SC16 Product Description

The SC16 is a class D, PWM (pulse width modulated) amplifier which has linearity, bandwidth and transient response similar to the best high power linear amplifiers.

The SC16 is packaged in a 4U, 19 inch rack case. It has integral ± 100 V switch mode power supplies driven from a single phase 240 V or 3 phase 208 V supply line. The SC16 has integral fan cooling and the overall electrical efficiency is typically 75%.

Each of the 8 outputs is continuously rated and can deliver 500 W, subject to a total load on the integral power supplies of 2 kW. Full power can be delivered into loads from 2.5 to 50 Ohms and inductive loads with low power factor.

The outputs are balanced, in full bridge configuration, and the common mode offset at the output is essentially zero, enabling 375 V pk-pk output swing with no more than 100 V excursion on any output relative to ground. All outputs are electronically protected against overload and shorts to ground. Each channel has a 10 segment LED power meter which displays the power being delivered to the load and real time monitoring points for output voltage and current.

The 50 kHz PWM switching frequency is fully filtered from the outputs. High levels of internal negative feedback completely damp any ringing of the output filters and ensure excellent DC linearity.

The bandwidth is DC to 10 kHz with excellent transient response. The gain and frequency response are customisable using 14 pin dual in line plug-in modules. This enables inductive loads to be driven with a constant current vs. frequency characteristic.

SC16 Applications

The SC16 is applicable to various types of motor drive where fast precision control is required and particularly when the motor presents an inductive load with a low power factor. These include linear motors (permanent magnet and induction), DC motors (brushed and brushless) and stepping motors.

The SC16 is also suitable for driving shakers for vibration testing. The 375 V pk-pk output swing eliminates the need for matching transformers and the true DC capability enables random burst and pulse test waveforms to be accurately reproduced. Other electro - mechanical applications include magnetic bearings, sonar drives and particle beam line drivers.

High power, multi channel audio, as used in cinemas is also a potential application. The SC16 matches well to 15 ohm speaker systems.