Surge Generator Rentals
Combination wave surges are simultaneous, fast, high voltage and high current pulses that together replicate many real world EMI issues including lightning strikes and power grid switching.
~4/5 kV Surge Systems
~6/7 kV Surge Systems
Telecom Pulse Generators
Automotive Test Generators
CDN Equipment Rental
Buy Used Generators
- 10x700µs and 9x720µs Waveforms
- Built-in Pulse Monitor
- Must be used with E103 Control Unit
- 2 x 10 µs Waveform Generator
- Provides up to 5kV 500 Amps
- Must be used with E103 Control Unit
- Linear Voltage Ramp Generator to 3 kV
- Compliant to UL 864 & UL 294
- Must be Used with ECAT E103 Controller
What are Surge Generators?
Surge Generators
Surge generators provide the necessary waveforms or pulses to simulate over-voltages from switching and lightning transients to replicate the anticpated electrical environment which the equipment will operate. These tests are designed to ensure products are robust enough to withstand the rapid, high engery pulses. The associated waveforms are typically categoriezed by type of pulse, voltage, current, or combination wave (having both current and voltage components).
Most common surge generators include a pulse generator, interface, and built in coupling decoupling network allowing them to meet a variety of common testing requiremetns. Many also include software and programmable test routines assisting in more complex and quicker testing.
How to use a Surge Generator
The video on the left includes the Haefely Axos 5 test systems provideing a guide on how to setup a surge generator designed for compliant testing to IEC 61000-4-5. In the video power on testing is being conducted through the use of the coupling decoupling network as means (CDN). The video includes explinations of:
- Connections to front and back of unit
- How to conduct power on and direct testing
- Modifying testing parameters
- Methods for connecting to EUT/DUT
- Running a combination wave surge test
Commonly Required Equipment
Test Equipment
To conduct testing a generator, and, if applicable a CDN and power supply/source for providing power the EUT/DUT will be needed.
-
Surge Generator
- Injection Equipment/CDN (if applicable)
- Power Supply (if applicable)
- Unique standard or product requirements (if applicable)
Monitoring Equipment
- Voltage Differential Probe
- Current Monitoring Probe
- Capable Oscilloscope
How Are Surges are Applied?
Direct Injection Method
The direct injection method is the application of surges to a equipment under test through direct connection from the generator without using any coupling decoupling network (CDN) or coupling device. This is commonly done through a direct out connection on either the front or back of the system and is used exclusively for power off testing.
CDN Method
Coupling decoupling networks are the most common method of applying surges to equipment under test. This allows for equipment to be powered through the CDN going towards the device under testing and following testing the pulse is removed not impacting the power supply. These are typically categorized by both AC and DC as well as the voltage and current levels.
CDNs are generally seperated by both manual and automatic as well as the criteria above. When testing is commonly conducted a series of lines are tested, L-N, L-G, etc. Manual coupling networks require a physical change in cabling configuration to meet the particular lines that are to be tested, increasing the time needed to complete testing.
How are Pulses/Waveforms Defined?
Pulse Wave Shape & Levels
Surge pulses are generally categorized by the rise time, duration, and test level given a constant source impedance. Many of the most common surge pulses are defined in this way as many of the other requirements for the waveform are relatively small. It common to define many combination wave pulses, having both voltage and current waveforms, by the voltage. (IE 15kv combination wave generator, the 15kV referring to the max open circuit voltage) The correlation between the voltage annd current levels make this an easy distinction.
The image diminstrates a common 1.2/50 - 8/20 µs pulses with the 1.2/50 being the rise time and duration of the voltage waveform (open circuit) and 8/20 µs the rise time and duration of the currnet waveform (short circuit).
Common Standards
IEC 61000-4-5 - Surge Immunity Test
ANSI C62.41.2 - Recommeded Pratice for Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage AC Power Circuits
ANSI C37.90 - Relays & Relay Systems Associated with Electric Power Appartus
IEC 61000-6-1 - Immunity Standard for Residental, Commerical, and Light-Industrial Environments
IEC 61000-6-2 - Immunity Standard for Industrial Environments
