High Frequency Power Line Noise Analysis Option for PS4500 & PS4000
 | Model No: FAO $ 1345.00 |
AC Power line disturbances consist of these types in order of importance as an approximate %:
- RMS sags (dips) and swells (80%)
- Harmonics (harmonic distortion) (10%)
- Transients (impulses) (10%)
- High-Frequency Noise (<1%)
The PowerSight High Frequency Analysis Option (FAO) works with the PS4500 and PS4000 power quality analyzers and the HA1000 current probes. It is a combination of hardware, firmware, and software that allows you to analyze the presence of high-frequency power line noise content from 3,000 Hz to 100,000 Hz, and < 1 volt peak. The FAO option extends the capability of the PS4000 or PS4500 PowerSight power quality analyzer meter into a hand-held spectrum analyzer. This option is useful in determining whether power-line noise is causing disruption of equipment that may be sensitive to such high-frequency noise.
The FAO is designed to measure continuous high-frequency noise. This is distinct from transient events that can be captured by the PS4500 Power Quality Analyzer impulse measurement system as fast as 8us and up to 1000 volts peak. The high-frequency content of both voltage and current can be evaluated simultaneously. To analyze the high-frequency content of power circuits you will need to plug voltage leads into the FAO voltage conditioning accessory and connect the FAO to a PS4500/PS4000. To analyze the high-frequency content of current, connect an HA1000 current probe into a special adapter cable that then plugs into your PowerSight PS4500/PS4000 meter.
The PS4500/PS4000 measures harmonic content to the 63rd harmonic, or 3.8kHz. High-frequency noise describes frequencies above this range of power harmonics – in the tens of kHz and higher. High-frequency noise is generated by certain types of loads (sources) and this noise is subsequently conducted along power conductors and circuits. It has the potential to affect other devices connected to the same circuits.
Continuous high-frequency noise generation comes from electronic sources such as lighting systems, adjustable speed drives, and UPS systems. Other devices that perform rectification of AC into DC also have the potential to generate high-frequency noise continuously. Non-electronic sources are poor wiring, or poor connections, bad contact problems. For example, intermittent connections, or loose fuse or breaker connections at panels can generate continuous high-frequency noise as they age and degrade. High-frequency noise can have adverse impacts on power systems and equipment by capacitively coupling into electronic circuits causing disruption and mis-operation.
We have supplied the FAO option in applications where high-frequency noise can affect sensitive electronics, or affect precise measurements, or interfere with specialized manufacturing processes, or communication signals. This includes sensitive bio-medical measurement equipment, military communication applications, and industrial control in manufacturing plants that have high populations of adjustable speed drives. High levels of high-frequency noise can occur inside a manufacturing plant as a result of the aggregation of the noise from many individual drives . Our partner Environmental Potentials has more information on this type of application here: Variable Frequency Drives Application Note:
The utility power company generally is not a major source of high-frequency noise. The long line lengths of power distribution cables would rapidly attenuate any high frequency noise. However, in rare situations, utilities can be sources of high-frequency noise are as a result of switching operations, and if the source of noise is close by. Switch contacts that are old and deteriorated will have less than optimum mating of contact surfaces that will arc and spark as contacts come apart or come together during switching cycles. The contacts may bounce and chatter generating impulsive noise, but this is a transient phenomena that occurs only during the switching and is distinct from a continuous source of high frequency noise.
Impulsive phenomena are best measured with the PS4500/PS4000 transient measuring system, whereas continuous high-frequency noise should be measured by the FAO option.
- Only compatible with PS4000/PS4500 meters and the HA1000 current probes.
Specifications
Only compatible with PS4000/PS4500 meters and the HA1000 current probes.
The FAO measures high-frequency power line noise frequencies with amplitudes from 100 µVrms to 1 Vrms and currents from 6 mA to 60 Arms (with an HA1000 current probe) in the range 3kHz to 100kHz.
