My fully automated DC Power Efficiency Measurement Software

[Nx-1997]

I made a software that measures dc power efficiency for various circuits like voltage regulators. It should support most power supplies with a serial port that allow you to set voltage, current and measure voltage and current on their output. You will also need a dc electronic load or a 2/4 quadrant power supply (must have programmable current sink capability) with a serial port that can set sink current values, measure voltage and current on its output. The concept is simple, the power supply measures voltage and current on the input side of the circuit while the dc load measures voltage and current on the output side.

GitHub Page: https://github.com/Niravk1997/DC-Power-Efficiency-Measurement-Software
Download Link: https://github.com/Niravk1997/DC-Power-Efficiency-Measurement-Software/releases
Messy User Manual: https://github.com/Niravk1997/DC-Power-Efficiency-Measurement-Software/blob/main/User%20Manual.pdf

The software sets the input voltage on the power supply and sink current on the dc load. Then measures voltage and current on the input and output side of your circuit. Using these measurements it calculates power efficiency and some other stuff. The power supply must operate in constant voltage mode while the dc load must operate in constant current sink mode.



currently tested power supplies: HP/Agilent/Keysight 66312A, 66332A, 6631B, 6632B, 6633B, 6634B, 6611C, 6612C, 6613C, and 6614C
currently tested dc electronic loads or 2/4 quadrant power supplies: HP/Agilent/Keysight 6631B, 6632B, 6633B, 6634B
 
Below pictures are taken for a MP1584 dc-dc buck regulator whose output voltage is set to 5V.






If you have any questions or found errors in the software please let me know.

[rx8pilot]

This looks pretty cool - digging in to it now!

[leowood]

I've developed a similar software in Python. It utilizes an ancient 6632A as the power supply unit and another dated 66332A as the electronic load. Utilizing GPIO enhances the testing speed. In this instance, I'm examining the TPS 61088 module (3.6V to 12V) and a MI car charger (12V to 5V).

[Berni]

That looks like a neat piece of software.

Tho if IVI VISA was used to communicate with the instruments it would open up the ability to talk to PSUs/Loads over other all the other protocols too (USB, LAN, GPIB, PXI, LAN to GPIB bridges etc..)