Manufacturers’ interest in solar energy continues to grow. As solar panel manufacturers strive to meet this demand, the global semiconductor shortage has led to a lack of availability and longer lead times for key products used in the manufacture of solar panels and other thin-film processes. To help manufacturers address these issues, electrical product manufacturer REO UK has launched the REOTRON SMP250-30, a variable DC power supply capable of delivering up to 250 volts (V) at 30 amperes (A), suitable for all sizes.
The new REOTRON SMP250-30 variable DC power supply has been developed as a more flexible solution that allows current and voltage to be set at the factory for a wider range of applications compared to other devices in the REOTRON range. The device comes standard with a DeviceNet or EtherNet IP interface, making it easy to integrate into a manufacturer’s process management systems.
The REOTRON SMP250-30 provides the variable DC power supply essential for the manufacture of solar cells and other products and applications requiring thin-film deposition. The device delivers a constant voltage or current for the process, ensuring that the coating is the correct thickness, measured in nanometers (nm), and with low variability to ensure that each solar cell meets the appropriate standards.
“The electrical components industry has suffered many setbacks due to COVID, the closure of production facilities and natural disasters”, says Steve Hughes, Managing Director of REO UK. “Many of these challenges have negatively impacted component availability and increased lead times, leading to price increases for manufacturers.”
“Instead of building multiple variable DC power supplies with different specifications, REO AG has instead focused on a one-size-fits-all approach”, explains Hughes. “This means that REO can deliver the variable DC power supply quickly and at a lower cost to its customers.”
In addition, REO configures the REOTRON SMP250-30 devices via software to deliver any voltage between 10 and 250 V and between 1 and 30 A.
The REOTRON SMP series includes primarily switched-mode power supplies with DC output. Electronics developers can use this product line for renewable energy applications, electric vehicle testing, battery emulation, and general process and testing applications. Development engineers interested in the latest REOTRON SMP series products can visit the REO website for more information.