What is a bidirectional power supply?

A bidirectional power supply can both source power to a device and sink/absorb power from it, enabling charge/discharge workflows without switching between separate instruments.

What is a regenerative power supply?

A regenerative power supply is designed to return absorbed energy back to the facility/AC mains rather than dissipating it as heat during sink/load operation.

Why choose AMETEK Programmable Power for bidirectional applications?

AMETEK Programmable Power positions its bidirectional solutions for applications that require both sourcing and sinking with regenerative operation, targeting battery testing/simulation, renewable energy systems, and advanced R&D.

What applications are bidirectional DC power supplies best for?

Bidirectional systems are commonly used for battery simulation, battery testing (charge/discharge), and testing modern power electronics where energy can flow back from the DUT.

What’s the difference between a bidirectional DC power supply and a battery cycler?

A bidirectional DC power supply provides the core capability to source and sink power in one platform, while a battery cycler is typically a battery-test-focused solution/configuration optimized for repeatable charge/discharge cycling workflows. AMETEK Programmable Power’s Battery Cycler hub frames Mi‑BEAM and i‑BEAM as battery cycling solutions with bidirectional source/sink capability.

What is a 2 quadrant power supply (two‑quadrant) and how is it used in bidirectional DC testing?

A 2 quadrant power supply (two‑quadrant / source‑sink) typically operates at positive voltage while allowing current in both directions—it can source current (charge) and sink current (discharge). This is commonly used for battery and regenerative DUT testing where the device can return energy during discharge or deceleration events.

Is “bidirectional power supply” the same as “regenerative power supply”?

Not always. Bidirectional refers to the ability to source and sink power (two-way flow), while regenerative refers to the ability to return absorbed energy to the mains instead of dissipating it as heat. Many bidirectional systems are regenerative, but the terms describe different aspects of capability.

What does “source and sink” mean in bidirectional DC power supplies?

“Source” means delivering power to the DUT, and “sink” means absorbing power from the DUT (electronic-load behavior). Bidirectional systems combine these functions in one platform and are commonly used when a DUT can both consume and return energy.

How do I pick between Mi‑BEAM, i‑BEAM, and Sequoia for my application?

Choose based on DC vs AC/grid simulation and power level: Mi-BEAM is positioned as a modular bidirectional regenerative programmable DC platform (12.5–37.5 kW range) with high-voltage options and parallel scalability. i‑BEAM is positioned for higher-power bidirectional regenerative DC testing with scalable system power and multi-channel options. Sequoia is positioned as a regenerative grid simulator / four‑quadrant bidirectional AC source for grid-connected testing (e.g., inverters, V2G/EVSE, UPS) with disturbance simulation.

Can AMETEK bidirectional systems scale to megawatt-class test benches?

Yes. AMETEK states Mi‑BEAM is scalable up to 1.2 MW with parallel systems, and i‑BEAM is scalable up to 1.3 MW with parallel systems.

What control interfaces matter for automated bidirectional testing?

Automation typically depends on having reliable remote control interfaces and command support. AMETEK lists multiple control/interface options on i‑BEAM (including networked/automation-oriented options) and standard interfaces on Mi‑BEAM, supporting integration into test environments.

When do I need multi-channel bidirectional testing (1 vs 2 vs 4 channels)?

Use multi-channel when you need to test multiple DUTs, run parallel test steps, or supply multiple rails/strings simultaneously. AMETEK Programmable Power’s i‑BEAM supports single-channel, 2-channel, and 4-channel configurations, making it relevant for multi-channel test benches.

How do bidirectional supplies support EV powertrain/inverter validation?

EV power electronics testing often requires equipment that can deliver and absorb energy during dynamic conditions. AMETEK Programmable Power positions Mi‑BEAM for electric powertrain testing, and Sequoia for testing grid-connected and EV power electronics contexts such as V2G/EVSE and inverter-related applications.

When should I choose Sequoia instead of a bidirectional DC supply?

Choose Sequoia when you need a grid simulator / bidirectional AC source to simulate AC line conditions, disturbances, and grid-tied behavior for equipment like solar inverters, UPS systems, or V2G/EVSE testing.

Where can I find AMETEK Programmable Power’s bidirectional solutions for battery cycling?

AMETEK Programmable Power provides a dedicated Battery Cycler page that routes to Mi‑BEAM and i‑BEAM as bidirectional battery cycling options.

Bidirectional Regenerative Power Supplies & Grid Simulators

Bidirectional regenerative DC power supplies and AC grid simulators support controlled power flow in both directions while recovering absorbed energy rather than dissipating it only as heat. AMETEK Programmable Power solutions support battery cycling and simulation, DC-bus emulation, inverter and power-electronics validation, energy-storage testing, EV powertrain development, grid simulation, UPS testing, and AI data center power validation.

The portfolio includes modular DC platforms, integrated rack-level systems, customized high-power and multichannel systems, and regenerative AC grid simulators. This range allows engineering teams to scale from laboratory development to rack-level and multi-megawatt validation using platforms designed for precise, repeatable source/sink testing.

Quick Definition

A bidirectional regenerative power system can supply power to a device under test and absorb power returned from it. During regenerative operation, absorbed energy is returned to the facility grid. DC systems support source/sink testing, battery cycling, battery emulation, and DC-bus simulation. AC grid simulators reproduce utility and grid conditions for validating grid-connected equipment.

Compare Bidirectional Power Systems

Two Regenerative Platform Types

Bidirectional Regenerative DC Power Systems

For battery cycling, battery simulation, DC-bus emulation, power-conversion testing, energy-storage validation, powertrain development, and DC-side AI data center component testing.

Featured platforms: Mi-BEAM, Mi-BEAM Power Rack, and i-BEAM.

Explore DC Source/Sink Platforms

Regenerative AC Grid Simulators

For AC grid simulation, line-condition testing, power-quality event reproduction, UPS validation, EVSE and vehicle-to-grid testing, and grid-interactive equipment validation.

Featured platform: Sequoia Series.

Explore Regenerative Grid Simulators

Bidirectional Regenerative DC Power Systems

A bidirectional DC power system can deliver controlled DC power to a device under test and absorb energy flowing back from it. This enables realistic source/sink testing of batteries, converters, inverters, drivetrains, DC buses, fuel cells, solar/PV systems, energy-storage systems, and next-generation data center power infrastructure.

Primary DC Test Applications

Battery testing, cycling, and simulation
DC-bus and battery emulation
EV powertrain, traction-inverter, and drivetrain testing
Energy-storage and bidirectional converter testing
Fuel-cell loading and characterization
Solar/PV array simulation
AI data center DC power-conversion and component validation
Automated test, HIL, and production validation

DC Product Listing

Sorensen™

Mi-BEAM Series

High-Performance, Modular, Bidirectional, Regenerative Programmable DC Power System

Voltage

80–2,000 V, depending on model

Current

Up to ±1,000 A per unit

Power

10–37.5 kW per unit; scalable up to 8.6 MW+ through parallel operation

High-power density up to 37.5 kW in a 4U chassis
Bidirectional source and regenerative electronic-load operation
Battery testing, battery simulation, PV simulation, and drive-cycle capabilities
Modular architecture simplifies expansion, sparing, and maintenance
Up to 95% regenerative efficiency

View Mi-BEAM Details

Sorensen™

Mi-BEAM Power Rack Series

Integrated, Rack-Based Mi-BEAM Test Platform

Voltage

80–2,000 V, depending on model

Current

Up to 7,000 A per rack

Power

Up to 262.5 kW in a 42U rack; scalable up to 8.6 MW through parallel operation

Supports up to seven Mi-BEAM power modules per rack
Rack- and branch-level circuit breakers and Emergency Power Off (EPO)
CE and NRTL certification
Optional output isolation and polarity detection
Modular rack architecture supports serviceability and future expansion

View Power Rack Details

Sorensen™

i-BEAM Series

High-Performance, Bidirectional, Regenerative, Multichannel DC Power System

Voltage

5–1,500 V

Current

Up to ±1,200 A per system; up to ±2,400 A in parallel

Power

Up to 650 kW per system; parallel configurations scalable up to 5 MW

Available in one-, two-, or four-channel configurations
Shared internal DC link supports efficient power exchange between channels
Air- or water-cooled configurations available
Regenerative efficiency up to 96%
Industrial communication and automation interfaces for HIL and automated test environments

View i-BEAM Details

Regenerative AC Grid Simulators

A regenerative AC grid simulator generates programmable voltage, current, frequency, phase, and line conditions for a device under test while returning absorbed energy to the facility grid. This supports repeatable validation of PV inverters, UPS systems, EVSE, vehicle-to-grid equipment, and other grid-interactive systems without relying on changing utility conditions.

Grid Simulator Product Listing

California Instruments

Sequoia Series

Precision Programmable Regenerative AC Grid Simulator

Voltage

0–333 VAC

Current

0–3,000 Arms/phase

Power

15 kVA–5 MVA

Programmable grid simulation for sags, swells, frequency deviations, phase imbalance, harmonics, and other line conditions
Regenerative operation returns absorbed energy to the facility grid
Supports AC-input, UPS, grid-interactive, and data center power validation

View Sequoia Details

Product Selection Snapshot

Platform

Type

Voltage

Current

Power

Mi-BEAM

Modular bidirectional regenerative DC

80–2,000 V

Up to ±1,000 A per unit

10–37.5 kW per unit; up to 8.6 MW+ parallel

Mi-BEAM Power Rack

Integrated bidirectional regenerative DC rack

80–2,000 V

Up to 7,000 A per rack

Up to 262.5 kW per rack; up to 8.6 MW parallel

i-BEAM

High-power multichannel bidirectional regenerative DC

5–1,500 V

Up to ±1,200 A; ±2,400 A parallel

Up to 650 kW per system; up to 5 MW parallel

Sequoia

Regenerative AC grid simulator

0–333 VAC

0–3,000 Arms/phase

15 kVA–5 MVA

Selection note: Confirm the required voltage, current, power, phase configuration, interfaces, protection functions, and test standards with an AMETEK Programmable Power engineer before final system configuration.

Discuss Your Test Requirements

Applications

DC Applications

Battery testing and battery cycling
Battery and DC-bus simulation
Fuel-cell and powertrain testing
Bidirectional converter and energy-storage validation
Solar/PV simulation
AI data center DC-component validation

AC and Grid Applications

PV inverter and grid-tied inverter testing
UPS and backup-power testing
EVSE and vehicle-to-grid testing
Grid-disturbance and compliance-oriented testing
AI data center grid and AC-input simulation

Combined Test Example

Grid Simulator → Device Under Test → Bidirectional DC System. The AC and DC platforms can be used on different sides of a power-conversion test setup, with regenerative energy returned to the facility grid.

Compare the Two Product Types

Choose bidirectional regenerative DC power systems when you need

Choose regenerative AC grid simulators when you need

DC source/sink testing

AC grid simulation

Battery cycling

Power-line disturbance testing

Battery or DC-bus emulation

Grid-tied inverter validation

Bidirectional DC power-electronics validation

AC source/sink behavior with energy returned to the grid

DC-side AI data center component validation

AC-side AI data center power and grid-condition validation

Key Capabilities Across Both Platforms

Although DC power systems and AC grid simulators serve different electrical test needs, both platform types share a common goal: precise, efficient, and scalable validation of modern power systems.

Regenerative operation that recovers absorbed energy
High-efficiency testing with reduced heat generation compared with dissipative-only approaches
Precision programmable control
Support for automated and repeatable test integration
Scalable configurations for laboratory, validation, and high-power system requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Select any question below to expand its answer.

Bidirectional DC Power System FAQs

What is a bidirectional regenerative DC power system?

It is a programmable DC system that can source power to a device under test and sink power flowing back from it. During regenerative sink operation, recovered energy is returned to the facility grid.

When should I use a bidirectional DC power system?

Use one when the application requires DC power flow in both directions, including battery cycling, battery simulation, DC-bus emulation, traction-inverter testing, energy-storage validation, and bidirectional converter testing.

What is the difference between Mi-BEAM, Mi-BEAM Power Rack, and i-BEAM?

Mi-BEAM is a modular building block covering 80–2,000 V depending on model, with up to ±1,000 A and 10–37.5 kW per unit and scalability up to 8.6 MW+ through parallel operation. The Mi-BEAM Power Rack is an integrated, rack-based implementation of Mi-BEAM that delivers up to 262.5 kW and 7,000 A per rack. i-BEAM is a high-power, multichannel platform covering 5–1,500 V, with up to ±1,200 A and 650 kW per system, and parallel configurations up to ±2,400 A and 5 MW.

Can a bidirectional DC system replace a separate DC source and electronic load?

For suitable source/sink applications, one bidirectional system can perform both functions. Final selection should consider voltage, current, power, dynamic response, protection, and automation requirements.

Regenerative AC Grid Simulator FAQs

What is a regenerative AC grid simulator?

It is a programmable AC source that reproduces grid and mains conditions for product validation and can return absorbed energy to the facility grid.

What can a grid simulator test?

Typical applications include PV and grid-tied inverters, UPS systems, EVSE and vehicle-to-grid equipment, energy-storage systems, and equipment response to power-quality events.

What conditions can be simulated?

Depending on the configured system and test method, grid simulation can be used to reproduce voltage and frequency changes, outages, recovery conditions, phase imbalance, harmonics, sags, and swells.

Which platform supports high-power regenerative grid simulation?

The Sequoia Series is a precision programmable regenerative AC grid simulator rated from 15 kVA to 5 MVA, with voltage from 0–333 VAC and current from 0–3,000 Arms/phase.

Bidirectional Regenerative Power Supplies & Grid Simulators

Two Regenerative Platform Types

Bidirectional Regenerative DC Power Systems

Primary DC Test Applications

Mi-BEAM Series

Mi-BEAM Power Rack Series

i-BEAM Series

Regenerative AC Grid Simulators

Sequoia Series

Product Selection Snapshot

Applications

Compare the Two Product Types

Key Capabilities Across Both Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Bidirectional DC Power System FAQs

Regenerative AC Grid Simulator FAQs

PROGRAMMABLE POWER