The B&K Precision BCS Series comprises the BCS6401 dual-channel and BCS6402 single-channel battery charger/simulator and precision DC power supplies. Both models feature source/sink capabilities, a bipolar output, and variable output impedance to charge, discharge, or simulate batteries used in portable and wearable electronic devices. The BCS6401 delivers 45 W per channel across two channels (up to 90 W combined when channels are placed in series for 30 V output), while the BCS6402 delivers up to 150 W from a single channel with ±30 V bipolar output.

The datasheet identifies three primary application areas for this series: cell phones, tablets, wearable devices, and other IoT devices; chargers and charger circuitry; and DC-DC converters. The battery function operates in three modes — charge, discharge, or simulator. In charge mode, the instrument sources power with configurable stop conditions (voltage shut off, current shut off, capacity shut off in mAh). In discharge mode, it acts as a load to sink power up to 150 W.

Brand Heritage

B&K Precision Corporation, headquartered in Yorba Linda, California, has provided test and measurement instruments for more than 70 years. The company operates internationally through its French subsidiary Sefram (based in St. Etienne, France) and through B&K Precision Taiwan (Taipei). The company maintains ISO9001:2015 certification through NSF-ISR.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The BCS Series consists of two models that share a common feature set — bipolar output, source/sink capability, variable output impedance, battery charge/discharge/simulator modes, list programming, and integrated DVM — but differ in voltage range, output power, and channel count. Both models target the same fundamental application set: battery-powered device development, charger circuit verification, and DC-DC converter testing.

Within this two-model family, the choice between BCS6401 and BCS6402 depends primarily on whether the application benefits from simultaneous dual-channel operation (for example, charging one battery while discharging another for cycle testing) or from the higher single-channel voltage and power capability needed to power and characterize devices operating at higher rail voltages.

Each new BCS Series model below is listed as its own product page with condition-matched pricing. Click through to the individual model page for current availability, accessories included with the specific unit, and any applicable calibration documentation options.

The BCS6401 is the dual-channel model in the family. CH1 provides bipolar output (±15 V high range, ±9 V low range), while CH2 provides unipolar output (0 to 15 V high range, 0 to 9 V low range). Each channel delivers 45 W, for a combined 90 W when the two channels are placed in series to extend the output voltage to 30 V. The BCS6401 is the model to choose when the application requires simultaneous independent channels — for example, performing charge-discharge cycle tests where CH1 charges one battery while CH2 discharges another, or when running a battery-simulation source on one channel while sourcing the device's charger input from the other.

The BCS6402 is the single-channel model, delivering up to 150 W with ±30 V bipolar output and 5 A source/sink current on both ranges. It offers faster voltage rise time (under 150 µs at full load vs. under 500 µs on the BCS6401) and faster transient response (30 µs vs. 50 µs). The BCS6402 is the appropriate selection when the application requires the higher voltage range, higher single-channel power, or the faster transient response — and when dual-channel operation is not required. The comparison table that follows summarizes voltage, current, power, and key specification differences across the two models.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Accessories Supplied

• Power cord
• Certificate of calibration

Product Core & Specifications

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.