KIKUSUI mag

AI servers are getting dramatically more power-hungry. As a result, data centers are increasingly adopting high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power architectures—often ±400V or 800V—to deliver large amounts of power while reducing distribution losses. Compared to traditional low-voltage power distribution, HVDC systems are advantageous because they deliver the same power at a higher voltage and lower…

What Is 4-Quadrant Operation, How Linear Amplifiers Work, and How to Select the Right Model (Kikusui PBZ Series, PBZ20-20A, PBZ-SR, PBZ-BP — Automotive Transients, Inductive Loads & Wireless Power) Summary A Bipolar Power Supply is the only instrument that can simultaneously source and sink power at both positive and negative voltages — no mechanical switching,…

What Is Hipot Testing, How Safety Analyzers Work, and How to Select the Right Model (Kikusui TOS Series — EV, Medical, & Industrial Safety Standards) Summary An Electrical Safety Tester (Hipot Tester) verifies that a product’s insulation, grounding, and leakage current are within safe limits before it reaches end users — it is the final,…

About the role of fuses A fuse is a component used to protect electronic circuits. When a current exceeding a certain level flows through it, the internal element melts, interrupting the circuit’s current.This prevents serious secondary damage (such as fire or electric shock). Fuse Selection Method Circuit designers first select the type of fuse based on…

Introduction A DC power supply is one of the most fundamental instruments in electronics engineering. Whether you are designing circuits, validating prototypes, or performing production tests, a reliable source of direct current (DC) is essential. Unlike batteries or solar panels, which provide uncontrolled DC output, a regulated DC power supply offers precise voltage and current…

Introduction While the Direct Current (DC) power supply is often the first instrument an engineer encounters, the AC Power Supply (Programmable AC Source) is equally critical, particularly for validating product safety, compliance, and global usability. The electricity delivered from a wall outlet (the utility grid) is inherently “dirty” and uncontrolled. It fluctuates in voltage, contains…

Introduction A DC electronic load is one of the most fundamental instruments in electronics engineering, acting as the necessary counterpart to the DC power supply. Whether you are designing power converters, validating battery packs, or characterizing fuel cells, a reliable “Sink” to absorb current is essential. Unlike passive resistors or light bulbs, which provide static…

In this, my third article, I will discuss an experience I had when developing a bespoke device for a client. My brief was to modify a TOS series electrical safety tester to create a low-cost, dedicated hipot and insulation resistance tester that used direct current only.

Taking Apart a USB Hub When using a computer to operate electronic measuring equipment or power supplies, the various devices need to be able to communicate with each other. While consumer devices tend to connect wirelessly (using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), it is still common for measuring equipment and power supplies for industrial use to use…

What does it really mean when someone tells you to “use your head”? In Japan, a TV show broadcast by the national broadcaster called Chikochanni Shikarareru is enjoying popularity. In the show, a five years old girl who named Chiko puts questions to the show’s grownup guests for testing on their knowledge of trivia in…

My story involves a heatsink selection that didn’t go exactly to plan.

In this article, I will share an episode that attests to the on-site problem solving abilities of Kikusui’s bespoke solutions team, of which I am a member. It all started with a phone call we received just before delivering a sophisticated and high-value system to one of our clients.