Single A-100 modules do not contain a power supply and housing. We recommend the usage of one of our A-100 housings (also called cases) to install the modules.

We have cases in different sizes and versions available. If you want to use your own housing a 19" standard frame including a +/-12V power supply should be used to supply the modules and ensure a mechanical stability.

If you are familiar with electronics you may use your own power supply and frame. The A-100 modules require a high quality dual +/-12V supply. This means that the terminals GND, +12V and -12V are necessary.

Some older modules additionally require a +5V supply (e.g. old version of the  A-113, as well as the obsolete modules A-190-1 and A-191).

For each module you will find the current required for +/-12V in the module description. The power supply used must be be able to supply the current required by the modules, i.e. the sum of all currents of the modules used in your application.

Most of the modules will work with +/-15V power supply as well but some specifications given in the module description are no longer valid (e.g. range of some controls). Even some re-adjustments may be necessary. But some modules cannot be powered with +/-15V !

These modules will be damaged with +/-15V supplies:

• A-106-6
• A-107
• A-109
• A-122
• A-126
• A-127 (old version with CEM3382)
• A-129/2
• A-130 (old version with CEM3381/PA381)
• A-131 (old version with CEM3382)
• A-132-3 (old version with CEM3360)
• A-134
• A-135.

These modules use the Curtis circuits CEM3360, CEM3381, CEM3382 or CEM3379. The max. supply voltage allowed for these integrated circuits is +/-12V. A +/-15V supply will destroy the very expensive CEM circuits !

The new versions of A-127, A-130, A-131 (all manufactured from ~2001) and A-132-3 use other circuits (e.g. LM13700) instead of the CEM circuits and will run with +/-15V without problems. Even the old versions of the modules A-148, A-150 and A-151 will not work with +/-15V. These modules may be damaged with +/-15V supplies too but the parts that may be destroyed (CD4052 or CD4053) are much cheaper than the expensive CEM chips.

The old version of A-148 was manufactured until end of 1998, the old version of A-150 until summer 2004 and the old version of A-151 until spring 2005. The old versions of these modules can be identified by the type of electronic switches: in the old versions CD405x were used (CD4052 or CD4053), in the new versions DG4xx are used (DG409 or DG442 in the A-148, DG409 in the A-150 and A-151).

For power supply of the modules a bus board with 16 pin/2 row standard pin headers is used. The connections between modules and bus board is made with 16 pin flat cable and 16 pin socket connectors. Please look at our internet site for more details (A-100 technical details and A-100 construction details).

For applications with only one or a few modules a miniature power supply/bus board is available (A-100MNT/MBP). This can be used if not more than 200mA are required. As in this power supply a low voltage AC adapter is used no safety problems could occur. We also offer a miniature case (A-100MC) that includes the A-100MNT/MBP.

If you want to use your own power supply you have to be familiar with electronics. You have to guarantee the electrical safety and keep all laws concerning electrical safety valid in your country ! We strictly warn you to install a power supply if you are not familiar with electronics ! This is valid too if you order the A-100 power supply as a spare part ! Only qualified personnel is allowed to install the A-100 power supply !