Power analyser offers 0.05% accuracy, 20-A current capability
Tektronix has added to its range of power analysers with the introduction of the PA1000 single-phase instrument. Previously, the company introduced the PA4000, which in turn marked a heightened interest from Tek in the power analysis field, following its acquisition of power-analysis intellectual property from Voltech, in early 2013.
Serving what Tek refers to as a “megatrend” focus on energy-efficiency, the PA1000 is organised for rapid measurement setup and for simple data transfer and reporting; it is certified to carry out testing to the IEC62301 standby-power standard. You can use it in any single-phase power measurement scenario; it will measure power, energy (Watt-hours), efficiency (or losses), power factor (PF), distortion (THD), and harmonics which it can present as a histogram on its graphical display. The same screen can also show a waveform display, which Tek say is a unique feature in this class of instrument.
The 1000 has two current ranges using internal shunts; as for the 4000 model, Tektronix highlights its use of the Spiral Shunt as a source of accuracy and stability. These shunts are formed of Manganin, and alloy that offers minimal change of resistance with temperature, and the “spiral” part refers to the way the shunt is wound to cancel self-inductance effects. The 1-A shunt is particularly useful, Tek says, for maintaining measurements resolution and accuracy on demanding low-current signals common to standby power testing. Maximum internal current range is 20Arms, and measured voltage is up to 600 Vrms; The PA1000 claims the best overall performance in its class, with 0.05% basic accuracy and 1 MHz measurement bandwidth/1 Msample/sec sampling rate.
The colour graphics display accompanies one-button access to measurement results, power waveforms, harmonic bar graphs, and menus. Application-specific test modes for standby current, lamp ballast testing and energy integration help to simplify optimisation of instrument settings. PWRVIEW PC software further simplifies testing with one-click test automation for compliance-test applications.
There is a single model of the PA1000, with no additional options, and the associated software is a free download. Standard features include LAN, USB and GPIB interfaces, and harmonic analysis. The instrument carries a five-year warranty and costs €2470/£2080 (UK Pounds) from Tektronix distributors including Farnell and Mouser.
More at www.tek.com/power-analyzer-series/pa1000
Based on recent field and metrology analysis, Tektronix has released improved accuracy specifications for the PA4000 power analyser and extended the standard warranty to five years from the previous three years. The new accuracy specifications apply to RMS voltage, RMS current and Power. For instance RMS voltage accuracy was rated at ± 0.04% and has now been improved to a rating of ± 0.01%. For the full details visit the PA4000 product page; www.tek.com/power-analyzer/pa4000
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