SL2640A Add-on Box - MCS Charging Cable

The SL2640A Add‑on Box – MCS Cable Box for EV Test datasheet provides a detailed technical overview of Keysight’s EV‑side test solution for validating the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). The document describes how the SL2640A extends the Keysight Scienlab Charging Discovery System (CDS) with a fully instrumented MCS charging cable and connector interface, enabling standardized, reproducible, and safe testing of next‑generation megawatt charging communication and performance behavior on the electric vehicle side.

Designed specifically for EV‑side MCS testing, the SL2640A supports development, validation, and interoperability testing for heavy‑duty and commercial electric vehicles. The datasheet explains how the add‑on box integrates with the SL1040A Scienlab Charging Discovery System – Portable Series and the SL1047A Charging Discovery System – High‑Power Series, allowing flexible test configurations in laboratory, development, and validation environments. The solution supports combined communication and performance testing up to 400 A as well as communication‑only testing without an active DC power path, covering key use cases throughout the EV development lifecycle.

A core focus of the document is the support for MCS‑specific signaling and communication standards. The SL2640A enables measurement and logging of Charge Enable (CE) and Insert Detection (ID) signals as defined in IEC 61851‑23‑3, which replace the Control Pilot (CP) and Proximity Pilot (PP) signaling used in Combined Charging System (CCS) architectures. In addition, the solution supports software‑controlled switching between Automotive Ethernet (IEEE 10BASE‑T1S) and PLC communication according to ISO 15118‑3 (HomePlug Green PHY), allowing validation of current and emerging MCS communication stacks and interoperability scenarios.

The datasheet includes configuration examples illustrating typical EV‑side test setups. For communication and performance testing up to 400 A, the SL2640A is operated together with a Charging Discovery System and a high‑voltage DC source, such as a Scienlab Regenerative DC Emulator, to provide a defined energy source or sink. The MCS Cable Box adapter establishes the power path to the CDS, enabling repeatable and standards‑compliant MCS test sequences. These setups are particularly relevant for validating EV‑side charging behavior under controlled current and voltage conditions.

For communication‑only testing, the datasheet describes how the SL2640A can be used without high current or high voltage, focusing purely on protocol‑level verification. In this configuration, the EV Communication Controller (EVCC) is the test object. The MCS charging cable is directly connected to the device under test, while a communication interface tester (SL1550A) is used to analyze charging communication. The SL2640A enables logging of CE and ID signals in addition to CP and PP signals, supporting early firmware and software validation, communication debugging, and efficient interoperability testing without requiring a full power setup.

The document also summarizes the software environment used in conjunction with the SL2640A. It outlines how the overall test solution leverages SL1470A EV–EVSE Smart Charging Emulation Software for controller emulation and scenario‑based testing, SL1471A TTCN‑3 Charging Communication Test Automation Software for automated conformance and interoperability testing, and SL2000A Charging Discover Software for configuring and controlling the Charging Discovery System, visualizing and recording measurement data, and generating standardized test reports. Together, these software tools provide an integrated and automated framework for EV‑side MCS testing and validation.

A dedicated technical data section provides key system characteristics, electrical ratings, environmental specifications, and safety‑relevant design aspects. The datasheet emphasizes features such as robust laboratory‑grade construction, galvanic isolation, and compatibility with high‑voltage test environments. Notes clarify that certain signal characteristics depend on the connected Charging Discovery System and refer readers to the corresponding CDS datasheets for detailed specifications.

Overall, the SL2640A datasheet serves as a technical reference for EV developers, test engineers, system integrators, and certification bodies involved in Megawatt Charging System validation. It positions the SL2640A as a scalable, future‑ready EV‑side test solution within the Keysight Scienlab ecosystem, supporting the industry’s transition toward megawatt‑level charging technologies for heavy‑duty and commercial electric vehicles.