Expanded DC electronic loads with new high current models

Magna-Power Electronics has expanded its MagnaLOAD DC electronic loads to incorporate low voltage, high current models up to 4,800ADC. The ALx Series MagnaLOADs, which utilise conventional linear MOSFET-based dissipative elements combined with the company’s latest robust MagnaLINK digital control platform, now provides 21 new models up to 20kW with a wide voltage-current operating range. The new series models are excellent for traditional 12V and plug-in hybrid 48V automotive applications, with one unit able to operate at full power at both voltages.

The series now spans 27 models at nine different power levels from 1.25kW to 20kW, with voltage ratings ranging up to 1,000VDC and current ratings ranging up to 4,800ADC continuous. Employing the same heat management innovations developed for the company’s high-density programmable DC power supplies, the series’ conservative cooling secures long product life in environments up to 50C ambient operating temperature. Existing 1.25kW and 2.5kW models come in a 3U rack-mount enclosure, while new 5kW to 10kW models come in a 12U enclosure and new 12.5kW to 20kW models in a 24U enclosure. Enclosure-size upgrades are offered up to 36U to enable the integration of other rack-mount products in the same enclosure.

To ensure compatibility with a diversity of DC sources, the series features five control modes, including voltage control, current control, resistance control, power control, and a new mode named shunt regulator. While in shunt regulator mode, the device acts like high-power smart braking resistor, assuring the DC bus does not surpass the programmed voltage threshold, while producing high-accuracy high-resolution measurements from the DC bus.