Manufacturers’ interest in solar energy continues to surge. While solar panel manufacturers endeavour to satisfy these demands, the global semiconductor shortage has caused a lack of availability and longer lead times for vital products used in their manufacture and other thin film manufacturing processes. To help manufacturers address these issues, electrical products manufacturer REO has launched REOTRON SMP250-30, a one-size-fits-all variable direct current (DC) power supply that provides up to 250 volts (V) at 30 amps (A).

The new REOTRON SMP250-30 variable DC power supply has been created as a more flexible solution, which allows current and voltage to be factory-defined for a wider range of applications compared to the other units in the REOTRON line. The unit is provided with DeviceNet or EtherNet IP interfacing as standard, so it can be easily-integrated into a manufacturer’s process management systems.

The REOTRON SMP250-30 provides the variable DC power supply which is vital in the manufacturing of solar cells and other products and applications which require thin film deposition. The unit provides a constant voltage, or current, to the process which ensures that the coating is of the correct thickness, measured in nanometers (nm), and with low variability to ensure each solar cell meets appropriate standards.

“The electrical components industry has faced many setbacks as a result of COVID, the closure of manufacturing sites and natural disasters,” said Steve Hughes, managing director at REO UK. “Many of these challenges have negatively impacted component availability and increased lead times, causing a spike in price for manufacturers.”

“Rather than build several variable DC power supplies to varying specifications, REO UK instead focused on a one-size-fits-all approach,” explained Hughes. “This means REO UK can supply the variable DC power supply quickly and at a lower cost for its customers.”

In addition, REO uses software to configure the REOTRON SMP250-30 units to provide any voltage between 10 to 250 V, and between 1 and 30 A. This allows REO UK to offer an off-the-shelf solutions for any power between 10 and 7500 watts (W).

The REOTRON SMP range comprises primary switched-mode power supplies with DC output. Electronic design engineers can use this range for renewables applications, electric vehicle testing, battery emulation and general process and test applications. Design engineers interested in the latest editions to the REOTRON SMP variable power supply range visit the REO website for more information.