Download Two New Digitally Controlled Electronic Loads Offer Remarkable

September, 2001
Two New Digitally Controlled Electronic
Loads Offer Remarkable Current Control at
High Voltages
12-Bit, Serial-Input Current Sources Offer 500µA Resolution (0-2A Range)
or 2.5mA Resolution (0-10A Range) at Working Voltages up to 200V
• Digital Inputs: Serial, 12-Bit, TTL-Compatible
• Output/Load Currents:
DTL3A 0-2 Amps @ Voltages up to 200V
DTL4A 0-10 Amps @ Voltages up to 150V
• Extraordinary Current Resolution/Control:
DTL3A 500µA per Digital Bit
DTL4A 2.5mA per Digital Bit
• Output/Load Power: 0-100 Watts
• Accuracy: ±1% Under All Conditions
• Quickness: 100µsec Step Response
Update Rates to 20kHz
• Isolation: 500 Volts
• Size: 2" x 2" x 0.5" Shielded Metal Cases
• Scalable: Parallel Multiple Devices for Higher Power
• Affordable: $115 (USA) Each for 500 Pieces
• Accessible: Order On-Line at www.datel.com
Unprecedented Digital Control Over Load Currents
DATEL, Inc. announces two new additions to our growing family of miniature electronic loads.
Designed for use in the cost-effective implementation of computer-controlled, power-supply and
power-component test and burn-in, the DTL3A and DTL4A are digitally controlled (serial input, 12
bits, TTL compatible), near ideal (ZOUT > 10MΩ), current sources.
The DTL3A features an output/load current of 0-2 Amps, over an operating voltage range of
2.5-200 Volts, giving it an incredible resolution of 500µA per LSB (least significant bit). The DTL4A
features an output/load current of 0-10 Amps, over an operating voltage range of 2.5-150 Volts,
giving it a resolution of 2.5mA per LSB. Both are rated to a max. output/load power of 100 Watts.
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INNOVATION and EXCELLENCE
DATEL, Inc. 11 Cabot Boulevard, Mansfield, MA 02048-1151
Tel: (508) 339-3000 Fax: (508) 339-6356 Internet: www.datel.com Email:[email protected]
High-Resolution Current Control
The DTL3A and DTL4A exploit 12-bit digital-to-analog (D/A) converters to achieve their highresolution current control. The 12-bit digital input word (typically supplied by any standard digital
I/O card) is buffered, optically isolated (500Vdc isolation guaranteed) and latched before being
presented to the on-board D/A. The D/A output drives a near-ideal (10MΩ min. output impedance),
voltage-controlled current source. In the case of the DTL3A, the output current source can tolerate
load voltages up to 200V. For the DTL4A, the load voltage can be as high as 150V.
The DTL3A/4A’s incredible current control derives from the fact that one LSB (least significant
bit) of digital input data is equivalent to 0.0244% (1/4096) of output current range. As noted, this
correlates to 500µA for the DTL3A and 2.5mA for the DTL4A.
Power Resistors and Electronic-Load “Boxes” Simply Can’t Do It
The testing/burn-in of power supplies (AC/DC and DC/DC), power components (transistors, diodes,
MOSFET’s, etc.), and all manner of other power devices (batteries, current and voltage sources,
capacitors, etc.) normally requires putting those devices under load. Historically, electronic
loads have been implemented as expensive “boxes” with assorted dials, knobs, displays, and
unnecessarily high power ratings. By default, power resistors (fixed values, expensive, bulky,
inaccurate) have become the technique of choice for implementing loading in both the evaluation/
characterization and production environments.
Needless to say, neither of those older options offers the precise current control of the DTL3A
and DTL4A.
A single DATEL DTL3A/4A, under the control of a personal computer, simulates with incredible
precision all desired static/dynamic load conditions. The low cost, small size and total
programmability of DTL’s enable the construction of multi-purpose, multi-product, test/burn-in
systems that reduce development costs, minimize factory-floor requirements, and improve endproduct reliability.
Low-Voltage Operation Also
Despite their high voltage ratings, the DTL3A and 4A can work their current-control magic all the
way down to output/load voltages as low as 2.5V. Below this point, the devices’ output stage may
become improperly biased, and unpredictable operation (including shut down) may occur. To avoid
such situations, we have installed an output “Fault Line” that activates and warns users whenever
the voltage gets dangerously low.
Accuracy, Speed and Noteworthy Features
The DTL3A and DTL4A both guarantee ±0.1% max. gain error, ±0.5/3mA (respectively) max. offset
error, and ±1% overall accuracy (under all conditions of load current/voltage, temperature and
+VCC). Their fast-settling D/A's and proprietary, MOSFET-based output stages provide quick updates
(to 20kHz) and fast settling times (100µsec). Additionally, all DTL’s feature miniature 2" x 2" x 0.5",
6-side shielded, metal packages that are heat-sink friendly.
Price and Delivery!
DTL3A and DTL4A Electronic Loads are attractively priced at $249 each (USA) in singles and
$112 each for 1,000 pieces. Additional generous high-quantity discounts are available for OEM
customers. Small quantities (<25 pieces) and consignment evaluation units for qualified OEM’s are
immediately available from stock. Production quantities require 6-8 weeks.
Order @ Web Site
DATEL, Inc. pioneered e-commerce capabilities for power supplies and electronic loads at our web
site at www.datel.com. Small quantities of DTL3A and DTL4A Electronic Loads (or free evaluation
units) can be ordered directly from the site using credit cards.
Contacts:
Technical/Editorial:
Bob Leonard
Product Marketing Manager, Electronic Loads
Tel: (508)339-3000 x241, (800)233-2765 (USA)
Fax: (508)339-6356
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.datel.com
More to Come
The DTL3A and DTL4A are the most recent additions to DATEL’s expanding line of miniature,
programmable (analog or digital control) electronic loads, companion controller boards, and related
software for constructing power supply/component burn-in and test systems. These building blocks
represent a highly reliable, cost-effective solution that enables users to quickly configure extremely
flexible, yet highly accurate, systems.
These products facilitate extended burn-in or quick, precise production testing of power supplies
(AC/DC and DC/DC), power components (transistors, diodes, MOSFET’s, etc.), and all manner of
other power devices (batteries, current and voltage sources, capacitors, etc.). For more information,
go to www.datel.com and click on “Electronic Loads” or “New Products.”