CORTEXSeries
Regenerative AC Power Source
Bidirectional AC Platform for Input and Output Validation

High Dynamic Performance and Output Accuracy

The CORTEX Programmable AC Power Source is engineered for applications where fast dynamic behavior and precise output control are critical. Across its model range, including HF and SHF variants, the system delivers a wide operating bandwidth of up to 5 kHz, enabling accurate generation of rapidly changing AC waveforms without compromising stability.

High output accuracy of ±(0.01% + 0.05%) F.S. combined with a fine voltage resolution of 0.01 V ensures repeatable and reliable setting of voltage and frequency parameters. With a voltage slew rate of up to 3 V/μs, CORTEX can impose fast voltage transitions, allowing engineers to evaluate DUT response under rapid voltage variation and dynamic operating conditions with a high degree of fidelity.

Four-Quadrant Bidirectional Operation with Automatic Source–Load Switching

CORTEX integrates four-quadrant operation capability, which stands for its versatile function of switching seamlessly between AC source and electronic load modes from a single bench. The mode transition is automatic in correspondence to the DUT's operating states and offers a more compact bench setup approach compared to the conventional one where additional load equipment is necessary.

When operating in load mode, CORTEX returns the power sunk from the DUT towards the facility power network through its regenerative architecture instead of dissipating it as heat. Benefiting from such a feature, the laboratory setup waives the essentialness of integrating heat management and reduces thermal stress on the test bench. This bidirectional power flow capability enables accurate evaluation of DUT behavior under operating conditions where energy exchange reverses dynamically, while maintaining stable control and high system efficiency.

Versatile Working Mode Supporting both AC & DC Output

CORTEX works beyond the given pattern of an AC source-load yet  further supports the function of superimposing a controlled DC component over its AC output waveform. Extending from this feature, the unit can operate in pure AC, pure DC, and composite AC+DC output modes, with which the DUT can be validated in terms of its thermal performance, control stability, and protection response against non-ideal operating conditions caused by asymmetric switching, rectification effects, and magnetic bias as if in power electronic systems.

From a test bench perspective, such a feature enables controlled assessment of thermal behavior, control stability, and protection response under non-ideal but realistic operating conditions.

Modular Rack-Mount Architecture with Parallel Scalability

The rack-mount architecture of CORTEX and 3U module size accommodate the integration into standard 19-inch, 42U rack configuration through paralleled connection where ten modules of them together, with each one's power rated at 22 kVA, achieve power expansion up to 220 kVA.

The parallel operation is coordinated via fiber-optic communication that mitigates the degradation of performance as power scales, meanwhile the built-in module redundancy further enhances system reliability for extended high-power test bench operation.

Built-In Linear and Non-Linear Load Emulation Capabilities

The CORTEX series integrates both linear and non-linear load emulation within a single platform, enabling flexible device-level testing without external load hardware. For linear load testing, it provides up to 12 built-in RLC network models with adjustable parameters, supporting accurate representation of resistive, inductive, and capacitive load characteristics under single-phase and three-phase balanced or unbalanced conditions.

In non-linear load mode, CORTEX can generate typical distorted load profiles, including 2-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-pulse loads, as well as half-wave, leading-edge, and trailing-edge waveforms. An adjustable crest factor from 1.414 to 5 allows engineers to verify DUT performance under non-sinusoidal current conditions. Seamless source–load mode switching further simplifies ATE configuration and enables comprehensive evaluation of power-electronic devices under realistic load behaviors.

Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) Ready with High Bandwidth Response

Dynamics, power amplifications, and interface integration capabilities are what matter for Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) testing scenarios. CORTEX is characterized by its capability of offering 10 kHZ small signal bandwidth and 2 kHZ for large signal one, with a fast response time of 70 μs only, which are advanced specifications that achieve the accurate real-time power amplification between digital simulations or controllers and the DUT.

With continuous output capability from DC up to 5 kHz, CORTEX supports realistic reproduction of fast voltage variations, dynamic load interactions, and transient electrical events. Testing applications and scenarios, especially where the control algorithms and hardware are built on the foundation of 400 Hz systems, may benefit from CORTEX's high-dynamic and response feature for laboratory and industrial power testing platforms and environments.

Built-In Standard Waveforms for Compliance-Oriented Testing

CORTEX AC integrates a library of predefined standard waveforms directly into its control interface, allowing test engineers to execute regulation-referenced test profiles without manual waveform construction. These built-in waveforms streamline test setup, reduce configuration errors, and improve repeatability across laboratory and production environments.

In addition to standard selections, CORTEX supports user-defined waveform programming through List, Wave, Step, Pulse, and Advanced modes, enabling flexible sequencing and customization up to 100 harmonic orders. Both application-specific and compliance-oriented testing scenarios have their test bench setup process practically facilitated with the combination of ready-to-use standards and advanced programmability options.

Built-In Standard Waveforms

• IEC 61000-4-11: Voltage dips and interruptions, 90° @ Class 2 / 50 Hz
• IEC 61000-4-13: Non-triplen odd harmonics @ Class 3 / 50 Hz
• IEC 61000-4-14: Voltage fluctuations +20% / −30%, 0.2 s @ Class 3 / 50 Hz
• IEC 61000-4-17: DC ripple voltage @ Class 3
• IEC 61000-4-27: Voltage unbalance @ Class 3
• IEC 61000-4-28: Power frequency variation @ Class 4
• IEC 61000-4-29: DC voltage interruption

Advanced Programming Capability for Complex Anomalies Replications

CORTEX AC power source offers advanced waveform programming capabilities, including precise phase control, harmonic generation, and intermittent waveform injection. These functions enable repeatable construction of distorted, unbalanced, or transient power conditions for detailed device-level testing of power-electronic hardware and control algorithms.

For applications involving utility-grid behavior, grid-code compliance testing, or higher power requirements, please refer to the TITAN series regenerative grid simulator.