The BK Precision 9801 is a programmable AC power source within the 9800/B Series — a family of fully programmable linear AC sources that combine source and measurement functionality in a single instrument. The 9801 delivers up to 300 VA through universal line output terminals on the front, with output adjustable from 0 to 300 V at 0.1 V programming resolution and frequency from 45 Hz to 500 Hz.

A programmable AC power source generates controlled AC voltage and frequency conditions that simulate real-world mains environments — different line voltages, different frequencies, and abnormal conditions such as sags, surges, dropouts, and harmonic distortion. According to the datasheet, the 9800/B Series is suitable for evaluating transformers, TRIACs, SCRs, and passive components, as well as for production, R&D, service, and pre-compliance testing applications.

Brand Heritage

B&K Precision Corporation is headquartered in Yorba Linda, California, and has provided test and measurement instruments for more than 70 years. The company operates a French subsidiary, Sefram, based in St. Etienne, France, and a Taiwan operation, B+K Precision Taiwan, in Taipei. An independent service center in Singapore (Dynamics Circuit) supports customers in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The 9800/B Series comprises three programmable AC power source models — the 9801, 9803/B, and 9805/B — that share the same 0 to 300 V output range, 45 to 500 Hz frequency range, and feature set including list mode, PLD simulation, sweep mode, and dimmer simulation. The models differ primarily in maximum output power, maximum output current, and available interface options.

All three models in the family provide the same VFD display showing Vrms, Irms, Ipeak, frequency, power factor, apparent power, true power, and elapsed output time, and all support the same pre-compliance test standards (IEC 61000-4-11 / 4-14 / 4-28). USB, RS232, and LAN interfaces are standard across the series; GPIB is available as an option on the 9803 and 9805 (model numbers without the B suffix).

Each new 9800/B Series model below is its own product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the model that matches the maximum power, current capability, and interface requirements for your application.

The 9801 is the entry point in the 9800/B Series, providing 300 VA maximum output through universal line output terminals on the front panel. With a benchtop form factor measuring 8.45 × 3.47 × 17.83 inches and a weight of 20.94 lb, the 9801 is well-suited to R&D benches and service environments where the higher power levels of the 9803 and 9805 are not required. Standard interfaces are USB, RS232, and LAN; GPIB is not available on the 9801.

The 9801 provides 300 VA maximum power with up to 3.0 A rms in the 0 to 150 V range and 1.5 A rms in the 0 to 300 V range. The 9803/B steps up to 750 VA with 6 A rms (low range) and 3 A rms (high range), and the 9805/B reaches 1500 VA with 12 A rms (low range) and 6 A rms (high range). Peak current capability scales similarly across the family, from 9 A peak on the 9801 to 36 A peak on the 9805/B.

The 9803/B and 9805/B share a rack-mountable form factor (17.3 × 5.2 × 21.1 inches) with output terminals available at both the front and rear, and include rackmount ears, handles, and an unterminated power cord with input connector as standard accessories. GPIB is available as an option on the 9803 and 9805 (model numbers without the B suffix) — the 9801 and the 9803B / 9805B variants do not include GPIB. Review the comparison table below for the specific power, current, and interface differences across the series.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Accessories Supplied

• Unterminated power cord with input connector
• Rackmount ears & handles
• Instruction manual
• Test report & certificate of calibration

Product Core & Specifications

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.