CORTEX Series
Programmable Bidirectional DC Power Supply

30 kW per 3U High Power Density Architecture

The CORTEX Series is designed as a compact 3U bidirectional programmable DC power supply delivering up to 30 kW from a single rackmount module. Its high-density architecture integrates AC input conversion, DC bus transfer, bidirectional isolated DCDC conversion, output filtering, and digital control into a vertically stacked internal structure.

Inside the power module, the input filter board 22, PWM rectifier power board 23, PWM rectifier chopper board 24, bus transfer board 25, bidirectional DC/DC+BUCK power board 26, DCDC control board 27, output filter assembly 28, outer-loop control board 29, and inner-loop control board 210 are arranged in a compact 3U chassis 21. Such a architecture helps CORTEX achieve high power density while maintaining clear functional partitioning for cooling, assembly, and maintenance.

6.5-Digit Voltage and Current Measurement

CORTEX integrates a high-precision voltage and current measurement system with 6.5-digit resolution, reducing the need for external precision meters in many automated test setups. The high-fidelity measurement capability supports accurate DUT performance evaluation in applications such as battery testing, photovoltaic inverter validation, EV power electronics, and production quality control.

DMPS (Digital Matrix Parallel System) for Scalable Power

With DMPS, Digital Matrix Parallel System, multiple CORTEX units can be connected through high-speed fiber-optic communication for synchronized power expansion. The system supports scalable configurations up to 100 units and up to 3 MW total power.

For cabinet-level integration, CORTEX can deliver up to 240 kW in a standard 42U cabinet. The 19-inch rackmount structure follows standard cabinet integration practices and supports high-density multi-unit test systems.

Redundant Operation in Parallel Systems

In a configured parallel system, if a slave unit fails during operation, excluding output-side or AC-side protection events, the remaining units can redistribute current within the configured operating limits and continue the test process. This helps reduce downtime in long-duration reliability tests, burn-in systems, and production validation.

Auto-Ranging Capability

CORTEX DC power supply is an advanced DC source that can automatically adjust on its own the output voltage and current while maintaining its output power according to its rated level. The function extends is range of services in terms of testing scenarios to deliver its full maximum power output across wider combination ranges of voltage and current.

Alongside is a 2x2 grid of charts illustrating the arched operating envelopes of output voltage (Y-axis) versus output current (X-axis) for different product combinations:

• Top-Left: Shows PR0324 (green zone, ~200V-350V) and PR0224 (yellow zone, ~0V-200V). The low-voltage area allows the maximum current (±300A).
• Top-Right: Shows PR0618 (blue zone, high-voltage) and PR0518 (green zone, lower-voltage).
• Bottom-Left: Shows PR01008 (yellow zone, up to 1000V) and PR0808 (purple zone, up to 800V). The current range is restricted to ±100A.
• Bottom-Right: Shows ultra-high voltage models PR2006 (pink zone, up to 2000V) and PR1506 (yellow zone). The extremely high voltage restricts the allowable current to the lowest range (±60A).

Auto-Switching and Multiple Output Modes of CC, CV, CP, CR

CORTEX offers a flexible output mode switching thansk to which users are no longer required to pre-select a specific operating mode such as CV or CC as with those conventional programmable units. Rather, the mode switching with CORTEX DC is automatically realized based on user-defined target voltage and maximum current of the DUT against which the system automatically operates within these limits in either source or load mode and displays the active mode in real time. The function extends is range of services in terms of testing scenarios to deliver its full maximum power output across wider combination ranges of voltage and current.

CORTEX automatically realizes intelligent switching under Constant Voltage (CV), Constant Current (CC), and Constant Power (CP) modes based on \( P = U \times I \) for which the system maintains ontrolled parameter while allowing the others to vary with load conditions, and automatically transitions to the appropriate mode when any limit is reached to ensure safe and stable operation.

In Constant Resistance (CR) mode, the device maintains a programmed equivalent internal resistance, behaving like a voltage source with a series “virtual resistance.” This causes output voltage to drop with increasing current, enabling realistic power source emulation and load behavior evaluation.

\(U_\text{set} - U_\text{out} = I_\text{out} \times R_\text{Set} \)

Circuit Diagram for CR under Source Mode

\( U_\text{in} - U_\text{Set} = I_\text{in} \times R_\text{Set} \)

Circuit Diagram for CR under Load Mode

Battery Emulation Capability

The advanced programming capability of CORTEX bidirectional DC power supply lays the technical groundwork of its capability to simulate at complex and dynamic voltage and current response of a battery under various load conditions and state-of-charge. Along with a range of built-in battery type profiles, supported by its functional features, CORTEX is a valuable instrument for testing, developing, and validating battery-powered devices and systems without actually using a physical battery.

PV Simulation Capability

CORTEX is with ability to accurately simulate the electrical behaviour of a photovoltaic (PV) array and mimics the complex current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a solar panel under varying environmental conditions, serving as the DC source for testing, and validating solar inverters, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, and other solar energy systems without relying on actual solar panels and unpredictable weather conditions.

Internal Framework and Architecture of CORTEX Bidirectional DC Power Supply

The CORTEX internal layout separates high-power conversion, filtering, control, cooling, and input/output protection into defined functional zones. A central fan assembly divides the chassis into front and rear power sections, while insulated partitions and insulating members form multiple airflow channels for thermal management.

• [22]: input filter board
• [23]: PWM rectifier power board
• [24]: PWM rectifier chopper board
• [25]: bus transfer board
• [26]: bidirectional DCDC+BUCK power board
• [27]: bidirectional DCDC control board
• [28]: output filter assembly
• [29]: outer-loop control board
• [210]: inner-loop control board
• [213]: fan assembly
• [214]: insulating members / airflow partition structure

EV On-Board Charger, OBC, Testing

For EV on-board charger testing, CORTEX can operate as a programmable battery emulator on the DC output side of the charger by replicating battery terminal voltage under different SOC conditions while absorbing the charger’s output power through regenerative load operation.

Onboard charger is thus validated against different operation curve profiles, protection behaviour, abnormal voltage conditions, startup & shutdown behaviour, and communication-controlled charging strategies without relying on a physical battery pack.

Applicable testing standards, dependent on specifications and configurations:

• IEC 61851-1:2017：EV conductive charging system general requirements
• IEC 61851-21-1:2017：EV on-board charger EMC requirements
• ISO 15118-20:2022：vehicle-to-grid communication interface, includes bidirectional power transfer message requirements
• SAE J1772_202401：North America EV/PHEV conductive charging coupler requirements

EV Inverter DC Bus and Regenerative Braking Test

CORTEX can be used as a programmable DC bus emulator for EV traction inverter and motor drive testing. The bidirectional capability supports testing setup without adding separate braking resistors or oversized dissipative loads, with a single unit that supplies the inverter DC link during motoring operation and absorbs returned energy during regenerative braking or deceleration events.

Applicable testing standards, dependent on specifications and configurations:

• ISO 16750-2:2023：vehicle electrical load conditions
• ISO 6469-3:2021：electrical safety for electric propulsion systems
• IEC 62477-1:2022：power electronic converter system safety

PV Inverter and MPPT Testing

With solar array simulation capability, CORTEX can emulate photovoltaic array I-V characteristics under changing irradiance and temperature conditions. It provides a programmable DC source for testing PV inverters, MPPT algorithms, DC/DC optimizers, and solar energy conversion systems. Built-in EN 50530 and Sandia profiles allow repeatable MPPT validation without depending on outdoor solar panels, unstable sunlight, or weather conditions.

Applicable testing standards, dependent on specifications and configurations:

• IEC 62891:2020：MPPT efficiency measurement for grid-connected PV inverters
• EN 50530:2010+A1:2013：overall efficiency of grid-connected PV inverters, including static/dynamic MPPT efficiency
• IEC 61683:1999：PV power conditioner efficiency measurement
• IEEE 1547-2018 / IEEE 1547.1-2020：DER interconnection and conformance test procedures

Production Line Burn-in and End-of-Line Testing

For production burn-in and end-of-line testing, CORTEX provides a high-density programmable source/load platform for power modules, DC/DC converters, OBCs, inverters, and other DC power products. Its regenerative load operation helps reduce facility heat load and energy waste during long-duration testing. With rackmount integration, parallel expansion, and cabinet-level power scaling, CORTEX can be configured into automated test systems for high-throughput production validation.

Applicable testing standards, dependent on specifications and configurations:

• IEC 61010-1:2010+A1:2016：safety requirements for measurement, control, and laboratory equipment
• IEC 61326-1:2020：EMC requirements for measurement, control, and laboratory equipment
• IEC 61000-4-29:2000：DC voltage dips and interruptions immunity
• DUT-specific standards such as ISO 16750-2, IEC 62477-1, IEC 61851, IEC 62891, depending on the product under test