ALTONOVUS NanoRanger User manual

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NR-01 Instruction Manual V2.3 Revised 05 Jan 20
Instruction Manual
NR-01 Auto-Ranging Direct Current (DC) Ammeter

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NR-01 Instruction Manual V2.3 Revised 05 Jan 20
Disclaimer
NanoRanger is a factory-calibrated, highly accurate ammeter, intended for measuring low levels
of current. It is aimed at the hobbyist and professional User. NanoRanger is not intended to
replicate the full functionality of bench equipment. Instead, it aims to provide a portable and most
affordable means of measuring low current levels, during the development of power-efficient
designs. It is not intended to and should NOT be used to measure current levels above 0.8A.
If used in any manner other than that expressly set out in AltoNovus product documentation,
warranties granted by AltoNovus shall be deemed void and AltoNovus shall not be liable for any
claims or damages arising out of product use or malfunction.
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of NanoRanger, no guarantee of accuracy
is given or implied.
Users may reproduce and store this document for personal use. For wider permission requests,
email the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at [e-mail]
Trademarks
The name NanoRanger is Copyright © 2019 AltoNovus Limited. NanoRanger will be a
registered Trademark of AltoNovus Limited.
Document Revisions
DATE
VERSION NUMBER
DOCUMENT CHANGES
15 Nov 19
2.2 (Software Release 1.12)
Launch Release
05 Jan 20
2.3 (Software Release 1.12)
Added notes to Section 5
Approvals
Release and / or amendment of this document requires the following approvals:
NAME
ROLE TITLE
Geoff Dean
Managing Director
Steve Thickett
Technical Director

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NR-01 Instruction Manual V2.3 Revised 05 Jan 20
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Preface................................................................................................................................4
1.1 The User..............................................................................................................................4
1.2 Conventions Used in This Manual.......................................................................................4
1.3 Explanation of Safety Warnings...........................................................................................4
1.4 Obtaining Documentation and Information..........................................................................4
2 NanoRanger .......................................................................................................................5
2.1 Utility and Employment........................................................................................................5
2.2 Theory of Operation.............................................................................................................5
2.3 Technical Data.....................................................................................................................6
2.4 Compliance..........................................................................................................................7
2.5 Guide to Product..................................................................................................................7
2.6 Understanding the User Interface........................................................................................8
2.7 Device Set-Up .....................................................................................................................8
2.8 NanoRanger Menu Structure.............................................................................................10
3 Safety................................................................................................................................13
3.1 Using NanoRanger Safely .................................................................................................13
3.2 Guide to Graphical Symbols..............................................................................................14
4 Taking Manual Readings ................................................................................................16
4.1 Switching NanoRanger On .............................................................................................16
4.2 Automatic Range-Switching............................................................................................16
4.3 Setting the Range Limit...................................................................................................17
4.4 The Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)....................................................................................17
4.5 Maximum and Minimum Readings .................................................................................17
4.6 Power Off........................................................................................................................18
5 Taking PC-Controlled Readings - SCPI.........................................................................18
5.1 SCPI Mandated Commands...........................................................................................18
5.2 SCPI Required Commands.............................................................................................19
5.3 Device Commands..........................................................................................................19
6 Storage, Transportation and Disposal ..........................................................................23
6.1 Storage ..............................................................................................................................23
6.2 Packaging and Transportation...........................................................................................23
6.3 Disposal.............................................................................................................................23
7 Maintenance.....................................................................................................................24
7.1 Replacing the Batteries......................................................................................................24
7.2 Cleaning.............................................................................................................................24
7.3 Recalibration......................................................................................................................24

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Preface
1.1 The User
NanoRanger is not a toy. It is a precision instrument and should be treated accordingly. It is aimed at the
hobbyist, maker and professional User community. This Manual assumes a level of technical expertise on
the User’s part. NanoRanger should not be used by those without a knowledge of safe working on
electronics. This Manual covers the use and operation of NanoRanger. It does NOT cover calibration or
maintenance, as these are not activities that the User can perform.
1.2 Conventions Used in This Manual
The following style conventions are used in this document:
Courier New
SCPI System control inputs and outputs.
User input variables
< > Angle brackets surround User-supplied values.
1.3 Explanation of Safety Warnings
CAUTION! Indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not avoided, could result in damage to
NanoRanger and / or minor injury to Users.
1.4 Obtaining Documentation and Information
1.4.1 Internet
The latest version of the documentation is available at the following address: http://www.altonovus.com.
1.4.2 Ordering Documentation
Documentation, User instructions and technical information can be ordered by emailing:
[email protected].
1.4.3 Documentation Feedback
We welcome your comments and ideas, which may be incorporated in our NanoRanger FAQs page. Any
comments, requests for clarification, or suggestions for future Versions of this document can be submitted
to: [e-mail].

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2 NanoRanger
2.1 Utility and Employment
NanoRanger is an accurate, affordable, auto-ranging DC ammeter for the measurement of very low
currents. As people strive for more efficiency from new and existing products, the measurement of current
consumption of devices is becoming more critical. Previous solutions to this challenge ranged from very
expensive ammeters (thousands of pounds), to cheaper solutions that only have limited manual ranges.
The NanoRanger is a solution to these challenges, as it provides a 3.5-digit, 9 range ammeter that can
switch over 8.5 decades (from 800mA to 1nA), with resolutions down to 10pA. It features:
•A 128 x 64mm LCD display, giving a wealth of information about the User’s current readings.
•This large 11-digit display shows the User mA, uA, nA, pA, all on one line.
•A SNR display shows how much noise, or AC, is present on the current signal.
•A range bar shows which range the User is in, plus the minimum / maximum range settings.
•Minimum and maximum ranges can be adjusted to limit the auto-ranging, or just to fix it at 1 range.
•An automatic Power Off timer, and configurable LED backlight, enables the User to maximise
battery life.
Readings are completed approximately every 300mS, with samples collected every 170uS and averaged
out over 200mS to remove most of the mains noise associated with circuits (50Hz and 60Hz).
An averaging mode allows the User to run the sampling for however long the User chooses. When
finished, it reports the average current, time, and total charge in mAh or smaller. This enables the User to
use it to measure the charge of specific events; e.g. a device coming out of Standby to make a radio
transmission.
2.2 Theory of Operation
NanoRanger is powered by 2 x AA batteries (not supplied), generating approximately 3V. This is fed into a
buck-boost power converter to produce 3.3V that powers the system. NanoRanger will continue to work
down to approximately 2V on the batteries.
Pressing the Power On button starts the NanoRanger. Pressing the Power On button again powers off
the NanoRanger. Standby current, when powered off, is approximately 10nA.
The current to be measured is connected through the Positive and Negative terminals of the NanoRanger.
Current must flow from the Positive terminal to the Negative terminal.
A switch bank selects the appropriate load resistor to put across the terminals. The current flowing through
the terminals generates a voltage across the resistor. If the voltage increases beyond 45mV, then the load
resistor is switched to a higher current resistor and the readings are restarted.
The voltage across the load resistor is amplified by a x50 amplifier and filter, before entering an Analogue
to Digital Converter (ADC).

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The ADC is 12-bit, which then oversamples and automatically averages to produce a 16-bit result.
Samples are taken approximately every 170uS. These are then built up over a period of 200mS to average
out and eliminate most mains-based noise (50 and 60Hz). Factory set calibration compensation is applied
to the result, to give an accurate reading. The reading is displayed on the LCD, which takes approximately
60mS to update. A new reading is then started.
A range produces readings up to approximately 2500. If the reading is below 150, then the range is
switched down before starting the next reading. If the reading is above 2150 at any time, then the range
switches up immediately and the reading is restarted.
Fast up-range switching is needed when a device under test comes out of standby mode. The
NanoRanger can switch up a range in less than 30uS and change from the lowest to the highest range in
approximately 200uS.
Down-range switching is initiated after a reading has been completed and when the reading is below the
down-range threshold. This is so that the User achieves a complete reading if the current is switching
quickly between ranges (fast up, slow down).
The minimum and maximum range settings can be adjusted so that no range switching down or up will
occur.
2.3 Technical Data
UNIT
PHYSICAL PARAMETERS
Weight (incl batteries)
Approximately 200g
Length x Width x Depth
148 x 90 x 30 mm
Accuracy specifications +/- % of range:
RANGE
RESOLUTION
BURDEN
VOLTAGE
RESISTANCE
ACCURACY
20.00nA
10pA
< 0.05V
2M
< 1%
200.0nA
100pA
< 0.05V
200K
< 0.5%
2.000uA
1nA
< 0.05V
20K
< 0.3%
20.00uA
10nA
< 0.05V
2K
< 0.3%
200.0uA
100nA
< 0.05V
200R
< 0.3%
2.000mA
1uA
< 0.05V
20R
< 0.3%

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20.00mA
10uA
< 0.05V
2R
< 0.3%
200.0mA
100uA
< 0.05V
0R2
< 0.3%
800mA
1mA
< 0.05V
0R05
< 0.5%
•Burden voltage is for full 2500 fixed range. Range switching occurs at around 0.045V.
•Current consumption LCD Light on < 15mA.
•Current consumption LCD Light off < 10mA.
•Current consumption Powered-off < 10nA.
•Typical operating time on one set of 2 x AA batteries is > 150 hours.
UNIT
OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS
Temperature
0 –50C
Humidity
10 –90% Non-Condensing
2.4 Compliance
NanoRanger is certified as CE and FCC compliant. A supporting Technical File is available to Competent
Authorities.
2.5 Guide to Product
A - Positive Terminal
B - Negative Terminal
C - Display Screen
D - On / Off Button
E - Menu Navigation
F - Select Button
G - USB Interface
H - Battery Compartment
H

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2.6 Understanding the User Interface
A - The current reading, displayed in mA, uA, nA, and pA. In this example, 0.309uA.
B- The small, lower Range Bar shows which ranges are in use. The upper, longer Range Coverage Bar
shows movement across the ranges during the reading. The box surrounding both shows what range
constraint has been input via the menu. In this example, none.
C- The Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). The SNR indicates how much (Min and Max) noise,
variation, and AC components are in the signal, followed by Maximum and Minimum samples
during the reading.
D- Maximum (Mx) and E – Minimum (Mn). The Mx and Mn readings are the largest and smallest
that have occurred since measurement started. Below that, the maximum and minimum samples
are shown.
2.7 Device Set-Up
2.7.1 Fitting 2 x AA Batteries
1. Remove battery compartment cover, by applying gentle pressure
to the finger pad.
2. Ensure clean contacts on batteries.
3. Insert new batteries, observing polarity instructions in battery
compartment:
4. Replace battery compartment cover.
Note: 2 x AA alkaline batteries will give in excess of 150 hours of continuous operation. Treat and dispose
of all batteries in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

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2.7.2 Removing the Protective Film
If desired, remove the protective film from the front of the NanoRanger unit.
Peel carefully from below the Positive and Negative terminals.
NanoRanger will still function normally if the User chooses to leave the film in place.
2.7.3 Attach Feet (if desired)
NanoRanger is supplied with 4 rubber feet, for Users requiring added stability. Attach these with
due regard to the areas that will experience pressure during normal use; i.e. the Keypad buttons
and Terminals. Attaching the Feet as shown below will improve the stability of NanoRanger
during use.
2.7.4 Connecting User Probes
Using User-supplied Probes, connect the Positive terminal (RED) to the higher voltage side of the
current to be measured. Connect the Negative terminal (BLACK) to the lower voltage side of the
current to be measured. Current must flow from Positive to Negative, for the NanoRanger to
function:

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2.7.5 Controls
Firstly, ensure batteries are fitted in accordance with 2.7.1 (above). Three buttons control the operation of
the NanoRanger; Power, Menu, and Select. Pressing the Power button will start the NanoRanger. Two
start-up screens will display whilst loading the code:
One with the AltoNovus logo:
The second with battery voltage*, software release (here ALT-1.11), NanoRanger serial number
(here 1933200), calibration date and load status. Measurement can then commence (See
Section 4).
* Note: the most accurate indication of remaining battery life will be at device Powerdown.
2.8 NanoRanger Menu Structure
NanoRanger has several features accessible through the Menu. Press the Menu button to exit measuring
and enter the menu mode. The screen below will appear:
Pressing the Select button will take the User back to measuring mode. Pressing the Menu button will
scroll through the menu options. The Menu options are currently:
•Measure.