HP 6023A - DC Power Supply

HP 6023A — DC Power Supply

0–20 V • 0–30 A • 200 W • Linear Regulated • Classic HP Lab Supply

Purpose & Capabilities

A heavy‑duty, precision linear DC power supply designed for:

• High‑current electronics testing

• Motor and actuator experiments

• Robotics power systems

• Battery charging and evaluation

• Bench testing of large DC loads

• General lab use where stable, low‑noise DC is required

The HP 6023A is known for exceptionally clean output, excellent regulation, and industrial‑grade reliability.

Access Level

• General Member Use with Training

• High current output requires caution

• Do not open or service the unit — internal capacitors store dangerous energy

• Only authorized volunteers may adjust internal calibration

Specifications

• Voltage Range:
  0–20 V DC

• Current Range:
  0–30 A

• Maximum Power:
  200 W

• Type:
  Linear regulated

• Input:
  110 VAC

• Cooling:
  Internal fan

• Output Terminals:
  Heavy binding posts

• Protection:

  • Overcurrent limiting

  • Constant‑current mode

  • Thermal protection

Before You Begin

• Inspect the supply:

  • Ensure output terminals are clean and tight

  • Verify leads are rated for 30 A — thin leads will overheat

  • Check that the fan intake is unobstructed

• Set voltage and current knobs before connecting your load

• Double‑check polarity

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

Operating Guidelines

Setting Voltage & Current

• Use the coarse and fine knobs to set voltage

• Set the current limit before enabling output

• The supply can operate in:

  • Constant Voltage (CV)
    mode

  • Constant Current (CC)
    mode

• The front panel indicators show which mode is active

Connecting Loads

• Use heavy‑gauge wire for high‑current applications

• Ensure all connections are secure — loose connections can arc

• For motors or inductive loads:

  • Expect voltage dips when starting

  • Use proper flyback protection if needed

During Operation

• Monitor the front panel meters

• The fan may ramp up under heavy load — this is normal

• Avoid running at full 30 A for extended periods unless necessary

After Use

• Turn voltage down to zero

• Turn off the supply

• Disconnect leads

• Coil cables neatly

Supported Use Cases

Approved:

• Robotics power systems

• Motor drivers

• High‑current DC loads

• Battery charging (with supervision)

• Bench testing of large circuits

• LED arrays, heaters, solenoids

Not approved:

• Direct connection to lithium batteries without proper charging circuitry

• Loads exceeding 200 W

• Experiments involving exposed high‑current bus bars

• Anything requiring more than 20 V

Care & Etiquette

• Do not block the cooling fan

• Do not exceed the current rating of the leads

• Never short the output intentionally

• Report:

  • Fan noise

  • Flickering meters

  • Burning smell

  • Output instability

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• Supply drops into CC mode unexpectedly

  • Load is drawing more current than the limit

• Voltage sag under load

  • Load may exceed 200 W

• Fan runs loudly

  • Heavy load or dust buildup

• Output unstable

  • Check connections; inspect leads for heating