Bidirectional AC Source/Load
What is a bidirectional AC source/load?
A bidirectional AC source/load combines a programmable AC source and an electronic AC load in one test instrument.
In source mode (source operation), it defines voltage, frequency, waveform and phase angle; in sink mode (sink operation), it absorbs active power from the device under test. This function is required when an inverter, a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), a frequency converter or a grid-connected storage system not only draws energy but also feeds it back.
Bidirectional does not automatically mean regenerative: devices without a regenerative stage convert the absorbed energy into heat via internal load modules. Devices with regenerative feedback capability feed the energy absorbed in load operation back into the supply grid via internal power electronics.
A bidirectional AC source/load is suitable for development testing, end-of-line tests and quality testing of devices with changing energy flow.
Further information and suitable products can be found in our webshop in the category Electronic Loads.