Scope-like power analyzer speeds design/test of three-phase devices

With specialized features aimed at streamlining three-phase device analysis, the IntegraVision PA2203A four-channel power analyzer gives R&D engineers an intuitive tool that delivers the dynamic views they need to measure, prove, and improve design performance. The analyzer is the first to combine four channels of high-accuracy power measurements with touch-driven oscilloscope visualization in one instrument. As Kari Fauber, general manager of Keysight’s Power and Energy Division, points out, “Solar inverters have dc input and three-phase ac output requiring four power channels; the PA2203A is perfect for this application, as it can measure dc and ac, and provide efficiency and power-quality analysis.”

Like the two-channel IntegraVision PA2201A power analyzer, the four-channel entry provides 0.05% basic accuracy and 16-bit resolution, performance characteristics that are critical for identifying and characterizing the incremental improvements needed in design of today’s highly efficient power-conversion systems. While the two-channel version has proven itself in design and test of common, single-phase home and office devices, it did not directly address the needs of designers of three-phase commercial and industrial systems.

The PA2203A’s four power channels let users simultaneously capture and visualize transients, in-rush currents, and state changes in three-phase power systems, with a 5-Msample/s digitizer that captures voltage, current, and power in real time within a 2.5-MHz bandwidth. By incorporating a 12.1-in., scope-like signal display and capacitive touchscreen with pinch/zoom/scroll capabilities, the PA2203A (like the PA2201A) eliminates the need for a separate oscilloscope to view power-line phenomena and time-varying performance, while streamlining measurement setup and reducing configuration time.

Three-phase test set-up wizard

Among the instrument’s unique capabilities are an on-screen wizard app for step-by-step visual guidance in setting up complex three-phase wiring measurements, with a choice of a delta (triangle) or wye (star) connection, and phasor diagrams to verify connections and analyze phase relationships. In addition, the analyzer supports 2- and 50-A_rms   inputs (6 and 100 A peak) on all four power channels, and offers external sensor inputs to support current probes and transducers up to 10-V full scale. Wide-ranging, isolated inputs up to 1,000 V_rms (Cat II) let engineers address multiple test scenarios. An integrated data logger provides data capture for up to one year for offline analysis and archiving.

The analyzer can be ordered today at a list price of $31,500; shipments are expected to begin in January.