LOW VOLTAGE OPERATION

The 8600 Series can operate at low voltages for applications such as fuel cell and solar cell testing.

CR-LED mode

Vd = Forward voltage of the LED
Rd = LED's operating resistance
Vo = Operating voltage across the LED
Io = Operating current across the LED

Use the load's unique CR-LED operating mode to test LED drivers. This function allows users to configure the LED's operating resistance and forward voltage along with the voltage range (same as CR operation) to simulate the loading behavior of typical LEDs.

Flexible Operation

Automatic Test Mode

The 8600 Series can execute multiple test sequences in automatic test mode. Up to 100 different sequences can be linked to run steps of various operating modes and loading conditions.

Each sequence can also be programmed with upper and lower limit Pass/Fall criteria. When applied in production testing, you can easily judge whether the test parameters of your devices are within the specification limits and adjust your process according to the Pass/Fail verdict.

Transient Operation

Transient operation enables the module to periodically switch between two load levels.

A power supply's regulation and transient characteristic can be evaluated by monitoring the supply's output voltage under varying combinations of load levels, frequency, duty cycle, and slew rate. Transient operation can simulate these conditions.

List Mode

List mode lets you generate more complex sequences of input changes with several different levels. Up to 7 groups of list files can be saved. Each list can contain up to 84 steps with a minimum width time of 20 μs per step.

Application Software

PC software is provided 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 apps, which allows users to create a custom dashboard on a tablet computer or smartphone to remotely monitor 8600 Series DC loads via this PC software.

• Remote monitoring on iOS, Android or Windows 8 compatible tablets or smartphones via NI Data Dashboard for LabVIEW apps
• Log voltage, current, and power values with timestamp
• Run transient operation and list mode programs remotely
• Create an unlimited number of external list files to be executed from PC memory

Powerful Communication Interfaces

The 8600 Series provides standard GPIB, USB, and RS232 interfaces for remote communication. These interfaces offer SCPI and USBTMC standard communication protocols to control your electronic load from a PC.

External Analog Programming and Monitoring Interface

In addition to front panel and remote interface control, current values can also be programmed with an analog control signal. The electronic loads can be externally controlled from zero to full scale with a 0-10 V input signal. A BNC output is available on the rear for monitoring the current with a 0-10 V output signal.

Battery Test Function

The built-in battery test function uses CC mode to calculate the battery capacity using a fixed current load discharge. Users can specify cut-off voltage level, capacity level, and time stop conditions.

Voltage-on (Von) Latch Operation

Control the input turn on state for the DC electronic load by configuring the Von latch function. This can be used to start and stop discharging of a battery or other power source at a specified voltage level.

Adjustable Slew Rate

In CC mode, users can control the rate or slope of the change in current in a transient response test. Set the slew rate to as slow as 0.001 A/ms or as fast as 2.5 A/μs depending on the model and selected current range.