Power analyzer eases precision test of real-world signals

Marking the entry of its manufacturer, Tektronix, into a new realm of measurement, the PA4000 precision multi-phase power analyzer gives electronics engineers the ability to perform stable, precise, current measurements even on the highly distorted power waveforms common in many of today’s applications. It is designed to provide the measurement performance needed to check for conformance to not only to current regulatory standards but future ones as well, even with highly modulated waveforms and crest factors as high as 10.

 
The analyzer can be configured with up to four input modules to allow multiple simultaneous power measurements, and can work alone or with oscilloscopes to provide a complete waveform analysis system. The instrument introduces a patent-applied-for technology — Spiral Shunt design —and provides two Spiral Shunts on each module – one for precise low-current measurements up to 1 A, and another for higher-current measurements up to 30A. The shunt design is combined with unique, high-speed DSP algorithms to allow the PA4000 to track power cycles accurately, even in the presence of transients and noise. The system also permits harmonics measurements up to the 100th harmonic.
With a US MSRP starting at $10,500, the PA4000 analyzer offers a broad set of application-specific measurement modes — such as standby current, motor drive, and ballast — to save setup time and reduce errors. Among the many features that come standard are software for controlling and logging on a PC, and LAN, USB, and RS-232 interfaces.