Author Topic: DC Load - I need some guidance  (Read 4513 times)

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Offline mvno_subscriberTopic starter

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DC Load - I need some guidance
« on: June 10, 2024, 04:56:25 pm »
Hi,

I'm looking to finally get an electronic DC load. Previously, I've used power resistors, but it's cumbersome. I then started researching and I realized that there were programmable loads with a great deal of features that would be very handy today, and others that would probably be great tomorrow.

Regardless of where I go, I find praise and criticism for both. There's always someone who finds them utterly useless, noisy, etc. My primary need is to test out both linear and switching power supplies, but battery testing and simulating noisy loads and how they affect other parts of a circuit is also very relevant.

I originally began looking at Rigol DL3021 and Sigilent SDL2021X-E. I thought I had decided on the SDL2021X-E, simply because the software seemed better, and it wasn't as noisy as the Rigol (I have a Rigol scope, and even though I love it, it drives me nuts sometimes).

Now, of course, as always, doubt sets in. And while perusing other loads at other dealers, I stumbled upon B&K Precision 8550, which for some reason seemed very attractive to me. It also boasted more features/better software, larger LCD and seemed more practical on the whole. Except for the backside, which has none of the connectivity of Rigol/Sigilent. I don't have any need for it now, as a USB stick with preprogrammed routines will work fine, but who knows.

Price wise of course, the 8550 is in a totally different bracket than SDL2021X-E. Forking out for the latter is still a large investment to me, but I'm also not foreign to spending bucks to get good stuff that will last and still prove useful 10-20 years on, as my projects and knowledge evolve.

Then, I read that B&K is simply ITech, only overpriced, and that's that. I know there are hundreds of threads like this, and I've tried my best to google around in the last couple of weeks, but right now I feel pretty stuck. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.
 

Online 2N3055

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2024, 06:30:42 pm »
Hi,

I'm looking to finally get an electronic DC load. Previously, I've used power resistors, but it's cumbersome. I then started researching and I realized that there were programmable loads with a great deal of features that would be very handy today, and others that would probably be great tomorrow.

Regardless of where I go, I find praise and criticism for both. There's always someone who finds them utterly useless, noisy, etc. My primary need is to test out both linear and switching power supplies, but battery testing and simulating noisy loads and how they affect other parts of a circuit is also very relevant.


You might be overcomplicating things.

General loads (all of the ones you mentioned are in that category) are very useful tools. But also limited.

They are useful for :

- static loading of voltage/current sources for purposes of thermal testing
- for testing/measuring battery capacity
- for testing of solar panels I/V curves
- for dynamic load testing where switch between two currents and look for load/unload response.
- for testing large LED

What you cannot do with them is using them as a load while performing any kind of frequency response analysis. Or use it as a load while measuring PSU noise and ripple.
They are also limited in speed of load change, not very good at low currents (because that is not what they were designed for.).

Honestly, all of the ones mentioned can do the job. I personally have Maynuo 9812 that have "LED mode" that changes control loop response. Unit is a bit old fashioned UI on the device. It has very powerful software for the PC though.

If I were you I would choose by price and ease of driving.
"Just hard work is not enough - it must be applied sensibly."
Dr. Richard W. Hamming
 
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Offline nctnico

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2024, 07:10:19 pm »
Hi,

I'm looking to finally get an electronic DC load. Previously, I've used power resistors, but it's cumbersome. I then started researching and I realized that there were programmable loads with a great deal of features that would be very handy today, and others that would probably be great tomorrow.

Regardless of where I go, I find praise and criticism for both. There's always someone who finds them utterly useless, noisy, etc. My primary need is to test out both linear and switching power supplies, but battery testing and simulating noisy loads and how they affect other parts of a circuit is also very relevant.

Now, of course, as always, doubt sets in. And while perusing other loads at other dealers, I stumbled upon B&K Precision 8550, which for some reason seemed very attractive to me. It also boasted more features/better software, larger LCD and seemed more practical on the whole.
The B&K Precision 8550 is a rebadged Tonghui DC load.

I have been looking at a DC load myself and settled on a Korad KEL2010 (after testing it thouroughly). After a fix to swap the fan and move the mains transformer away from the analog circuitry, the KEL2010 also works well for currents in the single digit mA range.

See these threads:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/dc-load-korad-kel2010-or-tonghui-th8402a/msg4969006/
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/korad-kel2010-multicomp-mp710771-review/msg4975759/
« Last Edit: June 10, 2024, 07:47:06 pm by nctnico »
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 
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Offline mvno_subscriberTopic starter

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #3 on: June 10, 2024, 08:09:00 pm »

What you cannot do with them is using them as a load while performing any kind of frequency response analysis. Or use it as a load while measuring PSU noise and ripple.
They are also limited in speed of load change, not very good at low currents (because that is not what they were designed for.).


This I don't quite understand -- when in transient mode, switching between currents, or in list mode, wouldn't that be useful for measuring PSU ripple and transient response? B&K has features specifically made to test DC power supplies as well (sweep mode, load regulation test).

Also, with regards to low currents - mA resolution are from 0.05mA to 1mA in CC mode, depending on model. In my world that's low current. Or am I not reading the specs correctly?
 

Offline mvno_subscriberTopic starter

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #4 on: June 10, 2024, 08:11:50 pm »
The B&K Precision 8550 is a rebadged Tonghui DC load.

Not sure if that is meant as a bad thing or not, as far as I read in the threads you provided, Tonghui is seen as an ok brand. Buying Korad, Tonghui or Rigol from AliExpress is not any cheaper than buying RND, B&K or Rigol here at home, when considering shipping and taxes (except you don't get any proper warranty or support!).

When it comes to having to modify the unit in order to make it work properly; that's not for me. I need a device that works well, with good support and firmware upgrades.
« Last Edit: June 10, 2024, 08:24:05 pm by mvno_subscriber »
 

Online 2N3055

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #5 on: June 10, 2024, 08:46:39 pm »

What you cannot do with them is using them as a load while performing any kind of frequency response analysis. Or use it as a load while measuring PSU noise and ripple.
They are also limited in speed of load change, not very good at low currents (because that is not what they were designed for.).


This I don't quite understand -- when in transient mode, switching between currents, or in list mode, wouldn't that be useful for measuring PSU ripple and transient response? B&K has features specifically made to test DC power supplies as well (sweep mode, load regulation test).

Also, with regards to low currents - mA resolution are from 0.05mA to 1mA in CC mode, depending on model. In my world that's low current. Or am I not reading the specs correctly?


I said FREQUENCY response (Bode plot) not transient. Transient load test is included in my list of PROs..

No, you cannot really measure PSU ripple with active load connected. Apart from load injecting it's own noise, load is active device that is "hunting" PSU output on a switcher, depending on how fast the load is.. Waveform on output of the switcher might not necessarily be the same as if there was a passive resistive load on the output. Of course, you can get some results and it might be good for comparative purposes (comparing a good one to bad one),  but for real low noise or really accurate results you use passive resistive loads.

Also, resolution is not same as accuracy, and using anything at 1% of full range and expect accurate results is not good practice. If load has 3A range, 30mA is 1% of full scale..

For less than 50mA you need device made for that range to be able to get accuracy..... Again, you can test, but accuracy won't be what you expect.

Funny thing is that at these low currents it is easy to load with simple resistors too.
"Just hard work is not enough - it must be applied sensibly."
Dr. Richard W. Hamming
 
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Offline nctnico

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2024, 09:09:14 pm »
The B&K Precision 8550 is a rebadged Tonghui DC load.

Not sure if that is meant as a bad thing or not, as far as I read in the threads you provided, Tonghui is seen as an ok brand. Buying Korad, Tonghui or Rigol from AliExpress is not any cheaper than buying RND, B&K or Rigol here at home, when considering shipping and taxes (except you don't get any proper warranty or support!).
The latter is why I bought the Korad load from Eleshop which is a European test equipment distributor which offers hassle free returns. In the end there is no substitute for doing your own suitability tests.

Quote
When it comes to having to modify the unit in order to make it work properly; that's not for me. I need a device that works well, with good support and firmware upgrades.
I get that. And in that case I'd recommend to look at loads from GW Instek or Chroma. These are a serious step up in price though (and may not have banana jacks on the front panel  ;)) . Also take fan noise into account. Last month I used a Chroma DC-load at a lab but the fan didn't turn off which is annoying when testing light loads which normally wouldn't need the fan to be on. In my opinion finding a DC load which really ticks all the boxes is surprisingly hard.
« Last Edit: June 10, 2024, 09:12:05 pm by nctnico »
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 
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Offline temperance

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2024, 09:11:34 pm »
@ntcnico

Quote
I have been looking at a DC load myself and settled on a Korad KEL2010 (after testing it thouroughly). After a fix to swap the fan and move the mains transformer away from the analog circuitry, the KEL2010 also works well for currents in the single digit mA range.

In an other topic you stated to not buy any low cost equipment anymore? Or was it only to stir up a conversation with someone else on here? If there is equipment which you can't trust it must be Korad. The loop compensation / MOSFET drivers might be just some copy paste and guesswork.
 

Offline nctnico

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2024, 09:17:18 pm »
@ntcnico

Quote
I have been looking at a DC load myself and settled on a Korad KEL2010 (after testing it thouroughly). After a fix to swap the fan and move the mains transformer away from the analog circuitry, the KEL2010 also works well for currents in the single digit mA range.

In an other topic you stated to not buy any low cost equipment anymore? Or was it only to stir up a conversation with someone else on here? If there is equipment which you can't trust it must be Korad. The loop compensation / MOSFET drivers might be just some copy paste and guesswork.
If you read the threads I've linked to, you'll see I have considered a whole bunch of DC loads from many brands and then sifted towards the ones which are obtainable and which ones fit the requirements. If a cheaper piece of equipment fits the requirements and passes thourough functional & fitness verification, I have no problem with it. Especially when there are next to no other alternatives. Where it comes to Korad and DC-loads: Korad has been in the power design business for a long time so I don't think they copy & paste but actually do know how to design the analog section properly themselves and optimise for cost (both in part choice and procurement). The board layout for the KEL2010 has been done with great care; the person who did the layout this wasn't riding his/her first rodeo so to say. Its just that they placed the mains transformer in a less optimal place which could be a choice driven by the mechanical design.
« Last Edit: June 10, 2024, 10:49:04 pm by nctnico »
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 
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Offline DaneLaw

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #9 on: June 11, 2024, 06:05:55 am »
...My primary need is to test out both linear and switching power supplies, but battery testing..

You mention testing batteries and power supplies, which is also something I often use my electronic load for, but even my unit (ET5410) that maxes out at 150V/42A_420Watt.
I'm hitting the ceiling quite often in some tests, not least in regards to high drain Liion & LIPO cells/packs,  and they will only get more potent in the years to come, but since you are highlighting models that peak at around 200Watt..I guess that is enough for you?

I went for one of these units https://tinyurl.com/yeyr6p6s numerous years back from a European warehouse.(CZ Banggood)..
Its quite feature-packed, not least with the price in mind, which back then was around 150$ (on sale incl. 25%VAT & delivery).

It got 12 main categories..https://tinyurl.com/3mk3dvym with submenu'es. https://tinyurl.com/4jjdp82v
It's more or less done what I needed over the years, but I haven't dug down into the more advanced settings which can be quite cumbersome to adjust https://tinyurl.com/4kf3k3m9
- though most of it' you can also control through numerous PC programs and terminals.
« Last Edit: June 11, 2024, 07:15:53 am by DaneLaw »
 
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Offline mvno_subscriberTopic starter

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #10 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

« Last Edit: June 11, 2024, 09:35:28 am by mvno_subscriber »
 

Offline DaneLaw

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #11 on: June 11, 2024, 02:18:56 pm »
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

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.?
 
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Offline ftg

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #12 on: June 11, 2024, 03:05:38 pm »
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.
 

Offline mvno_subscriberTopic starter

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #13 on: June 11, 2024, 05:22:36 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.?

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:

ManufacturerModelDatasheet
SigilentSDL-1000X serieshttps://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2024/05/SDL1000X_DataSheet_DS0801X-E01F.pdf
B&K Precision8550https://bkpmedia.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/datasheets/en-us/8550_Series_datasheet.pdf
RigolDL-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?).


 

Offline nctnico

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #14 on: June 11, 2024, 05:37:35 pm »
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.
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 
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Offline tautech

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #15 on: June 11, 2024, 07:39:21 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.?

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:

ManufacturerModelDatasheet
SigilentSDL-1000X serieshttps://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2024/05/SDL1000X_DataSheet_DS0801X-E01F.pdf
B&K Precision8550https://bkpmedia.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/datasheets/en-us/8550_Series_datasheet.pdf
RigolDL-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?).
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sdl1000xsdl1000x-e-electronic-load/

Defpom teardown vid is reply #80
Avid Rabid Hobbyist.
Some stuff seen @ Siglent HQ cannot be shared.
 
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Offline Martin72

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #16 on: June 11, 2024, 09:08:12 pm »
You can choose from:

https://www.batronix.com/versand/last/SDL1020X-E.html

Easily make this:

https://www.batronix.com/versand/last/SDL1030X.html

I've been working with it a bit, it's making a good impression so far - but I'll do a proper test with it when time finally allows and post it in the forum.
I have all the resources for it, I still have to get a battery, if you want to determine the ripple of the load, a regulated power supply makes little sense as a source.
When I have that, I'll get started.

 
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Offline mvno_subscriberTopic starter

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #17 on: June 12, 2024, 08:21:29 am »
I took the plunge. I ordered the B&K 8550. I just knew that if I had ordered the Sigilent, I wouldn't stop thinking about the features set of the 8550. It fits me and my needs - hopefully.

If any are interested, I can post back when I get around to using it (not this week, but maybe next), since there is very little to find online about this load. If there are specifics you'd like to know, post here and I'll whip up some images and/or videos when the time comes.

Right now I'm just empty inside after having spent all that money, but I know I'll appreciate it in due time :)
 

Offline nctnico

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #18 on: June 12, 2024, 08:29:46 am »
I took the plunge. I ordered the B&K 8550. I just knew that if I had ordered the Sigilent, I wouldn't stop thinking about the features set of the 8550. It fits me and my needs - hopefully.

If any are interested, I can post back when I get around to using it (not this week, but maybe next), since there is very little to find online about this load. If there are specifics you'd like to know, post here and I'll whip up some images and/or videos when the time comes.
:-+
I would highly appreciate it if you can share your experiences with the B&K 8550 . Actually I have been trying to buy the Tonghui version but didn't want to risk ordering it from Asia so I'm (still) really curious about how it works.
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 

Online 2N3055

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #19 on: June 12, 2024, 01:25:33 pm »
I took the plunge. I ordered the B&K 8550. I just knew that if I had ordered the Sigilent, I wouldn't stop thinking about the features set of the 8550. It fits me and my needs - hopefully.

If any are interested, I can post back when I get around to using it (not this week, but maybe next), since there is very little to find online about this load. If there are specifics you'd like to know, post here and I'll whip up some images and/or videos when the time comes.

Right now I'm just empty inside after having spent all that money, but I know I'll appreciate it in due time :)

Nobody pointed you to this topic:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/bk-8550-electronic-load-current-ripple/

Also what applications?
I'm looking at datasheet and it has nothing that my old cheap Maynuo does not have. And Maynuo PC app is more powerful..

Anyways, good luck and like Nico says, let us know how it goes...
"Just hard work is not enough - it must be applied sensibly."
Dr. Richard W. Hamming
 

Offline mvno_subscriberTopic starter

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #20 on: June 12, 2024, 08:49:18 pm »
Nobody pointed you to this topic:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/bk-8550-electronic-load-current-ripple/

Also what applications?

Yes, I did find it so I've come to peace with the 10mA current ripple which seems to be standard for DC loads in this price range. I'll still have to use static loads for some testing, so I'll bunch together my existing set of power resistors and make something nice out of them for complementary testing.

Regarding applications, my first will be a power supply I'm building. I want to stress test the supply with regards to heat, current limiting, short ciruited outputs, see whether certain usage patterns may couple into other parts of the circuit, noise levels at different combinations of draw and how it will cope with long term abuse. I'm pretty sure I'll find a bunch of other uses as I get into it as well.

I'm looking at datasheet and it has nothing that my old cheap Maynuo does not have. And Maynuo PC app is more powerful..

With PC connection, I guess the sky is the limit. For me, I prefer my bench to be PC-free -- I want all my equipment to stand on their own. Less mental interference. It's my hobby, and I have more than enough computer usage at work. So having a full blown interface in the unit is something I'm willing to pay for.
 

Offline DaneLaw

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #21 on: June 12, 2024, 09:26:24 pm »
Aint it more or less the same fundamental tests, that go again across many of these programmable electronic loads.

# CC
# CV
# CR
# CP
# Trasnsient
# List/Aut.
# Battery
# LED-DR
# SCAN/SWEEP
# SHORT
# CC+CV *
# CR+CV *
# CP+CV *

// Looks like there are some specific features on some models, even though the testnames vary greatly from brand to brand on what each vendor calls a given mode, while in practise being more or less the same.
The stacked CC/CP/CR+CV (*) feature, where it flips when a max-criteria is met, does not seem that common, GW Instek's more expensive loads seem to have it (PEL3000/5000), and some of the models from East Tester but most don't.
« Last Edit: June 12, 2024, 11:04:24 pm by DaneLaw »
 
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Offline bson

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #22 on: June 12, 2024, 11:06:43 pm »

ManufacturerModelDatasheet
SigilentSDL-1000X serieshttps://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2024/05/SDL1000X_DataSheet_DS0801X-E01F.pdf
B&K Precision8550https://bkpmedia.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/datasheets/en-us/8550_Series_datasheet.pdf
RigolDL-3000 serieshttps://beyondmeasure.rigoltech.com/acton/attachment/1579/f-0778/1/-/-/-/-/DL3000_DataSheet_EN.pdf

I've had a B&K 8600 for about 6 years now with no complaints.  If I were looking today however I'd probably get the Siglent SDL-1020X.  The main reason is its LXI-11 LAN support for remote instrumentation, and 200W (even the 150W of the B&K 8600) is plenty for anything I ever need.  Otherwise I just don't see much difference spec-wise between the B&K and Siglent units.  With LAN a GPIB port isn't needed, IMO, so I'd just buy the much better bang for buck Siglent.
 

Offline mvno_subscriberTopic starter

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #23 on: June 13, 2024, 10:19:50 am »
Aint it more or less the same fundamental tests, that go again across many of these programmable electronic loads.

# CC
# CV
# CR
# CP
# Trasnsient
# List/Aut.
# Battery
# LED-DR
# SCAN/SWEEP
# SHORT
# CC+CV *
# CR+CV *
# CP+CV *

// Looks like there are some specific features on some models, even though the testnames vary greatly from brand to brand on what each vendor calls a given mode, while in practise being more or less the same.
The stacked CC/CP/CR+CV (*) feature, where it flips when a max-criteria is met, does not seem that common, GW Instek's more expensive loads seem to have it (PEL3000/5000), and some of the models from East Tester but most don't.

Hmm, I thought Sigilent didn't have sweep functionality, did I misread the data sheet??  :o

The devil is in the details here. With Rigol and Sigilent, my impression is that the battery tester feature only supports CC (that was Dave's gripe with the Rigol. I checked out their firmware revision history and it seems that hasn't changed) - whereas with B&K, you have the same CC/CR/CW as in all the other modes. There might very well be other differences too.

(Also, the B&K looks way sexier IMHO  8) )
« Last Edit: June 13, 2024, 02:32:44 pm by mvno_subscriber »
 

Offline tautech

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Re: DC Load - I need some guidance
« Reply #24 on: June 13, 2024, 03:02:43 pm »
Aint it more or less the same fundamental tests, that go again across many of these programmable electronic loads.

# CC
# CV
# CR
# CP
# Trasnsient
# List/Aut.
# Battery
# LED-DR
# SCAN/SWEEP
# SHORT
# CC+CV *
# CR+CV *
# CP+CV *

// Looks like there are some specific features on some models, even though the testnames vary greatly from brand to brand on what each vendor calls a given mode, while in practise being more or less the same.
The stacked CC/CP/CR+CV (*) feature, where it flips when a max-criteria is met, does not seem that common, GW Instek's more expensive loads seem to have it (PEL3000/5000), and some of the models from East Tester but most don't.

Hmm, I thought Sigilent didn't have sweep functionality, did I misread the data sheet??  :o
Maybe.
SLEW is mentioned on P14
https://int.siglent.com/u_file/download/23_10_09/SDL1000X_programming_guide_E02B.pdf
Avid Rabid Hobbyist.
Some stuff seen @ Siglent HQ cannot be shared.
 


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