An active load is connected to a power supply terminal of an electronic device such as an integrated circuit. The active load receives a reference voltage that is equal to a normal power supply voltage for application to the terminal, and a source current that is equal to a maximum quiescent power...http://www.google.ca/patents/US5731700?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5731700 - Quiescent power supply current test method and apparatus for integrated circuits 
