DCA077534
CAE030387
Rev. B | 08.10.17
1
Introduction
Introduction
In a given system platform, there is a general need of a hardware that can test the power handling and dissipation capabilities
within a given environment. Keeping this in mind ELMA Electronic Inc. has developed a Conduction Cooled Load Card in 6U
form factor to test the conduction cooled VPX based system platforms.
VPX 6U Conduction Cooled Load Card (herein referred to as "Load Card") gives a step-loading capability to the user to test
the VPX based system power supplies under a given environment. It can act as a thermal load to evaluate the system’s
thermal performance. The user can either monitor the power supply voltage at various loads by monitoring the Go-No-Go
LEDs on the front panel or perform an external measurement with a multimeter or scope.
Product Features
The Load Card is built around the electronic load elements as compared to traditional resistive load approach. The loads are
BJT-based constant current sources. This allows for the high power load elements to fit in a compact space. Given below is
the list of features of the Load Card.
• A total load capacity of 150W is provided using six VPX power supplies.
• A stepped load control is provided by user accessible jumpers on the side of the Load Card.
• Six visual bi-color Go-No-Go LEDs for Vs1=12V, Vs2=12V, Vs3=5V, +12V_Aux, -12V_Aux and 3.3V_Aux are provided.
• Seven test point outputs are provided to monitor the voltage externally via a multimeter or a scope. SYSRESET signal is
provided on a separate
test point.
• Two K-Type thermocouple outputs are provided on DSUB-15 to monitor temperature of thermal management interfaces
independently.
• The above mentioned seven test point outputs are also provided on DSUB-15 connector for remote monitoring.
• Remote control of the electronic load elements using external voltage source is provided.
• Operating temperature range is between -40°C to 70°C.
• Built in over-temperature protection.
• The design is based on the ANSI/VITA 46.0 and the ANSI/VITA 48.2 specification and
fully compatible with OpenVPX
(VITA 65 Specification) designs
.
• The Load Card has 5HP pitch.
Front/Side Panel Control and Monitoring
Based on the Load Card functionality the front panel controls can be grouped in six categories as shown in figure 1 and
figure 2.
• Go-No-Go LEDs
• External Voltage Measurements
• Temperature Monitoring
• Remote Load Control
• Remote Voltage/Signal Monitoring
• Local Load Stepping
