OBC (On-board Charger) is an automotive electronic component that converts alternating current (AC) from household outlets or similar sources into direct current (DC) to charge the battery. In recent years, on-board chargers have not only been able to support V2H (Vehicle to Home) mode and serve as power sources for leisure activities or during disasters, but modular types that integrate with other components such as junction boxes have also emerged. On-board chargers are required to operate normally even under AC‑side conditions such as voltage shortage, voltage distortion, momentary interruptions, voltage dips, or voltage fluctuations. They are also required to provide stable power supply on the DC side and to withstand variations in voltage and current from other automotive electronic components.

AC-side evaluation of on-board chargers – For AC-side evaluation of on-board chargers, Kikusui's high-power intelligent AC-DC stabilized power supply PCR-WEA/WEA2 series can be used. Typically, on-board chargers are specified for single-phase 100V, single-phase three-wire 200V, or three-phase 200V, with capacities of 7 kVA, 11 kVA, or 22 kVA. Compared with previous models, the PCR-WEA/WEA2 series is only one-sixth the size, yet can output a large capacity of 36 kVA. Its frequency can be set up to 5 kHz, allowing reproduction of power conditions from various countries around the world. In addition, the PCR-WEA/WEA2 series is equipped with inrush current withstand capability: AC peak current is 4 times the rated current, and DC inrush current is 1.4 times the rated current, sustainable for 500 ms.

The PCR-WEA/WE2 series is equipped with extensive sequencing functions. In addition to reproducing phenomena such as voltage shortage, voltage distortion, momentary interruptions, voltage dips, and voltage fluctuations on the AC side, it can also generate synthesized harmonic waveforms up to the 40th order. Moreover, because the phase at the start of output can be set, it is possible to create input waveforms that are severe for on-board chargers, such as starting phases of 90° and 270°. Furthermore, it can perform tests according to international standards for power supply variations: IEC 61000-4-11, IEC 61000-4-28, and IEC 61000-4-34.

DC-side evaluation of on-board chargers – For DC-side evaluation, Kikusui's bidirectional high-power DC power supply PB series or DC electronic load PLZ-5WH2 series can be used. For tests such as aging evaluation, the PB series, which can significantly reduce power consumption, is recommended. The PLZ-5WH2 series is suitable for obtaining transient circuit characteristic data of on-board chargers. The front end of an on-board charger is typically connected to a high-voltage battery, with voltages generally ranging from DC 300V to 750V. However, the PB series can handle up to 1500V, and the PLZ-5WH2 series can handle up to 1000V.