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DC Load - I need some guidance

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mvno_subscriber:
It's easy to get sidetracked by all the different specs and apparant shortcomings. As mentioned by others, I guess I have to be more precise as to what I'm looking for.

So here's a try, in no specific order:


* Adjustment: 1mA resolution is plenty good enough for me

* Current ripple: 10mA constant ripple current sucks. I would prefer better, but in worst case I guess I can compensate with static loads as long as I know it's there.

* Software: This is important to me. Buggy software is a no-go, because I'd end up not trusting the instrument. And getting really frustrated

* Features: Static and dynamic loads are important. Also, being able to whip up a CSV (or whatever format needed), pop it into the USB port and execute it is a bonus I'll appreciate

* I/O ports: I guess it's nice to have. But no requirement, really.

* Screen: I like to be able to view graphs on an LCD. There should be a real good reason if I'm to go for something with text only.

* Build quality: I expect it to last 15-20 years at a minimum. Anything less would indicate a faulty design and I'd feel uneasy. Cheap plastic etc is ok, I'm not too picky about it as long as it works.

* Power: 200W is plenty. 150W would work too.

* Seller: I prefer to buy from reputable sellers. Elfa Distrelec, RS, local companies. Maybe I'd try Batronix, but I prefer sellers that offer DDP shipment. I have an assumption that makes everything warranty and repair related stuff much easier?

* Price: The B&K 8550 is really a bit more than I feel comfortable with, unless it's super duper cooler than the competition. The Rigol DL301 / Sigilent SDL2021X-E are also expensive, but seem to be a good balance between price and functionality

DaneLaw:

--- Quote from: mvno_subscriber on June 11, 2024, 09:32:38 am ---It's easy to get sidetracked by all the different specs and apparant shortcomings. As mentioned by others, I guess I have to be more precise as to what I'm looking for.

So here's a try, in no specific order:


* Adjustment: 1mA resolution is plenty good enough for me

* Current ripple: 10mA constant ripple current sucks. I would prefer better, but in worst case I guess I can compensate with static loads as long as I know it's there.

* Software: This is important to me. Buggy software is a no-go, because I'd end up not trusting the instrument. And getting really frustrated

* Features: Static and dynamic loads are important. Also, being able to whip up a CSV (or whatever format needed), pop it into the USB port and execute it is a bonus I'll appreciate

* I/O ports: I guess it's nice to have. But no requirement, really.

* Screen: I like to be able to view graphs on an LCD. There should be a real good reason if I'm to go for something with text only.

* Build quality: I expect it to last 15-20 years at a minimum. Anything less would indicate a faulty design and I'd feel uneasy. Cheap plastic etc is ok, I'm not too picky about it as long as it works.

* Power: 200W is plenty. 150W would work too.

* Seller: I prefer to buy from reputable sellers. Elfa Distrelec, RS, local companies. Maybe I'd try Batronix, but I prefer sellers that offer DDP shipment. I have an assumption that makes everything warranty and repair related stuff much easier?

* Price: The B&K 8550 is really a bit more than I feel comfortable with, unless it's super duper cooler than the competition. The Rigol DL301 / Sigilent SDL2021X-E are also expensive, but seem to be a good balance between price and functionality
--- End quote ---

You keep referring to this Siglent SDL2021X-E in numerous posts.. Im not familiar with that model and I guess your a thousand too high.
Have you examined a bit, perhaps watched or read a few reviews of modern programmable electronic loads.?

ftg:
I have a Korad KEL103 at the office and it has served my needs well.
Which has been mostly testing and sweeping <30W DC-DC converters I have designed.
I don't really use any factory provided software, as it can be controlled via Ethernet, so we have some inhouse software to control it, a lab psu and multimeters to get some repeatable pretty pictures of converter efficiencies.

For measuring ripple I use a pile of switched TO-220 power resistors to have stable loads.

Ofc this is not really convenient for larger loads.

mvno_subscriber:

--- Quote from: DaneLaw on June 11, 2024, 02:18:56 pm ---You keep referring to this Siglent SDL2021X-E in numerous posts.. Im not familiar with that model and I guess your a thousand too high.
Have you examined a bit, perhaps watched or read a few reviews of modern programmable electronic loads.?

--- End quote ---

Oops, yes, sorry. For some reason these model numbers get fuddled around in my head. For clarity, here are the datasheets of the loads I'm considering:

ManufacturerModelDatasheetSigilentSDL-1000X serieshttps://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2024/05/SDL1000X_DataSheet_DS0801X-E01F.pdfB&K Precision8550https://bkpmedia.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/datasheets/en-us/8550_Series_datasheet.pdfRigolDL-3000 serieshttps://beyondmeasure.rigoltech.com/acton/attachment/1579/f-0778/1/-/-/-/-/DL3000_DataSheet_EN.pdf
I've mostly discarded Rigol, as it has a fan that is constantly on. I hate that. Also, the Rigol business model of having artificially crippled units with payable unlockables is something that makes me feel kind of cheated.

Sigilent seems to have good models that are easily hackable when the time comes. However, there is a huge price gap between different models that don't really offer much extra (and the insides are identical, as far as I could tell). So a bit like Rigol, however not as bad.

B&K seems to have the most features software-wise, for example frequency sweep to check for PSU ringing, load regulation testing and CC/CR/CW mode in battery testing. It doesn't have USB or LAN, however. Not that it matters much to me, but is somewhat puzzling. Weight is also low compared to the others, which makes me suspect more fan noise. Or cheaper build.

Dave did a teardown of the Rigol -- Sigilent and B&K is much more difficult to find. I've located some scraps of information on this forum, but nothing that really tells me much. I do wonder if the added price of the B&K translates to better build (and/or less current ripple?).


nctnico:
AFAIK the B&K 8550 is a very new model so it is no surprise very little information can be found. Regardless your choice, my advise is to prepare a testplan which is relevant for your usage scenarios and test a DC load. You could test a few and keep the one you like most and return the others. Test equipment sellers won't mind at all as this is common among their customers.

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