Saker XFVP10-2 User manual

User Manual
XFVP
Medium Voltage Fiber Isolated Voltage Probe
Revision 6!
BR-XFVP-Rev 6. 12/22
www.saker-mv.com

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
SAFETY NOTES
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
COMPATIBILITY
XFVP PROBE CONTENTS
INSTALLATION AND USE
OPERATION
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
EQUIPMENT CODES
PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION
CERTIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS
INTRODUCTION
The XFVP probe is a novel voltage probe that provides high voltage isolation via fiber optic
cables. Not only is this approach advantageous from the voltage isolation point of view, but is
also immune to typical radiated interferences and capacitances created when using long
coaxial measuring cables. The XFVP probe was designed to minimize input capacitance as this
is what hurts most high frequency measurements.
Also analog optical links are prone to slight power variations due to connector mismatches,
temperature drifts and offsets. We use a proprietary algorithm to calibrate the link and cancel
those. This increases overall accuracy as compared to other optical equipment and saves lots
of setup time during research and testing. Moreover the XFVP probe can do “hot” calibrations
with no input disconnect, which translates into saved time and increased user safety making it
unnecessary to access the high voltage area during operation. Another useful feature puts in
standby or turns off the probe head from the receiver so that the user does not have to access
areas that can be at high voltage during tests.
Most high-end oscilloscopes feature proprietary input connectors that force the user to choose
among the supplied accessories of the scope. XFVP probe can be used in any 50Ωterminated
oscilloscope. This gives developers freedom to use their favourite digital scope and reduce
overall investment costs at the same time. Lastly the back of the probe head features a
standard camera tripod mount thread. This makes it more convenient to place the probe inside
tightly spaced cabinets or power modules and maintain proper clearance distances.
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SAFETY NOTES
Do not connect or disconnect sensor cables or attenuators in the probe head while they are
connected to a voltage source to avoid the risk of shock.
Remember that all metallic parts in the probe head are at the same potential
This product is not intended for detection of hazardous voltages.
The probe head is not meant to be used as a handheld unit
Do not use the probe for measurements on mains circuits as it is not CAT rated.
Do not use in wet or explosive atmospheres.
Do not connect the probe or attenuators to any circuit that exceeds the probe ratings
The probe can be floated at very high voltages, please consider all clearances before making
any measurements
Do not open the probe head or receiver, they do not contain user-serviceable parts inside
Fiber cables can break if bent at sharp angles, take care not to trip over the fiber cable that
joins both receiver and probe head
The unit contains electrooptical components, do not shock or drop the probe onto the floor
It is always recommended that the probe head be installed over a tripod mount and secured
When manually positioning the probe head keep in mind the unit is physically joined to the
receiver unit, moving the probe head may send the receiver into the floor
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This product is intended to be used only by trained personnel
WARNING
CAUTION

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Receiver output
Coax cable BNC, 50Ω
CMRR (4)
<-110dB from DC to
10MHz
-90dB at 100MHz
-65dB at 200MHz
Output ratio
1/10
V/V
Calibration time, typical. (5)
<6
s
Max common mode voltage
50
kV
Receiver input power
5V, USB micro B
Probe head batteries
2x1.5V AA type
Battery duration
>9h
Battery low indication (6)
Yes
Autozero
Yes
Autogain
Yes
Common mode capacitance
1.5
pF
Pollution degree (EN 61010-1)
2, Indoor use only
Operating temperature, probe
0..65
ºC
Operating temperature, receiver
0..70
ºC
ESD, EMI standards
IEC61000-4-2,
61000-4-3
CE certification
GPSD 2001/95/EC,
EMC Directive
2014/30/EU,
RoHS2 2011/65/EU
1) Specs for XFVP20 model
2) -3dB, small signal, 25Ωsource
3) See user manual for more details
4) Normalized to 1V input range
5) Zero and gain cal
6) Tested with alkaline or 2600mAh NiMh
±
XFVP Specification
Units
Bandwidth (1)(2)
>220
250 typ
MHz
Input impedance
Risetime, typical
2
ns
Input voltage range
V
Max voltage at input
500Vdc
Noise, output referred
<3
mVrms
Delay, 2m cable
20
ns
Offset error, output referred, after cal
<1
mV
Overall accuracy, LF, after cal
2.5
±
1.5% offset error,
1% typical
±
±
±
1MΩ0.5% || 8 pF
±
SPECIFICATIONS

ACCESSORIES
External patch cables that interface the user system with the SMB connector can be made by
the user. Saker recommends the use of good quality SMB connectors, for example reference
R114082000 from Radiall. Please read the accessories PDF to find more about these. The
unterminated SMB cable leaves freedom of choice for the user to make additional
terminations. In most measurement cases a typical straight 2,54mm 2 pin header installed in
the board will make for a good enough connection
COMPATIBILITY
The XFVP probe requires an external oscilloscope with internal 50 termination. The
termination is needed to provide appropriate high-frequency transmission of the signal. If the
oscilloscope does not have internal 50 termination, an optional BNC terminator (code
XFVPTERM) can be supplied. If the probe does not see a 50 termination it will not calibrate
properly.
The bandwidth of the oscilloscope is not critical, although the higher the bandwidth the better,
since modern digital scope do have a useful Hi-Res mode that can lower the measurement
noise substantially. (Read the document “XFVP Probe Measurements Guide”). The same can be
said about the scope ADC resolution.
XFVP PROBE CONTENTS
Each package contents must include:
- Carrying case
- XFVP probe head and receiver
- XFVP10x attenuator
- SMB unterminated cable
- Quick users guide
- Tripod
- Safety list sheet
Ω
Ω
Ω
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INSTALLATION AND USE
This equipment is intended to be used only by trained personnel.
PLACING THE PROBE HEAD
The probe head uses a SMB connector as its input. For mechanical stability and electrical
clearance it is always recommended to install a tripod in the probe head, making sure the the
tripod is mostly made of plastic and not metal.
It is recommended to leave at least 15 mm of air space around the probe for each kV that the
probe is floated. Increase this distance if faster than 15kV/us slew rates in the common mode
voltage are expected. The higher the spacing, the lower the common mode capacitance, which
lowers the current to earth provided by the measured circuit.
Do not use the probe for measurements on mains circuits. This probe and its attenuators are
not CAT rated for use on these types of circuits according to definitions of IEC/EN 61010-031.
RECEIVER-OSCILLOSCOPE CONNECTION
A BNC-BNC cable is supplied to connect the receiver to a measuring oscilloscope. Use of a
good quality cable is recommended as it could affect the measurement.
Set the oscilloscope vertical scale at an appropriate scale given the conversion ratio of the
XFVP and attenuator (see specifications section) in question. A 50 termination is necessary
for calibration to take place successfully.
The preferred method of operation is as follows:
1. Place and secure the probe head
2. Connect the probe head to the DUT using the appropriate attenuator.
3. Connect the receiver to the oscilloscope
4. Turn on the probe head and receiver.
5. Place the unit in standby mode by shortly pressing the ON/OFF button. From this moment
there is no need to approach the probe head, since it can be turned on from the receiver.
Calibration also can take place while the DUT is energized.
Ω
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MAKE SURE NO DANGEROUS VOLTAGE POTENTIALS ARE
PRESENT WHILE INSTALLING THE PROBE HEAD IN THE DUT

6. Power on the DUT. When the oscilloscope and DUT are ready, take the XFVP probe out of
the standby mode by shortly pressing the ON/OFF button and the press the CAL button.
7. Take measurements as needed. During interpretation of results or during adjustments to
the DUT place the probe in standby again.
OPERATION
TURNING ON
Connect the receiver to the USB cable to power the unit. To turn on either the probe head or
the receiver, press the TURN ON button until the ON Led lights. It takes a short press to turn
on the units. If the probe head fails to turn on check if the batteries are dead, and replace
them.
The probe head cannot be turned on remotely.
TURNING OFF
The probe head can be turned off in two ways. Either directly by pressing the TURN ON button
for 1 second or remotely by turning off the receiver. In either case the ON led will turn off.
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Do not touch the sensor head or attenuator cable and connectors while taking
measurements. The probe head is not a hand-held device

To turn off the receiver press the TURN ON/OFF button for 1 second. The ON led light will turn
off. As mentioned the probe head will also turn off automatically.
STANDBY MODE
This mode will place both the probe head and receiver in a low power mode for extended
battery duration of the emitter. It is recommended to use this feature every time the probe is
not in use, even for shorts periods of time. Since the probe head can be set into low power
mode remotely from the receiver, potentially dangerous situations where the measured system
is floating at high voltage, are avoided.
To enter standby mode, press the TURN ON button shortly in either unit. The ON green led
will start blinking. The other unit will also enter low power mode.
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To return to normal mode press the TURN ON button shortly in either unit. Both units will
resume normal operation automatically. After normal operation is resumed the ON led will light
continuously.
FIBER OPTIC CONNECTIONS
The probe head unit and the receiver are connected with two fiber optic cables. These are not
the same standard fiber cables as those found in a house installation. Although these cables
have a 4 layer protection, be mindful that they are not as resilient as copper cables so do not
bend them sharply, avoid putting tension on cables and do not pull them, especially when
kinks or knots are present.
Also do not remove or bend the protective fiber optic cable boots since these protect the
connectors from dust and maintain the necessary alignment for proper accuracy.
CALIBRATION
Calibration is needed to adjust the analog parameters of the fiber optic link and correct for
offsets and temperature drifts in each unit. Every time the CAL button is pressed both probe
head and receiver run self-test prior to calibration. It is not necessary to disconnect the probe
from the measured system in order to execute the calibration.
A short blink from the CAL led indicates that calibration is required. To execute calibration, first
turn on both units and then shortly press the CAL button. The CAL led will turn on. If for some
reason both units cannot communicate or the scope is not 50 terminated, the CAL led will
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DO NOT TWIST OR BEND THE FIBER OPTIC CABLE AT SHARP ANGLES. MINIMUM
BENDING RADIUS IS 6 CM

blink signalling an error. The calibration process will take a few
seconds. If the procedure completed successfully the CAL led
will turn off, otherwise it will blink and remain in that state. In this
case, check the batteries in the probe head and rerun calibration.
WARNING REGARDING ISOLATION
Due to their non-conductive nature, the fiber optic cables
provide excellent isolation between probe head and receiver.
However the probe head is floating at the same potential of the
measured conductor. Thus the whole body of the XFVP probe
head including the metallic bayonet connectors can be at
hazardous potentials.
It is advisable to install a voltage detector/indicator on the measured line that provides visual
and clear indication about the presence of potentially dangerous voltages. SAKER offers the
MVD and MVDZ series of medium voltage presence detectors.
LOW BATTERY CONDITION
The probe head will measure the voltage of the batteries to warn the user in case of a low
battery condition. The signalling threshold has been adjusted for typical alkaline AA batteries.,
for other chemistries it may not work properly. A single red led is used at the receiver to display
this condition.
In case of a battery low event the BATT LOW led will quickly blink one time followed by a 4
second pause in the following way:
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
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CALIBRATION MUST BE PERFORMED AT LEAST ONCE
AFTER TURNING ON THE EQUIPMENT
THE XFVP PROBE HEAD IS NOT A HANDHELD
INSTRUMENT AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO BE