Instruction Manual

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 characteriz-
ing the discharge profile of a battery.
C
onstant 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
4 ww w.bk precision.com
DC Electronic Loads
M
odels 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518, 8520, 8522, 8524, 8526
Flexible operating modes
▲
Remote control & application software
▲
r
esistance. 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
p
reset levels at a frequency between 0.1 Hz to
1 kHz, either continuously or controlled by a
trigger.
Trigg ered 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. RS232 to TTL and USB to TTL
serial converter cables are included. 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.
An example of battery discharge characteristics of an AA alkaline battery.
Model 8500