Data sheet
DC Electronic Loads
8500 series
2400W 600 W - 1200 W 300 W
Versatile & Economical DC Electronic
Loads
The 8500 series Programmable DC Electronic
Loads can be used for testing and evaluating a
variety of DC power sources. Their wide operating ranges of up to 500 V and 240 A, flexible
operating modes and excellent measurement
accuracy make the 8500 series well suited for
characterizing DC Power supplies, DC-DC
Converters, batteries, fuel cells and solar cells.
The loads can operate in CC, CV, CR or CP
mode while voltage/current or resistance/power
values are measured and displayed in real time.
Load terminals are isolated and floating.
Extensive protection, including over temperature, over power, over voltage, over current and
reverse polarity will help protect your valuable
prototype.
The DC loads are easy to use. All parameters
can be set quickly and precisely from the front
panel, or programmed via RS232 or USB interfaces.
The 8 5 0 0 famil y offers 1 0 models with a wide r a nge o f ratings
Model# Power Operating Voltage Rat ed C u r r e n t
8500 300 W 0.1 - 120 V 30 A
8502 300 W 0.1 - 500 V 15 A
8510 600 W 0.1 - 120 V 120 A
8512 600 W 0.1 - 500 V 30 A
8514 1200 W 0.1 - 120 V 240 A
8518 1200 W 0.1 - 60 V 240 A
8520 2400 W 0.1 - 120 V 240 A
8522 2400 W 0.1 - 500 V 120 A
8524 5000 W 0.1 - 60 V 240 A
8526 5000 W 0.1 - 500 V 120 A
When selecting a DC load, it is important to
consider not only voltage and current
requirements, but also power ratings. The power
used when testing must fall within the hatched
region for the appropriate DC load.
Some applications may require high voltage/low
current and low voltage/high current which a
single load may not be able to handle. B&K
Precision’s broad range of DC loads will allow
you to select the optimal model for your
requirements.
Technical data subject to change
© B&K Precision Corp. 2008
v102810
In p u t volta ge
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Ra ted pow er
Inp u t curr ent
Tel.: 714.921.9095
DC Electronic Loads
odels 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518, 8520, 8522, 8524, 8526
M
Features
onstant current (CC), resistance (CR), voltage
■ C
(CV) and power (CP) operation
■ Wide voltage and current range, 0 to 500 V, 0
to 240 A (5000 W max)
■ Low minimum operating voltage of < 0.1 V
and minimum input resistance of 5 mΩ (model
8518) allowing the load to sink high current at
low voltages, required for fuel and solar cell
applications
■ Selected models operate up to 500 V, suitable
for high voltage applications
■ Built-in transient generator
■ Short circuit test
■ Built-in high resolution (0.1 mA/1 mV) voltage
and current measurement (models 8500 &
8502)
■ Bright, easy to read display (VFD technology)
■ Over-Current/Over-Voltage/Over-Power/Over-
Temperature Protection
■ RS232 to TTL, USB to TTL serial
converter cables and application software
Applications:
■ DC power supply testing
■ Characterization of rechargeable batteries. A
battery test mode is provided that will measure
the ampere*hour (A*hr) characteristic of a
battery.
■ Fuel and solar cell test
■ High voltage applications
included
■ List mode operation for increased throughput.
■ Battery testing mode to provide A*hr rating
of battery (ending voltage level is adjustable)
■ Flexible triggering: Create trigger events by
front panel keystroke, back panel TTL signal,
or software.
■ Remote voltage sensing to compensate for the
effect of voltage drop in wires.
■ Store 25 instrument setups
■ Thermostatically-controlled fans allow
operation in quiet environments with minimal
disruption.
■ All models are rack mountable. Compact 300
W and 600 W models for bench use
Low voltage operation
The 8500 series can operate well below 1 V
which is important for low voltage application
such as fuel cell and solar cell testing. All models
can regulate (provide a stable input) down to
0.1 V. Model 8518, due to its particularly low
input resistance, can operate at full scale current
of 240 A at 1.2 V (see image)
Typical minimum operating voltage at full scale current:
8500 8502 8510 8512 8514 8518 8520 8522 8524 8526
1.05 V 3 V 1.8 V 3 V 1.92 V 1.2 V 10.8 V 3.6 V 1.56 V 1.8 V
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DC Electronic Loads
odels 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518, 8520, 8522, 8524, 8526
M
Front panel operation,
▲
rear panel
The numeric keys and rotary knob provide a
convenient interface for setting the operating
mode and desired current/voltage/resistance
levels quickly and precisely. Voltage and current
can be set to a maximum resolution of 1 mV and
0.1 mA respectively (models 8500 and 8502
only). Up to 25 different instrument setups can
be stored and recalled from internal memory.
1
) Hi g h res olut i o n , easy t o read d i s p l ay
Displays set values and measured values.
Current/voltage and power/resistance displays
can be toggled. Display resolution for current
and voltage is user-selectable. Maximum
resolution for model 8500 and 8502 is 1 mV/
0.1 mA.
3)
Numeric keypad
Conveniently enter set values directly and access
secondary functions.
4)
Function keys
Activate current, voltage, power, or resistance
modes and scroll through menus and options.
1 2
3 4 5
Hex-he ad sc rew t erminals
Hex-head screw terminals are used for models
8518 and 8520 – 8526 to connect wires.
2)
Co n venient d at a e nt r y
Rotary knob for quick analog-style control. Turn
to adjust a setting value. Press to toggle
measurement display mode.
Rear view
▲
1)
Ai r v e n ts
Temperature-controlled fan expels air through
these vents to keep the temperature constant
inside the system.
2)
Tr i gger a n d remote s e n sing t e r m i n al
block
Connect sensing lines to this terminal to
compensate for voltage drops due to load wire
resistance. This terminal block also contains the
two connections for the remote TTL trigger input
signal.
5)
Front p anel l o a d termi n a l s
Connect to device under test.
3
) In t e r f ac e connect io n
Serial interface connector for RS232 or USB
communication.
4)
Voltage switch
Line voltage selection switch (110 VAC or 220
VAC).
1
3 4
2
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DC Electronic Loads
odels 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518, 8520, 8522, 8524, 8526
M
Flexible operating modes
▲
CC, C R , CV a nd CP mode
In Constant Current (CC) mode, the load will
sink a current according to the programmed
current value regardless of the input voltage.
CC) mode can be used for load regulation
(
testing of DC power supplies or for characterizing the discharge profile of a battery.
onstant Power (CP) mode simulates a load
C
whose power consumption is independent of the
applied voltage. Constant Power (CP) mode is
useful for battery testing and simulating a
realistic discharge curve.
In Constant Voltage (CV) mode, the load will
attempt to sink enough current to control the
source voltage to the programmed value. This
mode is suitable for testing battery chargers.
In Constant Resistance (CR) mode, the load will
sink a current linearly proportional to the input
voltage in accordance with the programmed
Remote control & application software
▲
esistance. Unlike conventional resistors, the
r
load resistance stays constant regardless of the
power level.
Transient g enerator
The 8500 series offers a variable frequency
generator which can be used in all operating
modes. The DC load will toggle between 2
reset levels at a frequency between 0.1 Hz to
p
1 kHz, either continuously or controlled by a
trigger.
Triggered operation
Triggering is used to allow synchronization of the
DC Load's behavior with other events. You can
generate a trigger event by front panel keystroke,
by applying an external TTL signal to the back
panel terminal or by sending a commands over
the serial bus. The trigger can be used in pulse
mode, transient mode, list mode and works in
CC, CR, CV and CP modes.
Model 8500
The DC loads can be remotely controlled from
any PC with USB or RS232 interface, allowing
the user to fully program and monitor all
parameters. RS232 to TTL and USB to TTL
serial converter cables are included. For users
wanting to write their own custom software, a set
of example programs are available for download
on the B&K Precision website.
List M od e
A list of command sequences can be stored in
non-volatile memory and executed independently
of a computer. Execution in list mode greatly
reduces command processing time and computer
interaction during product testing. The command
sequence can be entered manually from the front
panel or downloaded from a PC via RS232 or
USB interface.
Applicati o n Software
The included Application Software supports front
panel emulation of the load and includes a
battery test application which provides A*hr
rating of a battery and adjustable ending voltage
levels (safety voltage).
Whether you are designing a device with
An example of battery discharge characteristics of an AA alkaline battery.
Nickel-Metal Hydride or Lithium-Ion batteries,
the 8500 series have the capabilities to test their
characteristics.
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DC Electronic Loads
odels 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518, 8520, 8522, 8524, 8526
M
Specifications
Models 8500 & 8502 (300 W)
▲
Parameter 8500 8502
Voltage 0 to 120 V 0 to 500 V
Input rating Current 1 mA to 30 A 1 mA to 15 A
Power 300 W
Parameter Range Accuracy Resolution
8500 8502
CV Mode 0.1-18 V ±(0.05%+0.02% FS) 1 mV
Regulation 0.1 – 120 V 0.1 – 500 V ±(0.05%+0.025% FS) 10 mV
CC Mode 0 – 3 A 0 – 3 A ±(0.1%+0.1% FS) 0.1 mA
Regulation 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
Current Measurement 0 – 30 A 0 – 15 A 8500: ±(0.2%+0.15% FS)
Voltage Measurement 0-18 V ±(0.02% + 0.02% FS) 1 mV
0-120 V 0 – 500 V ±(0.02% + 0.025% FS) 10 mV
Models 8510/8512/8514/8518 (600 W & 1200 W)
▲
Parameter 8510 8512 8514 8518
Input rating Voltage 0 – 120 V 0 – 500 V 0 – 120 V 0 – 60 V
Current 0 – 120 A 0 – 30 A 0 – 240 A 0 – 240 A
Power 600 W 1200 W
8502: ±(0.2%+0.3% FS) 1 mA
Parameter Range Accuracy Resolution
8510 8512 8514 8518
CV Mode 0.1-18 V ±(0.05%+0.02% FS) 1 mV
Regulation 0.1 V to Vmax ±(0.05%+0.025% FS) 10 mV
CC Mode 0-12 A 0-3 A 0-24 A ±(0.1%+0.1% FS) 1 mA
Regulation 0 – max Current ±(0.2%+0.15% FS) 10 mA
Current Measurement 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
Voltage Measurement 0 – 18 V 8510/8514: (0.02% + 0.025% FS) 1 mV
8512/8518: (0.02% + 0.02% FS)
0 - Vmax ±(0.02% + 0.025% FS) 10 mV
Models 8520/8522/8524/8526 (2400 W & 5000 W)
▲
Parameter 8520 8522 8524 8526
Input rating Voltage 0 – 120 V 0 – 500 V 0 – 60 V 0 – 500 V
Current 0 – 240 A 0 – 120 A 0 – 240 A 0 – 120 A
Power 2400 W 5000 W
Parameter Range Accuracy Resolution
8520 8522 8524 8526
CV Mode 0.1-18 V ±(0.05%+0.02% FS) 1 mV
Regulation 0.1 V to Vmax ±(0.05%+0.025% FS) 10 mV
CC Mode 0-24 A 0-12 A 0-24 A 0-12 A ±(0.1%+0.1% FS) 1 mA
Regulation 0 – max Current ±(0.2%+0.15% FS) 10 mA
Current Measurement 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 8522/8526: (0.02% + 0.02% FS) 1 mV
Voltage Measurement 8520/8524: (0.02% + 0.025% FS)
0 - Vmax ±(0.02% + 0.025%FS) 10 mV
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DC Electronic Loads
odels 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518, 8520, 8522, 8524, 8526
M
All 8500 DC load models
▲
Com mon c ha r a c t eristics
Parameter Range Accuracy Resolution
CR Mode Regulation 0.1 -10 Ω ±(1%+0.3% FS) 0.001 Ω
(Input current ≥ FS 10% 10-99 Ω ±(1%+0.3% FS) 0.01 Ω
Input Voltage≥ FS 10%) 100-999 Ω ±(1%+0.3% FS) 0. 1 Ω
1K-4 KΩ ±(1%+0.8% FS) 1 Ω
CW Mode Regulation 0-100 W ±(1%+0.1% FS) 1 mW
(Input current ≥ FS 10% 100 W – max Power ±(1%+0.1% FS) 100 mW
Input Voltage≥ FS 10%)
Power Measurement 0-100 W ±(1%+0.1% FS) 1 mW
(Input current ≥ FS 10% 100-max Power ±(1%+0.1% FS) 100 mW
Input Voltage ≥ FS 10%)
Battery testing function Input = 0.1 V – 120 V Max measurement capacity = 999 A*hr
Resolution = 10 mA Timer range = 1-60000 sec
Transition Mode Range of Frequency 0.1 Hz-1 kHz Frequency error rate 0.5%
Mecha n i c a l s p e c ifi cations
Model number Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight
8500 215 mm×88 mm×355 mm (8.46 in x 3.46 in x 14 in) 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs)
8502 215 mm×88 mm×355 mm (8.46 in x 3.46 in x 14 in) 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs)
8510 429 mm×88 mm×355 mm (16.9 in x 3.46 in x 14 in) 14 kg (31 lbs)
8512 429 mm×88 mm×355 mm (16.9 in x 3.46 in x 14 in) 14 kg (31 lbs)
8514 429 mm×88 mm×355 mm (16.9 in x 3.46 in x 14 in) 14 kg (31 lbs)
8518 429 mm×88 mm×355 mm (16.9 in x 3.46 in x 14 in) 14 kg (31 lbs)
8520 444 mm×180 mm×539 mm (17.48 in x 7.09 in x 21.22 in) 30 kg (66 lbs)
8522 444 mm×180 mm×539 mm (17.48 in x 7.09 in x 21.22 in) 30 kg (66 lbs)
8524 444 mm×357 mm×539 mm (17.48 in x 14.06 in x 21.22 in) 67 kg (148 lbs)
8526 444 mm×357 mm×539 mm (17.48 in x 14.06 in x 21.22 in) 67 kg (148 lbs)
One Year Warranty
Accessories
Supplied: Power cord, user manual, installation CD
with application software, RS232 to TTL
serial converter cable IT-E131, USB to
TTL serial converter cable IT-E132
Optional: Rack mount kit IT-E151
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