Description: The SparkFun Variable Load Kit is a quick-to-assemble board designed to allow users to draw a specific amount of current from a voltage input. This kit can be used to test the stability of the power supply under various loads, battery lifetime, safety cutoffs and other design elements. The Variable Load Kit can test supplies of up to 30V at currents ranging from a few mA all the way up to 4A.
The Variable Load board is meant to work with one of two output modes: either using a console on a PC for feedback or using a 16x2 character LCD (found in the Hookup Accessories section below). In either case, the capacitive touch buttons on the front of the Variable Load PCB can be used to change the settings. There are four buttons: up arrow, down arrow, enter and back. The up and down arrow keys will adjust the current set point, the enter key turns the load on or off, and the back button resets the set point to zero. Additionally, there is an LED visible that will tell you whether the load is enabled or disabled at any given time.
For safety, please be sure that the total load power is limited to 15W because, even at that wattage, the heatsink will get hot to the touch.
Note: This kit will need to be assembled before use, so knowledge of soldering will be required. Also, the SparkFun Variable Load Kit does NOT include headers or an LCD to solder them to.
Please Note Current Bug: The ADC does not have enough resolution and it will only read up to a maximum of 20.48 VDC on the display and console, even though it is rated to 40 v. Not only does it display an incorrect voltage past 20.48 VDC, but the wattage limit does not scale past it, so in higher voltages you can exceed the limits of the device, causing damage. Engineers are currently working on an update.
Kit Includes:
- 1x Variable Load Board
- 1x N-Channel MOSFET 60V 30A
- 1x Multiwatt Package Large Heatsink
- 1x Screw Terminal (2-Pin)
- 1x Hex Nut (4-40)
- 1x Phillips Head Screw (4-40, 3/8")
- 4x Phillips Head Screw (4-40, ¼")
- 4x Plastic Standoff (4-40; 3/8")
Documentation and Downloads