Versatile & Economical DC Electronic Loads

The 8500 series Programmable DC Electronic Loads can be used for testing and evaluating a variety of DC power sources. Their wide operating ranges of up to 500 V and 240 A, flexible operating modes and excellent measurement accuracy make the 8500 series well suited for characterizing DC Power supplies, DC-DC Converters, batteries, fuel cells and solar cells.

The loads can operate in CC, CV, CR or CP mode while voltage/current or resistance/power values are measured and displayed in real time. Load terminals are isolated and floating. Extensive protection, including over temperature, over power, over voltage, over current and reverse polarity will help protect your valuable prototype.

The DC loads are easy to use. All parameters can be set quickly and precisely from the front panel, or programmed via RS232 (included) or USB (optional) interfaces.

When selecting a DC load, it is important to consider not only voltage and current requirements, but also power ratings. The power used when testing must fall within the hatched region for the appropriate DC load.

Some applications may require high voltage/low current and low voltage/high current which a single load may not be able to handle. B&K Precision’s broad range of DC loads will allow you to select the optimal model for your requirements.

CC, CR, CV and CP mode

In Constant Current (CC) mode, the load will sink a current according to the programmed current value regardless of the input voltage. (CC) mode can be used for load regulation testing of DC power supplies or for characterizing the discharge profile of a battery.

Constant Power (CP) mode simulates a load whose power consumption is independent of the applied voltage. Constant Power (CP) mode is useful for battery testing and simulating a realistic discharge curve.

In Constant Voltage (CV) mode, the load will attempt to sink enough current to control the source voltage to the programmed value. This mode is suitable for testing battery chargers.

In Constant Resistance (CR) mode, the load will sink a current linearly proportional to the input voltage in accordance with the programmed resistance. Unlike conventional resistors, the load resistance stays constant regardless of the power level.

Transient generator

The 8500 series offers a variable frequency generator which can be used in all operating modes. The DC load will toggle between 2 preset levels at a frequency between 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz, either continuously or controlled by a trigger.

Triggered operation

Triggering is used to allow synchronization of the DC Load's behavior with other events. You can generate a trigger event by front panel keystroke, by applying an external TTL signal to the back panel terminal or by sending a commands over the serial bus. The trigger can be used in pulse mode, transient mode, list mode and works in CC, CR, CV and CP modes.

The DC loads can be remotely controlled from any PC with USB or RS232 interface, allowing the user to fully program and monitor all parameters. An RS232 to TTL serial converter cable is included. A USB to TTL adapter cable is available as option. For users wanting to write their own custom software, a set of example programs are available for download on the B&K Precision website.

List Mode

A list of command sequences can be stored in non-volatile memory and executed independently of a computer. Execution in list mode greatly reduces command processing time and computer interaction during product testing. The command sequence can be entered manually from the front panel or downloaded from a PC via RS232 or USB interface.

Application Software

The included Application Software supports front panel emulation of the load and includes a battery test application which provides A*hr rating of a battery and adjustable ending voltage levels (safety voltage).

Whether you are designing a device with Nickel-Metal Hydride or Lithium-Ion batteries, the 8500 series have the capabilities to test their characteristics.