B&K Precision announced the expansion of its 8600 Series with the addition of four new programmable DC electronic load models: 8610, 8612, 8614, and 8616. With operating voltage ranges up to 500 V, the new models bring to the series a significant increase in power range from 250 W to 1500 W and a new offering capable of sinking up to 240 A for high current applications. All models provide adjustable current slew rate, fast transient operation speeds up to 25 kHz, and built-in battery and LED test mode functions, making these high-performance DC loads suitable for testing and evaluating a variety of DC sources such as DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, batteries, LED drivers, and photovoltaic arrays.
Similar to the previously released 8600, 8601, and 8602, the new models can operate in constant voltage (CV), constant current (CC), constant resistance (CR), and constant power (CW) modes. In addition, the expanded units continue to provide transient, list, and automatic test functions for more complex loading profiles of varying load levels, switching times, and operation modes.
The high resolution 16-bit measurement system carries over to the new models, offering a dual-line display for users to view both measured and set parameters simultaneously. Users can also adjust current slew rates, measure voltage rise and fall times, and control the voltage turn-on state to start and stop discharging of a power source at a specified voltage level.
All new models arrive in a 19" rack-mountable form factor and provide main input terminals on the rear. An additional I/O terminal is offered for external triggering, input On/Off control, voltage fault monitoring, remote sense, and external analog current control and monitoring. A current monitor BNC output is also available for continuous monitoring of the DC loads' input current level.
For remote control and programming, the instruments offer standard GPIB, USB (USBTMC-compliant), and RS232 interfaces supporting SCPI commands. LabVIEW drivers are provided along with free application software for front panel emulation, generation and execution of test sequences, and logging measurements via a PC.
To prevent damage to the unit and device under test, each model offers the following protection modes: overvoltage (OVP), overcurrent (OCP), overpower (OPP), overtemperature (OTP), and local/remote reverse voltage (LRV/RRV) protection.
Available immediately, B&K Precision's 8610, 8612, 8614, and 8616 programmable DC electronic loads are all backed by a standard 3-year warranty and listed at the following prices:
- 8610 750 W 120 V 120 A $2,450
- 8612 750 W 500 V 30 A $2,950
- 8614 1500 W 120 V 240 A $3,625
- 8616 1200 W 500 V 60 A $4,150
