Electronic loads are computer-controlled

These single-channel loads offer high range current capability and a constant power feature to facilitate battery testing and analysis

The RBL488 series of electronic loads, which are said to be ideally suited to the testing of large batteries, power supplies, fuel cells or other DC power equipment, is now available in the UK from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments).

The ultra-fast slew rate provides unmatched power-supply transient testing capabilities.

The RBL488 is also ideal for fuel-cell testing due to its ultra low voltage and high current capability.

The series provides ratings of 0-1000V and 0-1000A and a power output of up to 4000W from a single unit.

Operation below 0.5V is possible at 1000A.

Five modes of operation are possible: constant current; constant resistance; constant power; constant voltage; and pulse mode.

The loads can be controlled from the front panel or via analogue, IEEE-488 or RS-232 interfaces.

GUI and LabView drivers are available for IEEE-488 or RS-232 computer control.

IEEE-488 resolution is 1/4000 of selected full scale.

For external analogue programming, 0-10V input yields zero to selected full-scale loading in all operating modes.

In pulse mode, the frequency range is 0.06Hz to 20kHz (accuracy = 0.1%) with a duty cycle of 0-100% (IEEE-488) and 0 to 90% (analogue).

The slew rate is adjustable between 0 to full-scale in 10ms (minimum) and 10us (maximum).

A current sample output (with 10V as selected full scale) and a sync output (synchronous with pulse generator) are available.

Protection includes current limit, voltage limit, power limit, a thermal disconnect and under-voltage protection.

Simultaneously controlled larger systems may be created by synchronised paralleling of units with master/slave operation.

The price of RBL488 units starts at £1950 (plus VAT).

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