Skip to content
ALx Series Documentation
Magna-Power Magna-Power
⌘ K
Logo LogoALx Series Documentation

Getting Started

  • 1. Preface
    • 1.1. Contact Magna-Power
    • 1.2. Safety Notice
    • 1.3. Safety Symbols
    • 1.4. Limited Warranty
    • 1.5. User Manual Warranty
    • 1.6. U.S. Government Rights
    • 1.7. WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC
    • 1.8. Declaration of Conformity
    • 1.9. Document Conventions
    • 1.10. Additional Help and Feedback
  • 2. Product Information
    • 2.1. Key Features
    • 2.2. Models
    • 2.3. Specifications
    • 2.4. Dimensional Diagrams
    • 2.5. Options and Accessories
    • 2.6. Principle of Operation
  • 3. Installation
    • 3.1. Inspection
    • 3.2. Rack Installation
    • 3.3. AC Input Connection
    • 3.4. DC Input Connection
    • 3.5. External User I/O Connection
    • 3.6. Computer Connection
    • 3.7. Electrical Check

Operation

  • 1. Features and Functions
    • 1.1. Set-Points
    • 1.2. Commands
    • 1.3. Function Generator
    • 1.4. Operating Profile
    • 1.5. Control Modes
    • 1.6. Regulation States
    • 1.7. Protection and Diagnostics
    • 1.8. Statuses
    • 1.9. Status Messages
    • 1.10. Factory Restore
  • 2. MagnaLINK
    • 2.1. MagnaLINK Master-Slave
  • 3. Front Panel
    • 3.1. Front Panel
    • 3.2. Menu System Listing
  • 4. External User I/O
    • 4.1. Analog Inputs
    • 4.2. Analog Outputs
    • 4.3. Digital Inputs
    • 4.4. Digital Outputs
  • 5. Computer Programming
    • 5.1. Computer Programming
    • 5.2. Programming Methods
    • 5.3. USB Communications
    • 5.4. RS485 Communications
    • 5.5. LXI TCP/IP Ethernet Communications
    • 5.6. IEEE-488 GPIB Communications
    • 5.7. MagnaWEB

Programming

  • 1. SCPI Command Set
    • 1.1. SCPI Command Set
    • 1.2. SCPI Command Set
  • 2. Modbus Command Set
    • 2.1. Modbus RTU over Serial
    • 2.2. Modbus Terminology
    • 2.3. Device Addressing Mode
    • 2.4. Functions
    • 2.5. Data Format
    • 2.6. Error Handling
    • 2.7. Communication Examples
    • 2.8. Register List
  • 3. Modbus TCP/IP Command Set
    • 3.1. Modbus TCP/IP
    • 3.2. Modbus TCP/IP Terminology
    • 3.3. I/O Scanning
    • 3.4. Device Addressing Mode
    • 3.5. Functions
    • 3.6. Data Format
    • 3.7. Error Handling
    • 3.8. Physical Interface
    • 3.9. Diagnostic and Simulation Tools
    • 3.10. Communication Examples
    • 3.11. Register List
  • 4. EtherNet/IP Command Set
    • 4.1. EtherNet/IP Overview
    • 4.2. Physical Interface
    • 4.3. Diagnostic and Simulation Tools
    • 4.4. Communication Examples
    • 4.5. Development Using Studio 5000
    • 4.6. Instances Listing
  • 5. EtherCAT Command Set
    • 5.1. EtherCAT Overview
    • 5.2. Physical Interface
    • 5.3. Data Objects
    • 5.4. EtherCAT State Machine
    • 5.5. Development using TwinCAT
    • 5.6. Standard Object Dictionary
    • 5.7. Manufacturer Specific Instances Listing
    • 5.8. Manufacturer Specific Process Data Objects
    • 5.9. Manufacturer Specific Service Data Objects
  • 6. PROFINET Command Set
    • 6.1. PROFINET Overview
    • 6.2. Physical Interface
    • 6.3. Communication Examples
    • 6.4. Instances Listing
  • 7. CANopen Command Set
    • 7.1. CANopen Overview
    • 7.2. Physical Interface
    • 7.3. Data Objects
    • 7.4. CANopen State Machine
    • 7.5. CANopen Default Node Settings
    • 7.6. Development using Python
    • 7.7. Standard Object Dictionary
    • 7.8. Manufacturer Specific Instances Listing
    • 7.9. Manufacturer Specific Process Data Objects
    • 7.10. Manufacturer Specific Service Data Objects
Version 0.015
ALx Series Documentation
/
2. MagnaLINK
/
2.1. MagnaLINK Master-Slave

2.1. MagnaLINK Master-Slave

MagnaLINK™ is a low-level high-speed communication protocol designed by Magna-Power Electronics to expand functionality in the presence of multiple products, support real-time control, and handle multi-processor firmware upgrades.

2.1.1. Network Overview

There are three types of communications that the main control processor manages using three independent ports. On Port A the processor manages internal processor-to-processor traffic. Connected to this bus is the gate drive processor, which is responsible for power controls and protection. Also connected are the auxiliary power supply processors, which power all other boards, cooling fans, and solenoids. These processors are critical to the operation of the MagnaLOAD electronic load; hence, communications on Port A bus are not exposed. Port B carries product-to-product and the front display processor traffic. The port is exposed through two RJ11 connectors located in the back of the product. Connections to the front display are made internally to the product. Port B is designed to handle more network nodes and has programmable termination resistors to dampen transmission-line effects. When connecting two products use only the Magna-Power Electronics supplied MagnaLINK™ cables. Front display boards are also connected to Port B to support remote-panel operation. Port C connects to external devices such as computers. The port defaults to SCPI protocol on start. Magna-Power Electronics software switches the protocol to MagnaLINK™ which contains the full set of commands available to MagnaLOAD electronic load, is lower overhead, and faster speed.

2.1.2. Master-Slave Module Operation

When MagnaLOAD electronic loads leaves the factory they are programmed with a fixed voltage, current, and power rating corresponding to the model. When multiple MagnaLINK™ compatible products are connected together, new ratings must be programmed for higher-power operation. If the detected power rating does not match the programmed power rating the product enters into a hard-fault condition. This rating check was added so that if any of the modules in the MagnaLINK™ chain are disconnected or fail, the customer can be notified, and take corrective actions. The instructions that follow explain how to wire slaves modules. The process for removing slave modules is identical to adding slave modules.

All MagnaLOAD electronic loads need to be powered off by moving all front rocker switches into the off position. One MagnaLOAD electronic load will be designated as a master all other MagnaLOAD electronic loads will be slaves. On the master, connect the supplied MagnaLINK™ cable from the RJ11 connector labeled MAGNALINK OUT to the slave connector labeled MAGNALINK IN. Connect the red and black Molex 1545 terminated cable from the MagnaLINK cable kit into the white, Molex 1545 Series plug, labeled CURRENT SENSE, in the back of the master and the slave units. After all the described connections have been made, turn on the rocker switches. Instructions for programming new ratings using are discussed in MagnaWEB.

2. MagnaLINK
3. Front Panel

On this page

  • 2.1.1. Network Overview
  • 2.1.2. Master-Slave Module Operation

© 2026, Magna-Power Electronics, Inc.