Modern test systems are getting more compact, but performance expectations continue to rise. Engineers demand higher power density, flexible voltage and current coverage, and intuitive control, all without sacrificing space or budget.
This is exactly why AMETEK Programmable power is introducing the Sorensen Asterion DC Half Rack Series – the same Asterion performance in a 1U half rack, 1.7kW package.
What Is the Asterion DC Half Rack Series?
The Asterion DC Half Rack Series (model prefix: ASH) is the newest member of the Sorensen Asterion platform. Until now, customers who wanted Asterion performance needed a full-rack, the new Asterion Half Rack Series changes that equation.
The Asterion Half Rack delivers up to 1.7 kW in a compact half rack form and gives engineers an efficient new option for:
- Spaceconstrained automated test equipment (ATE)
- Highdensity rack systems
- Benchtop validation and characterization
- Modular test platforms that need scalability over time
You get full Asterion capability, with half the rack width.
High Power Density Without Compromise
The Asterion DC Half Rack Series supports a wide operating range for modern test environments
Despite its compact size, the Asterion Half Rack delivers the same precision control, stability, and protection features found across the Asterion family.
The Half Rack is available in both fixed range and auto range configurations to match a wide variety of application needs.
Built on the Proven Asterion Platform
Although smaller in size, the Half Rack series is built on the same trusted Asterion architecture.
Key capabilities include:
- Intuitive front panel touchscreen with rotary encoder
- LXI LAN, USB and RS-232 standard communication interfaces with optional GPIB and EtherCAT
- Full remote control VIA DC Virtual Panels
- Multi-language display support
- Parallel capability for higher-power systems.
For existing Asterion users, the Half Rack integrates seamlessly into current workflows – no retraining required.
Designed for Rack Efficiency and System Growth
The halfrack form factor allows two supplies to be mounted sidebyside in a 1U rack space, instantly doubling power density compared to traditional fullrack layouts.
For growing test systems, this means:
- Higher rack utilisation
- Lower systemlevel cost
- Easier scaling as power requirements evolve
Whether deployed on the bench or integrated into multi-channel racks, the Asterion DC Half-Rack helps engineers do more with less space.
A Smarter Entry Point into Asterion
The Asterion DC HalfRack Series was designed as a more accessible entry point to the Asterion family—offering the same performance, control, and reliability at a lower overall system cost than higherpower fullrack solutions.
For customers who don’t need multikilowatt output—but won’t compromise accuracy or control—the HalfRack is the ideal solution.
7 Reasons to Choose the Asterion DC Half Rack
- Industry-Leading Power Density - 1.7 kW in a half rack 1U chassis; two units = 3.4 kW in 1U
- 50% Lighter - 14 lbs vs. 28 lbs for the full-rack 1.7 kW model
- Flexible Autoranging - autoranging models follow a constant-power curve for wider test coverage
- Simple Single-Phase Deployment - No 3-phase infrastructure required; plugs into standard lab outlets
- Full Asterion Ecosystem - Same touchscreen, Virtual Panels, communication interfaces, and protection suite
- Accessible entry into the Asterion Platform – Cost Effective way to standardize on asterion architecture.
- 5-Year Warranty - Backed by AMETEK Programmable Power industry-leading support and calibration services
The Asterion® DC HalfRack Series is now available for preorder, giving you early access to Asterionclass performance in a compact, spacesaving form factor.
Whether you’re designing a new test system or upgrading an existing rack, the HalfRack Series delivers a powerful combination of high power density, flexible autoranging, and singlephase simplicity—without compromising control or precision.
✔ Explore available voltage and current combinations
✔ Compare fixedrange and autoranging models
✔ Discuss rackmounting options and lead times
✔ Get application guidance from Asterion experts
👉 Contact your AMETEK Programmable Power sales representative today to request pricing, schedule a demo, or reserve your configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Sorensen Asterion DC Half Rack Series?
A: It is a 1.7 kW high-performance programmable DC power supply from AMETEK Programmable Power, housed in a compact half rack, 1U chassis. It offers 40 V to 600 V output voltage, DSP control, touchscreen interface, and standard LXI LAN/USB/RS232 communication.
Q: How is the Half Rack different from the full-rack Asterion DC?
A: The Half Rack is 50% narrower (8.43" vs. 19") and 50% lighter (14 lbs vs. 28 lbs). It supports 1.7 kW output with single-phase AC input only, whereas the full-rack series scales up to 10 kW and supports 3-phase input options. Both share the same Asterion platform, control interfaces, and protection features.
Q: Can I mount two Half Rack units in a standard 19-inch rack?
A: Yes. AMETEK offers a rackmounting kit that lets you mount two Half Rack units side-by-side in a single 1U slot, giving you 3.4 kW of independently controllable DC power in one rack unit.
Q: What are the autoranging models, and why should I consider them?
A: The autoranging models (ASH60-42AR, ASH200-17AR, ASH400-6AR) provide a constant-power output curve, meaning the full 1.7 kW is available across a wider voltage and current range than fixed-range models. This reduces the number of different models you need to purchase for varied test requirements.
Q: What AC input does the Half Rack require?
A: It operates on single-phase AC input: Low line (90-145 VAC) or High line (180-264 VAC), 2 wire + ground. No 3-phase infrastructure is needed.
Q: Does the Asterion DC Half Rack support remote control?
A: Yes. It supports LXI LAN (Ethernet), USB 2.0, and RS232 as standard interfaces. GPIB (IEEE-488) and EtherCAT are available as options. Full remote control is also available via the Virtual Panels graphical user interface.
Q: What is the warranty on the Asterion DC Half Rack?
A: The Asterion DC Half Rack Series comes with a five (5) year warranty from AMETEK Programmable Power.
Q: Is the Half Rack suitable for military and aerospace testing?
A: Yes. It meets MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 standards.
Q: What industries benefit most from the Half Rack form factor?
A: Key industries include EV/battery testing, aerospace & defense, 5G telecom, semiconductor validation, renewable energy, and R&D labs.
About AMETEK Programmable Power: AMETEK Programmable Power, a division of AMETEK, Inc., designs and manufactures precision programmable AC and DC power supplies, electronic loads, and power subsystems under the Sorensen, California Instruments, and Elgar brands. Products are used worldwide in aerospace, defense, telecom, automotive, semiconductor, and renewable energy applications.
All specifications referenced in this blog are from the official Asterion DC and Asterion DC Half Rack product datasheets (Rev. March/April 2026) and are subject to change without notice.