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BK Precision 8500 User Manual

BK Precision 8500
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USER MANUAL
8500 SERIES DC ELECTRONIC LOADS
Models 8500, 8502, 8510, 8512, 8514, 8518, 8520,
8522, 8524 & 8526

Table of Contents

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BK Precision 8500 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Maximum Power150 W
Current Range0-30 A
Load ModesCC, CV, CR, CP
Input Voltage100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Voltage Resolution1 mV
Current Resolution1 mA
Ripple and Noise (CV)≤ 10 mVrms
Operating Temperature0°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature-10°C to 70°C
InterfaceRS232
DisplayVFD
Voltage Accuracy0.05% + 5 mV
Current Accuracy0.1% + 10 mA
Ripple and Noise (CC)10 mA rms

Summary

Safety

Safety Symbols

Explains instrument markings for safety.

Hazard Warning Signs

Defines WARNING and CAUTION signs and their meanings for user safety.

Notation

Key Notation

Represents keys, annunciators, and menu items used in the manual.

Quick Reference

Model Coverage

Lists all DC Load models covered by this manual.

Accessories

Lists items provided with and optional accessories for the instrument.

Instrument Overview

Describes the DC Load's purpose and operational modes.

Typical Tasks

Test Procedure Categories

Guides for performing manual, timed, triggered, dynamic, and battery tests.

Standard Display

Display Contents and Functionality

Describes the instrument's main display showing voltage and current measurements.

Front Panel Keys

Key Functions and Combinations

Details the function of each key on the instrument's front panel.

Rear Panel Connectors

AC Input and Serial Port

Describes the AC power input and serial port connections.

Trigger and Remote Sensing Connector

Describes the 4-pin connector for external triggers and remote sensing.

Line Voltage Selection Switch

Describes the switch for selecting AC line voltage.

Display Annunciators

Annunciator Meanings Explained

Lists and explains the meaning of various annunciators on the display.

Menu System Navigation

Accessing and Navigating Menus

Instructions on how to access and navigate the instrument's configuration menus.

Specifications - Models 8500 & 8502 (300 W)

Input Ratings and Characteristics

Lists input ratings and common characteristics for 8500/8502 models.

Specifications - Models 8510-8526

Input Ratings and Characteristics (8510-8526)

Lists input ratings and characteristics for 8510-8526 models.

Common Characteristics for All Models

Lists common characteristics applicable to all DC load models.

Specifications - Environmental and Resistance

Environmental Conditions

Specifies operating environment limits like humidity, altitude, and temperature.

Internal Resistances

Lists the internal resistances for each DC load model.

Operational Power Curve

Illustrates the DC load's output power curve.

Specifications - Low Voltage Characteristics

Voltage/Current Relationships at Low Voltages

Shows voltage/current relationships for low voltage operation.

Specifications - Slew Rate

Slew Rate Explanation and Measurement

Explains and illustrates slew rate measurements for current transitions.

Glossary

Key Term Definitions

Defines terms and acronyms used in the manual like CC, CV, CW, CR, etc.

Installation - Inspection and Location

Items Included in Packaging

Lists items expected to be found in the instrument's packaging.

Instrument Placement Guidelines

Provides guidelines for placing the instrument safely and ensuring adequate airflow.

Installation - Outline Drawings

Dimensions for Models 8500 & 8502

Shows dimension drawings for models 8500 & 8502.

Installation - Outline Drawings (continued)

Dimensions for Models 8510-8518

Shows dimension drawings for models 8510, 8512, 8514, & 8518.

Dimensions for Models 8520-8522

Shows dimension drawings for models 8520, & 8522.

Installation - Outline Drawings (continued)

Dimensions for Models 8524-8526

Shows dimension drawings for models 8524 & 8526.

Installation - Bench Operation

Model Dimensions and Mass Summary

Table listing physical dimensions and mass for all models.

Using the Carrying Handle and Rack Kit

Describes how to use the carrying handle and optional rack mounting kit.

First Turn-On Checkout

Voltage Selector Caution

Warning about setting the line voltage selector switch correctly.

Initial Power-On and Self-Test Procedure

Steps for turning on the instrument and verifying the initial display.

Basic Mode Operation Tests (CC, CV, CW, CR)

Procedures to test operation in CC, CV, CW, and CR modes.

Operational Introduction

Operating Modes Explained (CC, CV, CW, CR)

Explains the four primary operating modes of the DC Load.

Operating Conditions Explained (Steady, Transient, Dynamic)

Describes the three conditions of operation: steady, transient, and dynamic.

Power-On State Configuration

Setting Power-On Memory Retention

Instructions for configuring the instrument to remember settings across power cycles.

Constant Current (CC) Mode Setup

Steady State CC Mode Setup Procedure

Keystrokes to set up Constant Current mode in steady state.

Constant Voltage (CV) Mode Setup

Steady State CV Mode Setup Procedure

Keystrokes to set up Constant Voltage mode in steady state.

Constant Power (CW) Mode Setup

Steady State CW Mode Setup Procedure

Keystrokes to set up Constant Power mode in steady state.

Constant Resistance (CR) Mode Setup

Steady State CR Mode Setup Procedure

Keystrokes to set up Constant Resistance mode in steady state.

Timed Operation Setup

Configuring and Disabling Timed Operation

Instructions to configure and disable timed operation for the load.

Timed Operation and Range Selection

Display Resolution Adjustment

How to enable higher resolution for voltage and current.

Short Circuit Emulation

Simulating Short Circuits in Different Modes

How to simulate a short circuit in various modes.

Battery Test Procedure

Measuring Battery Capacity (A*hr)

Procedure for measuring battery capacity in ampere*hours.

Battery Test Key Presses

Detailed Battery Test Key Sequences

Detailed key sequences for performing a battery test.

Transient Operation - Continuous Mode

Continuous Transient Operation Setup

Explains and illustrates continuous switching between two load values.

Transient Operation - Pulse Mode

Pulse Transient Operation Setup

Describes load operation switching to a B value upon trigger, then back to A.

Transient Operation - Toggled Mode

Toggled Transient Operation Setup

Explains load switching between A and B values upon successive triggers.

Transient Operation - Value Toggling

Toggling Between Stored Transient Values

How to use stored transient values to set CC mode current.

Lists (Dynamic Condition) - Introduction

Understanding List Sequence Structure

Shows a list sequence characterized by current/duration pairs.

Lists (Dynamic Condition) - Setup

Creating and Storing List Files

Step-by-step keystrokes to set up a list of current and duration pairs.

Test Files - Introduction

Overview of Test Files

Explains test files as generalizations of lists for automated testing.

Test Files - Example Setup

Creating an Example Acceptance Test File

Detailed steps to create a test file for an AC to DC power supply.

Test Files - Running Tests

Executing a Saved Test File

Procedure to recall and execute a saved test file.

Triggering Operation

Trigger Types Explained (IMMEDIATE, EXTERNAL, BUS)

Describes the three types of triggers available for synchronization.

Triggering and Voltage Thresholds

Detailed Trigger Type Explanations

Provides details on IMMEDIATE, EXTERNAL, and BUS trigger types.

Voltage Threshold Operation Configuration

How to set voltage thresholds for load turn-on and turn-off.

Password Protection Setup

Setting and Removing Front Panel Lock

Instructions for setting a password to lock the front panel controls.

Protection Features Overview

Setting Over-Limit Protection Parameters

How to set maximum limits for current, voltage, and power.

Over Voltage Protection Behavior

Behavior when input voltage exceeds the set limit.

Over Current Protection Behavior

Behavior when current exceeds the set limit.

Over Power Protection Behavior

Behavior when power exceeds the set limit.

Reverse Voltage Protection Behavior

Behavior when reverse polarity is detected.

Protection Features - Temperature

Over Temperature Protection Behavior

Behavior when internal temperature exceeds safety limits.

Remote Sensing Setup

Enabling Remote Sensing for Accurate Measurement

Keystrokes to enable remote sensing for accurate voltage measurement.

Remote Sensing - Wiring and Example

Remote Sensing Wiring Diagram Illustration

Diagram illustrating how to wire for remote sensing.

Remote Sensing Example Demonstration

Demonstrates the benefit of remote sensing in reducing lead resistance effects.

Saving and Recalling Instrument Settings

Saving Settings to Non-Volatile Registers

Procedure to save current instrument settings to non-volatile registers.

Recalling Settings from Non-Volatile Registers

Procedure to recall previously saved instrument settings.

Remote Operation - Communication Cables

RS232 to TTL Converter Cable (IT-E131)

Describes the IT-E131 cable for RS232 to TTL level shifting.

USB to TTL Converter Cable (IT-E132)

Describes the IT-E132 cable for USB to TTL level shifting.

Remote Operation - Programming Overview

RS-232 Communication Settings Requirements

Specifies required RS-232 communication settings for computer control.

DC Load Programming Packet Structure Details

Details the 26-byte packet format for commands and responses.

Remote Operation - Status and Example Program

Status Packet Interpretation Guide

Explains the structure and meaning of status packets returned by the instrument.

Python Example Program for Remote Control

Provides a sample Python script for remote control and explains Python's benefits.

Remote Operation - Script Results

Interpreting Example Script Output

Explains the output of the example script and how to interpret it.

Command Reference - Summary of Commands

Command Groups and Byte Value Identifiers

Lists commands by group and byte value for quick reference.

Command Reference - Command Details

Battery Testing and Load ON Commands Reference

Lists commands related to battery testing and load timer functions.

Address, Sensing, and Triggering Commands Reference

Commands for controlling communication, sensing, and trigger operations.

Store/Recall and Function Commands Reference

Commands for saving/recalling settings and selecting operating functions.

Command Details - Notation and Syntax

Command Table Notation

Explains notation used in command detail tables, including byte offsets and integer formats.

Command Details - Basic Commands

Status Byte Meanings

Explains the meaning of the status byte in return packets.

Remote Operation and ON/OFF Commands

Commands for setting remote operation and controlling the load's ON/OFF state.

Maximum Voltage Limit Commands

Commands for setting and reading the maximum voltage limit.

Command Details - Voltage and Current Limit Commands

Maximum Current Limit Commands

Commands for setting and reading the maximum current limit.

Command Details - Power Limit and Mode Commands

Maximum Power Limit Commands

Commands for setting and reading the maximum power limit.

Operation Mode Selection Commands

Commands to select and read the instrument's operational mode.

Command Details - Mode and CC Parameter Commands

Read Operation Mode and Set CC Current Commands

Commands to read mode and set/read CC mode current.

Set CV Voltage Commands

Command to set the voltage value for Constant Voltage mode.

Command Details - CV, CW, and CR Parameter Commands

Read CV Voltage and Set CW Power Commands

Commands to read CV voltage and set CW power.

Read CW Power and Set CR Resistance Commands

Commands to read CW power and set CR resistance.

Command Details - CR and CC Transient Parameter Commands

Read CR Resistance and Set CC Transient Commands

Commands to read CR resistance and set CC transient parameters.

Read CC Transient Parameter Commands

Command to read CC mode transient parameters.

Command Details - CV and CW Transient Parameter Commands

Set and Read CV Transient Parameter Commands

Commands to set and read CV mode transient parameters.

Set CW Transient Parameter Commands

Command to set CW mode transient parameters.

Command Details - CW and CR Transient Parameter Commands

Read CW and Set CR Transient Parameter Commands

Commands to read CW and set CR transient parameters.

Read CR Transient Parameter and Select List Commands

Commands to read CR transient parameters and select list operation.

Command Details - List Operation Commands

Read List Operation and Set List Repeat Commands

Commands to read list operation and set list repeat behavior.

Read List Repeat and Set List Steps Commands

Commands to read list repeat and set the number of list steps.

Command Details - List Step Parameter Commands

Read List Steps and Set Current/Time List Step Commands

Commands to read list steps and set current/time for list steps.

Read Current/Time and Set Voltage/Time List Step Commands

Commands to read current/time and set voltage/time for list steps.

Command Details - List Step Parameter Commands Continued

Read Voltage/Time and Set Power/Time List Step Commands

Commands to read voltage/time and set power/time for list steps.

Read Power/Time and Set Resistance/Time List Step Commands

Commands to read power/time and set resistance/time for list steps.

Command Details - List File Management Commands

Read Resistance/Time and Set List File Name Commands

Commands to read resistance/time and set list file name.

Read List File Name and Set Memory Partitioning Commands

Commands to read list file name and set memory partitioning for lists.

Save and Recall List File Commands

Commands to save and recall list files from memory.

Command Details - Battery Test and Timer Commands

Set Minimum Battery Voltage Command

Command to set the minimum voltage for battery testing.

Read Minimum Battery Voltage and Set LOAD ON Timer Commands

Commands to read battery voltage and set LOAD ON timer.

Read LOAD ON Timer and Disable/Enable Timer Commands

Commands to read LOAD ON timer state and disable/enable timer.

Command Details - Timer, Control, and Sensing Commands

Set Communication Address and Enable/Disable LOCAL Commands

Commands to set address and control LOCAL mode.

Enable/Disable Remote Sensing and Select Trigger Commands

Commands to control remote sensing and select trigger source.

Read Trigger Source and Trigger Load Commands

Commands to read trigger source and trigger the load.

Save DC Load Settings Command

Command to save the current DC Load settings.

Command Details - Saving, Functions, and State Reading Commands

Recall DC Load Settings and Select Function Commands

Commands to recall settings and select operating functions.

Get Function Type and Read Instrument State Commands

Commands to get function type and read instrument state parameters.

Command Details - State Registers and Calibration Entry Commands

Operation and Demand State Register Bit Meanings

Explains the bits within the operation and demand state registers.

Enter Instrument Calibration Command

Command to enter instrument calibration mode.

Command Details - Calibration State and Voltage Commands

Get Instrument Calibration State and Set Voltage Calibration Commands

Commands to read calibration state and set voltage calibration points.

Send Actual Voltage and Set Current Calibration Commands

Commands to send actual voltage and set current calibration points.

Command Details - Calibration Current and Information Commands

Send Actual Current and Store Calibration Commands

Commands to send actual current and store calibration data.

Set and Read Calibration Information Commands

Commands to set and read calibration-related information.

Command Details - Calibration Restore and Product Info Commands

Restore Factory Calibration and Get Product Info Commands

Commands to restore factory calibration and retrieve product information.

Read Bar Code Information Command

Command to read bar code information.

Serial Number and Firmware Version

Displaying Serial Number and Firmware Version

Instructions to display serial number and firmware version via key presses.

Troubleshooting - Instrument Not Turning On

Power Cord and Fuse Checks

Steps to check power cord and fuse if the instrument does not power on.

Fuse Specifications Table

Table listing fuse specifications for different models and voltage operations.

Troubleshooting - Power-Up Error Messages

EEPROM and Calibration Data Error Meanings

Explains the meaning of EEPROM and calibration data error messages.

Troubleshooting - Keypad Unlock Procedure

Unlocking the Front Panel Keypad

Procedure to unlock the keypad if it becomes accidentally locked.

DC Load Model Unlock Keys

Table listing unlock keys for different DC load models.

Appendix - Service and Warranty Information

Service Information and Return Procedures

Details on obtaining RMA, return procedures, and contact information for service.

Limited One-Year Warranty Terms and Exclusions

Outlines the terms and exclusions of the one-year limited warranty.

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