Solve Your AC Power Test Challenges

Introduction

Electric vehicle (EV), electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) manufacturers, and EV charging infrastructure providers aim to reach that magical tipping point where range, charging time, availability, safety, and price come together to make EVs the preferred choice for consumers. While stakeholders await the tipping point, EV testing remains a hot topic in automotive circles.

Use Case Summary

Charge EVs with direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). Power can be noisy and unpredictable when charging at an AC station where the electrical grid connects to the onboard charger. The primary function of the AC station is to mediate the necessary communication with the vehicle control system and ensure the safety of the vehicle and the crew. In addition, the charger tells the vehicle what maximum current it can draw at that time, depending on how busy the electrical grid is. The AC charging station regulates charging according to the current possibilities at the charging point to prevent overloading the network.

AC power can be either one-phase or three-phase, depending on the country and charging points. Automotive engineers require a reliable AC source to easily configure to supply one-phase or threephase output to simulate an AC charging station. Beyond that, it is necessary to suppress power quality disturbances such as voltage and frequency deviations, phase imbalance or DC power (superimposed with AC signal) to acquire a reliable EV AC charging solution.

Solution Overview

Keysight’s AC wall charger simulation system is a complete AC test solution with built-in arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and harmonics analyzer. The AC wall charger simulation system combines a reliable source and accurate power measurements with a full AC and DC power solution. The software enables you to control and analyze AC source measurements to understand the impact of power draw events.

Learn more at: The Power Handbook

Summary

• EV testing is one of the most important topics in automotive circles today.

• AC power can be either one-phase or three-phase, depending on the country and charging point.

• A reliable AC source that simulates the charging station and tests the onboard charger without power quality disturbances is critical to solving AC power challenges.

For more information: AC Wall Charger Simulation