SL2600A Megawatt Charging Discovery System

The Keysight SL2600A Megawatt Charging Discovery System is a modular, high‑power test solution designed to validate megawatt‑class charging interfaces for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Developed to support the increasing demands of heavy‑duty electric transport, the system enables comprehensive functional, safety, interoperability, and performance testing of next‑generation charging systems operating at extremely high current and voltage levels.

The SL2600A supports DC charging voltages up to 1,500 V and currents up to 1,500 A, enabling realistic laboratory validation of megawatt‑level charging scenarios. Its architecture is designed to support both EV and EVSE testing within a single test platform by emulating either side of the charging interface. This dual‑role capability reduces test complexity and allows engineers to validate complete charging ecosystems using one integrated solution.

At the core of the system is a real‑time computing control unit that enables low‑latency control, precision measurement, and standard‑compliant charging communication emulation. The SL2600A supports DC fast charging communication according to DIN SPEC 70121 and ISO 15118, as well as Automotive Ethernet‑based communication and signal requirements aligned with IEC 61851‑23‑3. This ensures compatibility with current and emerging megawatt charging implementations while providing a platform that can evolve with future standards.

For EV testing, the SL2600A emulates a megawatt‑class charging station. When combined with the SL2620A Charging Cable Unit, which is equipped with a liquid‑cooled MCS charging cable, and a bidirectional DC power source, the system enables full‑power charging tests under controlled laboratory conditions. This configuration allows validation of vehicle charging behavior, control logic, communication timing, and safety mechanisms at currents up to 1,500 A DC. Integrated temperature monitoring and cooling management support stable operation during continuous high‑current testing.

For EVSE testing, the SL2600A emulates an electric vehicle when paired with the SL2610A Inlet Unit. The inlet unit provides a vehicle‑side Megawatt Charging System (MCS) interface, allowing realistic and repeatable testing of charging stations. In combination with a bidirectional DC power source operating in sink mode, the system enables charging infrastructure validation under high‑current load, including verification of communication behavior, protection mechanisms, control responses, and overall system performance.

The modular system architecture allows the SL2600A to be configured for different test objectives, ranging from communication and signal verification to full‑power energy flow testing. Dedicated high‑voltage and low‑voltage interfaces ensure seamless integration with external DC sources, cooling units, and auxiliary equipment. Precision measurement of DC voltage, DC current, control pilot, and proximity pilot signals enables detailed analysis of electrical behavior and compliance with specification limits.

Safety is an integral part of the SL2600A design. The system includes built‑in insulation monitoring, interlock handling, emergency stop concepts, and temperature supervision, supporting safe operation during high‑power testing. Electrical isolation is consistently implemented between power supply, measurement electronics, and the device under test, making the system suitable for demanding laboratory environments.

The SL2600A is operated using Keysight’s Scienlab Charging Discover software, which provides visualization of measured values, test automation capabilities, data logging, and reporting. The software supports repeatable test execution and enables efficient validation workflows from development through verification and certification activities. In addition, the system integrates seamlessly with Keysight’s Scienlab regenerative DC emulators, enabling bidirectional power flow and energy‑efficient operation during high‑power testing.

Designed as part of the Scienlab Charging Discovery System family, the SL2600A follows a modular and upgradeable concept. This allows test setups to evolve alongside changing standards, charging power requirements, and future megawatt charging developments. By combining high‑power capability, standard‑aligned communication, precision measurement, and flexible system configuration, the Keysight SL2600A Megawatt Charging Discovery System provides a scalable and future‑ready platform for validating megawatt charging technologies in EVs and charging infrastructure.