Constant Current Mode

NI DC Power Supply & SMU

Constant Current Mode

An output channel is operating in Constant Current mode when either a load attempts to draw more current than the programmed limit and the output function is set to NIDCPOWER_VAL_DC_VOLTAGE using the niDCPower_ConfigureOutputFunction function or DC Voltage using the niDCPower Configure Output Function VI, or when the voltage across the load is less than the voltage limit and the output function is set to NIDCPOWER_VAL_DC_CURRENT using the niDCPower_ConfigureOutputFunction function or DC Current using the niDCPower Configure Output Function VI.

In Constant Current mode, the current flowing through the output terminals is held constant while the voltage across the output terminals may change depending on loading conditions. The output channel behaves like a current source when in this mode.

Note  Constant Current mode is synonymous with Current-Controlled mode.

To determine when an output channel is operating in Constant Current mode, use the status indicators on the front panel of the device, the niDCPower Query Output State VI, or the niDCPower_QueryOutputState function.

Related Topics

Constant Voltage Mode

Load Considerations

Load Regulation