Engineers specifying high-power DC test equipment frequently face the question: which ITECH IT6000 family member fits a given application best? The answer depends on whether the test requires source capability, load capability, or both — and on how complex the setup workflow can be.
Product relationships within the IT6000 family
The IT6000 family comprises four product lines, each designed for a distinct class of high-power DC testing:
- IT6000B — Regenerative source and load system
- IT6000C — Bidirectional DC power supply
- IT6000D — Unidirectional DC power supply
- IT8000 — Regenerative DC electronic load
The relationship between them is straightforward:
IT6000B = IT6000C + IT8000
In source mode, the IT6000B functions as a bidirectional DC power supply — functionally equivalent to the IT6000C. In load mode, it operates as a regenerative electronic load — equivalent to the IT8000. The IT6000B therefore integrates both capabilities into a single instrument. The IT6000D provides unidirectional source output only, without sink or load functionality.
IT6000C Sink mode vs IT8000: operating logic
Both the IT6000C (in Sink mode) and the IT8000 support CC, CV, CR, and CP regulation. Both can handle battery discharge testing, load simulation, and burn-in procedures. The practical difference lies not in capability but in operating logic — the number of parameters that must be configured and the calculation effort involved.
The IT6000C uses power-supply-oriented logic. In sink applications, the operator must set multiple interdependent parameters: voltage limit (Vl), sink current (Is), negative power limit (P−), and sink resistance (Sink R). Some modes require preliminary calculations based on the device under test.
The IT8000 uses load-oriented logic. The operator selects the regulation mode (CC, CV, CR, or CP), enters the target value, and the instrument configures the operating point automatically.
The IT8000 also supports composite regulation modes — CV+CC and CV+CR — enabling more complex loading profiles not available on the IT6000C in Sink mode.
Practical example: 48 V battery discharge
Consider a lithium battery with the following specifications:
- Rated voltage: 48 V
- Capacity: 20 Ah
- Max charge current: 10 A (0.5C)
- Max discharge current: 40 A (2C)
- Operating voltage range: 42 V – 54.6 V
- Present battery voltage: 46 V
Configuration on the IT6000C
The IT6000C must operate in CC priority mode. Each discharge type requires configuring multiple parameters:
| Mode | Target | Vl | Is | P− | Sink R |
|---|
| CV | 43 V | 43 V | ≥ 60 A | Default max | Default min |
| CC | −10 A | 42 V | −10 A | Default max | Default min |
| CR | 10 Ω | 42 V | ≥ Vl / CR | Default max | 10 Ω |
| CP | 100 W | 42 V | ≥ P− / Vl | 100 W | Default min |
Configuration on the IT8000
The same tests on the IT8000 require only mode selection and a single target value:
| Mode | Operation |
|---|
| CC | Select CC mode, enter target current |
| CV | Select CV mode, enter target voltage |
| CR | Select CR mode, enter target resistance |
| CP | Select CP mode, enter target power |
The IT8000's simplified workflow reduces setup time and lowers the risk of parameter errors — particularly when running sequential discharge profiles across multiple battery cells.
Application guide
The table below maps common test scenarios to the most suitable IT6000 family instrument:
| Test scenario | IT6000C | IT6000D | IT8000 | IT6000B |
|---|
| Battery charge/discharge cycling | Best fit | Charge only | Discharge only | ✓ |
| Solar array simulation (SAS) | Best fit | — | — | ✓ |
| Bidirectional on-board charger (OBC) | Best fit | Source only | Load only | ✓ |
| Automotive electronics testing | Best fit | — | — | ✓ |
| Bidirectional DC-DC converter | Best fit | Source only | Load only | ✓ |
| Burn-in testing | ✓ (Sink) | — | Best fit | ✓ |
Selecting the right instrument
We recommend the following decision framework:
- Both source and sink required? Applications involving charge/discharge cycling, bidirectional OBC testing, or DC-DC converter validation call for the IT6000C or IT6000B.
- Seamless bidirectional transitions needed? Battery cycling with uninterrupted current reversal favors the IT6000C or IT6000B in bidirectional source mode.
- Load-only application? For burn-in testing, discharge characterization, or complex loading profiles (CV+CC, CV+CR), the IT8000 provides the most streamlined workflow.
- Source-only application? The IT6000D is the most cost-effective option when no sink or regenerative capability is needed.
- Multiple test types on one bench? The IT6000B combines full source and load functionality, eliminating the need for separate instruments.
All four product lines are available from Energom Electronic as an authorized ITECH distribution partner. Browse our bidirectional programmable power supplies or contact our technical team for application-specific guidance.
