Remote Sense Helps Power Sources Accurately Simulate Batteries and Charger Operation

During development and production, cell phones and other portable devices must be tested and calibrated with a power source that accurately simulates battery operation. To avoid erroneous calibration and false failure indications in devices under test (DUTs), this generally requires a source with special characteristics. Besides low ripple and noise, it should be able to simulate different output impedances associated with various battery chemistries, charge states, and charger operation. Key features are remote sensing of load voltage, a variable compensation feedback loop, and superior open-loop response to load transients (see figure). The ability to detect an open sense lead also is desirable to avoid test set-up problems and potential DUT and test equipment damage.