2.1.2. DC Input Features

  • Distributed DSP Digital Control - Magna-Power’s MagnaLINK™ technology provides distributed Texas Instrument DSP control across power processing stages inside the MagnaLOAD DC electronic load. This technology follows a significant internal development cycle from Magna-Power to provide a unified digital control platform across its electronic loads and power supplies, featuring fully digital control loops, adjustable control gains, programmable slew rates, digital master-slaving, and many new advanced control technologies.

  • Flexible Operating Modes - To accommodate a variety of DC sources, all MagnaLOADs come with many configurable control modes, including: voltage mode, current mode, power mode, resistance mode, shunt regulator mode, rheostat mode (ARx Series and WRx Series only). Preference for DC regulation is given to the parameter in the selected mode within the programmed set-points. Using the MagnaLOAD’s set-points and trip settings, the product can configured to either trip with a fault when a limit is exceeded or to cross-over into a different regulation state. Shunt Regulator Mode turns the MagnaLOAD into a high-speed smart braking resistor, engaging the DC input only when a specified voltage and exceeded by a user-defined percentage, while limiting the shunt current to a programmed set-point.

  • Programmable Output Protection - Programmable over voltage trip (OVT), under voltage trip (UVT), and over current trip (OCT), and over power trip (OPT) allow the user to program in soft latching fault trips when the threshold is exceeded.

  • Wired Remote Sensing - A set of remote sensing terminals are provided to sense voltage at the source and compensate for voltage drop in the cables.

2.1.3. Programming Features

  • High Accuracy and Resolution - 16-bit (0.0015%) resolution and accuracy as low as ± 0.1% (voltage control) ensures high accuracy and precision programming and measurement. A NIST traceable calibration certificate is provided at no charge with all new units.

  • Simultaneous Measurement Interfaces - Voltage, current, power and resistance measurements are available simultaneously from the front panel meters, dedicated 0-10V analog output, and by computer command.

  • Included Drivers and SCPI Commands - All MagnaLOAD DC electronic loads come with a dedicated National Instruments LabVIEW™ driver, Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) driver, and support for a wide range of Standard Commands for Programmable Instrumentation (SCPI). These programming interfaces support full control, measurement, and monitoring of the MagnaLOAD. All of the MagnaLOAD’s available communication interfaces are supported by these drivers and command sets, including: USB, RS-485, LXI TCP/IP Ethernet, and IEEE-488 GPIB.

  • 25-pin Configurable External User I/O Port - Beyond the front panel and computer controls, all MagnaLOADs come standard with a 25-pin D-Sub connector designated as the External User I/O. This connector provides: 8 digital outputs,4 digital inputs, 4 analog inputs. All the analog-digital I/O ports are configurable, allowing the user to select which parameters they want to control and monitor. This configurable I/O scheme reduces complexity, eases PLC integration and allows control parameters from various interfaces simultaneously. The MagnaLOAD’s configurable analog inputs provide 0-10V programming from PLCs and external D/A converters.

2.1.4. System Features

  • Designed for Safety - Extensive diagnostic functions are provided, including: over voltage trip (OVT), under voltage trip (UVT), over current trip (OCT), over power trip (OPT), thermal fault and interlock. When in standby or diagnostic fault, the DC input bus is disconnected via a switching device. A Lock function allows the user to prevent local changes to product settings. Finally, with a dedicated +5V interlock input pin and included +5V reference on all models, external emergency stop systems can be easily integrated using an external contact.

  • Digital Master-Slaving for Increased Power - All MagnaLOADs come standard with a MagnaLINK™ Input and a MagnaLINK™ Output port, which provides plug and play digital master-slaving. Simply connect the master’s MagnaLINK™ Output to the slave’s MagnaLINK™ Input and, using the MagnaWEB software, the products will automatically configure themselves for master-slave operation as a higher-power unit based on the populated ports. Buffered digital MagnaLINK™ connections means many MagnaLOADs can be daisy-chained in master-slave operation. Master-slave MagnaLOAD units will aggregate measurements to one display panel. The internal MagnaLINK™ protocol was developed with expandability at the forefront. When configured for master-slave operation, the master controller takes control of all the slave’s digital “targets.” With this digital master-slaving strategy, it is completely transparent whether the unit is operating as a stand-alone product or in master-slave.

  • Tailor Performance with Integrated Options - A variety of configured-to-order options are available for MagnaLOAD DC electronic loads are designed to be flexible, depending on the application’s requirements.

  • Designed and Manufactured in the USA - For complete control of quality, MagnaDC programmable DC power supplies are designed and manufactured at Magna-Power’s vertically integrated USA manufacturing facility in Flemington, New Jersey. Heat-sinks and chassis are machined from aluminum. All sheet metal is fabricated and powder coated in-house. Magnetics are wound-to-order from validated designs based on a model’s voltage and current. An automated surface-mount production line places components on printed circuit boards for control, driver, auxiliary power, and display circuits. And finally after assembly, products undergo comprehensive test and calibration, followed by an extended burn-in period.