In Part I, we introduced you to the concept of testing equipment for immunity to voltage dips and short power interruptions in accordance with IEC 61000-4-111. In addition to specifying the test waveforms, the standard also specifies AC source requirements for full compliance testing.
Grady Keeton
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Introduction to IEC 61000-4-11, Part II - AC source requirements
Topics: AC Power Sources, Compliance Testing
Mains voltage dips and short interruptions can be caused by a wide variety of phenomena and can cause equipment to operate unreliability, and in some cases, can damage the equipment. Faulty loads on an adjacent branch circuit, for example, can cause a circuit breaker to trip, and high-power loads such as welders, motors and electric heaters can cause voltage variations. Natural events, such as power lines downed by storms or lightning strikes, may also disrupt mains power.
Topics: AC Power Sources, Compliance Testing, voltage dip, voltage interruption, voltage variation, IEC-61000, IEC-61000-4, IEC 61000-4-11
Understanding AC Power Source Measurements, Part 4: Analog or Digital?
Topics: AC measurement, AC Power Sources, iX Series
Understanding AC Power Source Measurement, Part 3: Power Factor and Crest Factor
Programmable AC power sources are primarily used to provide a low distortion, precisely controlled sinusoidal voltage to a unit under test, but some AC sources, such as the California Instruments I-iX Series II, perform measurements as well. Part 1 describes the benefits of using sources for measurement and how to make voltage and current measurements. Part 2 describes how to make frequency and power measurements. In Part 3, we'll discuss how to make power factor and crest factor measurements using an AC power source.
Topics: AC power measurement, AC Power Sources
Understanding AC Power Source Measurements, Part 2: Frequency and Power
Programmable AC power sources are primarily used to provide a low distortion, precisely controlled sinusoidal voltage to a unit under test, but some AC sources, such as the California Instruments I-iX Series II, perform measurements as well. Part 1 describes the benefits of using sources for measurement and how to make voltage and current measurements. In Part 2, we'll discuss how to make frequency and power measurements.
Topics: AC Power Sources, Frequency and power
Use the California Instruments' iX Series to Test at 800 Hz
The California Instruments iX Series AC/DC Power Source / Analyzer delivers AC, DC, and AC+DC, transient waveforms and performs complex power measurements. While the standard frequency range of the iX Series is 16-500 Hz, it can deliver AC power at up to 1,000 Hz. Many applications, including commercial and military avionics testing, require an output frequency of 800 Hz. The avionics test standards that specify tests at this frequency include:
Topics: 800 Hz, AC Power Sources
Understanding AC Power Source Measurements, Part 1: Voltage and Current
Programmable AC power sources are primarily used to provide a low distortion, precisely controlled sinusoidal voltage to a unit under test. Increasingly, however, AC sources, such as the California Instruments I-iX Series II, are being used to perform measurements as well. The tight integration between AC source (stimulus) and measurements (response) provides several benefits:
Topics: AC measurement, AC Power Sources
Solar Array Simulation Enables Inverter Manufacturers to Meet Test Challenges
Solar Array Simulation Enables Better PV Inverter Testing for Manufacturers
Topics: PV inverter manufacturers, PV inverter testing, Solar array simulation, Solar Testing
To ensure that aircraft electronics and other electrically-powered equipment will operate reliably, you must test them under extreme power conditions. In the military world, MIL-STD-704 (now up to rev. F), “Aircraft Electric Power Characteristics,” establishes the requirements and characteristics of aircraft electric power. It deals strictly with power quality, and does not say anything about electromagnetic interference.
Topics: AC Power Sources, mil-std-704, MIL-STD testing
EN61000-3-2 Sets the Standard for Harmonic Currents
While switch-mode power supplies have many advantages, one of their disadvantages is that they are a non-linear load, and because of that can inject harmonic currents into the electrical distribution system. Devices with switching supplies include domestic appliances (TVs, microwave ovens, lighting equipment and dimmers), and office equipment (PCs, printers). Motor-driven equipment can also cause harmonic distortion.
Topics: AC Power Sources, Compliance Testing