Electronic loads
Electronic loads simulate controlled load conditions to test power supplies, converters, batteries and power devices. They absorb an adjustable current in different modes: constant voltage (CV), constant current (CC), constant power (CP) or constant resistance (CR). In R&D, they are used to analyse the stability, regulation and transient behaviour of power supplies. In production, they are used for validation and accelerated ageing tests on power systems. Laboratory models offer an accuracy of ± (0.05 % + 0.05 % FS) and a bandwidth in excess of 50 kHz to reproduce fast dynamic profiles. Some instruments incorporate recording, programmable sweep and energy efficiency measurement functions. High-power modular loads can dissipate several kilowatts with forced or liquid cooling. USB, LAN and GPIB interfaces ensure simple integration into ISO 17025 automated test benches. Used in the energy, aerospace, defence and power electronics sectors, they guarantee the reliability and conformity of performance tests.
An essential tool for characterising and validating power supply and energy conversion systems.
EL 9080-600
ELEKTRO-AUTOMATIK
High-power DC electronic load up to 7200 W, 600 A and 80 V, DC/CV/CR/CP modes.
63102A
CHROMA
2-way dynamic load 20 A, 80 V or 100 W max, controllable via several interfaces.
63802
CHROMA
Programmable 1800 W AC/DC electronic load with RS-232 and GP-IB interface.
PL1540
ELC CONSTRUCTION ELECTRONIQUE
Electronic load 1500 W, 400 V, 25 A, programmable as an option.
practical questions about electronic loads
01
What is the purpose of an electronic charge?An electronic load enables a power supply, battery or converter to be loaded with a defined current or power. It reproduces controlled load conditions to assess stability, efficiency, transient behaviour and the ability to maintain voltage in different situations.
02
What are the most common operating modes?Electronic loads typically offer DC (constant current), CV (constant voltage), CR (constant resistance) and CP (constant power) modes. Advanced models add dynamic profiles, programmable sequences or pulses to test transient regimes.
03
How do you choose the power and current range?The load must be aligned with the capabilities of the source under test: maximum voltage, maximum current, thermal dissipation, and the ability to handle transient overloads. The thermal safety margin is essential: a source close to its limit can cause outages or an unstable measurement.
04
Are electronic loads also suitable for battery testing?Yes, as long as the charge has a suitable discharge mode and correct management of low voltage levels. Some charges are specially designed for Li-ion cells, industrial packs or stationary batteries, with the ability to monitor capacity, cycles, voltage drops and temperature rise.
05
Which interfaces are useful in an automated test environment?Loads for automated test benches typically offer USB, LAN, GPIB or RS-232, as well as support for SCPI commands. This allows the load to be integrated into complete test sequences, measurements to be automatically documented and cyclic profiles to be run without manual intervention.
