Programmable load board with programmable simulation of thermal dissipation characteristics

摘要

A programmable load board which can be used for testing the electrical load requirements and thermal response characteristics of electronic equipment. The programmable load board of the present invention is capable of emulating the maximum power at which the electronic component of the emulated system is rated. Both the power requirements and the location of the heat sources of the emulated system can be simulated. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the programmable load board is constructed generally in the form of a circuit board such as that typically installed in a personal computer. The system is programmable, thus allowing a series of tests at differing loads to be conducted unattended for extended periods of time.