Updates

Changelog

Notable additions, changes, fixes, improvements and updates for Magna-Power products.

Get the latest Magna-Power changelog updates in your inbox.

Sep 16, 2024

MagnaCTRL Usability Updates, DBx Module Fixes and Improved Test & Cal

Snapshot 64 is a minor update focusing around updates for the DBx Module, improvements to customizations and usability in MagnaCTRL and significant updates to Magna-Power's internal Test & Cal software tooling. 

Documentation

  • Maintenance:

    Make file names consistent and remove unused files

    GEN2-4437, GEN2-4438

Firmware xGen 0.072

  • Maintenance:

    Restore pin configuration on GPIO37 from firmware 0.064 to firmware 0.065

  • Maintenance:

    Include links to all product and code documentation in README.md

    GEN2-4271
  • Fixed:

    Slow DBx Module turn-on delay to accommodate SL power supplies with PFC stages

    GEN2-4503
  • Fixed:

    Change EPWM count mode for compatibility with DBx Module

    GEN2-4463
  • Fixed:

    Detection and recovery from incomplete RS485 messages

MagnaCTRL 0.007

  • Improved:

    Retain product selection during panel navigation

    GEN2-4512
  • Fixed:

    Allow firmware updates and resets to be performed multiple times from MagnaCTRL instances

    GEN-4531
  • Fixed:

    Correct timing for pin configuration loading and saving

    GEN-4533
  • Fixed:

    Graceful closing and thread cleanup

    GEN-4532
  • Fixed:

    Correct label to VIN, IIN, PIN for MagnaLOADs and VOUT, IOUT, POUT for MagnaDCs

    GEN-4532
  • Fixed:

    Retain dashboard widget values during widget rearrangement

    GEN-4504
  • Fixed:

    Use product names instead of serial numbers, and refresh product names on the panel when names change

    GEN2-4507, GEN2-4508
  • Fixed:

    Block appearance of the "Save" button when the same values are reapplied to entry boxes

    GEN2-4509
  • Feature:

    Add a "Save All" button on multi-entry panels

    GEN2-4480

Test & Cal Suite (Internal) 0.050

  • Improved:

    Calibrate PWM offset at rated voltage on ALx Series

    GEN2-4496
  • Improved:

    Revise DBx-C1 stability specification and incorporate PiDAQ for more automated testing

    GEN2-4493
  • Improved:

    Clarify instructions for DBx sub-assembly testing

    GEN2-4484
  • Improved:

    Handle cases where the CANOpen node is missing

    GEN2-4473
  • Improved:

    Revise initial estimates for DBx terminal gain and offset

    GEN2-3558
  • Improved:

    Record power factor and efficiency on the first occurrence in testing

    GEN2-4489
  • Changed:

    Align parameters for sine-wave generator testing with those described in the manual

    GEN2-4487
  • Feature:

    Add an industrial communications server for communications verification

    GEN2-4455, GEN2-4490
  • Feature:

    Select various timing and ratings values for SLx and save to EEPROM

    GEN2-4495
  • Feature:

    Record shipped firmware versions in the database

    GEN2-4455
Aug 21, 2024

Emergency Stop Documentation, Minor MagnaCTRL Bugfixes

Firmware xGen 0.071

  • Fixed:

    Correct SCPI pattern and example for the function generator

    GEN2-4430
  • Changed:

    Increase ALx Series thermal trip limit

    GEN2-4450

Documentation

  • Fixed:

    Correct xGen external user I/O description for Pin 7

    GEN2-4383
  • Improved:

    Auto-generate menu system table

    GEN2-3440
  • Improved:

    Added Emergency stop (E-Stop)

    GEN2-4439

MagnaCTRL 0.006

  • Fixed:

    Provide feedback and keep the application running on firmware flash errors

    GEN2-4457
  • Fixed:

    Change resistance and power dashboard widgets to use VMEM values

    GEN2-4459
  • Fixed:

    Prevent Product Disconnected warning on factory restore

    GEN2-4460
  • Fixed:

    Properly close threads on exit using a daemon

    GEN2-4466
  • Fixed:

    Correct range limit rounding on dashboard text entry

    GEN2-4467
  • Fixed:

    Incorrect MagnaCTRL Widget Type Model Loading

    GEN2-4470
  • Feature:

    Add TCP/IP Ethernet Manual IP Address Input for Product Discovery

    GEN2-4347
  • Feature:

    Add warning dialog when removing an active product from Product Explorer

    GEN2-4465
  • Maintenance:

    Move graphical assets, create QRC for better direct paths

    GEN2-4468, GEN2-4443, GEN2-4469

Test & Cal Suite (Internal) 0.049

  • Improved:

    Add function generator SCPI and Modbus commands

    GEN2-3111
  • Improved:

    Instruction updates: FlashFirmware, PopulateEepromFromERP, CommunicationUnpoweredRs485, LineRampUp

    GEN2-4442
  • Improved:

    Update ALx Series RMA item number identification

    GEN2-4448
  • Feature:

    Disable remote sense testing above 1000V

    GEN2-4429
  • Feature:

    Write system rating for multimodule product

    GEN2-4452
Jul 23, 2024

Improved Transient Load Performance, MagnaCTRL I/O Panel, EDS File Generation

Firmware xGen 0.070

  • Changed:

    Restrict values ranges for SCPI write commands

    GEN2-4418
  • Feature:

    Disable remote sense above 1000V

    GEN2-3764
  • Fixed:

    Disable EEPROM initialization once product leaves factory

    GEN2-4273, GEN2-4274
  • Fixed:

    LXI TCP/IP Ethernet communication test failure

    GEN2-4365
  • Fixed:

    Failed master-slave initialization on ALx Series rack

    GEN2-4427
  • Fixed:

    Corrupted remote sense calibration values

    GEN2-4391, GEN2-4405
  • Improved:

    Transient load behavior and constant regulation & AutoCrossover

    GEN2-4296, GEN2-4389
  • Improved:

    Export firmware variables for MagnaCTRL External User I/O Panel

    GEN2-4419
  • Maintenance:

    Create descriptions for elements EEPROM arrays

    GEN2-4137

Communications

  • Fixed:

    Reformat status register in Modbus

    GEN2-4055
  • Feature:

    Integrate CANopen and Modbus TCP/IP as part of internal system tests

    GEN2-4366, GEN2-4367
  • Feature:

    Auto-generate CANopen support and EDS files

    GEN2-4380, GEN2-4397
  • Fixed:

    Limit maximum slew rate over SCPI

    GEN2-4355

Communications IVI Driver 1.6

  • Feature:

    Initial xGen MagnaDC IVI driver release

    GEN2-4278
  • Feature:

    Add Lock function to IVI drivers

    GEN2-2554

Communications NI LabVIEW Driver 1.0.1

  • Improved:

    Support for 64-bit status register

    GEN2-4381

Documentation 0.28

  • Removed:

    Removed GPIB interface

    GEN2-4178
  • Improved:

    Include SCPI command SYSTem:REBoot documentation

    GEN2-4334
  • Improved:

    Update status register documentation

    GEN2-4414

MagnaCTRL 0.005

  • Changed:

    Change MagnaCTRL timeouts to use a watchdog timer

    GEN2-4392
  • Fixed:

    Reset module listing when switching between products in EEPROM Editor

    GEN2-4404
  • Fixed:

    MagnaCTRL instability through LXI connection

    GEN2-4362
  • Fixed:

    Control Mode widget text changed to match the control mode names from the manual

    GEN2-4237
  • Feature:

    User IO Panel

    GEN2-4126
  • Feature:

    View slave EEPROM values using a read-only EEPROM Editor

    GEN2-4307
  • Feature:

    File Import/Export Pin Configuration in User IO Panel

    GEN2-4408
  • Feature:

    Export firmware variables for MagnaCTRL User IO Panel (Pins)

    GEN2-4419
  • Maintenance:

    Move GUI (QT/Pyside6) to newest LTS release

    GEN2-4199

Test & Cal Suite (Internal) 0.048

  • Changed:

    Refactor temperature measurement signals for change in MagnaLINK Msg05

    GEN2-4406
  • Improved:

    Masking fault status register

    GEN2-3852
  • Feature:

    Conditional tests for efficiency and power factor measurements

    GEN2-4375
  • Improved:

    Fix VO+ and IO+ labels in test report

    GEN2-4363
  • Improved:

    DC input/output isolation measurement

    GEN2-4416
  • Improved:

    Include line-ground hipot as standard test on UL products

    GEN2-4320, GEN2-4409
  • Improved:

    Add CANopen and Modbus TCP/IP to system tests

    GEN2-4366, GEN2-4361
  • Improved:

    Ground continuity check using traceable metering

    GEN2-4387
  • Improved:

    Industrial Communications Test Server for EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET

    GEN2-4361
Jun 04, 2024

CANopen Documentation, Reset Command, MagnaCTRL System Control

Firmware xGen 0.069

  • Feature:

    Master-slave support For MagnaCTRL

    GEN2-4284
  • Feature:

    Implement temperature measurement and trip on primary-side of main transformer

    GEN2-4331
  • Fixed:

    Block master from updating external slave units

    GEN2-4283
  • Fixed:

    Invalid system rating fault for modules in a rack

    GEN2-4335
  • Fixed:

    MagnaLINK PortB framing error when pressing STOP on master-slave configurations

    GEN2-4346
  • Fixed:

    Values on EEPROM page boundaries having read corruptions

    GEN-4391, GEN2-4395
  • Maintenance:

    Change encoding to UTF-8 for Python enum files

    GEN2-4357
  • Deprecated:

    Disable negative voltage under voltage trip until negative values trip points are implemented

    GEN2-4384

Communications SCPI

  • Feature:

    Added VOLT:MAX and CURR:MAX commands

    GEN2-4215
  • Feature:

    Added SCPI Reboot Command, SYSTem:REBoot

    GEN2-4225
  • Changed:

    Expand STAT:QUES:COND? bits to include critical MagnaDC faults

    GEN2-4265

Communications EtherNet/IP

  • Improved:

    Convert UINT32 to SINT32 integer for EIP commands

    GEN2-3496

Test & Cal Suite (Internal) 0.047

  • Feature:

    Calculate program SLx EEPROM values based on order data

    GEN2-3802
  • Feature:

    Add line-to-ground dielectric withstand test for UL compliance

    GEN2-4323
  • Improved:

    Test for analog output measurement accuracy

    GEN2-4079
  • Improved:

    Test for open circuit stability

    GEN2-4358
  • Fixed:

    Install Custom WHL for SEEEDSTUDIO for CANopen testing

    GEN2-4364
  • Fixed:

    Fix Modbus TCP TearDown method

    GEN2-4353
  • Fixed:

    Revise chopper current offset calibration

    GEN2-4349
  • Changed:

    Increase allowed ripple limit after high-line stress test

    GEN2-4371
  • Changed:

    Increase allowed error in chopper current sharing test

    GEN2-4373

MagnaCTRL 0.004

  • Security:

    Use code signing certificate for creating MSI installer

    DEVOP-304
  • Feature:

    Freeze top bar UI components on scrolling

    GEN2-4011
  • Feature:

    Connect and control master-slave systems

    GEN2-4284
  • Feature:

    Show if product is configured as standalone or as master-slave in Product Explorer

    GEN2-4309
  • Feature:

    Display connected products as standalone or master-slave in Product Explorer

    GEN2-4309
  • Feature:

    Implement slave-module EEPROM patching

    GEN2-4360
  • Fixed:

    Scale trip and slew rate messages by their system ratings

    GEN2-4286
Mar 22, 2024

Multi-Module Rack System Bug Fix

Snapshot 60 is a minor bug fix to address a few system rating issues affecting multi-module racks from the ALx Series. 7 development tickets were closed with this release.

Firmware xGen 0.068

  • Fixed:

    Introduction to system ratings causing multi-module systems (e.g. ALx racks) to fault.

    GEN2-4335

MagnaCTRL 0.003

  • Fixed:

    Prevent user from operating product when EEPROM is patching/

    GEN2-4321
  • Fixed:

    Program was freezing during initialization due to wrong logic in the Message Scheduler.

    GEN2-4330

Test & Cal Suite (Internal) 0.046

  • Fixed:

    Selected correct firmware when gaps in versions.

    GEN2-4318
  • Feature:

    Add calibration routines for Line Phase Loss.

    GEN2-4316
Mar 12, 2024

Master-Slaving, Unified Codebase, Feature Masking

This release merges the control hardware and codebase between the SLx Series digital power supply and ALx Series electronic load, enabling feature and release parity. The SLx Series gets master-slave control and now the xGen products feature System Ratings, which are aggregate ratings across a master-slave system. Finally, a new feature masking capability was introducing, allowing select product features to be disabled by EEPROM patch through MagnaCTRL. 39 development tickets were closed with this release. 

Firmware xGen 0.067

  • Feature:

    Master-slave functionality

    GEN2-4289, GEN2-4211, GEN2-4166
  • Feature:

    Mask faults via Magna-Power provided EEPROM patches

    GEN2-4249
  • Feature:

    Measure local current when in multi-module and in master-slave operation

    GEN2-4056 (23080R42)
  • Feature:

    Setup and configure master-slave from the front panel menu system

    GEN2-4165, GEN2-4219
  • Feature:

    Include aggregate system ratings in the about menu

    GEN2-4168
  • Fixed:

    Eliminate fan fault under certain start-up/set-point conditions

    GEN2-4144
  • Improved:

    System faults when slave(s) communications are severed

    GEN2-2722
  • Improved:

    Factory programmable voltage levels for low AC-line fault

    GEN2-4208
  • Improved:

    Automatically dim VFD and LED to extend their life, when not in use

    GEN2-4056

Test & Cal Suite (Internal) 0.045

  • Improved:

    Catch condition where thermal couple readout is low

    GEN2-4297

Documentation 0.25

  • Improved:

    Expansion and clarification of industrial communication protocols

    GEN2-4106

Communications NI LabVIEW Driver 1.0.0

  • Feature:

    LabVIEW drivers for xGen MagnaDC approved by NI

    GEN2-3971
  • Feature:

    Added Lock

    GEN2-4169
  • Fixed:

    Measure signal and control ordering

    GEN2-3542, GEN2-3144
  • Fixed:

    Voltage and current reads timed out after *RST

    GEN2-4171
  • Improved:

    Add driver installation instructions to README

    GEN2-3380
  • Maintenance:

    Re-organize file naming for multiple product families and generations

    GEN2-4170

MagnaCTRL 0.002

  • Feature:

    Implement system ratings in menus and number scalings

    GEN2-4285
  • Fixed:

    Reduce screen buffer size for logs to conserve memory

    GEN2-4305
  • Fixed:

    Save log file in the application path

    GEN2-4298
Parth Desai and Andrew Heater in Magna-Power's product validation lab performing long-term SLx Series master-slave testing.
Parth Desai and Andrew Heater in Magna-Power's product validation lab performing long-term SLx Series master-slave testing.
Feb 02, 2024

MagnaCTRL Launch, Communication Updates and Additional Protections

A major release bringing the first release of MagnaCTRL software, Magna-Power's next-generation software platform, as well as many new communication features. In addition, this release lays the groundwork for the upcoming master-slave firmware update, by introducing "System Ratings," which will be used for aggregated ratings across multiple products. More than 400 development tickets closed with this release. 

Communications 0.058

  • Feature:

    Added EtherNet/IP EPS driver, which includes all commands both implicit and explicit, and EtherNet/IP UDT drivers for Input/Output Assemblies.

    GEN2-3476, GEN2-3477
  • Feature:

    Show MAC address on front panel for industrial communication options.

    GEN2-3438, GEN2-3323

Firmware xGen 0.065

  • Feature:

    Monitor temperature on output capacitors, which could be caused by excessive load ripple, protecting them from premature failure.

    GEN2-3141, ENG-4692
  • Feature:

    Added Programming Line Fault detection, which triggers if User I/O signals exceed 110% of maximum allowed value.

    GEN2-3131, GEN2-3332
  • Feature:

    Fan control and monitoring improvements with PWM control, tachometer feedback, and rotor fault

    GEN2-3683, ENG-5051, GEN2-4093
  • Feature:

    Gain scheduling on inner chopper feedback compensator for improved ripple and stability under various loads.

    GEN2-3907, GEN2-3896
  • Feature:

    Maximum slew rate now user/factory programmable in EPROM, laying groundwork for High Slew Rate (+HS) option.

    GEN2-3962
  • Feature:

    Added chopper stage hard and resetting soft trip states (burp mode)

    GEN2-4044
  • Fixed:

    Disable Modbus protocol when other LXI and industrial interfaces are active. Modbus available for standard USB and RS485 interfaces only. 

    GEN2-2974
  • Fixed:

    Master and slave instantaneous current matching.

    GEN2-2786, GEN2-3229, ENG-2086 (23080R42)
  • Fixed:

    Stability improvement for front panel firmware upgrades.

    GEN2-3593, GEN2-3874
  • Fixed:

    Switching to Function Generator now retains set points.

    GEN-3858
  • Fixed:

    Independent fault timers for handling simultaneous faulting.

    GEN2-3916
  • Improved:

    Completed syntax for SCPI query SYSTem:ERRor[:NEXT]?

    GEN2-4176
  • Improved:

    Front panel status messages now vary between MagnaDC and MagnaLOAD products.

    GEN2-3942
  • Improved:

    Expand status register to 64 bits.

    GEN2-2958, GEN2-3777, GEN2-3866
  • Improved:

    Modifications to EEPROM read/write settings and visibility to allow editing EEPROM in MagnaCTRL.

    GEN2-3704
  • Changed:

    Aggregate temperature faults, create soft and hard fault groups in STAT:QUES:COND?

    GEN2-4186

MagnaCTRL 0.001

  • Feature:

    Initial release of MagnaCTRL for SLx Series with core functionality, including: dashboard with multi-product control, EPROM editor, firmware update, and product explorer. 

    GEN2-3579

Documentation 0.002

  • Feature:

    Added out of regulation and below minimum voltage faults.

    GEN2-3441
  • Feature:

    Added EtherNet/IP documentation with full command list for Implicit/Explicit messaging.

    GEN2-3252
  • Fixed:

    Corrected parameter order for SCPI Command SCPI CONF:CONT. 1 (Current) | 2 (Voltage) | 3 (Power) | 4 (Resistance) | 5 (Rheostat) | 6 (Shunt Regulator)

    GEN2-3143
  • Improved:

    Updated Remote Sense documentation for revised functionality.

    GEN2-3439
  • Removed:

    IEEE-488 GPIB now documented only for ALx Series MagnaLOADs and Gen1 products.

    GEN2-4175
MagnaCTRL user-configurable dashboard with multi-product control.
MagnaCTRL user-configurable dashboard with multi-product control.
MagnaCTRL EPROM Editor.
MagnaCTRL EPROM Editor.
Dec 15, 2023

Extended Reporting for Test & Cal and MagnaWEB Bug

A minor update primarily for the internal testing tools. Many behind-the-scenes updates to unify xGen testing among SLx Series, ALx Series and DBx Module. 30 development tickets were closed with this release.

MagnaWEB 0.44

  • Fixed:

    Overflowing serial buffer on MagnaWEB communications drivers. Buffer now flushed before sending *IDN? query during protocol check.

    [GEN2-3898]

Test & Cal Suite (Internal) 0.43

  • Improved:

    Test report now generated for diagnostic test, for use in validation tickets

    [GEN2-3893]
  • Fixed:

    Test and store calibration records on replacement control boards.

    [GEN2-3823]
  • Changed:

    Created option to enable more intensive (conditional) testing on reworked products and repairs.

    [GEN2-4085]