Electronic Load

Electronic loads are load devices that can be set to the desired resistance value. Internally, they are made up of a combination of semiconductor elements. Since the repeated and rapid changing of loads is not possible by human hands, electronic loads are used to evaluate batteries and power supplies.

When we homebrew a Linear power supply normally the regulation, over voltage trip, short circuit protection, the drop in voltage under load condition etc. will be checked to assess the performance of the power supply unit. Finally, the current delivering capability and to set over current trip we need to load the PSU. Some use automobile bulbs or heater coils for loading to increase the current drawn from the PSU. These methods have certain disadvantages. Moreover, these methods will not provide smooth increase in loading, and it will be only step change. So, the “Electronic Load” is the best choice to load any PSU newly constructed or old / commercially make units to be tested.