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 regenerative grid simulators are programmable power test systems that control power flow in both directions while recovering energy back to the utility grid. DC systems support battery, inverter, power electronics, and energy storage testing, while regenerative grid simulators reproduce AC grid conditions for inverter, UPS, EVSE, V2G, and grid-compliance validation.

Quick Definition

Bidirectional regenerative power supplies and grid simulators control power flow during testing and recover energy instead of dissipating it only as heat. DC systems support source/sink testing, battery cycling, battery emulation, and DC-bus emulation. AC grid simulators reproduce utility and grid conditions for validating grid-connected equipment.

Explore Our Products

Two Regenerative Platform Types

Bidirectional Regenerative DC Power Supplies

For DC source/sink testing, battery cycling, battery simulation, DC-bus emulation, and power electronics validation.

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

View DC Platforms

Bidirectional Regenerative Grid Simulators

For AC grid simulation, line-condition testing, power-quality event reproduction, and grid-tied equipment validation.

Featured platform: Sequoia Series.

View Grid Simulators

Bidirectional Regenerative DC Power Supplies

A bidirectional DC power supply, also described as a regenerative DC power supply or source/sink power supply, can deliver DC power to a device under test and absorb power flowing back from it. During sink operation, recovered energy is returned to the facility grid. This bidirectional source/sink capability supports battery cycler and battery emulator workflows, EV battery test power requirements, and controlled validation of converters, inverters, drivetrains, DC buses, and energy storage systems.

Primary DC Test Applications

Battery testing and battery cycling
Battery simulation and DC-bus emulation
EV powertrain, traction inverter, and drivetrain testing
Energy storage system and bidirectional converter testing
Fuel cell and DC-source loading
Solar/PV array simulation
AI data center component testing and validation

DC Product Listing

Mi-BEAM Series

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

Voltage

80, 400, 600, 800, 1,200, 1,500, and up to 2,000 V

Current

Up to 1,000 A

Power

12.5–37.5 kW, scalable to more than 8.6 MW through parallel operation

Modular architecture for flexible system configuration.
Broad voltage coverage for diverse DC test requirements.
Parallel operation supports scaling from individual modules to multi-megawatt systems.
Bidirectional and regenerative operation supports efficient source/sink testing.

View Mi-BEAM Details

Mi-BEAM Power Rack

Integrated Rack-Based Mi-BEAM Configuration

A rack-based Mi-BEAM configuration for customers who need an integrated, scalable DC power system.

Voltage

80, 400, 600, 800, 1,200, 1,500, and up to 2,000 V

Current

Up to 7,000 A per rack

Power

Up to 262.5 kW per rack, scalable to more than 8.6 MW through parallel operation

Integrated rack configuration based on the Mi-BEAM platform.
Designed to simplify deployment of higher-power modular systems.
Supports bidirectional, regenerative DC test workflows.

View Power Rack Details

i-BEAM Series

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

Voltage

5–1,200 V

Current

±1,200 A; parallel operation up to ±2,000 A

Power

Single-system power up to 650 kW; parallel-system power up to 5 MW

High-current capability for demanding DC test programs.
Water-cooled option available.
Up to 4 channels with shared DC link.
Parallel operation extends current and power for larger test systems.
Bidirectional, regenerative operation supports rapid source/sink test workflows.

View i-BEAM Details

Bidirectional Regenerative Grid Simulators

A regenerative grid simulator, also called a grid simulator or AC grid simulator, generates controlled AC voltage, current, frequency, phase, and line conditions for a device under test. As a regenerative AC source, it can reproduce normal operation and power-quality events while returning absorbed energy to the facility grid. This supports repeatable PV inverter, V2G, UPS, EVSE, and grid-compliance validation without relying on changing utility conditions.

Primary AC and Grid Test Applications

PV inverter and grid-tied inverter testing
UPS and backup power testing
EVSE and vehicle-to-grid testing
Battery energy storage system validation
Grid disturbance and compliance testing
AI data center component testing and grid simulation

Grid Simulator Product Listing

Sequoia Series

Precision Programmable Regenerative Grid Simulator

Voltage

0–333 VAC

Current

0–3,000 Arms/phase

Power

15 kVA–5 MVA

Programmable AC grid simulation for controlled and repeatable validation.
Wide power range from 15 kVA to 5 MVA.
Supports high-current, three-phase grid and line-condition test requirements.
Regenerative operation returns absorbed energy to the facility grid.

View Sequoia Details

Compare the Two Product Types

Choose bidirectional regenerative DC power supplies when you need	Choose bidirectional regenerative 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 supplies 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

Applications

DC Applications

Battery testing and battery cycling: Source power to charge batteries and sink power during discharge testing.

Fuel cell and drivetrain testing: Operate as a controlled DC load for fuel cells, EV drivetrains, and other DC power sources.

DC source/sink testing: Validate batteries, DC buses, energy storage systems, and bidirectional power electronics.

Solar/PV simulation: Create controlled and repeatable solar-array input conditions.

AI data center component validation: Test DC power-conversion components and bidirectional power stages under controlled source/sink conditions.

AC and Grid Applications

PV inverter and grid-tied inverter testing: Reproduce AC grid conditions to validate performance under normal, abnormal, and changing line conditions.

UPS and backup power testing: Recreate voltage dips, frequency changes, outages, and recovery conditions.

EVSE and vehicle-to-grid testing: Support charging and V2G test scenarios.

Grid disturbance and compliance testing: Evaluate response to sags, swells, frequency variation, and phase imbalance.

AI data center grid simulation: Validate AC input behavior, UPS systems, and grid interaction under programmable conditions.

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.

Product Selection Snapshot

Platform

Type

Voltage

Current

Power

Mi-BEAM

Bidirectional regenerative DC

80 V to 2,000 V

5–1,000 A

12.5–37.5 kW; >8.6 MW parallel

Mi-BEAM Power Rack

Bidirectional regenerative DC

80 V to 2,000 V

Up to 7,000 A per rack

Up to 262.5 kW per rack; >8.6 MW parallel

i-BEAM

Bidirectional regenerative DC

5–1,200 V

±1,200 A; ±2,000 A parallel

650 kW single; 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Select any question below to expand its answer.

Bidirectional DC Power Supply FAQs

What is a bidirectional regenerative DC power supply?

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 supply?

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 and i-BEAM?

Mi-BEAM is a modular platform with voltage options up to 2,000 V and scaling to more than 8.6 MW through parallel operation. i-BEAM covers 5–1,200 V, provides up to ±1,200 A in a single system, and supports parallel operation up to ±2,000 A and 5 MW.

Can a bidirectional DC supply 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 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 V2G 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 grid simulator rated from 15 kVA to 5 MVA, with voltage from 0–333 VAC and current from 0–3,000 Arms per phase.

Bidirectional Regenerative Power Supplies & Grid Simulators

Two Regenerative Platform Types

Bidirectional Regenerative DC Power Supplies

Primary DC Test Applications

Mi-BEAM Series

Mi-BEAM Power Rack

i-BEAM Series

Bidirectional Regenerative Grid Simulators

Primary AC and Grid Test Applications

Sequoia Series

Compare the Two Product Types

Key Capabilities Across Both Platforms

Applications

Product Selection Snapshot

Frequently Asked Questions

Bidirectional DC Power Supply FAQs

Regenerative AC Grid Simulator FAQs

PROGRAMMABLE POWER