Ametek / Elgar / California Instruments 1503L-3P AC Power Supply

The Ametek/Elgar/California Instruments 1503L-3P is a programmable AC power supply delivering 1500 VA (1667 VA at 35°C ambient) with selectable single or three-phase output. It generates sinusoidal waveforms from 17 Hz to 5 kHz with voltage ranges of 0–135 VAC or 0–270 VAC (L-N) and output current up to 4.1 A rms in three-phase mode. The unit operates from 115/230 VAC single-phase input and supports constant voltage, constant current, and constant power modes with ±0.5% accuracy on both voltage and current.

An integrated programmable controller (standard with -P option) enables IEEE-488 bus control, ATLAS-based programming, and automated transient generation. Total harmonic distortion stays below 0.5%, and comprehensive readback includes RMS voltage and current, power, apparent power, power factor, frequency, and phase measurements via digital LCD display.

Technical Specifications

• Power Rating: 1500 VA (1667 VA at 35°C ambient)


• Input: 115/230 VAC, single-phase, 47–440 Hz


• Output Voltage: 0–135 VAC or 0–270 VAC (L-N); selectable via MODE option


• Output Current (135 V, 3-phase): 4.1 A rms, 9.3 A peak (repetitive), 10 A peak (non-repetitive inrush)


• Output Frequency: 17 Hz to 5 kHz (45 Hz to 2 kHz with -3P controller); 45 Hz to 5 kHz alternate range


• Waveform: Sinusoidal


• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.5%


• Voltage Accuracy: ±0.5%


• Current Accuracy: ±0.5%


• Power Factor Range: 0 to 1


• Dimensions: 19" W × 7" H × 22" D


• Weight: 45 lbs

Key Features

• Selectable 1 or 3 phase output without rewiring (MODE option)


• Programmable controller with IEEE-488 bus control and RS232/VXI/MXI translator compatibility


• Abbreviated Plain English and ATLAS-based programming


• Constant voltage, constant current, and constant power operating modes


• Programmable transients over time or cycles


• Automatic remote calibration and comprehensive self-tests


• Real-time readback of voltage, current, power, apparent power, power factor, frequency, and phase


• Front panel control with knobs, buttons, and digital display

Optional Features

• -AX Option: Isolated 26 VAC regulated output (±2% accuracy, 3 A rms capacity, 360/440 Hz) and 5 VAC unregulated output (±5% accuracy) for auxiliary supply applications

Applications Power conditioning verification, electronic device performance testing across variable line conditions, three-phase load simulation, and transient response analysis.