Rigol DL3021
A well-supported programmable load for testing power supplies and batteries in an electronics lab.
Amazon $549$549
The Rigol DL3021 rates 3.8 among electronic loads bench power supplys; the B&K Precision 1696B rates 2.8 among single output ones. The B&K Precision 1696B costs $2.88 less ($546.12 vs $549).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
B&K Precision 1696B
#16 in Single outputFull review
A programmable 20 V supply for production and test rigs that chain several units on RS485.
Amazon $546.12$546.12
Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (electronic loads and single output), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Rigol DL3021 | B&K Precision 1696B |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 25% | 17 $2.75 per watt ($549, 200 W rated) | 17 $2.73 per watt ($546.12, 200 W rated) |
| Output quality 20% | 80 15 kHz dynamic mode | 29 6 mVrms ripple and noise |
| Resolution 15% | 75 1 mV / 1 mA setting resolution | 0 100 mV / 10 mA setting resolution |
| PC control 15% | 80 USB, RS232 with SCPI | 80 USB, RS485 with SCPI |
| Protection & features 10% | 80 over-voltage protection, over-current protection, remote sense | 80 over-voltage protection, over-current protection, stored setups |
| Warranty 15% | 100 3-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Rigol DL3021 | B&K Precision 1696B | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Electronic load | Power supply |
| Channels | 1 | 1 |
| Channel ratings | 150 V/40 A, 200 W | 1-20 V/10 A |
| Max voltage | 150 V | 20 V |
| Max current | 40 A | 10 A |
| Rated power | 200 W | 200 W |
| Ripple and noise | - | 6 mVrms / 30 mVp-p |
| Dynamic mode | 15 kHz | - |
| Load modes | CC, CV, CR, CP | - |
| Precision | ||
| Setting resolution | 1 mV / 1 mA | 100 mV / 10 mA |
| Readback resolution | 1 mV / 1 mA | 10 mV / 1 mA |
| Remote sense | Yes | - |
| Control | ||
| PC interfaces | USB, RS232 | USB, RS485 |
| SCPI | Yes | Yes |
| Stored setups | - | 10 |
| Over-voltage protection | Yes | Yes |
| Over-current protection | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 16.7 lb | 6.6 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |