"Server rack power" refers to a comprehensive power supply solution for all equipment within a server rack. It consists of multiple power shelves connected in parallel to form a high-power power cabinet, used in data centers or server rooms to ensure efficient, safe, and stable power distribution.
Rack power primarily comprises multiple power shelves connected in parallel within a high-power power cabinet, which also houses power distribution units (PDUs), BBU shelves, distribution boards, and related monitoring and management equipment. In large data centers, each server rack typically utilizes a dedicated rack power system to support high-density server deployments.
Key Features
This Server Rack Power Automated Test System is a customized solution built upon the Chroma 8000 ATS platform. It is specifically designed for automated testing and validation of server rack power systems. Paired with Chroma's energy-regenerative measurement instruments such as the 61800, 63200A, 62000D, and 63700, the system enables comprehensive testing of input characteristics, output performance, and PMBus communication for high-power server rack systems. Unlike traditional automated test software, the software included in this system requires only minimal setup: simply define the test conditions and specifications, and automated testing can begin. Test reports are generated instantly upon completion for maximum efficiency.
Server Rack Power Test Items
The power architecture shown below represents a typical setup in data center servers. To accommodate the rapid growth in AI computing workloads, multiple power shelves are often connected in parallel to form standalone power cabinets. These architectures are complex and include features such as redundancy, hot-swap capability, BBU failover, and PMS communication and control.
Chroma’s automated test solutions can be programmed according to user-defined specifications to validate performance and reliability under real-world conditions, ensuring compliance with demanding industry standards. Test items covered include output performance testing, input characteristics endurance testing, regulation testing to assess output stability under varying input power and load conditions, transient characteristics measurement, PSU/BBU conversion testing, and PMBus communication testing of server power status parameters.
For prolonged burn-in testing, the system can be configured with the Chroma 63700 regenerative DC electronic load. This allows the energy output during the test to be fed back to the grid, reducing overall power consumption and aligning with sustainability goals such as carbon neutrality and green manufacturing.
Output Performance
- Output voltage and current
- No-load startup
Input Characteristics
- Power factor
- Input current harmonic
- Input frequency ramp-up/down
- Input voltage distortion simulation
Regulation Testing
- Output stability under varying loads
- Stability under input voltage variations
- Comprehensive regulation testing
Transient Testing
- (Multi-stage) dynamic load
- 160% surge load
Other Tests
- PMBus communication (CAN)
- PSU-BBU conversion
Due to the high power levels involved in power shelf testing, the setup of a test laboratory requires careful planning and consideration. Chroma provides expert consulting and support services to customers, including evaluation and configuration of parallel test equipment, site layout and power distribution planning, and thermal flow and cooling system analysis.
Our rack power testing architecture and equipment recommendations are as follows:
The Chroma 8000 test system includes PowerPro, Chroma's widely adopted power supply testing software platform. PowerPro provides an open software framework that allows users to freely select test hardware, develop their own test programs, automate pass/fail judgments, and conveniently generate reports.
The Chroma 8000 is fully compatible with all relevant device drivers and control commands. When users need to replace test hardware due to upgraded product specifications, the programmed test items and procedures can be reused without modifying the code, allowing seamless interchangeability of ATE equipment. Chroma’s deep expertise in power testing also means reliable technical support and consulting, which helps customers manage changes in test personnel without affecting the maintainability of the test platform.
▲ Chroma 8000 ATS Main Panel
▲ Test Execution (GO/NO GO) Screen
▲ Test Report
