Bidirectional devices / Bidirectional Power Supplies

Bidirectional Power Supply means: power flow in both directions — to source and sink energy.

By combining a power source and an electronic load in a single unit, you get efficient, robust, and regenerative solutions for modern test tasks: from battery and energy-storage testing and DC grids to PV/inverter applications and e-mobility.

Explore the fundamentals, benefits, and use cases of bidirectional technologies below — along with our selection of bidirectional power supplies and suitable solutions from ITECH and KEWELL for laboratory use, validation, and ATE test benches.

➡️ Learn more about the technology – and discover what makes these devices special!

What is a bidirectional DC power supply?

A bidirectional DC power supply combines a source and a regenerative load in a single unit. It powers the device under test and feeds surplus energy back into the DC bus or the power grid in a controlled manner. This allows the system to reproduce charge/discharge profiles, battery tests, BMS validation, and battery simulation realistically—without a separate source and electronic load.

How does the technology work at its core?

Power converters form the technical basis. They convert AC↔DC and adjust voltage/current levels in both directions. In this way, they couple energy sources (e.g., battery, power supply, PV string) and loads (e.g., inverter, drive, DUT) in a compatible, efficient manner. Using profiles, sequences, and open interfaces (LAN/USB/GPIB), you can automate workflows and integrate the units seamlessly into ATE test systems—from the lab to end-of-line testing. Depending on requirements, the system operates in 2-quadrant or 4-quadrant mode.

Quadrant operation—briefly explained

In 2-quadrant mode, the system sources and sinks power at a fixed polarity—ideal for DC scenarios such as charging/discharging with the same sign convention. In 4-quadrant mode, it works with both polarities and both directions: voltage and current can change sign, for example in drive/regeneration tests, inverter testing, or grid transients.

What advantages does regenerative feedback offer in testing?

Based on the converter topology, the regenerative function returns absorbed energy with low losses. This reduces energy consumption and cooling effort, lowers the Total Cost of Test, and increases test stand availability. At the same time, integrating source and load saves rack space and speeds up test setup.

Which applications is the solution suited for?

Bidirectional power supplies that simulate load and grid profiles, perform cycling, and cover transients accelerate efficiency and lifetime testing. They are used in automotive electronics (e.g., on-board chargers, DC-DC converters, 12/48-V power nets), in energy storage/ESS, UPS systems, PV inverters, and in industrial electronics.

Which instruments fit my project?

Bidirectional supplies from ITECH and KEWELL cover a wide range of power and integration needs—from compact lab units to regenerative systems for validation and production testing.

Planning a project?

Tell us your voltage, current, power, and the required quadrant mode. We will recommend the right bidirectional DC power supply including accessories, interfaces, and system integration—for lab use, validation, and ATE test benches.