3U high-power-density platform delivers up to 2250 V, 510 A and 300 kW parallel capability, integrating source, load, battery and solar-array simulation functions

TAIPEI, Taiwan, 21 August 2026 — GW Instek announced an expansion of its RBS Series Regenerative Bidirectional DC Source with eight new 20 kW and 30 kW models. The new additions cover 500 V, 750 V, 1000 V, 1500 V and 2250 V voltage classes. Together with the existing 5 kW, 10 kW and 15 kW models, the RBS Series provides up to 30 kW from a single 3U unit, with a maximum output voltage of 2250 V and maximum output current of 510 A. Up to ten units of the same model can be connected in master-slave parallel operation, providing a maximum parallel power of 300 kW for higher-power test requirements.

RBS Series Regenerative Bidirectional DC Source
＊The image is for reference only; please refer to the actual product.

Key Architecture | Bidirectional Power Flow and 93 % Energy Regeneration Efficiency

Designed for power-conversion devices and energy-storage components in new-energy applications, the RBS Series combines DC source and DC electronic load functions in one programmable platform. Its bidirectional architecture enables power to flow to or from the device under test. When operating as a load, absorbed regenerative energy can be returned to the grid, with feedback efficiency of up to 93 %. This approach is intended to support energy-efficient test configurations while reducing the need for separate source and load instruments in applicable test systems.

Flexible Deployment | Single 3U Instrument Output Expanded Up to 30 kW

The expanded 20 kW and 30 kW models line-up also increases the power available from a single 3U instrument. Previously, RBS applications requiring more than 15 kW could require multiple lower-power units in parallel. For example, a 30 kW requirement could be configured using two 15 kW units, three 10 kW units or six 5 kW units. With the new range, a single 30 kW RBS unit can address that power level, simplifying system configuration where the selected voltage and current ratings meet the application requirements.

Operating Modes | Multi-Mode Versatility and Advanced Sequence Programming

For source operation, the RBS Series supports Constant Voltage (CV), Constant Current (CC) and Constant Power (CP) modes with automatic mode switching. In load operation, it supports CV, Constant Resistance (CR), CC and CP modes, together with composite operating modes including CV-to-CC, CV-to-CR, CC-to-CR and AUTO. The integrated sequence function supports automated and ageing-test workflows. Users can store up to 50 sequences, each containing up to 20 independently configurable steps for parameters including voltage, current, power, operating mode, duration, ramp behaviour and loop control.

Solar Simulation | Standard SAS Functionality and Dynamic MPPT Testing

For photovoltaic applications, RBS models rated at 500 V and above include Solar Array Simulation (SAS) functionality as standard. Supported simulation models include EN50530, Sandia and custom models. Through the dedicated PC software, users can perform standard static and dynamic MPPT testing and simulate more complex solar-irradiance conditions, including cloud shading and cloud movement. These capabilities support evaluation of photovoltaic inverter characteristics and performance under controlled and repeatable test conditions.

RBS Series Meeting Diverse Applications in R&D and Testing
＊Image for reference only. Actual product and test screen may vary.

Battery Testing | Comprehensive Battery Models and Charge/Discharge Simulation

The RBS Series also provides battery simulation and battery charge/discharge functions. It includes eight fixed battery models derived from published research and test data — lithium manganate (LMO), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), ternary lithium (NCM), lithium titanate (LTO), lead-acid (Pb), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) — together with one user-defined battery model. The platform can simulate practical battery charging and discharging behaviour and can also be connected to battery-type loads for charge and discharge operation.

System Optimization | Simplified Test Setup for Motor Drives and Power Conversion

For motor-drive testing, the bidirectional design can simplify a traditional configuration in which a conventional DC power supply may require an external diode to prevent reverse current and an additional electronic load to absorb regenerative current produced during braking or downhill operation. The RBS Series can operate as both the DC source and DC load, while returning regenerative energy to the grid. This makes it suitable for motor-drive, On-Board Charger (OBC) and DC-DC converter testing, as well as other systems involving bidirectional energy flow.

Control & Integration | Dedicated PC Software and Versatile Interface Options

System integration is supported by dedicated PC control software covering source, load, photovoltaic, battery simulation, charge/discharge, list programming, MPPT automatic test and data-recording functions. A factory-installed interface can be selected as either the RBS-IF01 four-in-one communications option, providing USB, RS-232/RS-485, LAN and CAN, or the RBS-IF02 GPIB interface. The instrument also incorporates OVP, OCP and OTP protection, together with input over-voltage and under-voltage protection. A colour touch-screen interface combined with physical controls provides direct access to operating parameters and status information.

Target Applications | Full Coverage from Vehicle Electrification to Microgrid PCS

Target applications include OBC testing, DC-DC converter testing, motor-drive testing, photovoltaic inverter testing, microgrid testing, power-supply and component testing, and energy-storage-system evaluation. The RBS Series can also be applied to photovoltaic/energy-storage hybrid inverters and battery energy-storage power conversion systems (PCS), where charging and discharging conversion of energy-storage batteries needs to be simulated and verified.

Market Availability

Order entry for the new 20 kW and 30 kW models opened on 21 August 2026. The current market launch applies to regions without CE-marking requirements and excludes the United States, Europe and Japan at this stage. CE certification is expected in October 2026; regional availability will be updated following certification approval and a subsequent GW Instek announcement.

Key Features Overview: GW Instek RBS Series New Models

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New Single-Unit Power Ratings	20 kW / 30 kW (Maintains a high-density 3U chassis)
Voltage / Current Range	Up to 2,250 V / Max. 510 A
Parallel Expansion Capacity	Supports master-slave parallel connection of up to 10 identical units, reaching a total power of 300 kW
Regenerative Efficiency	Up to 93 % (Absorbed energy can be fed back into the grid)
Advanced Simulation Features	Built-in SAS (Solar Array Simulation) meeting EN50530 / Sandia standards; 8 fixed battery charge/discharge simulation models
Primary Test Applications	OBC, DC-DC Converters, Motor Drives, Photovoltaic Inverters, Energy Storage System (ESS) PCS testing