Agilent U8002A - Single-Output DC Power Supply

Agilent U8002A — Single‑Output DC Power Supply

0–30 V @ 3 A • Linear Regulated • Digital Control • Modern Bench Supply

Purpose & Capabilities

A modern, digitally‑controlled linear DC power supply designed for:

• Breadboard and prototyping work

• Logic and microcontroller circuits

• Analog and audio electronics

• Sensor powering

• General bench testing

The U8002A is part of Agilent’s U8000 series — known for excellent regulation, low noise, and intuitive digital controls.

Access Level

• General Member Use

• No reservation required

• Only authorized volunteers may open or calibrate the unit

• Internal capacitors store dangerous energy — do not service internally

Specifications

Output

• Voltage Range:
  0–30 V

• Current Range:
  0–3 A

• Maximum Power:
  90 W

• Type:
  Linear regulated

• Cooling:
  Internal fan

• Output Terminals:
  Binding posts

Performance

• Ripple & Noise:
  Very low (millivolt‑level)

• Load Regulation:
  Excellent

• Line Regulation:
  Excellent

• Protection:

  • Overvoltage protection (OVP)

  • Overcurrent protection (OCP)

  • Thermal protection

  • Short‑circuit protection

Interface

• Digital display for voltage and current

• Front‑panel keypad + rotary encoder

• Fast response and stable readings

Before You Begin

• Inspect the supply:

  • Ensure binding posts are clean

  • Verify leads are rated for 3 A

  • Check that voltage is turned down

• Double‑check polarity

• Confirm your load can safely handle the selected voltage and current

• Ensure ventilation is unobstructed — the fan will run under load

Operating Guidelines

Setting Voltage & Current

• Use the keypad or encoder for precise control

• Set current limit before connecting your load

• Monitor front‑panel meters during operation

• Avoid sudden voltage changes on sensitive circuits

Connecting Loads

• Use proper gauge wire

• Ensure connections are secure — loose connections can arc

• For inductive loads:

  • Expect voltage dips

  • Use flyback protection if needed

During Operation

• Fan may run — normal behavior

• Supply may get warm under load

• Avoid running at maximum current for extended periods

After Use

• Turn voltage down to zero

• Turn off the supply

• Disconnect leads

• Coil cables neatly

Supported Use Cases

Approved:

• Breadboard circuits

• Logic circuits

• Microcontroller projects

• Audio and analog circuits

• LED drivers

• Sensor testing

• General electronics prototyping

Not approved:

• Motors

• High‑current loads

• Battery charging

• Anything requiring more than 30 V

• Experiments with exposed high‑current bus bars

Care & Etiquette

• Do not block ventilation slots

• Do not exceed the current rating of the leads

• Never intentionally short the output

• Report:

  • Output instability

  • Meter flicker

  • Burning smell

  • Excessive heating

  • Fan failure

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• Supply drops into current limit

  • Load is drawing more current than allowed

• Voltage sag

  • Load may exceed power capability

• Output unstable

  • Check connections; inspect leads for heating

• Fan runs constantly

  • Heavy load or high ambient temperature