Owon P4603 1 Channel DC Power Supply 0-60V 0-3A

📊 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: P4603

• Type: Programmable Linear DC Power Supply

• Channels: 1 (Single Channel)

• Display: 3.4-inch color TFT LCD

• Cooling: Temperature-controlled fan (quiet operation)

• Power Type: Linear Design (low noise, excellent regulation)

• Total Power: 180W (60V × 3A)

• Dimensions: 222 × 155 × 355 mm (8.74 × 6.10 × 13.98 in)

• Weight: Approximately 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)

• Safety Standards: IEC 61010-1, CAT I

⚡ OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS

VOLTAGE OUTPUT

• Range: 0 - 60V DC

• Setting Resolution: 1mV

• Readback Resolution: 0.1mV

• Load Regulation: ≤ 0.01% + 3mV

• Line Regulation: ≤ 0.01% + 2mV

• Ripple & Noise (20Hz-20MHz): ≤ 1mV RMS / 5mV p-p (CV mode)

• Voltage Readback Accuracy: ±(0.05% + 10mV)

CURRENT OUTPUT

• Range: 0 - 3A DC

• Setting Resolution: 1mA

• Readback Resolution: 0.1mA

• Load Regulation: ≤ 0.2% + 5mA

• Line Regulation: ≤ 0.2% + 5mA

• Ripple & Noise: ≤ 3mA RMS (CC mode)

• Current Readback Accuracy: ±(0.2% + 10mA)

🎛️ OPERATION MODES

1. Constant Voltage (CV) Mode: Maintains programmed voltage

2. Constant Current (CC) Mode: Maintains programmed current

3. Automatic Crossover: Automatically switches between CV/CC based on load

🔄 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

• Transient Response Time: < 50μs (for 50% load change)

• Programming Speed: < 100ms for full-scale change

• Temperature Coefficient: < 0.03%/°C (voltage), < 0.1%/°C (current)

• Stability (8 hours): < 0.05% (voltage), < 0.1% (current)

• Setup Time: < 2 seconds to within 0.1% of programmed value

🔧 KEY FEATURES

DISPLAY & INTERFACE

• Color TFT Display: Shows voltage, current, power simultaneously

• Display Information:

  • Set voltage/current

  • Actual output voltage/current

  • Output power (calculated)

  • Operation mode (CV/CC)

  • Protection status

• Control Interface:

  • Rotary encoder with push-button

  • Numeric keypad for direct entry

  • Dedicated output ON/OFF button

  • Soft keys for menu navigation

MEMORY SYSTEM

• Preset Memories: 10 groups (M0-M9)

• Storage: Non-volatile (retains settings without power)

• Recall: One-button recall of stored settings

• Save/Load: Configurations can be saved/loaded via USB

PROTECTION FEATURES

1. Over Voltage Protection (OVP): User-programmable limit (0.1V steps)

2. Over Current Protection (OCP): User-programmable limit (1mA steps)

3. Over Temperature Protection (OTP): Automatic thermal shutdown

4. Short Circuit Protection: Auto current limiting with auto-recovery

5. Reverse Polarity Protection: Against external voltage backfeed

6. Fan Fault Detection: Warns on cooling system failure

🛠️ PROGRAMMABILITY

FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS

• Voltage/Current Sweep:

  • Linear and logarithmic sweeps

  • Programmable start/stop values

  • Adjustable step size and dwell time

• Timed Output:

  • Programmable ON/OFF duration

  • Countdown timer display

• Key Lock Function: Prevents accidental parameter changes

REMOTE CONTROL CAPABILITIES

• Interface: USB-B (device port for PC connection)

• Protocol: SCPI commands (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)

• Software: Owon PSU Manager for Windows

• Supported Functions:

  • Complete remote control of all parameters

  • Data logging of output voltage/current

  • Sequence programming (basic)

  • Real-time monitoring

🔌 CONNECTIVITY & PORTS

• Output Terminals:

  • Positive/Negative: 4mm safety banana jacks

  • Ground: Dedicated earth terminal

• USB Port: Type-B for PC communication

• AC Input: IEC C14 socket (standard computer power cord)

• Remote Sensing: NOT AVAILABLE on this model

⚡ INPUT POWER SPECIFICATIONS

• AC Input Voltage: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz (auto-ranging)

• Power Consumption: ≤ 250VA (maximum)

• Power Factor: >0.9 (typical)

• Inrush Current: <30A (cold start)

• Efficiency: Approximately 65-75% (typical for linear design)

🌡️ ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

• Storage Temperature: -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)

• Relative Humidity: <80% (non-condensing)

• Operating Altitude: Up to 2000 meters

• Cooling System: Temperature-controlled fan with speed adjustment

• Audible Noise: <45 dBA (typical operation)

📦 PACKAGE CONTENTS

1. P4603 Power Supply Unit

2. Power cable (IEC C13 to regional plug)

3. Test leads with alligator clips (1 pair)

4. USB cable (Type A to Type B)

5. User manual

6. Certificate of calibration

7. Rack mount ears (optional/separate purchase)

🛡️ SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

• Safety Standards: IEC 61010-1, UL 61010-1

• EMC Standards: EN 61326-1

• Protection Class: Class I equipment

• Insulation: Basic insulation

• Pollution Degree: 2

• Overvoltage Category: II

• CE Mark: Yes

• RoHS: Compliant

• Warranty: 3 years standard

🎯 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

1. Electronics Development: Prototyping and testing

2. Laboratory Use: General purpose power supply

3. Educational Institutions: Electronics labs and training

4. Battery Charging: CC/CV charging (with supervision)

5. LED Testing: Constant current operation

6. Sensor Powering: Clean, stable voltage source

7. Circuit Testing: Component testing and characterization

✅ KEY ADVANTAGES

1. Linear Design: Extremely low noise and ripple (<1mV RMS)

2. High Resolution: 1mV/1mA setting resolution

3. Color Display: Clear visualization of all parameters

4. Memory Presets: 10 programmable memories

5. Comprehensive Protection: OVP, OCP, OTP, short circuit

6. Programmable: Remote control via USB/SCPI

7. Build Quality: Solid construction, reliable performance

⚠️ LIMITATIONS & CONSIDERATIONS

1. No Remote Sense: Cannot compensate for voltage drop in leads

2. Linear Design: Less efficient than switching supplies (more heat)

3. Limited Interfaces: USB only (no Ethernet or GPIB)

4. Fan Noise: Audible under high load conditions

5. Fixed Voltage/Current Range: Cannot be expanded

6. No Tracking: Single channel only (no series/parallel capability)

🔧 TECHNICAL NOTES

LINEAR VS SWITCHING DESIGN

• Advantages of Linear Design (P4603):

  • Very low output noise and ripple

  • Fast transient response

  • Simple design, reliable operation

  • No high-frequency switching artifacts

• Disadvantages:

  • Lower efficiency (typically 60-75%)

  • Larger size and weight for given power

  • More heat generation

  • Higher power consumption at low output

PERFORMANCE IN DIFFERENT MODES

• CV Mode Performance: Excellent for voltage-sensitive applications

• CC Mode Performance: Stable current control for LED/battery applications

• Crossover Behavior: Smooth transition between modes

📊 COMPARISON WITH OTHER MODELS

🔄 OPERATING PROCEDURES

TYPICAL SETUP:

1. Connect AC power cable

2. Connect load to output terminals

3. Turn on power switch

4. Set desired voltage/current limits

5. Enable output (OUTPUT button)

6. Monitor actual voltage/current on display

PROTECTION SETUP:

1. Set OVP slightly above desired operating voltage

2. Set OCP slightly above desired operating current

3. Enable protections before applying power to sensitive loads

🔍 MAINTENANCE & CALIBRATION

• Calibration Interval: Recommended annually for critical applications

• Cleaning: Use dry cloth only (no liquids)

• Ventilation: Ensure 10cm clearance on all sides for proper cooling

• Fuse Replacement: No user-serviceable fuses inside (factory service required)

• Firmware Updates: Available via USB using Owon software

🏭 MANUFACTURER SUPPORT

• Technical Support: Email and phone support available

• Documentation: Complete manuals available online

• Software Updates: Regular updates for PC software

• Community: User forums and application notes

💰 VALUE PROPOSITION

The Owon P4603 offers:

• Laboratory-grade performance at bench supply pricing

• Exceptional voltage/current stability for sensitive applications

• Professional features (programmability, memory, protection)

• Reliable linear design with proven technology

• Good balance of power capability (60V/3A) for most electronic applications

Note: The P4603 is particularly well-suited for applications requiring clean, stable DC power with minimal noise, such as audio equipment testing, sensor development, analog circuit design, and precision measurement systems where switching noise would be problematic. Its linear design makes it an excellent choice for laboratory environments where signal integrity is paramount.