Contents 1 General Information 1.1 Product Overview 1.2 Package Contents 1.3 Product Dimensions 1.4 Rackmount Installation 1.5 Front Panel Overview 1.5.1 Combination Keys 1.6 Rear Panel Overview 1.7 Display Overview 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 2 Getting Started 2.1 Input Power 2.2 Fuse Requirements 2.2.1 Fuse Replacement 2.3 Input Connections 2.4 Preliminary Check 2.4.1 Verify AC Input Voltage 2.4.2 Self-test Errors 2.4.3 Input Check 2.4.
5 Rear Panel Functions 5.1 Remote Sensing 5.2 External Triggering 5.3 Current Monitoring (I Monitor) 5.3.1 Remote Sensing 5.3.2 Current Monitoring (I Monitor) 20 20 21 21 21 21 6 Advanced Functions 6.1 Short Operation 6.2 Short-circuit Analog Function 6.3 Transient Operation 6.3.1 CC Mode 6.3.2 CV, CW, and CR modes 6.4 LIST Operation 6.4.1 Configure List 6.4.2 Run List 6.4.3 Disable List Mode 6.5 Battery Test Function 6.5.1 Test Configuration 6.5.2 Enable Battery Test Mode 6.5.3 Recall Battery File 6.5.
8.5.12 8.5.13 8.5.14 8.5.15 8.5.16 8.5.17 8.5.18 8.5.19 8.5.20 8.5.21 8.5.22 Configure Protection Settings PROTECT MENU Max-P A-Limit P-Limit Time Overcurrent Protection (OCP) Overpower Protection (OPP) Recall OPP File Overvoltage Protection (OVP) Over-temperature Protection (OTP) Reverse Voltage Protection (LRV/RRV) Configure Timed Input Measurement Configurations 41 41 41 42 43 44 45 45 45 45 46 9 Protection Functions 9.1 OCP Test Function 9.2 OPP Test Function 9.3 OPP TEST 9.
General Information 1.1 Product Overview The 8500B Series DC Electronic Loads are versatile instruments used for static and dynamic testing of DC power supplies, batteries, DC-to-DC converters, battery chargers, and other applications including fuel-cell, and solar cell test. Primary modes include constant voltage (CV), constant current (CC), constant resistance (CR), and constant power (CW).
Verify that all items above are included. If anything is missing, please contact B&K Precision. 1.3 Product Dimensions All models are designed to fit in a standard 19-inch rackmount. The dimensions are shown in Figure 1.1. Figure 1.1 External Dimensions - Half-rack models 1.4 Rackmount Installation The instrument can be installed in a standard 19 inch rack. For half-rack models, the optional rackmount kit IT-E151 is required. Figure 1.
Item Description 1 VFD Display 2 Power Switch 3 Numeric Input and Advanced Functions 4 Mode keys and Input Control 5 Navigation Keys 6 Input Terminals 7 Rotary Input Knob Figure 1.3 Front Panel 1.5.1 Combination Keys Press button first and then other keys to activate the more advanced functions. + Turn short circuit on or off. + Start or stop transient condition. + Set LIST operation parameters. + Store the DC Load state in non-volatile memory.
+ System menu setting + Configure menu setting + Press this button if you need a pause when running an auto test file. + Cause an immediate trigger. + Enter OCP test function. + Set detailed parameters in CC/CV/CW/CRmode. + Enter OPP test function. + + Recall the DC Load state from non-volatile memory. Key lock function 1.6 Rear Panel Overview The rear panel connections are shown in Figure 1.4.
1.
Getting Started Before connecting and powering up the instrument, please review and go through the instructions in this chapter. 2.1 Input Power The load has a selectable AC input that accepts line voltage input within: Voltage Frequency 115 V (+/-10%) or 230 V (+/- 10%) 47 Hz – 63 Hz Table 2.1 Input Power Requirements Use the line voltage selector switch in the back to switch between 110 V and 220 V operation.
Figure 2.1 Fuse Holder current levels. The “banana” input is capable of up to 10 A of current. Any more current is not recommended and could lead to excessive connector heating, melting and worse. Note: The screws on the terminals can be completely removed to allow for ring type adapters. The screw posts are 7mm in diameter. Due to the high current rating of the DC load, proper wire sizes are necessary for safe connectivity and to prevent wires from overheating.
2.4.2 Self-test Errors Connect AC power cord to the AC receptacle in the rear panel and press the power switch to the ON position to turn ON the instrument. Various elements of the system are checked during the power-on self test routine. If any occur, they are reported during the power-up procedure. See Section 11 for troubleshooting and error information details. During self-test, the display displays “System Init”, and dots are displayed showing the test progress level. 2.4.
Front Panel Operation The electronic load provides the following modes: • Constant current (CC) operation mode • Constant voltage (CV) operation mode • Constant resistance (CR) operation mode • Constant power (CW) operation mode 3.1 Local Mode/Remote Mode The 8500B series can either be operated locally or remotely. When in “Remote” mode, the RMT indicator will be lit. When in this mode, the front panel of the load is disabled and all commands are issued via the serial interface.
3.3 Slew Rate Measurement and Actual Transition time Current slew rate is defined as the change in current over time. A programmable slew rate allows a controlled transition from one load setting to another. The actual transition time is defined as the time for the input to change from 10% to 90%, or 90% to 10% of the programmed current values. The graph below illustrates slew rate measurements. Between the 10% and 90% region, the slew rate can be measured by observing the steepest slope portion.
3.6 Constant Resistance (CR) Mode In this mode, the electronic load approximates a resistor. The current draw is varied by the load according to the input voltage. The performance of this mode is not as fast as in CC or CV mode. This is because it is a sampled system and response to changing input takes a finite amount of time. 3.6.1 Configure CR Parameters There are several parameters that should be set up prior to operating in CR mode.
Front Panel Operation The electronic load provides the following modes: • Constant current (CC) operation mode • Constant voltage (CV) operation mode • Constant resistance (CR) operation mode • Constant power (CW) operation mode 4.1 Local Mode/Remote Mode The 8500B series can either be operated locally or remotely. When in “Remote” mode, the RMT indicator will be lit. When in this mode, the front panel of the load is disabled and all commands are issued via the serial interface.
4.3 Slew Rate Measurement and Actual Transition time Current slew rate is defined as the change in current over time. A programmable slew rate allows a controlled transition from one load setting to another. The actual transition time is defined as the time for the input to change from 10% to 90%, or 90% to 10% of the programmed current values. The graph below illustrates slew rate measurements. Between the 10% and 90% region, the slew rate can be measured by observing the steepest slope portion.
4.6 Constant Resistance (CR) Mode In this mode, the electronic load approximates a resistor. The current draw is varied by the load according to the input voltage. The performance of this mode is not as fast as in CC or CV mode. This is because it is a sampled system and response to changing input takes a finite amount of time. 4.6.1 Configure CR Parameters There are several parameters that should be set up prior to operating in CR mode.
4.7.2 External Triggering EXTERNAL:An external trigger is a TTL low signal applied to the Trigger connection on the back panel. This TTL signal must last for more than 5 ms. A trigger applied to this input is used to change settings (voltage, current , resistance), toggle between settings in transient- toggle mode, or generate a pulse in pulse mode. Operation to select the trigger source as external: [ ] +[8] (system)to enter the menu,use [(right/left)] to select TRIGGER,press to exit the menu.
Rear Panel Functions Item Description 1 Power Input 2 Fuse Holder 3 AC Input Voltage Selection 4 Current Monitor Output 5 Remote Sense/Trigger Input 6 Remote Interface Figure 5.1 Rear Panel 5.1 Remote Sensing Remote sensing is used to counteract the effect of lead resistance.
1. Press + to enter the configuration menu. 2. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “SENSE” menu item. Press to enter the menu. 3. Use the arrow keys to select the desired value “ON, or OFF” and press to confirm the setting. 4. When active, the “Sense” indicator will show on the display. 5.2 External Triggering An external trigger is a TTL low signal applied to the Trigger connection on the back panel. This TTL signal must last for more than 5 ms.
Advanced Functions In addition to the 4 general modes of operation, there are a number of other more application specific functions. These functions enable more advanced testing. 6.1 Short Operation The electronic load can simulate a short circuit at its input. During front panel operation, press + to switch the short on/off state. Short operation will not affect the present setting. When turning off the short state, the load returns to the original set state.
1. First, select the load’s mode of operation, which will determine which type of transient operation will be configured. Press or to select between CC, CV, CW, or CR mode. Verify the selection by the backlight behind its corresponding button, which will be lit when selected. 2. Enable transient mode from the “Tran” menu. This is accessed via “ 3. Select the transient mode “Continuous”, “Pulse”, or “Toggle”. Press + ”. . 6.3.
Figure 6.1 List Mode Current Waveform 6.4.1 Configure List Lists are run exclusively from internal memory only. As in other menus, an active field is denoted by an underline cursor or flashing. To enter a list into memory, complete the following: 1. Press + . 2. Set the first field in the menu to “OFF”. If the field is set to “ON”, press to change the value to “OFF”. 3. Move the selected field via the buttons to the “EDIT” (shown as EDI) field and press List.
3. Use the button to go back to the normal display. The load is now ready and waiting for a trigger. 4. Press to enable the input, and send a trigger to start the list program. If Trigger Source is set to Manual, press + to send a trigger. See Section ?? for details about triggers. Note: The number next to LIST on the display shows the current running step number. When the list ends, it will change back to “0”.
Stop Timer The maximum test time. 4. When the settings are entered, the last step is to set the memory location. Set the value (1 - 10) and press complete the configuration entry. to 6.5.2 Enable Battery Test Mode 1. Press + to enter the system menu. 2. Use the keys to navigate to the ‘RUNMODE’ setting. 3. Press to enter the setting menu. 4. Use the to scroll through the different settings and select “BATTERY”. 5. After setting the mode, exit the menu using the Battery test mode is now enabled.
1. Press + (Prog). ACTIVE =0987654321 2. Press , and press enter to confirm. ACTIVE =0987654YYY 3. Select the step that should pause during the test. When paused, press [downarrow] continue the test. PAUSE=NNNNNNN32Y 4. Step 3 short circuit testing, press SHORT =NNNNNNNY21 , and press to confirm. 5. Set Ton for the first step if you want to load on for 2S, press SEQ01 ON =2S 6. Set Toff for the first step, if you want to load off 2S, press SEQ01 OFF =2S , and then press to confirm. T-on range 0-60S.
Ton, Toff and Tpf (P/F) Relation: Tpf the delay time for a step 15. Set stop conditions: COMP means stop test when all the steps are completed, FAILURE means stop test when the testing fails. Press to confirm. STOP COMP FAILURE 16. Select the test file to link if you’d like to. The linked file must be saved before. 0 stands for not linking to other files. Press key to confirm.
1. Press [[Shift)+[CC] button and then [CV] (Setup) to enter the setting interface. RANGE=30.000A CC 2. Set the current range press RANGE =1.2A CC to confirm. 3. set the upper limit of voltage, press HIGH=4.6V CC to confirm. 4. Set the lower limit of voltage, press LOW=4.4V CC to confirm. 5. Set the rise speed of current, press UP=1A/uS CC to confirm. 6. Set the fall speed of current, press DOWN=1A/uS CC to confirm. 7. Finish the setup 10.0000V 0.000A 0.00W CC=0.
1. Press [CW] button press to set related RANGE=150.00W CV 2. Set the power range press RANGE =1.00W +[parameters] to confirm. 3. Set the upper limit of voltage press HIGH=120.00V to confirm. 4. Set the lower limit of voltage press LOW=0.000V to confirm. 5. Finish the setup 10.0000V 0.000A 0.00W CW=1.00W CR Mode 1. Press [CR] button, press [ RANGE=7500.0Ω +[CV] (Setup) to set related paramters. 2. Set the resistance range press RANGE=2Ω to confirm. 3.
According to the following steps to escape OPP mode: Press + (system)—“RUNMODE”— —-select “NORMAL” mode— . 6.6.2 Start Auto Test File Press [] name: to provide a signal to start auto test file. The discharging process will be auto terminated when stop conditions images/triggerButton are reached. file: images/triggerButton 6.6.3 Recall Test File state: unknown Press + button to select program file the panel displays “RECALL PROGRAM= 1” Enter the file name(1-10)press button to confirm.
11. Open power output. 12. The electronic load timer starts timing. After ending, time will keep stable, which is rise time of voltage. 13. Close the power output. The electronic load VFD will display voltage drop time. 6.8 Ripple Function The 8500B series DC electronic loads have test ripple function. You can read ripple voltage and ripple current by sending instructions. See the programming manual for more information.
Configuration Functions 7.1 VON Function The DC load can be set to only turn on if the voltage is above a set value (VON set) under configure menu by pressing + . There are two types of VON function: “Living” and “Latch”. The following will have detailed description for the two types. NOTE VON set is used to ensure an electronic system under test will not have power applied unless the supply voltage is above a certain value. If you have no such testing request, do not set this value arbitrarily.
7.5 System Menu (System) Press + to enter the system menu. POWER-ON : POWER-ON Power on state of instrument RST (default) Do not remember state in SAVE 0. Customer can save a often used data in SAVE 0 to recall when power on the DC load next time. SAV0 Remember state in SAVE 0 BUZZER : BUZZER ON (default) Enable audible beep when key is pressed OFF No sound when key is pressed KNOB : KNOB UPDATE (default) The value modified with knob during operation will be saved after load is off.
7.6 Config Menu Press + to enter the menus. PROTECT - Max-P Set hardware power protection MAX POWER=150.00 W Set hardware OPP value A-LIMIT Set software current protecting state A-LIMIT ON Enable software over current protection function A-LIM POIN=30.00 0 A Set the software OCP level A-LIM DELAY= 3 S Set the OCP delay time OFF Disable the software OCP function P- LIMIT Set software power protecting state. P-LIM POIN=150.0 0 W Set the software OPP level.
System Settings 8.1 Run Recall Edit 1. Select “Edit” and press . Enter a value using the numeric keypad or rotary knob for “Voltage On Level”. The value must be within the maximum input limits of the load. Press to continue. 2. Enter a value for “Voltage On Delay”. This is set between 0.00s and 99.99s. Then press to continue. 1. Follow the same steps for “Current Range”. The value must be within the maximum input limits of the load. Press to continue. 2. Set the “Start Power”.
1. Press ) and then ( ). A “*” indicator will light up on the display, indicating that the front panel keys are lock. At this point, all keys are disabled except for the Lock function. 2. To unlock the keys again, press ) and then ( )again. The “*” indicator will disappear and all keys will be enabled. 8.
8.5.2 Load On Knob This setting controls the behavior of the knob. 1. From the “SYSTEM” menu, select “Knob” and press . 2. There are two options: Update(default) Real time update. Old No update (when turning load ON/OFF, original value before use of rotary knob will be set) 3. Select the settings you want during power up and press 4. To exit the menu at any time, press to save changes. twice. 8.5.
Storage Group Memory locations 0 1 – 10 1 11 – 20 2 21 – 30 3 31 – 40 4 41 – 50 5 51 – 60 6 61 – 70 7 71 – 80 8 81 – 90 9 91 - 100 When recalling settings, each of the numeric keypad numbers corresponds to the memory locations based on the storage group selected according to the table above. For storage group 0, recalling memory location 1 is done by pressing ; location 2 is done by pressing , and so on. Memory location 10 is recalled by pressing .
1. First, consider the memory locations you want to recall from. As they are grouped together, select the appropriate storage group from the “SYSTEM” menu first by following the instructions in previous section. 2. Once selected, press (bmode. ) and (or press (recall) ) and it will light up to indicate the instrument is in “Recall” 3. Use the keypad numbers to recall the settings from the corresponding memory location referenced by the storage group selected in Step 1. 4.
Parity: N (None), E (Even), O (Odd) Stop bit: 1 Flow control: NONE, CTS/RTS, XON/XOFF Note: The default is 4800, 8, N, 1, NONE. *Setting the baud rate to 115200 may provide unstable results during remote communication. Select a lower baud rate if communication errors occur. 1. All serial settings must match with the settings configured on the PC in order for communication to link successfully. 8.5.11 CONFIG Menu All setup procedures and settings explained in this section are accessed from the CONFIG menu.
8.5.15 Overcurrent Protection (OCP) The electronic load includes both hardware and software overcurrent protection features. “Hardware OCP” - The electronic load’s maximum input current will be limited to approximately 110% of the current range. Once the hardware OCP is triggered, the status register’s OC bit will be set. When the hardware OCP is removed, the status register’s OC bit will be reset. Hardware overcurrent protection will not affect the electronic load’s input on/off state.
Operation - Display on front pannel 1. Press “[ ]+ [ 8 ]” (system) enter into sysmtem menu - 0.0000V 0.000A POWER-ON BUZZER 2. Press right key,select RUNMODE and confirm - 0.0000V 0.000A RUN 4,Press [ Esc ] button to quit the set. - 0.0000V 0.000A STOP 0.000A After above steps,press [ ] name: 1. Press “[ file: ]+ name(1-10),press “ button to run ocp test file.
Check whether the input power is within the rated power range or the programmed protection ranges. If it is outside the range, disconnect the device under test. Then press any key on the front panel or remotely send command PROTection:CLEar. The OPP displayed on the front panel will turn off and the electronic load exits OPP protection state. To start a OPP test, press “[ ]+ [ ]” (Trigger). Press “[ ]+ [CW]” (OPP) to enter OPP test operation.
(system)——RUNMODE—- ——select “NORMAL” mode—- . 8.5.18 Overvoltage Protection (OVP) The instrument’s maximum OVP limit is 110% of the maximum rated voltage. If the OVP circuit has triggered, input will turn off, buzzer alarm will go off, and the status register’s OV and VF bit will be set. The mainframe will display OVP and the condition will remain until they are reset. Once over-voltage protection occurs, the “VF” pin on the rear panel will output TTL Low voltage level.
4. It will then prompt to enter a value for “Delay”. This is the amount of time to enable the input from when the is pressed (or when input is turned ON remotely). Once this time is past, input will be disabled (OFF). Use the numeric keypad or rotary knob to enter the value. Press 5. Now, press to confirm the change. The valid range is 0 – 60000 seconds. twice to exit the menu. The instrument will show the delay timer as follows: 8.5.
Protection Functions 1 OCP Test Function The load has a built-in OCP test function that can be used to automate testing for OCP conditions. The load can save up to 5 OCP test programs into internal memory, which can be recalled and run. The OCP Test program requires the following parameters be configured before it can be run. “Voltage On Level” This is the minimum voltage level the load measures before the start of the test.
6. Finally, enter a value for “Max Trip Current”, and then “Min Trip Current”. Press (enter) after each settings to continue. 7. The load will prompt to “Save OCP File”. Select a number between 1 and 5. Then press (enter) to save all settings to the selected location. Note: At any time when configuring any parameters for the test, you can press the key to select the previous parameter to edit. To recall the settings: 1. Press ) and to enter the “OCP Test” menu. Select “Recall” and press 2.
“Step Delay” This is the delay time to hold each power step in the test. This determines how fast or slow to run through the test. “End Power” This is the ending power value before OPP test ends. The test will only run through in steps from “Start Power” to the “End Power” if input voltage is greater than the “OPP Voltage”. “OPP Voltage” This value is a limit that is used to test for OPP conditions.
8 Reverse Voltage Protection (LRV) This feature protects the DC load in case the DC input terminals are connected to a power source with reversed polarity. If a reverse voltage condition is detected, the buzzer will sound and will be displayed on the VFD. Operations to Clear the Reverse Voltage State Check whether the connection is reversed; if so disconnect the power source.
Remote Operation 10.1 Interface Connection 10.2 Serial Interface PIN Description 1 - 2 Transmit Data 3 Receive Data 4 - 5 GND 6 - 7 CTS 8 RTS 9 - A straight pin-to-pin DB9 female to DB9 male serial cable is required for using the RS-232 interface. Do not use a null modem or crossover DB9 serial cable. 10.2.1 GPIB The load can be configured with a GPIB address from 0 – 31. To communicate via GPIB, connect a GPIB cable to the GPIB interface on the rear panel, as illustrated below. 10.2.
Troubleshooting Guide Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. Please check if any apply to your instrument before contacting B&K Precision. 1 General Q: I cannot power up the instrument. Check that the power cord is securely connected to the AC input and there is live power from your electrical AC outlet. Verify that the AC power coming from the mains have the correct voltage. The load can accept a specific range of AC input voltages. Refer to section “.
2. Check whether the fuse of electronic fuse is burned out. If yes, change fuse. Detailed steps: • Pull out power line and take out the fuse box at power line jack with a small screw driver. As shown below. • If the fuse is fused, please change fuse of same specification based on machine model. See the table blow for matching information of fuse and machine model.
Specifications Note: All specifications apply to the unit after: 1. A temperature stabilization time of 15 minutes over an ambient temperature range of 23 ∘ C ± 5 ∘ C. 2. Short correction operation performed before making measurement. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Programmable DC Electronic Loads 8500B Series Specifications Note: All specifications apply to the unit after a temperature stabilization time of 30 minutes over an ambient temperature range of 23 °C ± 5 °C.
Programmable DC Electronic Loads 8500B Series Specifications (continued) Model 8542B 8500B 8502B 8510B 8514B Readback voltage Range Resolution Low 0 to 18 V 0 to 50 V 0 to 18 V High 0 to 150 V 0 to 500 V 0 to 120 V Low 0.1 mV 1 mV 0.1 mV High 1 mV 10 mV 1 mV Accuracy ±(0.05% + 0.05% FS) Readback current Range Resolution Low 0 to 3 A High 0 to 30 A 0 to 3 A 0 to 12 A 0 to 15 A 0 to 120 A 0 to 24 A 0 to 240 A Low 0.1 mA 1 mA High 1 mA 10 mA Accuracy ±(0.05% + 0.
Service Information Warranty Service: Please go to the support and service section on our website at bkprecision.com to obtain an RMA #. Return the product in the original packaging with proof of purchase to the address below. Clearly state on the RMA the performance problem and return any leads, probes, connectors and accessories that you are using with the device. Non-Warranty Service: Please go to the support and service section on our website at bkprecision.com to obtain an RMA #.
LIMITED THREE-YEAR WARRANTY B&K Precision Corp. warrants to the original purchaser that its products and the component parts thereof, will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from date of purchase. B&K Precision Corp. will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective product or component parts. Returned product must be accompanied by proof of the purchase date in the form of a sales receipt.
