high-impedance sense wires to the load terminals. When the remote sense setting is enabled the feedback measurements are taken from the remote sense leads.

Local Sensing (a) and Remote Sensing (b) schematic representation

The remote sense setting is accessible from either the front panel configuration or by computer command. Magna-Power recommends using 20 AWG wires with the remote sense screw terminals. Connect the MagnaLOAD electronic load’s positive remote sense lead to the positive of the DC source terminals. Connect the MagnaLOAD electronic load’s negative remote sense lead to the negative terminal of the DC source. Both remote sense terminals are 6-32 screw connections. Connect the sense leads as close to the load as possible. Do not bundle the sense wire-pair together with the load leads; keep the load wires and sense wires separate.

Caution

Always ensure that the positive remote sense lead corresponds to the positive DC bus and, likewise, that the the negative remote sense lead corresponds to the negative DC bus. Connecting sense wires with an incorrect polarity can result in equipment damage.

Enabling remote sense activates the remote sense lead detector. The remote sense lead detector checks that the remote sense leads have been connected to the load. With the power supply configured for remote sensing and upon enabling power output, the sense location is initially set to local. The sense location is switched to remote upon reaching 7.5% of full scale output voltage. Once the power supply is sensing the voltage remote, as long as the voltage detected is greater than 4.5% of full scale output voltage, the sense location remains remote; if the output voltage detected is less than 4.5%, then the sense location will automatically revert back to local.

Caution

WARNING. Switching remote sense leads or disconnecting remote sense leads while the output is enabled can cause device failure. Only switch or disconnect remote sense leads while the power supply is in standby or turned off.

The remote sense indicator on the front panel will flash when the remote sense functionality has been enabled, but the power supply is remaining in local sense. The power supply will remain in local sense with the REM SEN light flashing if the output voltage never exceeds 7.5% of full scale output voltage or the remote sense lead detector has determined sense leads are not connected. The remote sense indicator will remain flashing until the remote sense detector has detected the presence of remote sense voltage within the limits described above.