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Technical Note: Configuring a Multi-Phase and Parallel Systems with Single-Phase Asterion AC Sources

Posted by Greg Pupko on Jul 8, 2020 4:32:37 PM

Performance. Reliance. Brilliance.

Inspired by the enduring power of a brilliant star, the California Instruments Asterion line of AC power sources by AMETEK Programmable Power combines intelligence and flexibility to create an advanced platform of AC solutions. This easy-to-configure design features sophisticated technology for delivering high performance, programmable AC and DC power. Its sleek design packs maximum power density into a low-profile form factor with an intuitive touch screen interface placing that power at your fingertips. Centralized control and unparalleled modularity make Asterion the most adaptable platform on the market. Its groundbreaking capabilities set the standard for affordable, precision power sources.

Creating a multi-phase system with single-phase Asterion AC power sources is simple, but there are several options available for control and communications. Configuring parallel groups of Asterion AC power sources is also straightforward. This technical note provides the required information to successfully configure your Asterion AC in multi-phase or parallel groups with the available communication options.

 

Advanced Features

  • High power density in 1U / 2U / 4U / 14U chassis
  • 500VA to 36kVA
  • Intuitive touch panel control
  • Innovative iX2™ current doubling technology
  • Multi-language display for global operation
  • Auto paralleling for higher power
  • Single phase 1U models and 1 or 3 phase selectable 2U / 4U / 14U models
  • Complete avionic test suites (optional)
  • ATE version available in 1U, 2U and 4U models
  • Standard LXI LAN, USB and RS232, optional GPIB

 

3 Phase (Multi-Phase) system set up of the Asterion using a front panel

Refer to Figure 3-16 for the connections that are required to set up a multi-phase group of units; the example shown is for a 3-phase system. The output lines, LINE and RTN, are connected independently from each output of a unit to the load. If the remote sense is used, each unit must have it connected to the phase of the load at the point where precise regulation of the output voltage is desired.

The units must have the Clock/Lock options installed, with the Master unit having the LKM option and the Auxiliary units having the LKS option. The Clock/Lock connectors of the Master unit (LKM) provide output signals: CLOCK to set the frequency, and LOCK to set the phase. The Clock/Lock connectors of the Auxiliary units (LKS) are inputs to accept the control signals from the Master unit. The Clock and Lock interfaces are signal buses, so the Clock and Lock connectors of all units must be connected. Programming, read back, and control are done through the individual units. Also, the Auxiliary units must have their phase programmed in reference to the Master unit phase.

The clock source and configuration must be set for multi-phase operation through the remote digital interface using SCPI commands or the front panel display. Set up through the front panel is as follows:

  1. In the CONFIGURATION, PONS CLOCK CONFIG display menu, the Master unit must have the configuration set to Master (the AC input must be cycled off/on for a change in a PONS setting to take effect); refer to Section 4.6.5 of the Asterion User’s Manual.

 

  1. In the CONFIGURATION, PONS CLOCK CONFIG display menu, the Auxiliary units must have the configuration set to Auxiliary (the AC input must be cycled off/on for a change in a PONS setting to take effect); refer to Section 4.6.5 of the Asterion User’s Manual.

 

  1. In the CONFIGURATION, CLOCK MODE display menu, the Auxiliary units must have the clock source set to External; refer to Section 4.6.5 of the Asterion User’s Manual.

Connections for 3 Phase

 

3 Phase (Multi-Phase) system set up of the Asterion using a SCPI commands.

  1. On unit 1 use command below to set this unit as a Master (the AC input must be cycled off/on for a change in a PONS setting to take effect); [SOURce:]PONSetup:CLOCk MAST
  2. On units 2 and 3 use the command below to set units as Auxiliary 1 (Phase B) and Auxiliary 2 (Phase C) (the AC input must be cycled off/on for a change in a PONS setting to take effect); [SOURce:]PONSetup:CLOCk AUX
  3. On Auxiliary 1 (Phase B) and Auxiliary 2 (Phase C) use a command below to set the clock on this unit to external. Not on the Master unit. [SOURce:]FREQuency:MODE EXT

 

3 Phase (Multi-Phase) system connected to computer.

LAN connection.

When a LAN is used please connect the units as shown below.

 

Asterion MASTER Phase A

 

The Router will give different IP addresses to each unit. Then using LXI Discovery Browser (which can be downloaded from the AMETEK Programmable Power webpage) the IP addresses can be found for each unit. The IP address can be used in Virtual Panels or other programs like LabView. Please remember that in this set up the output voltage and current must be set on each supply independently. The frequency is set on a master unit only.

USB connection.

When a USB is used please connect the units as shown below.

 

Asterion MASTER Phase A2

 

Before the connection will be made please download from the AMETEK Programmable Power webpage the Asterion USB VCP (Virtual COM Port) driver and install on the computer. Also please change the USB/RS 232 address for example Master (Phase A) address 1, Auxiliary 1 (Phase B) to address 2 and Auxiliary 2 (Phase C) to address 3. When the system will be connected together then different comports will be assigned to each unit, please note which one is which unit and use it in your software.

An Asterion RS232 interface is also available, however in this configuration you would need RS232/USB converter as on most new computers do not have an RS232 interface.

 

Parallel System Setup 

Refer to Figure 3-17 for the connections that are required to set up a parallel group of units. The output lines, LINE and RTN, are connected together from each unit to an external terminal block. If the remote sense is used, only the Master unit has it connected to the load at the point where precise regulation of the output voltage is desired; the Auxiliary units do not have remote sense connected. The Master/Auxiliary System Interface cable is connected from the Master unit connector, MASTER, to the Auxiliary unit connector, AUXILIARY. Additional Auxiliary units are connected from the Master connector of the last unit in the signal chain to the Auxiliary connector of following unit.

Units of either 750 W or 1500 W rating could be connected in any combination to form a parallel group. Units with a 500 W rating must be paralleled only to units with the same rating. All programming, readback, and control are done through the Master unit. The Master/Auxiliary interface is automatically configured so that the current reported by the Master unit is the sum of all units within the group. The displays of the Auxiliary units are disabled, and show the message, “SOURCE IN AUXILIARY MODE No access to the user”.

When the parallel group system is powered up, the order of powering the Auxiliary sources and the Master source is not important. After the system is powered up, if an Auxiliary power source is powered down there will be an error message displayed on the Master source, “Aux Down ensure all are powered up”. If power is reapplied to the Auxiliary source, the message will disappear and normal operation will resume. If the Master/Auxiliary System Interface cable is removed from the Auxiliary source while the source is powered down, the error message will disappear, but the Master source will not have the correct configuration. The Master source must have its AC input power toggled, Off to On, for the correct configuration to be established.

 

Parallel System

Parallel system connected to computer.

 

LAN connection.

When a LAN is used please connect the units as shown below.

 

Asterion MASTER Phase A3

 

In this connection only the Master unit is connected to the computer. The Router will give IP address to Master unit. Then using LXI Discovery Browser (which can be downloaded from the AMETEK Programmable Power) the IP address can be found for Master unit. The IP address can be used in Virtual Panels or other programs like LabView.

 

USB connection.

When a USB is used please connect the units as is shown below.

 

Asterion MASTER Phase A4

 

In this connection only a Master unit is controlled by computer and the address does not need to be changed. Before the connection will be made please download from the AMETEK Programmable Power webpage the Asterion USB VCP (Virtual COM Port) driver. After installation of the driver and when the unit is connected then COM Port will be assigned. Please use it in the Virtual Panels or in other software like LabView to control the unit.

An Asterion RS232 interface is also available however in this configuration you would need RS232/USB converter as on most new computers do not have an RS232 interface.

 

Warranty Statement:

AMETEK Programmable Power Inc. warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship. The warranty period is from the date of original shipment of the product to the original purchaser (see website for warranty periods by product). Asterion AC comes with a three (3) year warranty. Extended warranties available.

Topics: AC Power Sources, Asterion

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