Precision

​Current

​Regulator

​Controller - 

PCRC

Precision Current ​​Regulator Controller - PCRC 
​Also known as EPSC- Ethernet Power Supply Controller at SLAC and collaborating Labs

PCRC (Precision Current Regulator Controller) Model PCRC-7272

Features and Advantages
​
•  Power Supply Controller in a Slim 1U design
•  Precision Current Regulation (with external DCCT)
•  Temperature and Magnetic Fault Interlock monitoring
•  Setting and Ramping of Currents
•  Read-back of Current, Voltage, and Ground Current
•  Auxiliary input allows for separate monitoring of the Power Supply Output
•  Ground Fault Protection
•  Fault Latching and Reporting
•  Developed to work with power supplies of many ratings, types and vendors
•  Interfaces currently available for off the shelf power supplies, including Keysight, Sorensen, TDK-Lambda Genesys®️ and Kikusui

Introduction and Overview​

​The BiRa Precision Current Regulator Controller (PCRC) was designed and developed to work with commercial "off the shelf" power supplies to vastly improve the constant current stability of their outputs.  The system uses a custom interface that connects between the PCRC and the Power Supply.  A DCCT (Direct Current Current Transformer) must also be used in the system and provides current feedback from the power supply and DCCT back to the PCRC.  An error correction voltage is developed in the PCRC and is output to the power supply to greatly enhance current stability (see the basic system diagram below). The PCRC also has an Auxiliary input that allows for separate monitoring of the Power Supply output (using another DCCT) if desired.  The Auxiliary input is not required.  
An Ethernet port on the PCRC is used to relay commands to the Power Supply, such as turning the Supply on and off, setting the current Set-point, the Ramp Rate of the output, reading diagnostic messages etc. Another connector on the back panel of the PCRC is for monitoring magnetic and temperature sensor interlocks.
For customers that already have their desired Power Supply, having a non-integrated controller/regulator may be the best and least costly solution to improving their constant current stability.

PCRC Basic System Diagram

PCRC Specifications Table

​For DCCT and Daughter Card Selection Guide go here

Local Control Board (Optional)
​
The Local Control Board (LCB) connects to the Local Control connector on the PCRC front panel using a standard DB37 M-M cable.

​
Features 

• BNC connectors for current loop tuning.

When used with an external signal generator and decade box, more precise tuning of the error amplifier is possible.

• Allows for Local Control of the Power Supply for diagnostic purposes.

Switch S2 when enabled provides for local control.  An LED indicates when local control is active.

• 25 LEDs for status checking.

Yellow LEDS generally indicate status and modes, Red LEDS indicate faults, and the Green LED indicates a system ready condition.

• 23 Test points for measuring analog voltages.

Test points allow for monitoring of controller supply and reference voltages, internal temperature readings, DAC outputs, and other PCRC outputs.

• Provides a reset for the controller processor.

Momentary contact switch S7 allows for a reset of the PCRC processor.

• Local control potentiometer provides a 0 to 10V local control reference.

A jumper switch allows for a 0 to -10V reference for use with a reversing switch for polarity reversing.

For more information on Local Control Board(LCB) for PCRC go here