Definitions for power supply specification

Specifying precision magnet power supplies for accelerators can be an arduous and confusing task. The magnet supplies discussed comprise supplies which power dipoles, quadrupoles, and higher order correction magnets as opposed to pulsed septa and kickers. Because power supplies form the foundation of good control of particle beams, it becomes critical that care is taken to remove all possible ambiguity from the specifications. Many times this ambiguity is due to confusion over the basic terms used in the specifications. Different specifications interchangeably use terms like regulation, stability, and accuracy. The authors discuss those terms and parameters which are related to correctly specifying the requested current or voltage and the actual current or voltage.<>