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Electronic Load – the perfect test solution for dc power sources

The Aim-TTi LDH400P DC electronic load (161-5840) is designed to investigate the behaviour of many different types of high voltage DC power sources such as PFCs, batteries, solar cells, fuel cells or wind generators, as well as electronic power supply units.

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The load inputs are rated to CAT II (300V), which allows for PFCs and mains connected power supplies to be directly tested using the electronic load without the need for an isolation transformer, this both saves bench space and total costs.circuit2_e27262272324d1200f865c156201ac742f9f938e.jpg

The electronic load provides a versatile test solution for power supplies, there are a number of key features which offer support from the product design stage through to the component test stage, during production. Key features include:  

Four different operating power modes:

  • Constant current (0 to 16A) – this mode is used for load testing of normal voltage-source power supplies and for constant current discharge testing of batteries and provides rapid measurement of power source regulation (VI/)
  • Constant power (0 to 400W) – this mode can simulate a load whose power consumption is independent of the applied voltage, ideal for testing power sources of portable devices such as Lithium-ion batteries.
  • Constant resistance – this mode simulates a standard resistive load by providing a current drain proportional to voltage and provides precision controllable resistance with high power dissipation and high-temperature stability.
  • Constant conductance – as well as showing settings in amps per volt, this mode provides better resolution when setting very low equivalent resistance values.

Transient generator and variable slew:

The electronic load features an internal transient generator, which can repeatedly switch the load between two different pre-set levels, level A and level B, at a frequency between 0.01Hz and 10kHz, with the transitions between the levels have a true linear slewing characteristic in all modes, with the slew-rate being adjustable over a wide range.

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High resolution setting and measurement:

The unit meters and displays measured values of Volts & Amps and equivalent Watts & Ohms.

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Current waveform monitor:

A monitor output providing a voltage proportional to the current flowing allows the behaviour of a source to be viewed on an oscilloscope or external meter.

Adjustable voltage dropout:

A low voltage dropout facility is provided to protect sources such as batteries from damaging levels of discharge by reducing the load current when the source voltage falls below the dropout threshold setting.

Settings & Memories:

All adjustable system parameters can be set via numeric keyboard entry or via the digital remote interfaces for quick and convenient instrument control. Up to 30 non-volatile storage locations that can be used to store and recall instrument parameter set ups, ideal for test and calibration procedures.

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Remote control:

The LD series incorporates analogue remote control for all modes of operation. When “external voltage” is selected the level becomes linearly proportional to the voltage applied to the remote control inputs on the rear panel. An applied waveform can be used as the control voltage allowing complex load conditions to be simulated to define a test sequence.

 

The LDH400P can be controlled through a variety of interfaces including USB, LXI / LAN, GPIB and RS-232 , which along with the features discussed makes this a versatile test solution for integrated systems testing dc power sources.

With a background in electronics and electrical engineering, with a keen eye on innovation and how things work.
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