Accolades to the SDL-1020X-E & KWR102

[mawyatt]

Awhile back we acquired the Siglent SDL-1020X-E and "enhanced" it to the 300W version SDL-1030X with the wonderful help of folks here

We've used it on a few occasions and no complaints, but never for a really "trying" use, where it would be put thru levels towards the limits.

Well that just changed, and the little enhanced SDL-1020 was asked to handle everything a Korad KWR102 30V 30A could deliver. The Korad was specifically acquired to drive a controller we are developing and the controller can output up to 30A at 12V. Later we'll be going much higher in voltage (~90V) and with 8 channels for a different type load. The Korad can't quite get to 12V at 30Amps, limits at 10V for a total 300watts, but close enough for the present, and the small footprint is welcome on a severely crowded bench.

Anyway, the SDL was asked to represent a 30amp load, and did so without hesitation. We ran 12V at 25 amps and 10V at 30 amps which are the limits of the Korad could deliver, the SDL fan was running wide open and quite a bit of heat (~300 watts actually) was flowing out the back. The Korad fan was also running wide open and flowing a considerable amount of heat. We utilized a Kelvin connection with the Korad to force the voltage at the controller terminals, which use 4 100 amp 138 watt 3.2 milli-ohm PMOS devices in parallel with proper ballast, and selected for matching. The quality silicone #12 AWG test leads (spade lugs no banana plugs) were getting a little warm handing 30 amps!!

So hats off to the SDL-1020, and Korad KWR102 for lending a helping hand

Best