The Keysight E4360A Modular Solar Array Simulator is a dual-output programmable DC power source that simulates the output characteristics of a solar array. Built as a 2U-high modular mainframe, the E4360A accepts up to two output modules and delivers up to 1200 W of total output power. The instrument functions primarily as a current source with very low output capacitance, enabling rapid simulation of the I-V curve of different solar arrays under different conditions such as temperature, irradiation, and aging effects.

The E4360 platform supports two primary application areas described in its specifications. The first is satellite test, where solar panels powering satellites have unique I-V characteristics that vary with environmental conditions (temperature, irradiation) and operational conditions (eclipse, spin) — requiring a specialized power source to verify the satellite power system on the ground. The second is residential photovoltaic test, where the E4360 simulates solar panel outputs for testing microinverters and DC power optimizers across various environmental conditions including sunny conditions, cloudy conditions, shadowing, and different temperatures to verify maximum power point tracking, accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies was spun out of Agilent Technologies in 2014 as a dedicated test and measurement company. Agilent itself was created in 1999 when Hewlett-Packard separated its test and measurement, semiconductor, and chemical analysis businesses from its computing operations. The Keysight name carries the engineering heritage of HP's instrument division, which has produced precision measurement equipment since the 1939 founding of Hewlett-Packard.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The Keysight E4360 platform is offered in two parallel ordering paths. The mainframe-plus-modules path lets the user combine an E4360A mainframe with up to two output modules (E4361A or E4362A) ordered separately — useful when the user wants to assemble or reconfigure the instrument themselves. The preconfigured path delivers the same hardware as a fully assembled, factory-tested instrument under a single model number: E4367A (two E4361A low-voltage modules in an E4360A mainframe), E4368A (two E4362A high-voltage modules in an E4360A mainframe), or E4366A (an E4360A mainframe with two special-option modules).

Beyond the standard configurations, the E4362A is offered in several J-suffix variants (E4362A-J01 through E4362A-J05) and the E4361A in a J01 variant. These variants represent specific voltage/current/power combinations within the same mainframe architecture, addressing applications that fall between or outside the standard module ratings. All variants share the same simulation modes, programming interfaces, protection features, and form factor as the base modules.

Each pre-owned model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing, availability, and documentation. The comparison table that follows shows the headline electrical differences between the modules and configurations in the E4360 family so engineers can identify the right voltage, current, and power combination for their application.

The E4360A is the mainframe itself — the 2U chassis that provides AC input, control interfaces (LAN, USB, GPIB), the front-panel display and keypad, hardware trigger I/O, and the two module slots that accept E4361A or E4362A output modules. Ordered as a mainframe-only product, the E4360A is the foundation around which a single-module or dual-module solar array simulator is built. Any empty module slot must be filled with a Filler Panel (Option FLR / product E4369A) for proper cooling and airflow.

The two standard output modules differ primarily in voltage range and current capacity within the same 510–600 W power envelope. The E4361A delivers 65 V open-circuit voltage at up to 8.5 A short-circuit current (510 W maximum), targeting lower-voltage, higher-current solar array characteristics. The E4362A delivers 130 V open-circuit voltage at up to 5.0 A short-circuit current (600 W maximum), targeting higher-voltage panel simulations. Both share the same SAS, Table, and Fixed operating modes, the same programming interfaces, and the same 2U mainframe compatibility.

The E4362A J-suffix variants expand the voltage/current trade space: J01 (117 V / 5.5 A / 594 W), J02 (120 V / 5.4 A / 594 W), J03 (108 V / 6 A / 598 W), J04 (170 V / 3.8 A / 596 W — the highest voltage variant in the family), and J05 (95 V / 6.3 A / 552.5 W). The E4361A-J01 variant offers 58 V / 9.3 A / 498 W — the highest current rating in the family. The comparison table below lists the specific Vmax, Imax, and Pmax for each variant so the right module can be matched to the simulated array's expected operating range.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.