Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, big-data analytics and cloud computing are increasing the power required by modern data centre infrastructure.

High-density AI systems can consume more than 100 kW within a single rack. When multiple racks are deployed together, total power demand can quickly reach megawatt levels.

This growth is creating new challenges for the power supply units, power shelves and rack-level power systems that support AI computing.

Higher-power AI server architectures

Modern AI computing platforms combine large numbers of GPUs and CPUs within densely packed, liquid-cooled server racks.

Chroma’s article highlights that an NVIDIA NVL72 system based on GB300 modules incorporates 72 GPUs and 36 CPUs and draws approximately 120–130 kW. Deploying multiple racks increases the system’s total power requirement into the megawatt range.

This evolution is driving data centre power architectures from traditional 12 V distribution towards:

• 48 VDC
• 54 VDC
• ±400 VDC
• 800 VDC

At low distribution voltages, delivering high power requires extremely high current. This increases resistive losses, heat generation and the size of cables and busbars.

Higher-voltage architectures reduce the current needed to deliver the same power, helping improve transmission efficiency and support denser AI computing infrastructure.

Testing from PSU to power rack

AI server power equipment must maintain reliable output during rapidly changing GPU workloads. Whether testing a PSU rated at tens of kilowatts, a power shelf rated at hundreds of kilowatts or a complete power rack operating at megawatt level, the test system must reproduce demanding current profiles accurately.

Important validation requirements include:

• High-speed transient response
• Fast current slew rates
• Dynamic load simulation
• Constant-current operation
• Programmable load sequences
• Output-voltage stability
• Protection-function verification
• Reliability and endurance testing

Chroma 63200A High Power DC Electronic Load

The Chroma 63200A series provides individual power ratings from 2 kW to 24 kW, with voltage configurations available up to 1,200 V and current capability up to 2,000 A per unit, depending on the selected model.

The electronic loads support multiple operating modes, including constant current, constant resistance, constant voltage and constant power. Advanced dynamic functions allow the system to reproduce the rapidly changing power demands associated with AI processors and server workloads.

Scalable verification up to 1.44 MW

Up to 60 Chroma 63200A units can be operated synchronously to provide a combined rated power of 1.44 MW.

This scalable configuration allows users to build a test platform suited to the power level of the device under test and expand it as requirements increase.

The solution can support:

• Individual server PSU testing
• Rectifier testing
• DC-to-DC converter testing
• Power shelf testing
• Rack-level power-system testing
• ±400 V and 800 V HVDC equipment testing
• Megawatt-level reliability and burn-in testing

Dynamic synchronous operation

Synchronous control allows multiple electronic-load units and racks to apply dynamic load changes simultaneously.

This is essential when testing high-power systems with several parallel outputs or distributed load connections. Coordinated loading helps engineers reproduce sudden AI workload changes and evaluate the response of the complete power system.

Software and automated control

Operators can configure and control the test process through Chroma’s SoftPanel graphical interface. This provides an intuitive method for setting load conditions, programming sequences and monitoring the test.

For more comprehensive automation, the load system can be integrated with the Chroma 8000 Automated Test System. This provides centralised control of multiple instruments and system racks.

Dedicated drivers are also available for users who wish to develop customised test programs. Test conditions can be distributed automatically across several electronic-load racks to simplify the operation of large-scale systems.

Site planning for megawatt-level testing

Installing a test system rated at hundreds of kilowatts or more requires careful infrastructure planning.

Beyond supplying equipment, Chroma provides site evaluation and consulting services covering:

• Equipment placement
• Electrical power requirements
• Heat dissipation
• Thermal zoning and isolation
• Airflow planning
• Testing-environment layout
• 3D temperature simulation

These services help users identify infrastructure and thermal risks before installation and support the safe operation of high-power test facilities.

A scalable platform for AI power validation

Chroma’s 63200A electronic-load solution provides the modularity and performance required to validate AI server power systems from component level through complete power racks.

By combining high-voltage operation, fast dynamic loading, synchronous multi-unit control, automated testing and megawatt-level scalability, the solution supports the development of reliable next-generation data centre power infrastructure.

Meet Quantel at Data Centre World Asia 2026

Discover Chroma’s AI server power, HVDC, PSU, power shelf, power rack, BBU and automated testing solutions at Quantel’s booth during Data Centre World Asia 2026.

Data Centre World Asia
29–30 September 2026
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
Quantel Pte Ltd – Booth D54

Read the original Chroma ATE article:
https://www.chromaate.com/en/newsroom/news1050

Learn more about the Chroma 63200A High Power DC Electronic Load:
https://www.chromaate.com/en/product/high_power_dc_electronic_load_63200a_1