POWER
Choosing wisely – not all suppliers are created equal
A power supply can only be considered a proper solution if it comprehensively fulfils the anticipated need, which is why price and specification alone are not sufficient criteria for making a final choice. As test and measurement tools evolve and the variety of power supply products increases, understanding your supplier’s expertise and what they can add to the mix, remains crucial in the decision-making process.
A
n optimum solution can only be achieved when a supplier works closely with a customer to meet their particular needs. This means that it is not simply about providing essential components, be that power supplies, EMC filters, or other products, but also offering tailor made solutions for applications. Important characteristics purchasers should prioritise when identifying the right supplier is to find one that has a customer- focussed approach, as well as extensive experience within the industry. Precise test and measurement tools, for example, are essential for industry experts involved in the design, monitoring, and optimisation of systems and equipment. With these, it is easier to identify a problem and ensure that equipment is safe, functional, and efficient.
A supplier’s experience is vital. A company with a long and successful history is likely to possess a greater understanding of not only efficiency and compatibility, but also power capacity, voltage, and current ratings. Being able to integrate best-in-class components that deliver prime performance, safe installation, effective thermal management, and protection from voltage variability should all be on the tick list.
What’s more, a chosen supplier should meticulously adhere to compliance and testing standards, which are crucial for test and monitoring specialists.
Compliance with EMC standards should be a given, while a comprehensive range of assessments, including Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT), Highly Accelerated Test Screen (HASS), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), vibration, thermal modelling, and salt spray testing are essential to ensure products meet the safety, performance, and endurance standards required. However, it is fundamental that excellence
does not stop at the point of sale. Beyond the purchase, a supplier who is confident in the quality of the solution specified will offer ongoing support throughout a product’s lifespan, which will then be backed by extensive warranties. An important consideration from the outset of the selection process has to be who is likely to be the best long-term partner. There are distinct benefits for both parties in taking this approach. The supplier that appreciates a customer’s short and long-term requirements will also better understand the wider commercial objectives, in turn leading to an improved ability to deliver a more personal, customised service. Given the rapid advancement of technology and the increased focus on environmental concerns, power supplies are evolving, which has led cutting-edge suppliers beginning to develop next generation solutions with sustainability in mind. Consequently, these state of the art, environmentally friendly solutions can help meet company green targets and reduce
energy usage.
A good way to make power supplies more sustainable is to adopt an innovative approach. Seeking ways to incorporate recycled materials into products without impacting quality and enhancing recyclability at the end of a product’s lifecycle is another example. Additionally, you can increase energy efficiency and accommodate a broader range of renewable energy sources to emit lower carbon emissions. This includes developing remote performance monitoring for renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power.
A committed partner will have a product roadmap with developments such as these already planned in order to address the current and future needs of their customers. While choosing the right power supply may be a daunting practice because of the large range of options available, a partnership with a trusted, experienced solutions provider can simplify this process. Russel Parr is CEO of Sunpower.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS 29
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