N4L PPA5500 User Manual

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PPA5500

User Manual

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Document Title: PPA55xx User Manual v4.0

Document Release Date: 04

PPA55xx Firmware version on release date: v2.185

Document Ref: D000229 issue 04

March 2021

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Page 1 PPA5500 User Manual This manual is copyright © 2006-2021 Newtons4th Ltd. and all rights are reserved. No part may be copied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent. Document Title: PPA55xx User Manual v4.0 Document Release Date: 04 March 2021 PPA55xx Firmware version on release date: v2.185...
Page 2: Danger Of Electric Shock
DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCK Only qualified personnel should install this equipment, after reading and understanding this user manual. If in doubt, consult your supplier. RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION L'installation de cet équipement ne doit être confiée qu'à un personnel qualifié ayant lu et compris le présent manuel d'utilisation.
Page 3: Important Safety Instructions
PPA55xx user manual IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This equipment is designed to comply with BSEN 61010-1 (2001) (Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use) – observe the following precautions:  This instrument is to be connected and operated only by qualified personnel.
Page 4: Important Safety Notice
PPA55xx user manual IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE Input Connections: It is critical that the 4mm inputs and BNC inputs on each PPA input channel are not connected to any external circuit at the same time. You MUST only use EITHER the 4mm OR the BNC connection –...
Page 5: Declaration Of Conformity
PPA55xx user manual DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Newtons4th Ltd. 1 Bede Island Road Leicester LE2 7EA We declare that the product: Description: Power Analyser Product name: Model: PPA55xx Family Conforms to the EEC Directives: 2014/30/EU relating to electromagnetic compatibility: EN 61326-1:2013 EN 55022 class A EN 61000-3-2:2014 EN 61000-3-3:2013...
Page 6: Warranty
– contact your local representative. It is recommended that the instrument is re-calibrated annually. Calibration note:  Performance test specification available from N4L upon request.  If calibrating with Fluke 6105A, refer to brochure for test specification accuracy between 40~450Hz.
Page 7: About This Manual
PPA55xx user manual ABOUT THIS MANUAL This manual describes the general features, usage and specifications of the PPA55xx range of power analysers. Detailed descriptions of the communications command set for RS232, USB, LAN and GPIB is given in the separate manual “PPA55xx”...
Page 8: Table Of Contents
PPA55xx user manual CONTENTS 1 Introduction – general principles of operation ......1-1 2 Getting started ..............2-1 Temperature Limits ..........2-1 Unpacking .............. 2-1 3 Quick Start guide ............... 3-1 Operating Mode Keys..........3-1 Menu Control Keys ..........3-3 Display Control Keys ..........
Page 9 PPA55xx user manual 8.1.1 Wiring diagrams ..............8-2 8.1.2 Conversion Settings .............8-5 ACQU - Acquisition options ........8-6 8.2.1 Advanced options ..............8-8 COUPLING - coupling & bandwidth options ....8-10 RANGE - input channel options ....... 8-12 DATALOG – datalog options ........8-16 MATHS –...
Page 10 PPA55xx user manual APPENDICES Appendix A Accessories External shunts PCIS – Phase controlled input switch Ultra Low Capacitance high voltage probes External Input Attenuator ADI40 Interface A6-A7 LEM6 3-6 Channel Interface A8-A11 CommView2 PC Software A12-A13 PPA Datalogger PC Software A14-A16 Appendix B Serial command summary...
Page 11: Introduction - General Principles Of Operation
PPA55xx user manual Introduction – general principles of operation The PPA55xx is a sophisticated and versatile power analyser, accurate wide bandwidth power measurements. The PPA55xx family of power analysers covers 1 to 3 phase applications in both a low current and high current models.
Page 12 PPA55xx user manual parameters. Even difficult applications such as PWM motor drives and lighting ballasts can be easily addressed with special modes application firmware instrument and dedicated hardware functions including torque/speed inputs and ac line sync. The whole operation of the instrument may be controlled remotely via a serial interface (RS232/USB), LAN or GPIB interface.
Page 13: Getting Started
Please contact your N4L office or local sales distributor should any items found to be missing or damaged during transportation. Please retain the original packaging to ensure easy and safe return of the equipment for calibration etc.
Page 14 PPA55xx user manual PPA55xx has a universal mains input and accepts any supply voltage from 90-265Vrms at 50 or 60Hz. Switch on the PPA55xx. The display should illuminate with the model name and the firmware version for a few seconds while it performs some initial tests. It should then default to the power measurement display.
Page 15: Quick Start Guide
PPA55xx user manual Quick Start guide 3.1 Operating Mode Keys Operating Mode selection (Power-on default is Power Analyzer – diagram below shows single-phase display.) Note that with no inputs connected, the display will be showing noise levels only.) Press the POWER, INTEG, HARM, RMS, IMP, SCOPE key to access the operating mode directly, (except Phase Meter mode –...
Page 16 PPA55xx user manual Select Menu Options Press the operating mode key “Power” etc a second time, or press the “MODE” key, to access mode- specific options (diagram below shows Power Analyzer options). Use Up and Down keys to highlight option, ENTER to confirm (see MENU CONTROL KEYS).
Page 17: Menu Control Keys
PPA55xx user manual 3.2 Menu Control Keys ENTER/NEXT confirms your selection or parameter value/data entry. HOME/ESC returns to the original entry or to your previous action. DELETE/BACK removes a previous selection or value, or returns to your previous action. ARROW KEYS (Up, Down, L, R) to move around menu options, make incremental/decremental changes etc.
Page 18: Display Control Keys
PPA55xx user manual 3.3 Display Control Keys Display Zoom Up to 4 displayed values may be emphasized. a. Return to no zoom by pressing ZOOM– (press twice from top zoom level). b. Press ZOOM+ to view presently selected data. (Diagram below shows Power Analyzer default selection, this time with a load connected.) c.
Page 19 PPA55xx user manual e. Press ENTER to confirm (flashing stops). f. Continue to select up to a total of 4 values. g. Press ZOOM+ once or twice to display emphasized values as desired. (Diagram below shows top zoom level for Power Analyzer.) Realtime/Hold Toggles between continuous display readings and holding an instantaneous reading on screen.
Page 20: Setup Keys/Keypad
PPA55xx user manual 3.4 Setup Keys/Keypad SELECT MENUS for non mode-specific configuration. Also, use as numeric keypad when entering parameter values or data. ACQU – use for configuring inputs appropriate to the source and nature of signals being analyzed. (Diagram below shows Power Analyzer default setup.)
Page 21 PPA55xx user manual COUPLING – appropriate to input signals. RANGE – configure according magnitude (voltage and current) of input signals. DATALOG – only available for Power Analyzer: sampling interval; data retained or not at power- down. Default is disabled. (See also Table, Graph in DISPLAY CONTROL KEYS.) APP –...
Page 22: Control Keys
PPA55xx user manual 3.5 Control Keys START & STOP datalog function (when enabled) or integration (INTEG mode). Either key also triggers single-shot in SCOPE mode. Use ZERO key for: a. Zero compensation of input amplifier chain, and test-lead compensation (USER MANUAL). b.
Page 23: Scope Mode
PPA55xx user manual 3.6 Scope Mode Selecting SCOPE mode from the OPERATING MODE KEYS, or by cycling through the operating modes in any of the Operating Mode Select Options, displays voltage and current waveforms as a conventional oscilloscope – diagram below shows the default display with no inputs connected.
Page 24 PPA55xx user manual A typical display of voltage and current waveforms for a switched mode power supply is shown below: When operating in the oscilloscope mode, the left and right control keys operate in one of two modes: A. With the cursor option ‘off’ (default); the left and right control keys change the timebase B.
Page 25: Data Entry Guide
PPA55xx user manual 3.7 Data Entry Guide TEXT ENTRY Enter text via the six function keys in the upper right of the panel. Each function key jumps to a different letter of the alphabet: (POWER) A, (INTEG) E, (HARM) I, (RMS) O, (IMP) U, (SCOPE) space Choose other characters by stepping forward or backward using the UP and DOWN keys.
Page 26: Using The Menus
PPA55xx user manual Using the menus The PPA55xx is a very versatile instrument with many configurable parameters. These parameters are accessed from the front panel via a number of menus. Each of the main menus may be accessed directly from a specific key.
Page 27: Selection From A List
PPA55xx user manual Pressing the HOME key first time reverts to the opening state where the parameters are displayed but the cursor is hidden. Pressing the HOME key at this point exits the menu sequence and reverts back to normal operation. To abort the menu sequence, press the HOME key twice.
Page 28 PPA55xx user manual 4.1 Selection from a list This data type is used where there are only specific options available such as the smoothing may be ‘normal’, ‘slow’, or ‘none’, the graph drawing algorithm may use ‘dots’ or ‘lines’. When the flashing cursor is highlighting the parameter, the RIGHT key steps forward through the list and the LEFT key steps backwards through the list.
Page 29: Numeric Data Entry
PPA55xx user manual 4.2 Numeric data entry Parameters such as external shunt impedance and scale factor are entered as real numbers; shunt impedance is an example of an unsigned parameter, scale factor is an example of a signed parameter. Real numbers are entered using the number keys, multiplier keys, decimal point key, or +/- key (if signed value is permitted).
Page 30: Text Entry
PPA55xx user manual 4.3 Text entry There are occasions where it is useful to enter a text string; for example, a non-volatile program may have some text as a title. Text is entered by selecting one of 6 starting characters using the function keys on the top right hand row of the keyboard, then stepping forwards or backwards through the alphabet with the UP and DOWN keys.
Page 31: Special Functions
PPA55xx user manual Special functions 5.1 Display zoom The PPA55xx normally displays many results on the screen in a combination of small font size (no zoom) and up to 4 values in a larger font size (first zoom level). There is also an even larger font for up to 4 selected values (second zoom level).
Page 32: Prog - Non Volatile Memory Store And Recall
PPA55xx user manual 5.2 PROG – non volatile memory store and recall There are 3 types of data which can be saved in non- volatile locations: Programs Data log Measurement results There are 100 non-volatile program locations where the settings for the entire instrument can be saved for recall at a later date.
Page 33 PPA55xx user manual When supervisor mode is disabled (see system options), programs can only be recalled, not stored nor deleted, to avoid accidental modification. When recalling a program it may be desirable for the program to recall the selected communications interface that was in use when the program was stored (RS232 or USB etc).
Page 34 PPA55xx user manual Data and files can also be stored and downloaded via a USB memory device. When using a large capacity (Maximum memory stick capacity 2GB) or slow device all the data may not be transferred within the transfer time window.
Page 35: Zero Compensation
PPA55xx user manual 5.3 Zero compensation There are 2 levels of zero compensation: Trim out the dc offset in the input amplifier chain. Measure any remaining offset and compensate. The trim of the dc offset in the input amplifier chain can be manually invoked with the ZERO key, or over the RS232 with the REZERO command.
Page 36: Alarm - Alarm Function
PPA55xx user manual 5.4 ALARM - alarm function The PPA55xx has 2 independent alarms that can be used to generate an audible warning: sound the alarm if the value exceeds a threshold sound the alarm if the value is below a threshold sound the alarm if the value is outside a window sound the alarm if the value is inside a window The values to which the alarms are applied can be any of...
Page 37 PPA55xx user manual The SYNC output can be used to trigger a PLC or ATE system on alarm. The SYNC output will be a logic high when the instrument is in an alarm condition and logic low if not. The linear alarm option allows tests to be carried out even if it is not possible to see the display.
Page 38: Alarm - Analogue Output
PPA55xx user manual 5.4.1 ALARM – Analogue Output. There is an Analogue Output (max ±10V) that can be controlled using the ALARM functions to generate a voltage representative of Zoom 1-4 measurements or a manual level. The Voltage present at the Analogue Output can be calculated using this formula: Analogue Output = 10V x (measured –...
Page 39: Data Hold
PPA55xx user manual 5.5 Data hold When in real time display mode, the data on the display can be held at any time by pressing the REAL TIME key. When HOLD is activated the word HOLD flashes in the top right hand corner of the display.
Page 40: Master/Slave Operation
PPA55xx user manual 5.6 Master/slave operation Two instruments can be connected together to make synchronised measurements with up to 6 phases. The unit assigned as ‘master’ controls the measurements so both instruments are taking data at the same time. When in POWER or INTG modes, the SUM power from the slave instrument is read by the master instrument to compute the overall efficiency.
Page 41: Using Remote Control
PPA55xx user manual Using remote control The PPA55xx is fitted as standard, with RS232 serial communications port, USB port, IEEE488 (GPIB) and LAN interface. All the interfaces use the same ASCII protocol with the exception of the end of line terminators: Rx expects Tx sends RS232...
Page 42 PPA55xx user manual commands that expect a reply are terminated with a question mark. Data values returned by the PPA55xx are in scientific notation, with a 5 digit mantissa by default. For extra resolution, this can be increased to 6 digits by setting the resolution to ‘high’...
Page 43 PPA55xx user manual The IEEE address defaults to 23 and can be changed via the REMOTE menu. Setting the LAN IP address to 0.0.0.0 will enable the DHCP and the unit will obtain its IP-Address from the DHCP server. DHCP server must be present on the network for this to work.
Page 44: Standard Event Status Register
PPA55xx user manual 6.1 Standard event status register bit 0 OPC (operation complete) cleared by most commands set when data available 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 (execution error)
Page 45: Serial Poll Status Byte
PPA55xx user manual 6.2 Serial Poll status byte bit 0 RDV (result data available) set when results are available to be read as enabled by DAVER bit 2 FDV (fast data available (streaming)) set when data streaming results are available to be read as enabled by DAVER bit 3 ALA (alarm active)
Page 46: Rs232 Connections
PPA55xx user manual 6.3 RS232 connections The RS232 port on the PPA55xx 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 47: Rs232 Printer
PPA55xx user manual 6.4 RS232 printer The RS232 port can also be connected to a serial printer for making a hard copy of any screen. When printing is enabled in the REMOTE menu then pressing START will commence a screen dump to the printer. The graphic protocol used is the ESC/P so any printer which supports this protocol should work such as the Seiko DPU-414.
Page 48: System Options
PPA55xx user manual System options Press SYS to access the system options. Measurements of phase can be expressed in one of three conventional formats: -180 to +180 (commonly used in circuit analysis) 0 to -360 (commonly used in power applications) 0...
Page 49 PPA55xx user manual To save these system settings as default, store the setup in program 1 so that they are reloaded on power on. Pressing RIGHT from the SYSTEM OPTIONS menu selects the USER DATA screen where up to three lines of user specified text may be entered.
Page 50: User Data
PPA55xx user manual 7.1 User data The PPA55xx can be personalised by entering up to 3 lines of user data as text (see section on text entry). User data is displayed every time that the instrument is switched on to identify the instrument. The entered text may also be read over the communications to identify the instrument (see USER?).
Page 51: Measurement Options
PPA55xx user manual Measurement options 8.1 Wiring configuration The three phase version of the PPA55xx, the PPA5530, can be used in a variety of wiring configurations. Other versions, PPA5520 and PPA5510, accept a subset of these configurations: configuration 5530 5520 5510 single phase 1 ...
Page 52: Wiring Diagrams
PPA55xx user manual The advantage of this connection method is that 3 phase power can be measured with only 2 wattmeters. This frees up phase 3 of a 3 phase instrument to simultaneously measure the power of a single phase input (3 phase 2 wattmeter + phase 3 configuration).
Page 53 PPA55xx user manual Two Phase Two Wattmeter Three Phase Two Wattmeter Three Three Phase Phase Source Load Three Phase Three Wattmeter - simulated neutral Three Three Phase Phase Source Load...
Page 54 PPA55xx user manual Three Phase Three Wattmeter – Star Connections Three Three Phase Phase Source Load Three Phase Three Wattmeter– Delta Connections Three Three Phase Phase Source Load On a multi phase instrument, all the phases usually use the same input control data – internal/external, scaling factor etc.
Page 55: Conversion Settings
PPA55xx user manual 8.1.2 Conversion Settings To obtain correct measurements it is essential to select the correct Configuration option for the selected wiring option and measurements that are to be performed. The Conversion can be chosen from the drop down menu in the Power analyzer menu: It is not possible for the instrument to detect the wiring configuration used to connect the instrument to the motor...
Page 56: Acqu - Acquisition Options
PPA55xx user manual 8.2 ACQU - Acquisition options In normal acquisition mode, the window over which the measurements are computed is adjusted to give an integral number of cycles of the input waveform. The results from each window are passed through a digital filter equivalent to a first order RC low pass filter.
Page 57 PPA55xx user manual When Speed: Window is set, the smoothing time constant is nominally 4.5 times (normal) and 18 times (slow) the window size (synchronised to the frequency). The smoothing response is usually set to “auto reset” where the filtering is reset in response to a significant change in data.
Page 58: Advanced Options
PPA55xx user manual 8.2.1 Advanced options Pressing ACQU to access the acquisition control menu then the right arrow key gives access to some advanced options which would not be needed for normal measurement applications. The analysis for the fundamental component uses a DFT (discrete Fourier transform) algorithm.
Page 59 PPA55xx user manual Selecting the Normalise Reference function adjusts the scale factors on each current channel so that they read the same as phase 1. The reference can be either the current measured on phase 1 or if there is a reference CT it can be connected to the external input of phase 1 voltage and used as a reference.
Page 60: Coupling - Coupling & Bandwidth Options
PPA55xx user manual 8.3 COUPLING - coupling & bandwidth options There are three coupling options - AC only, AC+DC, or DC only. AC+DC coupling is the normal option and should be used where possible. AC coupling should be used for measuring signals that are biased on a DC level (such as an amplifier operating on a single supply or the output of a DC PSU).
Page 61 PPA55xx user manual Coupling Bandwidth Measurement Notes option option bandwidth ac+dc wide dc - 2MHz default ac+dc dc - 200kHz ac+dc dc - 5Hz wide 5Hz – 2MHz 5Hz –200kHz dc – 5Hz dc bandwidth overrides ac coupling wide dc - 2MHz * dc coupling disables auto frequency search and no compensation...
Page 62: Range - Input Channel Options
PPA55xx user manual 8.4 RANGE - input channel options All the input channels are fully isolated from each other and from earth with very high CMRR (common mode rejection ratio). They are controlled independently but sampled synchronously. Each input channel has an external input as well as an internal shunt or high voltage attenuator.
Page 63 PPA55xx user manual 10Arms Model Peak Ranges RMS Ranges – Sinusoid Range internal internal external Internal current Internal voltage current voltage input 300mV 300μV 2.54mArms 254mVrms 10mA 8.48mArms 848mVrms 30mA 25.4mArms 2.54Vrms 100mA 10mV 84.8mArms 8.48Vrms 300mA 30mV 254mArms 25.4Vrms 100V 100mV 848mArms...
Page 64 (subject to noise) headroom so, for example, the 300Vpk range has an actual peak input value of 360Vpk allowing for the 20% headroom. All N4L analyzers auto-range to the waveform peak, this is vitally important as it ensures that the waveform is not clipped...
Page 65 PPA55xx user manual For most measurement functions full autoranging is the most suitable option but some applications, such as where transient events are occurring, are more reliable with manual ranging. Manual ranging (or up-only autoranging) is essential for low frequency measurements. Separately from the current shunt and attenuator value, a scaling factor can be entered for each channel.
Page 66: Datalog - Datalog Options
PPA55xx user manual 8.5 DATALOG – datalog options PPA55xx store display measurements recorded at regular intervals over a time period. Each data record consists of the elapsed time and up to four data values selected by ZOOM. The instrument can graph and display all four sets of measurements simultaneously.
Page 67 PPA55xx user manual Note that in all cases the measurement interval is necessarily adjusted to be an integral number of cycles of the measured waveform. Press DATALOG to set up the datalog options. The datalog is started with the START key and stopped with the STOP key unless the store becomes full first.
Page 68: Maths - Custom Result Computation
PPA55xx user manual 8.6 MATHS – custom result computation Non-standard results computed from combination of voltage and current parameters, signals on the torque and speed inputs, and constants. There are 4 formulae, each combining up to 4 terms: 1: (term1 + term2) / (term3+term4) 2: (term1 + term2) x term3 / term4 3: term1 x term2 / (term3+term4) 4: (term1 + term2 + term3) / term4...
Page 69: Application Specific Modes
PPA55xx user manual Application specific modes Select the application specific options from the APP menu. 9.1 PWM motor drive The nature of the waveforms in a PWM motor drive application makes measurement fundamental frequency difficult. Within the application mode for PWM motor drive, it is possible to select one of seven pre determined frequency filter ranges, 64Hz, 250Hz, 1KHz, 4KHz, 16KHz, 64KHz or 250KHz.
Page 70 PPA55xx user manual The calculation for efficiency may be selected as the ratio Phase 1 and phase 2 Slave sum and master sum Mechanical and sum Phase 3 and sum...
Page 71: Lighting Ballast
PPA55xx user manual 9.2 Lighting ballast Electronic lighting ballast waveforms consist of a high frequency carrier signal modulated by the line frequency. The PPA55xx measures the line frequency independently of the input waveform frequency and synchronises the measurement period to the line frequency. The carrier frequency measurement ignores any “dead band”...
Page 72 PPA55xx user manual Ballast mode quick start guide After selecting “Ballast mode” in the APP menu the next step is to connect the ballast input and output (if required) to the Power Analyzer. 1. Connect the OUTPUT of the ballast to PHASE 1 of the PPA, this is important as detection of the modulation signal is on PHASE 1.
Page 73: Inrush Current
PPA55xx user manual 9.3 Inrush current Measurement of inrush current (surge) requires very fast sampling to catch highest instantaneous value. Measurements must be made under conditions of manual ranging and with the voltage applied to the instrument. Then when the load is switched on the highest peak value can be detected.
Page 74 PPA55xx user manual To utilise “range up only” to determine an appropriate range, it is advisable to make the following settings; 1. Speed, medium 2. Smoothing, fixed time 3. Low frequency mode, ON 4. RANGE, current, range up only After these settings are made, the device under test should be connected to the voltage source repeatedly until the range up only function no longer “ranges up”.
Page 75 AUX menu. Having selected the default settings, the current range should be set to an appropriate range for the DUT. The oscilloscope mode is also useful for qualitatively evaluating the inrush current. Note:  Short term inrush current specification available from N4L upon request.
Page 76: Power Transformers
PPA55xx user manual 9.4 Power transformers Large power transformers operate at very low power factor (<0.01) and the phase accuracy is critical to measure the losses. Power transformer application mode sets the configuration options to the optimum for phase accuracy e.g.
Page 77 PPA55xx user manual The equations use to calculate the Corrected power and K- factor are: IEC 6007 6-1 :2011 Where K = K factor P or P corrected power = measured power = ratio of hysteresis loss to total iron losses = ratio of eddy current losses to total iron losses.
Page 78: Standby Power Measurement
PPA55xx user manual 9.5 Standby power measurement In order to minimise standby power, some devices operate in a “dormant” mode whereby power is only drawn from the supply when needed. These devices draw very little current for most of the time and then draw a larger current for a single cycle to charge a reservoir capacitor.
Page 79: Power Measurements
PPA55xx user manual 10 Power measurements In the POWER mode, the PPA55xx measures the following values for each phase: Parameter Type Units Frequency elementary True power elementary Apparent power secondary Reactive power secondary Power factor secondary RMS voltage elementary RMS current elementary Fundamental power secondary...
Page 80 PPA55xx user manual valid for all waveshapes. Secondary parameters are computed from one or more of the elementary parameters (eg. VA = Vrms x Arms). Not all of the parameters listed are displayed in POWER mode but they are all computed. A multi phase instrument also computes the equivalent values for total power (SUM channel) and the values for the NEUTRAL current.
Page 81: Individual Phase Computations
PPA55xx user manual 10.1 Individual phase computations The power dissipated in a load subjected to a periodic voltage, v(), with a current flowing a(), is given by: 2  w = 1/2 v().a() d For a sampled signal, the formula becomes: i = n-1 ...
Page 82 PPA55xx user manual The dc present is given by: 2  dc = 1/2 v() d For a sampled signal, the formula becomes: i = n-1  dc = 1/n v[i] i = 0 Where n is the number of samples for an integral number of complete cycles of the input waveform.
Page 83 PPA55xx user manual The fundamental in-phase and quadrature values of a periodic waveform, v(), are given by: 2  v().cos() d 2  v().sin() d For a sampled signal, the formulae become: i = n-1   = 1/n v[i].cos(2 ci/n) i = 0 i = n-1...
Page 84 PPA55xx user manual From these elementary ‘a’ and ‘b’ values of voltage and current, the following secondary values can be derived: fundamental Watts = V fundamental VA fund power factor / VA fund fund fundamental VAr The signs of Watts and VAr are a direct result of the computation (watts has the sign of cos(phase angle), VAr has the sign of sin(phase angle)).
Page 85: Sum Computations
PPA55xx user manual 10.2 Sum computations When in 3 phase wiring modes (2 Wattmeter or 3 Wattmeter), the values for the total load are computed from the data for each individual channel. W, VA, VAr, W.f, VA.f , VAr.f, W.dc, and W.h are computed as the sum of the individual phase data.
Page 86 PPA55xx user manual Negative Reading? In 3ph 2w mode, Phase 3 is used as the reference point. In certain conditions, the combination of power factor values below 0.5 and Phase Angle can result in leading and lagging Power vectors. These can cause negative watts values to be displayed particularly for Phase 2.
Page 87: Neutral Synthesis
PPA55xx user manual 10.3 Neutral synthesis In 3 phase 3 wattmeter configuration, the values for the neutral current are synthesised from the measured values of the three phases. By Kirchoff’s law, the sum of the instantaneous currents flowing into a node must be zero. By convention neutral current is regarded as flowing out of the load so the neutral current can be derived from the sum of the three phase currents.
Page 88: Phase To Phase Computations
PPA55xx user manual 10.4 Phase to phase computations In 3 phase 3 wattmeter configuration, the voltmeters are connected across each individual phase and neutral. The phase to phase voltages are synthesised from the individual phase data: display phase computation phase 1 phase 1 –...
Page 89: Mechanical Power
PPA55xx user manual 10.5 Mechanical power PPA55xx extra inputs measure mechanical power of motors or generators. Torque is measured in Nm with a +/-10V analogue input scaled in Nm/V or as a pulse count input scaled in pulses/Nm. Speed is measured in rpm either with a +/-10V analogue input scaled in rpm/V or as a pulse input which can be scaled with pulses/revolution.
Page 90 PPA55xx user manual measurement mechanical power made simultaneously with the electrical measurements over the same window. The frequency offset can be set in pulsed mode for both speed & torque within the APP menu as shown below 10-12...
Page 91: Efficiency
PPA55xx user manual 10.6 Efficiency Efficiency may be computed as a ratio of: phase 1 and phase 2 power master and slave power mechanical and sum power phase 3 and sum power In all cases, either term may be input power or output power.
Page 92: Torque & Speed
PPA55xx user manual 10.7 Torque & Speed Torque & Speed can be set for power measurement mode by independently using Phase 3 within the 3 Phase 2 Wattmeter + Phase 3 wiring configuration. Channel 3 Voltage Input BNC = Torque Channel 3 Current Input BNC = Speed If using Multilog software: PH3 Watts = Power...
Page 93: Star - Delta Conversion
PPA55xx user manual 10.9 Star - Delta conversion. Deriving delta (phase to phase) voltages from star (phase) values is usually recommended because the PPA’s inputs will be subject to less noise and a lower common mode signal. In Star-Delta conversion mode the PPA derives the delta voltages using the directly measured phase-star voltages.
Page 94: Integrated Power Measurements
PPA55xx user manual 11 Integrated power measurements In the INTEG mode, the PPA55xx computes the following additional values: Parameter Units Watt hours VA hours VAr hours VArh Average power factor Average rms voltage Ampere hours Fundamental watt hours Fundamental VA hours Fundamental VAr hours VArh Average fundamental power factor...
Page 95 PPA55xx user manual STOP button had been pressed. Setting the integration time to zero, disables the timer. The Watt hour integration and the Ampere hour integration can be selected to be signed or magnitude. To integrate the total power in terms of heating effect, choose magnitude.
Page 96: True Rms Voltmeter
PPA55xx user manual 12 True RMS Voltmeter The RMS voltmeter displays the additional secondary parameters of ac, crest factor, surge, mean and form factor: Having computed the true rms and the dc component, the ac component can be derived from: = ac + dc =>...
Page 97 PPA55xx user manual where n is the number of samples for an integral number of complete cycles of the input waveform. Note that the mean value will not give the same measurement as rms. The form factor indicates the ratio of mean to rms: form factor = rms / mean For an undistorted sinewave, the form factor is given by:...
Page 98: Harmonic Analyser
PPA55xx user manual 13 Harmonic analyser The HARM mode of the PPA55xx computes multiple DFTs on the input waveforms in real time. There are two modes of operation: difference THD, and series harmonics. Series harmonic mode includes options for THD, TIF, THF, TRD, TDD and phase. There is also an option of a series harmonic bargraph display which shows both the voltage and current harmonics simultaneously.
Page 99 PPA55xx user manual TIF is defined by IEEE standard 115 and the weighting factors are given in ANSI standard C50-13. The harmonic factors for TIF are specified for harmonics of 60Hz. THF (Telephone Harmonic Factor) is a similar computation to TIF but uses different weighting factors and is expressed as a percentage.
Page 100 PPA55xx user manual than TDD unless the measured rms current is greater than the entered rated current. The value for TRD and TDD will always be lower than the computed THD as rms is always greater than the fundamental. i = n ...
Page 101 PPA55xx user manual Harmonic phase angle reference As phase angle is a measurement of the relative difference between the computed harmonic and the zero phase angle reference, it is important to understand what the harmonic is being referred to. Single phase The default phase angle reference is voltage fundamental but can be set by menu option to current fundamental.
Page 102 PPA55xx user manual Multi phase In a multi-phase measurement, the fundamental phase angle of each phase is expressed relative to a common reference, normally phase 1 voltage; while the harmonic phase angles of each phase are expressed relative to their own phase, normally voltage as with single phase.
Page 103 PPA55xx user manual Interharmonic Sweeps Interharmonic Sweep Mode measures the Interharmonic voltage and Interharmonic current on each phase over a range of harmonics. The results are displayed on the PPA and can be exported to an Excel document using PPA Datalogger software. The following parameters can be selected: Frequency step size: selectable from 500mHz to 100Hz.
Page 104 PPA55xx user manual Note: we do not limit the upper harmonic to 13 to allow the user to enter the upper harmonic of their choice (max 100). However, this should be set to 13 for the test to be compliant to the standard. The HVF is computed using the following formula: Where: k = 13...
Page 105: Aircraft Avionics Industry Applications
Extended Frequency Mode – 417 Harmonics. Selecting the Extended Frequency option in the Harmonic Analyzer Mode Menu allows up to 417 Harmonics to be selected. When selected the PPA5500 FPGA and DSP Processors can compute up to 417 Harmonics meeting the Interharmonic Measurement requirements...
Page 106: Aircraft Tvf105 Mode
The Aircraft TVF 105 application must be configured and run in conjunction with N4L PPA Datalogger software. Connect the PPA5500 to the PPA Datalogger software. Whilst any version from v3.1b can be used it is recommended to use the latest release.
Page 107: Impedance Meter
PPA55xx user manual 14 Impedance meter The IMP mode on the PPA55xx uses the real and imaginary components at the fundamental frequency using DFT analysis described previously compute impedance of the load and associated parameters. From the fundamental components of voltage, (a + jb), and those of the current, (c + jd), the PPA55xx computes the complex impedance given by: = v / i...
Page 108 PPA55xx user manual If the parameter option in LCR menu is set to ‘auto’, the PPA55xx will display capacitance or inductance according to the phase of the measurement. Alternatively, the display can be forced to capacitance, inductance or impedance. Capacitance is displayed with tan, inductance is displayed with Q factor, and impedance is displayed in its resistive + reactive form and as magnitude.
Page 109: Oscilloscope Mode
PPA55xx user manual 15 Oscilloscope mode The PPA55xx provides a storage oscilloscope function in order to view the waveforms being measured. The display for the oscilloscope is divided into 10 divisions along the time axis with the selected timebase displayed in units of time/division.
Page 110 PPA55xx user manual The trigger level is set directly in Volts or Amps and does not change if the range is changed, i.e. it is an absolute trigger level and not relative to the range full scale. Pressing NEXT and ENTER adjust the trigger level by a factor of 2.
Page 111: Ppa Scope (Raw Data) Capture Mode
PPA55xx user manual 15.1 PPA Scope (RAW Data) Capture Mode Test Description: To perform capture mode tests it is necessary to use a PPA5510 or a PPA5530 and upgrade the Firmware within the instrument to either PPA5512 (Single Phase) or PPA5532 (Three Phase).
Page 112 PPA55xx user manual Each 8-bit byte has the msb set in order to prevent any misinterpretation of data within drivers and software which otherwise could mistake data for carriage return etc. so 14-bit data values are returned. The meaning of the 2 header bytes is as follows: (header h1) (header h2) [1][c2][c1][c0][0][0][0][a7]...
Page 113 PPA55xx user manual RETURNED DATA (BINARY FORMAT) The returned data starts by indicating the date/time and setup mode. The first line of data is then displayed. The format is as stated above. The first 5 bytes with an MSB of “0” represent #3503 (ASCII).
Page 114 PPA55xx user manual PPA Settings for Capture Mode To run capture mode it is necessary to set the PPA up as follows: Press the APP button and select capture mode on the drop down menu. Press enter. The Capture mode settings are then displayed. Select the Default settings and press enter 15-6...
Page 115 Press the enter button, the PPA display shown will now be in Oscilloscope mode. CommView2 Software: Open the N4L CommView2 software. Enter the *idn? command and press send, check the reply to confirm that the software is connected to the correct instrument model (either PPA5512 or PPA5532), serial number and Firmware Level.
Page 116 PPA55xx user manual Enter the Captur? Command and press send. The capture data should now start to be displayed in the CommView2 window. The data download could take up to 60 seconds to complete. The above screenshot shows the CommView2 window with the capture data being downloaded.
Page 117 PPA55xx user manual Performing Raw Data Capture tests: Test scripts, software tools, an excel spreadsheet and an instruction document are available to perform RAW Data capture. Please contact the N4L office by telephone or Email: support@newtons4th.com for more information. There are two types of test script, one for use with the PPA5512/PPA5532 being triggered to start the test using the software.
Page 118 PPA55xx user manual External Trigger Testing. When using the External Trigger option the trigger signal to initiate data capture should be connected to the “sync” BNC input on the rear of the instrument. The “Sync” input is based on TTL logic: 0V –...
Page 119: Phase Meter
PPA55xx user manual 16 Phase meter The phase meter mode is a secondary function which does not have a separate button. It is selected by stepping through the operating mode via the MODE menu. The phase meter uses the terminology of channel 1 for voltage and channel 2 for current as it is normal to use a phase meter to compare voltages directly.
Page 120: Specifications & Comparisons
PPA55xx user manual 17 Specifications & Comparisons Frequency Range DC and 10mHz to 2MHz (10Arms or 30Arms versions) DC and 10mHz to 1MHz (50Arms version) Accuracy – 0.001% Voltage Input Ranges – 300mVpk to 3000Vpk (1000Vrms) in 9 ranges 20% over-range ability maintains 300Vpk range with 240Vrms Accuracy –...
Page 121 PPA55xx user manual Watts Accuracy – Std and LC Versions [0.03% + 0.03%/pf +(0.005% x kHz)/pf] Rdg + 0.03%VA Rng Watts Accuracy – HC version [0.04% + 0.05%/pf +(0.01% x kHz)/pf] Rdg + 0.06%VA Rng 40Hz-850Hz Watts Accuracy [0.02% + 0.03%/pf +(0.005% x kHz)/pf] Rdg + 0.01%VA Rng DC Accuracy Voltage –...
Page 122 PPA55xx user manual Accuracy: 0.01% Rdg Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Accuracy Voltage: hi error (Voltage) = 0.01% hi rdg + 0.038% rng + 0.004% * KHz + 5mV Current: 10A models: hi error (Current) = 0.01% hi rdg + 0.038% rng + 0.004% * KHz + 30uA 30A models: hi error (Current) = 0.01% hi rdg + 0.038% rng + 0.004% * KHz + 300uA 50A models:...
Page 123 Torque Analogue bipolar +/- 10V or pulse count Sync Measurement synchronization for 6 phase mode Extension Master slave control and N4L accessory port Physical Display 320 x 240mm Colour TFT Display Size PPA55xx - 132H x 400W x 280D mm – excl feet Weight 5.5kg –...
Page 124 PPA55xx user manual PPA SERIES COMPARISON TABLE PPA1500/500 PPA4500 PPA5500 Accuracy Basic V & A reading + range 0.05% + 0.1% 0.03%+0.04% 0.01%+0.038% Power reading + VA range 0.1% + 0.1% 0.04%+0.05% 0.03%+0.03% Voltage Input Direct Voltage 2500Vpk 3000Vpk 3000Vpk...
Page 125: Appendix A - Accessories
PPA55xx user manual Appendix A – Accessories Supplied Standard Accessories Leads Power, RS232, USB Connection 36Arms rated 1.5 meter long leads with 4mm – cables stackable terminals 1x Yellow, 1 x Red and 2x Black per phase Note 1: LC version instruments (rated at 10Arms) are supplied with 20Arms connection cables Note 2: HC version instruments (rated at...
Page 126 External Shunts A range of high bandwidth external shunts is available to extend the operating range of the current measurements. The external shunts are built using N4L proprietary shunt design to give high accuracy from DC to 1MHz. They are designed...
Page 127 PPA55xx user manual PCIS - Phase controlled inrush switch To measure the maximum inrush current of a load it is important to switch on the supply to it at the worst point in the cycle – usually 90˚ or 270˚ for a capacitive load, 0˚ or 180˚...
Page 128 PPA55xx user manual Ultra low capacitance high voltage probes The PPA55xx voltage inputs have a capacitance to ground of around 50pF but even this low value can cause problems with high frequency high voltage waveforms. The ultra low capacitance high voltage probes use a differential input arrangement optimised for minimum capacitance to achieve an input capacitance to ground less than 1pF with an input range up to ±3kV pk and a bandwidth from dc to...
Page 129 PPA55xx user manual External input attenuator The PPA55xx voltage inputs have a +/-3V peak external input for use with probes or attenuators. A divide by 10 or divide by 20 passive attenuator with a bandwidth of dc-30MHz (+/-1dB) is available to extend the +/-3V peak input to +/-30V and +/-60V respectively.
Page 130 PPA5500. This data is available via the command line (through the intuitive “MUTILOG” command, see PPA5500 comms manual for more details) or sent out as a DC voltage level to one of the 20x outputs on the ADI40 to chart recorders or similar devices.
Page 131 PPA55xx user manual The ADI40 User manual gives more details & a full description of the instrument, functionality and setup instructions.
Page 132 PPA55xx user manual LEM6: 3-6 Channel Interface Connection Diagram The N4L LEM-6 Interface serves as a high accuracy, highly stable interfacing unit allowing simple "plug and play" connection of any N4L PPA to the LEM current transducers listed in table 1.
Page 133 4250Apk 2000Arms 5000 System Calibration If the LEM-6 is purchased with an N4L power analyzer and LEM transducers, the LEM-6 Interface can be "system calibrated" within N4L's ISO17025 UKAS laboratory. This provides the engineer with a single uncertainty figure and improved accuracy performance.
Page 134 PPA55xx user manual These values can be viewed by pressing the AUX button and referring to the External system Scaling option. The screenshot below shows the adjustment figures for the 1Ω current shunt: Pressing the RANGE key to display the RANGING menu will confirm that the external system scaling has been selected in the AUX menu.
Page 135 PPA55xx user manual Only the settings stored in program location 1 are automatically recalled each time instrument switched on. Should it be preferred to not have them automatically recalled they can instead by saved to an alternative memory location and then deleted from location 1.
Page 136 COM port parameters configure menu firmware upgrade instrument menu read/store user programs instrument menu *All N4L software applications are available to download free of charge from our website. To find out more please visit us at www.newtons4th.com* A-12...
Page 137 *From firmware version v2.185 onwards details of the last N4L Calibration procedure are displayed along with details of any later calibration performed by a locally based Calibration Laboratory. An advisory message is displayed if the N4L Calibration & Adjustment was last performed more than 18 months ago. A-13...
Page 138 PPA55xx user manual PPA Datalogger PC software PPA Datalogger is a self contained executable software program written in C++ using the Microsoft win32 graphics set. PPA Datalogger has the ability to connect to the PPA series of instruments via RS232, USB and LAN. The software includes all measurement modes to reflect instrument operation.
Page 139 PPA55xx user manual Measure mode is a truly flexible measuring system which will fulfil most needs. The Parameters to be datalogged are selected using the Multilog selection window: There are several measuring modes including: Real Time: the default mode which records each result read from the connected Instrument to the Data Log.
Page 140 PPA55xx user manual Other PPA Datalogger Features: Customisable Graph mode allowing up to 4 parameters to be selected: Harmonics Mode: Harmonic data can be displayed in graph or table format. Scope Mode: Allows up to 4 parameters to be displayed in Scope format, either in single step or continuous mode.
Page 141: Appendix B - Serial Command Summary
PPA55xx user manual Appendix B – Serial command summary command format reply format *CLS *ESE,value *ESE? single integer data value *ESR? single integer data value *IDN? company,product,serial no,version *OPC? 0 or 1 *RST *SRE,value single integer data value *SRE? *STB? single integer data value *TRG *TST?
Page 142 PPA55xx user manual FAST on/off FQLOCK,on/off FQREF,phase,channel FREQUE,frequency HARMON,para,h,hmax HARMON,phase? freq,mag1,mag2,hmag1,hmag2,h1,h2, thd1,thd2,hphase1,hphase2 HARMON,phase,SERIES? mag,%, x n harmonics mag,phase, x n harmonics HOLD,on/off INPUT,channel,type INTEGR,type,display INTEGR,RUNTIM,hours,mins INTEGR,phase? time,Wh,Wh.f, VArh,VArh.f,VAh,VAh.f, pf,pf.f,Vav,Vav.fAh,Ah.f KEYBOA,value LCR,conditions,param,head LCR,phase? freq,Vmag,Amag,impedance,phase,R, L,C,tan,Qf,reactance LOWFRE,on/off MODE,type MSLAVE,type MULTILOG,index,phase,func MULTILOG? 1-30 floats as selected NORMALISE,current NORMALISE,voltage PFCONV,convention...
Page 143 PPA55xx user manual    POWER,VECTORS? Freq,mag1, 1,mag2, 2,mag3,    mag4, 4,mag5, mag6, POWER,WVA? Freq,w1,vrms1,arms1,w2,vrms2, arms2,w3,vrms3,arms3 PROGRAM,function,number PROGRAM,files? Lists all program files PROGRAM,name? Name of selected program RANGE,ch,ranging,range RESOLU.format RESULT,function,number RESULT multiple integers REZERO SCALE,channel,factor SCALE,channel? Single real data value SCOPE,phase,v/a? range, trigger, 250 signed integer data values...
Page 144: Appendix C - Available Character Set
PPA55xx user manual Appendix C – Available character set The following characters can be selected in text entry mode. The table is to be read across then down (e.g. starting at space and repeatedly pressing NEXT gives ! “ # $ % & ‘ ( ) * etc.) “...
Page 145: Appendix D - Configurable Parameters
PPA55xx user manual Appendix D – Configurable parameters All parameters can be accessed using the CONFIG command: CONFIG,parameter? CONFIG,parameter,data Number Function System parameters operating mode digital resolution master/slave autozero manual or auto phase convention Frequency lock constant / dynamic / normal graph keyboard beep on/off ignore overload...
Page 146 PPA55xx user manual coupling bandwidth scale factor channel 1 voltage scale factor channel 2 current external shunt channel 1 external shunt channel 2 General parameters Remote resolution voltage or current frequency reference Display parameters display page zoom level function zoomed on 1 function zoomed on 2 function zoomed on 3 function zoomed on 4...
Page 147 PPA55xx user manual argument 1 sub argument 1 coefficient 1 argument 2 sub argument 2 coefficient 2 Application mode parameters minimum frequency (dynamic) application mode PWM frequency filter ballast frequency tracking speed PWM low frequency mode More maths parameters argument 3 sub argument 3 coefficient 3 argument 4...
Page 148 PPA55xx user manual mechanical speed offset Harmonic analyser parameters computation mode selected harmonic maximum harmonic harmonic bargraph voltage rated current for TRD harmonic bargraph current Extended harmonic frequency range Oscilloscope parameters timebase trigger level pretrigger trigger polarity trigger mode trigger reference trigger phase cursors enable trigger HF reject...
Page 149 PPA55xx user manual Difference THD LCR meter parameters parameter measurement offset Phase meter parameters rms voltage peak sampling rate/compensation rectified mean dB offset computation System parameters RS232 printer enable IEEE address interface recall with program Alarm functions alarm 1 data alarm 1 type alarm 1 high threshold alarm 1 low threshold...
Page 150 PPA55xx user manual input range channel 3 input range channel 4 input ranging channel 3 input ranging channel 4 acdc coupling phase 2 bandwidth phase 2 scale factor channel 3 voltage scale factor channel 4 current external attenuator channel 3 external shunt channel 4 Input parameters (phase 3) enable channel 5...
Page 151: Appendix E - Contact Details
PPA55xx user manual Appendix E – Contact details Please direct all queries or comments regarding the PPA55xx instrument or manual to: Newtons4th Ltd. 1 Bede Island Road Leicester LE2 7EA United Kingdom Tel: (0116) 230 1066 international +44 116 230 1066 Fax: (0116) 230 1061 international +44 116 230 1061...
Page 152 PPA55xx comments serial main release: date: number: dsp release: fpga release: boot release: (press SYS then LEFT) your contact details: comments: detailed description of application or circumstances: Please post or fax to Newtons4th Ltd.

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