AMETEK SLM Series RevC - Manual (Page 53)

Sorensen SLM-Series DC Load Applications
M540071-01 Rev C 4-5
4.4 Constant Voltage (CV) Mode Application
Major application: Current source testing, power supply current limit characteristic testing
Current Source Testing
Battery chargers are among the most common current sources; they are used to inputs current to a re-
chargeable battery. The CV mode of electronic load can be used to simulate the terminal voltage of
re-chargeable battery, to test the current being generated by the battery charger.
For example, CV mode can be used to first set voltage and read the charge current from the current
meter on the load; then set CV voltage to 5V (example), then read the charge current again, this
method is used to test the load regulation of a current source.
Current Limit Testing
A lab power supply could use the fold-back current limit test for a switching power supply, to find the
constant current limit curve. CV mode is effective for such testing.
For example, the user can set CV voltage, record the output current, then run a series of voltage and
current to get an output current limit curve (Figure 4-5) of a power supply.
Figure 4-5 Constant Voltage Mode Application