B&K Precision 8500 User Manual

USER MANUAL

8500 SERIES DC ELECTRONIC LOADS

Models 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518, 8520, 8522, 8524 & 8526

Safety

WARNING

CAUTION

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. B&K Precision assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

Verify that all safety precautions are taken. Note the instrument's external markings described under "Safety Symbols".

This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument, which means it is provided with a protective earth terminal. To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cover must be connected to an electrical ground. The instrument must be connected to the AC line power through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet. Note: Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.

DO NOT OPERATE THE INSTRUMENT IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE OR IN THE PRESENCE OF FUMES OR FLAMMABLE GASES.

KEEP AWAY FROM LIVE CIRCUITS.

Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by qualified service personnel. Do not replace components with the power cable connected. Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even with the power cable removed. To avoid injuries always disconnect power, discharge circuits and capacitors, and remove external voltage sources before touching components.

DO NOT SERVICE OR ADJUST ALONE.

Do not try to perform internal service or adjustment unless another person capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.

Safety Symbols

Note the instrument's external markings as follows:

Direct current

Alternating current

Both direct and alternating current

Protective earth (ground) terminal

Caution (refer to accompanying documents)

The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or the like which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

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Table of Contents

Safety...................................................................................................................................................... 2

Safety Symbols...................................................................................................................................2

Notation................................................................................................................................................... 5

Quick reference...................................................................................................................................... 6

Model numbers covered by this document..........................................................................................6

Options and accessories.....................................................................................................................6

Overview of instrument....................................................................................................................... 6

Typical tasks....................................................................................................................................... 7

Front panel.......................................................................................................................................... 7

Standard display................................................................................................................................. 9

Front panel keys................................................................................................................................. 9

Rear panel........................................................................................................................................ 10

Power Requirements........................................................................................................................ 11

Display annunciators.........................................................................................................................11

Menus............................................................................................................................................... 12

Specifications........................................................................................................................................ 16

Environmental Conditions ................................................................................................................ 17

Internal Resistances..................................................................................................................... 18

Operational power curve.............................................................................................................. 18

Low Voltage Characteristics......................................................................................................... 20

Slew rate...................................................................................................................................... 21

Glossary................................................................................................................................................ 23

Installation............................................................................................................................................. 25

Inspection......................................................................................................................................... 25

Items you should have received................................................................................................... 25

Instrument location............................................................................................................................ 25

Outline Drawings............................................................................................................................... 25

Bench operation................................................................................................................................ 28

First turn-on checkout....................................................................................................................... 29

Operational introduction.................................................................................................................... 30

Power-on state.................................................................................................................................. 31

Constant current mode..................................................................................................................... 32

Constant voltage mode..................................................................................................................... 32

Constant power mode....................................................................................................................... 32

Constant resistance mode................................................................................................................ 33

Timed operation................................................................................................................................ 33

Changing display resolution.............................................................................................................. 34

Increasing current resolution........................................................................................................ 34

Increasing voltage resolution........................................................................................................34

Short................................................................................................................................................. 34

Battery test........................................................................................................................................ 34

Transient operation........................................................................................................................... 35

Continuous transient operation.....................................................................................................35

Pulse transient operation..............................................................................................................36

Toggled transient operation..........................................................................................................37

Toggle between two test values................................................................................................... 38

Lists (dynamic condition)................................................................................................................... 38

Test files........................................................................................................................................... 40

Triggering.......................................................................................................................................... 42

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Voltage threshold operation.............................................................................................................. 42

Passwords........................................................................................................................................ 42

Protection features............................................................................................................................43

Over Voltage protection................................................................................................................43

Over Current protection................................................................................................................ 43

Over Power protection .................................................................................................................44

Reverse voltage protection...........................................................................................................44

Over Temperature protection....................................................................................................... 44

Remote sensing................................................................................................................................ 44

Saving and Recalling settings........................................................................................................... 45

Remote operation.................................................................................................................................. 46

Communication cables......................................................................................................................46

RS232 to TTL serial converter cable IT-E131...............................................................................46

USB to TTL serial converter cable IT-E132..................................................................................46

RS-232 settings................................................................................................................................ 47

Overview of DC Load programming..................................................................................................47

Packet structure........................................................................................................................... 47

Status packets.............................................................................................................................. 48

Chapter organization.................................................................................................................... 51

Summary of commands.................................................................................................................... 51

Command details.............................................................................................................................. 53

Serial number and firmware version......................................................................................................71

In case of trouble................................................................................................................................... 72

Instrument won't turn on.................................................................................................................... 72

Error messages during power-up......................................................................................................72

Keypad unlock procedure (Keypad was accidentally locked)............................................................72

Frequency Asked Questions............................................................................................................. 73

Appendix: Service and warranty information......................................................................................... 75

Index..................................................................................................................................................... 76

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Notation

I-set Represents a key on the front panel. Note that some of these may be

accessed in combination with the Shift key.

OFF Annunciator, value, or message shown on the vacuum fluorescent

display.

CONFIG Menu item

OFF

Default menu item

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Quick reference

Model numbers covered by this document

The B&K Precision DC Loads covered by this manual are:

● 8500

● 8502

● 8510

● 8512

● 8514

● 8518

● 8520

● 8522

● 8524

● 8526

Unless otherwise noted, this document will refer to all of these instruments as the DC Load.

Instrument differences, where appropriate, will be noted.

Options and accessories

The items included with the instrument are:

1. Power cord

2. User manual

3. Installation CD with application software PV8500 and USB driver for TTL to USB adapter

4. TTL to RS232 serial converter IT-E131

5. TTL to USB serial adapter IT-E132

6. Test report

Optional accessories are:

7. rack mount kit IT-E151 (available for models 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518)

Overview of instrument

The DC Load is a two terminal device that can be connected to DC sources. Here, a DC source is a

voltage that is always positive on the DC Load's + terminal referenced to the - terminal.

DC Electronic Loads are used for design, manufacturing and evaluation of DC power supplies,

batteries, and power components. Other applications include fuel-cell and photovoltaic cell test. The

DC Load can operate under the following modes:

● Draw a constant voltage from a DC source.

● Draw a constant current from a DC source.

● Draw a constant power from a DC source.

● Present a constant resistance to the DC source (this behavior simulates a perfect resistor

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whose resistance doesn't change as a function of current or voltage).

The DC Load can present dynamically changing loads to the DC source with millisecond switching

times. The DC Load can be remotely programmed via a serial interface (RS-232 or USB). Versatile

triggering options allow the dynamic load behavior to be synchronized with other events.

A battery test mode is provided that will measure the ampere*hour (A*hr) characteristic of a battery.

Shorts can be simulated by either the front panel or custom programming. The DC source or other

components can be protected from excessive voltage, current, or power, which will cause the DC

Load to shut down if excessive levels or reverse polarity are detected.

Dynamic profiles and last instrument states can be stored in non-volatile memory.

The DC Load is a versatile instrument for static and dynamic testing of power supplies, batteries, DC

to DC converters, and battery chargers.

Typical tasks

To perform the following tasks, consult the indicated sections

Task Section(s)

Manual on/off CC, CV, CW, or CR test Constant current mode

Constant voltage mode Constant power mode Constant resistance mode

Timed on/off CC, CV, CW, or CR test Constant current mode

Constant voltage mode Constant power mode Constant resistance mode Timed operation

Triggered CC, CV, CW, or CR test Constant current mode

Constant voltage mode Constant power mode Constant resistance mode Triggering

Constant load with one transient Transient operation

Load with multiple transients Lists (dynamic condition)

Determine A*hr characteristic of battery Battery test

Run a sequence of tests Test files

Front panel

The following picture is the front panel for the 8510 DC Load. All models have the same front panel,

only the terminal section will vary based on the model.

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3 4 5

Button Function(s)

16-character display shows voltage and current measurements. Rotary knob. Turn to adjust a setting value. Press in to toggle between setting the

currently-selected mode's value and reading the voltage and current, as shown in the above picture.

Power switch to turn the instrument on or off. Numeric keypad:

Numeric entry keys. Secondary key functions.

Keypad:

Enable/disable input. Set up the current, voltage, power, and resistance modes. Scroll through menus and options.

Input terminals. Depending on the model, you will have different types and numbers of input terminals. Models 8500/8502 come with one plus and one minus terminal Models 8510/8512 come with two positive and two negative terminals however each terminal is able to sink the maximum current supported by the instrument. Thus, it is not necessary to double up on the wires when sinking a high current unless you wish to. Models 8514/8518 also come with two positive and two negative terminals however it is required to double up on the wires when sinking a current exceeding 120A. Models 852x come with a screw terminal block to connect the wires

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Standard display

8 9

6 05

3 ESC

I-set V-set

R-set

Input on/off

Shift

P-set ENTER

POWER

A B

Tran

Store Recall S-Tran Menu

Local Battery Short Trigger

The standard display for the instrument is the voltage and current at the instrument's terminals. You

may press the △ or ▽ keys to see the instantaneous power and the mode's parameter setting.

Standard display

Front panel keys

V-set Choose constant voltage mode. I-set Choose constant current mode.

P-set Choose constant power mode. R-set Choose constant resistance mode.

Set the current mode's load value from the A value of the

Shift + A

corresponding transient operation. See the Transient operation section. This key does not work when the

TRAN annunciator is on.

Set the current mode's load value from the B value of the

Shift + B

corresponding transient operation. See the Transient operation section. This key does not work when the

TRAN annunciator is on.

Shift + Store

Shift + Recall

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Store the DC Load state in non-volatile memory. You may store 25 different states.

Recall the DC Load state from non-volatile memory. You may recall 25 different states.

Shift + Menu Enter the instrument's menu system.

Shift + Short Turn short circuit on or off.

Shift + Tran Start or stop transient condition. Shift + Trigger Causes an immediate trigger.

Shift + Battery

Shift + S-Tran Set transient condition parameters.

On/Off

Shift

△ Scroll up key. ▽ Scroll down key.

0 to 9 Enter the digits 0 to 9.

• Decimal point.

Esc

Enter Enter the selected value or setting.

Turn on or off battery testing function (measures battery capacity in ampere*hours).

Turns DC Load ON or OFF (OFF is high impedance state).

The shift key is used to select the alternate operation of a key, indicated by the word under the key.

The escape key. It can be used to exit keyboard entry or move up a level in the menu.

Rear panel

Your instrument's rear panel may look different from the following figure, but the same functionality

will be present.

3 pin IEC320 AC input connector. 4 pin trigger and remote sensing connector. 9-Pin serial port interface connector. NOTE: This port's terminals utilize 5 volt

TTL logic signals. Do NOT connect an RS-232 cable with standard RS-232 voltages on the cables connectors. Doing so may damage the instrument and is

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not covered by warranty.

Line voltage selection switch (110 VAC or *220 VAC) *For models 8524 and 8526, the line voltage switch is not usable and does not allow for 220VAC operation. Do not connect them directly into a 220V line. For 220V operation, please order model 8524-220V or 8526-220V.

Power Requirements

All of the models, except for models 8524 and 8526, can accept 110V or 220V line input. To switch between the two line voltage inputs:

1. Verify and change the fuse inside the fuse box beneath the AC input receptacle. See fuse

section for reference to the fuse type and rating.

2. Flip the 110V/220V line selection switch in the rear panel of the instrument.

WARNING:

Models 8524 and 8526 are configured for 110 V operation only. These two models are not configurable via the line switch on the rear panel. Connecting an AC line input of a 8524 and 8526 to a 220V AC source will damage the units. If 220 V operation is desired, order model 8524220V or 8526-220V. “-220V” denotes 220 V operation only, reconfiguration to 110 V is not possible.

Display annunciators

Annunciator Meaning

OFF The load is off.

UNREG The input is unregulated.

CC Constant current mode. CV Constant voltage mode.

CW Constant power mode.

CR Constant resistance mode. PROT Not used. TRAN Transient operation is enabled.

LIST List mode is initiated or running.

SENSE Remote sensing is on.

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Annunciator Meaning

LIMIT Not used.

ERROR An error has occurred.

The instrument is communicating with an IT-E131 or IT-E132

LINK

RMT

SHIFT The Shift key has been pressed. LOCK The keyboard is locked by a password.

communications adapter. This annunciator will stay lit for approximately 3 seconds after the last remote communication with the DC Load.

Instrument is in the remote state. The only active key is the Local key. This is set with the 0x20 remote command (see the Remote programming section).

Menus

Use Shift + 0 (Menu is secondary function) to enter the menus. “Lvl” indicates the menu level, which is also indicated by the indentation of the menu item text. Scroll through the menu items using the △ and ▽ keys. Return to a previous menu level by pressing the Esc key. Words in the

heavy font such as OFF indicate the default menu selection.

Lvl Menu item Function

1 CONFIG 2 INITIAL CONFIG Return instrument to factory default settings. 2 POWER-ON RECALL Power on state of instrument. 3 ON Remembers state at last power-down.

2 INPUT RECALL Remember whether load was ON

3 ON

2 KEY SOUND SET

3 OFF No sound when key is pressed. 2 KNOB LOCK SET 3 ON Rotary knob is non-functional.

2 SHORT CUT RECALL

3 ON

2 RANGE SELECT Change the precision of displayed values. 3 ON Allows the user to select the instrument's range, giving

OFF

Does not remember state at last power-down.

If load was ON prior to turning the power off, the ON state will be resumed after power on. POWER-ON RECALL must also be on for this to work.

After power on, the instrument will be in the OFF state.

Enable audible beep when key is pressed.

Rotary knob is functional.

Quickly recall a setup register by pressing a number key.

Allows quick recall of a setup by pressing the number key.

Pressing a number key does not recall a setup.

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Lvl Menu item Function

better voltage and/or current resolution. Press Shift + △ or Shift + ▽ to toggle resolutions.

OFF

Current and voltage measurement resolution are fixed.

2 REMOTE SENSE See the Remote sense section. 3 ON Remote sensing is on.

OFF

Remote sensing is off.

2 ADC UPDATE RATE Set the rate at which the display is updated. 3 HIGH

LOW

2 TRIGGER SOURCE How the instrument is triggered.

IMMEDIATE

3 EXTERNAL

Triggered from the Shift + Trigger key.

Triggered from a TTL high signal (longer than 5 ms) at

the trigger connector on rear panel. 3 BUS Triggered from a serial bus command. 2 CONNECT MODE

3 MAXTIPLEXING

SEPARATE

Not supported with this hardware. (Should actually say

"multiplexing".)

2 BAUDRATE SET Set the serial bus connection speed.

4800

3 9600 3 19200 3 38400 2 COMM. PARITY SET Serial connection parity.

NONE

3 EVEN 3 ODD

2 ADDRESS SET

Set the instrument's address. Must be an integer

between 0x00 and 0xFE inclusive.

Set the instrument's password to 1 - 4 digits. Press the

Enter key without any data entry to remove the 2 KEY LOCK SET

password. If you accidentally locked the keyboard,

follow instructions at the end of this manual, chapter “in

case of trouble” to unlock the keypads. 2 EXIT Return to prior menu level. 1 SYSTEM SET

Set the maximum allowed current. Exceeding this 2 MAX CURRENT SET

value will cause the load to shut off. This value also

becomes the maximum current you can set. 2 MAX POWER SET Set the maximum allowed power. Exceeding this value

will cause the load to shut off. This value also becomes

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Lvl Menu item Function

the maximum power you can set.

Set the maximum allowed voltage. Exceeding this 2 MAX VOLTAGE SET

value will cause the load to shut off. This value also

becomes the maximum voltage you can set.

2 VOLTAGE ON SET

2 VOLTAGE OFF SET

Used to set an ON voltage threshold. See the Voltage

threshold section. Default: 0.00 V

Used to set an OFF voltage threshold. See the

Voltage threshold section. Default: 0.00 V 2 EXIT Return to prior menu level. 1 LIST SET Lists are programmed sequences of load values. 2 MODE SET 3 FIXED MODE Load characteristics set by front panel.

3 LIST MODE

Load characteristics are dynamic and controlled by a

list stored in memory. 2 CALL LIST FILE Recall an existing list from nonvolatile memory. 3 RECALL N N is list number.

2 EDIT LIST FILE

Note that each list file has four lists, one for each

operation mode (CC, CV, CW, CR). 3 CURRENT LIST 4 ONCE List is executed once per trigger. 4 REPEAT List is repeatedly executed after the trigger is received. 3 VOLTAGE LIST 4 ONCE List is executed once per trigger. 4 REPEAT List is repeatedly executed after the trigger is received. 3 POWER LIST 4 ONCE List is executed once per trigger. 4 REPEAT List is repeatedly executed after the trigger is received. 3 RESISTANCE LIST 4 ONCE List is executed once per trigger. 4 REPEAT List is repeatedly executed after the trigger is received. 2 CALL TEST FILE Recalls a stored test file (see Test files section). 3 RECALL N N is file number. 2 EDIT TEST FILE See Test files section for more details.

Set how the nonvolatile memory is partitioned to store 2 LIST STORE MODE

lists. You can choose between numerous short lists or

fewer longer lists. 3 8 X 120 STEPS 3 4 X 250 STEPS 3 2 X 500 STEPS 3 1 X 1000 STEPS 2 EXIT Return to prior menu level. 1 LOAD ON TIMER Enable a timed load.

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Lvl Menu item Function

2 TIMER STATE

When the load timer is enabled by this menu element,

3 ON

the load is turned on when the On/Off key is pressed.

After the set time period has elapsed, the load is turned

off.

OFF

2 TIMER SET

When the load is turned on via the On/Off key, the load

stays ON indefinitely.

Set the time period from 1 to 60000 s for the load to be

on. 2 EXIT Return to prior menu level. 1 EXIT Return to standard display.

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Models 8500 & 8502 (300 W)

Parameter 8500 8502

Voltage 0 to 120 V 0 to 500 V

Input rating

Parameter Range

CV Mode

Regulation

CC Mode

Regulation

Current Measurement

Voltage Measurement

Current 1 mA to 30 A 1 mA to 15 A

Power 300 W

8500 8502

0.1 – 120 V 0.1 – 500 V ±(0.05%+0.025% FS) 10 mV 0 – 3 A 0 – 3 A ±(0.1%+0.1% FS) 0.1 mA

0 – 30 A 0 – 15 A ±(0.2%+0.15% FS) 1 mA

0 – 3 A 0 – 3 A ±(0.1% + 0.1% FS) 0.1 mA

0 – 30 A 0 – 15 A

0-120 V 0 – 500 V ±(0.02% + 0.025% FS) 10 mV

Specifications

8500/8502 common characteristics

Accuracy Resolution

0.1-18 V ±(0.05%+0.02% FS) 1 mV

8500: ±(0.2%+0.15% FS) 8502: ±(0.2%+0.3% FS)

0-18 V ±(0.02% + 0.02% FS) 1 mV

1 mA

Models 8510/8512/8514/8518 (1200 & 2400 W)

Parameter 8510 8512 8514 8518

Voltage 0 – 120 V 0 – 500 V 0 – 120 V 0 – 60 V

Input rating

Parameter

CV Mode

Regulation

CC Mode

Regulation

Current Measurement

Voltage Measurement

Current 0 – 120 A 0 – 30 A 0 – 240 A 0 – 240 A

Power 600 W 1200 W

8510/8512/8514/8518 common characteristics

Range

8510 8512 8514 8518

0.1-18 V ±(0.05%+0.02% FS) 1 mV

0.1 V to Vmax ±(0.05%+0.025% FS) 10 mV

0-12 A 0-3 A 0-24 A ±(0.1%+0.1% FS) 1 mA

0 – max Current ±(0.2%+0.15% FS) 10 mA

0-12 A 0-3 A 0-24 A ±(0.1% + 0.1% FS) 1 mA

0 – max. Current ±(0.2%+0.15% FS) 10 mA

0 – 18 V

0 - Vmax ±(0.02% + 0.025% FS) 10 mV

Accuracy Resolution

8510/8514: (0.02% + 0.025% FS) 8512/8518: (0.02% + 0.02% FS)

1 mV

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Models 8520/8522/8524/8526 (2400W & 5000W)

Parameter 8520 8522 8524 8526

Voltage 0 – 120 V 0 – 500 V 0 – 60 V 0 – 500 V

Input rating

Parameter

CV Mode

Regulation

CC Mode

Regulation

Current Measurement

Voltage Measurement

Current 0 – 240 A 0 – 120 A 0 – 240 A 0 – 120 A

Power 2400 W 5000 W

8520/8522/8524/8526 common characteristics

Range

8520 8522 8524 8526

0.1-18 V ±(0.05%+0.02% FS) 1 mV

0.1 V to Vmax ±(0.05%+0.025% FS) 10 mV

0-24 A 0-12 A 0-24 A 0-12 A ±(0.1%+0.1% FS) 1 mA

0 – max Current ±(0.2%+0.15% FS) 10 mA

0-12 A 0-3 A 0-24 A 0-12 A ±(0.1% + 0.1% FS) 1 mA

0 – max. Current ±(0.2%+0.15% FS) 10 mA

0 – 18 V

0 - Vmax ±(0.02% + 0.025%FS) 10 mV

All DC load models

common characteristics for all DC load models

Parameter Range Accuracy Resolution

CR Mode Regulation Input current ≥FS 10% Input Voltage≥FS 10%

CW Mode Regulation Input current ≥FS 10% Input Voltage≥FS 10%

Power Measurement

Input current ≥ FS 10%

Input Voltage ≥ FS 10%

Battery testing function

Transition Mode

Range of Frequency 0.1 Hz-1 kHz Frequency error rate＜0.5%

0.1 -10 Ω ±(1%+0.3% FS) 0.001 Ω 10-99 Ω ±(1%+0.3% FS) 0.01 Ω

100-999 Ω ±(1%+0.3% FS) 0. 1 Ω

1K-4 KΩ ±(1%+0.8% FS) 1 Ω

0-100 W ±(1%+0.1% FS) 1 mW

100 W – max Power ±(1%+0.1% FS) 100 mW

0-100 W ±(1%+0.1% FS) 1 mW

100-max Power ±(1%+0.1% FS) 100 mW

Input=0.1 V – 120 V Max measurement capacity= 999 A/H

Resolution =10 mA Timer range=1~60000 sec

Accuracy Resolution

8522/8526: (0.02% + 0.02% FS) 8520/8524: (0.02% + 0.025% FS)

1 mV

NOTE: Specifications and information are subject to change without notice. Please visit www.bkprecision.com for the most current product information.

Environmental Conditions

This instrument is intended for indoor use in a pollution degree 2 environment. Operating environmental limits are as follows:

8500 DC Load Series Version: 030614 Page 17 of 77

Parameter Specification

Humidity ≤ 95% relative humidity, non-condensing

Altitude ≤ 2000 m

AC Input

*220 ACV ± 10%，47～63 Hz

110 ACV ± 10%，47～63 Hz

Operating temperature

Storage temperature

*For 220V operation on models 8524 and 8526, please order model 8524-220V and 8526-220V respectively.

0 – 40 ºC

-10 – 60 ºC

Internal Resistances

The internal resistances of the DC load models are less than or equal to the following values:

Model Internal

Resistance(mΩ)

8500 ≤ 35

8502 ≤ 200

8510 ≤ 15

8512 ≤ 100

8514 ≤ 8

8518 ≤ 5

8520 ≤ 45

8522

8524 ≤ 6.5

8526 ≤ 15

Operational power curve

The DC load's output follows a power curve illustrated below:

≤ 30

8500 DC Load Series Version: 030614 Page 18 of 77

The curved portion is where the dissipated power is at the rated power of the instrument (and is actually a hyperbolic shape). When you use the menu to set lower-than-maximum power or current, the operating region may look like the following:

Note the gap between the operating region and the current axis for lower voltages. More detail is described in the following section.

Low Voltage Characteristics

The following graphs show the voltage/current relationships for low voltages:

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Slew rate

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The slew rate for each DC load varies from model to model. The variations are also dependent on the different regions measured for each individual load. In general, the slew rate for low current transitions, say 0 to 0.5 A, is significantly lower than slew rate for current transitions from 30 to 70 A. The provided table below indicates measured slew rates based on the maximum range of current transition of the models are capable of. For example, model 8500's slew rate would be measured with current transition from 0 A to 30 A.

Note: The graph below illustrates slew rate measurements. In general, the indicated slew rates in the table below are measured based on the maximum current range each model is able to handle. Between the 10% and 90% region, the slew rate can be measured by observing the steepest slope portion. The indicated measured time would be used to calculate the slew rate. Hence, the slew rate calculation is simply (rated max. current – 0 A) / T, where T is the measured time from 10% to 90% region and rated max. current is the specified maximum current of each load.

As a reference, below is a table of slew rates for their respective models:

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Model Slew rate

0.5A /  S

1A/  S

0.5A /  S

1A/  S

8500

8502

8510

8512

8514

8518

8520

8522

8524

8526

8500 DC Load Series Version: 030614 Page 22 of 77

Glossary

△ Up arrow key. Used to scroll through the menu or cause the temporary

display of the alternate standard display.

▽ Down arrow key. Used to scroll through the menu or cause the temporary

display of the alternate standard display.

A Value for first setting of transient mode.

B Value for second setting of transient mode.

Battery Select battery testing mode. See Battery test section.

CC Constant current

Condition Steady state, transient, or dynamic. Steady state condition means the

load mode is operated in a steady state. Transient condition means the load mode is switched between two values with user-selectable timing. Dynamic means multiple levels and timings are available (and are gotten by using lists).

CR Constant resistance

CV Constant voltage

CW Constant power

Dynamic condition See Condition.

Enter Choose the indicated value or setting.

Esc Stop current entry and go to previous menu level.

I-set Configure the instrument for constant current mode.

Knob click Press the knob in until it clicks. This is an alternate method for changing

settings.

Link This annunciator will light up when communications are coming in across

the serial interface. It will stay lit for approximately 3 seconds after the last command was received.

List A list is a stored sequence of test parameter and test duration values.

These are used for dynamic load profiles.

Local Returns control to the front panel.

Menu Show the top level item of the instrument's menus.

Mode Mode of operation of the instrument. The four modes are CC, CV, CW,

and CR.

Mode settings Parameter values for CC, CV, CW, and CR modes.

On/Off Manually toggle the instrument between its set mode and an infinite

impedance state.

P-set Configure the instrument for constant power mode.

Power Power switch to turn the instrument on and off.

8500 DC Load Series Version: 030614 Page 23 of 77

R-set Configure the instrument for constant resistance mode.

Recall Recall instrument state from non-volatile memory.

Remote sensing Allows the instrument to measure the load power properly in case of large

currents by sensing the voltage at the source, rather than at the instrument's terminals. This removes the effect of the resistance of long leads.

S-Tran Set parameters (A, B, and transition times) for transient mode.

Shift Shift key, which allows access to the functions written beneath the

number keys.

Short Toggles between normal operation and a low resistance short.

Store Allows the user to save the instrument state in non-volatile memory.

Test file A sequence of different test modes used for automated testing.

Tran Set to transient condition.

Transient condition See Condition.

Trigger The key that causes an immediate trigger.

V-set Configure the instrument for constant voltage mode.

VFD Vacuum fluorescent display, the technology used for the instrument's

display.

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B&K Precision 8500 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Safety

Safety Symbols

Notation

Quick reference

Model numbers covered by this document

Options and accessories

Overview of instrument

Typical tasks

Front panel

Standard display

Front panel keys

Rear panel

Power Requirements

Display annunciators

Menus

Specifications

Environmental Conditions

Internal Resistances

Operational power curve

Low Voltage Characteristics

Slew rate

As a reference, below is a table of slew rates for their respective models:

Glossary