Tinker Thoughts
This project outlines an adjustable resistive load (ARL). The ARL consists of 20 resistors and a potentiometer to yield a desired current draw of up to 1000mA. Although it is developed with 5VDC applications in mind, it can be used for 3.3V and above 5VDC voltage applications provided the various power, current, and voltage ratings of each part or section are not violated. In particular, this tool was developed for the application of stress-testing power management circuitry commonly found on microcontroller development boards. Typically, the maximum allowable current draw is much below 1000mA, and therefore this tool can be used appropriately.