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I am interested in purchasing (or building but preferably purchase) a software controlled DC power supply. Preferably, would like to control the output using LabVIEW.

I need two separate outputs that can be controlled from 0-5V as accurately as possible (5mV resolution). Each output must be able to source up to 1A.

I am planning on using the supplies to control the brightness of two separate high powered LED's.

Can't seem to find much from Google. Any help is appreciated!

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  • \$\begingroup\$ An Agilent E3646A would seem to meet those specs. Not sure about LabView support but would be suprised if it didn't have support. \$\endgroup\$
    – PeterJ
    Jun 20, 2013 at 23:58
  • \$\begingroup\$ I don't understand the two votes to close -- this question certainly does involve electronic design, as the OP is saying he wants to either buy or build a programmable supply. My answer covers the latter. \$\endgroup\$
    – tcrosley
    Oct 15, 2013 at 6:33

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You could build an inexpensive supply using a pair of LT3081 positive adjustable regulators. Unlike other adjustable regulators like the LM317, the LT3081 can be adjusted all the way down to 0V.

Adjustment of the voltage is done via a single resistor, 20k per volt. So 0 ohms is 0v, 20K is 1V, and 100k is 5V.

For programming, you could use the X9119TV14-2.7 digital potentiometer. It's maximum value is 100k ohms, which matches the 5V setting of the regulator, and has 1024 steps, which provides 5 mV resolution you specified (most digital pots have only 256 steps or less).

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