Best for precision R&D
AFV-P Series
High Performance Programmable AC Power Source
- 600VA–6kVA compact bench and rack power
- 0–350V output · up to 5–2000Hz
- AC + DC output, precision measurement, transient simulation
- Up to 4.5× peak current; optional 9×
Programmable AC power sources
Programmable AC Power Sources for Testing & Simulation
Clean, controlled AC power for R&D, compliance, production and grid simulation—engineered from 600VA to 2000kVA.
- 0–350V
- programmable output
- 5–2000Hz
- extended frequency
- ≤0.3%
- THD on AFV-P, 5–100Hz
OUTPUT230.0 Vrms
50.00 HzPF 0.998THD 0.18%
AC + DC4.5× inrushOne platform for every stage of verification
DESIGN VALIDATIONEMC & IMMUNITYQUALITY ASSURANCEATE & PRODUCTION
AC power source basics
What Is an AC Power Source?
An AC power source supplies controlled alternating voltage and frequency to a device under test (DUT). Unlike utility power or a variac, a programmable source gives engineers a known, repeatable stimulus—and can reproduce sags, surges, dropouts, frequency shifts and other real-world grid conditions.
That makes it essential when a product must operate reliably across countries, abnormal mains events, high inrush loads or formal compliance tests.
AC power source selector
Find the Right AC Power Source for Your Application
Six AC power platforms—from compact bench validation to multi-megawatt systems.
Best for advanced high-power testing
AFV+ Series
High Power Programmable AC Source
- 10–2000kVA · single or three phase
- 0–310V · up to 300–840Hz
- ≤0.5% THD with independent phase adjustment
- STEP and RAMP programming
Best for production-scale simulation
AFV Series
High Power Programmable AC Power Source
- 10–2000kVA programmable output
- 0–310V · 45–500Hz
- Built-in STEP and RAMP simulation
- Remote control for automated test integration
Best for grid-connected equipment
PAS / PFV
Regenerative Grid Simulator
- 30–2000kVA four-quadrant AC power
- 0–300V · 45–65Hz (40–70Hz optional)
- >90% regenerative efficiency
- Built-in LVRT/HVRT; IEEE 1547 and BDEW test support
Best for voltage & frequency conversion
AFC Series
AC Power Source / Frequency Converter
- 10–2000kVA without parallel units
- 0–310V · multiple frequency options to 400Hz
- Pure sine output; single and three-phase models
- Handles 100% unbalanced loads
Best for aviation & defense
AMV / AMF
400Hz Ground Power Unit
- 500VA–400kVA across AMV and AMF
- 115/200V · 400Hz fixed or adjustable
- MIL-STD-704F compliant
- Ruggedized design with robust overload capability
AC power source comparison
Compare Preen AC Power Source Series
Compare output power, voltage, frequency and typical applications to identify the Preen AC power source series that fits your test requirements.
| Series | Power | Voltage | Frequency | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFV-P | 600VA–6kVA | 0–350V | 5–2000Hz | R&D, labs, ATE |
| AFV+ | 10–2000kVA | 0–310V | up to 840Hz | Advanced high-power test |
| AFV | 10–2000kVA | 0–310V | 45–500Hz | Production, QA |
| PAS/PFV | 30–2000kVA | 0–300V | 40–70Hz opt. | PV, PCS, V2G |
| AFC | 10–2000kVA | 0–310V | up to 400Hz | Frequency conversion |
| AMV/AMF | 500VA–400kVA | 115/200V | up to 800Hz opt. | Aviation, defense |
Engineering checklist
How to choose an AC power source
- 01
Define phase and power
Size continuous VA/kVA for the DUT, then verify startup and inrush current—not just nameplate watts.
- 02
Map voltage & frequency
Include every market condition, nominal range and abnormal event your verification plan requires.
- 03
Set waveform quality
Review THD, load regulation and response time so the source does not become an uncontrolled variable.
- 04
Match the test plan
Choose transient, harmonic, phase-angle, LVRT/HVRT or regenerative capability from the tests you must run.
- 05
Plan automation
Confirm interfaces, control software, data capture and ATE integration before fixing the system architecture.
AC power source applications
AC Power Sources for R&D, Production and Compliance Testing
EV & charging
Validate onboard chargers, EVSE and high-inrush power electronics across repeatable line conditions.
Renewable energy
Simulate the grid for PV inverters, PCS and bidirectional V2G equipment with regenerative platforms.
Home appliances
Reproduce worldwide mains, voltage variation and motor or compressor startup in R&D and production.
Aerospace & defense
Supply 400Hz ground power and MIL-STD-704F-oriented conditions with ruggedized AMV/AMF units.
Medical & electronics
Deliver clean, isolated and programmable input for verification, quality assurance and automated test.
Certification labs
Create sags, surges, interruptions and frequency changes with known, repeatable source behavior.
AC power source FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Power Sources
What is an AC power source?
It is equipment that delivers controlled alternating voltage and frequency to a load or device under test. Programmable models can hold a stable output and reproduce defined grid conditions, disturbances and waveforms.
Why not test directly from utility power?
Utility voltage, frequency and waveform are not fully controllable or repeatable. A programmable AC source creates a known stimulus so engineers can compare results, reproduce failures and test operation beyond nominal mains conditions.
AC power source or AC/DC power source?
Choose AC/DC when the DUT or test plan requires both alternating and direct output from one platform. Preen AFV-P provides AC and DC output together with precision measurement.
How much power headroom do I need?
Account for continuous load, power factor and crest factor, then verify peak inrush during startup. Motor, compressor and switching-supply loads can require substantially more instantaneous current than their steady-state rating.
When do I need a regenerative grid simulator?
Use a four-quadrant regenerative system when the EUT can return energy—such as PV inverters, PCS and V2G equipment—or when you need realistic source/sink grid behavior and LVRT/HVRT tests.
Can Preen systems integrate with automated test equipment?
Yes. Interface availability varies by series and includes options such as RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, USB, GPIB, Analog and PLC remote. Confirm the exact model and interface combination for your system.
AC power source consultation
Find the Right AC Power Source for Your Test System
Tell us your required phase, power, voltage, frequency, inrush current and test standards. Preen will recommend a suitable series and configuration.