MagnaLOAD logo

ALx Series

DC Electronic Load

Size
3U to 24U
Power
1.25 kW to 20 kW
Manufactured
USA
Build-time
4-6 weeks

The ALx Series MagnaLOAD utilizes conventional linear MOSFET-based dissipative elements, allowing the series to achieve a very wide voltage-current operating range within the model’s maximum power rating. Using the same heat management innovations developed for Magna-Power’s high density programmable DC power supplies, the ALx Series’ conservative cooling ensures long product life with continuous full power operation in environments up to 50°C ambient operating temperature.

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Do more with MagnaLINK™ distributed digital control.

Precision control & measurement

Precision control & measurement

DSP-driven precision from setpoint to point-of-load.

The SLx Series features Magna-Power's xGen MagnaLINK™ digital control platform, which uses a distributed network of DSPs and high-speed board-to-board communications utilizing an internally developed low-level communication protocol. Internal gain scheduling with field-tunable gains supports a broad range of load conditions.

  • Voltage, current, and power control with 16-bit resolution.
  • Programmable slew-rate controls.
  • Native 100 ppm stability.
  • Local, remote, and leadless voltage sensing for accurate point-of-load regulation.
Plug-and-play master-slaving

Plug-and-play master-slaving

Scale power seamlessly with aggregate system ratings.

Dual MagnaLINK ports provide next-generation digital-hybrid master-slaving, so one unit can command a synchronized stack. Expand current capability by paralleling up to 16 units. A secondary current-sense connection feeds real-time analog current to the master for accurate aggregation and display.

  • Parallel up to 16 units with simple inteface wiring.
  • One setpoint; synchronized output and protections.
  • Secondary current-sense feedback for accurate sharing.
  • Auto-configuration and aggregate measurements to a single master display.

From lab scripts to factory PLCs, flexible programming & integration.

Software integration made easy

Readable commands, quick results—works with any language.

The SLx Series exposes a clear, text-based API with native SCPI and Modbus. Over 60 well-documented commands cover start/stop, set points for voltage, current & power, slew-rate control, high-accuracy measurements, and full configuration—so your scripts and systems go from proof-of-concept to production fast.

  • SCPI and Modbus command sets with consistent behavior..
  • Start/stop & protections: enable output, set trip limits, query status.
  • High-accuracy reads: voltage, current, power, and sense feedback.
  • Developer-driven documentation & examples.
import serial
magnaPower = serial.Serial(port='COM4', baudrate=115200)
magnaPower.write('*IDN?\n'.encode())
print magna_power.readline()
magnaPower.write('VOLT 0\n'.encode())
magnaPower.write('CURR 0\n'.encode())
magnaPower.write('OUTP:START\n'.encode())
magnaPower.write('VOLT 270\n'.encode())
currSetPoints = [50, 100, 150, 250]
for currSetPoint in currSetPoints:
    print 'Setting Current to %s A' % currSetPoint
    magnaPower.write('CURR {0}\n'.format(currSetPoint).encode())
    magnaPower.write('MEAS:VOLT?\n'.encode())
    print magnaPower.readline()
    time.sleep(20)
magnaPower.write('OUTP:STOP\n'.encode())
magnaPower.close()
magna_power = serial('COM4', 'BaudRate', 115200);
fopen(magnaPower);
fprintf(magnaPower,'*IDN?');
idn = fscanf(magnaPower);
fprintf(magnaPower,'VOLT 0');
fprintf(magnaPower,'CURR 0');
fprintf(magnaPower,'OUTP:START');
fprintf(magnaPower,'VOLT 270');
for currSetPoint in [50, 100, 150, 250]
    display('Setting Current to '+currSetPoint+' A');
    fprintf(magnaPower, 'CURR '+currSetPoint);
    fprintf(magnaPower,'MEAS:VOLT?');
    display(fscanf(magnaPower));
    pause(20);
end 
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdint.h>
#include <string.h>
#include <windows.h>

int main()
{
    printf("Opening connection.\n");

    uint8_t recvBuffer[sizeof(uint8_t) * 256];
    memset(recvBuffer, 0, 256);

    // Choose the serial port name.  
    // COM ports higher than COM9 need the \\.\ prefix, which is written as
    // "\\\\.\\" in C because we need to escape the backslashes.
    const char* device = "\\\\.\\COM4";

    // Choose the baud rate (bits per second).  
    uint32_t baud_rate = 115200;

    HANDLE port = open_serial_port(device, baud_rate);
    if (port == INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE) { return 1; }

    char* scpiCmd = (char*)"*IDN?\n";
    size_t cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
    int result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
    if (result < 0)
        return -1;
   
    result = read_port(port, recvBuffer, 256);
    printf("Sent: %s\nReceived: %s\n", scpiCmd, recvBuffer);
   
    scpiCmd = (char*)"VOLT 0\n";
    cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
    result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
    if (result < 0)
        return -1;

    scpiCmd = (char*)"CURR 0\n";
    cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
    result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
    if (result < 0)
        return -1;

    scpiCmd = (char*)"OUTP:START\n";
    cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
    result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
    if (result < 0)
        return -1;

    scpiCmd = (char*)"VOLT 270\n";
    cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
    result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
    if (result < 0)
        return -1;

    char setPoints[4][5] = {"50", "100", "150", "200"};
    char setPointBuffer[40];
    scpiCmd = (char*)"MEAS:VOLT?\n";

    for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
    {
        sprintf(setPointBuffer, "CURR %s\n", setPoints[i]);
        printf("Setting current to %s A\n", setPoints[i]);
        cmdLen = strlen(setPointBuffer);
        result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)setPointBuffer, cmdLen);
        if (result < 0)
            return -1;
        memset(recvBuffer, 0, 256);
        result = read_port(port, recvBuffer, 256);
        printf("Received: %s\n", recvBuffer);
        Sleep(20000);  // 20000ms = 20s
    }

    scpiCmd = (char*)"OUTP:STOP\n";
    cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
    result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
    if (result < 0)
        return -1;

    CloseHandle(port);

    printf("Connection closed.\n");
    return 0;
}
using System;
using System.IO.Ports;
using System.Threading;

namespace SerialCommunicationInCSharp
{
  public class Program
  {
    static bool _continue;
    static SerialPort serialPort;

    public static void Main(string[] args)
    {
      Thread readThread = new Thread(Read);

      Console.WriteLine("Opening connection.");

      // Create a new SerialPort object with default settings.
      serialPort = new SerialPort("COM4", 115200, Parity.None, 8, StopBits.One);

      // Set the read/write timeouts
      serialPort.ReadTimeout = 500;
      serialPort.WriteTimeout = 500;

      serialPort.Open();
      _continue = true;
      readThread.Start();

      Console.WriteLine("Sending: *IDN?");
      serialPort.WriteLine("*IDN?");

      serialPort.WriteLine("VOLT 0");
      serialPort.WriteLine("CURR 0");
      serialPort.WriteLine("OUTP:START");
      serialPort.WriteLine("VOLT 270");

      string[] currSetPoints = { "50", "100", "150", "250" };
ß
      for(int i = 0; i < currSetPoints.Length; i++)
      {
        serialPort.WriteLine(String.Format("'CURR {0}", currSetPoints[i]));
        serialPort.WriteLine("MEAS:VOLT?");
        Thread.Sleep(20000);
      }

      serialPort.WriteLine("OUTP:STOP");

      Console.WriteLine("Closing connection.");
      _continue = false;
      serialPort.Close();
      }

    public static void Read()
    {
      while (_continue)
      {
        try
        {
          string message = serialPort.ReadLine();
          Console.WriteLine("Received: " + message);
        }
        catch (TimeoutException) { }
      }
    }
  }
}
External User I/O

External User I/O

Flexible isolated analog-digital controls.

All SLx Series power supplies come standard with a 26-pin D-Sub connector designated as the External User I/O. This connector provides:

  • 8 Digital Outputs (5V logic)
  • 4 Digital Inputs (5V logic)
  • 4 Analog Outputs (0-10V logic)
  • 4 Analog Inputs (0-10V logic)

The External User I/O is isolated from the output terminals and referenced to earth ground. The connector’s pins are user configurable, allowing users to select the functions needed in their application, while providing future capability for new features. Use the digital outputs to integrate the power supply with, for example, external enable signals or digital fault monitoring logic, or monitor voltage-current using the analog 0-10V outputs. A dedicated high-speed analog input is also provided, sampled at 2 kHz for near real-time control.

Industrial communications & control

Industrial communications & control

From lab networks to PLCs—integrate on your terms.

The Series ships ready to connect with dual USB (front & rear) and RS485, with support for SCPI and Modbus. For networks and factory automation, choose fully integrated options with Modbus support, thorough docs—and device description files to speed PLC setup and tag mapping.

  • Standard dual USB (front + rear) and RS485.
  • TCP/IP networking with LXI TCP/IP Ethernet (+LXI) option
  • PLC fieldbuses options: CANopen (+CAN), EtherCAT (+ECAT), EtherNet/IP (+EIP), Modbus-TCP (+MTCP), PROFINET (+PROF).
  • Device files included: EDS (CANopen/EtherNet/IP), ESI XML (EtherCAT), GSDML (PROFINET) for quick PLC integration.
  • Full command documentation, examples, and diagnostics.

Included MagnaCTRL software

Multi-product dashboard control, diagnostics, and updates—out of the box.

MagnaCTRL is a modern, multi-product control platform included with xGen products. Build dashboards, configure I/O, run updates, and access deep diagnostics—all from one app.

  • Configurable dashboard: add/arrange widgets to monitor and control multiple connected units.
  • Product Explorer: auto-detect devices, save connections, and auto-reconnect in future sessions.
  • External User I/O panel: map 26-pin I/O, export/import pin maps for fast deployments.
  • Firmware/software updates: detect new releases automatically; perform manual updates offline if needed (see Changelog)
  • Calibration tools: adjust programming/measurement gains/offsets; with guidance, tune control-loop gains.
  • Data logging: Graphical output and .csv logging of voltage, current and power measurements and settings over time
Included MagnaCTRL software

State-of-the-art USA manufacturing with worldwide support

Made in the USA

Made in the USA

Vertically integrated manufacturing for full quality control.

Magna-Power products are designed, built, tested, and serviced at Magna-Power’s 73,500 sq-ft headquarters in Flemington, New Jersey, where metalwork, magnetics, PCB assembly, and burn-in are all done in-house for tight control over quality, cost, and lead-time.

  • USA-built: Engineering, manufacturing, and service under one roof.
  • In-house production: Metalwork, magnetics, SMT PCBs, and finishes.
  • Proven reliability: Every unit fully tested, calibrated, and burned in.
Worldwide service & OEM parts support

Worldwide service & OEM parts support

Factory expertise, local response.

Magna-Power backs its products with factory and authorized service centers across North America, Europe, the UK, Asia-Pacific, East Asia, and South America—using factory procedures and genuine parts to restore units to original specifications, in or out of warranty.

  • Global coverage: HQ in New Jersey plus regional authorized service centers.
  • Consistent repairs: Factory diagnostics, work instructions, and system diagrams.
  • Genuine OEM parts: Tested replacement assemblies for predictable, low-downtime service.

Model Ordering Guide

For both ordering and production, ALx Series models are uniquely defined by several key characteristics, as defined by the following diagram:

ALx Series Ordering Guide

ALx Series Models

There are 27 different models in the ALx Series spanning power levels: 1.25 kW, 2.5 kW, 5 kW, 7.5 kW, 10 kW, 12.5 kW, 15 kW, 17.5 kW, 20 kW. To determine the appropriate model:

  1. Select the desired Max Voltage (Vdc) from the left-most column.
  2. Select the desired Max Current (Adc) from the same row that contains your desired Max Voltage.
  3. Construct your model number according to the model ordering guide.
Model Max Power Max Voltage Max Current Package Type Min Voltage Max Resistance
ALx1.25-200-3001.25 kW200 Vdc300 AdcRack-mount2.5 Vdc70.40 Ω
ALx1.25-500-1251.25 kW500 Vdc125 AdcRack-mount6.0 Vdc448.00 Ω
ALx1.25-1000-37.51.25 kW1000 Vdc37.5 AdcRack-mount7.5 Vdc1792.00 Ω
ALx2.5-200-6002.5 kW200 Vdc600 AdcRack-mount2.5 Vdc70.40 Ω
ALx2.5-500-2502.5 kW500 Vdc250 AdcRack-mount6.0 Vdc448.00 Ω
ALx2.5-1000-752.5 kW1000 Vdc75 AdcRack-mount7.5 Vdc1792.00 Ω
ALx5-200-12005 kW200 Vdc1200 AdcFloor-standing2.5 Vdc35.20 Ω
ALx5-500-5005 kW500 Vdc500 AdcFloor-standing6.0 Vdc224.00 Ω
ALx5-1000-1505 kW1000 Vdc150 AdcFloor-standing7.5 Vdc896.00 Ω
ALx7.5-200-18007.5 kW200 Vdc1800 AdcFloor-standing2.5 Vdc23.47 Ω
ALx7.5-500-7507.5 kW500 Vdc750 AdcFloor-standing6.0 Vdc149.33 Ω
ALx7.5-1000-2257.5 kW1000 Vdc225 AdcFloor-standing7.5 Vdc597.33 Ω
ALx10-200-240010 kW200 Vdc2400 AdcFloor-standing2.5 Vdc17.60 Ω
ALx10-500-100010 kW500 Vdc1000 AdcFloor-standing6.0 Vdc112.00 Ω
ALx10-1000-30010 kW1000 Vdc300 AdcFloor-standing7.5 Vdc448.00 Ω
ALx12.5-200-300012.5 kW200 Vdc3000 AdcFloor-standing2.5 Vdc14.08 Ω
ALx12.5-500-125012.5 kW500 Vdc1250 AdcFloor-standing6.0 Vdc89.60 Ω
ALx12.5-1000-37512.5 kW1000 Vdc375 AdcFloor-standing7.5 Vdc358.40 Ω
ALx15-200-360015 kW200 Vdc3600 AdcFloor-standing2.5 Vdc11.73 Ω
ALx15-500-150015 kW500 Vdc1500 AdcFloor-standing6.0 Vdc74.67 Ω
ALx15-1000-45015 kW1000 Vdc450 AdcFloor-standing7.5 Vdc298.67 Ω
ALx17.5-200-420017.5 kW200 Vdc4200 AdcFloor-standing2.5 Vdc10.06 Ω
ALx17.5-500-175017.5 kW500 Vdc1750 AdcFloor-standing6.0 Vdc64.00 Ω
ALx17.5-1000-52517.5 kW1000 Vdc525 AdcFloor-standing7.5 Vdc256.00 Ω
ALx20-200-480020 kW200 Vdc4800 AdcFloor-standing2.5 Vdc8.80 Ω
ALx20-500-200020 kW500 Vdc2000 AdcFloor-standing6.0 Vdc56.00 Ω
ALx20-1000-60020 kW1000 Vdc600 AdcFloor-standing7.5 Vdc224.00 Ω

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise noted, all specifications measured at the product's maximum ratings.

AC Input Specifications

AC Input Voltage
1Φ, 2-wire + ground
100-240 Vac (UI: Universal Input); Available on 1.25 to 17.5 kW Models
200-240 Vac (UI2: Universal Input 2); Available on 20 kW Models
AC Input Frequency
50-60 Hz
AC Input Isolation
±1500 Vac, maximum input voltage to ground

Programming Interface Specifications

Front Panel Programming
Aluminum rotary knob with encoder, keypad, or up-down arrow for single bit control
Computer Interfaces
Standard
USB Host (Front): Type B
USB Host (Rear): Type B
RS485 (Rear): RJ-45
MagnaLINK™: RJ-25 x 2
Computer Interfaces
LXI TCP/IP Ethernet (Rear): RJ-45
GPIB (Rear): IEEE-488
External User I/O Port
Analog and Digital Programming
25-pin D-sub DB-25, female
Referenced to Earth ground; isolated from the DC input
See User Manual for pin layout

Programming Specifications

Resolution
All Modes
16-bit, 0.0015%
Accuracy
Programming and Measurement
Voltage: ±0.1% of full scale voltage rating
Current: ±0.2% of full scale current rating
Power: ±0.3% of full scale power rating
Resistance: ±0.3% of full scale resistance rating
Rise/Fall Time
Maximum
Voltage Mode: 100 ms, 10% to 90% full scale voltage rating
Current Mode: 2 ms, 10% to 90% full scale current rating
Power Mode: 100 ms, 10% to 90% full scale power rating
Resistance Mode: 200 ms, 10% to 90% full scale resistance rating
Trip Settings Range
Programmable protection limits used to trigger a soft fault shutdown in the event the limit is exceeded by the DC source
Over Voltage: 10% to 110% of full scale voltage rating
Under Voltage: 0% to 110% of full scale voltage rating
Over Current: 10% to 110% of full scale current rating
Over Power: 10% to 110% of full scale power rating

External User I/O Specifications

Digital I/O
Digital Input Voltage: 5V
Digital Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Digital Monitoring Voltage: 5V, 32 mA capacity
Digital Reference Voltage: 5V, 20 mA capacity
Analog I/O
Analog Sampling Rate: 2 kHz
Analog Programming Voltage: 0-10 V
Analog Programming Resolution: 12-bit, 0.025%
Analog Monitoring Voltage: 0-10 V, 3 mA capacity
Analog Monitoring Impedance: 0.005 Ω
Analog Monitoring Accuracy: 0.05% of full scale
Analog Reference Voltage: 10 V, 20 mA capacity

Physical Specifications

Racking Standard
1.25 kW and 2.5 kW Models Only
EIA-310
Size and Weight
1.25 kW Models
3U
5.25” H x 19” W x 24” D (13.34 x 48.26 x 60.96 cm)
40 lbs (18.1 kg)
Size and Weight
2.5 kW Models
3U
5.25” H x 19” W x 24” D (13.34 x 48.26 x 60.96 cm)
65 lbs (29.5 kg)
Size and Weight
5 kW Models
12U Cabinet
30.7” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (78.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
255 lbs (115.7 kg)
Size and Weight
7.5 kW Models
12U Cabinet
30.7” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (78.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
320 lbs (145.2 kg)
Size and Weight
10 kW Models
12U Cabinet
30.7” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (78.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
385 lbs (174.6 kg)
Size and Weight
12.5 kW Models
24U Cabinet
58.25” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (148.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
500 lbs (226.8 kg)
Size and Weight
15 kW Models
24U Cabinet
58.25” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (148.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
565 lbs (256.3 kg)
Size and Weight
17.5 kW Models
24U Cabinet
58.25” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (148.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
630 lbs (285.8 kg)
Size and Weight
20 kW Models
24U Cabinet
58.25” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (148.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
695 lbs (315.3 kg)

Environmental Specifications

Ambient Operating Temperature
0°C to 50°C
Storage Temperature
-25°C to +85°C
Humidity
Relative humidity up to 95% non-condensing
Air Flow
Front air inlet, rear exhaust

Regulatory Specifications

EMC
Complies with 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive)
CISPR 22 / EN 55022 Class A
Safety
NRTL Listed, Nemko Certificate NA202512375
CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1:12; A1:2018
UL 61010-1:Ed.3,2012(R2019)
CE Mark
Yes
RoHS Compliant
Yes

The following are vectorized diagrams for the ALx Series. Refer to the Downloads section for downloadable drawings.

Front Panel
1.25 kW and 2.5 kW Models
Rear Panel
1.25 kW and 2.5 kW Models
Side Panel
1.25 kW and 2.5 kW Models
Front Panel
5 kW to 20 kW Models
Rear Panel
5 kW to 20 kW Models

Integrated Options

Standard integrated options are available for Magna-Power products, allowing the product's performance and communication interfaces to be tailors to the specific application.

CANopen
Option
+CAN
CANopen communication protocol and dual RJ-45 interface enabling CAN bus communications, popular within automotive applications
EtherCAT
Option
+ECAT
EtherCAT communication protocol and dual RJ-45 interface for high-performance communication in factory automation, motion control, and robotics
EtherNet/IP
Option
+EIP
EtherNet/IP communication protocol and dual RJ-45 interface with EIS profile for industrial automation, commonly used in Allen Bradley, Schneider Electric, and Omron PLCs
LXI TCP/IP Ethernet
Option
+LXI
TCP/IP Ethernet communication protocol and single RJ-45 interface, certified to the LXI Class C standard, for socket communications using conventional computer networks
Modbus-TCP
Option
+MTCP
Modbus-TCP communication protocol and dual RJ-45 interface with full command set support as Modbus commands
Pedestal Base
Option
+PB
A heavy-duty, floor-mountable platform base for the rack enclosure that replaces the standard casters, designed for fixed installations.
PROFINET
Option
+PROF
PROFINET communication protocol and dual RJ-45 interface for industrial automation, commonly used in Siemens PLCs

Accessories

External accessories and integration services available for this product.

DC Power Cables
DC power cables with wide range voltage ratings, current ratings, and termination options, made-to-order by Magna-Power
MagnaLINK Cable
Rack Enclosures and Integration
Various size rack enclosures, including 12U, 24U, 30U, 36U, 30Ux2 and 36Ux2, with casters, fans and product integration.

Documentation

ALx Series User Manual [EN] [HTML] [Recommended]
ALx Series Datasheet [1.4.0] [EN] [PDF]
ALx Series Datasheet [1.4.0] [ZH] [PDF]
ALx Series User Manual [0.011] [EN] [PDF]

Drawings

Software

MagnaCTRL Software [0.015-59424] [MSI]