PPST Solutions has expanded its AI data center power testing portfolio to cover 800 V DC architectures, adding the EA-ELR 21000 Dynamic Test System from EA Elektro-Automatik (a division of Tektronix). The move extends PPST’s test coverage from the AC utility interface through AC-DC conversion and into high-voltage DC distribution used in emerging AI power architectures.
The portfolio combines Pacific Power Source AC power sources, grid simulators, and regenerative AC loads with EA bidirectional DC power supplies and regenerative DC electronic loads. PPST frames the combined setup as a way to test “across the evolving AI data center power architecture,” spanning AC grid conditions, AC-DC power conversion, high-voltage DC distribution, 800 V DC systems, power shelves, 48–54 V and 12 V distribution, and AI server racks.
As rack power climbs, validating dynamic response and stability across the power chain gets harder, especially once operators start considering higher-voltage DC distribution. But the practical headache is often the test lab itself: sustained high-power testing can turn into a heat-management problem. PPST is leaning on regenerative AC and DC systems that return absorbed energy to the facility or grid rather than dumping it as heat, aiming to reduce both energy consumption and the cooling burden during long-duration tests.
800 V DC testing: EA-ELR 21000 scaling details
The EA-ELR 21000 Dynamic Test System targets high-power, high-dynamic testing for ±400 V and 800 V DC architectures. It uses 30 kW regenerative electronic load modules rated up to 1,000 V and 80 A, with systems scalable to 240 kW per rack and up to 1.92 MW of total test capacity.
AC grid simulation and conversion-chain validation
On the AC side, PPST points to Pacific Power Source AC RGS Series grid simulators for programmable voltage, frequency, and transient conditions, including voltage sag, swell, and interruption testing, ITIC curve testing, and three-phase conversion testing. PPST also describes combining programmable AC input simulation with DC loading for AC-DC supply testing, including conversion efficiency, dynamic load response, transient response, and endurance testing.
“AI data center power is evolving rapidly, and testing needs to evolve with it,” said Peter O’Brien, VP Americas Sales & Marketing at PPST Solutions. “By combining Pacific Power Source AC grid simulation with EA high-power DC sources and regenerative loads, PPST Solutions can support testing across the power conversion chain—from AC grid conditions through high-voltage DC distribution and down to the power levels serving AI compute.”
Source: PPST Solutions
