Category: Industry News

Everything EMC – Y.I.C Technologies & Keysight Live Webinar

Posted on by cherise

As the UK distributor for Y.I.C Technologies we would like to invite you to join their Live Collaboration Webinar with Keysight! Enjoy a practical and useful discussion about the fundamentals of EMC from the viewpoint of a leading global business. Also featuring live measurement demonstrations!

Date: 27th April 2021 @10am BST
Duration: 1h 30 mins
Register To Join

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Agenda:

Introduction to Keysight & Y.I.C. Technologies.

Part 1:
1. What is EMI/EMC
2. Traditional Methods of EMC Spectrum Analysis
3. Evolution of Speed: The Time Domain Scan
4. Modern EMC Receivers
5. Live Demo of Spectrum Analyzer & X-app for EMC Measurements

Part 2:
1. Near Field Measurements – FieldFox and Near Field Probes
2. Near Field Measurements and Debugging – EMScanner and FieldFox7

Don’t miss out! Register Today!

 

EMC Desktop Scanners

View the Y.I.C EMC Scanners and Test Systems available through MDL Technologies including:

EMProbe
EMProbe enables the PCB and Design Engineers to diagnose EMC/EMI problems using regular off the shelf hand-held probes.

 

 

EMScanner
A self-contained very-near-field scanning device which connects to a spectrum analyzer or a desk top PC running a copy of EMScanner Software.

 

 

EMScannerR
The world’s fastest EMC/EMI diagnostic system has been reinvented to assist high density board designers to visualize the root causes of potential EMC and EMI problems during pre- and post EMC compliance testing.

 

 

 

Want further information, advice or a quote? Speak with our expert consultants about any of the Y.I.C products available on 01462 431981, or contact us here.

 

The BT356xA Series – Renewal of HIOKI’s world-leading battery testers

Posted on by cherise

The BT3561A, BT3562A and BT3563A Battery HiTesters from Hioki. These three upgraded models offer highly reliable performance to measure the quality of batteries from cells to large packs up to 300V, and a newly equipped LAN interface.

 

Designing automatic battery testing systems is easier and faster than ever before

– Double the total line resistance, so measurement errors are less likely to occur when using long measurement cables
– Stable operation regardless of increased total line resistance due to probe and relay degradation
– LAN is equipped as a standard for easy system design and layout, and excellent noise resistance for stable operation
– Improved electrostatic resistance as a countermeasure against electrostatic charges during battery transport on a production line

BT3561A

 

Reducing test system development cost and management man-hours

The new BT356xA has dramatically improved tolerances for line resistance compared to previous models. This improvement makes it easy to build test systems with large numbers of channels using relays. Additionally, a longer maintenance cycle for systems in use means fewer maintenance man-hours. Finally, its capability to handle thinner cables than with previous models* makes it easier to route cables.

*AWG 29 (0.064 mm2) wire equivalent to 2.2 Ω over a 8 m round trip can be used with the 3 mΩ or 30 mΩ range.

 

Preventing instrument malfunctions caused by static electricity

Batteries can become charged on production lines, for example, when being transported on a conveyor belt. When probes are placed in contact with such batteries, the resulting application of static electricity can then damage the instrument. The BT356xA series is designed to withstand contact with ±30 kV of static electricity*, preventing static-caused malfunctions and reducing testing line downtime.

BT3562A

* ±30 kV IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge

These highly advanced battery testers are best suited for shipping and acceptance inspections of cells and battery packs. They simultaneously measure internal resistance and the battery’s open-circuit voltage (OCV).

Since the AC-IR measurement method is used, the measurement time is shortened. In addition, highly repeatable results are attained with this method. These testers have a highly accurate 3 mΩ range, allowing for a resistance measurement of battery tab welding and bus bars. All of this combines for the best choice in battery testers.

 

Measuring battery performance and safety using internal resistance (AC-IR) and open-circuit voltage (OCV)

BT3561A

– Small cells for power motors, Small packs of up to 60 V
– Voltage measurement ranges: 6 V/60 V
– Resistance measurement ranges: 30 mΩ/300 mΩ/3 Ω/30 Ω/300 Ω/3 kΩ

BT3562A

– Large cells for xEVs, Mid-sized packs of up to 100 V
– Voltage measurement ranges: 6 V/60 V/100 V
– Resistance measurement ranges: 3 mΩ/30 mΩ/300 mΩ/3 Ω/30 Ω/300 Ω/3 kΩ

BT3563A

– Large packs for xEVs, Large packs of up to 300 V
– Voltage measurement ranges: 6 V/60 V/300 V
– Resistance measurement ranges: 3 mΩ/30 mΩ/300 mΩ/3 Ω/30 Ω/300 Ω/3 kΩ

 

View the specification comparison of these models for a comprehensive overview of all features and upgrades.

 

Want further information, advice or a quote? Speak with our expert consultants about any of the Hioki products available on 01462 431981, or contact us here.

Tradition Meets Innovation – The ER8000 EMI FFT Time Domain Receiver

Posted on by MDL Technologies

ER8000: Perfect EMI Receiver Solution

EMI (electromagnetic interference) receivers are crucial for performing EMC compliance testing, and when it comes to the evaluation of designs; clarity, speed and compliance are key.

This makes the newly launched ER8000 EMI FFT Time Domain Receiver from PMM Narda the perfect solution.

EMI (electromagnetic interference) receivers are crucial for performing EMC compliance testing, and when it comes to the evaluation of designs; clarity, speed and compliance are key.

High-performance, fast, compliant

The ER8000 is a high performance receiver, perfect for any conducted and radiated measurement. Like its predecessors in the PMM range, it is fully CISPR 16-1-1 compliant for all applications. However, this model goes a step further, allowing for comprehensive testing of each step of the application; debugging, pre-certification and certification.
This improvement can help to ensure EMC compliance testing is as smooth a process as possible, avoiding the repercussions that can result from failed EMC compliance testing.

Comprehensive testing for EMC

Featuring a new look and updated front end, with an efficient preselector and user port suited for external devices like LISNs and switching boxes, for even faster testing times.

Upgradeable frequency ranges

The ER8000 comes as an alternative to multiple models, including the 9010, 9030 and 7010. The state-of-the-art design of this model features FFT architecture to optimize measurement speed, giving a full compliant span in as little as 2 seconds in band B and in just one minute in bands C+D. This is an impressive improvement on older models, reducing the test time gap down from hours to mere moments.

Features built-in LISN

The ER8000 also features an internal built-in LISN (Line Impedance Stabilization Network), allowing for the quick and effective measurement of emissions and characterisation of EUTs. As well as an optional DDA Click Analyzer.

The receiver can be ordered with two different frequency ranges: 9 kHz to 30 MHz, or 9 kHz to 3 GHz. Upgrading from one to the other is easy, and can be done at any time.

Seamless and easy to use

The ER8000 EMI Receiver is seamlessly easy to use, with a quick start up it can be ready in just a few seconds, with a proprietary operating system included inside. It also comes with free PMM Emission Suite software – the ideal companion for this high performance receiver – featuring a full set of user-friendly functions for all EMI applications.

Scan time SWEEP MODE ANALYZER MODE
A band (9 kHz to 150 kHz) <2s (Hold time 1s) <50ms (Ht 27ms)
200 Hz RBW <3s (Hold time 2s)
B band (150 kHz to 30 MHz) <3s (Hold time 1s) < 10ms (Ht 525 us)
9 kHz RBW <5s (Hold time 2s)
C band (30 MHz to 300 MHz) <18s (Hold time 1s) <100ms (Ht 32 us)
120 kHz RBW <36s (Hold time 2s)
D band (300 MHz to 1 GHz) <47s (Hold time 1s) <500ms (Hold time 32 us)
120 kHz RBW <93s (Hold time 2s)
E band (1 GHz to 3 GHz) <160s (Hold time 1s) <400ms (Hold time 4 us)
1 MHz RBW <320s (Hold time 2s)

Compact and portable design

The compact size and rugged yet lightweight design make the PMM ER8000 the perfect portable solution for in-situ testing.

The innovation from PMM doesn’t stop there; providing a range of industry leading solutions for RF generators, antennas and click analysers.

View all PMM products available from MDL Technologies.

Click here to find out more about the features of the ER8000, read the full specifications or request a quote.

Or to speak to our expert consultants about your product requirements, contact us here.

Hioki Battery Testers – Next Generation Test Solutions

Posted on by cherise

Measuring Instruments for the Battery Industry

Hioki contributes to the manufacture and development of batteries with comprehensive and robust measurement solutions. Featuring models such as the BT3554 Battery Tester, the HiTester BT3560 series and more, available through MDL Technologies.

Commercialization of lithium-ion batteries is proceeding across the board, as manufacturers bring to market products ranging from compact to large-scale models.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a type of rechargeable battery notable for their extremely high level of performance, have been used primarily in off-the-shelf products such as notebook computers and mobile phones. Over the past few years, manufacturers have been working with automakers and other companies to optimize the LIBs used in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with large variants that offer an even higher level of performance and technology in the form of enhanced safety, higher output, and longer service life. Efforts are also underway to bring LIBs to fixed installations and industrial applications, including use in storage systems in residential and commercial settings (for example in buildings, shops, and manufacturing plants), in industrial machinery such as forklifts, and as emergency power supplies for facilities such as mobile phone base stations.

Lithium-ion and next-generation batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (liquid)

Lithium-ion batteries, a type of rechargeable battery in which charging and discharging is accomplished by the movement of lithium ions between positive and negative electrodes, are expected to see broad use in applications ranging from off-the-shelf commercial goods to vehicles due to their low weight and high capacity. As part of the global effort to wean society off carbon-based sources of energy, research is expanding to boost capacity and extend service life for use in electric vehicles.

All-solid lithium-ion batteries

All-solid batteries would offer a higher level of safety since they do not use flammable electrolyte. Research is underway to develop such batteries for use in vehicles since they can be charged in several minutes.

Fuel cells

Fuel cells are like generators that use a substance such as hydrogen as fuel. Fuel cell-powered vehicles offer a high level of convenience compared to electric vehicles thanks to their long range and fast fill-up times. Fuel cells are a well-established technology that has already been used in applications such as forklifts and residential cogeneration systems.

BT 3562, BT 3563, BT 3564 - Battery HiTesters

Hioki BT3562, BT3563 and BT3564 Battery HiTesters feature simultaneous measurement of internal resistance and open circuit voltage. These battery testers apply a constant AC current at a measurement frequency of 1 kHz and then calculate the battery’s internal resistance based on the voltage value obtained from an AC voltmeter.
This allows for the accurate measurement of the battery’s internal resistance, while minimizing the effects of measurement cable resistance and contact resistance.

The instrument can ascertain fuel cell state based on impedance measured at a frequency of 1 kHz. The BT3562 can measure the internal resistance of battery packs of up to 60 V, while the BT3563 can measure the internal resistance of battery packs of up to 300 V, and the BT3564 can measure the internal resistance of battery packs of up to 1000 V.

Hioki BT3561A Front
BT4560 Battery Impedance Meter

BT4560 - Impedance Meter

The BT4560 Battery Impedance Meter is well suited for testing battery cells designed for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as with lithium-ion rechargeable batteries used in compact battery packs for mobile devices due to the low internal resistance of these types of cells. The BT4560 ensures battery cell quality by measuring internal impedance at a low frequency of 1 Hz or below, with extremely reliable measurements for low-impedance batteries. With this capability the BT4560 can be used to perform more fine-grained testing of internal resistance, and delivers measurement accuracy of 0.0035% rdg. for DC voltage measurement (OCV) of batteries.

BT3554 - Battery Tester

The Hioki BT3554 Battery Tester is the most popular portable battery tester for large lead-acid and UPS batteries. Make reliable measurements while a UPS is operating thanks to improved noise resistance and save the
results in as little as 2 seconds. This tester also features a comparator function for quick pass/fail/warning decisions. The specially designed L2020 Pin Type Lead further improves testing efficiency with an L-shaped tip that lets you reach deep into the battery racks to completely probe the terminals.

BT3554-51 Heroshot

SS7081-50 - Battery Cell Voltage Generator

The Hioki Battery Cell Voltage Generator SS7081-50 is a 12-channel battery cell voltage generator that delivers power supply, electronic load, and DMM functionality in a single package. The system’s simple architecture makes building an environment for validating BMS functionality safer, more affordable and more productive than ever before. Featuring high-accuracy signal generation and measurement capabilities, useful when evaluating BMS performance. In addition, the ability to verify performance under abnormal conditions is useful when evaluating safety. The system also provides a minuscule current range of 100µA that is ideal for measuring quiescent current or standby current.

DM7276 - Precision DC Voltmeter

The DM7276 Precision DC Voltmeter delivers superior measurement accuracy of 9 ppm (0.0009%), an accuracy level that is demanded by advanced applications such as aging tests of lithium-ion batteries. Other key features include contact check to maximize measurement reliability, binning and temperature compensation, making the voltmeter ideal for developing and manufacturing Li-ion batteries, electrical double-layer capacitors, electric vehicle components, and other next generation devices. Includes a universal power supply to accommodate global production.

Hioki IM3590 - Chemical Impedance Analyzer

The Hioki IM3590 Chemical Impedance Analyzer is an advanced component tester especially suited to electrochemical impedance measurements and includes a variety of graphing functions that are needed for battery and chemical material testing. It allows for the identification of the causes of battery cell defects by measuring AC impedance at multiple frequencies, and features a wide range of signal sources from 1 mHz to 200 kHz, to accommodate ion behavior and solution resistance measurement.

Hioki RM2610 - Electrode Resistance Measurement System

The RM2610 Electrode Resistance Measurement System was developed to isolate and quantify the composite layer resistance and interface resistance in the positive- and negative-electrode sheets used in lithium-ion batteries, as a way to verify their uniformity, control quality, and help improve production methods. The entire system utilizes a test fixture made up of microscopic probes, press unit to affect the density of the electrode layer, a resistance meter, and software built with Hioki’s proprietary analysis algorithm to visualize the composite and interface resistances.

Hioki SW1001 & SW1002 - Switch Mainframe

The Hioki SW1001 and SW1002 Switch Mainframe houses up to 3 and 12 units of SW9001 or SW9002 Multiplexer Module to deliver quick, multi-channel battery testing. Connect to battery testing instruments to test OCV measurement, internal resistance measurement, and external potential measurement of battery cells.
By using a switch mainframe, you can reduce the frequency at which probes must be replaced and thereby lower running costs since only one probe is required per terminal to connect the instrument to the battery.

Contact us

Want further information, advice or a quote? Speak with our expert consultants today to discuss your product requirements on 01462 431981, or contact us here.

HIOKI’s new 12-channel Battery Cell Voltage Generator SS7081-50

Posted on by Philip Bailey

HIOKI’s new 12-channel Battery Cell Voltage Generator SS7081-50 allows you to efficiently build a BMS test environment by simulating batteries or power supplies safely instead of actual batteries. At the same time, the system also offers the high-precision voltage and current measurement capability for minuscule current measurements.

The SS7081-50 facilitates performance and safety evaluation of battery management systems (BMS) used in lithium-ion battery modules or packs of EVs, energy storage systems, or uninterruptible power systems (UPS) by simulating batteries, power supplies or electronic loads. The simulated parameters and cell conditions enable to test a BMS environment more precisely, efficiently, and much safer than with using actual batteries.

Multiple units, each capable of simulating 12 cells, can be connected to create a multi-cell environment with testing parameters that would be difficult to reproduce with actual batteries. This capability eliminates the cost of preparing numerous power supplies and electronic loads as well as the time that would be required to wire them together and fabricate large systems capable of controlling them.

Another unique malfunction simulation enables to reproduce open-wire failures between cells and the BMS. This function is also integrated in SS7081-50 providing a solution without usage of an additional external open test kit.

In addition, the instrument provides high-precision voltage and current measurement capability so that researchers and developers can evaluate increasingly sophisticated BMS functionality that is key in estimating the state of charge (SOC) more accurately and ensure a longer life cycle of LIBs. The system also provides a minuscule current range of 100µA that is ideal for measuring quiescent current or standby current.

DEVELOPMENT BACKGROUND

Alongside the growth of the EV market, the demand for LIB packs growing, and R&D programs targeting associated technologies such as sophisticated BMS boards that can monitor and control efficient and safe battery usage are accelerating as well.

Battery Management Systems (BMS) are used to monitor and optimally control the capacity and other parameters of cell systems with the objective to eliminate variability when individual cells exhibit imbalances in order to make full use of the battery’s capacity and prevent incidents such as excessive charging which would cause fire or explosion and excessive discharging that would degrade the battery performance.

Against this backdrop, development of sophisticated BMS boards that can efficiently and safely control batteries is set to increase in the future, and this trend will likely drive up demand for the ability to easily and accurately evaluate those boards.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

SS7081-50
Max output voltage (in series) Up to 1000 V
Voltage output accuracy ±0.0150% of setting ±500 μV
Current measurement accuracy 1 A range: ±0.0700% of reading ±100 μA
100 μA range: ±0.0350% of reading ±10 nA

 

NEW! Chroma 3U 15kVA Regenerative Grid Simulator

Posted on by Philip Bailey

The new Chroma 61800 3U high series of regenerative grid simulators include three models with power ratings of 9kVA, 12kVA, and 15kVA and include single phase and 3-phase operation. With output voltage ranges up to 350VLN and 606VLL, each model can achieve 700VLN by a single phase 3-wire setup. Users are able to increase output power by configuring up to three units in parallel.

Chroma 61809/61812/61815 models are regenerative providing a complete energy-saving solution. The power generated by the DUT during the test can be easily fed back to the grid, rather than dissipated as heat, which protects the environment and lowers the cost of operation. With this capability, the 61809/61812/61815 models can be applied to applications in green energy products, such as PV inverters, energy storage systems (ESS), power conditioning systems (PCS), micro grids, power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL), electric vehicle power supply equipment (EVSE), on-board charger (OBC) and bidirectional on-board charger (BOBC), etc.

For regulatory testing, 61809/61812/61815 models can be applied to IEC 61000-3-2/-3- 3/-3-11/-3-12 (international regulations for AC voltage testing), IEEE 1547/IEC 62116 (international regulations related to green power generation), electric vehicle to grid (V2G) testing, electric vehicle to load (V2L) testing, electric vehicle to home (V2H) testing, energy storage system (ESS) testing.

By using full digital control technology, these models provide a maximum 350VLN output voltage and 30Hz to 100Hz output frequency. The total harmonic distortion rate is less than 0.5% at full load and 50Hz/60Hz output frequency. In addition to AC output, a DC output mode and AC plus DC output mode is included which can be expanded to DC test and AC test with DC bias voltage. The current output capability can provide 3 times the RMS peak current, which is suitable for a DUT input inrush current test.

The 61809/61812/61815 models are also able to provide precision measurements such as RMS voltage, RMS current, true power, power factor, current crest factor and many others. By applying advanced DSP technology, they can easily simulate power line disturbance (PLD) using LIST, PULSE and STEP modes. Additional features such as the waveform synthesis function allows users to program various distorted harmonic waveforms required by some regulatory standards.

With the intuitive 5″ LCD touch screen interface, users can quickly get familiar with the instrument’s operation. Remote interfaces include standard USB, LAN, and optional GPIB, CAN interface. Instruments can be controlled by computer and Chroma Softpanel software for fast digital operation. In addition, Chroma also provides control drivers where users can use LabVIEW software to program integration applications of the control system.

Chroma launch new range of high density single / three phase selectable AC sources

Posted on by Philip Bailey

T

he 61509 is the latest of the Chroma 61500/61600 series AC sources based on a high power density and low form factor (5U) design. The 61500/61600 series programmable AC sources have the ability to simulate various AC line input conditions and measure critical product characteristics under testing. These features make the 61500/61600 series ideal for commercial, power electronics, avionics, military, and regulation test applications from bench-top R/D design verification and quality assurance to mass production. The enhancement of DC functionality with DC power ratings of up to 75% of full output power has further extended test application capabilities especially for AC/DC server PSU.

Using state of the art PWM technology, the 61509 model with a 6kVA Single-phase or three-phase selectable output can deliver the maximum output voltage of up to 350Vac and output frequencies of 15Hz to 2kHz with an optional enhancement up to 5kHz.

PPM LAUNCH 4-CHANNEL FFT CLICK METER

Posted on by Philip Bailey

PMM have now released the CA0010 click (discontinuous disturbance) analyser to accompany their 9010F FFT EMI receiver. This click analyser is capable of four simultaneous measurements at the frequencies of 150 kHz, 500 kHz, 1,4 MHz and 30 MHz and can work as a standalone setup for fully compliant CISPR 14-1 testing.

The internal click generator is full compliance with the requirements specified in CISPR 16-1-1 and can be used to self-calibrate the CA0010 or any other external click meter.  The same high versatility is also reflected in the User selectable operating modes: two rates/two upper quartiles, two rates/four upper quartiles, four rates/four upper quartiles and single run/double run (not conditioned by the previous ones).
Full compliant to all old and new “click” existing standards: CISPR 16-1-1:2015 Ed. 4 and previous editions, CISPR 14-1:2016 Ed. 6 and previous editions, CENELEC old and new equivalent versions of these two standards (EN 55016-1-1 and EN 55014-1). This Click Meter also features an internal 16 Ampere LISN (although an external one can always be connected) and a switch operations counting unit, too. The CA0010 has an outstanding dynamic range and saturation control, thanks to the internal tailored preselection, guaranteed by its CISPR full compliance RF front end.

When connected to a PC, a dedicated software produces  a full trace with additional information like IF and QP time diagram of every channel, graph of the detected clicks for each channel and a complete trace with offline Rewind-Play-Pause-Forward capability for any possible use. This software can also manage a unique internal click calibrator able to generate all the signals required to check the analyzer performance in compliance with CISPR 16-1-1 requirements. It is possible to set all the relevant parameters such as amplitude and duration of each click, the interval between them, the number of click repetition and, last but not least, the amplitude of CISPR pulses. Indeed, unique on the market the CA0010 Calibrator embeds a full compliance B-Band Cispr16-1-1 pulse generator allowing thus performing the test #2 and #3 of table 14 Cispr16-1-1 without the need of any external additional generator.

Please see more information on the MDL website: PMM CA0010 product page
The PMM range of Click Analysers includes the Single channel Click Analysers for use with the PMM 9010F FFT Receiver: PMM Click box product page and the Four channel 9010/Click4E for use with the PMM 9010 Receiver: 9010/Click4E product page