AimTTi HA1600A User manual

HA1600A
Power and Harmonics Analyzer with Flickmaster INSTRUCTION MANUAL

This manual is 48511-0400 Issue 14 and describes firmware version 3.0 or later. 1
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Specification 3
Safety 5
Installation 6
Connections 7
Front Panel Connections 7
Rear Panel Connections 7
Initial Operation 8
Power Meter View 10
Power Meter Set-up 12
Waveform Graph View 13
Waveform Graph Set-up 14
Harmonics View 17
Harmonics View Set-up 18
Display Format - Histogram 18
Display Format – Tables 21
Test Control View 23
Test Control Set-up (Harmonics) 24
EN61000-3-3 Flicker and Fluctuations 29
Test Control Set-up (Flicker) 31
Meter View (Flicker) 33
Flicker Meter Page 33
Voltage Variation Page 34
Peak Inrush Current Measurement 36
Test Control Set-up (Peak Inrush Current) 38
Report View 39
Report Formats 40
Report Set-up 43
Compliance Measurements with the HA1600 45
Overview of Harmonics Measurements 45
Taking Harmonics Measurements 46
Taking Flicker and Fluctuation Measurements 48
HA-PC Link Plus Software 49
Software Installation 49
Operation of the HA-PC Link Plus Software 49
Exporting and Formatting Reports with a Word Processor 52
Installation of USB drivers 54
Maintenance & Calibration 55
Firmware Updates 56
Note: The latest revision of this manual, firmware, device drivers and software
tools can be downloaded via: http://aimtti.com/support

2
Introduction
High performance power analyser
The HA1600 is a high speed, high accuracy AC power analyser for single phase supplies of up to
16 Amps rms.
The supply to be measured is connected via a dedicated input cable independently of the supply
to the instrument. The output to the load is via a front panel mounted 'standard' mains connector.
A wide range of power connectors is available including most European national types.
The HA1600 can measure Watts, VA, Volts rms, Volts peak, Amps rms, Amps peak, Crest
factors, THD, Power factor, Frequency and Inrush current.
The large display can show multiple parameters simultaneously along with graphical
representations of voltage and current waveforms.
Dual 16 bit Analog to Digital converters continuously sample both voltage and current and give a
wide dynamic range. Afast Digital Signal Processor gives the performance needed for
continuous real-time analysis of the data. Advanced algorithms yield accurate results, using
extended precision or floating point arithmetic wherever necessary.
Compliance-quality harmonics analyser
The HA1600 has been designed to make harmonics measurements both quick and simple.
It measures harmonics from the 1st to the 40th and updates the display in real time.
It is suitable for pre-compliance measurements using a normal mains supply and is capable of
full compliance measurements to EN61000-3-2 in conjunction with a suitable power source (such
as the AC1000).
Capabilities include continuous monitoring of the supply voltage, continuous comparison to
harmonic limits and timed test sequences with analysis of fluctuating harmonics.
Compliance-quality flicker meter
The HA1600 has the capability to operate as a compliance quality voltage variation and flicker
meter in conformance with EN61000-3-3 and EN61000-4-15.
Flicker severity can be measured in terms of Pstand Plt while simultaneously performing full
analysis of voltage variations, including the calculation of dc(the largest difference between
steady states), dmax (the maximum voltage difference during a change interval),and tmax (the
cumulative duration over a specified value during a voltage change characteristic).
For pre-compliance testing, a current measurement method can be used, rather than voltage
measurement, to eliminate the need for a clean power generator and a reference impedance.
A full range of interfaces
A parallel printer interface is included, for record keeping and archiving, and also a high speed
RS-232 interface is provided for use with either a printer or remote control software running on a
PC. The HA1600A also has a USB port for use with the HA-PC Link Plus software.
The internal software of the instrument is stored in flash memory and can be updated through the
serial port as the requirements of the measurement standards evolve.
HA1600 and HA1600A
The two versions of the instrument are in different cases, with slightly different front panel
layouts. The HA1600A has a USB port. In all other respects the operation and performance of the
two types is identical. Both use the same firmware, and this manual applies to either type if fitted
with firmware version 3.00 or later.

3
Specification
MAINS ANALYSER
Measurement Circuit:
Single Phase with standard mains connector.
Current Rating:
16A rms continuous, or national connector rating if lower.
Voltage Ranges:
115V (± 200V pk) and 230V (± 400V pk).
Current Ranges:
± 24mA pk to ± 400A pk in fifteen 2:1 ranges.
Frequency Range:
43 – 67 Hz.
Shunt Resistance:
3mΩ.
Sampling Rate:
300 points per cycle.
Basic Accuracy:
Better than 0.2% ±1mA, up to 16A.
Measured Parameters: Vrms, Vpk, Arms, Apk, Crest factors, THD, W, VA, Power factor, Frequency,
Peak Inrush current.
Display Modes:
Tabular display of all parameters including latest and highest inrush current.
Waveform Graph display of Voltage and Current with normal, Max hold,
accumulate and multiple cycle display modes.
Monitor Outputs:
Re-constructed Voltage and Current Signals.
HARMONICS ANALYSER
Measurements: 1st harmonic to 40th harmonic.
Measurement processing to EN61000-3-2. and EN61000–4–7
Continuous calculation, analysis and assessment of unfiltered, filtered,
average, minimum and maximum current harmonic levels and limits.
Continuous measurement and assessment of supply waveform and
harmonics.
Current Rating:
16A rms continuous, or national connector rating if lower.
Voltage Ranges:
115 (± 200V pk) and 230V (± 400V pk).
Current Ranges:
± 24mA pk to ± 400A pk in fifteen 2:1 ranges.
Frequency Range:
43 – 67 Hz.
Shunt Resistance:
3mΩ(less than 150mV across shunt up to 50 Amp peak).
Transform Windows:
Continuous 4, 10, 12 or 16 cycle Discrete Fourier Transforms.
Basic Accuracy: Better than 5% of limit or 0.2% of selected range (whichever is the greater)
±1mA.
Display Modes: Display of load supply assessment for voltage, harmonics, crest limits and
frequency against requirements defined in EN61000-3-2.
Histogram or tabular display of supply voltage harmonics.
Histogram display of current harmonics with limits (calculated from EN61000-
3-2), with Min. hold, Max. hold and percentage of limit display options.
Tabular display of current harmonics showing present values, limits, average
values, average as percent of limit, maximum values, maximum as percent of
limit and pass or fail assessment for each harmonic.

4
Test Control:
Untimed, manually timed or automatically timed tests; user-defined test time.
Declaration of load class. Limits automatically determined from EN61000-3-2
for appropriate class; Class C and Class D limits can be automatically
calculated from power measurements or from ratings declared by the user.
Minimum and maximum power thresholds for limits can be changed by the
user.
Facility for declaring supply voltages other than 230V and deriving
appropriate limits. Facility for insetting test limits.
Report Printing: Direct printer connection for hard-copy report with user-entered narrative,
supply voltage assessment and current harmonic analysis and assessment.
VOLTAGE FLUCTUATIONS & FLICKER METER
Measurements: Voltage fluctuations dc, tmax and dmax and flicker Pst and Plt
to EN61000-3-3 and EN61000-4-15.
Current Rating:
16A rms continuous, or national connector rating if lower.
Voltage Ranges:
115V (± 200V pk) and 230V (± 400V pk).
Fluctuation Range:
25% max (relative to nominal voltage).
Flickermeter Range: Voltage change up to 20% (sinewave change) or 10% (low repetition rate
rectangular change) relative to AGC level.
Equivalent to 6400 pu on 8.8 Hz sinewave.
Flickermeter AGC:
Up to ±5%.
Flickermeter Accuracy:
Better than 5% for Pst range 0·7 to 10·0.
Frequency Range:
50Hz (operates over 43 – 67 Hz).
Report Printing:
Tabular listing of voltage variations, Pst classifier and Pst
in each Plt interval.
GENERAL
Display:
320 x 240 pixel backlit LCD.
Clock:
Real−time clock for time and date−stamping of Report data.
Interfaces:
Parallel Printer, RS-232 (for printer or PC); also USB (for PC) on HA1600A.
Instrument Supply: 220V–240V or 110V–120V ±10%, 48 to 65Hz. Installation Category II.
Maximum instrument power 25VA. The instrument can be operated at a
different supply voltage and/or frequency from that used to supply the load.
Operating Range:
+5°C to 40°C, 20-80% RH.
Storage Range:
–10°C to +60°C.
Environmental:
Indoor use at altitudes up to 2000m, Pollution Degree 2.
Safety & EMC: Complies with EN61010-1 & EN61326-1.
For details, request the EU Declaration of Conformity for this instrument via
http://www.aimtti.com/support (serial no. needed).
Dimensions (WxHxD):
HA1600A: 357 x 132 x 235mm; HA1600: 305 x 148 x 220mm.
Weight: HA1600A: 4.4kg; HA1600: 4.2kg.

5
Safety
This instrument is Safety Class I according to IEC classification and has been designed to meet
the requirements of EN61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control and Laboratory Use). It is an Installation Category II instrument intended for operation
from a normal single phase supply.
This instrument has been tested in accordance with EN61010-1 and has been supplied in a safe
condition. This instruction manual contains some information and warnings which have to be
followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to retain the instrument in a safe condition.
This instrument has been designed for indoor use in a Pollution Degree 2 environment in the
temperature range 5°C to 40°C, 20% - 80% RH (non-condensing). It may occasionally be
subjected to temperatures between +5° and -10°C without degradation of its safety. Do not
operate while condensation is present.
Use of this instrument in a manner not specified by these instructions may impair the safety
protection provided. Do not operate the instrument outside its rated supply voltages or
environmental range.
WARNING! THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE EARTHED
Any interruption of the mains earth conductor inside or outside the instrument will make the
instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited. The protective action must not be
negated by the use of an extension cord without a protective conductor.
When the instrument is connected to either supply, terminals may be live and opening the covers
or removal of parts (except those to which access can be gained by hand) is likely to expose live
parts. The apparatus shall be disconnected from all voltage sources before it is opened for any
adjustment, replacement, maintenance or repair.
Any adjustment, maintenance and repair of the opened instrument under voltage shall be
avoided as far as possible and, if inevitable, shall be carried out only by a skilled person who is
aware of the hazard involved.
If the instrument is clearly defective, has been subject to mechanical damage, excessive
moisture or chemical corrosion the safety protection may be impaired and the apparatus should
be withdrawn from use and returned for checking and repair.
Make sure that only fuses with the required rated current and of the specified type are used for
replacement. The use of makeshift fuses and the short-circuiting of fuse holders is prohibited.
This instrument uses a Lithium button cell for the real-time clock and non-volatile memory battery
back-up; typical life is 3 years. In the event of replacement becoming necessary, replace only
with a cell of the correct type, i.e. 3V Li/Mn0220mm button cell type 2032. Exhausted cells must
be disposed of carefully in accordance with local regulations; do not cut open, incinerate, expose
to temperatures above 60°C or attempt to recharge.
Do not wet the instrument when cleaning it and in particular use only a soft dry cloth to clean the
LCD window. The following symbols are used on the instrument and in this manual:-
Caution -refer to the accompanying documentation, incorrect
operation may damage the instrument.
Terminal connected to chassis ground.
Alternating current.

6
Installation
Mains Operating Voltage – Instrument Power
Before making connections to the AC line source ensure that the operating voltage of the
instrument is correctly set. The operating voltage is indicated by the orientation of the fuseholder.
When the 230V marking is upwards, the unit is set for operation over the range 220V to 240V.
When the 115V marking is upwards, the unit is set for operation over the range 110V to 120V. To
change the operating voltage range, remove the AC line plug, pull out the fuse holder, replace
the fuse with one of the appropriate rating (see below) and rotate the fuse holder before pushing
it firmly back into place.
Safety Note: To fully disconnect the Instrument Power from the AC supply, unplug the mains
cord from the INSTRUMENT POWER inlet or from the AC supply outlet.
Mains Operating Voltage – Load Power
The fixed LOAD POWER mains lead is an independent connection, which provides power to the
appliance connector on the front panel; it can be at a different voltage and frequency from the
instrument power. The maximum permitted load power voltage is 264Vrms and the frequency
range is 43 - 67Hz.
For full compliance measurements to EN61000-3-2 the load power lead should be connected to
an AC supply that meets the voltage, frequency and harmonics requirements defined in the
standard; the AC1000 low distortion power source can be used for this purpose.
Safety Note: To fully disconnect the Load Power from the AC supply, unplug the mains cord
from the AC supply outlet.
Fuse – Instrument Power
The correct time-lag fuse must be fitted for the selected operating voltage.
For 230V operation use 250mA (T) 250V time-lag HBC
For 115V operation use 500mA (T) 250V time-lag HBC
Make sure that only fuses with the required rated current and of the specified type are used for
replacement. The use of makeshift fuses and the short-circuiting of fuse holders are prohibited.
Fuse – Load Power
A high voltage, high breaking current, fuse is fitted internally in the load power circuit. The correct
fuse type is: 20A 500V HBC Type aM or gL.
Make sure that only fuses with the required rated current and of the specified type are used for
replacement. The use of makeshift fuses and the short-circuiting of fuse holders are prohibited.
Mains Lead
Connect the instrument to the AC supply using the mains lead provided. Should a mains plug be
required for a different mains outlet socket, a suitably rated and approved mains lead set should
be used which is fitted with the required wall plug and an IEC60320 C13 connector for the
instrument end. To determine the minimum current rating of the lead-set for the intended AC
supply, refer to the power rating information on the equipment or in the Specification.
WARNING ! - THIS INSTRUMENT MUST BE EARTHED
Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside the instrument will make the
instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

7
Connections
Front Panel Connections
Appliance Connector
The load under test should be plugged into the front panel appliance connector. Power to the
connector is supplied from the fixed LOAD POWER cable via an internal 20A fuse and a relay
which is controlled by the LOAD switch. If the LOAD switch is in the OFF position, or if there is no
instrument power (e.g. the POWER switch is OFF) then the load power supply is disconnected
from the appliance socket.
A wide choice of national appliance connectors is available but the connector is factory fitted and
cannot be changed by the user. The maximum load current that can be supplied is the rating of
the connector, or 16Arms, whichever is lower.
Voltage and Current Monitor
The Voltage Monitor and Current Monitor BNC sockets output reconstructed, scaled versions of
the load power voltage and current waveforms referenced to instrument ground, permitting direct
connection to other instruments such as an oscilloscope. The output voltage is approximately
2.5V pk-pk for a full-scale signal on any current or voltage range.
Rear Panel Connections
Instrument Power and Load Power
The IEC inlet supplies power for the instrument only; the fixed lead supplies the load power to the
front panel appliance connector. Refer to the Installation section.
USB
The USB interface is intended for communication with a PC running the HA-PC Link Plus
software. See software installation section for information about device driver requirements.
RS232
The RS232 interface should be connected to a standard PC port using a fully wired 1-1 male-
female cable without any crossover connections. It may also be used with a serial printer.
The 9-pin female D-connector has the following pin-out:
Pin
Name
Direction
Description
1
DCD
O
Passively asserted (+10V through 10kΩ)
2
TXD
O
Transmitted data to computer
3
RXD
I
Received data from computer
4
DTR
I
Computer can receive
5
GND
Signal ground
6
DSR
O
Passively asserted (+10V through 10kΩ)
7
RTS
( I )
Assumed asserted
8
CTS
O
Computer may send
9
RI
No connection
The signal ground is connected to instrument ground. The Baud rate is fixed at 115,200.
Printer
25-way female D-connector configured as a standard parallel (Centronics) printer port. Connect
directly to a suitable printer using a standard shielded cable.

8
Initial Operation
This section is a general introduction to the organisation of the instrument and is intended to be
read before using it for the first time. It is important to recognise that compliance quality
measurements cannot be taken by relying on the instrument defaults. A full understanding of the
various configuration options must be gained by studying the detailed descriptions of each
function which follow in the sections of this manual below, starting with Power Meter.
In this manual front panel keys and connectors are shown in capitals, e.g. METER, VOLTAGE
MONITOR; all soft-key labels, messages and data values displayed on the LCD are shown in a
different type font, e.g. Setup Range, Load Declared Class A.
Switching On
With both the POWER and LOAD switches in the OFF position connect the INSTRUMENT
POWER lead to the standard AC supply and connect the LOAD POWER lead to a suitable low
distortion AC source as described in the Installation section.
Switch the POWER switch to ON to turn the instrument power on; the display will show the
Initialisation screen for a few seconds followed by the Select screen. A 20 second time-out is
started, with a count down shown on the display. If no key is pressed during this time out, or if the
Resume Operation soft-key (F5) is pressed, the instrument will continue operation using the
Test and Report parameters automatically stored at the last power−down; the parameter settings
stored are given in the table at the end of this chapter. The instrument will start up with the LCD
showing the Waveform Graph display. The display will show the load voltage waveform, which
will appear to be unstable for 4 to 5 seconds or more until the sampling clock synchronises
exactly with the incoming supply; the display will then show a single cycle of the voltage
waveform with the rising zero-crossing point at the left edge.
The second soft-key option on the Select screen is Restore Defaults; this continues
operation with all parameters defaulted to their original factory setting. The stored parameters
and their default settings are listed in the table at the end of this chapter.
The final soft-key option is Setup, which gives access to a further screen where the soft-keys
are Restart and Update Software. Restart returns the instrument to the Initialisation
screen. Update Software selects the mode in which the instrument’s firmware can be
updated from a PC via its RS232 or USB port; see the section of the Firmware Update chapter of
this manual for details.
If the load is now connected and the LOAD switch also turned to ON the load current waveform
will also show in the display; the instrument will auto-range to show the current waveform at the
best resolution achievable. Load power is always disconnected, even if the LOAD switch is ON,
when INSTRUMENT POWER is turned off.
Safety Note: Neither the POWER switch, nor the LOAD switch, fully disconnect their respective
AC supplies when switched to the OFF position. To fully disconnect from the AC supply unplug
the mains cords from the AC supply outlets; make sure that the means of disconnection are
readily accessible. Disconnect from the AC supplies when not in use.
Display Contrast
The contrast of the LCD may vary a little with changes of ambient temperature or viewing angle
but can be optimised for a particular environment by using the front panel contrast control. Insert
a small screwdriver or trimmer tool through the adjustment aperture marked LCD and rotate the
control for optimum contrast.

9
Keyboard
The keys on the front panel can be considered in the following groups:
•The five keys beneath the LCD. When the green VIEW lamp is lit these are used to directly
call each of the five main display views (METER for Power Meter, WAVE for Waveform Graph,
etc.). In addition, when the set-up screen for each of these views is displayed (by pressing
the SET-UP / VIEW key to light the red SET-UP lamp) they become 'soft-keys' which take the
functions shown immediately above them in boxes on the LCD.
•The four cursor keys marked andare used to move the edit zone (shown as an
outline box) around the editable fields of a set-up display. For each position of the edit zone
the keys below the display have the functions shown immediately above them in boxes on the
LCD; the functions change as the edit zone is moved which is why they are called 'soft' keys.
The cursor keys auto-repeat when held down.
•Numeric keys permit direct entry of values in certain set-up displays. ENTER confirms a
numeric entry and CANCEL terminates the entry without changing the parameter to the new
value.
•START TEST and STOP TEST have specific functions determined by the type of test selected
on the Test Control set-up display; full details are given in the Test Control section.
•The LOCAL key switches the instrument between remote and local (keyboard) control.
Stored Settings and their Factory Defaults
The following parameters have their present setting stored at power−down; these are recalled at
power−up if Resume Operation is selected. If Restore Defaults is selected instead, the
settings are those shown in the Defaults Setting column.
Parameter
Default Setting
Nominal Voltage and tolerance
230V ± 2%
Nominal Frequency and tolerance
50Hz ± 0.5%
Test Duration
Standard value for each mode.
Assessment inset
1.00
Operating Mode
EN61000-3-2:2014 Harmonics
Load Classification
Class A
Class C Limit basis, current and PF
Automatic (maximum fundamental current)
Class D Limit basis and power
Automatic (maximum power)
Class A, B or D minimum power
75W
Class D −A cross−over power (1995)
600W
Flicker sensing method
Voltage
Simulated Flicker Reference Impedance
0.4 + j 0.25 Ω
dmax limit
4 %
tmax limit
* < 500 ms above 3.3%
dc limit
* 3.3 %
Steady State Definition
* > 1000 ms within ±0.2%
Switching sequence On and Off time
1000 cycles
Switching sequence On and Off phase
0 degrees
Left Margin (of Report)
5 characters
Report No.
1
* These values apply to EN 61000-3-3:2013 and differ from earlier issues.
Note that the Report’s Header, Title and Footer text is not restored to the original form by the
Restore Defaults choice; the text can only be changed by entering new characters.

10
Power Meter View
With the green VIEW lamp lit, press the METER key to display the Power Meter view.
The Power Meter view gives a continuously updated display of the major parameters of the
supply voltage and load current, together with an instantaneous summary of whether the supply
and load meet the limits of the harmonics standard.
The Supply Voltage group shows the Vrms and frequency of the load power supply,
together with its total harmonic distortion (THD), peak voltage (Vpk), the phase of the peak with
respect to the zero-crossing point and the calculated crest factor (Vpk/Vrms).
For compliance quality measurements, the load power supply must meet the following
requirements:
Harmonics (max % of fundamental) 0.9% : 3rd
0.4% : 5th
0.3% : 7th
0.2% : 9th
0.1% : even 2nd – 10th
0.1% : all 11th – 40th
Voltage 230 Vrms ± 2%
Frequency 50Hz ± 0.5%
Crest Factor (Vpk/Vrms) Between 1.40 and 1.42
Phase of Vpk Between 87° and 93° after zero crossing
All the above parameters are continuously monitored. All supply parameters are compared
against the limits and a pass or fail indication is given in the Harmonic Summary section of the
display.
The Load Power group shows the true power (Watts), apparent power (V.A) and power factor
(W/V.A). The maximum value of the true power is also shown.
The Load Current group shows the rms and peak load currents, together with the total
harmonic distortion (THD), the phase of the current peak, the calculated crest factor (Ipk / Irms)
and the total harmonic current (this is the rms sum of all the harmonics between 2 and 40 and
can be used to find a worst case operating condition of the load under test). When testing
harmonics for a Class C equipment the total harmonics display is replaced by the value of the
fundamental current

11
The Harmonic Summary group gives a simple overview of the supply and load harmonic
status. It states whether the supply passes or fails the specified requirements; compliance quality
measurements can obviously only be made with a supply that meets the harmonics, voltage,
frequency, crest factor and phase requirements described earlier. It also states the load class as
declared by the user and any power related exclusions detected by the analyser; refer to the Test
Control section. Lastly the display states whether the load current passes or fails the harmonics
limits of the Class shown.
When the instrument is operated in Inrush or Flicker mode the region at the bottom of the screen
is used to display a summary of those measurements instead of the Harmonic Summary. In
Flicker mode two further display pages are available: one showing Voltage Variations and the
second Flicker Results. For full details, see the relevant chapters in this manual.

12
Power Meter Set-up
With the Power Meter view displayed, pressing SET-UP shows the Power Meter set-up screen,
which gives access to the Setup Range soft-key. In Flicker mode, it also gives access to the
Flicker and Voltage Variations result pages. See the Flicker Meter chapter for details.
Set-up Range
Pressing the Setup Range soft-key (on either the Meter or Waveform Graph views) changes
the display to a graphical view of the current waveform with three further soft-keys: Up,Down
and Lock Range. Pressing any of these turns off auto-ranging; the Lock Range key keeps
the present measurement range, while the Up and Down keys change the range in ×2 and ÷2
steps respectively. The scaling of the waveform display changes to reflect the peak capability of
the new range and the maximum current is shown in the bottom left-hand corner of the display;
for example, 1500mA peak means that the top of the display represents +1500mA and the
bottom represents –1500mA with respect to the centre zero line.
The range can be set from 24mA peak to 400A peak in 2:1 steps. The waveform display on this
set-up screen is always updated every cycle, regardless of the mode set up for the Waveform
Graph view.
Important Note: To take compliance quality measurements the range must not change during
the test. The user must select a range that will accommodate the highest waveform peak that will
be encountered during the load’s operating cycle. It is therefore recommended that a preliminary
assessment of the load should be made, with the instrument in auto-range mode, to determine
the highest peak current operating condition. The instrument should then be locked on this range
to ensure that harmonics measurements are correct and that the derived values (Average, Max
Hold and Min Hold etc.) are meaningful.
If too low a range is chosen, no damage will be done, but all the measurement results will be
invalid and the message Overload will show in the status line at the top of the Meter View display.
It is more important to maintain adequate ‘headroom’for the measurement, i.e. to avoid overload,
than it is to maximise the vertical resolution on the Waveform Graph view; measurement
accuracy is maintained even when the vertical scaling of the display is well below optimum.
Once the range is locked, the Lock Range soft-key label becomes Auto Range;pressing
this key releases the lock and allows the instrument to auto-range on the present waveform.
Several other soft-keys 'toggle' between alternate choices in this way; it is only necessary to
remember that at any time the soft-key box shows what will happen when the key is pressed.
Having set the range (or selected auto-range), the previous view can be recalled by pressing the
VIEW key.
Auto-ranging is only available in Harmonics operating mode (see the Test Control section). Note
that auto-ranging is disabled while the LOAD switch is OFF to prevent the instrument auto-
ranging to the most sensitive range when there is no load current. At switch-on the default range
is 3A peak if the LOAD switch is OFF; at other times, switching the LOAD to OFF locks the range
at the setting currently in use.
In Flicker mode with voltage sensing, the current range can be manually changed, but should be
left at a setting that avoids overload at any time during the test (otherwise the test will be
needlessly aborted). When the current sensing method is selected, the range is fixed to suit the
requirements of the reference impedance calculations and cannot be changed.
On selecting Peak Inrush mode, the highest current range is initially set, but it can be manually
changed as required.
The Voltage range is determined by the Nominal Voltage value which must be declared on the
Test Control set-up menu to match the actual supply voltage.

13
Waveform Graph View
The Waveform Graph display (which is the default display at instrument switch on) can be
selected by pressing the WAVE key whenever the green VIEW lamp is lit. The default format of
the display is a full-screen view of both the voltage and current waveforms. The format of the
display can be changed in various ways as described in the Waveform Graph Set-up section
below.
At the top of the display the scaling for both voltage and current are given. There are 8 divisions
vertically, thus 100mA/div is the scaling shown if the ± 400mA peak range has been selected
on the set-up screen. Note that although the hardware ranges of the instrument are in a precise
2:1 ratio, the scaling of the graph display is adjusted slightly to give convenient round number
values per division. In auto-range mode (the default condition) the most sensitive range that
gives an in-range display is automatically selected. To avoid excessive range changes when the
measurement is near a range boundary the instrument auto-ranges up at full-scale and auto-
ranges down at about 0.44 times full-scale.
The voltage display has two ranges only: 100V/div, for nominal 230V supplies, and 50V/div for
nominal 115V supplies; the voltage range is set from the value of the nominal voltage which must
be declared on the Test Control set-up display.
The X-axis of the single cycle display is divided into 6 divisions, each representing 60° of phase.
The rising zero-crossing point of the single voltage waveform cycle displayed is positioned at the
left edge of the display for the default selection of voltage as the Trigger Source; this will change
if alternative Trigger Sources are selected, see Trigger Source section.
The X-axis is marked every 180º of the 2 cycle display and every cycle of the 4 and 10 cycle
displays.
When measuring low power lighting equipment <25 Watts to the Class C rules specifying
waveform phase angle requirements, the bottom line of this screen reports the phase angles of
the start of conduction, the last current peak and the end of conduction. There are also two
graphical markers (short vertical lines above and below the centre line) showing the assessed
position of the last current peak in each half cycle.

14
Waveform Graph Set-up
With the Waveform Graph view displayed, pressing SET-UP shows the Waveform Graph set-up
screen.
With the exception of the Setup Range key, the functions of the soft-keys change as the edit
zone is moved through the editable fields of the display using the keys; each field is
described below. Pressing the VIEW key returns the display to the Waveform Graph view.
Set-up Range
Pressing the Setup Range soft-key (on either the Meter or Waveform Graph views) changes
the display to a graphical view of the current waveform with three further soft-keys: Up,Down
and Lock Range. Pressing any of these turns off auto-ranging; the Lock Range key keeps
the present measurement range, while the Up and Down keys change the range in x2 and ÷2
steps respectively. The scaling of the waveform display changes to reflect the peak capability of
the new range and the maximum current is shown in the bottom left-hand corner of the display;
for example, 1500mA peak means that the top of the display represents +1500mA and the
bottom represents –1500mA with respect to the centre zero line. The range can be set from
24mA peak to 400A peak in 2:1 steps. The waveform display on this set-up screen is always
updated every cycle, regardless of the mode set up for the Waveform Graph view.
Important Note: To take compliance quality measurements the range must not change during
the test. The user must select a range that will accommodate the highest waveform peak that will
be encountered during the load’s operating cycle. It is therefore recommended that a preliminary
assessment of the load should be made, with the instrument in auto-range mode, to determine
the highest peak current operating condition. The instrument should then be locked on this range
to ensure that harmonics measurements are correct and that the derived values (Average, Max
Hold and Min Hold etc.) are meaningful.
If too low a range is chosen, no damage will be done but all the measurement results will be
invalid and the message Overload will show in the status line at the top of the Meter View display.
It is more important to maintain adequate ‘headroom’for the measurement, i.e. to avoid overload,
than it is to maximise the vertical resolution on the Waveform Graph view; measurement
accuracy is maintained even when the vertical scaling of the display is well below optimum.

15
Once the range is locked, the Lock Range soft-key label becomes Auto Range;pressing
this key releases the lock and allows the instrument to auto-range on the present waveform.
Several other soft-keys 'toggle' between alternate choices in this way; it is only necessary to
remember that at any time the soft-key box shows what will happen when the key is pressed.
Auto-ranging is only available in Harmonics operating mode (see the Test Control section). Note
that auto-ranging is disabled while the LOAD switch is OFF to prevent the instrument auto-
ranging to the most sensitive range when there is no load current. At switch-on the default range
is 3A peak if the LOAD switch is OFF; at other times, switching the LOAD to OFF locks the range
at the setting currently in use.
In Flicker mode with voltage sensing, the current range can be manually changed, but should be
left at a setting that avoids overload at any time during the test. When current sensing is
selected, the range is fixed to suit the requirements of the calculations and cannot be changed.
On selecting Peak Inrush mode, the highest current range is initially set; it can be manually
changed as required.
Having set the range (or selected auto-range), the Waveform Graph view can be recalled by
pressing the VIEW key.
Screen
With the edit zone in the Screen field, the soft-key choices are Single Screen and
Split Screen. The default mode is Single Screen, which uses the whole display with
8 vertical divisions. Split Screen changes the screen into 2 separate displays, each with
4 vertical divisions; this is particularly useful when the current waveform is essentially in phase
with the voltage and displaying both together would cause confusion. At the same time the
Waveform Graph set-up display changes to add extra editable fields (mode and Traces) for the
second display, see below.
Mode
With the edit zone in the mode field the soft-key choices are as follows:
Normal:
The display is updated every waveform cycle. This is the default mode.
Accumulate:
The display is written with every waveform cycle, without erasing the previous
data. A history of the waveform is built on the screen, which means that short-
term aberrations can be captured.
The Accumulated display is lost when the view is changed, and can be
manually cleared at any time by pressing the VIEW key twice. Since it is also
automatically cleared at every range change it may be necessary to lock the
current range, see Set-up Range section above. For clarity, it is recommended
that only one waveform be accumulated, by selecting either Voltage or Current
(see Traces section below).
Max Hold: The display is updated every waveform cycle with the greater of the new and
existing value at every point on the display.
The Max Hold algorithm keeps the largest amplitude (positive or negative) for
each pixel. This often results in an apparent small discontinuity in the
maximum hold waveform at the zero-crossing point.
The Max Hold data can be manually reset at any time by pressing the START
key. It is also automatically reset at every range change, so it may be
necessary to lock the current range, see Set-up Range section above.
Average: The display is updated every waveform cycle with a rolling average of the last
8 cycles. This mode offers a degree of noise reduction.
When split screen is selected, the modes for the upper and lower screens can be set
independently. Changing between single screen and split screen will also change the modes to
those last used for that screen set-up. The modes are maintained when the view is changed.

16
Traces
With the edit zone in the Show Traces field the soft-keys are Voltage and Current.
Alternate presses of each key will turn that trace on and off; confirmation is given by a or X
against the corresponding trace name in the Show Traces edit zone.
The default setting for single screen is both traces selected. If split screen is selected, the default
is Voltage only on the upper screen and Current only on the lower screen. However, any
combination of traces can be set on either screen.
Horizontal Scale
With the edit zone in the Horizontal Scale field, the soft-keys allow the choice of 1, 2, 4 or
10 cycles of the waveform across the width of the screen. When split screen is selected, both
graphs have the same horizontal scale. There are some restrictions on the facilities available in
the multi-cycle displays: the Max Hold andAverage modes are only available for a 1 cycle
display. The 10 cycle display is mainly used in Peak Inrush mode and can only show Current. It is
not available in some other modes.No action is required from the user; the soft-keys only offer
available options and any conflicting selections are automatically ignored. The set-up display
changes to describe the graphs that will actually be shown.
Trigger Source
With the edit zone in the Trigger Source field the signal source for the display
synchronisation can be selected. Note that this is the trigger source for the display only and does
not affect the measurement synchronisation. The soft-key choices are:
Voltage The default condition: the rising zero-crossing point of the voltage waveform is
set at the left hand edge of the display.
Current Sets the rising zero-crossing point of the current waveform at the left hand edge
of the display.
Internal Synchronises the display with the internal data buffers; this can be useful under
some circumstances when asynchronous components in a voltage or current
waveform cause display jitter. The actual synchronisation point is arbitrary; it is
determined at instrument switch-on and will be different if the instrument is
switched off and then on again. The trigger phase setting can be used to move
the waveform if desired.
Inrush Provides a single shot display refreshed whenever there is an Inrush event. The
trigger occurs whenever the peak current in a cycle is more than twice the peak
current in the previous cycle.
When split screen is selected, both graphs have the same trigger point and are exactly
synchronised.
Trigger Phase
This field defines the phase of the waveform (relative to its rising zero crossing) to be set at the
left hand edge of the display. The required value may be entered using the number keys followed
by ENTER. Values between –999 and 999 are accepted and converted into the range 0 to 359
degrees.

17
Harmonics View
With the green VIEW lamp lit, press the HARMONICS key to display the Harmonics view. The
default display is a current harmonics histogram.
The horizontal scale is marked with the harmonic number. Odd harmonics & limits are shown as
wide bars and even harmonics & limits are shown as narrow bars. The fundamental is shown to
the left of the second harmonic as a wide bar and the DC component is shown to the left of the
fundamental as a narrow bar.
The harmonics histogram can be set to show either absolute harmonic levels or levels as a
percentage of individual limits; it can also be modified to show, for example, odd harmonics only.
The histogram bar for each harmonic is made up of two parts: an inner section, which is normally
used to show the presently measured value, and an outer section which by default shows the EN
specification limit for that harmonic. Other combinations may be selected as detailed in the
Harmonics View Set-up section following.
The harmonics can also be listed in a table, with limits. The table has two forms: a compact form
showing all 40 harmonics and a detailed form, separated into two pages, showing full results on
either all the even or all the odd harmonics. Additionally, the harmonics of the supply voltage can
also be displayed in histogram and table form.
All the above view options are set from the Harmonics set-up screen; full descriptions of each are
given in the Harmonics Set-up Section. The measurement parameters and the classification of
the unit under test are made on the Test Set-up screen and are described in that section of this
manual.

18
Harmonics View Set-up
With the Harmonics view displayed, pressing SET-UP shows the Harmonics set-up screen.
The soft-key functions change as the edit zone is moved through the editable fields of the display
using the keys; each field is described below. Pressing the VIEW key returns the display
to the Harmonics view. The selections made for each of the display formats are stored until the
instrument is switched off.
Waveform Selection
With the edit zone in the Display Harmonics of field, the soft-key choices are Current
Waveform and Voltage Waveform. Current harmonics are the default choice, for which the
full range of display and measurement mode options described previously are available. When
Voltage harmonics are selected, a restricted choice of display and measurement modes applies
as explained in the appropriate sections.
Display Format - Histogram
With the edit zone in the Display Format field, the soft-key choices are normally
Histogram,Odd Table, Even Table and Combined Table. When appropriate, an
additional selection C < 25W Table is also offered.
With Histogram selected as the Display Format the further editable fields of Vertical
Scale, Data Selection and Show are available; these can be used to optimise the form of
the histogram for particular measurement. In the power-up default form shown in the Harmonic
View section, for example, the histogram shows all harmonics and limits as absolute values.
All histograms are of the same general form as the default version. The horizontal scale is
marked with the harmonic number. Odd harmonics & limits are shown as wide bars and even
harmonics & limits are shown as narrow bars. The fundamental is shown to the left of the
second harmonic as a wide bar and the DC component is shown to the left of the fundamental as
a narrow bar. More information about what combinations of data can be shown in the display is
given in the Data Selection and Show sections below.

19
Vertical Scale
With the edit zone in the Vertical Scale field the soft-key choices are Absolute or
Percent Limit. With the default condition of Absolute, the initial scaling is determined by the
instrument’s measurement range. However, the scaling can be changed easily using the
andkeys; the key increases the resolution, permitting a ‘zoom’ view of low level
harmonics, and the key reduces resolution, bringing off-screen harmonics and limits into
view. In this way any harmonic can be observed with optimum display resolution. Changing this
display resolution does not affect the hardware measurement range, which, for correct operation
of the transform processing, must always be chosen so the waveform peak is in-range; see the
Important Note in the Power Meter Set-up section.
Measuring and reporting absolute harmonic levels is necessary during development and type
approval exercises but a quicker pass or fail assessment can be made by viewing harmonics as
a percentage of their individual limits; this is more appropriate in a Q.A. situation, for example.
With the edit cursor in the Vertical Scale field, selecting Percent Limit and returning
to the Harmonics View gives the following display.
The horizontal scale is marked with the harmonic number as before but now the vertical scale is
0 to 200% of limit. The value of each harmonic is shown as a percentage of its individual limit;
where the limit changes with the power level, e.g. Class D products, the harmonic level is shown
as a percentage of its instantaneous limit corresponding to that measurement. The Percent Limit
display thus gives an instant view of harmonic performance, even as absolute levels change,
without having to adjust display scaling.
Note that when Percent Limit is selected as the display mode the Data Selection field (see
next section) is forced to Normal & Max Hold,so the inner (solid) bars represent the
instantaneous harmonic values and the tops of the outer bars mark the maximum value reached
by each harmonic. The Max Hold can be reset at any time by pressing the START key and is
automatically reset when the measurement range is changed or auto-ranges. Only those
harmonics that are subject to a limit are shown; in particular the DC and fundamental
components are excluded and replaced by the numeric scale on the left.