RMX-4000 2-Slot DC Electronic Load Mainframe
The RMX-4000 is a two-slot DC electronic load device mainframe designed for configurable power-supply testing and electronic load applications. It accepts compatible RMX-400x electronic load modules, allowing engineers to customize the number of channels, voltage range, current capability and load power according to their test requirements.
Unlike a conventional programmable DC power supply, the RMX-4000 operates as the mainframe for electronic load modules. It provides the control, display, communication and system-management functions required to operate the installed load modules.
RMX-4000 Key Features
- Two slots for RMX-400x electronic load modules
- Modular DC electronic load architecture
- Supports multiple load-module configurations
- USB, LAN and RS232C remote interfaces
- Constant Resistance (CR) operating mode
- Constant Power (CP) operating mode
- Constant Voltage (CV) and CV+CC modes
- Constant Current (CC) operating mode
- Up to 5-digit display resolution
- Color LCD display
- High-speed load response with high slew-rate capability
- Independent operation of isolated load channels
- Programmable test sequences
- Up to 120 programmable sequence sets
- Multiple mainframes can be linked for expanded load capability
- Supports different compatible load modules within the system
RMX-4000 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | RMX-4000 |
|---|---|
| NI Part Number | 786527-01 |
| Product Type | 2-Slot DC Electronic Load Device Mainframe |
| Number of Slots | 2 |
| Compatible Modules | RMX-400x DC Electronic Load Device Modules |
| Operating Modes | CR, CP, CV/CV+CC and CC |
| Display | Color LCD |
| Display Resolution | Up to 5 digits |
| Remote Interfaces | USB, LAN and RS232C |
| External Voltage Reference | 0 V to 10 V |
| Sequence Programming | Up to 120 programmable sets |
| Power Input | 100–120 VAC / 200–240 VAC |
| Input Frequency | 47–63 Hz |
| Maximum Power Rating | 150 VA |
| Measurement Category | CAT I |
The electrical load capability of an RMX-4000 system depends on the electronic load modules installed in its two slots. The mainframe itself should therefore not be described as having a fixed voltage, current or load-power rating. For example, compatible RMX-400x modules include models covering different voltage and current ranges.
RMX-4000 Compatible Electronic Load Modules
| Module | Channels | Maximum Voltage | Maximum Current | Maximum Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RMX-4003 | 2 | 80 V | 20 A per channel | 100 W per channel |
| RMX-4004 | 2 | 80 V | 5 A / 40 A | 30 W / 250 W |
| RMX-4005 | 1 | 80 V | 70 A | 350 W |
| RMX-4006 | 1 | 500 V | 10 A | 350 W |
The RMX-4000 provides the two physical slots required to install compatible electronic load modules. The actual load specifications are determined by the selected modules. NI’s product documentation lists RMX-4003, RMX-4004, RMX-4005 and RMX-4006 as members of the RMX-400x electronic load family. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Two-Slot Modular Architecture
The two-slot architecture allows engineers to configure a single RMX-4000 according to the requirements of a particular power test system. Different compatible load modules can be installed to provide different combinations of channels, current, voltage and power.
This modular approach is useful when the required electronic load configuration changes between projects. Instead of replacing the complete test system, engineers can select appropriate load modules for the required DUT.
Constant Resistance Mode
In Constant Resistance (CR) mode, the electronic load adjusts its current so that the load behaves approximately like a programmed resistance. This mode is useful for evaluating voltage-source behavior under resistive loading conditions.
CR mode is commonly used for power-supply regulation tests, transient testing and general source characterization.
Constant Current Mode
In Constant Current (CC) mode, the electronic load draws a programmed current from the device under test. This provides a predictable current demand for DC power supplies, converters and other power sources.
CC operation is particularly useful for measuring output regulation, current capability, protection behavior and thermal performance.
Constant Power Mode
In Constant Power (CP) mode, the electronic load adjusts its current according to the measured voltage to maintain the programmed power level.
CP mode is useful when the DUT needs to be evaluated under a relatively constant power demand rather than a fixed resistance or fixed current.
Constant Voltage Mode
In Constant Voltage (CV) mode, the load regulates the DUT terminal voltage to a programmed value by controlling the current it sinks.
CV and CV+CC operation can be useful for testing sources with specific voltage-dependent load requirements.
High-Resolution Measurement
The RMX-4000 provides up to 5-digit resolution for displayed measurements. This allows engineers to observe voltage, current and other operating parameters with greater detail during power-source characterization.
Actual measurement accuracy and resolution depend on the electronic load module installed in the mainframe.
Color LCD Display
The front-panel color LCD provides an integrated interface for configuring and monitoring the electronic load system. Engineers can operate the system locally without requiring a computer for basic setup and measurement.
USB Remote Control
The RMX-4000 supports USB communication for computer-based instrument control. A PC can communicate with the mainframe through its USB interface after the appropriate NI RMX-400x driver and configuration are installed.
NI documents the RMX-400x series as supporting programmatic control through USB, RS232 and Ethernet. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
LAN Ethernet Control
The LAN interface allows the RMX-4000 to be integrated into networked automated test systems. Engineers can configure network parameters such as DHCP, IP address, subnet mask and gateway from the instrument interface.
LAN control is especially useful when the electronic load is installed in a production rack or laboratory located away from the operator workstation.
RS232C Communication
The RMX-4000 also provides an RS232C interface for serial instrument control. Supported configuration parameters include baud rate, parity and stop bits.
When using RS232, the host controller and RMX-4000 must use matching communication parameters. NI documentation identifies baud-rate settings including 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 and 38400 baud. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
External 0–10 V Reference Input
The RMX-4000 provides a 0–10 V external voltage reference input. This allows external control hardware to participate in load programming and automated test applications.
This capability can be useful for hardware-in-the-loop systems, production testers and custom control architectures where an external analog signal is preferred.
Programmable Test Sequences
The RMX-4000 supports programmable test sequences with up to 120 different sets. Sequence programming allows engineers to automate changing load conditions rather than manually adjusting the load for every test step.
Typical sequences can include changes in current, voltage, resistance or power depending on the installed load module and selected operating mode.
Scalable Electronic Load System
The RMX-4000 can be used as part of a larger electronic load system. Multiple frames can be linked to expand the available load capability when a single two-slot mainframe is not sufficient.
This architecture is useful for production test systems where the number of DUT channels or total load power may increase over time.
Independent Isolated Channels
When compatible multi-channel load modules are installed, the system can provide independently controlled load channels. This allows multiple outputs of a power supply or multiple DUTs to be evaluated within the same test platform.
Channel isolation and electrical specifications depend on the installed RMX-400x module and the system configuration.
Typical RMX-4000 Applications
- DC power supply testing
- Power converter characterization
- DC-DC converter testing
- Battery and power-source testing
- Production power-supply verification
- Electronic device burn-in
- Load regulation testing
- Transient response testing
- Power-source protection testing
- Automated test equipment
- Laboratory power electronics research
- Hardware-in-the-loop testing
Power Supply Testing
The RMX-4000 provides a configurable load platform for evaluating DC power supplies. Engineers can install an appropriate RMX-400x load module and apply constant-current, constant-resistance or constant-power loads to the source.
Automated sequences can be used to evaluate output voltage regulation, current limiting, transient response and protection behavior over multiple operating points.
DC-DC Converter Testing
DC-DC converters can be tested under programmable load conditions using the RMX-4000 and an appropriate electronic load module. Different load profiles can be applied to evaluate converter efficiency, output regulation and dynamic response.
Production Test
The combination of modular load hardware, programmable sequences and computer interfaces makes the RMX-4000 suitable for automated production testing.
LAN, USB or RS232 communication can be integrated into a manufacturing test application, while stored sequences can reduce repetitive manual operations.
Battery and Energy-System Testing
When equipped with an appropriate high-current or high-voltage load module, the RMX-4000 can sink power from DC energy sources during controlled discharge or load testing.
The maximum voltage, current and power are determined by the installed module. The RMX-4006, for example, provides a 500 V, 10 A, 350 W electronic-load capability. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Burn-In Testing
The RMX-4000 can provide repeatable programmable loading for burn-in and reliability testing of power supplies, converters and other electronic equipment.
Automated load sequences can maintain specified operating conditions for extended test periods while the host system records voltage, current and fault conditions.
RMX-4000 Software and Driver Support
NI provides an RMX-400x Electronic Load Driver for LabVIEW. NI identifies the RMX-4000 as supported hardware for the RMX-400x instrument-driver ecosystem. The documented software requirements include LabVIEW 8.2 or later and NI-VISA 5.0 or later for the applicable driver. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
The RMX-4000 can also be controlled through USB, LAN and RS232 interfaces using the instrument’s command interface.
RMX-4000 Communication Troubleshooting
USB connection is not recognized
Verify that the RMX-4000 interface is configured for USB and connect the PC to the rear-panel USB-B port. If Windows requests a driver, install the appropriate RMX-400x USB driver and verify the connection through the computer’s device-management tools.
LAN communication does not work
Check the Ethernet cable and link indicator. Confirm the DHCP, IP address, subnet mask and gateway settings and ensure that the PC is on a compatible network.
RS232 communication fails
Verify the RS232 cable and ensure that baud rate, parity and stop-bit settings match between the host and RMX-4000.
The load module is not behaving as expected
Verify that the installed module is compatible with the RMX-4000 and check the module’s voltage, current and power limits. The mainframe does not determine the load rating; the installed RMX-400x module does.
RMX-4000 vs RMX-4002
| Feature | RMX-4000 | RMX-4002 |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Count | 2 | 4 |
| Product Type | 2-slot electronic load mainframe | 4-slot electronic load mainframe |
| Application | Compact modular load system | Larger modular load system |
| Compatible Load Modules | RMX-400x family | RMX-400x family |
| Remote Interfaces | USB, LAN, RS232C | USB, LAN, RS232C |
Choose the RMX-4000 when two load-module slots are sufficient. Choose the RMX-4002 when the test system requires more module capacity within one mainframe.
RMX-4000 vs RMX-4004
The RMX-4000 is the mainframe, while the RMX-4004 is an actual electronic load module. The RMX-4004 provides two load channels with 0 V to 80 V operation and channel capabilities of 30 W/5 A and 250 W/40 A. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
The RMX-4004 must therefore be considered together with a compatible RMX-400x mainframe when building a complete electronic load system.
Recommended Related Products
- RMX-4003 DC Electronic Load Module
- RMX-4004 2-Channel DC Electronic Load Module
- RMX-4005 350 W 70 A Electronic Load Module
- RMX-4006 350 W 500 V Electronic Load Module
- RMX-4002 4-Slot Electronic Load Mainframe
- RMX-4104 Programmable DC Power Supply
Why Choose the RMX-4000?
- Provides a flexible two-slot electronic load platform
- Supports multiple RMX-400x load modules
- Allows load capability to be customized according to the application
- Supports CR, CP, CV/CV+CC and CC operating modes
- Provides USB, LAN and RS232C interfaces
- Supports programmable automated test sequences
- Provides up to 5-digit display resolution
- Supports scalable multi-mainframe configurations
- Suitable for laboratory and automated production testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RMX-4000?
The RMX-4000 is a two-slot DC electronic load device mainframe designed to operate compatible RMX-400x electronic load modules.
Is the RMX-4000 an electronic load?
The RMX-4000 is the mainframe rather than a standalone load module. The actual voltage, current and power-sinking capability comes from the RMX-400x load modules installed in its slots.
How many modules can the RMX-4000 hold?
The RMX-4000 provides two slots for compatible RMX-400x electronic load modules.
Which modules can be installed in the RMX-4000?
Compatible RMX-400x modules include the RMX-4003, RMX-4004, RMX-4005 and RMX-4006. Always verify the current NI compatibility documentation before configuring a system.
What communication interfaces does the RMX-4000 support?
The RMX-4000 supports USB, LAN Ethernet and RS232C interfaces for remote instrument control. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Does the RMX-4000 support LabVIEW?
Yes. NI provides the RMX-400x Electronic Load Driver for LabVIEW, enabling programmatic control of supported RMX electronic load hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
What is the RMX-4000 part number?
The NI part number for the RMX-4000 is 786527-01. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
What is the difference between RMX-4000 and RMX-410x?
The RMX-4000 is an electronic-load mainframe designed to sink power from a DUT. RMX-410x products are programmable DC power supplies designed to source power to a DUT. They serve opposite functions in a power-test system.
Request a Quote for RMX-4000
Contact us for current availability, pricing and configuration assistance for the NI RMX-4000 2-Slot DC Electronic Load Mainframe. We can also help select compatible RMX-400x load modules based on your required voltage, current, power and number of channels.
