Patent ID: 6198302
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A control circuit for testing a device under test (DUT) capable of operating in a regulated range and an unregulated range, said DUT coupled to a load having a controllable load current level, comprising:minimum and maximum current control stages that set minimum and maximum load current values, respectively, for said control circuit; andan integrator, coupled to said DUT, that:in a constant current mode, selects one of said minimum and maximum load current values to control said load current level and test said DUT while said DUT is operating in said regulated range, andin a constant voltage mode, produces an intermediate load current value based on a relationship between a voltage of an output of said DUT and a reference voltage to control said load current level and test said DUT while said DUT is operating in said unregulated range, said control circuit capable of transitioning said load smoothly between said constant current mode and said constant voltage mode.