AI Data Center PDU Testing with Preen AC Power Solution

In AI data centers, Power Distribution Units (PDUs) are essential for providing reliable, high-capacity power to demanding computing systems.

Typically, the architecture includes Power Supply Units (PSUs) that convert incoming AC power into the DC power required by servers, modular Power Shelves that consolidate multiple PSUs for redundancy and scalability, and Power Racks or cabinets that organize and distribute power efficiently across server racks.

This layered design ensures stable operation, safeguards sensitive equipment, and allows seamless expansion to accommodate growing AI workloads, making PDUs a fundamental component of AI data center infrastructure.

Typical PDU Power Rating Requirement:

To offer reliable power testing for AI server PSUs, a stable and high-performance power source is essential. During validation and production testing, AI server power systems demand several testing items such as:

- Verify PSU operation across nominal and extended AC input voltages ± 10%

- Test PSU performance over wide frequency ranges ± 5%

- Simulate real-world grid conditions: voltage dips and sags, over-voltage and under-voltage, frequency deviations

Real-World Case: PSU AC Input Testing

Preen offers programmable high-power AC power sources that serve as a robust and reliable foundation for AI server PSU validation. In a real application, customer testing with 6kVA AFV-P Series unit and a 30kVA AFV+ Series power source, which enables flexible coverage across different test requirements. For future requirements, Preen’s AC power source supports up to 2MVA to comply with the 1MVA Power Rack requirement.

1. Testing PSU with up to 6000VA Power Requirement

The AFV-P 6kVA is a high-precision AC power source purpose-built for the rigorous validation of next-generation AI PSUs. It delivers 4.5 times the peak current to effectively handle high capacitive charging demands during power-up. With programmable START/END angle adjustments (e.g., 90° or 270°), it enables engineers to simulate the most critical startup conditions for Inrush Current testing, ensuring maximum stability and reliability for high-performance AI power systems.

The Transient function of the AFV-P is indispensable for validating the Hold-up Time of AI PSUs. According to the Intel ATX 3.1 Design Guide and Intel CRPS specification, a PSU must sustain its output for at least 12ms to 20ms respectively after an input power failure. The AFV-P’s ability to execute microsecond-level interruptions allows engineers to precisely simulate these power-cut scenarios, ensuring the server remains operational during grid switching or transient outages.

Features:

- High Power Density: 800VA to 3000VA in 2U and 6000VA in 4U.

- Output Voltage : 0-310V; upgraded ver. 0-350V (0-620V opt.)

- Active Power Factor Corrector (PFC): enhance input PF up to 0.98, which helps reduce the interference on the grid.

- Programmable Feature Available: RAMP, STEP, and Transient function to simulate voltage, frequency, and time burning and aging test.

- Power Line Disturbance Simulation: Precisely simulate a wide range of power quality disturbances defined in IEC standards, such as IEC-61000-4-11, IEC-61000-4-14, and IEC-61000-4-28.

- High Inrush Current: Up to 4.5 times max. output current, suitable for testing power supplies.

- Low Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.3% at 5-100 Hz

- Fast Response Time: Slew rate less than 300 µs from 0-90% output voltages

2. Testing higher power up to 1.6MVA

In this real case, the customer test 18kW PSU with AFV-PLUS-33030 three-phase AC source support up to 30kVA power with phase angle adjustment, voltage independent adjustment, and programmable feature. At the same time, AFV+ provides clean power with low THD and load regulation, making it ideal for precise testing.

The AFV-PLUS series stands out as a highly cost-effective and robust power solution for PSU testing, primarily due to its unparalleled flexibility in voltage control. It empowers users to precisely configure the full operational voltage range required for AI PSUs, including the critical ± 10% extended input verification. By seamlessly simulating real-world grid anomalies—such as severe voltage sags and frequency deviations—the AFV-PLUS ensures that PSUs are validated against the most unpredictable power environments, reducing the need for multiple specialized instruments.

Real-case installation of AI Server power supply test bench with AFV-PLUS-33030

Features:

- High Power model starting from 10kVA to 1.6MVA, complying with future hyper scale requirements

- Programmable Feature Available: RAMP and STEP function to simulate voltage, frequency, and time burning and aging test.

- Built-in Soft Start Function: Effectively reduce the starting current without the requirement to purchase higher power capacity.

- Optional High Overload Capability: Achieves up to 200% overload capacity in 2secs.

- Three-Phase Independent Voltage Adjustment: Allows independent voltage setting for each phase to simulate voltage imbalance and phase loss, supporting compliance testing to IEC 61000-4-34 (GB/T 17626-34).

- Voltage Drop Compensation: Maintains precise output voltage at the load by compensating for cable-induced voltage drop, improving test accuracy and user convenience.

- Applicable to Unbalanced Load: Could handle unbalanced three-phase loads and connect to single-phase or three-phase loads simultaneously.

- Optional add-on feature available such as: Phase Angle Adjustment to simulate phase shift for different power condition or simulating split phase.

AI Data Center PDU Testing with Preen AC Power Solution

AI Data Center PDU Testing with Preen AC Power Solution

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