Implementation of IoT Curve Tracer based on Programmable Electronic Load using Linear Mosfet

This paper presents the design and implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled I-V curve tracer for photovoltaic (PV) systems, using a programmable electronic load based on a linear MOSFET transistor. The system is capable of accurately characterizing PV panels by dynamically sweeping their operating points and measuring voltage and current in real time. A Raspberry Pi Zero 2W serves as the central processing unit, enabling data acquisition, storage, visualization, and connectivity to external servers via the Node-RED platform. Complementary high-speed data acquisition is performed using a PIC microcontroller, enhancing measurement precision. The tracer includes a dual-DAC configuration to finely control the load current and employs overvoltage-protected sensing circuits. Designed for high-voltage applications, the use of linear MOSFETs ensures improved thermal dissipation and sustained power handling. The proposed solution offers a low-cost, portable, and scalable alternative for advanced PV diagnostics and supports future integration with artificial intelligence-based analysis tools.