Programmable Electronic Loads and Load Banks
Last Updated: January 31, 2025
Description
Programmable electronic loads and load banks are sophisticated instruments designed to simulate electrical loads for testing power sources. They are capable of drawing controlled current, voltage, or power from a source under test, allowing for precise evaluation of the source's performance, stability, and efficiency. These devices are fully programmable, enabling automation for efficient and continual use.
Working Principle
Programmable electronic loads work by using transistors to simulate ohmic resistance, effectively sinking power from the source under test. They can dynamically simulate changing load profiles such as constant voltage (CV), constant current (CC), constant power (CP), and constant resistance (CR). This capability allows them to perform long-term burn-in tests and step changes in power, enhancing the quality of testing. Their precision and reliability make them invaluable for assessing how power sources respond under varying operating conditions.
Applications
Programmable electronic loads and load banks are used in a variety of applications. They are essential for testing AC and DC power supplies, switching power supplies, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), fuel cells, inverters, telecommunications rectifiers, batteries, and battery chargers. Specific examples include their use in hospitals and aeronautics, as well as in the transport, telecom, and mining industries. They are also used for testing generators, reducing wet stacking problems, exercising engine generators, ground power testing, load rejection tests, load optimization, and removal of carbon build-up in wind turbines.
Advantages over other Electronic Loads and Load Banks
Programmable electronic loads offer several advantages over other types of load banks. They provide added flexibility and precision, allowing users to set specific parameters and automate complex test sequences. This improves efficiency and consistency, making them ideal for repetitive and precise testing scenarios such as battery life cycles and power supply validation. Their ability to simulate dynamic load profiles and perform long-term tests enhances the quality of testing compared to traditional load banks.
Limitations
While programmable electronic loads offer numerous benefits, they also have limitations. They may not be the most cost-effective solution if noise, workspace, and efficiency are not critical factors for the application. Additionally, the initial cost of acquiring these sophisticated instruments can be higher compared to simpler reactive load banks.
Considerations
When selecting a programmable electronic load, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can be significant, so it's important to evaluate the budget and the specific testing requirements. Operating expenses, including energy consumption and maintenance, should also be taken into account. Durability and accuracy are crucial for ensuring reliable performance over time. Replacement and maintenance costs should be factored into the decision-making process, as these can impact the overall cost-effectiveness of the solution.
from AMETEK Programmable Power
Traditional DC Electronic Load Solutions are bulky and large. Most are offered with standard voltage, current and power ratings. In the ATE world, rack space is a highly coveted asset, and application demands are constantly diversifying with new technology development. AMETEK Programmable Power's... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Features: Fan Cooled
from Thermon, Inc
In the demanding world of data centers and High-Performance Computing (HPC), reliable infrastructure is non-negotiable. Thermon ’s Poseidon ™ Liquid Load Bank (for US markets) and Pontus ™ Liquid Load Bank (for non-US markets) are engineered to provide precise, real-world thermal... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Configuration: Portable
from RS Components, Ltd.
600 V, 150 A, 3 kW High Voltage DC Elect [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
- DC Capacity: 150
from AMETEK Programmable Power
Traditional DC Electronic Load Solutions are bulky and large. Most are offered with standard voltage, current and power ratings. In the automated test equipment (ATE) world, rack space is a highly coveted asset, and application demands are constantly diversifying with new technology development. [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Features: Water Cooled
from RS Components, Ltd.
800 V, 75 A, 3 kW High Voltage DC Electr [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
- DC Capacity: 75
from RS Components, Ltd.
1000 V, 25 A, 3 kW High Voltage DC Elect [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
- DC Capacity: 25
from RS Components, Ltd.
600 V, 300 A, 6 kW High Voltage DC Elect [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
- DC Capacity: 300
from RS Components, Ltd.
800 V, 150 A, 6 kW High Voltage DC Elect [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
- DC Capacity: 150
from RS Components, Ltd.
1000 V, 50 A, 6 kW High Voltage DC Elect [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
- DC Capacity: 50
from RS Components, Ltd.
DC electronic load 150V,60A ,300W [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
0-120V, 0-30A, 300W, single channel,prog [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
Electronic Load 0-80V 0-1020A 14.4 kW [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
Electronic Load 0-500V 0-180A 7.2 kW [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
BK Precision BK8612 Electronic DC Load [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
BK Precision BK8500B Electronic Load [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
BK Precision BK8502B Electronic Load [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
BK Precision BK8510B Electronic Load [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
BK Precision BK8514B Electronic Load [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
DC Electronic Load, single-input: 150V, [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
Programmable Single Channel DC Electroni [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
BK Precision MDL4U001 Electronic Load [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
from RS Components, Ltd.
500V/20A/300W DC Load Module_4U [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Standards and Certifications: RoHS
- DC Capacity: 20
from Deodhar Electro Design P. Ltd.
The Programmable DC Loads are available from 150W to 960W in single individual Modules in compact 2U high Standard 19 ” Rack. They are expandable for higher power ratings and can be offer as single channel or multi channel configurations. They also offer the flexibility for various modes of... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Operates between 0-120 VDC, 1 mA-240 A, 1200 W max. Constant current (CC), resistance (CR), voltage (CV) and power (CP) operation. Built-in high resolution (1 mA/1 mV) voltage and current measurement (range dependant). Bright, easy to read display (VFD technology). Built-in... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 1200
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The SLH-300-12-1200 is a 1200 watt AC DC electronic load from Sorensen. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Voltage: 300V. Current: 12A. Power: 1200W. Rack mounted, programmable AC/DC load. UPS... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Operates between 0-60 VDC, 1 mA-240 A, 1200 W max. Constant current (CC), resistance (CR), voltage (CV) and power (CP) operation. A low minimum operating voltage of < 0.1 V and input resistance of 5 m? make this DC load especially well suited for fuel and solar cell... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 1200
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The SLH-300-12-1800 is a 1800 watt AC DC electronic load from Sorensen. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Voltage: 300V. Current: 12A. Power: 1800W. Rack mounted, programmable AC/DC load. High... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Voltage Range: 1-63 V, Current Range: 10 mA to 15 A. Max Power: 200 W. High resolution (20 mV, 1 mA, 0.1 W, 0.1 ). 9 sets of programmable memory & USB interface. Over Voltage (OVP) & Over Current (OCP) Protection [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 200
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The SLH-500-60-1800 is a 1800 watt AC DC electronic load from Sorensen. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Voltage: 500V. Current: 60A. Power: 1800W. Rack mounted, programmable DC load. Power Factor... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Operates between 0-120 VDC, 1 mA-240 A, 2400 W max. Constant current (CC), resistance (CR), voltage (CV) and power (CP) operation. Built-in high resolution (1 mA/1 mV) voltage and current measurement (range dependant). Bright, easy to read display (VFD technology). Built-in... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 2400
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The SLH-60-120-1200 is a 1200 watt AC DC electronic load from Sorensen. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Voltage: 60V. Current: 120A. Power: 1200W. Rack mounted, programmable DC load. Remote: GPIB,... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Operates between 0-500 VDC (suitable for high voltage applications), 1 mA-120 A, 2400 W max. Constant current (CC), resistance (CR), voltage (CV) and power (CP) operation. Built-in high resolution (1 mA/1 mV) voltage and current measurement (range dependant). Bright, easy to read... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 2400
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The SLH-60-120-600 is a 600 watt DC electronic load from Sorensen. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Voltage: 60V. Current: 120A. Power: 600W. Rack mounted, programmable DC load. Remote: GPIB,... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Operates between 0-500 VDC (suitable for high voltage applications), 1 mA-15 A, 300 W max. Constant current (CC), resistance (CR), voltage (CV) and power (CP) operation. Built-in high resolution (0.1 mA/1 mV) voltage and current measurement (range dependant). Bright, easy to read... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 300
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 6050A is a 1800 watt DC electronic load mainframe from Agilent HP. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: GPIB control of current, voltage and resistance. GPIB readback of current, voltage, and... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Operates Between 0-120VDC, 1mA-30A (300W MAX). High Resolution 0.1mA/1mV (range dependent). VFD Display. CV/CC/CW/CR Operation. Over-Current/Over-Voltage/Over-Power/Over-Temperature Protected. RS 232 Interface Cable and Software Included. Optional USB Interface Available (order... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 300
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 6051A is a 600 watt DC electronic load mainframe from Agilent HP. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: GPIB control of current, voltage and resistance. GPIB readback of current, voltage, and power. [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Operates between 0-60 VDC, 1 mA-240 A, 5000 W max. Constant current (CC), resistance (CR), voltage (CV) and power (CP) operation. Built-in high resolution (1 mA/1 mV) voltage and current measurement (range dependant). Bright, easy to read display (VFD technology). Built-in... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 5000
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 6060B is a 300 watt DC electronic load from Agilent. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Power: 300 Watts. Built-in pulse waveform generation with programmable amplitude, frequency, duty cycle and... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. 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... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 600
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 6063B is a 250 watt DC Electronic Load from Agilent. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Power: 250W. Volts: 240. Amps: 10. GPIB control and readback of current, voltage and resistance. Built-in... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Operates between 0-500 VDC (suitable for high voltage applications), 1 mA-30 A, 600 W max. Constant current (CC), resistance (CR), voltage (CV) and power (CP) operation. Built-in high resolution (0.1 mA/1 mV) voltage and current measurement (range dependant). Bright, easy to read... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 600
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63030 is a 300 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: 60 Amps. 64 Volts. 300 Watts. Plug-in electronic load modules in selectable mainframes. Parallel load... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Voltage range up to 500 V. Current range up to 100 A. CC/CV/CR/CW operating modes. 16-bit voltage and current measurement system providing 1 mV / 0.1 mA resolution. Transient mode up to 25 kHz in CC mode. List mode function. Store and recall up to 100 setups. Adjustable slew rate... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 2500
- DC Capacity: 100
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63101 is a 200 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Power: 200 W. Voltage: 80. Current: 40. Mainframes holds four or two modules, up to 8 loads total. [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Voltage range up to 120 V. Current range up to 480 A. CC/CV/CR/CW operating modes. 16-bit voltage and current measurement system providing 1 mV / 0.1 mA resolution. Transient mode up to 25 kHz in CC mode. List mode function. Store and recall up to 100 setups. Adjustable slew rate... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 3000
- DC Capacity: 480
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63101A is a 200 watt DC electronic load from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Volts: 0~80V. Current: 0~4A / 0~40A. Power: 20W / 200W. 40A, 80V, or 200W max. Compatibility between 6310... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. Voltage range up to 120 V. Current range up to 720 A. CC/CV/CR/CW operating modes. 16-bit voltage and current measurement system providing 1 mV / 0.1 mA resolution. Transient mode up to 25 kHz in CC mode. List mode function. Store and recall up to 100 setups. Adjustable slew rate... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 6000
- DC Capacity: 720
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63101A is a 200 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Volts: 80V. Current: 40A. Power: 200W. 40A, 80V, or 200W max. Compatibility between 6310 and 6310A. [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from Transcat, Inc.
Product Highlights. GW Instek launches new PEL-3000E series programmable single-channel electronic load. In the series, PEL-3031E provides 300W (1V~150V/60A) and PEL-3032E provides 300W(2.5V~500V/15A) current sink capability. Inherited from the PEL-3000 series, PEL-3000E has an easy-to-read LCD... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: Programmable
- Resistive Capacity: 300
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63102A is a 100 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Voltage: 0~80V. Current: 0~2A / 0~20A. Power: 20W / 100W. Max Power: 200W, 100Wx2(Dual),30W &... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63103 is a 300 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Power: 300W. Voltage: 80. Current: 60. Mainframes holds four or two modules, up to 8 loads total. [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63103A is a 300 watt DC Electronic Load from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Max Power:300W. Voltage range: 0-80V. Current: 0-6A @ 30W, 0-60A @ 300W. Compatibility between 6310 and... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63105A is a 300 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Volts: 500V. Current: 10A. Power: 300W. Max Power: 200W, 100Wx2(Dual),30W & 250W, 300W, 350W,... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63106A is a 600 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Volts: 120A. Current: 80V. Power: 600W. Max Power: 200W, 100Wx2(Dual),30W & 250W, 300W, 350W,... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63107A is a 250 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Volts: 80V. Current: 5A & 40A. Power: 30W / 250W. Minimum input resistance allows load to sink... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63108A is a 600 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Volts: 500V. Current: 2-20A. Power: 600W. User programmable 100 sequences. Front panel input status... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63110A is a 100 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Volts: 0~500V. Current: 0~0.6A / 0~2A. Power: 100W. LED Load Simulator for LED Driver Test. Min. [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63112A is a 1200 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Voltage: 80V. Current: 240A. Power: 1200W. Synchronization with multiple loads. Flexible CC, CR, CP... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63113A is a 300 watt DC electronic load module from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Volts: 0~300V. Current: 0~5A / 0~20A. Power: 300W. LED Load Simulator for LED Driver Test. Min. [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 63123A-120 is a 350 watt DC Electronic Load from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Replaces Chroma 63123A. 0.6V@70A, 120V. Max Power: 200W, 100Wx2(Dual),30W & 250W, 300W, 350W, 600W,... [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable
from ValueTronics International, Inc.
The 6312A is a 600 watt DC electronic load mainframe from Chroma. Simulate loading on an electronic circuit including power supply testing, ATE applications, LED testing, and more. Additional Features: Max Power: 600W. Wide range 0~600V operating voltage. USB, GPIB & RS-232C interfaces. [See More]
- Load Bank Type: DC; Programmable