Load Effect Load Regulation | Agilent Technologies AN 372-1 instruction

Load Effect (Load Regulation)

Load Effect or Load Regulation is a static perform- ance measurement which defines the ability of a power supply under test to remain within specified output limits for a predetermined load change (see Figure 3). In a CV power supply, the influenced quantity of interest is the steady-state output cur- rent. In a CC power supply, the influenced quantity is the steady-state output voltage. For single output CV power supplies, voltage load effect is given for a load current change equal to the current rating of the supply. A typical specification would be stated in millivolts, or as a % of the rated output voltage.

Figure 3. Load Effect

For a load current change equal to the full current rating of a CV power supply, the resulting change in VOUT should not exceed the predetermined load effect band. Typical specifications for load effect range from 0.005 to 0.5% of the maximum output voltage.

For multiple output CV power supplies, cross load effect is determined. This is an extension of the load effect test for a single output power sup- ply, and determines the ability of all outputs of a CV power supply to remain within their specified voltage rating for a load current change on one output. Conversely, the ability of one output to withstand the effects of changes on all other out- puts can be specified.

Test Overview/ Procedures

For a CV power supply, measurement of the output voltage and input voltage should be made after the load is varied from the minimum to the full current rating of the power supply under test (Figure 4).

Measurement of the AC input voltage is necessary to ensure that the output voltage change is a result of only the load change, and not from a change in the AC input. To decrease the test time when test throughput is a concern, a regulated AC source providing a predetermined AC input level and fre- quency can be utilized. This will eliminate the need for the AC input voltage measurement.

The output voltage should be allowed the specified settling time before measurements are taken. An electronic load selected for this test must be capa- ble of operating in CC or CR mode, and must have input ratings (voltage, current, and power) suffi- cient to accommodate the maximum ratings of the power supply under test.

Figure 4. Load Effect Testing Configuration

A regulated AC source is used in this load effect testing configuration to maintain the AC input at a predetermined value. This will ensure that the test results reflect changes in VOUT only with respect to load current changes.

AN 372-1 specifications

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