Newtons4th PPA500 Communications Manual
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Newtons4th PPA500 Communications Manual

Ppa5 series; ppa15 series power analyzers
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PPA500/1500
KinetiQ
COMMUNICATIONS
MANUAL
Firmware v2.83
th
24
January 2018

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  • Page 1 PPA500/1500 KinetiQ COMMUNICATIONS MANUAL Firmware v2.83 January 2018...
  • Page 2 – do not attempt to open the instrument, refer service to the manufacturer or his appointed agent. Note: Newtons4th Ltd. shall not be liable for any consequential damages, losses, costs or expenses arising from the use or misuse of this product...
  • Page 3 The information in this manual is believed to be accurate and complete but Newtons4th Ltd cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any consequential damage or losses arising from any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual CONTENTS Using remote control .......... 1-1 Standard event status register ........1-4 Serial Poll status byte ..........1-5 RS232 connections ..........1-6 Data format............1-7 Communication commands ........2-1 *CLS ................2-1 *ESE ................2-2 *ESR? ................2-3 *IDN? ................
  • Page 5 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DAVER? ................2-35 DISPLAY ................. 2-36 DISPLAY? ................ 2-37 EFFICI ................2-38 EFFICI? ................2-39 FAST ................2-40 FQLOCK ................2-41 FQREF ................2-42 FREQUE ................2-43 FSD? ................2-44 Function: ................ 2-44 HARMON ................. 2-45 HARMON? ............... 2-46 HOLD................
  • Page 6 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SCOPE?................2-77 SCREEN? ................. 2-78 SETUP ................2-79 SETUP? ................2-80 SHUNT ................2-81 SMOOTH ................. 2-82 SPEED ................2-83 START ................2-84 STATUS? ................. 2-85 STOP ................2-86 SUSPEN ................2-87 USER? ................2-88 VARCON................2-89 VERSIO? .................

  • Page 7: Using Remote Control

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual 1 Using remote control instrument fitted with RS232 serial communications port and USB interface as standard, and may have LAN / GPIB interfaces fitted as an option. All the interfaces use the same ASCII protocol: Rx expects Tx sends RS232 carriage return...
  • Page 8 Control T (20) – reset interface (device clear) Control U (21) – warm restart The GPIB option uses a GPIB515 to make a GPIB link available PPA500 PPA1500 range instruments. This is achieved through a serial link to the PPA that handles all necessary status lines and registers for IEEE488 communication.
  • Page 9 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual - If the PPA is powered-up, the GPIB515 will receive it’s power supply through the DIN cable. To confirm this, check that the right LED is illuminated. - Using the REMOTE menu, select GPIB from the remote drop down list.

  • Page 10: Standard Event Status Register

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Standard event status register bit 0 OPC (operation complete) cleared by most commands set when data available or sweep complete bit 2 QYE (unterminated query error) set if no message ready when data read bit 3 DDE (device dependent error) set when the instrument has an error bit 4 EXE...

  • Page 11: Serial Poll Status Byte

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Serial Poll status byte bit 0 RDV (result data available) set when results are available to be read as enabled by DAVER bit 3 ALA (alarm active) set when an alarm is active and enabled by ALARMER bit 4 MAV (message available) set when a message reply is waiting to be read bit 5 ESB...

  • Page 12: Rs232 Connections

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual RS232 connections The RS232 port on the instrument uses the same pinout as a standard 9 pin serial port on a PC or laptop (9-pin male ‘D’ type). Function Direction in (+ weak pull up) RX data TX data not used not used...

  • Page 13: Data Format

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Data format Non integer results are sent as ASCII characters in a scientific format consisting of 5 or 6 digit mantissa plus exponent: +1.2345+E00 +1.23456+E00 For higher speed transfer a proprietary binary format can be selected which compresses the data into 4 bytes, each of which is sent with the msb set to distinguish them from ASCII control characters.

  • Page 14: Communication Commands

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual 2 Communication commands *CLS *CLS Function: Clear status Description: Clears the standard event status register. Format: *CLS Arguments: none Reply: none Example: *CLS *ESR? Notes:...

  • Page 15: Ese

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *ESE *ESE Function: Set standard event status enable register. Description: Enable which bits of the standard event status register set the ESB bit in the serial poll status byte.. Format: *ESE, value Arguments: decimal equivalent of bits in standard event status enable register Reply: can be read by *ESE?

  • Page 16: Esr

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *ESR? *ESR? Function: Standard event status register query Description: Returns the contents of the standard event status register and clears it. Format: *ESR? Arguments: none Reply: decimal equivalent of bits in standard event status register Example: *ESR? Notes: The following bits in the standard event status register have been implemented:...

  • Page 17: Idn

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *IDN? *IDN? Function: Identify query Description: Returns a standard format identification string. Format: *IDN? Arguments: none Reply: An ASCII string in the IEEE488.2 format: manufacturer,model,serial no,version Example: *IDN? NEWTONS4TH,PPA2530 KinetiQ, 01234,1.00 Notes:...

  • Page 18: Opc

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *OPC? *OPC? Function: Test for operation complete Description: Returns previous operation completed, 0 if not. Format: *OPC? Arguments: none Reply: 0 or 1 Example: START *OPC? *OPC? *OPC? Notes: *OPC? can be used to indicate when data is available or when a frequency sweep has completed.

  • Page 19: Rst

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *RST *RST Function: Reset Description: Resets the instrument to the default state and clears the standard event status register. Format: *RST Arguments: none Reply: none Example: *RST Notes: The *RST command loads the default configuration. This is the same as loading default configuration PROGRAM menu.

  • Page 20: Sre

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *SRE *SRE Function: Set service request enable register. Description: Enable which bits of the status byte register initiate a service request. Format: *SRE, value Arguments: decimal equivalent of bits in status byte register Reply: can be read by *SRE? Example: *SRE, 1 generate a service request when data...

  • Page 21: Sre?

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *SRE? *SRE? Function: Read service request enable register. Description: Read back the present setting of the service request enable register. Format: *SRE? Arguments: Reply: decimal equivalent of bits in status byte register that would generate a service request.

  • Page 22: Stb

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *STB? *STB? Function: Read serial poll status byte Description: Returns the decimal value of the serial poll status byte. Format: *STB? Arguments: none Reply: decimal value of the serial poll status byte Example: *STB? Notes: The following bits in the serial poll status register have been implemented: bit 0 RDV (results data available) bit 3 ALA...

  • Page 23: Trg

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *TRG *TRG Function: Trigger Description: Initiates a new measurement, resets the range and smoothing. Format: *TRG Arguments: none Reply: none Example: MODE,VRMS *TRG VRMS,SURG? Notes: 2-10...

  • Page 24: Tst

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *TST? *TST? Function: Self test query Description: Returns the results of self test Format: *TST? Arguments: none Reply: single integer bit 0 – set if uncalibrated bit 1 – set if DSP zero error bit 2 – set if DSP run error bit 3 –...

  • Page 25: Wai

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual *WAI *WAI Function: Wait for operation complete Description: Suspends communication until the previous operation has completed Format: *WAI Arguments: none Reply: none Example: *TRG *WAI POWER,PHASE1? Notes: 2-12...

  • Page 26: Abort

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ABORT ABORT Function: Abort datalog Description: Abort datalog data acquisition. Format: ABORT Arguments: none Reply: none Example: DATALOG,RAM,0.02 START wait for data values ABORT Notes: 2-13...

  • Page 27: Alarm

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ALARM ALARM Function: Set common controls for alarm1 and alarm2. Description: Set the alarm latch and sounder control. Format: ALARM,latch,sounder Arguments: latch: sounder: ENABLED DISABLED Reply: none Example: ALARM,ON,DISABLED Notes: 2-14...

  • Page 28: Alarm?

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ALARM? ALARM? Function: Read alarm status. Description: Reads the status of the measurements and 2 alarms. Format: ALARM? Arguments: none Reply: single integer bit 0 data available bit 1 data error bit 2 alarm 1 bit 3 alarm 2 Example: ALARM?

  • Page 29: Alarm1

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ALARM1 ALARM1 Function: Set parameters for alarm1. Description: Set alarm1 type and thresholds. Format: ALARM1,type,data,high,low Arguments: type: DISABLED HIGH INSIDE OUTSIDE LINEAR data high: high threshold low: low threshold Reply: none Example: ALARM1,HIGH,1,2,0 Notes: Both thresholds must be sent even if only one is used.

  • Page 30: Alarm2

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ALARM2 ALARM2 Function: Set parameters for alarm2. Description: Set alarm2 type and thresholds. Format: ALARM2,type,data,high,low Arguments: type: DISABLED HIGH INSIDE OUTSIDE data 1-4 for zoom data high: high threshold low: low threshold Reply: None Example: ALARM2,LOW,3,0,0.5 Notes: Both thresholds must be sent even if only one is used.

  • Page 31: Alarme

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ALARME ALARME Function: Set alarm status enable register Description: Sets bits in the alarm status enable register to control which alarm bit if any set the alarm active bits in the status byte. Format: ALARME,value Arguments: decimal equivalent of alarm bits bit2 set bit 3 of status byte when alarm 1 is active bit3 set bit 3 of status byte when...

  • Page 32: Alarme?

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ALARME? ALARME? Function: Read alarm status enable register Description: Read back present bits in the alarm status enable register which controls the alarm active bit in the status byte. Format: ALARME? Arguments: none Reply: decimal equivalent of alarm bits Example: ALARME? Notes:...

  • Page 33: Applic

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual APPLIC APPLIC Function: Select application mode. Description: Some applications require special settings within instrument optimum measurement Format: APPLIC,type,setting Arguments: type: NORMAL BALLAST INRUSH STANDB setting: speed 0-3 (ballast only) 0: fixed time 1: fast 2: medium 3: slow Reply: none Example:...

  • Page 34: Beep

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual BEEP BEEP Function: Sound the buzzer Description: Makes a “beep” from the instrument. Format: BEEP Arguments: none Reply: none Example: BEEP Notes: 2-21...

  • Page 35: Blanki

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual BLANKI BLANKI Function: Select blanking Description: Enable or disable low value blanking. Format: BLANKI,value Arguments: value: Reply: none Example: BLANKI,OFF Notes: 2-22...

  • Page 36: Calsno

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual CALSNO? CALSNO? Function: Read back the serial numbers string. Description: An alphanumeric string comprising the instrument serial number followed by the serial number of the complete input channel for each phase. Also displayed on the front panel by pressing SYS then LEFT.

  • Page 37: Calstr

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual CALSTR CALSTR Function: Load a calibration string. Description: When calibrated, the instrument stores a text string which can be read on the front panel (press SYS and LEFT). This shows date calibration. Users subsequently verify the accuracy in their own calibration facilities can enter an alternative string with the new date.

  • Page 38: Calstr?

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual CALSTR? CALSTR? Function: Read back the calibration string. Description: When calibrated, the instrument stores a text string which can be read on the front panel (press SYS and LEFT). This shows date calibration. Users subsequently verify the accuracy in their own calibration facilities can enter an alternative string with the new date.

  • Page 39: Config

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual CONFIG CONFIG Function: Direct access of configuration parameters Description: Sets configuration parameter for which there may not be a direct command. Format: CONFIG,index,data Arguments: index is the number of the parameter data is the data for that parameter Reply: none Example:...

  • Page 40: Config?

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual CONFIG? CONFIG? Function: Configurable parameter query Description: Reads the present value of a single parameter. Format: CONFIG,index? CONFIG?index Arguments: index is the parameter number Reply: Value of parameter, real or integer as appropriate. Example: CONFIG,6? (read phase convention) CONFIG,6,1 (set phase convention) CONFIG,6?

  • Page 41: Coupli

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual COUPLI COUPLI Function: Set ac or ac+dc coupling. Description: Selects the input coupling for a given input channel. Format: COUPLI,phase,coupling Arguments: phase: PHASE1 PHASE2 PHASE3 coupling: AC+DC ACONLY DCONLY Reply: none Example: COUPLI,PHASE2,AC+DC Notes: In multi phase applications, the coupling on phase 1 is applied to other phases unless “independent...

  • Page 42: Coupli?

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual COUPLI? COUPLI? Function: Read ac/dc coupling setting. Description: Returns a numerical value for the coupling setting. Format: COUPLI,phase,coupling? COUPLI?phase,coupling Arguments: phase: PHASE1 PHASE2 PHASE3 Reply: 0 = AC+DC 1 = ACONLY 2 = DCONLY Example: COUPLI,PHASE2,AC+DC COUPLI,PHASE2? Notes: In multi phase applications, the coupling on phase 1 is applied to other phases...

  • Page 43: Datalo

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DATALO DATALO Function: Set up datalog Description: Sets datalog parameters. Format: DATALO,function,interval,speed Arguments: function: DISABLE RECALL DELETE interval: datalog interval in seconds speed: HIGH Reply: none Example: DATALO,RAM,10 DATALO,RAM,0,HIGH Notes: set interval to 0 to record every measurement as fast as possible.

  • Page 44: Datalo?

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DATALO? DATALO? Function: Read back datalog results Description: Return datalog values, one record per line, or the number of lines available Format: DATALO,start,records? DATALO,0? DATALO,LINES? Arguments: start: first record to return records: number of records to return return all new records since last read Reply: 3 to 6 data values depending on settings:...

  • Page 45: Dav

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DAV? DAV? Function: Data available query Description: Returns data availability status. Format: DAV? Arguments: none Reply: Decimal equivalent of data available bits: bit0 new data available bit1 data available bit2 harmonic series data available bit6 integration data available bit7 datalog data available Example: SPEED,SLOW...

  • Page 46: Daver

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DAVER DAVER Function: Set data available enable register Description: Sets bits in the data available enable register to control which status bits set the data available bits in the status byte. Format: DAVER,value Arguments: decimal equivalent of data available bits bit0 set bit 0 of status byte when new data available bit1 set bit 0 of status byte when...
  • Page 47 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DAVER? DAVER? Function: Read data available enable register Description: Read back present setting of the data available enable register, which controls the status bits that set the data available bits in the status byte. Format: DAVER? Arguments: none Reply: decimal equivalent of bits...

  • Page 48: Display

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DISPLAY DISPLAY Function: Set the display page Description: Selects the page on the display so that the zoom data can be used for alarms. Format: DISPLAY,page Arguments: page: PHASE1 PHASE2 PHASE3 NEUTRAL TOTAL FUNDAMENTAL VOLTAGE CURRENT Reply: None Example: DISPLAY,FUNDAMENTAL...
  • Page 49 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DISPLAY? DISPLAY? Function: Read the displayed data Description: Returns all the values presently on the screen. Format: DISPLAY? Arguments: none Reply: Multiple floating point values separated by commas Example: DISPLAY? Notes: 2-37...

  • Page 50: Effici

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual EFFICI EFFICI Function: Set efficiency calculation Description: Selects the data to be used for the efficiency calculation. Format: EFFICI,formula Arguments: formula: 0 – disabled 1 – phase 1 / phase 2 2 – phase 2 / phase 1 7 –...
  • Page 51 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual EFFICI? EFFICI? Function: Read efficiency result Description: Reads back the total and fundamental efficiency results. Format: EFFICI? Arguments: none Reply: 2 data values separated by commas: total, fundamental or 6 data values Example: EFFICI? data returned Notes: 6 data values returned if efficiency option is phase / next phase and 3 phase wiring is configured...

  • Page 52: Fast

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual FAST FAST Function: Set fast communications mode. Description: Disables the screen drawing for high speed operation. Format: FAST,value Arguments: value: Reply: none Example: FAST,ON Notes: FAST mode does not suppress the data acquisition which continues background. See SUSPEND to disable all non-communication functions.

  • Page 53: Fqlock

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual FQLOCK FQLOCK Function: Lock frequency. Description: Fix the frequency for analysis to the present value. Format: FQLOCK,value Arguments: value: CONSTANT DYNAMIC NORMAL Reply: none Example: FQLOCK,ON FQLOCK,DYNAMIC Notes: ON sets the Frequency lock to Constant OFF sets the Frequency lock to Normal analysis specified frequency, first lock the frequency with...

  • Page 54: Fqref

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual FQREF FQREF Function: Set frequency reference. Description: Select channel used measuring the frequency. Format: FQREF,phase FQREF,channel FQREF,phase,channel Arguments: channel: voltage current phase: PHASE1 PHASE2 PHASE3 Reply: none Example: FQREF,CURRENT Notes: Measured phase is always referred to phase 1 voltage no matter what channel is selected to measure the frequency, unless phase 1 is not active (eg phase 2 only mode).

  • Page 55: Freque

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual FREQUE FREQUE Function: Set the analysis frequency Description: Sets the analysis frequency in Hz for frequency lock mode. Format: FREQUE,frequency Arguments: frequency in Hz Reply: none Example: FQLOCK,ON FREQUE,5e4 (set frequency to 50kHz) Notes: Lock frequency with FQLOCK,ON before sending the desired frequency with the FREQUE command.

  • Page 56: Fsd

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual FSD? FSD? Function: Read the full scale of all input channels at once or that of an individually selected input channel. Description: Returns full scale value channels or that of a single selected channel. Format: FSD? FSD,CH? Arguments: None CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, CH5, CH6...

  • Page 57: Function

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual HARMON HARMON Function: Set harmonic analyser mode. Description: harmonic analyser mode parameters. Format: HARMON,para,harmonic,max Arguments: para: THDD difference formula THD THDS harmonic series THD Telephone Influence Factor Telephone Harmonic Factor Total Demand Distortion Total Rated Distortion HPHASE Series harmonic phase harmonic: individual harmonic for display max:...
  • Page 58 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual HARMON? HARMON? Function: Harmonic analyser query Description: Read harmonic results. Sets harmonic analyser mode already set. Waits for next unread data if necessary. Clears new data available bit read by DAV? Format: HARMON? HARMON,phase? HARMON,SERIES? HARMON,phase,SERIES? Arguments: phase: PHASE1 PHASE2...

  • Page 59: Hold

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual HOLD HOLD Function: Set data hold Description: Turns data hold on or off. Useful for reading data from different phases without it being changed between reads. Format: HOLD,state Arguments: state: Reply: none Example: HOLD,ON POWER,PHASE1,WATTS? POWER,PHASE2,WATTS? POWER,PHASE3,WATTS? HOLD,OFF Notes: 2-47...

  • Page 60: Input

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual INPUT INPUT Function: Set input mode Description: Selects the input type of the instrument Format: INPUT,channel,type Arguments: channel: type: INTERN EXTATT EXTSHU INTX10 Reply: None Example: INPUT,CH1,EXTSHU Notes: CH1 applies to all voltage channels (unless in single phase 2 or 3 wiring) CH2 applies to all current channels (unless in single phase 2 or 3 wiring) CH3 and 4 apply to phase 2 voltage and...

  • Page 61: Integr

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual INTEGR INTEGR Function: Set integrated power mode. Description: Set integrated power mode, whether the integration for Watts and current use signed or unsigned values, and whether accumulated averaged values computed. Also sets up run time for integration over a specific interval.
  • Page 62 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual INTEGR? INTEGR? Function: Read integrated power mode. Description: Read integrated power mode for the selected phase. Format: INTEGR,phase? Arguments: phase: PHASE1 PHASE2 PHASE3 PHASES Reply: 13 values separated by commas time,Wh,WH.f,VAh,VAh.f,VArh,Varh.f pf,pf.f,V,V.f,Ah,Ah.f Example: START wait for integration time INTEGR,PHASE1? data returned Notes:...

  • Page 63: Keyboa

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual KEYBOA KEYBOA Function: Disable front panel keyboard. Description: The front panel keyboard can be disabled to prevent accidental operation. Format: KEYBOARD,value Arguments: value: ENABLE DISABLE Reply: none Example: KEYBOARD,DISABLE Notes: The keyboard can be re-enabled from the front panel only by pressing the HOME key.

  • Page 64: Lcr

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Function: Set LCR meter mode. Description: Set LCR mode and conditions. Format: LCR,parameter Arguments: parameter: AUTO CAPACITANCE INDUCTANCE IMPEDANCE Reply: none Example: LCR,IMPEDA Notes: 2-52...
  • Page 65 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual LCR? LCR? Function: LCR meter query Description: Read LCR meter results. Sets LCR meter mode if not already set. Waits for next unread data if necessary. Clears new data available bit read by DAV? Format: LCR,phase? Arguments: phase: PHASE1 PHASE2...

  • Page 66: Lowfre

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual LOWFRE LOWFRE Function: Set low frequency mode Description: Sets frequency option extending the measurement window. Format: LOWFRE,value Arguments: value: Reply: none Example: LOWFRE,ON Notes: LOWFRE is mainly used for measuring low frequencies (<5 Hz). However, as it applies digital filtering, it may also be useful when analysing any signals below a few hundred Hertz.

  • Page 67: Mode

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual MODE MODE Function: Set mode Description: Sets the basic operating mode of the instrument. Format: MODE,type Arguments: type: POWER (power meter) INTEGR (integrator) HARMON (harmonic analyser) (rms voltmeter) (LCR meter) SCOPE (oscilloscope) PHASEM (phase meter) Reply: none Example: MODE,LCR Notes:...

  • Page 68: Multil

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual MULTIL MULTIL Function: Selects data for multi string reply Description: Selects data values across phases and functions that can be read in a single string using the MULTIL? command. Format: MULTIL,index,phase,function Arguments: index: clear all 1-64 select data 1-64 phase: phase 1-3 neutral...
  • Page 69 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual MULTIL? MULTIL? Function: Reads multi string reply Description: Waits for data to be available (if required) then returns selected results. Either a single string or multiple string replies can be selected. Format: MULTIL? MULTIL,number? Arguments: number: The required number of data string replies Reply: A single reply string containing up to 64...

  • Page 70: Newloc

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual NEWLOC NEWLOC Function: Waits for new data then holds so that multiple commands can be used on the same data set. Description: Reads multiple sets of data Format: NEWLOC Arguments: None Reply: Data as per returned parameter query. ie from power, harmonics etc.

  • Page 71: Noover

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual NOOVER NOOVER Function: Disable overranging Description: Prevents overrange error from blanking out results in manual ranging. Format: NOOVER,value Arguments: value: Reply: none Example: NOOVER,ON Notes: This can be useful when testing devices in a noisy environment. The range can be set to the correct range for the signal to be measured even if sporadic noise spikes would push it up on to the next range.

  • Page 72: Normal

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual NORMAL NORMAL Function: Sets the Normalise reference to Current or Voltage. Description: Sets the Reference for the NORMALISE function. Press ZERO on the instrument to action the function. Format: NORMAL,reference Arguments: Reference: CURRENT VOLTAGE Reply: none Example: NORMAL,VOLTAGE NORMAL,CURRENT NORMALISE,VOLTAGE...

  • Page 73: Pfconv

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual PFCONV PFCONV Function: Set power factor sign convention. Description: Fundamental power factor is given a sign depending convention either: negative if lagging current negative if leading current Format: PFCONV,type Arguments: type: NEGLAG NEGLEA Reply: none Example: PFCONV,NEGLAG Notes: An inductive load would have a lagging current, a capacitive load would have a...

  • Page 74: Phangref

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual PHANGREF PHANGREF Function: Set phase angle reference. Description: Select phase angle reference to current or voltage. Format: PHANGREF,reference Arguments: reference: Current Voltage Reply: none Example: PHANGREF,current PHANGREF,voltage Notes: 2-62...

  • Page 75: Phasem

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual PHASEM PHASEM Function: Set phase meter mode. Description: Select phase meter mode and reference. Format: PHASE,reference Arguments: reference: ratio = ch2/ch1 ratio = ch1/ch2 Reply: none Example: PHASEM,CH1 PHASEM,CH2 Notes: 2-63...

  • Page 76: Phasem

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual PHASEM? PHASEM? Function: Phase meter query Description: Reads phase meter results. Sets phase meter mode if not already set. Waits for next unread data if available. Clears new data available bit read by DAV? Format: PHASEM? PHASEM,phase? Arguments: phase: PHASE1...

  • Page 77: Phconv

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual PHCONV PHCONV Function: Set phase convention and the harmonic angle. Description: Set phase convention and optionally the harmonic angle. Format: PHCONV,convention,angle Arguments: convention: 180: -180 to +180 -360: 0 to -360 +360: 0 to +360 Angle: cosine sine Reply: none...

  • Page 78: Power

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual POWER POWER Function: Set up power analyser mode. Description: Configure power analyser with current display type Format: POWER,sum type Arguments: sum type: TOTAL AVERAGE Reply: none Examples: POWER,TOTAL Notes: 2-66...
  • Page 79 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual POWER? POWER? Function: Read power analyser results Description: Reads back latest power analyser results. Sets power analyser mode. Waits for next unread data if necessary. Clears new data available status bit. Format: POWER,phase,results? Arguments: phase: PHASE1 PHASE2 PHASE3 PHASES NEUTRAL (current only)
  • Page 80 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Reply: WATTS: freq,W,W.f,VA,VA.f,VAr,VAr.f,pf,pf.f, Wdc,W.h VOLTAGE or CURRENT: freq,rms,mag,dc,phase,pk,cf,mean, form factor,harm VECTORS: freq,vmag1,vlag1,amag1,alag1….. RMS: freq,vrms1,vdc1,arms1,adc1….. WVA: freq,w1,vrms1,arms1,w2….. PH-PH: freq,rms1,mag1,lag1,rms2... Example: POWER,VECTORS? data returned Notes: POWER? without specifying the phase returns the appropriate single phase data. PHASES returns the data for all valid phases 1-3.

  • Page 81: Progra

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual PROGRA PROGRA Function: Access non volatile program stores. Description: Recall, store delete non-volatile program store. Format: PROGRA,function,number Arguments: function: RECALL STORE DELETE number 0-100 Reply: none Example: PROGRA,RECALL,13 Notes: Number represents factory default, which can only be recalled. 2-69...
  • Page 82 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual PROGRA? PROGRA? Function: Identify current program or list all stored programs. Description: Sending the argument FILES? – Lists all stored programs. The reply includes the location, file name and date saved for each program. Sending the argument NAME? - Displays the name of the last program to be loaded or recalled.

  • Page 83: Range

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual RANGE RANGE Function: Set channel ranging. Description: Select minimum range and range control for a given input channel. Format: RANGE,channel,ranging,range Arguments: channel: ranging: AUTO UPAUTO MANUAL range: range number 1-8 Reply: none Example: RANGE,CH2,MANUAL,4 Notes: CH1 sets the voltage range CH2 sets the current range Refer to the user manual for the range corresponding to each range number...

  • Page 84: Resolu

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual RESOLU RESOLU Function: Set the data resolution Description: Data is returned in scientific format with exponent and mantissa. The resolution of the mantissa may be selected to be 5 digit (NORMAL) or 6 digit (HIGH) or 20 bit (BINARY).

  • Page 85: Result

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual RESULT RESULT Function: Access results stores. Description: Recall, store or delete results. Format: RESULT,function,number Arguments: function: RECALL STORE DELETE number 1-20 Reply: none Example: RESULT,RECALL,13 Notes: There are 3 types of result: normal, harmonic and scope. Harmonic and scope results occupy 3 locations each.
  • Page 86 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual RESULT? RESULT? Function: Identify used result stores. Description: Reads a directory of the result locations. Format: RESULT? Arguments: none Reply: 20 integers separated by commas Example: RESULT? 0,0,1,3,-1,-1,0,2,-1,-1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 Notes: 0 = empty 1 = normal result 2 = harmonic result 3 = scope result -1 = continuation of previous 2-74...

  • Page 87: Rezero

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual REZERO REZERO Function: Rezero front end Description: Request the DSP to re-compensate for dc offset and compute a new autozero Format: REZERO Arguments: none Reply: none Example: REZERO Notes: 2-75...

  • Page 88: Scale

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SCALE SCALE Function: Set channel scale factor. Description: Set a multiplying scale factor for a given input channel. Format: SCALE,channel,factor Arguments: channel: factor: multiplying scale factor Reply: none Example: SCALE,CH2,10 Notes: CH1 sets the scale for all voltage channels CH2 sets the scale for all current channels 2-76...

  • Page 89: Scope

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SCOPE? SCOPE? Function: Fetch raw scope data. Description: Read back raw oscilloscope data. Format: SCOPE,channel? SCOPE,phase,channel? Arguments: phase: PHASE1 PHASE2 PHASE3 NEUTRA channel: VOLTAGE CURRENT Reply: 252 signed integers: range trigger 250 x data Example: HOLD,ON SCOPE,PHASE1,VOLTAGE? read data SCOPE,PHASE2,VOLTAGE? read data...

  • Page 90: Screen

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SCREEN? SCREEN? Function: Read the screen data Description: Returns a bit map of screen pixel display in ascii and hex format Format: SCREEN? Arguments: none Reply: Multiple data bit values Example: SCREEN? data returned Notes: SCREEN? response: ASCII coded Hex (2 characters for each byte) 272 lines of 60 bytes (each line...

  • Page 91: Setup

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SETUP SETUP Function: Upload instrument set up Description: All the settings within the instrument may be read by SETUP? The same settings may then be stored by ending the same data back to the instrument. As it sends all settings in a compressed format it is quicker than...
  • Page 92 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SETUP? SETUP? Function: Read instrument set up Description: All the settings within the instrument may be read by SETUP? The same settings may then be stored by ending the same data back to the instrument. As it sends all settings in a compressed format it is quicker than...

  • Page 93: Shunt

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SHUNT SHUNT Function: Set channel shunt value Description: Set the resistance factor of an external current shunt to be divided into the measured voltage given input channel. Format: SHUNT,channel,resistance Arguments: channel: resistance: shunt resistance in Ohms Reply: none Example: SHUNT,CH1,10...

  • Page 94: Smooth

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SMOOTH SMOOTH Function: Select the smoothing Description: Sets the filter time constant and dynamic response. Format: SMOOTH,type,dynamics Arguments: type: NONE NORMAL SLOW dynamics: AUTO FIXED Reply: none Example: SMOOTH,NORMAL,FIXED SMOOTH,NONE Notes: necessary send both parameters if it is only required to set the type.

  • Page 95: Speed

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SPEED SPEED Function: Sets the measurement speed Description: Sets the minimum window size for the measurement. Format: SPEED,value,window Arguments: value: VFAST FAST MEDIUM SLOW VSLOW WINDOW Reply: none Example: SPEED,SLOW SPEED,WINDOW,0.1 Notes: The window size argument is only needed for the WINDOW option 2-83...

  • Page 96: Start

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual START START Function: Start datalog Description: Initiate datalog data acquisition. Format: START Arguments: none Reply: none Example: DATALOG,RAM,0.02 START Notes: 2-84...

  • Page 97: Status

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual STATUS? STATUS? Function: Read back channel ranging status. Description: Read back condition of selected channel: range number (1-16) range text overflow/underflow status Format: STATUS? STATUS,channel? STATUS?channel Arguments: channel: Reply: range number,range text,over/under/ok 1-16 range as per RANGE command OVER if overflow LOW if underflow OK if in range...

  • Page 98: Stop

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual STOP STOP Function: Stop datalog Description: Stop datalog data acquisition. Format: STOP Arguments: none Reply: none Example: DATALOG,RAM,0.02 START wait for data values STOP read data values Notes: 2-86...

  • Page 99: Suspen

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual SUSPEN SUSPEN Function: Suspend data acquisition. Description: Disable the data acquisition to maximise the communication speed. Format: SUSPEN,value Arguments: value: Reply: none Example: FAST,ON SUSPEN,ON MULTILOG? SUSPEN,OFF FAST,OFF Notes: 2-87...

  • Page 100: User

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual USER? USER? Function: Read the user data Description: Returns up to 3 lines of user data Format: USER? Arguments: none Reply: 3 lines of ASCII terminated by CR Example: USER? Newtons4th Ltd R&D department KinetiQ #4 Notes: 2-88...

  • Page 101: Varcon

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual VARCON VARCON Function: Set VAr sign convention. Description: Fundamental VAr measurement is given a sign depending convention either: negative if lagging current negative if leading current Format: VARCON,type Arguments: type: NEGLAG NEGLEA Reply: none Example: VARCON,NEGLAG Notes: An inductive load would have a lagging current, a capacitive load would have a leading current.

  • Page 102: Versio

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual VERSIO? VERSIO? Function: Read the instrument code versions. Description: Returns an ASCII string with the details of the various parts of the instrument firmware. Format: VERSIO? Arguments: none Reply: date code, type, cpu, dsp, fpga, boot type: 0 –...

  • Page 103: Vrms

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual VRMS VRMS Function: Set up rms voltmeter. Description: Set mode to rms voltmeter. Format: VRMS Arguments: none Reply: none Examples: VRMS Notes: This has the same effect as MODE,VRMS 2-91...
  • Page 104 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual VRMS? VRMS? Function: Read true rms voltmeter results Description: Reads back latest voltmeter results. Waits for next unread data if necessary. Clears new data available status bit. Format: VRMS,phase,results? Arguments: results: MEAN SURGE phase: PHASE1 PHASE2 PHASE3 PHASES Reply: RMS:...

  • Page 105: Wiring

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual WIRING WIRING Function: Select wiring mode. Description: Set wiring mode for computation of SUM and neutral data. Format: WIRING,type Arguments: type: SINGLE (single ph 1) 2PHASE (2 ph 2 wattmeter) 3PH2WA (3 ph 2 wattmeter) 3PH3WA (3 ph 3 wattmeter) INDPH2 (single ph 1 + ph2) INDPH3 (3 ph 2 wattmeter + ph3) PHASE1 (single ph 1)

  • Page 106: Zero

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ZERO ZERO Function: Apply or remove the zero Description: Applies removes zero function depending on the measurement mode (same as pressing ZERO key). Resets the integration data and timer if in power integration mode. Format: ZERO ZERO,DELETE Arguments: none Reply:...

  • Page 107: Zoom

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ZOOM ZOOM Function: Sets the display zoom parameters. Description: Sets the zoom level and data. Format: ZOOM,level,data1,data2,data3,data4 Arguments: level: 0 – normal 1 – zoom data larger font (zoom level 1) 2 – zoom data only (zoom level 2) 3 –...
  • Page 108 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual ZOOM? ZOOM? Function: Read the display zoom parameters. Description: Reads the zoom level and data. Format: ZOOM? Arguments: Reply: 5 integers separated by commas: level: 0 – normal 1 – zoom data larger font (zoom level 1) 2 –...

  • Page 109: Multilog Application Guide

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Multilog Application Guide Configuring the N4L PPA Power Analyzer for Data logging The Multilog (MULTIL) command provides an excellent method data logging parameters information via one query command - MULTIL? The instrument will return a comma-separated string which relates to the MULTIL,X,X,X setup commands previously entered by the relevant communication method.
  • Page 110 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual The Function ID is chosen from Appendix B which is a continually growing list due to firmware upgrades of the power analyzers at N4L, at present the PPA500 & PPA1500 have 93 possible functions: Function Measurement Notes...
  • Page 111 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Required Parameters MULTILOG Pattern Order Phase Parameter Command Index Phase Function parameter (channel) required to be of data returned returned within string Frequency MULTIL, Watts MULTIL, Phase 1 Watts MULTIL, Phase 2 Watts MULTIL, Phase 3 MULTIL, Voltage Phase 1 MULTIL,...
  • Page 112 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Step 3. Send Multil query and read return string. MULTIL? // returns a comma separated string as Example return string: 5.0000E1, 2.4500E2, 2.4320E2, 2.5421E2, 1.0232E3, 1.0152E3, 1.0546E3 Frequency PH1 Watts PH2 Watts PH3 Watts PH1 RMS Volt PH2 RMS Volt PH3 RMS Volt 2-100...

  • Page 113: Appendix A - Configurable Parameters

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Appendix A – Configurable parameters All parameters can be accessed using the CONFIG command: CONFIG,number,parameter number Function parameter Operating mode, (sets Main Mode) 0=RMS Voltmeter 1=Phase Meter 2=Power Analyser 3=Impedance Analyser 4=Power Integrator 5=Harmonic Analyser 7=Oscilloscope Resolution, (remote options –...
  • Page 114 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Keyboard beep on/off, (System options) 0=Off 1=On Ignore overload, (Acquisition advance options) 0=Off 1=On Low frequency mode, (Acquisition control) 0=Off 1=On Window size, (Acquisition control, speed-window) 0=mS 1=Sec’s Speed, (Acquisition control or Phase meter) 0=Very Slow 1=Slow 2=Medium 3=Fast 4=Very Fast...
  • Page 115 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual LAN IP address nibble 1, (Remote options - LAN - enter figure as required) LAN IP address nibble 0, (Remote options - LAN - enter figure as required) Independent ranging, (System options) 0=Disabled 1=Enabled Enable channel 1, (Range –...
  • Page 116 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Input ranging channel 2, (Range – autoranging current) 0= Full Autorange 1=Range up only 2=Manual Coupling, (Coupling) 0=ac+dc 1=ac 2=dc Scale factor channel 1 voltage, (Ranging - Enter figures as required) Scale factor channel 2 current, (Ranging - Enter figures as required) External attenuator channel 1, (Ranging –...
  • Page 117 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Function zoomed on 1, (Main display) 0=Voltage, Current & Frequency 1=Watts, Current, Voltage & Frequency 2= VA, Current, Voltage & Frequency 3= VAr, Current, Voltage & Frequency 4= pf, Current, Voltage & Frequency Function zoomed on 2, (Main display) 0=Current &...
  • Page 118 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual DFT selectivity, ( Acquisition advance options) 0=Normal 1=Narrow Program 1-4 direct load, (System options) 0=Disabled 1=Enabled Language, (System options) 0=English 1=Other language if installed Frequency filter, (Acquisition control) 0=Disabled 1=Enabled, fundamental>1kHz 2=Enabled, fundamental<1kHz Phase reference, (Acquisition control) 0=Voltage 1=Current Datalog Zoom1,...
  • Page 119 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Datalog graph, (Datalog-RAM) 0=Together 1=Seperate Formula, (Maths) 0=Disabled 1=(term1 + term2/term3 + term4) 2=(term1 + term2) x term3/term4 3=term1 x term2/(term3 + term4) Argument term 1 0=Disabled 1=Constant 2=Voltage 3=Current 4=Torque 5=Speed Sub argument term 1, (For voltage and current arguments only) 0=rms 1=dc 2=ac...
  • Page 120 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Sub argument term 2, (For voltage and current arguments only) 0=rms 1=dc 2=ac 3=Fundamental 4=Peak 5=Mean 6= Ph-Ph rms 7=Ph-Ph mag Term 2 coefficient, (Enter value) Application mode, 0=Normal 2=Lighting ballast 3=Inrush current 5=Standby power 6=Calibration mode Frequency tracking speed, (Application options mode - Lighting Ballast) 0=Fixed time...
  • Page 121 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Sub argument term 3, (For voltage and current arguments only) 0=rms 1=dc 2=ac 3=Fundamental 4=Peak 5=Mean 6= Ph-Ph rms 7=Ph-Ph mag Term 3 coefficient, (Enter value) Argument term 4 0=Disabled 1=Constant 2=Voltage 3=Current 4=Torque 5=Speed Sub argument term 4, (For voltage and current arguments only) 0=rms 1=dc...
  • Page 122 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Integration, (Power analyzer - Power integrator) 0=Signed 1=Magnitude Integration display, (Mode - Power integrator) 0=Total 1=Average Sum current average, (Power analyzer) 0=Total 1=Average Phase 3 reference, (Acquisition control – 3 phase 2 wattmeter + PH3) 0=Voltage 1=Current 2=ac line 3=Phase 1 &...
  • Page 123 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Selected harmonic, (Harmonic analyzer - figure = harmonic required) Harmonic series up to, (Harmonic analyzer - figure = harmonic max) Voltage bargraph scale, (Harmonic analyzer - figure = % required) Current rating (TRD), (Harmonic analyzer – TRD mode – enter figure) Current bargraph scale, (Harmonic analyzer - figure = % required) Timebase,...
  • Page 124 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual trigger HF reject, (Scope) 0=Off 1=On Trace, (Scope) 0=Dual 1=Voltage 2=Current Zoom 2 high resolution, (System) 0=Disabled 1=Enabled Brightness, (System) 0=Low 1=High Auxiliary device, (Aux control) 0=None 6=PCIS Switch phase offset, (Aux control – PCIS device) 0=0° 1=45°...
  • Page 125 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Integrator-Run time (mins) (Mode - Power integrator – enter figure) Ph – Ph Measurement, (Power analyser) 0=rms 1=Mean Difference THD, (Power analyser – penultimate line - Vthd) 0=Disabled 1=Enabled including dc 2=Enabled excluding dc Parameter, (Impedance analyzer) 0=Auto 1=Capacitance 2=Inductance...
  • Page 126 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Interface, (Remote options) 0=RS232 1=USB 2=LAN Recall with program, (Remote options) 0=Off 1=On Alarm 1 data, (Alarm options) 0=Zoom1 1=Zoom 2 2=Zoom3 3=Zoom 4 Alarm 1 type, (Alarm options) 0=Disabled 1=Linear 2=Alarm if high 3=Alarm if low 4=Outside window5=Inside window Alarm 1 high threshold, (Alarm options –...
  • Page 127 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Alarm 2 type, (Alarm options) 0=Disabled 1=Linear 2=Alarm if high 3=Alarm if low 4=Outside window 5=Inside window Alarm 2 high threshold, (Alarm options – alarm if high – enter figure) Alarm 2 low threshold, (Alarm options – alarm if low – enter figure) Enable channel 3, (Range–voltage input)(Sys - independent ranging enabled) 1=Internal...
  • Page 128 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Input ranging channel 3, (Range – autoranging voltage) (Sys independent ranging enabled) 0=Full Autorange 1=Range up only 2=Manual Input ranging channel 4, (Range – autoranging current) (Sys independent ranging enabled) 0= Full Autorange 1=Range up only 2=Manual Coupling phase 2, (Coupling) (Sys independent ranging enabled) 0=ac +dc...
  • Page 129 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Input range channel 5, (Range – minimum range voltage) 0=1V 1=3V 2=10V 3=30V 4=100V 5=300V 6=1kV 7=3kV Input range channel 6, (Range – minimum range current) (Sys independent ranging enabled) 0=300mA 1=1A 2=3A 3=10A 4=30A 5=100A 6=300A 7=1kA Input ranging channel 5, (Range –...
  • Page 130 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual External attenuator channel 5, (Ranging – voltage input - attenuator ratio as required) (Sys independent ranging enabled) External shunt channel 6, (Ranging – current input – resistance value as required) (Sys independent ranging enabled) Memory, (Program) 0=Internal 1=USB Memory stick Data, (Program)

  • Page 131: Appendix B - Multil Parameters

    PPA5xx/15xx communications manual Appendix B – MULTIL parameters function measurement notes frequency watts power factor fundamental watts fundamental VA fundamental VAr fundamental PF harmonic watts harmonic watts % impedance Imp meter mode resistance Imp meter mode reactance Imp meter mode impedance phase Imp meter mode efficiency...
  • Page 132 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual average rms current integrator mode average fundamental current integrator mode delta watts fundamental delta watts elapsed time integrator mode resistance Imp meter mode inductance Imp meter mode capacitance Imp meter mode tan delta Imp meter mode Q factor Imp meter mode reserved for future expansion rms voltage...
  • Page 133 PPA5xx/15xx communications manual voltage surge current surge voltage rms deviation transformer mode voltage fundamental deviation transformer mode voltage phase deviation transformer mode voltage positive peak current positive peak voltage negative peak current negative peak voltage positive peak unfiltered current positive peak unfiltered voltage negative peak unfiltered current negative peak unfiltered 95-99...
  • Page 134 At Newtons4th Ltd. we have a policy of continuous product improvement and are always keen to hear comments, whether favourable or unfavourable, from users of our products. Please telephone, fax, write or e-mail with your...

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