Artificial intelligence and high-performance computing are accelerating the construction of megawatt-scale data centres worldwide. At the same time, the industry is under increasing pressure to improve power usage effectiveness and reduce the energy lost during power transmission and conversion.

Data centre electricity consumption is expected to grow significantly as AI computing demand increases. This makes higher-voltage, higher-efficiency power distribution an important part of the next generation of AI infrastructure.

The transition to HVDC power

Electrical transmission losses increase with the square of the current. For the same power level, increasing the distribution voltage reduces the required current and associated heat losses.

This principle has driven the evolution of data centre power architectures from 12 V systems under Open Rack V1, through 48 V under Open Rack V3, and towards HVDC ±400 V and 800 V distribution.

Compared with lower-voltage architectures, HVDC can offer:

• Lower distribution current
• Reduced cable and busbar losses
• Lower heat generation
• Improved power-delivery efficiency
• Higher rack power density
• More efficient use of data centre space

The role of solid-state transformers

Solid-state transformers, or SSTs, are gaining attention as a key technology for next-generation AI data centre power delivery.

An SST combines multiple power-conversion modules in series and parallel. This enables the system to accept medium-voltage AC input and provide high-voltage DC outputs such as ±400 V, 800 V or other application-specific voltage levels.

These architectures are suitable for AI data centres, renewable-grid integration and other high-power conversion systems. However, their complexity makes comprehensive AC- and DC-side testing essential.

Comprehensive SST module testing

Chroma provides a coordinated test portfolio that covers AC-side grid simulation, bidirectional DC source and regenerative load operation, and high-speed DC load testing.

AC-side grid simulation

The Chroma 61800-100 Regenerative Grid Simulator can be paired with a dedicated step-up transformer to deliver output up to 1,600 V line-to-line in a single-phase configuration.

This allows engineers to simulate and validate a wide range of grid conditions at the SST module level, including voltage variations, abnormal grid events and operating-limit conditions.

Bidirectional DC source and regenerative load testing

The Chroma 62450D-2000HL Programmable Bidirectional DC Power Supply provides up to 2,000 VDC and can operate as both a power source and a regenerative electronic load.

Its dual operating ranges support the validation of ±400 V and 800 V HVDC architectures. The regenerative function returns energy to the grid instead of dissipating it as heat, reducing test energy consumption by more than 80% for suitable applications.

This makes the 62450D-2000HL suitable for:

• SST DC-link testing
• HVDC power-conversion testing
• Bidirectional power-flow validation
• Reliability and burn-in testing
• Battery and energy-storage simulation
• High-power AI server applications

Fast dynamic DC load testing

The Chroma 63224A-1200 High Power Programmable DC Electronic Load provides operation up to 1,200 V with high-current, microsecond-level slew-rate performance.

This enables fast dynamic-response testing of SST modules and other high-power conversion devices, helping engineers evaluate output regulation, transient behaviour, protection functions and system stability.

Supporting AI power infrastructure development

Chroma’s SST module test solutions help users perform validation throughout the product lifecycle, including:

• Research and development
• Design verification
• Performance and reliability testing
• Protection-function validation
• Long-duration and burn-in testing
• Production testing

With more than 40 years of experience in automatic test equipment and precision measurement, Chroma supports the development of stable, efficient and scalable power infrastructure for AI data centres.

Meet Quantel at Data Centre World Asia 2026

Explore Chroma’s HVDC, solid-state transformer, AI server power, power shelf, power rack, BBU and automated test 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/news1108

Learn more about the Chroma 62450D-2000HL:
https://www.chromaate.com/en/product/bidirectional_dc_power_supply_62000d_series_164