Omicron Lab SPECTANO 100 User manual

Smart Measurement Solutions®
SPECTANO 100
Quick Start Guide

Contents
1
Contents
1 About this Quick Start Guide..........................................................................3
Safety symbols used ..........................................................................................3
2 Safety instructions ..........................................................................................4
2.1 Operator qualifications and safety standards......................................................4
2.1.1 Additional operator qualifications for testing with high and low voltage systems 4
2.2 Five safety rules .................................................................................................5
2.3 Instructions.........................................................................................................5
2.4 Orderly measures...............................................................................................6
2.5 Designated use ..................................................................................................6
2.6 Disclaimer ..........................................................................................................7
3 Compliance statements and recycling ..........................................................8
3.1 Compliance statements ......................................................................................8
3.2 Recycling............................................................................................................8
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 DSH 100 Dielectric Sample Box .......................................................................11
5.7 Combined mode (FDS and PDC) .....................................................................12
5.8 Scope of delivery and ordering information.......................................................13
5.8.1 Main package ......................................................................................................13
5.8.2 Optional accessories...........................................................................................14
6 Device description.........................................................................................15
6.1 SPECTANO 100...............................................................................................15
6.1.1 Connectors and operating controls .....................................................................15
6.1.2 Cleaning ..............................................................................................................18
6.2 DTS1 dielectric test sample box .......................................................................18
7 Installation .....................................................................................................20
7.1 Install SPECTANO Analyzer Suite....................................................................20
7.2 Power up SPECTANO 100...............................................................................21
7.3 Connect SPECTANO 100 to the computer .......................................................21
7.4 Connect SPECTANO 100 to a test object.........................................................22
7.4.1 Typical setup for a test cell with guard ring .........................................................25
7.4.2 Typical setup for a test cell without guard ring....................................................26

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
2
7.5 Connect SPECTANO 100 to the DTS1 dielectric test sample box ....................28
7.6 Connect SPECTANO 100 to the Dielectric Sample Holder DSH 100 ...............29
Support .......................................................................................................... 31
Technical support – get support .......................................................................31

About this Quick Start Guide
3
1 About this Quick Start Guide
This SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide provides short information on how to
install and use SPECTANO 100. It is intended as an aid for the user to install
SPECTANO 100 and take it into operation quickly and easily. The
SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide thus provides only a small subset of
information available for SPECTANO 100. It cannot substitute the
SPECTANO 100 User Manual.
Therefore, also read the SPECTANO 100 User Manual in addition to this Quick
Start Guide. The SPECTANO 100 User Manual provides extensive and more
detailed information about SPECTANO 100, its installation and intended use,
and how to configure and operate it. The SPECTANO 100 User Manual is
available in PDF format on the DVD delivered with SPECTANO 100 or can be
accessed directly on the OMICRON Lab website www.omicron-lab.com.
Safety symbols used
In this Quick Start Guide, 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

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
4
2 Safety instructions
Before operating SPECTANO 100 and its accessories, read the following safety
instructions carefully. If you do not understand some safety instructions, contact
OMICRON Lab before proceeding. When working with SPECTANO 100,
observe the five safety rules (see 2.2 "Five safety rules" later in this chapter) and
all other safety instructions in this Quick Start Guide.
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 certified repair
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 highand
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 the power
distribution network.
• Trained in the proper use of all necessary personal safety equipment.

Safety instructions
5
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 Instructions
► Read the safety instructions and setup information described in the
SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide 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 local safety regulations.
In particular, avoid disruptions that could in turn affect safety.
► 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 any 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 any cables or changing the test cell. Be
especially careful when using unsafe adapter cables (for example, 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 secure the danger zone with clearly
visible barriers before performing tests.

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
6
2.4 Orderly measures
The SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide, SPECTANO 100 User Manual, or the
e-book version of one of these documents have always to be available on the
site 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

Safety instructions
7
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.

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
8
3 Compliance statements and recycling
3.1 Compliance statements
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.
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.
Changes 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.

PC requirements
9
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

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
10
5 Introduction
5.1 SPECTANO 100
SPECTANO 100, in conjunction with its accessories or as stand-alone unit, is a
test system for dielectric analysis of solid and liquid materials. It combines the
time-domain and frequency-domain analysis within a wide frequency range from
20 μHz up to 5 kHz in one device and provides an output voltage range from
100 mV to 200 Vpeak. The designated use of SPECTANO 100 is the analysis of
dielectric characteristics of liquid and solid materials such as:
• Impedance, capacitance and resistance
• Complex permittivity ε
• Loss factor tanδ
SPECTANO 100 can be used for a wide range of different applications:
• Dielectric analysis of solid and liquid dielectric materials, for example,
polymers, cellulose-based materials, oil, and other insulation materials
• Monitoring of polymerization and hardening processes
• Analysis of nanocomposites
• Research on dielectrics
• Analysis of ceramics
• Analysis of thin films
5.2 Methods
The following list gives a short overview of methods and test cell types which can
be used together with SPECTANO 100 to analyze dielectric materials. However,
also measurements of dielectric materials or components without electrode
arrangements are possible like capacitors or coils.
Solid dielectric materials:
• Parallel plate method
– Contacting electrode method used with rigid metal electrodes
– Contacting electrode method used with rigid metal electrodes and coated
solid test material
– Contacting electrode method used with thin film electrodes
– Non-contacting electrode method (gap occupied by air or liquid, on one or
both sides of the solid test material)
• Tube or cylindrical electrode method
Liquid dielectric materials:
• Coaxial probe method
• Parallel plate method
• Tube or cylindrical electrode method

Introduction
11
5.3 DTS1 dielectric test sample box
The DTS1 dielectric test sample box is an accessory to SPECTANO 100 for
demonstrating and testing the functionality of SPECTANO 100 without a sample
test cell. The DTS1 is a demo box containing two samples: a high-precision,
low-loss 1 nF capacitor and a RC circuit simulating a dielectric sample with
losses. The main application areas of the DTS1 are in training and
demonstration purposes but it can also be used for detecting errors in a cable
setup.
5.4 DSH 100 Dielectric Sample Box
OMICRON Lab’s DSH 100 Dielectric Sample Holder is designed for the
analysis of solid dielectric materials like nano-composites, polymers,
epoxy, insulation paper, glasses, thin films and other materials for
temperatures up to +200°C and voltages up to 200V(AC or DC).
Together with the Dielectric Material Analyzer SPECTANO 100, the DSH
100 is suitable to determine all important dielectric parameters such as
the relative permittivity (εr’, εr’’), losses (tanδ), capacitance, specific
conductivity or impedance and meets the requirements of international
standards for dielectric material analysis (ASTM D150, IEC 62631-2-1
and 62631-3-1:2017).
The DSH 100 can be used in conjunction with other impedance
analyzers or LCR meters such as the Bode 100.
The sample holder features a parallel plate electrode configuration with
guard ring. The exchangeable electrode design allows to analyze curing
processes of materials such as epoxy.
5.5 Frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS)
By using the frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS), the dielectric properties of
the solid or liquid material under test are measured by frequency sweep (5 µHz
to 5 kHz). The FDS allows fast measurements at high frequencies but requires
long measurement times at lower frequencies.
5.6 Polarization current method (PDC)
In the polarization current (PDC) method, a DC voltage is applied to the device
under test for a specific time and the polarization current is measured. From the
polarization current, the dielectric response is evaluated and the dielectric
frequency characteristic is calculated using Fourier transformation. The PDC
method is faster than the FDS at very low frequencies, but the upper frequency
is limited due to the finite rise time of the DC pulse. The test frequency range for
the PDC method is 20 µHz to 100 mHz.

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
12
5.7 Combined mode (FDS and PDC)
SPECTANO 100 combines the PDC with the FDS principle and thus
significantly reduces the testing time to exclusive frequency domain
measurements. PDC measurements can be accomplished in a short time but
are limited to low frequencies while FDS measurements are feasible for high
frequencies but take very long at low frequencies. It combines the advantages
of both principles. It measures data in the time domain for frequencies below
100 mHz. This reduces the measurement time up to 75% compared to exclusive
FDS measurements. For example, a FDS measurement from 1 kHz to 100 µHz
will take 11 hours, SPECTANO 100 will acquire this data in less than 3 hours
using the combined FDS and PDC measurement. The maximum test frequency
range for the combined mode is 20 µHz to 5 kHz.
Test duration Frequency band
Figure 5-1 Comparison of measurement methods
FDS
PDC
Combined

Introduction
13
5.8 Scope of delivery and ordering information
5.7.1 Main package
SPECTANO 100 main device OL000400
DTS1 dielectric sample test box
2 ×Triaxial standard cable
(1.5 m)
Specific grounded
SPECTANO 100 power supply
CD ROM incl.SPECTANO
Analyzer Suite and User
Manual (English)
Quick Start Guide (printed)
(English)
USB cable (1.5 m)
Description Part No. Picture

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
14
5.7.2 Optional accessories
2 ×Triaxial-to-4 mm plug
adapter cable set
2 ×Triaxial-to-BNC connector
adapter cable set
OL000451
OL000452
Description Part No. Picture

Device description
15
Yellow LED
See Table 6-1 "Signal LEDs"
on page 16
Green LED
See Table 6-1 "Signal LEDs"
on page 16
Red LED
See Table 6-1 "Signal LEDs"
on page 16
STOP button
Stops measurements
OUTPUT connector
Measurement voltage: 200 Vpeak
Max. continuous output current: 50 mApeak
Max. output frequency: 5 kHz
6 Device description
6.1 SPECTANO 100
6.1.1 Connectors and operating controls
DANGER
INPUT connector
Figure 6-1 SPECTANO 100 front view
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
► Do not touch the OUTPUT connector when the red LED is on or blinks.
► Always ensure that no dangerous voltages are present at anytouchable
part of the device.
► Before handling SPECTANO 100 in any way, connect its equipotential
ground terminal with a solid connection of at least 6 mm2 cross-section and
not longer than 20 meters to the ground terminal in the laboratory.

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
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Table 6-1 Signal LEDs
LED
State
Description
Green
On
Signals that the power switch is on.
Yellow Blinking
Signals the input activity:
• Measurement results are available in
SPECTANO 100 which are not saved.
(This can happen when the computer is
disconnected from SPECTANO 100 after the
measurement was started.).
• An error has occurred during measurement
(Measurement is stopped.). After a computer
has been connected to SPECTANO 100, the
error information is sent to the computer and
the LED is on.
Red
On or
blinking
Signals dangerous voltage on the OUTPUT
connector.
Blinking
A measurement is running.
On for
approx.
10 s
The test object is being depolarized after a
measurement has been stopped by SPECTANO
Analyzer Suite, manually or due to an error.

Device description
17
Figure 6-2 SPECTANO 100 rear view
DANGER
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
► Do not handle SPECTANO 100 without grounding it.
► Before handling SPECTANO 100 in any way, connect its equipotential
ground with a solid connection of at least 6 mm2 cross-section and not
longer than 20 meters to a ground connection in the laboratory.
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
► Do not use power outlets without protective ground (PE).
► Only use the delivered grounded AC power supply DRA SUPPLY to power
SPECTANO 100.
► Connect the SPECTANO 100 power supply only to a power outlet that is
equipped with protective ground (PE).
► For safe operation always make sure that protective groundand
equipotential ground are connected properly.
DANGER
USB connector
For connecting SPECTANO 100
to a computer
with a USB 2.0 A/A cable
Equipotential ground
For connecting an external ground
I/0 (on/off) power switch
5 V DC output
Optional: for connecting a USB isolator
DC power input
Connect only the especially designed and
optimized delivered power supply DRA SUPPLY
for testing with SPECTANO 100.

SPECTANO 100 Quick Start Guide
18
6.1.2 Cleaning
To clean SPECTANO 100 and its accessories, use a cloth dampened with
isopropanol alcohol.
6.2 DTS1 dielectric test sample box
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
► Do not clean SPECTANO 100 when the device is powered.
► Do not clean SPECTANO 100 when connected to the test object.
► Before cleaning SPECTANO 100 and its accessories, always switch the
device off and disconnect the test object, accessories and connection
cables.
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current
► Use the DTS1 box only together with the SPECTANO 100 test device and
the delivered accessories and cables.
► Read the safety instructions in 2 "Safety instructions" in this Quick Start
Guide before using the DTS1 box together with the SPECTANO 100test
device.
Equipment damage possible
► Do not supply a continuous input current > 50 mApeak. An overload at the
SPECTANO 100 input can causes damages at the device.
► Always configure the max. test output voltage and the input test frequency
for the connected test object so that the maximum input current will not be
reached.
► For information on how to configure the output signals for testing with the
DTS1 dielectric test sample box, see "Technical data" in the
SPECTANO 100 User Manual.
DANGER
DANGER
NOTICE

Device description
19
Figure 6-3 DTS1 dielectric test sample box
Sample 1
to connect to the INPUT connector of
SPECTANO 100
Input connector (signal source input)
Max. continuous input current: 50 mApeak
to connect to the OUTPUT connector of
SPECTANO 100
Sample 2
RC circuit (for more information, see
the front panel of the DTS1 box) to
connect to the INPUT connector of
SPECTANO 100