The rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and high-performance computing is increasing the performance and reliability requirements placed on server power systems.

Modern AI servers depend on complex power architectures that may include power supply units, rectifiers, battery backup units, power shelves, rack-level power distribution and high-current DC-to-DC converters.

These components must provide high power while supporting redundancy, hot swapping, rapid transient response and reliable communication.

To address these requirements, Chroma developed the 8000 Server Power Automated Test System—a configurable platform for testing server power products from research and development through design verification and mass production.

Tackling complex server power testing

Testing a modern server power system requires more than measuring voltage and current. Engineers must reproduce grid conditions, rapidly changing AI workloads, power interruptions, communication events and protection conditions.

The Chroma 8000 ATS integrates programmable power sources, electronic loads, power meters and other measurement instruments into one automated platform.

The system can be configured for:

• Server power supply unit and rectifier testing
• Battery backup unit testing
• Bidirectional BBU DC-to-DC converter testing
• Power shelf testing
• Complete server power rack testing
• HVDC server power testing
• Low-voltage, high-current DC-to-DC converter testing

Fully automated testing

Users define the required test conditions, operating limits and pass/fail criteria. The Chroma 8000 ATS then executes the test sequence automatically.

Test coverage can include:

• Input characteristics
• Output performance
• Voltage and load regulation
• Timing and transient response
• Protection mechanisms
• Efficiency measurement
• PMBus communication
• BBU charging and discharging
• Automated pass/fail evaluation

A detailed report is generated after the test is completed, improving traceability while reducing repetitive manual work.

Scalable and reusable architecture

The Chroma 8000 ATS uses a modular hardware and software architecture. Equipment drivers and control commands can be integrated into the system so that existing test procedures can continue to be used when instruments are upgraded or test specifications change.

This helps users:

• Reduce test-program redevelopment
• Reuse established procedures
• Replace or upgrade instruments more easily
• Expand the system for higher power levels
• Standardise testing across development and production
• Reduce system maintenance effort

High-power and fast dynamic testing

AI processors can create rapid and substantial changes in power demand. Server power equipment must respond to these current transients without excessive voltage deviation or system instability.

Chroma’s high-slew-rate DC electronic loads reproduce fast load changes associated with AI server workloads. High-power sources and loads can also be operated in parallel, allowing the platform to support testing from individual power modules through megawatt-level rack power systems.

Regenerative and energy-efficient testing

High-power testing can consume large amounts of electricity and generate considerable heat.

The Chroma 8000 ATS can incorporate regenerative instruments such as the Chroma 63700 Regenerative DC Electronic Load. Instead of dissipating absorbed power as heat, the instrument returns energy to the electrical grid.

Regenerative testing can help users achieve:

• Lower electricity consumption
• Reduced laboratory heat generation
• Lower cooling requirements
• Reduced operating costs
• More sustainable reliability and burn-in testing

Standards-based test coverage

Chroma’s server power test solutions support test requirements associated with OCP M-CRPS and Open Rack V3.

Automated test coverage includes:

Output performance

• DC output voltage and current
• Peak-to-peak noise
• Conversion efficiency
• Surge-load response up to 160%

Input characteristics

• Inrush current
• Power factor
• Current harmonics
• Input voltage and current behaviour

Stability and regulation

• Output stability under input-voltage changes
• Output stability under load changes
• Line and load regulation

Timing and transient response

• Power-on and power-off timing
• Dynamic load response
• Behaviour during rapid workload changes

Protection testing

• Overvoltage protection
• Short-circuit protection
• Overpower protection
• Other user-defined protection conditions

PMBus communication

The system can communicate with server power devices through PMBus to verify operating status, reported measurements, alarms and control functions.

BBU testing

For battery backup applications, the Chroma 8000 ATS can test bidirectional charging and discharging behaviour while reproducing power interruption and recovery scenarios.

This allows manufacturers to evaluate whether the BBU responds quickly and maintains stable server power during an outage.

From R&D to mass production

The modular Chroma 8000 ATS provides a common test platform across the product lifecycle.

During research and development, engineers can customise test conditions and investigate detailed device behaviour. For production, the same platform can automate standardised pass/fail testing, data collection and report generation.

This helps manufacturers improve test consistency, reduce costs and shorten the transition from product development to volume manufacturing.

Meet Quantel at Data Centre World Asia 2026

Explore Chroma’s AI server PSU, BBU, power shelf, power rack, HVDC 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/news992

Explore Chroma’s server power and BBU test solutions:
https://www.chromaate.com/en/test_solutions/server_bbu_test_solution