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In summary, the Wayne Kerr 3265B/25A is a 25 A DC Bias Unit, an ancillary instrument used in conjunction with Wayne Kerr 3255B-series Inductance Analyzers and the 3260B Precision Magnetics Analyzer. It delivers DC bias current to a wound component under test — inductors, transformers, and chokes — so that L, Z, R, Q, and D can be measured at the operational bias point rather than at the small-signal limit. Current is programmable in 25 mA steps to a maximum of 25 A per unit; multiple units may be paralleled to extend the range up to 125 A DC.
Choose the 3265B/25A for high-current wound-component characterization with the 3255B or 3255BQ Inductance Analyzers, or with the 3260B Precision Magnetics Analyzer when extended 3 MHz bandwidth is not required. Typical applications include SMPS choke saturation testing, three-phase inductor characterization, and DC bias sweeps on EV powertrain magnetics.
The 3265B/25A connects to the host analyzer through four BNC-to-BNC links (supplied) for the AC measurement signal path, an I²C bus link for DC current control and status reporting, and a rear-panel bias safety interlock socket that provides door-lock and closed-control-line monitoring. Connection to the component under test is via 2-terminal M8 studs, or via 4-terminal Kelvin leads (Wayne Kerr fine-jaw 1EVA40100 or large-jaw 1EVA40180) for highest accuracy. The unit powers up automatically when the host analyzer is powered on.
Factually, the 3265B/25A provides DC bias current in 25 mA increments from zero to 25 A. With basic ± 1% accuracy, an 11 V DC compliance voltage at 0.25 V AC drive level, and a universal 90–255 V AC, 47–63 Hz input, the unit is rated for full accuracy over 15 °C to 30 °C at maximum rated current. The I²C bus link continuously monitors excessive voltage drop and over-temperature status during measurement.
Wayne Kerr is recognized in the precision-impedance measurement industry alongside Keysight (E4990A, E4980A) and Hioki (IM3536) as a primary brand for inductor and transformer characterization. The 3265B family extends the 3260B and 3255B-series analyzers into the high-current DC-bias regime that defines real-world power-magnetics behavior — saturation, DC-bias-dependent inductance, and Q degradation under load.
Typical use cases for the 3265B/25A include:
All units are supplied with user manual, power cable, spare fuses, 4 × BNC to BNC links and daisy chain control link.
| Accessory Description | Order Code |
|---|---|
| Kelvin clip leads (fine jaws) | 1EVA40100 |
| Kelvin clip leads (large jaws) | 1EVA40180 |
| Power transfer bus bars | 4-324-6009-PAIR |
| Filter pad (washable) | HMDEC10 |
| 1009 DC bias fixture | 1J1009 |
| 1009 50A lead set | 5-328-2005 |
The 3265B/25A must be used in conjunction with a compatible host analyzer. The specifications below are reproduced verbatim from the Wayne Kerr Technical Data Sheet covering the 3265BQ/25A, 3265B/25A, 3265B/10A, 3265B/5A DC Bias Units and the 1009 DC Bias Fixture.
| DC Bias Current — Rated | 25 A maximum per unit, programmable in 25 mA steps |
|---|---|
| DC Bias Current — Paralleled | Up to 5 units in parallel for up to 125 A DC (25 mA steps). On the 3255BL: up to 50 A maximum. |
| Compatible Host Analyzers | 3260B Precision Magnetics Analyzer, 3255BQ, 3255B Inductance Analyzers |
| Measurement Frequency Range (when paired) | 20 Hz to 1 MHz with 3255BQ. 20 Hz to 500 kHz with 3255B. Operates with 3260B Precision Magnetics Analyzer. |
| Compliance Voltages | Maximum compliance voltage (<12 kHz) 11 V DC at 0.25 V AC drive level. 10 V compliance at 1 V AC drive level. For f>12 kHz deduct 0.5 V. |
| Variables Measured | In impedance mode: L, Z, R, Q, D. Not applicable to Rdc, or transformer measurements. |
| Basic Accuracy | ± 1%. Varies with measurement speed, frequency and options chosen. |
| Measurement Terminals | 2-terminal measurement via M8 studs. 4-terminal measurement via Kelvin leads and M8 studs. Measurement terminals internally protected by 1.6 A fuses against normal inductor back-EMF or accidental disconnection of inductor. Front panel fuses easily replaced. |
| Interlock | Bias safety interlock socket on rear panel of analyzer provides door lock and closed control lines. |
| Control Connections | I²C bus link controls application of DC current and monitors status of analyzer. Status data includes excessive voltage drop and over temperature. |
| Optional Facilities | 3265B bias units may be connected in parallel to give five times the rated current. |
| Temperature Range | Storage: −40 °C to 70 °C. Operating: 0 °C to 40 °C, 20 A (3265BQ/25A and 3265B/25A). Full accuracy: 15 °C to 30 °C (at maximum rated current). |
| Power Supply | Universal 90 to 255 V AC, 47 to 63 Hz. Input current 9 A rms max. Power factor >0.9. Unit powers up automatically when connected to a powered analyzer. Isolating switch provided. |
| Cooling | Fan cooled. Intake front, exhaust rear. Fan filter accessible on front panel. Over-temperature trip provided. |
| Dimensions & Weight | Height 190 mm (7 1/2"), Width 440 mm (17 3/8"), Depth 520 mm (20 1/2"). Weight 15 kg (33 lb). |
| Applications | Permits measurement analysis of wound components with levels of DC bias current higher than the standard 1 A. |
This webpage was written by a human with an A.I. "Intern", which may contain errors. Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.
Model No
3265B/25A
Condition
New
Manufacturer
Wayne Kerr
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