Magna-Power ALx20-500-2000 – ALx Series DC Electronic Load (20kW, 500V, 2000A)

The Magna-Power ALx20-500-2000 is an ALx series DC Electronic Load with the following characteristics:

• Max power: 20kW
• Maximum voltage: 500Vdc
• Maximum current: 2000Adc

The ALx Series MagnaLOAD utilizes conventional linear MOSFET-base 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.

The ALx Series uses MOSFETs for power dissipation, delivering among the industry’s widest full-power operating for its product class. The ALx Series uses MOSFETs operated in the linear region to allow full power and full control over the entire VA rating of the product.

MOSFETs are specifically selected based on their ability to operate in the linear region and have safe operating curves well below the maximum power rating when used as an electronic switch. Control circuitry for ALx Series MagnaLOAD is operated in a closed loop to linearize the response. Each MOSFET device produces a load current defined by VC/Rn. Closed loop amplifiers enable multiple MOSFETs to share load current equally.

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

Preference for DC regulation is given to the parameter in the selected mode within the programmed set-points. Using the MagnaLOAD set-points and trip settings, the product can configure 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.

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 Outputs
• 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.

Magna-Power’s next-generation software interface, MagnaWEB, provides intuitive and user-friendly web-browser-based controls for programming and measurement read-back of the MagnaLOAD’s activity. Virtually all of MagnaLOAD’s available functions can be controlled and monitored from the MagnaWEB software over any of the product’s installed communication interfaces.

MagnaWEB uses a server-client software model to provide access to the MagnaLOAD from nearly any device and operating system. Install and run the MagnaWEB software locally on Windows then, using a web browser, access the server connected to the MagnaLOAD from a variety of devices including other desktops, tablets, or smartphones.

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

Use the following ordering guide and chart to define the best model for your application.

The following are standard integrated options available for the ALx Series. These can be selected for each model from the dropdown menu at the top of this page.

Magna-Power has designed its EtherCAT (+ECAT) option to allow for seamless integration into a variety of automation and industrial environments. The following are some of the key features of Magna-Power’s +ECAT option:

• Support for EtherCAT protocol and Ethernet over EtherCAT
• Support for the product’s full command set
• Extensive HTML- and PDF-based documentation, detailing connection setup and commands
• Dual RJ-45 connectors with bi-color activity and error LEDs

Magna-Power has designed its EtherNet/IP (+EIP) option to allow for seamless integration into Allen Bardley, Schneider Electric, and Omron PLCs. The following are some of the key features of Magna-Power’s +EIP option:

• Support for the product’s full command set
• Extensive HTML- and PDF-based documentation, detailing connection setup and commands
• Dual RJ-45 connectors with bi-color activity and error LEDs
• Magna-Power developed an electronic data sheet (EDS) for device discovery and network setup
• Hosted an EtherNet/IP web page for easily accessing local network settings, device parameters, and operation status

MagnaLOAD DC electronic load products are available with an optional IEEE-488 GPIB interface. When specified at the time of order, an IEEE-488 GPIB interface module is installed internally, providing an embedded IEEE-488 GPIB port available for communications. 

Certified to the LXI Standard (Class C), version 1.4, this option allows the product to be fully controlled over an integrated TCP/IP Ethernet interface. LXI is an instrumentation platform based on industry-standard Ethernet technology designed to provide modularity, flexibility, and performance to small- and medium-sized systems. All of the product’s standard SCPI commands are supported over the +LXI option, along with all provided software and drivers.

LXI’s advantages are exemplified in its compact, flexible package providing high-speed I/O and reliable measurements. The Magna-Power Electronics LXI TCP/IP Ethernet option includes an embedded web-server, allowing web browser power supply control and monitoring from virtually anywhere.

Note: only the SCPI command protocol is available when the LXI TCP/IP Ethernet interface is installed. Modbus communication protocol is not available through any interface when the LXI TCP/IP Ethernet interface is installed.

Magna-Power has designed its Modbus-TCP (+MTCP) option to allow for seamless integration into a variety of automation and industrial environments. The following are some of the key features for Magna-Power’s +MTCP option:

• Support for the product’s full command set as Modbus commands
• Extensive HTML- and PDF-based documentation for all the commands and interfacing
• Dual RJ-45 connectors with bi-color activity and error LEDs

Magna-Power has designed its PROFINET (+PROF) option to allow for seamless integration into Siemens PLCs. The following are some key features for the Magna-Power +PROF option:

• Support for the product’s full command set
• Extensive HTML- and PDF-based documentation, detailing connection setup and commands
• Dual RJ-45 connectors with bi-color activity and error LEDs