
8
Product Overview
This section describes the main features and menus of the MDL Series DC Electronic Load. The MDL
Series is comprised of two parts, mainframes and modules. The mainframes mentioned are the
MDL001 mainframe and the MDL002 mainframe extension. Modules in this series include the
MDL200, MDL252, MDL302, MDL305, MDL400, MDL505, and MDL600. Unless otherwise noted,
this document will refer to all of these instruments as “electronic load”. The range of each
module’s specific voltage, current, and power is listed in the Specifications section.
Description
The MDL Series is a multi-channel programmable DC electronic load system. With programming
and remote control capabilities, the MDL Series DC electronic load can provide multiple solutions
according to the requirements of your design and is suitable for testing a wide range of power
sources from multi-output DC power supplies to batteries, fuel cells, and photovoltaic arrays.
Up to four modules can be installed into the MDL001 mainframe to support up to a total of 8
channels. Adding the MDL002 mainframe extension will enable the system to support four
additional module slots for a maximum of 16 channels. The electronic load is configured by
installing user-selectable modules into the mainframe and operated using the front panel keypad
and rotary knob. It can also be controlled remotely via USB, RS-232, LAN, or GPIB interface. The
electronic load modules all have similar functions, but may differ in range of input voltage, current,
and power. The high resolution voltage and current measurement system provides both accuracy
and convenience.
The electronic load can be used in one of five different operation modes: constant voltage (CV),
constant current (CC), constant resistance (CR), constant power (CW), or constant impedance (CZ).
All panel operation and programming functions are carried out on the MDL001 mainframe panel. A
wide range of dynamic loading applications can be simulated through user-programmable slew
rates, load levels, duration, and conducting voltage.