Omicron Lab SPECTANO 100 User manual

Smart Measurement Solutions®
SPECTANO 100
User Manual

Contents
1
Contents
1 About this User Manual ..................................................................................4
Safety symbols used ..........................................................................................4
2 Safety instructions ..........................................................................................5
2.1 Operator qualifications and safety standards......................................................5
2.1.1 Additional operator qualifications for testing with high and low voltage systems 5
2.2 Five safety rules .................................................................................................6
2.3 Instructions.........................................................................................................6
2.4 Orderly measures...............................................................................................7
2.5 Designated use ..................................................................................................7
2.6 Disclaimer ..........................................................................................................8
3 Compliance statements and recycling ..........................................................8
3.1 Compliance statements ......................................................................................8
3.2 Recycling............................................................................................................9
4 PC requirements..............................................................................................9
5 Introduction ...................................................................................................10
5.1 SPECTANO 100...............................................................................................10
5.2 Methods ...........................................................................................................10
5.3 DTS1 dielectric test sample box .......................................................................11
5.4 Frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS)............................................................11
5.5 Polarization current method (PDC)...................................................................11
5.6 Combined mode (FDS and PDC) .....................................................................11
5.7 Scope of delivery and ordering information.......................................................12
5.7.1 Main package ......................................................................................................12
5.7.2 Optional accessories...........................................................................................13
6 Device description.........................................................................................13
6.1 SPECTANO 100...............................................................................................13
6.1.1 Connectors and operating controls .....................................................................13
6.1.2 Cleaning ..............................................................................................................15
6.2 DTS1 dielectric test sample box .......................................................................16
7 Preparation of test material and test cell ....................................................17
7.1 Solid materials..................................................................................................17
7.1.1 Preparation of solid material test cells ................................................................17
7.1.2 Preparation of solid test material.........................................................................17
7.1.3 Electrode adjustment of solid material test cells .................................................18
7.2 Liquid materials ................................................................................................19
7.2.1 Preparation of liquid material test cells ...............................................................19
7.2.2 Preparation of liquid test material and filling the test cell....................................19

SPECTANO 100 User Manual
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8 Setup improvements..................................................................................... 20
8.1 Error correction ................................................................................................20
8.2 Electrodes for solid dielectric material analysis.................................................21
8.2.1 Thin film electrodes or coating ........................................................................... 22
8.2.2 Guard electrodes................................................................................................ 22
8.3 Stable environment ..........................................................................................24
8.4 Shielding of low signal measurements .............................................................24
9 Installation ..................................................................................................... 25
9.1 Install SPECTANO Analyzer Suite ....................................................................25
9.2 Power up SPECTANO 100...............................................................................26
9.3 Connect SPECTANO 100 to the computer .......................................................26
9.4 Connect SPECTANO 100 to a test object.........................................................27
9.4.1 Typical setup for a test cell with guard ring ........................................................ 30
9.4.2 Typical setup for a test cell without guard ring ................................................... 31
9.5 Connect SPECTANO 100 to the DTS1 dielectric test sample box.....................33
9.6 Connect SPECTANO 100 to Dielectric Sample Holder DSH 100…………… .. 34
10 SPECTANO Analyzer Suite ............................................................................... 35
10.1 Start view .........................................................................................................35
10.2 Create a new test .............................................................................................37
10.3 Perform measurements....................................................................................39
10.4 Perform reference measurements....................................................................42
10.4.1 Measurement procedure .................................................................................... 42
10.4.2 Correction procedure ......................................................................................... 46
10.4.3 Correction logic and calculation ......................................................................... 46
10.5 Perform analysis ..............................................................................................48
10.6 View measurement results ...............................................................................48
10.6.1 Numerical results................................................................................................ 49
10.6.2 Graphical result view.......................................................................................... 50
10.6.3 Result view controls ........................................................................................... 51
10.7 Settings............................................................................................................53
10.8 Commands.......................................................................................................59
10.9 Home view .......................................................................................................64
10.9.1 Chart render mode ............................................................................................. 66
10.9.2 Anti-Alias settings............................................................................................... 67
10.10 Load from the device........................................................................................67
10.10.1 Automatic load from the device.......................................................................... 67
10.10.2 Manual load from device .................................................................................... 67
11 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 68
11.1 USB connection and/or power supply is missing ..............................................68
11.2 Lost communication .........................................................................................68
11.3 Measuring small capacitances – increased noise level.....................................68
11.4 Backup file .......................................................................................................69

Contents
3
12 Technical data ...............................................................................................70
12.1 Output ..............................................................................................................70
12.2 Input .................................................................................................................70
12.3 Frequency range of ..........................................................................................70
12.4 Measurement range .........................................................................................70
12.5 Measurement accuracy @ 23 ºC ±5 ºC ............................................................71
12.6 Measurement time (Combined mode) ..............................................................71
12.7 DRA power supply............................................................................................71
12.8 Environmental requirements.............................................................................71
12.9 Mechanical data ...............................................................................................72
13 Test cell configurations .................................................................................72
13.1 About this chapter ............................................................................................72
13.2 Why offering a test cell type selection?.............................................................72
13.3 Disk electrode with Guard ring..........................................................................73
13.3.1 IEC standards .................................................................................................... 73
13.3.2 ASTM standards ................................................................................................ 73
13.3.3 Test cell type selection in SPECTANO Analyzer Suite..................................74
13.3.4 Correction procedure ......................................................................................... 75
13.3.5 Coating ............................................................................................................... 76
13.4 DSH 100 (Dielectric Sample Holder) ................................................................77
13.5 Disk electrode without Guard ring.....................................................................77
13.5.1 IEC standards .................................................................................................... 77
13.5.2 ASTM standards ................................................................................................ 78
13.5.3 Test cell type selection in SPECTANO Analyzer Suite...................................... 78
13.5.4 Correction procedure ......................................................................................... 79
13.5.5 Coating ............................................................................................................... 81
13.6 Cylindrical electrode with Guard ring ................................................................82
13.6.1 IEC standards .................................................................................................... 82
13.6.2 ASTM standards ................................................................................................ 82
13.6.3 Test cell type selection in SPECTANO Analyzer Suite...................................... 83
13.6.4 Correction procedure ......................................................................................... 84
13.7 Cylindrical electrode without Guard ring................................................................... 84
13.7.1 IEC standards .................................................................................................... 84
13.7.2 ASTM standards ................................................................................................ 85
13.7.3 Test cell type selection in SPECTANO Analyzer Suite...................................... 85
13.7.4 Cable Analysis ................................................................................................... 86
13.8 Other geometries ......................................................................................................... 86
Support...........................................................................................................88

SPECTANO 100 User Manual
4
1 About this User Manual
This SPECTANO 100 User Manual provides in-depth information about SPECTANO 100, its
installation, designated use, configuration and operation. Moreover, it includes a detailed description of
the SPECTANO Analyzer Suite. The SPECTANO 100 User Manual is available in PDF format on the
DVD delivered with SPECTANO 100 and can be accessed directly on the OMICRON Lab website
www.omicron-lab.com.
Safety symbols used
In this User Manual, the following symbols indicate safety instructions for avoiding hazards:
Death or severe injury will occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not
observed.
Death or severe injury can occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not
observed.
Minor or moderate injury may occur if the appropriate safety instructions are
not observed.
Equipment damage or loss of data possible
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE

5
Safety instructions
2 Safety instructions
Before operating SPECTANO 100 and its accessories, read the following safety instructions carefully. If
you do not understand some of the safety instructions, contact OMICRON Lab before proceeding. When
working with SPECTANO 100, observe the five safety rules (see chapter 2.2 "Five safety rules" ) and all
other safety instructions in this User Manual.
You are responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON or OMICRON Lab product.
SPECTANO 100 may only be operated by trained personnel. Any miss-operation can result in damage to
property or persons.
Maintenance and repair of SPECTANO 100 and its accessories is only permitted by qualified experts
either at OMICRON Lab or at certifiedrepair centers.
2.1 Operator qualifications and safety standards
Testing and measuring with SPECTANO 100 and its accessories like the DTS1 dielectric test sample
box must be carried out only by qualified, skilled and authorized personnel working with voltages up to
200 Vpeak AC and DC.
Before starting to work, clearly establish the responsibilities. Personnel receiving training, instructions,
directions, or education on SPECTANO 100 must be under constant supervision of an experienced
operator. Measuring with SPECTANO 100 must comply with the internal safety instructions as well as
additional relevant documents like national and international safety standards:
•EN 50191 (VDE 0104) "Erection and Operation of Electrical Test Equipment"
•EN 50110-1 (VDE 0105 Part 100) "Operation of Electrical Installations"
Moreover, observe all applicable regulations for accident prevention in the country and at the site of
operation.
The manufacturer or the distributors are not liable for damage resulting from unintended usage. The user
alone assumes all responsibility and risks.
2.1.1 Additional operator qualifications for testing with high
and low voltage systems
The operator must be:
•Familiar with recognized operating practices and procedures for working on high and low
voltage systems.
•Familiar with the five safety rules.
•Authorized to perform the required work on the equipment of thepower distribution
network.
•Trained in the proper use of all necessary personal safety equipment.

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SPECTANO 100 User Manual
2.2 Five safety rules
Before connecting any test leads to a test object, always observe the five safety rules for working with high
power:
►Disconnect completely.
►Secure against re-connection.
►Verify that the installation is dead.
►Carry out grounding and short-circuiting.
►Provide protection against adjacent live parts.
2.3 Operating the measurement setup
The safety instructions given here always apply when operating the SPECTANO 100. They are
supplemented by further notes and warnings applicable for specific actions only. Such specific
notes and warnings are given where necessary in this user manual.
In addition to the safety instructions given in this manual, always observe the applicable
company internal safety instructions and safety documents.
In case of any problems or questions, or if you do not understand some safety instructions,
contact the OMICRON Lab Technical Support (refer to chapter “Technical support”).
►Read the safety instructions and setup information described in this User Manual before
operating SPECTANO 100 or its accessories. In addition, read the manuals of all devices
included in the test setup. Any maloperation can result in damage to property or persons.
►Use SPECTANO 100 and its accessories only in a technically sound condition and when its use
is in accordance with the safety regulations for the specific job site and application.
►Before using SPECTANO 100, always ensure that neither the device nor its accessories are
damaged.
►Connect the equipotential ground of SPECTANO 100 with a solid connection of at least 6 mm2
cross-section and not longer than 20 meters to a ground connection in the laboratory. Never
handle SPECTANO 100 without grounding it.
►Ensure that all ground connections are in good condition, clean and free of oxidation.
►Connect all parts of the test cell which have to be connected to ground according to the related
manual.
►Only use the delivered grounded AC power supply DRA SUPPLY to power SPECTANO 100.
Never use power outlets without protective ground(PE).
►Always turn off SPECTANO 100 (with the power switch on the back) before connecting or
disconnecting cables or changing the test cell. Be especially careful when using unsafe adapter
cables (e.g. BNC adapter).
►Ensure that no dangerous voltages are present at touchable parts of the test setup. If this is not
possible due to, for example, unsafe adapter cables or connectors or unsafe test cells always,
1. Secure the danger zone with clearly visible barriers before performing tests.
2. Prevent the presence of other persons in the potentially dangerous area around the test
object

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Safety instructions
2.4 Orderly measures
The SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide, SPECTANO 100 User Manual, or the e-book version of one of
these documents must always be available where SPECTANO 100 is being used. All users of
SPECTANO 100 must read and observe the safety instructions described in the documents and all
relevant installation and operation instructions.
SPECTANO 100 and its accessories like the DTS1 dielectric test sample box may be used only as
described in the SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide or the User Manual. Any other use is not in
accordance with the local safety regulations. The manufacturer and the distributor are not liable for
damage resulting from improper usage. The user alone assumes all responsibility and risk.
Full compliance with the local safety regulations also includes following the instructions provided in
the SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide or the User Manual.
2.5 Designated use
SPECTANO 100 and its accessories are especially designed for testing dielectric solid and liquid
materials together with a suitable dielectric material test cell and test system.
Examples of dielectric material analysis use cases and applications:
SPECTANO 100 characterizes, analyzes
and determines the insulation, polarization
or dielectric losses of solid and liquid
materials such as:
SPECTANO 100 achieves information on:
Electrical insulation paper/cellulose
Nanomaterials (nano-composites)
Dielectric components
Epoxy resin
Polymers
Insulation oils
Display technologies like glasses or polymers
Solar cells
etc.
Dielectric properties
Material aging
Material structure
Space charges in multilayer insulation
Surface or film thickness of coatings
Curing processes

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SPECTANO 100 User Manual
2.6 Disclaimer
The advisory procedures and information contained within this document have been compiled as a guide
to the safe and effective operation of SPECTANO 100. It has been prepared in conjunction with application
engineers and the collective experience of the manufacturer.
The in-service conditions for the use of SPECTANO 100 may vary between customers and end-
users.
Consequently, this document is offered as a guide only. It shall be used in conjunction with the
customers own safety procedures, maintenance program, engineering judgment, and training
qualifications.
If SPECTANO 100 or its accessories are used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer or used
with third party test devices and cables, the protection provided by SPECTANO 100 or its accessories
may be impaired, and this may result in damage to property or persons.
3 Compliance statements and recycling
3.1 Compliance statements
Declaration of conformity (EU)
The equipment adheres to the guidelines of the council of the European
Community for meeting the requirements of the member states regarding the
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directive, the low voltage directive (LVD)
and the RoHS directive.
FCC compliance (USA)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
C
hanges or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Declaration of compliance (Canada)
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.

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Compliance statements and recycling
3.2 Recycling
This test set (including all accessories) is not intended for household
use. At the end of its service life, do not dispose of the test set with
household waste!
For customers in EU countries (incl. European Economic Area)
OMICRON test sets are subject to the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE directive). As part of our legal
obligations under this legislation, OMICRON offers to take back the test set
and ensure that it is disposed of by authorized recycling agents.
For customers outside the European Economic Area
Please contact the authorities in charge for the relevant environmental
regulations in your country and dispose the OMICRON test set only in
accordance with your local legal requirements.
4 PC requirements
The following table shows the minimum requirements your computer needs to run SPECTANO
Analyzer Suite.
Table 4-1 SPECTANO Analyzer Suite PC requirements
Characteristic
Requirement
Processor
Current Intel or Intel compatible CPU
Memory (RAM)
2 GB, 4 GB recommended
Graphics resolution
Super VGA (1024×768), higher resolution recommended
Graphics card
UDirectX 11 with Direct2D support
USB interface
USB 2.0 or higher
Operating system
Windows 10