SECTION 3: PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Entire Contents Copyright
2014 by Adaptive Power Systems, Inc. (APS) • All Rights Reserved • No reproduction without written authorization from APS.
42L Series Modular DC Load Operation Manual
Page 15 of 88
3.2.4
Constant Power Mode
In Constant Power mode, the DC load will attempt to
maintain the programmed Power dissipation by sinking
more or less current at the voltage sensed. The current is
defined by the formula shown below.
𝐼
=
𝑃
/
𝑉
Constant power mode is useful for battery discharge
testing as it simulates constant power drain on the
battery, regardless of battery charge state.
3.3
Static versus Dynamic Operating Modes
The 42L Series supports both STATIC and DYNAMIC CC mode. Static mode uses a constant
load level whereas dynamic mode allows rapid changes between two pre-set current sink
levels using programmable current slew rates and duty cycle.
Static Constant Current mode presents a static load condition as the load current remains
constant. This tests load regulation of a DC power supply under steady state operating
conditions.
To test voltage regulation under dynamic load conditions, specific changes in current level
and current slew rates must be applied to the DC supply under test. The dynamic CC mode is
provided for this application.
The 42L Series offer a wide range of dynamic load conditions with independent rise and fall
current slew rate programming in Constant Current mode.
Figure 3-1: Dynamic Current Wave Form
VOLTAGE
CURRENT
V
I
LOAD CURRENT
TIME
I
t
T-rise
T-fall
T-HIGH
T-LOW
SLEW
SLEW
HIGH LOAD LEVEL
LOW LOAD LEVEL
