Noob question about Load functionality on GWI GP3323

[klausman]

So the GW Insteal GP-3323 I got recently has a "Load" function described (very badly) in the manual. I have never owned a DC load. How is this supposed to be used?

My rreading is as follows:

- switch the channel into load mode
- set what constant you want (constant current, constant voltage, constant resistance)
- hook up whatever thing you want loaded tothe +/- terminals of that channel
- turn channel on

Is my reading here correct? Also, what happens if I, say, limit this to 10V, and whatever is pushing the load would exceed 3A at that voltage? will the normal 3A limit of the PS kick in? The max power dissipated here would probably be the same as the PS can produce at 32V/3A, aka 96W?

Thanks in advance!

[KungFuJosh]

Under normal circumstances, the load determines the current draw. The source determines what's available. For example, if I set my PSU to 5V 5A, and then set the Load to draw 5V 1A, it will only draw 1A.

[klausman]

Under normal circumstances, the load determines the current draw. The source determines what's available. For example, if I set my PSU to 5V 5A, and then set the Load to draw 5V 1A, it will only draw 1A.

Yeah, makes sense. One additional question: could I use the two main channels of the 3323 in "mixed mode", i.e. one as a load and the other as a source?

[KungFuJosh]

Yeah, makes sense. One additional question: could I use the two main channels of the 3323 in "mixed mode", i.e. one as a load and the other as a source?

I don't own one of those (yet?) but I would assume/hope that's a yes. There's an easy way to find out.

[Momchilo]

Yes, those channels are independent.

Just be aware that the load does not work really well or not at all at very low voltages.

[KungFuJosh]

Just be aware that the load does not work really well or not at all at very low voltages.

That's disappointing. What are the limitations?

[Momchilo]

Just be aware that the load does not work really well or not at all at very low voltages.

That's disappointing. What are the limitations?

In CC the voltage is just not displayed below 1V but works fine.
The lowest CV voltage that can be set is 1.5V.