“The Power Analyzer is a programmable electronic constant current dummy load with two high side voltage and current sensors for an automatic analysis of power supplys, DC/DC converters, voltage regulators, batteries, chargers, power consumers and others. The device can be controlled via USB serial interface using a serial monitor or the provided Python skripts. Data can be exported to spread sheet programs or directly be analyzed by the Python skript.
The ATtiny814 controls the electronic dummy load with its internal digital to analog converter (DAC). All of its 5 internal reference voltages are being used in order to get the maximum accuracy and resolution of the DAC. The DAC is connected to an OpAmp which acts as a unity gain amplifier controlling the resistance of the MOSFET. Voltage and current are measured via a high side 8 mOhm shunt resistor connected to an INA219 with a resolution of 4mV/1mA. A second INA219 is connected to another 8 mOhm shunt resistor between the PWR-IN and PWR-OUT terminal. The Power Analyzer is connected via USB to a PC or a RaspberryPi. Commands to the Analyzer can be sent via a serial monitor or by the GUI-based Python skript. The Analyzer has different built-in automatic test algorithms. The collected data is sent back via the serial interface/USB to the PC/RaspberryPi. The ATtiny814 constantly measures power and temperature of the heatsink. It controls the fan and cuts off the load when the temperature gets too hot.”