Power Supply Design: Load Step Response with a SIGLENT DC Electronic Load

Application Note Overview

Building a power supply that can handle various loads without oscillating can be a challenge. Computational models and computer simulations can help get a design headed in the right direction, but physical testing is essential to proving the performance of the design. One method of quickly determining stability is to use a load step response.

In this application note, a DC electronic load is used to provide a current load that steps from a low current draw to a higher value in a short period of time. By directly measuring the voltage and current output of the supply with the stepped load, one can visually observe the recovery of the power supply feedback loop and make changes to the design to optimize the response.