If there was a singular piece of test equipment that is absolutely vital, it would have to be a great DC power supply. This humble little box was the topic of a recent “Ultimate Guide to DC Power Supplies” post we did. At the end of that post, there were a handful of top DC power supply options that are extremely powerful. Given the importance and sheer range of options we wanted to do a dedicated list post to cover a broader set of DC power supply options.
To that end, we compiled a list of 21 great DC power supply options below.
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21 Great DC Power Supplies
Best Multi-Output DC Power Supplies
1) SIGLENT SPD3303X Triple Output Variable DC Supply
The SPD3303X is a workhorse supply by SIGLENT and one of the highest praised triple output DC power supplies. SIGLENT has grown into a trusted brand that offers a wide range of electronics test equipment that could outfit an entire lab. This particular model features ultra high resolution down to 1mV and 1mA. Two of the output channels offer adjustable voltages from 0V to 32V and an output current from 0A to roughly 3.2A. The third output channel has selectable outputs that include 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V to power common digital voltage rails. That selectable output also has a max output current of 3.2A.
Each of the three outputs can be programmed and are isolated from each other to create truly independent sources. The SPD3303X output channels can also be combined in series or parallel to increase output voltage and power capability. The outputs can be controlled remotely using Siglent’s EasyPower PC software. and the output waveform can be viewed on teh 4.3″ TFT-LCD color display.
The SPD3303X has all the common protections that you would expect of a lab grade DC power supply, including CC, CV, OVP, OCP, SCP etc. The Siglent SPD3303X is certainly not the cheapest option, but it is one of the best choices for a high performance lab grade DC power supply.
2) RIGOL DP832A DC Power Supply
The Rigol DP832A is comparable to the SPD3303X from Siglent, but not recommended as highly for a number of reasons. The DP832A does have the same high resolution of 1mV and 1mA and the output power is and voltages are also quite similar. However, the “selectable” output is fixed as a 5V supply.
Some of the issues holding the DP832A back are the cost (compared to the Siglent supply) and the clunky user interface. The display is not as bright and the input numeric keypad is awkwardly designed in a circle around the adjustment knob. Another issue with this supply is the fact that only one of the outputs (the leftmost one) is floating to allow +/- output voltages. The other two are tied to earth ground which limits them to positive output voltages.
Rigol’s reputation as a quality test equipment supplier has been on the rise as of late, but I would personally stay clear of this particular model for the reasons above. Their DS1054Z digital oscope, on the other hand, is a great piece of test equipment.
3) SIGLENT SPD3303X-E Triple Output Benchtop Power Supply
The Siglent SPD3303X-E is the perfect triple output DC power supply if you don’t need the ultra high resolution of the SPD3303X. The units are nearly identical except the X-E has a resolution of 10mV and 10mA vs. the 1mV / mA of the X. Besides that, the SPD3303X-E has the same output ranges and max power of the higher cost X unit. The same EasyPower software is also available to allow remote programmability of the outputs.
Read our full review of the SPD3303X-E here!
| SPD3303X | SPD3303X-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.3″ color TFT-LCD 5 digit voltage display 4 digit current display | 4.3″ color TFT-LCD 4 digit voltage display 3 digit current display |
| Channel Output | CH1:0 ～ 32 V,0 ～ 3.2 A CH2:0 ～ 32 V,0 ～ 3.2 A CH3:2.5/3.3/5.0 V,3.2 A | CH1:0 ～ 32 V,0 ～ 3.2 A CH2:0 ～ 32 V,0 ～ 3.2 A CH3:2.5/3.3/5.0 V,3.2 A |
| Resolution | 1 mV, 1 mA | 10 mV, 10 mA |
| Setting Accuracy | Voltage±(0.03 % of reading+10 mV) Current±(0. 3 % of reading+10 mA) | Voltage±(0.03 % of reading+10 mV) Current±(0. 3 % of reading+10 mA) |
| Readback Accuracy | Voltage±(0.03 % of reading+10 mV) Current±(0.3 % of reading+10 mA) | Voltage: ± (0.5 % of reading + 2 digits) Current: ± (0.5 % of reading + 2 digits) |
| Constant Voltage Mode | Line Regulation:≤0.01 %+3 mV,Load Regulation:≤0.01 %+3 mV,Ripple&Noise:≤1 mVrms（5 Hz ～ 1 MHz）,Recovery Time:＜ 50 μs（50 % load change， minimum load 0.5 A） | Line Regulation:≤0.01 %+3 mV,Load Regulation:≤0.01 %+3 mV,Ripple&Noise:≤1 mVrms（5 Hz ～ 1 MHz）,Recovery Time:＜ 50 μs（50 % load change， minimum load 0.5 A） |
| Constant Current Mode | Line Regulation:≤0.2 %+3 mA,Load Regulation:≤0.2 %+3 mA,Ripple&Noise:≤3 mArms | Line Regulation:≤0.2 %+3 mA,Load Regulation:≤0.2 %+3 mA,Ripple&Noise:≤3 mArms |
| Parallel Mode | Line Regulation:≤0.01 %+3 mV,Load Regulation:≤0.01 %+3 mV | Line Regulation:≤0.01 %+3 mV,Load Regulation:≤0.01 %+3 mV |
| Series Mode | Line Regulation:≤0.01 %+5 mV,Load Regulation:≤300 mV | Line Regulation:≤0.01 %+5 mV,Load Regulation:≤300 mV |
4) RIGOL DP832 Three Channel DC Power Supply
If the DP832A is analogous to the Siglent SPD3303X, then the DP832 is analogous to SPD3303X-E. The differences are minor between the DP832A and the DP832 with the major difference being the resolution. The DP832 has a resolution of 10mV / 10mA versus the 1mV / 1mA resolution with the DP832A.
Besides the resolution, the DP832 has the same number of output channels, same max voltages and output power, and circuit protections. Also similar to the DP832A, the DP832 is fraught with the same clunky interface and software functionality.
5) RockSeed Triple Output Linear Bench DC Power Supply
If you’re willing to venture into lesser known brands, the RockSeed RS305D Triple Output DC Power Supply has garnered a lot of positive attention from buyers. The price point of the RS305D is quite compelling and would be right at home on hobbyist’s workbench. Channels 1 and 2 of the RS305D are adjustable from 0V to 30V with a max output current of 5A. Channel 3 also has a maximum output current of 5A and is selectable between output voltages of 5V/3.3V/2.5V, providing convenient voltage options for chip voltage and TTL circuit voltage experiments.
The first two channels fo the RS305D can be hooked up to run independent of each other, connected in parallel for a max output current of 10A, or wired in series for a maximum output voltage of 60V. The resolution of this DC power supply is decent as well, coming in at 10mV and 1mA. The RockSeed DC Power supply also allows for 6 preset output configurations and can be controlled through a computer using a USB interface.
The RockSeed 3 Channel DC Power Supply has an intuitive interface with coarse and fine adjustment knobs. The RS305D also has circuit protections like CV, CC, and current limiting to protect your devices under test. The cooling fan does seem to be quite loud, but will only run when the unit requires additional cooling.
RockSeed also offers 3 other Single Output DC Power Supplies that offer lower voltage and/or current outputs. These other versions also have a significantly lower price point compared to the already quite affordable RS305D.
Additional multi-channel DC power supply options
There are a few other lesser known options for those looking for multiple outputs from their benchtop DC power supply. It is recommended that you do some additional research if considering one of these options. When available, read through any reviews that may be posted about these units. In no particular order, here are a few other multi-channel DC power supply options.
6) Tekpower TP-3005D – Triple Output Linear Power Supply
The TP-3005D Power supply and affordable test equipment that is feature rich enough for lab use, but would feel at home in a hobby bench as well. This unit has three DC outputs, 2 are capable of a maximum output voltage of 30 V and an output current of up to 5 A. The third output is a fixed 5 V with a maximum of 3 A. Like the other power supplies on this list, the outputs can be connected together in series or parallel for higher output voltage is or current.
The TP3005D has a bright LED display with control knobs for setting the outputs. The resolution of the displays are 100 mV and 10 mA. While Tekpower is not super well-known brand, it does have a high number of positive reviews and the affordable price tag makes it worth a look.
7) Dr.meter Triple Output Linear DC Power Supply
The Dr. Meter triple output DC power supply looks like a rebranded clone of the Tekpower TP3005. If all else is equal, we would recommend going with the Tekpower model.
8) Matrix Triple Output Linear DC Power Supply
The Matrix MPS-3003H-3 power supply looks to be another affordable choice for hobbyists or R&D labs. The one notable feature with the Matrix unit is the display resolution being an order of magnitude better than other units on this list at 10 mV and 1mA respectively.
This unit also seems to have all of the circuit protections one would expect and a full featured triple output DC power supply.
9) Instek SPD-3606 Triple-Output Switching DC Power Supply
The Instek SPD-3606 is different than the other supplies on our list because this model is a benchtop switching power supply. Switching Power supplies can achieve higher output powers but it comes at the expense of more noise. The Instek SPD-3606 has three outputs and they are all three adjustable. The first two are adjustable from 0 to 30VDC with up to 6A output or 0 to 60VDC with up to 3A. The third output is adjustable from 0.1VDC to 5VDC with a fixed current of 3A.
The display resolution on this unit is 100mV and 10mA and features of bright LED display. This brand is relatively unknown and doesn’t have many reviews online.
Best Single Output DC Power Supplies
10) Rigol DP712 Programmable Linear DC Power Supply (single channel, 50 V/3 A)
The Rigol DP712 linear DC Power Supply tops our list for best single output Power Supplies. Rigol has become a trusted name in test and measurement and this unit does not disappoint. The DP712 is capable of a max output voltage of 30V a with a max output current of 5A. The resolution of this unit is on par with the most expensive supplies at 1mV and 1mA.
In terms of user interface, the DP712 also has some nice features that help it stand out in a crowded field. The unit features a numerical key pad for entering precise values, but also features a dial for analog adjustments. The DP712 DC power supply also has a 3.5 inch color LCD display.
This unit is programmable and also supports timing output and trigger functions as well as a RS232 for remote communication. The DP712 is compact too, measuring only 13×5.5×8 inches. The Rigol is a great option for both lab and hobby use and is our top recommendation for single output benchtop supplies.
11) Rigol DP711 Programmable Linear DC Power Supply (single channel, 30 V/5 A)
The Rigol DP711 is the previous version of Rigol’s linear, programmable, single-output DC power supply. This unit suffered from a severe startup transient. While the DP711 is slightly less expensive than the newer DP712, we would recommend spending the extra money for latest generation.
12) Siglent Technologies SPD1168X Programmable Linear Bench Power Supply
Siglent’s SPD1168X is a decent power supply that offers a slightly different output range than the others on the list. This unit has a max output voltage of only 16V but has a maximum output current of 8A. This makes the SPD1168X a good choice for testing higher power circuits. This linear DC supply has low noise and would be a suitable supply for testing sensitive electronics like high power SSPAs found in modern software defined radios.
The input is limited to a turn dial for adjusting voltages and currents, but this supply is programmable. The screen is smaller than the Rigol models at only 2.8 inches. The display shows 5 digits of resolution for voltages and 4 for current.
One of the other nice features of this rig is its 4-wire sense for highly accurate voltage outputs.
13) B&K Precision 9110 Multi Range DC Power Supply, 100W, 5A, 60V
The B&K 9110 DC supply is unique because it is both a low noise linear supply AND a high output power switching mode supply. The mixed mode feature is digitally controlled and will transition automatically based on the load on the supply.
The user interface for this supply doesn’t have the best reputation and can be finicky at times. However, for the price, this unit packs a lot of power… literally!
14) RockSeed Programmable 60V/5A DC Power Supply
The RockSeed programmable supply is a good option for hobbyists looking for a full features Qsupply at an affordable price. This unit is probably not ideal for a true lab setting due to the relatively unknown history and reputation of RockSeed.
This unit can output up to 60V at 5A and features large easy to read 7-segment displays. It is programmable and features a USB interface and PC software for external control. The RockSeed supply also features 6 groups of programmable presets.
Generic Single Output DC Lab Power Supplies
15) Programmable Lab Power Supply (0-30 V 0-10 A)
If you’re just looking for something to knock around with in your garage, you can check Amazon’s list of top selling lab power supplies which is littered with generic power supply options.
Best Budget DC Power Supplies under $100
16) Kungber DC Power Supply, 60V 5A
Kungber has emerged as a reputable brand for low-cost (and lower-end power supplies). The SPPS-S605 is their 60V/5A single output model. This power supply offers an all metal enclosure and comes in both black or white color options.
The user interface is intuitive with a standard control knob to adjust voltages and currents that can also be pressed and then use to manually select each digit of the power supply. This power supply also offers for memory process that could be used to recall voltage and current combinations. Additionally, this unit also offers an on-off switch that will disable the output.
Some users of the Kungbar DC power supplies have complained of the noise the album voltages and loud cooling fans, which are probably related. However, for a price point under $100, this is a very popular single output DC power supply.
17) Kungber DC Benchtop Power Supply Variable, 30V 10A
The SPPS-S3010 DC power supply is identical to the unit above save the output voltages and currents. It has the same metal enclosure and intuitive interface, but with a lower maximum output voltage and higher output current.
18) RockSeed Programmable 30V/5A DC Power Supply
This RS305P power supply from RockSeed is one of the lowest cost, programmable power supplies available. It uses a USB interface and PC software to set up to 999 groups of output and timing functions up to 9,999 seconds. Even without a PC, this unit can store amend recall 6 groups of store output functions.
This particular unit has a maximum output voltage of 30V and maximum output current of 5A. The LED segment displays off at four digits of your resolution.
19) MakerHawk Adjustable Lab Bench Power Supply
DC to DC Converter Supply
The MakerHawk RD6006 DC Power Supply is one of the most unique supplies on our list. Not only does this supply a DC voltage, this unit requires a DC input voltage between 6V and 70V. The output voltage range is 0-60V and is possible because of the supply’a buck-boost configuration.
This unit offers a colorful LCD display, adjustment dial for fine-tuning voltages and currents, and a numeric keypad for keying in specific output parameters. The RD6006 can be controlled by PC with available software and even wirelessly through an android app.
20) HANMATEK HM305 Mini Variable Switching Digital Bench Power Supply
The HM305 switching DC supply is one of the most popular units on our list. It offers an output range up to 30V and 10A. This high output power is available because of the switching mode configuration. This unit will not be the cleanest power supply option, but it is one of the most affordable.
21) LM317 Adjustable Voltage Regulator Kit
Here’s a special addition for the adventurous DIYers… the LM317 kit is a build your own supply that you can pick up for less than $20! You’re not going to be setting any accuracy or reliability records with this thing, but for the price it will get the job done… assuming that job is powering simple prototype circuits. The output voltage is adjustable from 1.25V up to 12V. Be patient if you decide to give the LM317 DC supply a try. The instructions are pitiful and hard to follow. A basic understanding of rectifier and regulator circuits would come in handy. The final build quality turns out pretty darn good for something less than $20 and the components included are of reasonably good quality.
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