Programmable operating modes
CC, CR and CP operation provide channel-specific loading adapted to the requirements of each test.
N6148
Compact 3U solution for parallel testing in R&D, production, ageing tests and quality assurance.
The N6148 Series is a programmable multi-channel DC electronic load for parallel testing of low-power DC components and power devices. It is designed for R&D, production, ageing tests and quality control, including automated test systems for DC/DC converters, power products, wiring harnesses, connectors, fuses and relays.
Dynamic current profiles
CCD mode supports continuous, pulse-based and trigger-controlled switching between two programmable current levels.
Automated protection testing
OCP testing and adjustable Von/Voff thresholds support repeatable verification of switch-on and shutdown behaviour.
System integration
LAN and RS485 with SCPI and Modbus support integration into automated multi-channel test systems.
Personal project consultation
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ART. NO.
Description
Current [A]
Power [P]
Voltage [V]
N6136-100-05
|
Description
N6136-100-05 Multi-channel programmable DC electronic load, 36 channels, 50 W per channel, 100 V, 5 A, 3U
|
Current [A]
5
|
Power [P]
50
|
Voltage [V]
100
|
36/48 CH DC Load
Technical Data
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Number of channels
Multichannel
Product category
DC Electronic Load
Type of DC Load
Multi-channel
N6148-100-05
|
Description
N6148-100-05 Multi-channel programmable DC electronic load, 48 channels, 50 W per channel, 100 V, 5 A, 3U
|
Current [A]
5
|
Power [P]
50
|
Voltage [V]
100
|
36/48 CH DC Load
Technical Data
max. Current (A)
max. power (W)
max. voltage (V)
Number of channels
Multichannel
Product category
DC Electronic Load
Type of DC Load
Multi-channel
N6148 Series overview
The N6148 Series is a programmable multi-channel DC electronic load for integrated test stations and parallel testing of multiple devices under test. The N6136-100-05 and N6148-100-05 provide 36 and 48 load channels respectively in a 19-inch, 3U chassis. Each channel supports up to 100 V, 5 A and 50 W. Available functions include constant current, constant resistance and constant power operation, dynamic current profiles, automated OCP testing and adjustable Von/Voff thresholds. Typical applications include DC/DC converters, power assemblies, wiring harnesses, connectors, fuses, relays and Bussed Electrical Centers. The high channel density allows numerous low-power standalone loads to be replaced by one centrally controlled unit in production, ageing and quality-control systems. LAN and RS485 with SCPI and Modbus support integration into ATE and production test equipment.
Key benefits
High channel density
Up to 48 load channels in 3U reduce rack space compared with multiple individual low-power loads.
Modular channel architecture
Each internal power module integrates six channels, providing product variants with 36 or 48 channels.
Defined channel range
Each channel can load a device under test within a range of up to 100 V, 5 A and 50 W.
Integrated protection testing
The automated OCP test increases load current in steps and determines the shutdown behaviour of the DUT.
Local operation
A colour display, function keys, numeric keypad and rotary knob support configuration and monitoring at the instrument.
Automated communication
LAN and RS485 with SCPI and Modbus provide central control and readback of the load channels.
Operating principle of the multi-channel DC electronic load
The N6148 Series loads connected DC sources and components using a programmed current, resistance or power value. The required channel is selected from the local user interface or through remote control. Voltage, current and power are read back during operation together with the selected function and channel status.
Multiple channels within one unit can be configured for different DUTs and monitored through the combined channel overview. The All View function displays operating mode, measured values and on/off status for multiple channels. The N6148 Series is a DC electronic load. Regenerative energy recovery must not be assumed.
Important for system sizing:
The ratings of 100 V, 5 A and 50 W apply to each individual channel. The total chassis power must not be calculated from the channel count without separate confirmation.
Models and technical specifications
The two models mainly differ in their channel count and instrument weight. Their electrical channel ranges and programmable operating modes are identical.
| Technical characteristic | N6136-100-05 | N6148-100-05 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of channels | 36 channels | 48 channels |
| Voltage range per channel | 0 to 100 V | 0 to 100 V |
| Current range per channel | 0 to 5 A | 0 to 5 A |
| Power range per channel | 0 to 50 W | 0 to 50 W |
| CC setting resolution | 1 mA | 1 mA |
| CC setting accuracy at 23 ±5 °C | 0.1% + 0.5% of full scale | 0.1% + 0.5% of full scale |
| CR range | 1 Ω to 2 kΩ | 1 Ω to 2 kΩ |
| CR setting resolution | 0.1 Ω | 0.1 Ω |
| CR setting accuracy at 23 ±5 °C | 0.1% + 0.5% of full scale, at an operating voltage ≥1 V | 0.1% + 0.5% of full scale, at an operating voltage ≥1 V |
| CP setting resolution | 10 mW | 10 mW |
| CP setting accuracy at 23 ±5 °C | 0.1% + 0.5% of full scale | 0.1% + 0.5% of full scale |
| Voltage measurement | 0 to 100 V, 10 mV resolution | 0 to 100 V, 10 mV resolution |
| Voltage measurement accuracy at 23 ±5 °C | 0.1% + 0.1% of full scale | 0.1% + 0.1% of full scale |
| Chassis | 19 inch, 3U | 19 inch, 3U |
| Dimensions | 132.5 × 482 × 500 mm | 132.5 × 482 × 500 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 22 kg | Approx. 25 kg |
Dynamic load profiles and response behaviour
CCD dynamic current operation is available for transient testing. The load channels switch between a primary current level and a second transient current level. Timing parameters can be configured for both current levels.
Continuous
The load continuously alternates between two current levels according to the programmed pulse times and cycle count.
Pulse
After a trigger, the load changes to the transient current for the programmed pulse duration and then returns.
Toggle
Each trigger alternates the selected channel between the primary and transient current values.
Technical distinction:
The communication response time is ≤10 ms. This value refers to communication and is not an electrical rise time, current slew rate or settling time of the load channel.
Operating modes and programmable test functions
| Function | Description | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| CC | Loads the DUT with a constant programmed current despite changes in the input voltage. | Testing power supplies, converters and current-limited assemblies. |
| CR | Emulates a constant resistance, causing load current to change with the applied voltage. | Testing resistive load conditions and defined operating points. |
| CP | Maintains constant power by adapting the load current to changes in input voltage. | Loading sources and converters at a defined power level. |
| CCD | Dynamic current operation with Continuous, Pulse and Toggle modes. | Evaluating DUT behaviour during changing load conditions. |
| OCP test | Increases current in programmed steps until the end condition is reached or the DUT shuts down. | Determining and verifying the overcurrent protection threshold of a DUT. |
| Von/Voff | Automatically activates or deactivates the load according to programmable voltage thresholds. | Testing switch-on, shutdown and hysteresis behaviour. |
| All View | Combined display of channel, operating mode, voltage, current and status. | Monitoring multiple parallel test processes from one overview. |
Typical applications
The N6148 Series is particularly suitable for applications requiring many low-power DC devices to be loaded simultaneously with repeatable and automated test conditions.
DC/DC converters and power assemblies
Multiple converters can be loaded simultaneously in CC, CR or CP mode to verify output behaviour and protection shutdown.
Test solutions for production and end-of-line testing
The high channel count supports parallel functional tests, quality control and automated production testing with central control.
Test solutions for automotive and e-mobility
Wiring harnesses, connectors, fuses, relays and Bussed Electrical Centers can be evaluated with defined loading and protection tests.
Ageing and endurance testing
Multiple DUTs can be operated with defined load values over extended periods and monitored centrally.
Fuses and protection circuits
The stepped OCP test supports the determination of trip and shutdown points in current-limiting components.
Multi-channel quality control
Uniform parameters and centrally readable measurements support repeatable testing of multiple identical products.
Interfaces, software and automation
| Function | Status | Technical use |
|---|---|---|
| LAN | Standard | RJ45 network interface, factory IP address 192.168.0.123 and UDP communication via port 7000. |
| RS485 | Standard | Serial remote control with configurable baud rate; factory setting 115200 baud. |
| SCPI | Supported | Text-based remote-control protocol for integration into automated measurement and test systems. |
| Modbus | Supported | Communication protocol for connection to industrial control and automation environments. |
| PC software | Included | Online and offline control, hardware and channel configuration, operating modes, protection parameters and status display. |
| Multi-unit network | Supported | Multiple instruments can be connected through one network switch using unique IP addresses. |
| Local operation | Standard | 4.3-inch colour display, function keys, numeric keypad and rotary knob. |
The PC software supports Microsoft Windows 7 and later Windows versions. Disable the computer’s automatic standby mode to ensure stable endurance testing.
Channel architecture and scaling
The N6148 Series uses a modular architecture with six load channels per internal power module. This provides the N6136-100-05 with 36 channels and the N6148-100-05 with 48 channels. The channel count can therefore be selected according to the number of components that must be tested simultaneously.
Larger test installations can connect multiple instruments to a shared LAN switch and address them using unique IP addresses.
Installation and infrastructure
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| AC input | Single-phase, 220 V AC ±10%, 47 to 63 Hz |
| Instrument fuse | 250 V / 10 A, dimensions 20 × 5 mm |
| Protective earth | Operation requires a correctly connected protective-earth conductor. |
| Rack installation | 19-inch, 3U chassis installed with suitable guide rails and front-panel mounting. |
| Dimensions | 132.5 mm high × 482 mm wide × 500 mm deep |
| Weight | N6136-100-05 approx. 22 kg; N6148-100-05 approx. 25 kg |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40 °C |
| Storage temperature | −20 to 60 °C |
| Humidity | 5 to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing |
| Altitude | Below 2,000 m |
| Atmospheric pressure | 80 to 110 kPa |
At high ambient temperatures and operation near rated power, the cooling fan may run at maximum speed. The sound-pressure level can exceed 70 dB at a distance of one metre from the front panel.
Protection and safety functions
Overcurrent protection
A programmable current threshold disconnects the affected load channel when the limit is exceeded.
Overvoltage protection
The adjustable voltage threshold stops loading when an overvoltage condition is detected.
Overpower protection
A programmable power threshold protects the channel against operation outside its permitted range.
Overtemperature protection
The N6148 Series includes overtemperature protection (OTP).
Protective-earth connection
The instrument must be reliably grounded and connected to a mains outlet with protective earth before operation.
Correct polarity
DUT connections must be made with power removed and according to the marked positive and negative terminals.
N6148 Series FAQ
The primary difference is the channel count: the N6136-100-05 provides 36 channels and the N6148-100-05 provides 48 channels.
No. The ratings apply to each individual load channel.
The series supports constant current CC, constant resistance CR and constant power CP operation.
Yes. CCD mode provides Continuous, Pulse and Toggle operation using two programmable current levels.
The load increases current in programmed steps while monitoring the input voltage. Shutdown behaviour is determined using the programmed end conditions.
LAN and RS485 are integrated. SCPI and Modbus are supported for remote control.
Electrical parallel or series operation of the channels must not be assumed as an instrument function.
The instrument requires a single-phase 220 V AC ±10% supply at 47 to 63 Hz with a correctly connected protective-earth conductor.
Technical consultation and project enquiry
Selection between 36 and 48 channels should consider the number and electrical ratings of the DUTs, required operating modes, test sequences and automation requirements.
ET System supports channel sizing, integration into LAN or RS485 environments and implementation in production and multi-channel test systems. Send your technical requirements through our contact page for technical project enquiries .
