RadiSwitch® Series

Posted on February 17, 2023February 20, 2023 by Philip Bailey

RadiSwitch is a cutting-edge technology developed by Raditeq, designed to improve the performance and efficiency of RF switches. It features a unique design that enables high-speed switching with minimal signal distortion, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, from telecommunications and wireless networks to military and aerospace systems. With RadiSwitch, users can enjoy greater reliability, reduced power consumption, and improved signal quality, all in a compact and cost-effective package.

RadiSwitch

Product Name	Max. Frequency Range	Connector type	Life Cycles	Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1024V	Max. 67 GHz	4x SPDT 1.85 mm V-type	2.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1022V	Max. 67 GHz	2x SPDT 1.85 mm V-type	2.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1062Q	Max. 50 GHz	2x SP6T 2.4 mm Q-type	2.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1061Q	Max. 50 GHz	1x SP6T 2.4 mm Q-type	2.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1024Q	Max. 50 GHz	4x SPDT 1.85 mm Q-type	2.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSS1022Q	Max. 50 GHz	2x SPDT 1.85 mm Q-type	2.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1062K	Max. 40 GHz	2x SP6T 2.92 mm K-type	2.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1061K	Max. 40 GHz	1x SP6T 2.92 mm K-type	2.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1024K	Max. 40 GHz	4x SPDT 2.92 mm K-type	10.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1022K	Max. 40 GHz	2x SPDT 2.92 mm K-type	10.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1062S	Max. 18 GHz	2x SP6T SMA	5.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1061S	Max. 18 GHz	1x SP6T SMA	5.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1024S	Max. 18 GHz	4x SPDT SMA	10.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1022S	Max. 18 GHz	2x SPDT SMA	10.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1021N	Max. 12,4 GHz	2x SPDT N-Type	1.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW1021B	Max. 3 GHz	2x SPDT BNC	1.000.000 cycles	More Details
RadiSwitch® RSW2002E	8-way Terminal Block	2x External Relay	NA	More Details

Model	Relay	Connector	Max. Frequency
RSW1021B	1 x SPDT	BNC	3 GHz
RSW1021N	1 x SPDT	N-type	12.4 GHz
RSW1022S	2 x SPDT	SMA	18 GHz
RSW1024S	4 x SPDT	SMA	18 GHz
RSW1061S	1 x SP6T	SMA	18 GHz
RSW1062S	2 x SP6T	SMA	18 GHz
RSW1022K	2 x SPDT	2.92 mm \| K-type	40 GHz
RSW1024K	4 x SPDT	2.92 mm \| K-type	40 GHz
RSW1061K	1 x SP6T	2.92 mm \| K-type	40 GHz
RSW1062K	2 x SP6T	2.92 mm \| K-type	40 GHz
RSW1022Q	2 x SPDT	2.4 mm \| Q-type	50 GHz
RSW1024Q	4 x SPDT	2.4 mm \| Q-type	50 GHz
RSW1061Q	1 x SP6T	2.4 mm \| Q-type	50 GHz
RSW1062Q	2 x SP6T	2.4 mm \| Q-type	50 GHz
RSW1022V	2x SPDT	1.85 mm \| V-type	67 GHz
RSW1024V	4x SPDT	1.85 mm \| V-type	67 GHz
RSW2002E	2 x external	8-way terminal block	External relay dependant

Flexible

The RadiSwitch® RF coaxial relay plug-in cards are designed to switch RF signals from DC to 67 GHz, with a maximum capacity of up to 700 Watts. If you need to switch RF power levels above 700 W, you can remotely control an external relay via a RadiSwitch plug-in card.

RadiSwitch® plug-in cards come in various versions, including one, two, or four SPDT (single pole double throw) coaxial relays or SP6T (single pole six throw) coaxial relays. These versions are available in 18 GHz (SMA type), 40 GHz (k type), 50 GHz (Q type), and 67GHz (V type) models. Additionally, plug-in cards with BNC-type (3 GHz) or N-type (12.4 GHz) connectors are also available.

You can use any combination and quantity of plug-in cards in the RadiCentre®, which makes the system one of the most flexible switching systems in the world.

Hardware interlock

The first relay on the RadiSwitch® plug-in card can be either a standard relay or a safety interlock relay. If you use it as a safety interlock, it can disable the RF input to the amplifier, which helps prevent personnel from being exposed to high radiated RF fields.

You can connect the RF interlock input to a switch on the access door of the test chamber. This ensures that the interlock is only released when the door is closed, which helps maintain a safe environment for testing.

External switching

RF amplifiers that are powerful are often placed in separate shielded rooms with appropriate cooling. To control the output of these amplifiers, you can connect a RadiSwitch plug-in card to an external switch box.

The RSW2002E plug-in card has drivers that let you control two external switches, and each relay can handle a current of up to 500 mA. Additionally, the card has an internal power supply that can power the relays of the 12 VDC, 24 VDC, or 28 VDC type.

Control

Depending on the type of relay, the RadiSwitch® plug-in cards take up one or two slots in the RadiCentre® modular and multifunctional EMC system. The RadiCentre® comes in three models, including a single, double, or seven-slot version, and it’s flexible and expandable. It’s the main platform for most of Raditeq’s test and measurement products.

Both the two- and seven-slot versions of the RadiCentre® have a 7-inch TFT touch screen for manual control and monitoring, but you can also control them from a PC via USB, LAN, or GPIB (optional). Furthermore, you can control both the RadiCentre® and RadiSwitch® using RadiMation® EMC testing software or any other EMC testing software package using device commands.

RadiSwitch® RF Switch Matrixes

The RadiSwitch® series offers a variety of RF switching plug-in cards for fully automated EMC testing. EMC test systems can be complex installations with many different test and measurement instruments. To enable fully automated testing, all measuring instruments and connections between amplifiers, power meters, antennas, and EMI receivers must be selected automatically.

RadiSwitch® is designed specifically to switch RF signals between multiple instruments during EMC and RF measurements. The RadiSwitch® plug-in cards fit into a RadiCentre® modular test system, which is an essential component of the switchgear for all types of EMC and RF tests.

You can easily control the switching cards automatically using EMC test software like RadiMation®. This allows for smoother and more efficient testing processes.

Reliable

In an EMC or RF test situation, it’s common to switch RF signal paths frequently. That’s why the RadiSwitch® uses highly reliable relays that can handle over a million switches (*).

Even with continuous use 24/7, 365 days a year, and switching every minute, the RadiSwitch® cards will still last for two years. And in more regular testing situations (10 hours/day, 250 days a year, and switching 10 times an hour), the RadiSwitch® will last for up to 40 years.

(*) The SMA version of the RadiSwitch® has a lifespan of 5-10 million cycles, while the K and W versions can handle up to 2 million cycles.

Easy to use & extendable

The RadiSwitch® system is designed to be “Plug and Play”, which means that every plug-in card is automatically recognized, initialized, and ready to use.

Users can easily configure and control the relay position of each individual RadiSwitch® plug-in card using the touch screen or with EMC testing software. For more extensive switching applications, multiple RadiCentre® EMC systems can be used together.

Name

Company

Telephone

Switch Type

Amount Required

Additional Information

What is a Waveguide Feed-through (RF Pipe Penetrations)

Posted on February 7, 2023May 13, 2024 by Philip Bailey

What is a RF Pipe Penetration?

A RF shielded Pipe Penetration is a specific type of penetration made to maintain RF attenuation while allowing liquids, gas and fibre optics to pass though. They achieve this by conforming to conforming to the waveguide beyond cut-off principle. The core holes size and length of the core will vary depending on the required frequency. These pipe penetrations after often used for fire suppression systems such as VESDA systems, fibre optics for camera systems and data centres, pneumatic piping for control systems for doors and antenna systems.

In summary, RF Pipe Penetration is a solution for allowing the passage of fibre optics, liquid or gas through metal pipes while maintaining RF attenuation and minimising signal loss and interference.

Our services

MDL Technologies offer a wide range of pipe penetrations for RF shielding in most sizes for water, gas, or air. As well as specially designed pipe penetrations assemblies used for transporting non-conductive gases or liquids into an enclosure.

MDL can also manufacture specialty one-off pipe penetrations for unique applications.

Accommodate Requirements Such as Fire Suppression Systems, Hydraulics, and other Utilities
Honeycomb Waveguide Insert Option Available for High Frequency or Gaseous Applications
Dielectric Unions are Available to Maintain Isolation to the Ground

Calculating RF pipe penetration sizes

For circular waveguides:

fc = c/3.412r

where:
fc = cutoff frequency
c = speed of light, 1.181 x 1010 in/s
r = radius of circular waveguide in inches

General Rule of Thumb:
For circular waveguides, make sure the waveguide length is at least four times the diameter.

Diameter of Waveguide	Frequency Cutoff
1.27 cm (.5 in)	13.8 GHz
1.91 cm (.75 in)	9.2 GHz
2.54 cm (1 in)	6.9 GHz
3.175 cm (1.25 in)	5.5 GHz
3.81 cm (1.5 in)	4.6 GHz
4.08 cm (2 in)	3.5 GHz
6.35 cm (2.5 in)	2.8 GHz
7.62 cm (3 in)	2.3 GHz
8.16 cm (4 in)	1.7 GHz

ETS-Lindgren Stock RF Pipe Penetrations

Waveguide Feed-through Part Number	With Dielectric Option Part Number	Nominal Pipe I.D.	Length	Installation Hole Size
551060	551084	1.27 cm (.5 in)	15.24 cm (6 in)	2.22 cm ( .875 in)
551061	551085	1.91 cm (.75 in)	15.24 cm (6 in)	2.86 cm ( .125 in)
551062	551086	2.54 cm (1 in)	15.24 cm (6 in)	3.49 cm (1.375 in)
551063	551087	3.175 cm (1.25 in)	15.24 cm (6 in)	4.46 cm (1.75 in)
551064	551088	3.81 cm (1.5 in)	15.24 cm (6 in)	4.92 cm (1.9375 in)
551065	551089	4.08 cm (2 in)	20.32 cm (8 in)	6.35 cm (2.5 in)
551066	551090	6.35 cm (2.5 in)	20.32 cm (8 in)	7.30 cm (2.875 in)
551067	551083	7.62 cm (3 in)	30.48 cm (12 in)	9.21 cm (3.625 in)
551068	551091	8.16 cm (4 in)	40.64 cm (16 in)	11.75 cm (4.625 in)

Name

Company

Telephone

Pipe Size

Frequency Requirement

Requirement

Amount

Additional Information

What is a Battery Impedance Meter?

Posted on January 19, 2023February 10, 2023 by Philip Bailey

What is Impedance?

Impedance is a measure of the resistance that an electrical circuit presents to an alternating current (AC). It is different from resistance, which is a measure of the resistance that a circuit presents to a direct current (DC). Impedance is a combination of resistance and reactance, which is a measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to the flow of AC due to its capacitance or inductance.

Measuring the impedance of a battery can provide valuable information about its condition and performance. For example, as a battery ages, its internal resistance may increase, which can reduce its ability to deliver power and cause it to discharge more quickly. Measuring the battery’s impedance can help identify such issues and allow you to take corrective action before the battery fails completely.

There are several different methods for measuring the impedance of a battery, including the use of specialized impedance meters or multimeters that are designed specifically for this purpose. These devices typically apply a small AC voltage to the battery and measure the resulting current to calculate the impedance. The results of the measurement can then be used to estimate the battery’s capacity, energy density, and other characteristics.

How do you calculate Impedance?

Impedance is a complex quantity that can be expressed as a combination of resistance and reactance, which are both expressed in ohms.

Resistance is a measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to the flow of direct current (DC). It is determined by the material and cross-sectional area of the conductor, and is represented by the letter “R” in Ohm’s law (V = IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance).

Reactance is a measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to the flow of alternating current (AC) due to its capacitance or inductance. Capacitive reactance is a measure of the opposition that a capacitor presents to the flow of AC, and is inversely proportional to the frequency of the AC. Inductive reactance is a measure of the opposition that an inductor presents to the flow of AC, and is directly proportional to the frequency of the AC. Reactance is represented by the letter “X” in Ohm’s law.

The impedance of a circuit (Z) is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the resistance and reactance:

Z = √(R^2 + X^2)

Impedance is typically expressed in ohms, just like resistance and reactance.

Hipot

Posted on September 23, 2022March 15, 2023 by Philip Bailey

What is Hipot testing?

The main purpose of Hipot (High Potential Test) is for testing the insulating capability of a DUT (Device under Test).

Testing is also able to check for faults in the manufacturing process such as:

Scrapes
Pinholes
Spacing
Crimps
Heat Material Build-up
Moisture
Contaminants

Leakage current is measured to determine whether the insulation of a product is able to withstand high voltages without breaking down. The result can also be used to determine the quality of the insulation.

Hipot Test

One safety test that is frequently used is the pot test. The terms high potential, dielectric withstand, and Hipot all refer to withstanding tests. Hipot tests are primarily used to evaluate the DUT’s insulating capabilities (Device under Test). Apply a high voltage to the test point while the equipment is running to check for insulation breakdown or electrical flashover/ARC. Four categories of insulation exist Basic, Supplementary, Double, and Reinforced. Since the product inside may be over dirt, moisture, or other factors that cause discharge along the surface, a Hipot test can be used to determine whether the product’s internal circuit design has issues with distance along the surface or insufficient insulation.

Leakage Current Test

The current is brimmed over as it flows through insulation impedance, which we call leakage current. When the current contacts the human body and flows through the human body to Earth, electrical damage occurs. Leakage current testing, withstanding voltage testing, and grounding protection testing are distinct from one another because they involve running equipment. When testing, the leakage current adds an impedance circuit that simulates the human body; this allows it to simulate the amount of leakage current that would actually flow through the body.

Insulation Resistance Test

Insulation resistance testing and DC withstand testing are very similar in that they both apply DC voltage (50~1000V) to two points of contact to determine whether a product is defective or not. The insulation resistance value cannot be less than 10MΩ when the test voltage is 500V or 1000V. Insulation resistance testing is a non-destructive test that can determine whether or not insulation is adequate. In some regulations, the insulation resistance test is performed first, followed by the withstand test. When the insulation resistance test fails, the withstand voltage test is unable to pass as well.

Ground Protection Test

Ground protection is tested using two methods: ground continuity (GC) and ground bond (GB). The aim of the ground protection test is to protect users from electrical hazards such as touching equipment when an unsuitable current is generated and flows to the earth. As a result, it is necessary to determine whether there is a high resistance value or a lack of load capacitance between the DUT accessible part and the E terminal of power.

One ampere of DC current is fed into the power terminal to test ground continuity and confirm that the resistance between the two ends is less than one ohm. Ground bond testing is performed from the power terminal to the input terminal at 25A or 1.5 times the rated current, whichever is greater (50/60Hz). Resistance standards are typically less than 100mΩ. Different safety standards have different test multiples, some of which are two multiples of current and have different conditions for setting. For example, if the DUT has a 5A/220V rated fuse, the test current value should be determined by the rated current of the fuse.

ARC Test

ARC is a type of electrical discharge that occurs when the insulation capability is insufficient. If ARC occurs multiple times, the system will fail. ARC occurred may be within 10us, thus resolution and sensitivity of ARC judgement will influence the test result.

What is the difference between a Megger and Hipot?

‘Meggers’ test low to medium voltage with a typical voltage between 600V – 2000V

Whereas Hipot testing applies significantly higher voltages typically above 15,000V

19052/19053/19054 Hipot Tester

19055/19055-C Hipot Analyser

Chroma 19020 Series Multi-Channel Hipot Tester

How long is a Hipot Test?

Depending on the standard Hipot testing can be anywhere from 10 milliseconds to 5 minutes.

For most standards including those covered under IEC 60950 the required time is 1 minute. However, a typical rule of thumb is 110 to 120% of 2U + 1000 V for 1–2 seconds.

Is a Hipot test destructive to the tested part?

Possibly. Hipot testing can cause insulation stress and damage if the voltage and/or duration are too high for the specific design. Because insulation damage can be difficult to detect, production Hipot testing is a trade-off between test voltage and component damage.

One method of determining a safe production test voltage is to dielectric breakdown test a sufficiently random sample to failure. Based on a leakage limit or arcing, the test voltage is increased until the dielectric fails. The Hipot test would then be carried out at a lower voltage with an adequate safety factor.

To avoid causing insulation damage, avoid applying Hipot voltage in excess of the product rating. It is also important to avoid repeat testing. Lower voltage should be considered for repeat testing to avoid insulation damage.

How do I choose a hipot tester?

When looking for a Hipot tester is best to look for a tester that is able to supply two times the working voltage + 1000V.

It is also important to check output voltage as it can either be AC or DC.

Also testing methods can be automatic, semi-automatic, and manual depending upon the model.

Should I test in AC or DC?

When performing a Hipot test it is important to know if the standard you are adhering to allows you to perform a test in DC. Check your agency specification.

Some standards will allow tests to be performed in d.c. however, they often require the test to be performed at the peak value of the a.c. test.

IEC 60601-1 ‘Alternatively, a d.c. test voltage equal to the peak value of the a.c. test voltage may be used.‘

The applied test voltage must be the same value whether it is AC or DC because a Hipot test stresses the insulation of a DUT with high voltage.

				
					RMS x 1.414 = Peak = DC Equivalent

The DC voltage must match the peak of the AC waveform during a DC test by using the formula shown below:

				
					DC Hipot Test Voltage = (Nominal Input Voltage) * 2 + 1000V

Uncertain of the Hipot test voltage? Always consult the relevant agency standard as they may call for a different multiplier for the conversion of the AC to DC Hipot test voltage.

AC Advantages

No voltage ramping requirements due to the polarity of ACV.
Insulation testing in both polarities.
Commonly accepted by safety agencies and standards.
Discharging the DUT is not necessary

AC Disadvantages

Measures only the total leakage current
Requires a large Hipot transformer due to measuring the total leakage current.
Higher cost

DC Advantages

Leakage Current is purely resistive, actual value.
No reactive current, avoid false failures.
Cost-effective, less current required.
Easier to perform on capacitive DUT’s.
Lower current, lower risk to the operator.

DC Disadvantages

Requires a ramp up
Have to discharge DUT at end of testing
Not always widely accepted by safety agencies and standards
Only stresses insulation in one polarity.

The production-line Hipot test is used to determine whether the construction of a production unit is similar to the construction of the unit that was subjected to type testing. This test is typically shorter in duration to ensure the unit is not damaged during testing.

DC Hipot tests usually need to add ramp time and fall time, because most DUTs are with capacitance and cause charging current generated. For charging current steady, ramp time is needed for buffering then leakage current won’t over high because of charge current and judge as FAIL. The more DUT capacitance, the more ramp time.

DC Hipot tests cause DUT discharge and thus require a period of time for discharging after the Hipot test has ended. Some Hipot test equipment will decrease fall time to the minimum and mark danger warnings before reaching discharge standards for protecting the testers from electrical shock.

Class 1 vs Class 2

Electronic devices that are tested are put into two categories, class 1 and class 2. Class 1 devices include a safety ground circuit and have a line neutral and ground whereas class 2 only has a live and neutral.

Typically there are two voltages used to conduct isolation testing; 3kVAC and 4kVAC. For IT and industrial equipment, the international safety standard IEC60950-1 applies to AC-DC power supplies.

This stipulates that your product must pass an input-to-output isolation test of 3kVAC. The IEC61010 standard applies to test and measurement equipment and also requires the 3kVAC test.

Medical equipment is covered by standard IEC60601-1. Input-to-output isolation tests need to be conducted at the higher voltage of 4kVAC in order for the design to comply with this standard.

European Standards

Standard	Description
EN 50091	Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
EN 50144	Safety standard of portable electronic motor appliance
EN 60034	Rotatory electronic mechanical equipment
EN60035	Household appliance equipment
EN 60204	Safety standard of mechanical equipment
EN 60335	Safety standard of household appliance
EN 60950	Safety standard of information product and enterprise information equipment
EN 60967	Safety standard of electric blanket, electric pad and household related heating equipment
EN 60968	Safety standard of electric lamps for general lighting
EN 61010	Safety standard of measuring, monitoring and laboratory equipment
EN 60601	Safety standard of medical equipment

What is the difference between Dielectric voltage withstand testing, high potential testing, and Hipot testing?

Nothing, they are interchangeable depending on the indutry.

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

Posted on July 8, 2020 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

Wireless Future – Newly Launched Chroma Electric Vehicle Wireless Power Transfer ATS

Posted on July 27, 2018July 27, 2018 by MDL Technologies

As the future of power electronics continues to grow, electric vehicle (EV) technology advances as well redefining the meaning of EV convenience and safety with the new feature: “wireless charging.” Wireless charging brings significant changes to the EV industry by removing the need for charge connectors completely thus preventing connector wear-out and electric shock hazards. Through successful testing and measurements of key EV components, Chroma ATE, a world leading electronics testing company, launched its first EV Wireless Power Transfer ATS.

In May 2016, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) announced a wireless charging standard, the SAE J2954, set up by several internationally renowned car manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers. China held extensive and rigorous tests on EV wireless charging products in order to further research the new technology and lay the foundation for GB/T standards; over 20 domestic companies participated in the testing. Chroma had developed complete AC sources, DC load product lines, and automated test systems encompassing the new standards need for a minimal power requirement of 3.7KW~22KW. This allowed for new levels of power effective tests on input, stability accuracy measurements on output, and limit voltage and current protections for wireless charging. In addition, the new development successfully conducted offset angles simulation and efficient measurement of X, Y, Z, ?, ?, ? six axes when used with the EV Wireless Power Transfer ATS and in conjunction with the new standards as well.

Chroma’s EV Wireless Power Transfer ATS has been adopted by the China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC), China Electric Power Research Institute, and Experimental Verification Center of State Grid Electric Power Research Institute (NARI) laboratories, as well as several international car factories. Testing inquiries expanded internationally to mainstream Chinese, Japanese, and European car manufacturers.

To learn more about our product, please follow the link and leave your contact information: https://www.mdltechnologies.co.uk/products/model-8000-electric-vehicle-supply-equipment-ats-evse-ats/

New Regenerative AC Load Function – Further Extend the Grid Simulator Capability for Micro-grid Test Application

Posted on May 16, 2018July 27, 2018 by MDL Technologies

The Chroma 61800 Series high power regenerative grid simulator capable of delivering output power up to 300kVA has been widely used for testing PV inverters, power conditioning systems (PCS) and EVSE charging stations. Lately, more and more engineers are studying the applications of micro-grids and energy storage systems. The 61800 Series not only can simulate the voltage and frequency test requirements for different regions of world, it is also capable of simulating voltage transient and abnormal conditions with synthesis of harmonic / inter-harmonic components as well. Its full four quadrants operation capability and regenerative function used to feed the energy back to the grid are the most favored by users.
Aside from the aforementioned capabilities to simulate the AC voltage test conditions, the capabilities of simulating various load conditions in order to cope with the diversified and dynamic nature of the system are also required for the micro-grid testing. It is very rare in the market to have test equipment with both AC source and AC load functions as a single unit.
Traditional AC electronic load designs mainly consist of passive and switch devices. These electronics loads can only operate in the 1st quadrant (both voltage/current in the positive region) and 3rd quadrant (both voltage/current in the negative region). The functionalities for the traditional AC electronic load are mainly limited to CR mode and rectified mode due to the design’s nature. Unlike the traditional electronics load, Chroma 61800 Series with full four quadrants and a regenerative design has further extended its test application capabilities by including the regenerative AC load function as an option with its maximum loading capability equivalent to the maximum output power rating of the unit. For instance, with the AC load option installed, the 61800 Series is capable of providing up to 180kW loading capability.

The phase lead/lag mode with phase angle setting ranging from 90 degree ~ -90 degree will simulate the corresponding voltage and current condition under an inductive or capacitive type load (see below waveforms). When the phase angle setting is in the range of 90.1 degree ~ 180 degree (-90 degree ~ -180 degree), the 61800 will become a current source, similar to a programmable inverter which is applicable for micro-grid related testing.
The Chroma 61800 Series regenerative AC load function is applicable for AC power supplies, UPS, PCS and EVSE charging station (V2L/V2H) test applications. It can simulate the effects of different loading conditions based on various home appliances, or test the PV inverter’s power quality correction functionality by deliberately setting the AC load in various reactive load conditions. The regenerative AC load is applicable for simulating the various power flow conditions related to micro-grid application for research in smart management or for balancing supply and demand loads.
Chroma uses the DSP digital control method to add the optional AC load function to the 61800 Series regenerative grid simulator. The AC load function further diversified the 61800 Series test applications ranging from academic, R&D design verification, and quality assurance to mass production.
For more information on the Chroma 61800 features and specifications, please visit: https://www.mdltechnologies.co.uk/products/model-61800-series-regenerative-grid-simulator/