ITECH IT8600 AC/DC Electronic Load Series

SHORT DESCRIPTION

ITECH IT8600 is a unique series of powerful electronic loads with two modes of operation: on alternating current (AC - Alternating Current) and on direct current (DC - Direct Current). The IT8600 series consists of nine models with maximum power absorption from 1.8 kVA to 14.4 kVA.

All models in the series (except IT8617) are single-phase. For the formation of a three-phase load, the joint operation of three identical loads (one in each phase) is provided. For further power scaling, up to three loads can be connected in parallel, allowing the maximum power to be increased to 43.2 kVA per phase.

ITECH IT8600 electronic loads have a very powerful functionality and at the same time contain a full set of automatic protection functions against all types of overloads. You can download a full description of all the characteristics of the IT8600 series below on this page in the section Documentation.

Main characteristics:
Voltage (AC): up to 420 V (RMS), current (AC): up to 160 A (RMS), power (AC): up to 14.4 kVA.
Voltage (DC): up to 600 V, current (DC): up to 160 A, power (DC): up to 14.4 kW.
Alternating current (AC) operating modes: CC, CR, CP. Frequency: 45 to 450 Hz.
Direct current (DC) operating modes: CV (models IT8615 and IT8615L), CC, CR, CP.
Possibility of parallel connection and 3-phase connection.
Built-in voltage and current oscilloscope function.
Measurement: Vrms, Vpk, Vdc, Irms, Ipk, Idc, W, VA, VAR, CF, PF, THD and frequency.
Up to 50 harmonics when measuring THD (harmonic distortion factor).
Adjustable power factor (PF - Power Factor) and crest factor (CF - Crest Factor).
Overload protection: voltage, current, power, overheating.
PC software included. Interfaces: USB, Ethernet, IEEE-488.2 (GPIB).
Weight: from 25 kg (depending on the model). Working temperature: from 0°С to +40°С.
Unique AC and DC Electronic Loads (AC/DC)

Need a powerful electronic DC load? Watch the series ITECH IT8900.
Would you like to see the whole list models? See: complete list of electronic loads.

Video review of compact AC voltage and current sources ITECH IT-M7700

This short video review (in English) shows the main features of the junior model of the ITECH IT8600 series of electronic loads. Check out the demonstration of the built-in oscilloscope function and the power factor adjustment function, which are performed on real signals from an AC source. ITECH IT7321.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ITECH IT8600 series AC/DC electronic loads are ideal for testing and measuring the parameters of such devices as inverters, generators, transformers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), AC and DC power supplies, power electronic components and other similar equipment.

The IT8600 series contains many innovative solutions to effectively test a variety of AC and DC devices. Below on this page, the main functionality is described in detail. You can download a full description of all the characteristics of the series below on this page in the section Documentation.

Built-in multimeter and oscilloscope

All models of the ITECH IT8600 series contain a built-in multimeter that measures key parameters of the signals that the electronic load is working with. Measured values include: Vrms, Vpk, Vdc, Irms, Ipk, Idc, W, VA, VAR, CF, PF, THD and frequency. This screenshot shows the measurement results of the built-in multimeter.

Also, all models of the ITECH IT8600 series contain a built-in oscilloscope, which allows you to see the voltage and current waveform at the terminals of the electronic load in real time. The image of the signals can be stored in the device's memory for documentation.

In addition to displaying voltage and current waveforms directly on the screen, each model has two insulated BNC connectors on the rear panel called V Monitor and I-Monitor. These connectors generate voltages with a maximum amplitude of ±10 V, which exactly repeat the shape and scale of the voltage and current at the terminals of the electronic load. An external oscilloscope can be directly connected to these connectors without the need for high voltage and current probes.

Harmonic measurement and analysis function

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is an important parameter when testing AC power devices. With a bandwidth of 100 kHz, the ITECH IT8600 series electronic loads allow direct measurement of harmonic distortion up to 50 fundamental harmonics. In this case, the main frequency can be any of the range of 45 - 450 Hz.

The results of measurements of the level of each harmonic, the phase of each harmonic and the total harmonic distortion (THD) can be displayed in graphical form (example in the screenshot above) or in tabular form (example in the screenshot below).

Power factor (PF - Power Factor) and crest factor (CF - Crest Factor) adjustment

When operating on alternating current (AC mode), IT8600 series loads can operate in one of three modes: constant resistance (CR - Constant Resistance mode), constant current consumption (CC - Constant Current mode) and constant power consumption (CP - Constant Power mode ). At the same time, in the CC and CP modes, it is possible to set the required power factor (PF - Power Factor) and crest factor (CF - Crest Factor).

You can set the power factor (PF) value from -1 to 1, and the crest factor (CF) value from 1.414 to 5. A power factor other than unity is used to create an inductive or capacitive load, and the crest factor affects current waveform (with CF = 1.414 we get a sine). In addition, the IT8600 series has a number of additional configurable parameters that further assist in simulating the operation of a real load.

This screenshot shows an electronic load setup for constant current (CC) mode with a sinusoidal current waveform (crest factor CF = 1.414) and no reactive load (power factor PF = 1.000).

Additionally, the ITECH IT8600 series electronic loads allow you to choose whether to prioritize maintaining the crest factor (CF) setpoint, the power factor (PF) setpoint, or both (BOTH). This screenshot shows the settings menu in which the main operating modes of electronic loads are set, including crest factor and power factor.

Possibility of parallel and three-phase connection

Multiple ITECH IT8615 or IT8615L electronic loads can be connected in parallel to increase power consumption. In addition, multiple IT8615s or IT8615Ls can be connected in 3-phase star or delta to simulate a 3-phase load. For more information about the options for parallel and three-phase connection, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

Computer control software

Each model of the ITECH IT8600 series comes with software ITECH IT9000-PV8600 for a personal computer. With this software, you can remotely manage all the functions of the electronic load, document and store the results.

This screenshot shows the main window of the IT9000-PV8600 computer program. For more information about its capabilities, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

Design of ITECH IT8600 Series Electronic Loads

The IT8600 series contains 9 models with a maximum absorbed power from 1.8 kVA to 14.4 kVA, respectively, the weight and overall dimensions of different models of the series are different.

The 1.8 kVA models (IT8615 and IT8615L) come in a tabletop cabinet with feet that can be used on a bench or rack mounted. The height of the chassis in the rack is 3U. Dimensions: 483 x 133 x 601 mm. Weight: 25 kg. The appearance of the IT8615 model is shown in this photo.

The photo below shows a view of the rear panel of the IT8615. The green terminals (left-top) are designed to connect the device under test, and also provide the ability to compensate for voltage drops in the connection wires. As standard, all IT8600 series electronic loads are supplied with the following communication interfaces: USB, Ethernet (LAN), and IEEE-488.2 (GPIB).

Pay attention to the two connectors of the SYSTEM BUS system bus (in the center of the rear panel). They are used to combine several electronic loads of this series, connected in parallel in one phase, to increase the total power absorption up to 43.2 kVA. Also, the system bus connectors are used to synchronize several IT8600 loads connected to different phases of a three-phase network.

The 3.6 kVA model (IT8616) is made in a 6U case and equipped with wheels. Can be floor-mounted or rack-mounted. The appearance of this model is shown in the photo below.

Electronic load models with power absorption from 5.4 to 14.4 kVA are shipped already mounted in a wheeled rack. The more power, the greater the height of the rack and its weight. Rack heights range from 15U to 37U. This photo shows the outside of the IT8617 up to 5.4 kVA. The height of this rack is 15U. Please note that this modification in the standard configuration may work in both single-phase and three-phase mode.

Specifications of ITECH IT8600 Series Electronic Loads

Here is a list of the main technical specifications of the ITECH IT8600 series programmable electronic loads. For detailed technical specifications, see below on this page in the section Documentation.

ITECH IT8600 Series Electronic Load Kit

Options and Accessories for ITECH IT8600 Series Electronic Loads

The ITECH IT8600 series electronic loads are all-inclusive. However, there are some useful accessories for them, which are listed in this table.

Accessory photo	Name and short description
	ITECH IT-E32420-OO - a pair of ready-made power cables, up to 240 A, 2 meters, round lugs ITECH IT-E32410-OO - a pair of ready-made power cables, up to 240 A, 1 meter, round lugs ITECH IT-E31220-OO - a pair of ready-made power cables, up to 120 A, 2 meters, round lugs ITECH IT-E30615-OO - a pair of ready-made power cables, up to 60 A, 1.5 meters, round lugs
	ITECH IT-E30320-YY - a pair of ready-made power cables, up to 30 A, 2 meters, plug-type lugs ITECH IT-E30312-YY - a pair of ready-made power cables, up to 30 A, 1.2 meters, plug-type lugs