California Instruments 1251RP AC Power Source, 1250VA

The RP Series consists of four models, 801RP, 1251RP, 2001RP and 2003RP. These units are ideal sources for general purpose AC power applications that require variable voltage and frequency at power levels up to 2000 VA. The 2003RP provides three phase output, all other models provide single phase output. With simple knobs used to set voltage, frequency and current limit, the RP Series provides an inexpensive source of AC power in a small and lightweight package. All RP Series power source models can be used in table-top mode or rack-mounted.

The RP Series uses a precision digital sinewave generator to produce a low distortion output . Dual LCD readouts clearly display programmed settings for voltage, current limit and frequency. Load current is measured using true RMS sensing and can be displayed on the front panel as well. Adjusting voltage, frequency and current limit is accomplished using a set of digitally encoded rotary knobs. For ATE applications, both IEEE-488 and RS232C interfaces are available as an option.

Features

Single (801RP, 1251RP and 2001RP) or Three phase output (2003RP)
á Low Cost
á Rack Mount
á Easy to Use
á Programmable
á Dual voltage ranges
á 16 Hz to 500 Hz (801RP and 1251RP) or 16 Hz to 5000 Hz (2001RP and 2003RP)
á Standard Current measurement
á Optional measurements for Peak Current, Voltage, Real Power, Apparent Power, Power Factor and Crest Factor (Models 2001RP and 2003RP with option -OP1 only)
á Simple Front Panel and Rear panel Connections. (Front panel connections optional on 2001RP.)
á Optional IEEE-488 and RS232C interfaces
á CE Mark

Applications
The wide output frequency range of 16 Hz to 500 Hz (801RP and 1251RP) or 16 Hz to 5000 Hz (2001RP and 2003RP) make the RP Series suitable sources for both commercial and avionics applications. Dual voltage ranges provide maximum output current at any programmed voltage up to 270 Volt (801RP, 1251RP and 2003RP) or 300 Volt (2001RP). The built in rms. current measurement function eliminates the need for external current shunts or transformers to monitor load current. For front panel operation, the RP Series features simple and intuitive controls for setting voltage, frequency and current limits. Current drawn by the load can be read directly on the large LCD display with 100 mA resolution (801RP and 1251RP) or 1 mA resolution (2001RP and 2003RP). With the addition of the RS232C and IEEE-488 interface option, the RP Series sources can be used in automated test environments. Since the RP Series offers a high power to size ratio, requiring limited rack height, they can be used to upgrade existing ATE stations or build new ones.
The 2003RP provides three phase output and is a very cost effective AC power source for Avionics applications, especially in the -AV version.
The included PC control program (requires -IF option for 801RP and 1251RP or -OP1 option for 2001RP and 2003RP) supports transient generation to simulate real-world AC line conditions like brown-outs, voltage sags, surges and frequency fluctuations.

Remote Control
The optional remote control interface allows complete control of all AC source functions and provides measurement data to the controller. This allows the RP Series AC source to be used as a low cost AC test system. A Windowsª Graphical User Interface (GUI) program is included with the interface option. Automatic power cycling and transient generation is made possible with the use of this GUI program. The GUI output control, measurement and transient screens are shown here. For quality assurance applications, measured voltage, current and VA readings can be logged to disk for documentation and analysis purposes. All data recorded is time stamped to create a complete history of each test run.
Up to eight often used front-panel setups can be stored in non-volatile memory for quick recall from the PC controller through the interface. If needed, the front panel can be locked out to prevent operator intervention during test runs.
The 2001RP and 2003RP offer additional features over the bus such as the ability to select the turn-on or turn-off phase angle of the output voltage. This capability, combined with the peak current measurement function, enables inrush current analysis of a unit under test.

AC Transient Generation
Transient programming is supported by the GUI program with user defined transient lists of up to 100 steps. Available transient functions are voltage step, voltage drop, voltage sweep, voltage surge/sag, frequency step, frequency sweep, frequency surge/sag as well as functions that combine both voltage and frequency changes. The intuitive Windows ™ interface greatly facilitates creating and storing often used transient programs. Transient programs can be recalled from disk and executed once, continuously or a specified number of times. Editing functions such as delete and insert make it easy to modify or expand existing programs. This capability makes it easy to evaluate products for immunity to common AC line disturbances such as brownouts, surges, swells, sags and frequency variations.

AC Line Immunity Testing
Special application support is provided for pre-compliance IEC 1000-4 immunity testing, specifically IEC 1000-4-11 Voltage Dips and Interruptions, IEC 1000-4-14 Voltage Fluctuations (draft) and IEC 1000-4-28 Frequency Variations (draft).
All IEC test windows provide on screen editing of test parameters to meet various product category test requirements. These test sequences can be saved to disk, enabling a library of IEC test sequences to be created. Generic test files are supplied with the program for immediate use.
After a test run, a complete test report including the user provided equipment under test (EUT) data and test parameters used can be printed or saved to disk.