Digitally Programmable Electronic Loads Have Serial Input

Representing the first member of a family of digitally programmable, serial input electronic loads, the DTL2A is essentially a digitally controlled current source that can sink currents from 0 to 24A in 5-mA increments, at loading voltages of 2.5V to 50V, up to a maximum of 100W. The loads accept a serialized, 12-bit word (supplied by any standard digital I/O card) and then shifts the data to a buffered latch. The registers, in turn, drive an on-board 12-bit D/A converter whose output drives a near-ideal, current-controlled current source. The DTL2A features a ±5 mA (max.) offset error and a ±0.1% (max.) gain error. Overall accuracy under normal operating conditions is guaranteed to be >±1%. The electronic loads and their respective controller boards have been developed to help facilitate burn-in and rapid, precise testing of power supplies and components. They are housed in a 2" x 2" x 0.5" thermally efficient metal package having an aluminum baseplate with "sleeves" for easy mounting to pc boards. Price in 100s is $125 each.