New High Performance Solar Emulation Released

Magna-Power Electronics, a leader in high-power programmable DC power supplies, released an update to its solar emulation capabilities, increasing product performance by nearly two orders of magnitude. The latest release combines their new high slew rate output stage, controller performance optimizations, and an updated Photovoltaic Power Profile Emulation software package for unrivaled solar emulation range from 2 kW to 1 MW+.

Magna-Power Electronics initially released its Photovoltaic Power Profile Emulation (PPPE) software package and firmware overhaul in 2010, tailoring its power supply’s output characteristics to emulate a solar array. This software automatically calculates solar array voltage and current profiles based on user-defined parameters. These profiles can be sequentially sent to a Magna-Power Electronics' power supply, which will emulate defined characteristics. The market response to this development was overwhelming. As a result, the company continued to focus its research and development efforts to better address opportunities in the emerging solar market.

The company’s recently released high slew rate output option solves several limitations inherent to switching power supply design, allowing for rapid voltage transitions and tolerance to instantaneous load transitions from open-circuit to short-circuit. Optimizing the controller performance for output modulation enabled the power supply to fully utilize the increased bandwidth allotted by the high slew rate output. Finally, updated PPPE software now enables both current-mode and voltage-mode control, for various load characteristics.

The new high performance solar emulation products are now shipping. For a full list of specifications, please refer to the PPPE software page.

About Magna-Power Electronics, Inc.

Magna-Power Electronics designs, and manufactures robust current-fed power supplies in the USA that set industry standards for quality, size, and control. Its products can be found around the world feeding power to national laboratories, universities, and a wide range of industrial sites. The company’s experience in power electronics is reflected in its 2 kW to 1 MW+ product line, quality service, and reputation for excellence.