Power Supply Calibration
What is a power supply?
A power supply is an electrical device that delivers energy to a load, converting input power, typically from a wall outlet, into the specific voltage and current required by electronic equipment. Power supplies can provide direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), or both, depending on the application. They're essential components in everything from medical devices and aerospace systems to laboratory instruments, ensuring that critical systems receive stable and reliable power to operate safely and effectively.
In high-stakes industries like medical devices, aerospace, and biotechnology, power supply calibration plays a critical role in ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance. Whether it’s a ventilator, satellite system, or laboratory analyzer, accurate voltage and current output can mean the difference between mission success and failure. That’s why AC DC power supply calibration is essential for maintaining precise performance across a wide range of equipment. As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited provider, SIMCO brings proven expertise in power supply calibration to environments where lives, and reputations, are on the line.
Types of Power Supplies We Calibrate
At SIMCO, we offer expert bench power supply calibration and programmable power supply calibration services to ensure accuracy across a wide range of equipment types. From linear and switching DC power supplies to variable frequency and programmable AC sources, we calibrate both standard and specialized models, including high-voltage, precision, and lab-grade units. Our technicians are trained to support major manufacturers such as Keysight/Agilent, Fluke, B&K Precision, and Sorensen, delivering ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibrations that meet the stringent demands of regulated industries.
Why Power Supply Calibration is Critical
Over time, all power supplies are subject to drift, caused by component aging, temperature changes, and environmental factors, which can compromise output accuracy. That’s why reliable power supply calibration services are essential, especially in high-stakes environments. Inaccurate voltage or current from an uncalibrated supply can lead to false test results in medical device testing, failed aerospace component validation, or unreliable biotechnology equipment performance. Regular DC power supply calibration helps maintain the integrity of your quality management systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS9100, and ensures your equipment performs to spec when it matters most.
Calibration Process and Procedures
The power supply testing calibration process is designed to ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability for both AC power supply calibration and DC units. Every calibration begins with a thorough pre-calibration inspection and cleaning to eliminate contamination that could affect performance. We then perform multi-point voltage accuracy testing and current verification across specified load ranges. Key parameters such as ripple and noise, load regulation, line regulation, and temperature coefficients are measured using high-precision equipment traceable to national standards. Our meticulous process ensures that your power supplies meet full voltage and current specifications, keeping your systems compliant, consistent, and ready for critical applications.
Calibration Standards and Traceability
Linear power supply calibration and other power supply calibration processes must adhere to strict quality standards to ensure accuracy and reliability. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 ensures that calibration methods are scientifically validated and consistently applied. All measurements should be traceable to national standards, such as those maintained by NIST, and include documented measurement uncertainty to support confidence in the results. Regular calibration, typically recommended every 12 months, helps maintain equipment performance and regulatory compliance. Comprehensive calibration certificates should include detailed test data and traceability information to support audits and internal quality systems.
Industry-Specific Applications of Power Supply Calibration
Power supplies are foundational to performance and safety in a wide range of industries. Regular calibration—including switching power supply calibration—ensures that voltage and current outputs remain accurate and consistent, supporting everything from regulatory compliance to mission-critical operations. Here's how calibration impacts key sectors:
- Medical Device Manufacturing - Accurate power delivery is essential for both device testing and final product performance. Calibration supports patient safety, FDA compliance, and alignment with ISO 13485 quality standards.
- Aerospace & Defense - Systems used in aerospace and military applications must meet strict specifications and operate reliably under extreme conditions. Switching power supply calibration helps ensure equipment used in validation and environmental testing delivers precise, repeatable results.
- Biotechnology - Research and lab instrumentation rely on stable power for reproducible experiments and accurate diagnostics. Calibration minimizes variability and supports data integrity in biotech workflows.
- Electronics Manufacturing - In production environments, accurate power supply outputs are critical for functional testing and quality assurance. Calibrating bench and switching power supplies helps maintain tight tolerances and prevents costly product failures.
On-Site vs. Laboratory Calibration: What You Need to Know
When it comes to calibrating power supplies, both on-site and laboratory calibration offer distinct advantages depending on your operational needs.
Laboratory Calibration
Performed in a controlled environment with highly specialized equipment, laboratory calibration offers the highest level of precision and consistency. Factors like temperature, humidity, and electrical noise are carefully managed, reducing measurement uncertainty and enabling advanced diagnostics that may not be feasible in the field.
On-Site Calibration
On-site calibration provides convenience and minimal equipment downtime, making it ideal for facilities with high operational demands or limited shipping flexibility. While it may not offer the same environmental controls as a lab, on-site calibration is well-suited for routine maintenance and compliance checks.
Logistics and Turnaround Time
Laboratory calibration may involve transportation of sensitive equipment, which requires proper packaging and scheduling. However, labs often provide faster overall turnaround for complex calibrations. On-site services, while logistically simpler, may be limited in scope or availability depending on the equipment and location.
Choosing the right approach depends on your accuracy requirements, operational constraints, and the criticality of the equipment being calibrated.
Common Power Supply Calibration Issues
Over time, power supplies can develop performance issues that compromise accuracy and reliability. Regular calibration helps identify and correct these common problems:
- Voltage Drift and Accuracy Degradation - Components age and environmental factors shift over time, leading to output voltages that slowly drift away from their specified values.
- Current Measurement Errors - Inaccurate current readings can result from internal wear or sensor degradation, affecting the performance and safety of connected equipment.
- Ripple and Noise Problems - Excessive electrical noise or ripple can interfere with sensitive circuits, particularly in medical, aerospace, and laboratory applications.
- Display vs. Actual Output Discrepancies - The value shown on the power supply’s display may differ from the actual output, leading to incorrect assumptions about system performance.
- Environmental Sensitivity - Fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or line voltage can impact power supply behavior, especially in uncontrolled or harsh environments.
Identifying these issues through routine calibration ensures power supplies continue to operate within specification, supporting accurate testing, safe operation, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should power supplies be calibrated?
Most power supplies should be calibrated annually (every 12 months), though high-use or critical equipment may require more frequent intervals based on internal quality policies or regulatory requirements.
What’s included in a calibration certificate?
A standard calibration certificate includes measurement results, pass/fail status, test points, uncertainty estimates, traceability information (usually to NIST), and the calibration date and due date for the next service.
Can older or discontinued models be calibrated?
Yes—many older or discontinued power supplies can still be calibrated, provided proper test procedures and specifications are available. It's best to confirm model compatibility before scheduling.
What happens if my power supply fails calibration?
If a unit fails calibration, you’ll typically receive a detailed report identifying which parameters were out of tolerance. Options may include adjustment, repair, or replacement depending on the severity of the issue and equipment condition.
What factors affect calibration cost?
Pricing can vary based on the type of power supply (AC, DC, programmable, high-voltage), the number of test points, turnaround time, and whether the service is performed on-site or in a lab. Additional charges may apply for repairs, adjustments, or expedited service.
Ready to Ensure Power Supply Accuracy?
SIMCO offers ISO/IEC 17025 accredited power supply calibration services designed for industries where precision is non-negotiable. Whether you're managing bench, programmable, AC, DC, or linear power supplies, our calibration programs help you stay compliant, audit-ready, and operationally efficient.
Need to calibrate multiple units or create a service plan?
We’ll help you build a calibration program that fits your schedule and compliance requirements.
Want to reduce downtime and simplify logistics?
Ask about our on-site calibration services and managed calibration programs.
Have specific technical questions?
Our experts are available to discuss model support, test procedures, and documentation needs.
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