As an electrical engineer, there are certain things that I look for when searching for a product online. It does not matter if the product is a component or power supply, the first thing I seek are specifications or data/technical sheets.
I wondered how easy is it to find power product information. Inquisitively, I put some companies to the test to simply find a power supply. In this trial, I did not use any particular parameters just random selection.
OCZ Technology Group website, at a quick glance, was fairly easy to choose a power supply product. On top of the home page is a product tab, where I found power supplies. Choosing two random power supplies (one for gaming and the other for general purpose use), the description and specifications were simple to read, understand, and most importantly, the various wattages and technical specifications were available for my purview. Next to the picture of the product, there is a link for more specifications and access for the data sheet. Scrolling down, there is a video explaining the product. I found this page to be very helpful when seeking a power product.
CUI’s Inc. webpage was easy to read as well. I wanted to make my search a little more challenging so I put extra effort in attempting to find a product. As before, on top of the home page was a tab for power. From here, I chose an ac-dc power supply (internal). I clicked on 120-499 W for variety. This choice led me to various supplies. Available in 12, 24, and 48 V, its VBM-360 series technical features and specifications were listed on its page. Its technical specification/data sheet in pdf format is linked directly under the picture. I thought this company’s webpage was helpful in attempting to find a power product.
Sunpower’s home page featured different power products. I chose to review the featured power supply. When clicking on the link, I reviewed the ATX Power Supply with UPS Function. Although the specifications were listed with the product, I searched for the technical data sheet but could not find the link. I immediately began researching other sites to find out about the product at no avail. I double-checked Sunpower’s page and there were no additional links to the data sheet. It would have been useful to view ATX’s data sheet for its product.
Agilent Technologies webpage was a good place to find a power supply. It was easy to read, the information was easily assessable, and the site gave clarity to its products. I typed power supply in the search box and immediately was directed to a page with ranges of supplies wattage. There were 64 models to choose from. I randomly selected a supply model between 0-50 W. The 0-50 W tab had a drop down menu for various types of supplies. Choosing the 25-50 W tab, I quickly found the link to view the data sheet in the upper left corner. As I scrolled down the page, there were pictures and links to 25 additional models of power supplies.
TDK-Lambda’s homepage was clear and direct. Upon entering their site, under the product tab choices there is a selection for either a high or low voltage supply. Viewing the high voltage page, it described various types of capacitor charging or high voltage dc supplies. Further downpage, there is also a link to a calculator spreadsheet tool download. On the left sidebar, I chose to review the ALE 802 Series (http://www.us.tdk-lambda.com/hp/product_html/802power.htm). In the upper left corner was the data sheet. Underneath the product picture were the specifications and also a link for the mechanical specifications.
Tektronix’s website was also easy to navigate. From its homepage, there was option for dc power supply. From this option, there were two supply chooses. I was given the choice to compare the supplies, which lead me a page that showed side-by-side specifications without an assessable data sheet. Although I searched for the data sheet, this company offers a product catalog and other product documentation materials; however, users must register to receive the documentation.
Filed Under: Hose • wraps + sleeves, Power Electronic Tips