Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 2 of 76...
Increasing voltage resolution......................32 Short..............................32 Battery test............................32 Transient operation...........................33 Continuous transient operation.....................33 Pulse transient operation......................34 Toggled transient operation......................35 Toggle between two test values....................36 Lists (dynamic condition)........................36 Test files............................37 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 3 of 76...
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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 Appendix: Service and warranty information..................74 Index..............................75 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 4 of 76...
Represents a key on the front panel. Note that some of these may be accessed in combination with the Shift key. Annunciator, value, or message shown on the vacuum fluorescent display. CONFIG Menu item Default menu item 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 5 of 76...
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 ● 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 6 of 76...
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. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 7 of 76...
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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.
Store the DC Load state in non-volatile memory. You may Shift + Store store 25 different states. Recall the DC Load state from non-volatile memory. You Shift + Recall may recall 25 different states. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 9 of 76...
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 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 10 of 76...
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. Menu item Function CONFIG 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 11 of 76...
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Triggered from a TTL high signal (longer than 5 ms) at EXTERNAL the trigger connector on rear panel. Triggered from a serial bus command. CONNECT MODE Not supported with this hardware. (Should actually say MAXTIPLEXING "multiplexing".) SEPARATE 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 12 of 76...
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Note that each list file has four lists, one for each EDIT LIST FILE operation mode (CC, CV, CW, CR). CURRENT LIST ONCE List is executed once per trigger. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 13 of 76...
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ON indefinitely. Set the time period from 1 to 60000 s for the load to be TIMER SET EXIT Return to prior menu level. EXIT Return to standard display. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 14 of 76...
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 8500/8502 common characteristics Parameter Range...
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: February 4, 2009 Page 16 of 76...
8518 ≤ 5 8520 ≤ 45 8522 ≤ 30 8524 ≤ 6.5 8526 ≤ 15 Operational power curve The DC load's output follows a power curve illustrated below: 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 17 of 76...
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: 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 18 of 76...
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.
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0.5A / S 8502 1A/ S 8510 0.5A / S 8512 1A/ S 8514 1A/ S 8518 1A/ S 8520 1A/ S 8522 1A/ S 8524 1A/ S 8526 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 20 of 76...
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: February 4, 2009 Page 21 of 76...
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Transient condition See Condition. Trigger The key that causes an immediate trigger. V-set Configure the instrument for constant voltage mode. Vacuum fluorescent display, the technology used for the instrument's display. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 22 of 76...
CAUTION Do not block the fan exhaust at the rear of the load. Outline Drawings All dimensions are in millimeters (mm). Models: 8500& 8502 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 23 of 76...
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Models 8510, 8512, 8514 & 8518 Models 8520, 8522 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 24 of 76...
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Models 8524 & 8526 Unit (mm) 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 25 of 76...
8526 490W×357H×539D Bench operation The 8500 DC Load is provided with a carrying handle. The following pictures demonstrate various ways to use the handle. The handle may be removed if desired. A rack mounting kit (IT-E151) is also available. 8500 DC Load Series...
Press the P-set button (you may have to press it twice). Note the load is turned off. Set the power level to 0.1 watt. Press the On/Off key. Press the △ or ▽ keys to verify that the power is about 0.1 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009...
Similar to the transient condition, but capable of emulating more complex time- Dynamic dependent loads. The dynamic condition uses lists to specify the time- dependent behavior. Examples of the three conditions of operation are illustrated in the following diagram: 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 28 of 76...
In constant current mode, the DC load will sink a constant current, regardless of the voltage at its terminals. To set up the DC Load to operate in constant current mode and in the steady state condition, use the following keystrokes: 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 29 of 76...
DC Load to operate in constant power mode and in the steady state condition, use the following keystrokes: Display P-set If you press this key after powering up and there is no currently- stored constant power value, you'll be prompted for the desired 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 30 of 76...
The DC Load can be set to allow timed operation. When you turn the load on, it stays on for the specified time, then turns itself off. To set up timed operation, use the following keystrokes: Display Shift + Menu :CONFIG △ △ :LOAD ON TIMER 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 31 of 76...
When the voltage at the DC Load's terminals reaches the specified voltage, the test is ended and the integrated current (i.e., charge supplied by 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009...
Keys Display I-set Standard display of voltage and current (or, you'll be asked to enter a current value). 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 33 of 76...
5 A load. In the pulse mode of operation, this width is ignored, so enter any convenient value. Enter Displays LEVEL B= X.XXXA. You are being prompted for the second 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 34 of 76...
WIDTH A = X.XMS. You're being prompted for the duration of the 5 A load. In the toggled mode of operation, this width is ignored, so enter any convenient value. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 35 of 76...
To illustrate the use of a list, we'll create a list that runs the following constant current profile on a power supply: Trigger List count=1 List count=2 List sequence This list is characterized by the following current/duration pairs 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 36 of 76...
To exit List mode press the Shift and Trigger key Test files Test files are a generalization of lists -- they let you generate a sequence of tests using different 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 37 of 76...
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Enter SET 2= 5.000A We'll set the current to 2.5 A, which is the maximum current we've allowed for this test.. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 38 of 76...
Load's behavior with other events. There are three types of triggers you may use (set in the CONFIG:TRIGGER SOURCE menu): Trigger Type Explanation IMMEDIATE An immediate trigger is created by pressing Shift + Trigger on the 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 39 of 76...
To protect external hardware when using the DC Load, you can set the maximum allowed values for current, voltage, and power. These settings will override any settings subsequently made from the front panel using the I-set, V-set, P-set, or R-set keys. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 40 of 76...
This feature protects the load module in case the DC input terminals are connected to a power source with reversed polarity. If a reverse voltage condition is detected, the buzzer will sound and REVERSE VOLTAGE will be displayed on screen. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 41 of 76...
Esc Esc Exit from the menu. The following diagram shows the remote sensing terminals on the back of the instrument: The following shows a wiring diagram for remote sensing: 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 42 of 76...
Note that this will overwrite all values currently set in the instrument. If you try to recall a register with no data in it, you will get a NO EEPROM DATA error message. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 43 of 76...
Manager in the left-hand pane, then click on Ports in the right hand pane. You should see an entry named Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port. Once the driver software is installed on your system, it will appear as if you have a new COM port. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 44 of 76...
The area for the command's data contains parameter information for the command or the data that is requested via a previous command. Some commands have no data at all. It is a good programming practice to set all unused bytes to 0x00. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 45 of 76...
= " "*3 print header, for i in xrange(length_packet): if i % 10 == 0 and i != 0: print print header, if i % 5 == 0: 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 46 of 76...
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When a command is sent to the instrument, you must always request for return data, which will always be another 26 bytes. This is also dumped to the screen. You can download a complete python program along with detailed documentation from our website www.bkprecision.com 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 47 of 76...
Chapter organization The remainder of this chapter contains a reference on the syntax of DC Load commands and some 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 48 of 76...
0x38 Set CR mode transient resistance and timing 0x39 Read CR mode transient parameters 0x3A Select the list operation (CC/CV/CW/CR) List operations 0x3B Read the list operation (CC/CV/CW/CR) 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 49 of 76...
0x58 Select trigger source Triggering 0x59 Read trigger source 0x5A Trigger the electronic load Store/Recall 0x5B Store DC Load's settings 0x5C Recall DC Load's settings Function 0x5D Select FIXED/SHORT/TRAN/LIST/BATTERY function 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 50 of 76...
Least significant two bytes, least significant byte Lower low byte Least significant two bytes, most significant byte Lower high byte Most significant two bytes, least significant byte Higher low byte 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 51 of 76...
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1 is ON. 4-24 Reserved 0x22 Set the maximum voltage allowed Byte offset Meaning Lower low byte of maximum voltage. 1 represents 1 mV. Lower high byte of maximum voltage. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 52 of 76...
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0x00 as the 6 byte. 0x25 Read the maximum current allowed Byte offset Meaning Lower low byte of maximum current. 1 represents 0.1 mA. Lower high byte of maximum current. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 53 of 76...
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Meaning Mode: 0 is CC 1 is CV 2 is CW 3 is CR 4-24 Reserved 0x29 Read the mode being used (CC, CV, CW, or CR) 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 54 of 76...
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Upper low byte of voltage. Upper high byte of voltage. 7-24 Reserved 0x2D Read CV mode voltage Byte offset Meaning Lower low byte of voltage. 1 represents 1 mV. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 55 of 76...
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Upper high byte of resistance. 7-24 Reserved 0x31 Read CR mode resistance Byte offset Meaning Lower low byte of resistance. 1 represents 1 Ω. Lower high byte of resistance. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 56 of 76...
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Value B of voltage in units of 1 mV. Little-endian 4 byte number. 13 to 14 Time for B voltage in units of 0.1 ms. Little-endian 2 byte number. Transient operation: 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 57 of 76...
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Value B of power in units of 1 mW. Little-endian 4 byte number. 13 to 14 Time for B power in units of 0.1 ms. Little-endian 2 byte number. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 58 of 76...
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Reserved 0x3A Select the list operation (CC/CV/CW/CR) Byte offset Meaning List operation mode: 0 is constant current (CC) 1 is constant voltage (CV) 2 is constant power (CW) 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 59 of 76...
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2 byte little-endian integer for number of steps 5-24 Reserved 0x3F Read the number of list steps Byte offset Meaning 3 to 4 2 byte little-endian integer for number of steps 5-24 Reserved 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 60 of 76...
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4 byte little-endian integer specifying the power in units of 1 mW 9 to 10 2 byte little-endian integer specifying the step timing in units of 0.1 ms 11-24 Reserved 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 61 of 76...
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Reserved 0x49 Read the list file name Byte offset Meaning 3 to 12 List file name (ASCII characters) 13-24 Reserved 0x4A Set the memory partitioning for storing lists 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 62 of 76...
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7-24 Reserved 0x4F Read minimum voltage in battery testing Byte offset Meaning 3 to 6 4 byte little-endian integer specifying the minimum voltage in units of 1 mV 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 63 of 76...
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2 byte little-endian integer specifying the address. Must be between 0 and 0xFE, inclusive. 4-24 Reserved 0x55 Enable/disable LOCAL control Byte offset Meaning 0 means to disable the Local key on the front panel 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 64 of 76...
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1 means external trigger from the rear panel connector 2 means a bus (software) trigger (the 0x5A command) 4-24 Reserved 0x5A Trigger the electronic load Byte offset Meaning 3-24 Reserved 0x5B Save DC Load's settings 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 65 of 76...
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11 to 14 4 byte little-endian integer for terminal power in units of 1 mW Operation state register (see bit list below) 16 to 17 2 byte little-endian integer for demand state register (see bit list below) 18-24 Reserved 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 66 of 76...
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0 means disable 1 means enable 0x85 (low byte of calibration password) 0x11 or 0x12 (high byte of calibration password) 6-24 Reserved 0x61 Get the instrument calibration state 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 67 of 76...
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3 to 6 4 byte little-endian integer representing the current in units of 0.1 mA 7-24 Reserved 0x66 Store the calibration data to EEPROM Byte offset Meaning 3-24 Reserved 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 68 of 76...
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Note: the bar code information is to be interpreted as ASCII data. Byte offset Meaning 3 to 5 Identity 6 to 7 7 to 9 Version 10 to 11 Year 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 69 of 76...
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Byte offset Meaning 12-24 Reserved 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 70 of 76...
△ and ▽ keys, you will see the following information: 120V 320W Instrument's capabilities SN: XXX-XXX-XXX Serial number VER: X.XX Firmware version Press the Esc key to return to normal operation of the instrument. 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 71 of 76...
If you accidentally locked the keyboard, follow this procedure to unlock: The procedure below shows how to unlock a model 8500 using “8512” as the unlock key. 1) Press Shift + Menu. You will see PASSWORD: displayed on the screen. Enter 8512, then press the Enter key.
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To unlock the other DC load models, use the following unlock keys: Model number Unlock key code 8500 8512 8502 8512 8510 8513 8512 8513 8514 8514 8518 8518 8520 8516 8522 8516 8524 8518 8526 8518 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 73 of 76...
This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state-to-state. B&K Precision Corp. 22820 Savi Ranch Parkway Yorba Linda, CA 92887 www.bkprecision.com 714-921-9095 8500 DC Load Series Version: February 4, 2009 Page 74 of 76...
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