The BK Precision 8514B Programmable DC Electronic Load, 1500W, 120V, 240A features a set of comprehensive functions that make this load a versatile tool for testing and evaluating DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, batteries, battery chargers, and photovoltaic arrays. List mode, transient mode, automatic test mode, and battery test mode offer a variety of test tools for lab or production line applications. Continuously switching and pulsing load conditions put a dynamically changing load on DC sources. Load behavior can be triggered internally, externally, or remotely from the included application software. Contained in a compact benchtop form factor, these loads operate in constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV), constant resistance (CR), or constant power (CW) mode. Internal memory allows for 100 sets of user configurable parameters such as voltage, current, slew rate and width for quick system recall. Automatic test mode enables up to 100 different sequences to be linked to run steps of various operating modes and load conditions. Transient mode enables operation to periodically switch between two load levels. List mode generates more complex sequences of input changes with several different levels. The built-in battery test function calculates the Ah characteristic and capacity of a battery using a fixed current load discharge.
The 8514B includes PC software for front panel emulation, generating and executing test sequences, or logging measurement data without the need to write source code. Additionally, this application software integrates with NI Data Dashboard for LabVIEW applications, allowing users to create a custom dashboard on a tablet computer or smart phone to remotely monitor the 8514B.