The Keysight Technologies MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator (SAS) gives you a new level of performance in a small footprint. The 2U mainframe can accommodate up to six SAS modules, providing a compact solution even when the emulation of many PV segments is required. The MP4300A series SAS will help you overcome your toughest solar array simulation test challenges by delivering industry-leading specifications and innovative features motivated by Keysight’s decades of experience in SAS applications.

The MP4360 provides three operating modes: Simulator (SAS), Table, and Fixed modes. To accurately simulate the I-V curve of a solar array, use SAS or table modes. When a standard power supply is needed, use fixed mode. Fixed mode operation allows the user to use the power supply as a source or load.

The MP4360 SAS internally generates a 1024 I-V point table evenly spaced between 0V and Voc. It uses an internal algorithm to approximate an I-V curve. This can be done via the I/O interfaces or from the front panel where a PC is not needed. These four input parameters are needed to establish a curve in this mode:

• Vₒ꜀ - open circuit voltage
• Iₛ꜀ - short circuit current
• Iₘₚ - current at the peak power point on the curve
• Vₘₚ - voltage at the peak power point on the curve

The I-V curve is determined by a user-defined table of points. A table can have a minimum of 3 points up to a maximum of 1024 points. A point corresponds to a specific value of I and V. You can store as many as 30 tables in each MP4360 SAS built-in volatile and non-volatile memory. The tables (I-V curve) stored in this non-volatile memory will be retained when the power is turned off, while those stored in volatile memory will be erased after the power is removed.

This is the default mode when the unit is powered on. The MP4362A has the rectangular I-V characteristics of a standard power supply, and the MP4351A, MP4352A, and MP4361A output characteristics are auto-ranging. The power supply can be configured to source or sink current in this operation.

This instrument can hold up to six modules.

Please note: if ordering less than six modules, an MP4309A filler panel is required (sold separately).

Output characteristics for solar array simulator system modules can be seen in the following diagrams: