Accessory Product
Universal Interface Device
High-performance play & play master-slaving
The Universal Interface Device (UID) connects two or more Magna-Power programmable power supplies for master/slave parallel or master/slave series operation. Connect supplies in parallel to multiply output current, or in series to multiply output voltage; in either configuration, the master unit commands all slave units to the proper voltage and current, giving complete control of the combined system from a single front panel or remote interface, while each unit continues to display its own output.
Installation is straightforward: set the internal jumpers for parallel or series operation, connect the included 37-conductor cables between the UID and each power supply's rear-panel user I/O connector, and wire the outputs together. No external power is required; the UID is a fully passive device. Beyond master/slave operation, the UID also serves as a breakout interface for the power supply's control and monitoring lines, with a user screw-terminal connector and an on-board prototyping area for custom control circuitry.
Key Features
- Master/slave parallel and master/slave series operation
- Compatible with Magna-Power SL, XR, TS, MS, MT, and ML Series power supplies
- Passive device (no external power required)
- Total system output always matches the programmed value
- User-configurable screw terminal connector and pad area for custom circuitry
- Qty (2) 6-foot 37-conductor shielded cables included
- BDx/DBx Module breakout with included interface cable (UID53)
| SKU | Description | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| UID46 | UID46 | ||
| UID47 | UID47 | ||
| UID53 | UID53 |
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Choose Your UID
One UID is required for every slave power supply in the system.
UID46: Analog Reference Control
The UID46 drives slave units through their 0-10 V external analog references, using the master's own monitor signals as the set point source. This method tightly matches output sharing between units, making the UID46 the recommended choice for current mode control applications and for high-current systems — such as large electromagnet and superconducting magnet loads — where current imbalance between units must be minimized. In current mode control, transient response is identical to the UID47 and UID53.
Includes: UID46, qty (2) 6-ft 37-conductor shielded cables
UID47: Gate Driver Control
The UID47 configures the master power supply to directly control the gate drivers of its slave units. With a single control loop commanding every unit, the UID47 delivers the fastest transient response performance, making it the general-purpose choice for most master/slave systems.
Includes: UID47, qty (2) 6-ft 37-conductor shielded cables
UID53: Gate Driver Control + BDx/DBx Module Breakout
The UID53 provides everything in the UID47, plus a dedicated 37-pin breakout connector (JR5) that carries the power supply interface signals required by Magna-Power's BDx and DBx Modules. In a master/slave system the power supply's user I/O connector is occupied by the UID cable — the UID53's breakout and included 37-pin to 15-pin interface cable let a BDx or DBx Module integrate with the power supply while it remains part of the master/slave configuration.
Includes: UID53, qty (2) 6-ft 37-conductor shielded cables, 37-pin to 15-pin module interface cable
Model Comparison
| UID46 | UID47 | UID53 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master/slave control method | Analog reference programming (0-10 V) | Direct gate driver control | Direct gate driver control |
| Transient response | Same as UID47/UID53 in current mode control; slower in voltage mode control | Fast, single control loop | Fast, single control loop |
| Parallel current sharing | Tightly matched between units | Total current as programmed; division between units may vary up to 5% of full scale | Total current as programmed; division between units may vary up to 5% of full scale |
| BDx/DBx Module breakout | — | — | Yes |
| Custom user circuitry pad area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best suited for | Current mode control applications or high current systems where current imbalance between units must be minimized | General purpose master/slave operation | Master/slave systems integrating a BDx or DBx Module |
In every configuration, the total output of the system matches the programmed value; a two-unit parallel system delivers twice the current programmed on the master. The comparison above describes only how that total divides between units.
How It Works
Parallel operation connects two or more power supplies for a total output current equal to the sum of the individual units, with equal current sharing under all load conditions and complete control from the master.
Series operation connects two or more power supplies for a total output voltage equal to the sum of the individual units, with equal voltage sharing under all load conditions.
Systems scale to three or more supplies by daisy-chaining additional UID units, so master control and monitoring signals route automatically to every slave. Each UID ships factory-configured for parallel operation; switching to series requires only moving the internal jumper.
BDx/DBx Module integration (UID53): blocking diode and high-stability modules connect directly to the UID53's breakout connector, preserving full module protection features, including power supply shutdown on module thermal alarm, inside a master/slave system.
Custom Configurations
Every UID doubles as a development platform for custom control and monitoring. All 37 power supply interface signals are broken out to labeled pad areas on the printed circuit board, a 10-position screw-terminal connector provides user-defined external connections, and a general-purpose prototyping area in the center of the board accepts user components, for example, OR'ing diodes to combine multiple diagnostic alarm signals into a single output.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise noted, all specifications measured at the product's maximum ratings.