QUASAR Q500 Rectifier

Plating Rectifiers

QUASAR Q500 is a line of Switch-mode rectifiers for electro-plating, electro-winning, electro-polishing, water treatment and electro-static painting. CRS rectifiers use current pulse wave modulation (pwm) which controls the amplitude modulation via the current magnitude instead of the voltage. The result is greater control over the current output than other topologies. Units can be interconnected for higher power requirements. The units range from 15 to 170 cm in height and all versions are available in both air (fan) and water cooled.

Electrical Features

No current limit due to modularity and units interconnection.
Up to 400 volts output (8v – 400v).
Current sharing available through a Master & Slave configuration.
Higher reliability versus other SMPS rectifiers due to modular power platform.
Up to 40% less power consumption versus Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR).
More than 87% Efficiency .
Null phase shift .
Digital signal processor control based.
Less than 2% output ripple. No need for L/C (Inductor and Capacitor) Filter.
High voltage and current regulation precision (<1% End of Scale).
Voltage regulation range between 20% to 100%.
Current regulation range between 5% to 100%.
Fast response and high stability to load variation (around 1ms)

Hardware Features

15 to 170 cm height.
43 * 43 cm base.
Switch and Operator Panel in the front.
All input and output connections in the back for easy access.
Light weight compared to Thyristor.
Predefined configurations (See Configuration specs on web site under Plating Rectfiers).

Connectivity Features

Compatibility with automation control devices (PLC) via RS232 and RS485 serial ports using the protocols:
PROFIBUS-DP® | DEVICENET® | WAGO I/O SYSTEM MODBUS-RTU® (free of charge) | CRS ASCII (free of charge).

Software Features

Simple waveform programming on the Operator Panel by defining the Current, Voltage, Time and Ramp Time.
Customized software available (See Q500 CPU Software list on web site
under Plating Rectfiers).
Master and Slave configuration.
Simultaneous amperage and voltage regulation (suited for anodizing application).
Ampere/hour and Ampere/minute meter for both Total and Partial for precise thickness
and solution-feed pumps control.

CRS Remote PLC (REM) – Optional

Control Panel equipped with analogical and digital outputs that can be used up 50 meters away and communicates with the Q500 via CRS-ACII or MODBUS-RTU protocols. (See Remote PLC and Remote PLC Software List on web site under Plating Rectfiers).

Types of Machines
DC & DCR
Direct Current (DC)
with Reverse Option (DCR)
8v to 400v DC and 8v to 30v DCR both AIR and WATER cooled versions.
Suitable for all processes that require very low ripple and a precise regulation like:
Processes based on Barrel method
Zinc Alloy deposition (for automotive)
Anodizing
Hard Anodizing
Hard Chroming
Electro-winning

PP & PPR Pulse Plating (PP) with Reverse Option (PPR)

12v to 30v both AIR and WATER cooled versions.
Plating rectifiers built to handle forward (PP) and forward/reverse (PPR) pulsed current with the possibility to create, via software, fast waveform with edges as low as 100 microseconds. Pulse Plating Reverse is an electronic reversing polarity feature, tailored for applications that require very fast polarity changes. These machines are able to generate very fast and complex current and voltage patterns (recursive and repetitive sequence of pulses) under the control of a host PC/PLC or even manually from the operator panel. Different machines can be networked to obtain synchronized wave forms. Nevertheless, they can operate like normal DC machines if required. Using these fast pulse patterns in ombination with appropriate chemical products, results in remarkable improvements to the following processes:
Processes based on Static method (jig)
Copper processes
Nano-structure generation
Decorative Chrome
PCB & hole Metallization
Precious Metal

DC & DCR Mini
8v to 400v DC MINI and 8v to 30v DCR MINI both AIR and WATER cooled versions.
Compact machine limited to 500 amperes output for air cooled versions and 600 amperes output for water cooled versions.

PP & PPR Mini
8v to 50v both AIR and WATER cooled versions.
Compact machine limited to 500 amperes output for air and water cooled versions.

Advantages in using Q500 Plating Rectifiers

Barrel process control
Software programmed arc suppression algorithm
that controls current and voltage.
Active resonant filter circuit that reduces the
leakage inductance of connections to the tank.

PCB Application
Provide pulses down to 1 millisecond.
100 microseconds for polarity change.
Current value for each surface.
Master & Slave formations can run synchronized,
180 degree out-of-phase, or free running
with the same program.
Pulse value and duration setting available.

Anodizing
Ripple below 1% on the full scale.
Simultaneous control of voltage and current.
Null phase shift even at higher voltages.

Decorative chrome plating
Pulsed treatment increases both deposit
thickness and covered areas.
Pulses deliver higher current.