Serie ALx
DC Electronic Load
- Size
- 3U to 24U
- Power
- 1.25 kW to 20 kW
- Manufactured
- USA
- Build-time
- 4-6 weeks
The ALx Series MagnaLOAD utilizes conventional linear MOSFET-based dissipative elements, allowing the series to achieve a very wide voltage-current operating range within the model’s maximum power rating. Using the same heat management innovations developed for Magna-Power’s high density programmable DC power supplies, the ALx Series’ conservative cooling ensures long product life with continuous full power operation in environments up to 50°C ambient operating temperature.
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Do more with MagnaLINK™ distributed digital control.
Precision control & measurement
DSP-driven precision from setpoint to point-of-load.
The SLx Series features Magna-Power's xGen MagnaLINK™ digital control platform, which uses a distributed network of DSPs and high-speed board-to-board communications utilizing an internally developed low-level communication protocol. Internal gain scheduling with field-tunable gains supports a broad range of load conditions.
- Voltage, current, and power control with 16-bit resolution.
- Programmable slew-rate controls.
- Native 100 ppm stability.
- Local, remote, and leadless voltage sensing for accurate point-of-load regulation.
Plug-and-play master-slaving
Scale power seamlessly with aggregate system ratings.
Dual MagnaLINK ports provide next-generation digital-hybrid master-slaving, so one unit can command a synchronized stack. Expand current capability by paralleling up to 16 units. A secondary current-sense connection feeds real-time analog current to the master for accurate aggregation and display.
- Parallel up to 16 units with simple inteface wiring.
- One setpoint; synchronized output and protections.
- Secondary current-sense feedback for accurate sharing.
- Auto-configuration and aggregate measurements to a single master display.
From lab scripts to factory PLCs, flexible programming & integration.
Software integration made easy
Readable commands, quick results—works with any language.
The SLx Series exposes a clear, text-based API with native SCPI and Modbus. Over 60 well-documented commands cover start/stop, set points for voltage, current & power, slew-rate control, high-accuracy measurements, and full configuration—so your scripts and systems go from proof-of-concept to production fast.
- SCPI and Modbus command sets with consistent behavior..
- Start/stop & protections: enable output, set trip limits, query status.
- High-accuracy reads: voltage, current, power, and sense feedback.
- Developer-driven documentation & examples.
import serial
magnaPower = serial.Serial(port='COM4', baudrate=115200)
magnaPower.write('*IDN?\n'.encode())
print magna_power.readline()
magnaPower.write('VOLT 0\n'.encode())
magnaPower.write('CURR 0\n'.encode())
magnaPower.write('OUTP:START\n'.encode())
magnaPower.write('VOLT 270\n'.encode())
currSetPoints = [50, 100, 150, 250]
for currSetPoint in currSetPoints:
print 'Setting Current to %s A' % currSetPoint
magnaPower.write('CURR {0}\n'.format(currSetPoint).encode())
magnaPower.write('MEAS:VOLT?\n'.encode())
print magnaPower.readline()
time.sleep(20)
magnaPower.write('OUTP:STOP\n'.encode())
magnaPower.close()
magna_power = serial('COM4', 'BaudRate', 115200);
fopen(magnaPower);
fprintf(magnaPower,'*IDN?');
idn = fscanf(magnaPower);
fprintf(magnaPower,'VOLT 0');
fprintf(magnaPower,'CURR 0');
fprintf(magnaPower,'OUTP:START');
fprintf(magnaPower,'VOLT 270');
for currSetPoint in [50, 100, 150, 250]
display('Setting Current to '+currSetPoint+' A');
fprintf(magnaPower, 'CURR '+currSetPoint);
fprintf(magnaPower,'MEAS:VOLT?');
display(fscanf(magnaPower));
pause(20);
end
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdint.h>
#include <string.h>
#include <windows.h>
int main()
{
printf("Opening connection.\n");
uint8_t recvBuffer[sizeof(uint8_t) * 256];
memset(recvBuffer, 0, 256);
// Choose the serial port name.
// COM ports higher than COM9 need the \\.\ prefix, which is written as
// "\\\\.\\" in C because we need to escape the backslashes.
const char* device = "\\\\.\\COM4";
// Choose the baud rate (bits per second).
uint32_t baud_rate = 115200;
HANDLE port = open_serial_port(device, baud_rate);
if (port == INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE) { return 1; }
char* scpiCmd = (char*)"*IDN?\n";
size_t cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
int result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
if (result < 0)
return -1;
result = read_port(port, recvBuffer, 256);
printf("Sent: %s\nReceived: %s\n", scpiCmd, recvBuffer);
scpiCmd = (char*)"VOLT 0\n";
cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
if (result < 0)
return -1;
scpiCmd = (char*)"CURR 0\n";
cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
if (result < 0)
return -1;
scpiCmd = (char*)"OUTP:START\n";
cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
if (result < 0)
return -1;
scpiCmd = (char*)"VOLT 270\n";
cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
if (result < 0)
return -1;
char setPoints[4][5] = {"50", "100", "150", "200"};
char setPointBuffer[40];
scpiCmd = (char*)"MEAS:VOLT?\n";
for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
{
sprintf(setPointBuffer, "CURR %s\n", setPoints[i]);
printf("Setting current to %s A\n", setPoints[i]);
cmdLen = strlen(setPointBuffer);
result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)setPointBuffer, cmdLen);
if (result < 0)
return -1;
memset(recvBuffer, 0, 256);
result = read_port(port, recvBuffer, 256);
printf("Received: %s\n", recvBuffer);
Sleep(20000); // 20000ms = 20s
}
scpiCmd = (char*)"OUTP:STOP\n";
cmdLen = strlen(scpiCmd);
result = write_port(port, (uint8_t*)scpiCmd, cmdLen);
if (result < 0)
return -1;
CloseHandle(port);
printf("Connection closed.\n");
return 0;
}
using System;
using System.IO.Ports;
using System.Threading;
namespace SerialCommunicationInCSharp
{
public class Program
{
static bool _continue;
static SerialPort serialPort;
public static void Main(string[] args)
{
Thread readThread = new Thread(Read);
Console.WriteLine("Opening connection.");
// Create a new SerialPort object with default settings.
serialPort = new SerialPort("COM4", 115200, Parity.None, 8, StopBits.One);
// Set the read/write timeouts
serialPort.ReadTimeout = 500;
serialPort.WriteTimeout = 500;
serialPort.Open();
_continue = true;
readThread.Start();
Console.WriteLine("Sending: *IDN?");
serialPort.WriteLine("*IDN?");
serialPort.WriteLine("VOLT 0");
serialPort.WriteLine("CURR 0");
serialPort.WriteLine("OUTP:START");
serialPort.WriteLine("VOLT 270");
string[] currSetPoints = { "50", "100", "150", "250" };
ß
for(int i = 0; i < currSetPoints.Length; i++)
{
serialPort.WriteLine(String.Format("'CURR {0}", currSetPoints[i]));
serialPort.WriteLine("MEAS:VOLT?");
Thread.Sleep(20000);
}
serialPort.WriteLine("OUTP:STOP");
Console.WriteLine("Closing connection.");
_continue = false;
serialPort.Close();
}
public static void Read()
{
while (_continue)
{
try
{
string message = serialPort.ReadLine();
Console.WriteLine("Received: " + message);
}
catch (TimeoutException) { }
}
}
}
}
External User I/O
Flexible isolated analog-digital controls.
All SLx Series power supplies come standard with a 26-pin D-Sub connector designated as the External User I/O. This connector provides:
- 8 Digital Outputs (5V logic)
- 4 Digital Inputs (5V logic)
- 4 Analog Outputs (0-10V logic)
- 4 Analog Inputs (0-10V logic)
The External User I/O is isolated from the output terminals and referenced to earth ground. The connector’s pins are user configurable, allowing users to select the functions needed in their application, while providing future capability for new features. Use the digital outputs to integrate the power supply with, for example, external enable signals or digital fault monitoring logic, or monitor voltage-current using the analog 0-10V outputs. A dedicated high-speed analog input is also provided, sampled at 2 kHz for near real-time control.
Industrial communications & control
From lab networks to PLCs—integrate on your terms.
The Series ships ready to connect with dual USB (front & rear) and RS485, with support for SCPI and Modbus. For networks and factory automation, choose fully integrated options with Modbus support, thorough docs—and device description files to speed PLC setup and tag mapping.
- Standard dual USB (front + rear) and RS485.
- TCP/IP networking with LXI TCP/IP Ethernet (+LXI) option
- PLC fieldbuses options: CANopen (+CAN), EtherCAT (+ECAT), EtherNet/IP (+EIP), Modbus-TCP (+MTCP), PROFINET (+PROF).
- Device files included: EDS (CANopen/EtherNet/IP), ESI XML (EtherCAT), GSDML (PROFINET) for quick PLC integration.
- Full command documentation, examples, and diagnostics.
Included MagnaCTRL software
Multi-product dashboard control, diagnostics, and updates—out of the box.
MagnaCTRL is a modern, multi-product control platform included with xGen products. Build dashboards, configure I/O, run updates, and access deep diagnostics—all from one app.
- Configurable dashboard: add/arrange widgets to monitor and control multiple connected units.
- Product Explorer: auto-detect devices, save connections, and auto-reconnect in future sessions.
- External User I/O panel: map 26-pin I/O, export/import pin maps for fast deployments.
- Firmware/software updates: detect new releases automatically; perform manual updates offline if needed (see Changelog)
- Calibration tools: adjust programming/measurement gains/offsets; with guidance, tune control-loop gains.
- Data logging: Graphical output and .csv logging of voltage, current and power measurements and settings over time
State-of-the-art USA manufacturing with worldwide support
Made in the USA
Vertically integrated manufacturing for full quality control.
Magna-Power products are designed, built, tested, and serviced at Magna-Power’s 73,500 sq-ft headquarters in Flemington, New Jersey, where metalwork, magnetics, PCB assembly, and burn-in are all done in-house for tight control over quality, cost, and lead-time.
- USA-built: Engineering, manufacturing, and service under one roof.
- In-house production: Metalwork, magnetics, SMT PCBs, and finishes.
- Proven reliability: Every unit fully tested, calibrated, and burned in.
Worldwide service & OEM parts support
Factory expertise, local response.
Magna-Power backs its products with factory and authorized service centers across North America, Europe, the UK, Asia-Pacific, East Asia, and South America—using factory procedures and genuine parts to restore units to original specifications, in or out of warranty.
- Global coverage: HQ in New Jersey plus regional authorized service centers.
- Consistent repairs: Factory diagnostics, work instructions, and system diagrams.
- Genuine OEM parts: Tested replacement assemblies for predictable, low-downtime service.
Model Ordering Guide
For both ordering and production, ALx Series models are uniquely defined by several key characteristics, as defined by the following diagram:
ALx Series Models
There are 27 different models in the ALx Series spanning power levels: 1.25 kW, 2.5 kW, 5 kW, 7.5 kW, 10 kW, 12.5 kW, 15 kW, 17.5 kW, 20 kW. To determine the appropriate model:
- Select the desired Max Voltage (Vdc) from the left-most column.
- Select the desired Max Current (Adc) from the same row that contains your desired Max Voltage.
- Construct your model number according to the model ordering guide.
| Model | Max Power | Max Voltage | Max Current | Package Type | Min Voltage | Max Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALx1.25-200-300 | 1.25 kW | 200 Vdc | 300 Adc | Rack-mount | 2.5 Vdc | 70.40 Ω |
| ALx1.25-500-125 | 1.25 kW | 500 Vdc | 125 Adc | Rack-mount | 6.0 Vdc | 448.00 Ω |
| ALx1.25-1000-37.5 | 1.25 kW | 1000 Vdc | 37.5 Adc | Rack-mount | 7.5 Vdc | 1792.00 Ω |
| ALx2.5-200-600 | 2.5 kW | 200 Vdc | 600 Adc | Rack-mount | 2.5 Vdc | 70.40 Ω |
| ALx2.5-500-250 | 2.5 kW | 500 Vdc | 250 Adc | Rack-mount | 6.0 Vdc | 448.00 Ω |
| ALx2.5-1000-75 | 2.5 kW | 1000 Vdc | 75 Adc | Rack-mount | 7.5 Vdc | 1792.00 Ω |
| ALx5-200-1200 | 5 kW | 200 Vdc | 1200 Adc | Floor-standing | 2.5 Vdc | 35.20 Ω |
| ALx5-500-500 | 5 kW | 500 Vdc | 500 Adc | Floor-standing | 6.0 Vdc | 224.00 Ω |
| ALx5-1000-150 | 5 kW | 1000 Vdc | 150 Adc | Floor-standing | 7.5 Vdc | 896.00 Ω |
| ALx7.5-200-1800 | 7.5 kW | 200 Vdc | 1800 Adc | Floor-standing | 2.5 Vdc | 23.47 Ω |
| ALx7.5-500-750 | 7.5 kW | 500 Vdc | 750 Adc | Floor-standing | 6.0 Vdc | 149.33 Ω |
| ALx7.5-1000-225 | 7.5 kW | 1000 Vdc | 225 Adc | Floor-standing | 7.5 Vdc | 597.33 Ω |
| ALx10-200-2400 | 10 kW | 200 Vdc | 2400 Adc | Floor-standing | 2.5 Vdc | 17.60 Ω |
| ALx10-500-1000 | 10 kW | 500 Vdc | 1000 Adc | Floor-standing | 6.0 Vdc | 112.00 Ω |
| ALx10-1000-300 | 10 kW | 1000 Vdc | 300 Adc | Floor-standing | 7.5 Vdc | 448.00 Ω |
| ALx12.5-200-3000 | 12.5 kW | 200 Vdc | 3000 Adc | Floor-standing | 2.5 Vdc | 14.08 Ω |
| ALx12.5-500-1250 | 12.5 kW | 500 Vdc | 1250 Adc | Floor-standing | 6.0 Vdc | 89.60 Ω |
| ALx12.5-1000-375 | 12.5 kW | 1000 Vdc | 375 Adc | Floor-standing | 7.5 Vdc | 358.40 Ω |
| ALx15-200-3600 | 15 kW | 200 Vdc | 3600 Adc | Floor-standing | 2.5 Vdc | 11.73 Ω |
| ALx15-500-1500 | 15 kW | 500 Vdc | 1500 Adc | Floor-standing | 6.0 Vdc | 74.67 Ω |
| ALx15-1000-450 | 15 kW | 1000 Vdc | 450 Adc | Floor-standing | 7.5 Vdc | 298.67 Ω |
| ALx17.5-200-4200 | 17.5 kW | 200 Vdc | 4200 Adc | Floor-standing | 2.5 Vdc | 10.06 Ω |
| ALx17.5-500-1750 | 17.5 kW | 500 Vdc | 1750 Adc | Floor-standing | 6.0 Vdc | 64.00 Ω |
| ALx17.5-1000-525 | 17.5 kW | 1000 Vdc | 525 Adc | Floor-standing | 7.5 Vdc | 256.00 Ω |
| ALx20-200-4800 | 20 kW | 200 Vdc | 4800 Adc | Floor-standing | 2.5 Vdc | 8.80 Ω |
| ALx20-500-2000 | 20 kW | 500 Vdc | 2000 Adc | Floor-standing | 6.0 Vdc | 56.00 Ω |
| ALx20-1000-600 | 20 kW | 1000 Vdc | 600 Adc | Floor-standing | 7.5 Vdc | 224.00 Ω |
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise noted, all specifications measured at the product's maximum ratings.
AC Input Specifications
200-240 Vac (UI2: Universal Input 2); Available on 20 kW Models
Programming Interface Specifications
USB Host (Rear): Type B
RS485 (Rear): RJ-45
MagnaLINK™: RJ-25 x 2
GPIB (Rear): IEEE-488
Referenced to Earth ground; isolated from the DC input
See User Manual for pin layout
Programming Specifications
Current: ±0.2% of full scale current rating
Power: ±0.3% of full scale power rating
Resistance: ±0.3% of full scale resistance rating
Current Mode: 2 ms, 10% to 90% full scale current rating
Power Mode: 100 ms, 10% to 90% full scale power rating
Resistance Mode: 200 ms, 10% to 90% full scale resistance rating
Under Voltage: 0% to 110% of full scale voltage rating
Over Current: 10% to 110% of full scale current rating
Over Power: 10% to 110% of full scale power rating
External User I/O Specifications
Digital Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Digital Monitoring Voltage: 5V, 32 mA capacity
Digital Reference Voltage: 5V, 20 mA capacity
Analog Programming Voltage: 0-10 V
Analog Programming Resolution: 12-bit, 0.025%
Analog Monitoring Voltage: 0-10 V, 3 mA capacity
Analog Monitoring Impedance: 0.005 Ω
Analog Monitoring Accuracy: 0.05% of full scale
Analog Reference Voltage: 10 V, 20 mA capacity
Physical Specifications
5.25” H x 19” W x 24” D (13.34 x 48.26 x 60.96 cm)
40 lbs (18.1 kg)
5.25” H x 19” W x 24” D (13.34 x 48.26 x 60.96 cm)
65 lbs (29.5 kg)
30.7” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (78.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
255 lbs (115.7 kg)
30.7” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (78.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
320 lbs (145.2 kg)
30.7” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (78.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
385 lbs (174.6 kg)
58.25” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (148.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
500 lbs (226.8 kg)
58.25” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (148.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
565 lbs (256.3 kg)
58.25” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (148.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
630 lbs (285.8 kg)
58.25” H x 24” W x 31.5” D (148.0 x 61.0 x 80.0 cm)
695 lbs (315.3 kg)
Environmental Specifications
Regulatory Specifications
CISPR 22 / EN 55022 Class A
CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1:12; A1:2018
UL 61010-1:Ed.3,2012(R2019)
The following are vectorized diagrams for the ALx Series. Refer to the Downloads section for downloadable drawings.
Integrated Options
Standard integrated options are available for Magna-Power products, allowing the product's performance and communication interfaces to be tailors to the specific application.
- Option
- +CAN
- Option
- +ECAT
- Option
- +EIP
- Option
- +LXI
- Option
- +MTCP
Accessories
External accessories and integration services available for this product.