63110A/13A Model DC Electronic Load Modules with LED Simulation

Chroma has created the industry's first LED simulator for LED driver testing with our 63110A/13A electronic load modules. The LED’s forward voltage and operating resistance can be set to further adjust the loading and ripple current to better simulate LED characteristics. The 63110A/13A load also has increased bandwidth to allow for PWM dimming testing.

• Simulates the LED for driver testing
• Programmable LED operating resistance (Rd)
• Programmable internal resistance (Rr) for simulating LED ripple current
• Fast response for PWM dimming test
• Up to eight channels in one mainframe
• 16-bit precision voltage and current measurement with dual-range
• Full Protection: OV, OC, OP and OT protection
• Shares key features of 6310A
• NEW! 63110A LED Load Operating Instructions Demo
• Download Data Sheet

Problems found in using other mfg's E-Loads or LED's for testing drivers

As a constant current source, the LED driver has an output voltage range with a constant output current. LED drivers are usually tested in one of the following ways: With LEDs; Using resistors for loading; Using Electronic Loads in Constant Resistance (CR) mode or Constant Voltage (CV) mode. However each of these testing methods have their own disadvantages.

As shown on the V-I curve in figure 1, the LED has a forward voltage VF and a operating resistance (Rd). When using a resistor as loading, the V-I curve of the resistor is not able to simulate the V-I curve of the LED as shown in blue on figure 1. This may cause the LED driver to not start up due to the difference in V-I characteristic between the resistors and the LEDs. When using Electronic Loads, the CR and CV mode settings are set for when the LED is under stable operation and therefore, is unable to simulate turn on or PWM brightness control characteristics. This may cause the LED driver to function improperly or trigger it’s protection circuits. These testing requirements can be achieved when using a LEDs as a load; however, issues regarding the LED aging as well as different LED drivers may require different types of LEDs or a number of LEDs. This makes it inconvenient for mass production testing.

Chroma's Solution

Chroma has created the industries first LED simulator for LED driver testing with our 63110A/13A electronic load modules. The LED’s forward voltage and operating resistance can be set to further adjust the loading and ripple current to better simulate LED characteristics. The 63110A/13A load also has increased bandwidth to allow for PWM dimming testing.

Figure 2 shows the current waveform from a LED load. Figure 3 shows the current waveform from 63110A/13A's LED mode load function. From figures 2 and 3, the start up voltage and current of the LED driver is very similar. Figure 4 shows the dimming current waveform of the LED. Figure 5 shows the dimming current waveform when using 63110A/13A as a load.

The internal resistance (Rr) can be adjusted to simulate the LED driver output ripple current. The traditional E-load can not simulate the ripple current of LED shown as Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the ripple current waveform from a LED load. Figure 8 shows the ripple current waveform from the 63110A/13A LED mode load function.

Figure 9 shows the current waveform from a resistive load. Figure 10 shows the current waveform from a CR mode of an Electronic Load loading. Figure 9 and 10 current waveform differs significantly from that of LED loading, especially the voltage and current overshoot, which may cause the LED driver to go into protection. Using a resistive load or CR mode to test LED drivers may cause the LED drivers to fail to turn on as shown in Figure 11.

Conclusion

Most E-Load manufacturers have similar designs but are unable to simulate the I-V curve of the LED as well as internal capacitances causing abnormal OCP, OVP. Therefore, other E-Loads are not suitable for testing LED drivers.

The 63110A/13A was specifically designed to simulate LED characteristics to test the functions of LED drivers. Not only can it test in stable conditions, it can also test turn on, PWM dimming characteristics of the LED driver and the Rd value can be adjusted according to the LED V-I curve making it an irreplaceable load choice for LED driver testing.

Model	Description	Quote	Buy
6312A	Mainframe for 1 or 2 Modules		Call
6314A	Mainframe for up to 4 Modules		Call
63110A	NEW! LED Simulating DC Load Module, 2A/300V/100Wx2 Channels		Call
63112/A	DC Load Module 240A/80V/1200W
63113/A	NEW! LED Simulating DC Load Module, 2A/300V/300W		Call