System and method of load testing multiple power converters without dedicated test equipment

摘要

A test system includes a first, second, and third power converter and a data collection system. The test system performs load testing on the second and third power converters without requiring any external load. The first power converter is supplied by an Alternating Current (AC) source. During a test cycle, the first, second, and third power converters are controlled such that the second power converter is supplied by an output current of the first power converter and a feedback current output by the third power converter. The third power converter receives current output by the second power converter and outputs the feedback current onto the second power converter. The data collection system receives power converter test characteristics (voltage, current, and temperature information) during the test cycle without any power being dissipated by an external load. Test information is used to determine whether the second and third power converters are defective.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
(a) controlling a first power converter to output a current and a voltage, wherein the first power converter has a first terminal and a second terminal; (b) controlling a second power converter to output a current and a voltage, wherein the second power converter has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, wherein the first terminal of the second power converter is coupled to the first terminal of the first power converter, and wherein the second terminal of the second power converter is coupled to the second terminal of the first power converter; (c) controlling a third power converter to output a current and a voltage, wherein the third power converter has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, wherein the second power converter and the third power converter are of the same power converter type, wherein the first terminal of the third power converter is coupled to the third terminal of the second power converter, wherein the third terminal of the third power converter is coupled to the first terminal of the second power converter, and wherein the controlling of the first power converter, the second power converter, and the third power converter is performed for a test cycle time period; and (d) sensing at least one power converter test characteristic of the second power converter or at least one power converter test characteristic of the third power converter, wherein the at least one power converter test characteristic is sensed during the test cycle time period, and wherein energy is transferred between the second power converter and the third power converter during the test cycle time period.