Hardware

Overview

This document describes the hardware design of the electronic load project. The electronic load is a device that can sink current from a power source in a controlled manner, useful for testing power supplies, batteries, and other sources.

Main Components

• Microcontroller: Controls the operation, user interface, and feedback loop.
• Power MOSFET: Acts as the main variable load element.
• Current Sense Resistor: Measures the current flowing through the load.
• Operational Amplifier: Provides feedback and control for the MOSFET.
• Display/Interface: Shows measurements and allows user input.
• Cooling System: Heatsink and/or fan to dissipate heat from the MOSFET.

Block Diagram

  %%{ init: { "flowchart": { "defaultRenderer": "elk" } } }%%

  flowchart TB
      Clock["Clock"] --> PowerSupply["PowerSupply"]
      EncoderInput["EncoderInput"] --> µC["µC"]
      PowerSupply --> µC & Ventilation["Ventilation"]
      µC --> Display["Display"] & ADC["ADC"] & DAC["DAC"]
      Ventilation --> TemperatureSensing["TemperatureSensing"]
      ADC --> VoltageSensing["VoltageSensing"] & CurrentSensing["CurrentSensing"]
      VoltageSensing --> DUT["DUT"] & DUT
      CurrentSensing --> PowerStage["PowerStage"] & DUT
      DAC --> ControlLoop["ControlLoop"]
      ControlLoop --> PowerStage
      PowerStage --> DUT
      TemperatureSensing --> DUT

Schematic

PCB Design