SPECcmp Man E0101

SPECcompact Partial Discharge Analyzer
SPECcompact
Spectrum Analyzer
Partial Discharge Analyzer
RIV Meter
User Manual
Vers. 1.01
Power Diagnostix · Brüsseler Ring 95a · 52074 Aachen · Germany · Phone +49 241 74927 · Fax +49 241 79521 · www.pdix.com
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Contents
I General...............................................................................................................................................4
I.1 About this Manual.........................................................................................................................4
I.2 Instrument Safety .........................................................................................................................4
I.3 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................5
II Hardware ............................................................................................................................................6
II.1 The Acquisition Unit......................................................................................................................6

II.1.1 Optional Functions for the SPECcompact ..............................................................................8
II.2 Accessories..................................................................................................................................9
II.2.1 Measuring Impedance ...........................................................................................................9
II.2.2 Preamplifier...........................................................................................................................9
II.2.3 Connections ........................................................................................................................10
III Operation ......................................................................................................................................12
III.1 Main Functions...........................................................................................................................12

III.1.1 SPEC mode ........................................................................................................................14
III.1.2 SCOPE mode......................................................................................................................16
III.1.3 METER mode......................................................................................................................18
III.2 Key Menus .................................................................................................................................19

III.2.1 Key Menus Description........................................................................................................20
III.3 PD Calibration............................................................................................................................34
III.3.1 Calibration Impulse Generator.............................................................................................34
III.3.2 Calibration test set up..........................................................................................................35
III.3.3 Calibration menu .................................................................................................................36
III.4 Noise Reduction.........................................................................................................................37

III.4.1 LLD noise ground (Low-Level Discriminator)........................................................................37
III.4.2 Window Mask (Software).....................................................................................................38
III.4.3 External Signal Gating (TTL Gating, optional) ......................................................................38
III.4.4 Gating With External Sensor (Optional, Analog Gating)........................................................39
III.5 RIV measurement.......................................................................................................................41

III.5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................41
III.5.2 RIV Calibrator CAL3A..........................................................................................................41
III.5.3 RIV Adjustment ...................................................................................................................42
III.5.4 RIV Calibration....................................................................................................................42
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III.6 HVM - High Voltage Meter Display (optional) ..............................................................................43
IV Miscellaneous................................................................................................................................45
IV.1 Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................45
IV.2 Shipment Instructions .................................................................................................................45
IV.3 Declaration of Conformity ...........................................................................................................46
V Technical Data of the SPECcompact.................................................................................................47
VI INDEX ...........................................................................................................................................48
.Copyright  2007 by Power Diagnostix. All rights reserved. No part of the content of this manual may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any other means without the written permission of the
publisher. Product and company names herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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I General
I.1 About this Manual

This manual describes the hardware, software and usage of the SPECcompact in its current version. Some
of the hardware features of the most recent versions are not available with earlier versions of the
instrument. It is possible to upgrade most of the previous instruments to the features of the current
instruments. Please contact Power Diagnostix for details.
I.2 Instrument Safety
Before using the SPECcompact, read the following safety information and this manual carefully. Especially
read and obey the information, which are marked red.
Always obey the safety rules given with the warnings and with this chapter. Especially take care of the
safety issues while performing field measurements. Never disregard safety considerations even under time
constraints found often with on-line and off-line test on site.
Warning:
!
• Always provide solid grounding of the instrument and the accessories. Use the rear side
wing nut terminal for ground connection. Never operate the instrument without protective
grounding.
• Avoid working alone.
• Do not allow the instrument to be used if it is damage, or its safety is impaired.
• Inspect the ground leads and signal cables for continuity.
• Do not use the instrument in condensing or explosion endangered environment.
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I.3 Introduction
The SPECcompact is a partial discharge analyzer comprising a spectrum analyzer, a partial discharge (PD)
detector and an RIV meter in one instrument. This combination enables PD measurements even with a
large background noise e.g. in non-shielded test areas.
The standard SPECcompact package includes the acquisition unit, a preamplifier such as the RPA1L, a
measurement impedance such as the CIT4M and a set of cable such as RG58 for the connection between
the instrument and the impedance.
Observing the frequency spectrum of a harsh disturbed PD signal allows to select frequency bands with
less disturbances. Using this selected frequency for a PD acquisition gives a largely improved signal-to-
noise ratio resulting in a clear pattern acquisition. The combination of spectrum analyzer and PD detector
within one instrument gives a broad field of new possibilities when analyzing isolation defects even with
large noise.
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II Hardware
The standard version of the SPECcompact comes in a half 19'' rack and offers 2 x 4 input channels. An
extended version with 2 x 12 input channels comes in a fully 19'' rack and further includes an external relay
unit. This is connected to the SPECcompact by a special control connector and the signal cable.
II.1 The Acquisition Unit
The ten control buttons are arranged to the right hand side of the LCD panel. The brightness adjustment of
the LCD is accessed using a small screwdriver, immediately beneath the control buttons. The function of
the left column of buttons is indicated with the LCD (soft keys), while the right column has fixed assigned
functions.
PD Power Diagnostix
AMP
SYNC
LOCK
SPECcompact
Fig. 1: SPECcompact front panel in ½ 19'' rack
∆ AMP ∇
These button allow to select one input channel. The selected channel is indicated at the lower right hand side
of the display. Left number within the parenthesis. The selection will remain even if the instrument is turned
off.
∆ SYNC ∇
These button allow to select one synchronization channel. The selected channel is indicated at the lower right
hand side of the display. Right number within the parenthesis.
LOCK
Pressing this button will lock the selection of the input channel (∆ AMP ∇ and ∆ SYNC ∇ ). Locked keys are
indicated by an additional ' /L' next to the channel numbers. This key-lock must be distinguished from the
menu-lock within the menu KEYB.
7
CH1
Power Diagnostix
Bruesseler Ring 95a D-52074 Aachen +49 241 74927
SYNC2 CH2
SYNC3 CH3
SYNC4 REF
S/N:000
REMOTE REC OUT GATE IN
Fig. 2: Rear panel of a three channel SPECcompact
The connections to the SPECcompact are made on the rear panel of the instrument. Except the version
with 2 x 12 channels. The functions of the connectors are as follows:
CH1 ... CH3 (11) *: The signals coming from sensors like 'CIT' or 'CIL' are connected directly to the input
channels 'CH'. These channels are multiplexed i.e. a relay switch allows to select one of the input
channel by the '? AMP ∇' buttons on the front panel. The current selection is indicated on the display
at the right lower corner e.g. '(3/1)' for CH3. While not being in the RIV mode, the REF input can also
be used as a common input channel.
REF (12) *: When using the RIV mode, the instrument has to be adjusted and calibrated. For this a
calibration signal coming from the CAL3A is to be connected directly to the reference input 'REF',
and in parallel to the sample (e.g. bushing, transformer) under test.
SYNC1 ... SYNC4 (12)*: The SYNC can optionally be used for external synchronization of the
SPECcompact to the frequency of the applied high voltage. This can be the output of a voltage
divider (such as the voltage divider included with some Power Diagnostix quadrupoles) or of other
customized circuit. If the selected SYNC is not connected, the SPECcompact will synchronize on the
mains supply frequency (usually 50 or 60 Hz). These channels are multiplexed like the CH1 ... REF
and can be changed by the '? SYNC ∇' buttons on the front panel. The current selection is indicated
on the display at the right lower corner e.g. '(1/4) for SYNC4.
GATE IN (optional): The GATE IN terminal can be used for noise rejection during measurements. For this
the unwanted noise signal can be directly connected to the GATE IN terminal. Inside the instrument
an RPA6 preamplifier prepares this signal for the gating function.
* The connections for the 2 x 12 channel version are shown in parentheses '( )'.
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REC OUT: The REC OUT terminal of the SPECcompact may optionally be connected to a paper recorder
or other device to provide a graph of the displayed value. The output gives 0 to 10 V with a
R0 > 100Ω. The ratio between displayed value and output voltage can be set in the 'RECOUT' menu.
REMOTE: The REMOTE terminal provides the optional serial connection to a personal computer for
remote communications.
: The wing nut on the rear panel of the SPECcompact must be connected to ground.
Mains supply: The mains (power supply) plug must be connected to a power outlet providing power in the
voltage range 85 VAC up to 264 VAC, frequency 47 – 440 Hz. The on/off switch for the unit is located
above the mains plug. A power supply fuse (1.6A t) is located between the on/off switch and the
mains power inlet.
II.1.1 Optional Functions for the SPECcompact
The instrument can be equipped with several optional features as:

• Built in voltage measurement and display, HVM (high voltage meter) Display.
• 'MUX12' The channel multiplexer can be extended up to 2 x 12 input channels
• TTL-Gating input. Via a BNC connector at the rear panel, a TTL-signal allows to blind out disturbance
signals.
• Full 19'' wide box to fit the SPECcompact into a standard rack.
• GPIB interface
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II.2 Accessories
II.2.1 Measuring Impedance

The quadrupole, CT or HF current Transformer captures the PD signal from the coupling capacitor, or
alternatively, from the test object itself. Power Diagnostix offers quadrupoles or CT's as separate modules
or as built-in components of coupling capacitor units. The output of the quadrupole can be connected to the
input of a preamplifier or directly to the input of the instrument. The input marked “CC” must be connected
to the low side of the coupling capacitor (or alternatively to the low side, or neutral, of the test object). The
terminal marked “GND” must be connected to the system ground.
PD Power Diagnostix Systems

If the quadrupole comes with an optional voltage divider, the output
marked “U” is a low-voltage copy of the high voltage applied to the test
object and coupling capacitor. This output can be used for external
CC
synchronization when connected to the “SYNC” terminal of the
GND
SPECcompact.
PD U
CITxx/V
II.2.2 Preamplifier (optional)

The output arrow engraved on the RPA (remote powered amplifier) must be connected to one CH of
the SPECcompact. The input arrow of the RPA must be connected to the output of a quadrupole
(measuring impedance) or other PD signal source (such as a current transformer).
The RPA1 is the standard preamplifier for measurements in the low

PD• Power Diagnostix Systems
frequency range according to the standards such as IEC60270:
40kHz to 800kHz
The RPA1L and RPA1H are for measurements in higher frequency

ranges: 40kHz to 20MHz.
RPA1
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II.2.3 Connections
There are various circuits to take measurements of PD with the SPECcompact. The diagram below
illustrates the basic connections among the elements of the partial discharge measuring setup with the
SPECcompact. Here the coupling device (CIL4L) is put in series with the coupling capacitor. So the test
object can be connected in parallel to the coupling capacitor and the voltage supply.
HV Caution: The CHx are only to be connected with the

supply preamplifier or the quadrupole. The supply voltage for the
Coupling
pre-amplifier may damage the output circuit of the signal
Capacitor
source. Be sure not to connect anything but a RPA to this
terminal or to turn OFF the supply voltage. Only the SYNC IN
terminal can take voltages up to ~200Vpeak. Do not apply any
Test voltage to the REC OUT terminal (min. 100 Ω input
Object impedance).
short
distance
PD• Power Diagnostix PD • Power Diagnostix Systems
CC
System
ground
GND
RPA1L
C=0,6-5,5nF
CIL4L I =50mA max
RPA1L
max. 50m
(RG58)
CH1
Power Diagnostix
SYNC2 CH2
SYNC3 CH3
SYNC4 REF
S/N:000
REMOTE REC OUT GATE IN
Mains System Serial PC To Recorder Gating External

Supply Ground Port (optional) Signal Synchronization
Fig. 3: Basic connections for PD measurement on a test set up. (Not drawn to scale).
In order to prepare a measurement, connect the input (CC) of the coupling unit CIL4L to the low side terminal
of the coupling capacitor and the ground input (GND) of the coupling unit to ground. The output of the
coupling impedance is directly connected to the RPA1 preamplifier preferably using a BNC/BNC adapter or a
short length of BNC cable, this minimizes the capacitive loading of the coupling unit and exploits the relatively
high input impedance (10kΩ//50pF) of the RPA1. The quality of the connecting cable between the RPA1
output and the SPECcompact display unit (CH) is fairly uncritical. Up to lengths of 50m we recommend
normal RG58 BNC cable; RG213 cable (having a lower attenuation) is recommended for lengths up to 200m.
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II.2.3.1 Synchronizing the SPECcompact
In the absence of an external synchronization signal, the SPECcompact will automatically synchronize to
(align phase with) the sine wave of the line voltage supplying power to the SPECcompact itself. Often, the
high voltage applied to the test setup is not in phase with the line voltage and may not even be the same
frequency as the line voltage. In these cases, it is best to synchronize the SPECcompact with an external
signal.
To synchronize the SPECcompact on the high voltage applied to the test setup, a voltage divider e.g. is
needed to create a copy of the voltage wave. The SYNC input is designed for voltage in the range of 1V to
100VRMS (max. 200V peak ). Regard, the input impedance of the SYNC input is about Zin = 1MΩ//200pF.
Power Diagnostix quadrupoles and capacitors with the extension .../V (like CC25C/V or CIT4M/V) will have
an extra output labeled 'U'. This output carries a low-voltage copy of the applied voltage and can be directly
connected to the SYNC input on the rear of the SPECcompact. Additionally, a TTL type trigger signal can
be supplied to the SYNC connection to force synchronization.
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III Operation
III.1 Main Functions
The SPECcompact comprises a spectrum analyzer (SPEC display), a partial discharge detector (SCOPE
and METER display), an RIV meter (METER display), and optionally a high voltage meter (HVM display).
This chapter explains the functions of the SPEC, SCOPE and METER display, except the RIV function.
The RIV and HVM functions are explained in an extra chapter.
SPEC display SCOPE display METER display

(showing the charge level)
The displays of the SPECcompact consists of graphic elements like grid, voltage curve, frequency spectrum,
or PD pattern and additionally text elements like the menu description, the values shown at the lower border
and settings written at the upper border. Some conditions are displayed as abbreviations at the lower left side.
The following table shows these abbreviations and its meaning.
Abbreviation Meaning
RPA?............ missing preamplifier or damaged cable between preamplifier (i.e. RPA1) and input of the
SPECcompact (CHx)
EXT............... external synchronization; the device selects automatically the synchronization source,
means that the line voltage will be used if there is no external voltage connected to the
SYNC IN at the rear panel. For this, the ESYNC must be enabled.
RPA OFF.......within the submenu G MODE the supply voltage for the preamplifier can be turned off
G ...................external gating is turned on
(3/2)...............Channel 3 (CH3) and SYNC 2 is selected, keys are unlocked
(2/1/L)............Channel 2 (CH2) and SYNC 1 is selected, keys are locked
G=..................Gain of the internal amplifier, can be set between 1 and 128 by GAIN+ / GAIN-
k=...................Circuit RIV factor, calculated during calibration by k = UCH / UREF
ADJ:...............Factor to adjust the instrument for the RIV measurement
CSR:...............Frequency at the cursor position
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Gain setting
Within the menu SETUP3 / G MODE, different settings for the gain can be selected. The button AUTO
activates the auto-range mode in which the gain is automatically adjusted: It is reduced if the display reading
continuously exceeds 90% full-range, and increased when the reading remains under 20% of the selected
scale. Each change in gain is indicated by a short beep from the built-in loudspeaker. From 1000 pC
upwards, the displayed unit changes from [pC] to [nC].
The gain of the external preamplifier (RPA) is controlled by a superimposed DC voltage on the signal cable.
This voltage can be turned off by deselecting RPA ON if e.g. a sensor is directly connected to the
SPECcompact.
Using the a maximum amplification at the preamplifier (RPA) and an attenuation (e.g. 1/8) at the
SPECcompact improves the signal to noise ration, but has the drawback of a smaller dynamic
range. In the worst case this may lead to a clipping of the signal, resulting in too small
measurements. When using the attenuation 1/8 or 1/4 and the shown value is much smaller
than expected, the attenuation should be limited to 1/4 or even 1/2. This is done in the menu
SETUP3/G MODE. It is also possible to set the attenuation / amplification of the pre-gain (RPA)
and main gain manually in the menu SETUP1/GAIN. The problem of a clipping signal arises
particularly with short and steep pulses e.g. connecting a CAL1A directly to a RPA1L only with a
50Ω termination.
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III.1.1 SPEC mode
The SPEC mode shows the frequency spectrum of the input signal up to 10 MHz. Three traces for the
current input channel allow to store, compare and process this spectrum. The next figure shows an
example of a SPEC display with two traces. The cursor is placed on the lower trace at 560 kHz and has a
magnitude of 4.08 mV.
Voltage Level at
Cursor Position
Current
Functions
Up to 3 Different of Menu
Traces Buttons
START Frequency
Frequency
Scaling Factor Frequency at STOP Selected Voltage Label of
Cursor Position Frequency Input Channel Scaling Factor Current Menu
for (PD/SYNC)
Fig.4: SPEC display mode
There are two MODE menus for adjusting the spectrum scan. 'MORE..' toggles between 'MD F1' and 'MD
F2'. These menus are explained as followed; a description of all menus can be found in chapter III.2.
FREQ
The start frequency can be set in steps of 10 kHz whereas the span (stop frequency – start frequency) has
a variable step-size. The steps are set to get an even scaling factor (kHz/DIV). Therefore the maximum
frequency of 10 MHz can only be reached if e.g. the start frequency is 0 kHz, 2000 kHz, ... .
TRACES
Accesses the trace softkeys that allow to store and manipulate trace information. The SPECcompact
updates the information for any active trace with each sweep. The three traces (A, B and C) can be defined
separately in 5 different modes:
OFF Turns off the trace; graph is not visible.

C/W Clears and writes the trace with every sweep.
MHD The maximum values of all sweeps are updated and hold.
VW Freezes the current view of trace.
AVG The average of the last 1 to 10 values are shown. The number of values taken is set in the
menu MD F2 / AVG.
CURSOR
The cursor can be shifted along the set frequency ('>>' and '<<') whereas the actual frequency is shown in
the lower part next to 'CSR: '. With '->CF', this frequency is taken as center frequency for the display
modes SCOPE and METER, since these modes have only one fixed measuring frequency. This will not
change the frequency spectrum of the SPEC mode. The current value at the cursor position is shown in
the top line and taken from the selected trace. To change the trace press the softkey 'TR_x', this will toggle
through all three traces.
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SWEEP
Dwell-time (DWT) is the pause on one frequency during which demodulation takes place. The sweep-time
(SWP) is calculated from the dwell-time, the span and the step-frequency. Sweep-time is the required time
for one sweep i.e. scanning through the whole span of frequencies. If the sweep-time exceeds 1 second,
the progress is indicated by an expanding line in the top of the display. To get the whole frequency
spectrum of a pulse during on cycle (50 Hz or 60 Hz) in one sweep, the dwell-time should be set to 20 ms
(16 ms). I.e. For measuring the frequency spectrum of the calibration pulse of a CAL1A, the dwell time
should be at least 20 ms. The dwell time can be set in steps of 1 ms from 2 ms to 25 ms.
STEP
The STEP size defines the frequency steps between each demodulation within one sweep. It can be
adjusted between 10 kHz and 1 MHz, however the minimum number of demodulation's is limited to 10
steps (frequencies) per sweep. Together with the dwell-time and the span, the sweep-time is calculated by:
SPAN
SWP = (DWT + 0.5ms ) ⋅
STEP
AVG
A trace can be smoothed with the average function (TRACES / A_AVG). The degree of smoothing can be
adjusted from 1 (fast) to 10 (slow) in the menu MD F2 / AVG. This setting is valid for all three traces (A,B,C)
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III.1.2 SCOPE mode
The SCOPE mode displays the partial discharge (PD) pattern versus phase. Where as the synchronization
frequency is either taken from the SYNC input or the mains supply. Either the peak values can be shown,
or a pattern can be acquired in the hold mode. The measuring frequency (CF = center frequency) and the
bandwidth (BW) can be selected in the SETUP menu. Conveniently these setting are done in the SPEC
display.
High Voltage level
(only with HVM)
Graphical Display
of PD Data
Current
Functions
of Menu
Current Value Buttons
of Apparent
Charge (max.)
Place for
Selected Current Label of
Frequency Message
Input Channel Screen Resolution Current Menu
of Applied Voltage Abbreviation
for (PD/SYNC)
Fig.5: SCOPE display mode
At the bottom of the display the synchronization frequency (left), the scaling of the y-axis in Coulomb per
division (right) and the current maximum value of discharge (large letters) is shown. This maximum is
calculated from voltage periods during the last refresh cycle. For best results the gain should be set so that
this maximum appears in the range of 50-90% of the y-axis total range. In case the PD-values are out of
this range no valid Qp can be shown. This happens if the gain is either too high or too low. In the first case
‘>’ (max. value) and in the second case ‘<’ (min. value) is displayed. The setting of the gain can be adapted
manually or automatically by turning on or off the AUTO mode. This option is accessible at the SETUP3 /
G MODE menu.
Some installations make it necessary to correct the phase position of the pattern. For example, measuring on
a three phase system without using the external synchronization, where the line synchronization comes from
one of the two other phases. In that case a correction of 120° would be necessary. This phase shift can be
set at the menu SETUP3 \ LLD/P . Please notice that the correct phase position is absolutely important for
proper evaluations of the PD pattern. To avoid the need for applying a phase shift, coupling units that include
a voltage divider circuit should be used to provide a signal for external synchronization (e.g. CC20B/V).
17
There are two displays to indicate the captured PD activity. In the SCOPE display every PD signal is shown
on a phase resolved graph. In the METER display the peak value is shown on an analog meter.
Within the SCOPE mode there are two ways to display the PD pattern which can be selected in the menu
MODE.
Fig. 6 shows the Scope display with NORM

mode activated. Every partial discharge pulse is
displayed as a vertical line at the phase angle
where it occurs. The length of the line is
proportional to the apparent charge amplitude.
The display refresh rate of the SPECcompact is
about 0.1s, thus every picture shows the
discharge pulses accumulated over the last five
cycles of the test voltage (at 50Hz!). The
displayed sine wave helps to identify the phase
position of the discharge impulses.
Fig. 6: SCOPE display (NORM mode)
In the HOLD mode every partial discharge impulse activates a display pixel at the location according to the
pulse magnitude and the phase angle of occurrence. Note that in this case the display is refreshed every
100ms which allows a visualization of the build-
up dynamics of a partial discharge pattern (also
called PD-Map or phase-amplitude distribution).
Changing the gain will reset the this display
mode.
The FREEZE function allows to fix the currant

PD pattern on the display. This can be done
either in the NORM or in the HOLD mode.
However, the calculated values are continued
to be updated.
Fig. 7: SCOPE display (HOLD mode)
18
III.1.3 METER mode
The METER display shows the value of the peak charge level (PD), which can also be seen in the SCOPE
display in 'pC'. It is also used with the radio influence voltage meter (RIV) to show the voltage level at the
selected frequency in 'µV'. If the instrument has the optional (HVM) module, the current voltage level at the
SYNC input can be shown in the second line in 'kV'.
Current
Functions
of Menu
Buttons
Synchronisation Peak Charge Level [pC] Selected Label of

Frequency Voltage Level [kV] Input Channels Current Menu
Fig.8: METER display mode
Fig. 8 shows the instrument's display in the MAIN menu and METER mode. The buttons GAIN+ and GAIN-
increase or decrease gain resp. amplification factor. Meter scaling automatically tracks the actual calibration
and gain factor. The button SPEC activates the next display mode and the button SETUP calls the
configuration menus. The line beneath the meter, displays the synchronization signal frequency (line voltage,
or the external signal at the SYNC terminal) and the selected channels. The actual peak value of the apparent
charge QP is shown in large letters. MODE calls a submenu for controlling the pointer movement and speed.
Within the menu MODE M, three different speeds for the pointer can be selected. The chosen option is
marked with an arrow ahead. In >FAST, the actual peak charge value of an acquisition cycle is displayed;
this may lead to unstable readings (i.e. jerky movement of the pointer) when the pulse repetition rate is
slower than about 5s -1. The actual peak value is also displayed in >NORM mode, but here the pointer is
stabilized: New pulse values are shown immediately yet the pointer falls back slowly until a bigger pulse
occurs.
The option >IEC270 treats the pulses with a weighting curve as mentioned in the actual revision
drafts of the IEC 60270. This weighting, which displays rarely occurring pulses only with a fraction
of their real amplitude (≥40%), leads to a strong stabilization of the pointer and a reduced reading.
The button RIV activates the radio influence voltage meter. For this measurement an adjustment
of the instrument is necessary in general . A detailed description of the set-up and RIV
measurement is described in chapter III.5.
19
III.2 Key Menus
All functions described in this chapter based on the current firmware version 1.40. The firmware number is
either shown by startup at the info-screen or by selecting the INFO submenu while the instrument is
running. Please contact Power Diagnostix to get update possibilities and prices.
Each menu consists of five entries (one for each button) and a name for the menu at the lower right hand
side. The background of the menu names are colored in the respective level-color. Each arrow shows the
menu the user enters when pushing that button. The EXIT button jumps back to the previous menu (upper
level). These ways are not visualized.
A path (arrow) with a lock is not accessible while the menu-keyboard is locked. To lock and unlock the
menu-keyboard see menu KEYB. The code to unlock the menus is 3432. This menu-lock must be
distinguished from the key-lock by the button 'LOCK' see figure 1.
GAIN+ >NORM GAIN+ FAST GAIN+ FREQ SWEEP DIV

GAIN- HOLD GAIN- NORM GAIN- TRACES STEP
MODE MODE IEC270 MODE CURSOR AVG MODE
METER FREEZE SPEC >RIV HVM MORE.. SCOPE
SETUP EXIT SETUP EXIT SETUP EXIT EXIT SETUP >Urms UP
MAIN S MODE S MAIN M MODE M MAIN F MD F1 MD F2 MAIN H Û/√2 DOWN
SPEC <<
OFF >>
SCOPE METER START+ A_AVG >> SWP + STEP + AVG + EXIT EXIT
START- B_MHD <<
->CF
SWP - STEP - AVG - HVM MODE H DIV
SPAN+ C_C/W
SPAN- TR_A
EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT
FREQ TRACES CURSOR
SETUP1 SETUP1
STEP SETUP1
AVG
GAIN CAL CAL G MODE RECOUT

CF ADJ CALF LLD/P ESYNC
BW GATE GATE MISC KEYB
MORE.. MORE.. MORE.. MORE.. MORE..
EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT
SETUP1 SETUP2
SETUP2* SETUP2 SETUP3 SETUP3
SETUP4
MAIN+ CF + k+ ADJ + GAIN + GAIN + WIN AUTO LLD+ LIGHT 10pC LOCK
MAIN- CF - k- ADJ - GAIN - GAIN - MAN RPA ON LLD- INFO 100pC
PRE+ ADJ CAL + CF + AUTO MAXA+ PH<< DISPL >1nC
PRE- RESET RESET CAL - CF - BANDW MAXA- PH>> BEEP 10nC
EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT
GAIN CF BW LLDSET MISC RECOUT KEYB
*only in METER
and RIV mode
TH+ GT+ 5 MIN

PD Power Diagnostix
<< >>
TH- GT-
MODE1
>MODE2 >30 MIN
>SCOPE
>METER
>LOW
HIGH
POS>> 60 MIN SPEC
SPECcompact 1 WIN ON ON HVM
EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT
Menu Structure Ver.1.50 WIN MAN G AUTO BANDW LIGHT DISPL BEEP
Fig. 9: Menu overview
20
III.2.1 Key Menus Description
The following list explains step by step all menus coming with standard SPECcompacts’ with firmware
releases higher than Ver. 1.50 .
GAIN+ GAIN+ / GAIN-

Sets the amplification of the SPECcompact signal path up or down. The total
GAIN- amplification is a combination of pre-amplification (external preamplifier, i.e. RPA1L)
MODE and main-amplification (internal). These amplifier can be switched individually in the
menu SETUP1 / GAIN. By selecting the automatic mode (see MODE S), the gain will be
METER adjusted automatically to the current maximum discharge level. The peaks of
SETUP discharges should be visible at 60 to 90 percent of the total display range. With very
high gain settings the noise becomes visible on the screen. If there is no phase
MAIN S dependency of the signals (no discharges), set the noise level to 5% of the total range
of the display. This ensures that all newly-appearing discharges will be recognized if
their level is higher than the noise at the input.
MODE
Pushing this button changes to the MODE S menu.
METER
Depending on the switched on displays (see menu DISPL) this function switches to the
next display type.
SETUP
Pushing this button changes to the SETUP 1 menu.
GAIN+ GAIN+ / GAIN-

see explanation above
GAIN-
MODE MODE
Pushing this button changes to the MODE M menu.
SPEC
SETUP SPEC
Depending on the switched on displays (see menu DISPL) this function switches to the
MAIN M next display type.
SETUP
21
GAIN+ GAIN+ / GAIN-

see explanation above;
GAIN-
MODE MODE
Pushing this button changes to the MODE F menu.
HVM
SETUP HVM, SCOPE
Depending on the switched on displays (see menu DISPL) and the optional HVM this
MAIN F function switches to the next display type.
SETUP
MAIN H Depending of the optional function HVM one main menu and its submenus are added.
For more information see:
III.6 HVM Display
22
>NORM NORM
Setting this option (>) enables the normalized visualization for the phase resolved PD
HOLD display (SCOPE). The differences between NORM and HOLD are described in chapter
III.1.2.
FREEZE HOLD
EXIT Setting this option (>) enables the ‘hold’ visualization for the phase resolved PD display
(SCOPE).
MODE S
FREZZE
Pushing this button (>) freezes the actual Display. In the upper right hand corner of the
display the Word “FROZEN” is shown. To get to the normal mode push the button
again.
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the MAIN S menu.
FAST
Setting this option enables the fast movement speed of the pointer in the METER
>FAST
display.
NORM
IEC270 NORM
Setting this option enables the normal movement speed of the pointer in the METER
RIV display.
EXIT
IEC270
MODE M Setting this option enables IEC60270 mode for updating the pointer in the METER
display.
RIV
Setting this option enables RIV mode. In this mode the RIV level id shown in µV. For
more information see chapter III.5.5
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the MAIN M menu.
FREQ
Pushing this button changes to the spectrum scan frequency setting menu FREQ.
FREQ
TRACES TRACES
CURSOR Pushing this button changes to the traces setting menu TRACES.
MORE.. CURSOR
EXIT Pushing this button changes to the cursor setting menu CURSOR.
MD F1 MORE..
Pushing this button changes to the second mode menu MD F2.
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the MAIN F menu.
23
SWEEP SWEEP
Pushing this button changes to the sweep time setting menu SWEEP.
STEP
AVG STEP
Pushing this button changes to the scan increment setting menu STEP.
MORE..
EXIT AVG
Pushing this button changes to the trace average setting menu AVG.
MD F2
MORE..
Pushing this button changes to the menu MD F1.
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the MAIN F menu.
Depending of the optional function HVM one mode menu and its submenus are added.
For more information see:
MODE H
III.6 HVM Display
24
START + START + / START -

Pushing this button increases / decreases the start frequency of the spectrum scan.
START -
SPAN + SPAN + / SPAN -
Pushing this button increases / decreases the span of the spectrum scan. A detailed
SPAN - description can be found in chapter III.1.1.
EXIT
EXIT
FREQ Pushing this button changes to the MD F1 menu.
A_OFF, A_C/W, A_MHD, A_VW, A_AVG

A_AVG
Pushing this button toggles trace A through the 5 trace modes. The actual mode is
B_MHD shown in the name of the menu.
C_C/W
B_OFF, B_C/W, B_MHD, B_VW, B_AVG
Pushing this button toggles trace B through the 5 trace modes. The actual mode is
EXIT shown in the name of the menu.
TRACE C_OFF, C_C/W, C_MHD, C_VW, C_AVG

Pushing this button toggles trace C through the 5 trace modes. The actual mode is
shown in the name of the menu.
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the MD F1 menu.
>> / <<
>>
Pushing this button shifts the cursor to a higher or lower frequency. The smallest
<< frequency step is set in the STEP menu.
->CF
->CF
TR_A Pushing this button sets the current cursor frequency as scanning frequency for the
EXIT fixed frequency measurements in the SCOPE, METER and RIV mode. This value
should not be confused with the center frequency of the spectrum scan!
CURSOR
TR_A, TR_B, TR_C
Pushing this button sets the cursor on trace A, B or C. The actual selected trace is
shown in the name of the menu.
EXIT
SWP + / SWP -
SWP +
Pushing this button increases / decreases the dwell time. The dwell time (DWT), that
SWP - the device measures on one frequency can be set in steps of 1 ms from 2 ms to 25 ms.
From this dwell time the sweep time gets calculated depending on the span and the
scan increment.
EXIT EXIT
SWEEP
25
STEP + STEP + / STEP -

Pushing this button increases / decrements the scan increment. The step width can be
STEP - set from 10kHz in steps of 10kHz. The highest value is limited form the span. The span
must have 10 Steps minimum.
EXIT
EXIT Pushing this button changes to the MD F2 menu.
STEP
AVG + / AVG -
AVG +
Pushing this button increases / decreases the smoothing factor (1 to 10) for the average
AVG - function in the menu TRACES / x_AVG.
EXIT
EXIT
AVG
26
GAIN GAIN
Pushing this button changes to the GAIN menu. Here the pre-gain of the RPA and the
CF main gain of the SPECcompact can be set directly.
BW
CF
MORE.. Pushing this button changes to menu CF. Here the center frequency for the SCOPE
EXIT and METER mode can be set.
SETUP1 BW
Pushing this button changes menu BW. Here the bandwidth can be set to 9 kHz or
270 kHz.
MORE
Pushing this button changes to the setup menu SETUP2.
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the main menu.
CAL
CAL
Pushing this button changes to menu CAL. The calibration can only be done in the
CALF / ADJ SCOPE and METER mode.
GATE
CALF
MORE.. Pushing this button changes to the menu CALF. Here the calibration factor can be set
EXIT directly. The calibration factor can
SETUP2 ADJ (only in METER / RIV mode)

If the display is in meter mode and RIV mode is enabled, the CALF button changes to
ADJ. Pushing this button changes to the adjust menu for the RIV function. Further
information can be found in chapter III.5.
GATE
Pushing this button changes to the menu GATE. The gating function reduces noise
coming from e.g. antennas and preprocesses the analog disturbance signal. To use this
option the device need to be equipped with an external gating input. A special
logarithmic preamplifier (RPA6) is also required to amplify the disturbance signal.
MORE
EXIT
27
G MODE G MODE
Pushing this button changes to the gain mode setting menu G MODE.
LLD / P
MISC LLD / P (only active in the SCOPE mode)
Pushing this button changes to the menu LLD/P to adjust the low level discriminator and
MORE.. the phase shift.
EXIT
MISC
SETUP3 Pushing this button changes to the menu MISC for miscellaneous settings.
MORE
EXIT
RECOUT RECOUT
Pushing this button changes to the menu RECOUT. Here the ratio of charge value to
>ESYNC output voltage can be set.
KEYB
ESYNC
MORE.. If this button is selected (>) the synchronization signal is taken from the SYNC IN input,
if possible. To manually turn to the line (mains) frequency, the button must be
EXIT
deselected.
SETUP4
KEYB
Pushing this button changes to the menu KEYB. In here crucial menus, which will
directly affect the PD measurement settings, can be locked and unlocked. To unlock the
keyboard, a sequence of the numbers: 3 4 3 2 must be entered.
MORE
EXIT
28
MAIN + In this menu the amplification of the main-gain and the pre-gain can be set individually.
The gain settings within the MAIN menu will switch between fixed combinations of pre-
MAIN - and main-gain.
PRE +
MAIN + / MAIN -
PRE - Pushing this button increments/decrements the main-gain only.
EXIT
PRE + / PRE -
GAIN Pushing this button increments/decrements the pre-gain only.
EXIT
CF + CF + / CF -
Pushing this button increments/decrements the center frequency (measuring frequency)
CF - for the SCOPE, METER and RIV menu. See also chapter III.5.
EXIT
EXIT
CF
9 kHz 9 kHz / 270 kHz

Pushing this button sets the measuring bandwidth to 9 kHz or 270 kHz. The selected
>270 kHz frequency is marked by '>'.
EXIT
EXIT
BW
k+ k + / k – (only available in the METER display, when RIV mode is selected)

Pushing this button increments / decrements the calibration factor (k) of the RIV
k- measurement directly. If known from a previous calibration, the factor can be set here to
CAL miss a further calibration. The set value is immediately stored in a non-volatile memory.
RESET CAL
EXIT Pushing this button will start one measurement on the 'REF' input for about 1 second.
Thereafter one measurement is done on the selected input channel CHx. The
CAL calculated correction factor (k) can be seen in the bottom right hand side of the display.
This circuit RIV factor is defined as the ratio of the voltage at the input channel (CHx
input) to the signal generator voltage (REF input) k = VCH / VREF .
RESET
Pressing this button will undo the calibration and reset the factor to k = 1. See also
chapter III.5.
EXIT
29
GAIN+ GAIN+/GAIN- (RIV mode not selected)

Pushing this button increments/decrements the total gain by one step. The calibration
GAIN- signal should be 50% to 90% of the total y-axis range. Changing the gain does not
CAL+ calibrate the system. Use the buttons CAL+ or CAL- to recalibrate.
CAL- CAL+/CAL-
EXIT These buttons can be used to enter the calibration value. Together with the measured
peak charge level, the calibration factor is calculated and stored. There is no possibility
CAL to make it undo! The value should be set equal to the value shown on the connected
pulse generator (e.g. CAL1A). For detailed information’s about the calibration procedure
see chapter III.3.3.
EXIT
GAIN+ GAIN+/GAIN-
Pushing this button increments/decrements the total gain by one step. This will have no
GAIN- impact on the calibration factor.
CF+
CF+/CF-
CF- These buttons can be used to set the calibration factor directly. By this function, a
EXIT previous calibration can be used and copied. For detailed information’s about the
calibration procedure see chapter III.4.
CALF
EXIT
ADJ + / ADJ - (only available in the METER display, when RIV mode is selected)
ADJ + These buttons allow to set the value for adjustment. The value should be set according
ADJ - to the voltage set on the signal generator (e.g. CAL3A).
ADJ
ADJ
RESET Pushing this button will adjust the instrument by comparing the measured voltage with
the set voltage (e.g. ADJ: 100µV). See also chapter III.5.3.
EXIT
ADJ RESET
Pushing this button will undo the adjustment. See also chapter III.5.
EXIT
WIN WIN (only available in the SCOPE display)

Pushing this button changes to the menu WIN. The firmware ‘window’ function makes it
MAN possible to blind out pulses with respect to their phase position.
AUTO
MAN, AUTO, BANDW
BANDW Gating with an external sensor (analog gating) is an optional function. An SPECcompact
EXIT with this gating function will have a built in preamplifier (RPA6) and a ‘GATE IN’ terminal
(BNC) on the rear panel. See also chapter III.4.4.
GATE
EXIT
30
<< >>
<< >>
Pushing this button widens the window(s) for blinding out the pulses on the display. The
>> << width of the windows is displayed at upper right side of the screen.
POS>>
>> <<
1 WIN Pushing this button scales down the window(s) for blinding out the pulses on the
EXIT display.
WIN POS>>
Pushing this button changes the position of each window. The phase position value is
shown at upper left side of the display.
1 WIN (2 WIN, 3 WIN, OFF)

Selects the number of windows for the software gating. The phase distances using two
windows is 180° and 120° for three windows. Press ‘1 WIN’ if you want to get one
window for gating. The key always indicates the next option. The status is indicated
in the lower right hand corner next to the menu name (WIN 1, 2, 3, ).
MAN G Instruments with the optional gating function will allow to access these two submenus.
For more information see chapter III.4.4.
AUTO
AUTO
AUTO
If this button is selected (>AUTO), the gain will be adjusted automatically to the
RPA ON maximum level of the current PD-pulses.
MAXA +
>RPA ON
MAXA - If this button is selected (>) the power supply for the preamplifier is turned on. Pushing
this button until the checkmark is off, turns off the supply to the preamplifier and enables
EXIT
to use the AMP IN terminal directly without preamplifier.
G MODE
MAXA + / MAXA -
Pushing this button increments/decrements the maximum attenuation of the main-gain
amplifier. The default setting is “8”, resulting in a maximum attenuation of 1/8. More
details are described in III.1.
EXIT
LLD+/LLD-
LLD+
Pushing this button increments/decrements the level of the Low Level Discriminator.
LLD- This value is displayed at the upper right side of the screen in percent. All discharges
below that level are deleted and not displayed on the screen.
PH<<
PH>> PH<</PH>>
Pushing this button increments/decrements the position of the PD in relation to the zero
EXIT
point of the voltage synchronization line. This value is displayed at the upper left side of
LLDSET the screen in degree.
EXIT
31
LIGHT LIGHT
Pushing this button changes to the menu LIGHT for setting up the timer for the screen
INFO saver.
DISPL
INFO
BEEP Pushing this button changes to the INFO display. This display gives information about
EXIT the current firmware version, hardware release and the mailing address of Power
Diagnostix.
MISC
DISPL
The display modes (SCOPE, METER, SPEC and HVM) can be deselected in this menu.
Modes which are not selected here, can't be accessed.
BEEP
The sound when pressing one of the ten keys can be modified here.
EXIT
5 MIN, 30 MIN, 60 MIN

5 MIN
Pushing these buttons sets the automatic screen saver to 5, 30 or 60 minutes. That
>30 MIN means, when for about 5, 30 or 60 minutes no button has been pressed, the
background lighting of the display will be turned off. The light will be turned on by
60 MIN
pressing any button.
EXIT
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the setup menu MISC.
LIGHT
EXIT
The INFO menu contains information about:

• the actual firmware version and release day (FW Version, FW Release)
• the hardware version (HW Version)
EXIT • some optional instrument functions
• contact details of Power Diagnostix
INFO
32
> SCOPE The display modes which are installed in the instrument can be deselected, if they are
not currently visible. Modes which are deselected in this menu can not be accessed with
> METER the MAIN menu and will be skipped. This will increase the handling, especially when the
> SPEC modes are changed frequently.
HVM
EXIT EXIT
DISPL
LOW, HIGH
LOW
Pushing these buttons switches between a higher or lower sound for the buttons.
HIGH
EXIT
EXIT
BEEP
10pC 10pC, 100pC, 1nC, 10nC / 100µV, 1mV, 10mV, 100mV

Pushing these buttons sets the level of the analog voltage output (RECOUT). The
>100pC scaling is linear.
1nC
Record Button Button Button Button
10nC
Output 10pC 100pC 1nC 10nC
EXIT
0V 0 pC 0 pC 0 nC 0 nC
RECOUT
5V 5 pC 50pC 0.5 pC 5 nC
10V ≥10 pC ≥100 pC ≥1 nC ≥10 nC
(only available in the METER mode when RIV is selected)

100µV Record Button Button Button Button
>1mV Output 100µV 1mV 10mV 100mV
10mV 0V 0 µV 0 µV 0 mV 0 mV
100mV 5V 50 µV 500 µV 5 mV 50 mV
EXIT 10V ≥100 µV ≥1 mV ≥10 mV ≥100 mV
RECOUT
EXIT
33
LOCK LOCK
This button allows to lock the keyboard, leaving only the functions available, which will
not affect the parameters of the instrument. The locked functions are labeled in the
Menu Structure (chapter III.2) by: Entering the KEYB menu while being locked, the
buttons are labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, EXIT. To unlock the keyboard a sequence of the
numbers: 3 4 3 2 must be pressed.
EXIT
EXIT
KEYB
34
III.3 PD Calibration
PD measurements refer to the apparent charge and are relative measurements. Therefore, each new
installation, changes of relevant quantity (e.g. bandwidth, coupling capacitance etc.) requires a new
calibration. This is done by injecting a known PD pulse close to the origin of the real PD source (test object)
and from this calculating the scale factor for the measurement. The injected PD pulse should be in the
range of 50% to 200% of the expected PD magnitude.
III.3.1 Calibration Impulse Generator
There is a broad range of impulse generators offered by Power Diagnostix for different purposes. Table 1
gives an overview of these calibrators. All calibrators allow the calibration of PD measurements according
to IEC60270 / 2000, except the CAL2B and CAL2C, since they left out the injection capacitor to enable
calibration on GIS.
Calibration Range Output Frequency

Impulse Generator
CAL1A 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100pC Injection Capacitor <1pF 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL1B 100, 200, 500pC, 1, 2, 5, 10nC Injection Capacitor <100pF 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL1C 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100pC Voltage output (50Ω) 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL1D 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000pC Injection Capacitor <10pF 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL1E 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50nC Injection Capacitor <500pF 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL1F 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20nC Injection Capacitor <200pF 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL1G 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 nC Injection Capacitor <20pF 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL2A 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50pC Injection Capacitor <1pF 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL2B 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50V (into RL=50Ω) Voltage output (50Ω) 50Hz (60Hz)
CAL2C 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20V (into RL=50Ω) Voltage output (50Ω) 50Hz (60Hz)
Tab.1: Output and Frequency Ranges of PD calibrators
35
All calibrators are switched on with the pushbutton On/Off. Both amplitude
(Range) and polarity (Pos/Neg) of the single charge pulse per cycle are
displayed and can be adjusted by pressing of the two buttons. The instrument
PD • Power Diagnostix Systems is synchronized to line frequency by a photo diode. In case of insufficient
pick-up of power frequency light, it will select automatically the internal quartz
oscillator (50Hz and 60Hz versions available). The button On/Off must be
pressed for more than 1 second to switch the pulse generator off, while
automatic switch-off occurs after approximately 15 min.
Operation time of up to 200 hours are obtainable with the 9V lithium battery
due to an average supply current of approx. 5mA (quiescent current is
Range Pos / Neg
negligible). An alkaline battery resulting in approx. 90 hours of continuous
operation may replace the lithium battery. A weak battery is indicated by the
On / Off
LO BAT sign of the LC display.
0311000 Warning: While changing battery, be aware of internal parts carrying up to

DKD-K- 125V of DC potential!
31101
03-11
Power Diagnostix delivers their standard calibrators with a fully traceable
DKD calibration (DKD-K-31101). This calibration certificate documents the
traceability to national standards, which realize the units of measurement
according to the International System of Units (SI). The DKD (Deutscher
Kalibrierdienst) is signatory to the multilateral agreement of the European co-
operation for Accreditation (EA) for the mutual recognition of calibration
certificates.
Fig. 10: Calibrator
III.3.2 Calibration test set up
The entire signal path from the discharging source to the instrument, as well as some instrument properties
as filters, for instance, are introducing an overall attenuation which is not precisely known. Thus the
calibrator (CAL1A or equivalent) has to be connected to the actual PD source as close as possible. Figure
11 shows an example of a calibration circuit diagram.
Filter
Specimen Coupling
Calibrator
High Capacitor
Voltage
Supply
CIL ICM
RPA
Fig. 11: Example of calibration set up
To calibrate a test setup where a current transformer (as CT1 or CT100) is used, place the positive clip of
the calibrator on the high voltage side of the test object, and the negative clip of the calibrator on the low
voltage side of the test object. This will ensure that the calibration pulse will take the same signal path as
the actual PD pulse.
36
III.3.3 Calibration menu
The SPECcompact offers a calibration menu (CAL) which can be found as first item in the menu SETUP2. To
have the complete information for doing the calibration, it is best to be in the SCOPE display. However, the
menu CAL is not available, when the displays SPEC or HVM are visible. Fig.12 shows the calibration menu in
the SCOPE mode.
Once the calibration pulse is displayed on the

screen, GAIN+ and GAIN− should be used to
place the calibration signal reading between
50% and 90% of full scale (i.e. 4 divisions, since
maximum is at 5 divisions). The CAL+ and
CAL− buttons then adjusts the calibration value
(shown in the upper part of the display). This
value has to be set equal to the one on
calibration impulse generator. The calibration
factor (CALF) is calculated accordingly. There is
no possibility to make it undo!
Fig. 12: Scope Display during Calibration
Calibration factor and all other parameters remain stored when the system is switched off and are
automatically recalled when the system is switched on again. Be sure, that the calibration is only changed in
case of test setup modifications to keep the integrity of the monitoring results.
If the calibration factor is known from previous

calibrations or from an identical test setup, it is
also possible to directly enter this value. In the
menu ‘CALF’, the calibration factor can be
entered directly. For this change, it is not
necessary to adjust the gain, since there is no
processing of the measurement value. The
calibration factor (CALF) is displayed in the top
left corner and relates to a virtual gain of 1.
Fig. 13: Setting the calibration factor
Caution: For calibration the system has to be de-energized.
37
III.4 Noise Reduction
III.4.1 LLD noise ground (Low-Level Discriminator)
Depending on the environment and the test circuit, different level of background noise are visible (see Fig.14).
Since this noise level is usually stable for the whole phase (360°), it can be removed by the LLD function (low
level discriminator). All PD pulses falling beneath
the LLD-threshold are deleted. This will remove
broad black band in the NORM, SINUS mode of
the SCOPE display.
Fig. 14: PD pattern including noise level (LLD=0%)
The LLD can be set in the menu SETUP2 \

LLD/P by the buttons LLD+ and LLD-. The
standard setting is 10%. The LLD function is not
active in the METER display.
Fig. 15: PD pattern without noise level
38
III.4.2 Window Mask (Software)
Some disturbances like thyristor firing are

phase stable. They can be removed by the
software function WIN. This function selects up
to 3 windows which blank out pulses occurring
in these windows. Pulses occurring within these
windows will neither contribute to the displayed
charge peak value of the SCOPE display, nor
will they affect the reading of the meter.
Fig. 16 PD pattern with one phase stable disturbance

Fig.16 and Fig.17 show the same
measurement, whereby in Fig.17 one window
is set to blind the respective phase position.
The menu SETUP1 \ WIN offers to set 0 to 3

windows. The number of windows can be
changed by ‘OFF’, ‘1 WIN’, ‘2 WIN’, ‘3 WIN’
and is displayed at the bottom line. The width
of each window is identic and can be increased
by ‘<<>>’ or decreased by ‘>><<’. The phase
position is changed by ‘POS>>’.
Fig. 17: PD pattern with one window at 93.2°
If a second window is selected the distance to

the first will be 180°, for three windows the
distances are 120°.
As in the previous menu, the window

parameters remain stored after deactivating
the window function or when the instrument is
switched off.
Fig. 18: Three windows of 120° distance, LLD=0%
III.4.3 External Signal Gating (TTL Gating, optional)
If disturbances, like switching of a relay or thyristor firing, have a known source, it might be possible to
create a TTL signal prior to the disturbance. This signal can be used to blind out the PD measurement
path. The TTL gating function is an optional function and has to be ordered separately. SPECcompact’s
with this optional function have a BNC connector on the rear panel labeled ‘TTL gate’. For the time this
input is logically high (5VDC; TTL standard) no signal is taken from the AMP_IN terminal i.e. no PD signal is
recorded.
39
III.4.4 Gating With External Sensor (Optional, Analog Gating)
An effective noise reduction is required in case the SPECcompact is used for partial discharge
measurements in an environment with high frequency (HF) disturbance. HF disturbances, which hamper
partial discharge detection and which can be handled by the gating function are, for instance, radar signals,
corona discharge, or thyristor firing. Using the analog gating function blind out such impulse noise.
Continuous radio frequency signals from
broadcasting, for example, cannot be removed
by the gating function. Here, the active bridge
adapter AB1 is used.
The analog gating function is an optional

function and has to be ordered separately. A
SPECcompact with a gating function comes
with a built-in preamplifier (RPA6) and a ‘GATE
IN’ terminal (BNC) on the rear panel. An
antenna or another sensor that picks up the
disturbance signal is connected to this ‘GATE
Fig. 19: PD pattern including disturbances IN’ terminal. With some applications a CT1
(current transformer) is used to acquire the
disturbance signal from a ground conductor or
from the screen of a signal cable.
The gating function is activated in the menu

MAN G or AUTO G (see chapter III.2 Key
Menus). ‘>ON’ indicates activated gating. In
case the (disturbance) signal at 'GATE IN'
terminal exceeds the set threshold level, the
processing of the analog signal is blocked for
100µs at 50Hz. Thus, the signals falling in this
period does not contribute to the instrument's
display and derived quantities.
Fig. 20: PD pattern after manual gating
Two different modes of setting the trigger can be selected from the menu ‘GATE’:
MAN - The manual mode offers to set the trigger from 1 to 100 % of the peak disturbance level. This
threshold is displayed in the upper right corner of the display (MAN G) once this mode is active.
To change the trigger level press ‘TH +’ and ‘TH –‘. This option is used to remove a known
disturbance source in a stable environment.
AUTO - The automatic mode calculates a gating time as a fixed portion of the measured time. E.g.
setting the gating time to 10% results in a total blind-out time of 2ms for 20ms @ 50Hz. The
trigger level will be set accordingly to this time. The total gating time, when activated, is
displayed in the upper right corner of the menu ‘AUTO G’. Pushing ‘GT +’ and ‘GT –‘ allows
changing the gating from 1% to 50%. This option is used to when the noise situation is likely to
change over time.
Bandwidth Mode Frequency Range The built-in preamplifier (RPA6) has a logarithmic
amplification and can be set to three different frequency
MODE1 40kHz to 800kHz ranges, which are selected in the submenu ‘BANDW’. The
MODE2 2MHz to 20MHz active bandwidth mode is marked by ‘>’. Table 2 lists the
MODE3 200MHz to 600MHz frequency bands for the three modes.
Tab.2: Frequency modes of the RPA6
40
An SPECcompact equipped with the gating function offers the following additional menus. They can be
accessed only in the ‘SCOPE’ display ‘SETUP’/’GATE’ menu:
MAN
MAN
Pushing this button changes to the submenu for manual gating (see below).
AUTO AUTO
Pushing this button changes to the submenu for automatic gating (see below).
BANDW
BANDW
Pushing this button changes to the sub-menu, where the frequency bands of the
EXIT preamplifier (RPA6) can be set (see last menu bar on this page).
EXIT
GATE Pushing this button changes one level up to the menu SETUP2.
TH+ TH+/TH-
Pushing these buttons increments or decrements the gating threshold level. This value
TH- is displayed at the upper right side of the screen in percent. If the gating analog signal
exceeds this level, the measurement PD signal is blocked for 100µs at 50Hz. The
gating time per noise event Tg depends on the synchronization
>ON 1
frequency and is calculated by Tg =
(where fsync is the sync frequency displayed in the left bottom fsync ⋅ 197
EXIT
corner of the display):
MAN G ON (>ON)
This button turns the gating function on (>ON) or off ( ON). The gating function remains
off, if no preamplifier is connected to the gating input. Usually, the preamplifier is build
in.
EXIT
Pushing this button changes one level up to the menu GATE.
GT+ GT+/GT-
Pushing these buttons increments or decrements the total gating time. This value is
GT- displayed at the upper right side of the screen in percent. The instrument automatically
adjusts the threshold level. If the gating signal exceeds this automatically set level, then
the PD signal (AMP IN) is blocked for 100µs at 50Hz.
>ON ON (>ON)
EXIT This button turns the gating function on (>ON) or off ( ON). The gating function remains
off, if no preamplifier is connected to the gating input. Usually, the preamplifier is build
AUTO G in.
EXIT
MODE1 MODE1
Pushing this button selects the frequency range 1 (40kHz to 800kHz) for the
MODE2 preamplifier RPA6 at the gating input.
>MODE3 MODE2
Pushing this button selects the frequency range 2 (2MHz to 20MHz) for the preamplifier
RPA6 at the gating input.
EXIT MODE3
Pushing this button selects the frequency range 3 (200MHz to 600MHz) for the
BANDW preamplifier RPA6 at the gating input.
EXIT
41
III.5 RIV measurement
III.5.1 Introduction
The RIV mode is for the measurement of 'Radio Influence Voltage' according to NEMA 107-1987 and other
relevant standards. In this mode, the bandwidth is fixed to 9 kHz. Technically it is a selective µV-meter.
However, the meter reading is weighted according to the CISPRE weighting curve, whereas the repetition
rate has a strong impact on the reading. The calibration of the RIV mode is done with the CAL3A.
III.5.2 RIV Calibrator CAL3A
The CAL3A is switched on with the pushbutton On/Off. This

button must be pressed for more than 1 second to switch the
PD • Power Diagnostix Systems
generator off, while automatic switch-off occurs after
approximately 8 min. The same button allows to toggle
between the continuous mode (Cont.) and the burst mode
(Burst). The burst mode is indicated by a blinking '+' sign.
During the burst mode, the calibration signal is turned on for Fig.22: Burst mode
Range Cont./ Burst about 8 ms each cycle (20ms at 50Hz version).
On / Off
The amplitude is set by the 'Range' button in following steps: 10µV, 20µV, 50µV,
100µV, 200µV, 500µV, 1mV, 2mV, 5mV, 10mV.
The signal frequency can be set by the rotary switch on the left side of the
calibrator. The top position '0' selects to 600 kHz. It is increased in steps of E0 2
C 4
50 kHz up to 1350 kHz. The standard frequency of 1 MHz is selected at A86
Fig. 21: calibrator lowest position '8'. The following table shows the switch position and the
selected frequency in kHz.
0 2 4 6 8 A C E
600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000 1050 1100 1150 1200 1250 1300 1350
Tab.3: Frequency selection on the CAL3A
42
III.5.3 RIV Adjustment

Before taking measurements with the SPECcompact, the system set-up should at least once be adjusted.
This will correct any instrument drift and the impact of the signal path between the calibrator (CAL3A) and
the acquisition unit. For the adjustment, the CAL3A is to be connected to the 'REF' input of the
SPECcompact with the coax cable usually used with measurements. The lead between the specimen and
the calibrator has to be disconnected. It should be ensured, that the same frequency is selected at the
CAL3A and the SPECcompact, which is typically 1 MHz. This can be set in the menu SETUP1 / CF or
CURSOR / -> CF. Within the menu 'ADJ' the buttons 'ADJ+' and 'ADJ-' allow to set the induced voltage of
the CAL3A. Pressing the 'ADJ' button will correct the calculated value. This adjustment is permanently
stored until a new adjustment is done or the adjustment is removed at all by the 'RESET' button. However,
it is recommended to check the adjustment on a regular basis.
III.5.4 RIV Calibration

The SPECcompact is able to automatically measure, calculate and store the circuit RIV factor (k). This
calibration should be done after the instrument is adjusted. However, if this factor is already known from a
previous calibration, it can be entered in the 'CAL' menu by 'k+' and 'k-'. This 'CAL' menu is only accessible
while in the RIV mode and in the METER display. The actual factor is displayed in the bottom right hand
side of the display ('k= '). It should be between 0.25 and 1.
For calibration the HV-conductor is to be disconnected and the calibrator (CAL3A) should be connected as
close as possible to the actual RIV source. Fig. 23 shows an example of a calibration on a transformer
bushing. By the use of a BNC T-connector, the calibrator can also stay connected to the 'REF' input of the
SPECcompact (as it was done during adjustment). Pushing the 'CAL' button within the RIV / CAL menu,
will start one measurement on the 'REF' input for about 1 second. Thereafter one measurement is done on
the selected input channel CHx. The calculated correction factor (k) can be seen in the bottom right hand
side of the display.
HV off
connected for disconnected
calibration during adjustment
Power Diagnostix
C1
1.00 S/N:000
mV REMOTE
C2 Bushing
Tap
CAL3A
CIL4M/V2µ0
CC PD
GND U
Fig. 23 Example of a test set-up on a transformer bushing for the adjustment and calibration.
43
III.6 HVM - High Voltage Meter Display (optional)
Instruments with the option of a HVM display (high voltage meter) are able to calculate and display the
voltage waveform connected to the SYNC IN terminal. The scaling of the amplitude and time base is done
automatically so that one full waveform is displayed. The calculated values URMS and Û/√2 can also be
shown in the other selected displays (SCOPE, METER and RIV), however this will decrease their refreshing
rate.
The displayed waveform has no impact on the calculation of the values shown in the top two rows or other
Û peak _ voltage
menus. The crest factor (Crest) is calculated by = resulting in a factor of 1.41 for
URMS effective _ voltage
not distorted sine waves.
To adjust the signal voltage entering (SYNC IN) to

the measured voltage the divider factor (DIV.) can
be changed.
The voltage frequency and the scaling factor for the

displayed waveform are shown in the bottom row.
Fig. 24: HVM display showing voltage waveform
One voltage value (URMS, Û/√2) can be selected in

the menu MODE, which is then displayed in the
SCOPE or METER mode.
Fig. 25: MODE menu for the HVM mode
Fig. 26: SCOPE display with URMS value
44
DIV DIV
Changes to the submenu DIV. Here the divider ratio of the high voltage divider can be
set.
MODE
MODE
SCOPE
Pushing this button changes to the MODE H menu. (see description below)
SETUP
SCOPE
MAIN H Pushing this button changes to the SCOPE menu.
SETUP
UP / DOWN
UP
Sets the divider ratio of the high voltage divider. The selected character (.) can be
DOWN increased (UP) or decreased (DOWN) by pushing the button. The ratio has to be
inserted as a factor of 1/x e.g. with a divider factor of DIV = 1000 a maximum measuring
<<
range of 100kVeff is possible. Since the maximum input Voltage is 100Veff or 200Vpeak.
>>
EXIT << / >>
To select the character which should be changed the cursor (.) can be moved up (<<) or
DIV down (>>) in range by this buttons.
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the menu MAIN H.
Urms
Urms
Setting this option displays additionally the root-mean-square value of the voltage in the
Û/√2 further selected displays.
Û/√2
> OFF Setting this option displays the peak value divided by 1.414 in the further selected
displays.
EXIT
MODE H OFF
Turns off the additional display of the voltage value in the further menus. This will
increase the refreshing cycles in the other displays since the voltage value is not
calculated.
EXIT
Pushing this button changes to the menu MAIN H.
45
IV Miscellaneous
IV.1 Maintenance
The SPECcompact does not require any maintenance on a regular basis. However, the adjustment of the
RIV function as described in chapter III.5 should be done in regular time intervals or if the instrument is not
used for a longer period. The calibrators (like CAL1A or CAL3A) as the reference sources, however, must
be calibrated on an annual basis to ensure that its output signal remains within the recommended
boundaries.
IV.2 Shipment Instructions
In case a unit needs to be returned to the factory, make sure the acquisition unit is packed safely. As the
units are relative small, shipment by couriers, such as DHL, FedEx, or equivalent is the recommended
mode of transportation. If possible, declare the instrument as 'used instruments for evaluation' at a relative
low value. Consult Power Diagnostix for further details. Additionally, Power Diagnostix may provide you
with a temporary replacement unit, in case of urgent needs.
46
IV.3 Declaration of Conformity
Power Diagnostix Systems GmbH

Brüsseler Ring 95a
52074 Aachen
Germany
declares, that the instrument as specified below, meets the requirements of the standards and/or normative
documents as listed below.
Subsequently the instrument complies with the requirements of the EMC directive 89/336/EEC and
92/31/EEC.
Product: SPECcompact
Description: Partial discharge analyzer comprising a spectrum analyzer, a partial discharge detector and
an RIV -meter in one instrument.
Standards: EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2

EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-6-4
EN 61010-1:2001
Date: May 2006
Detlev Gross (managing director)
Remark: Since the measurement of radio influence voltage is done in frequency bands partly occupied by
radio transmission, and since further test leads may act as antennas, disturbance free measurements may
require well shielded environments and/or additional filter techniques.
47
V Technical Data of the SPECcompact
Mains Supply: 85-264 VAC, 47-440 Hz (automatic)

Line Fuse: 1.6 A (time-lag)
Power Requirements: approx. 20VA
Display: backlit LCD
Display Resolution: 128 x 240 Pixel S/W
Operation: 10 pushbuttons
(5x menu supported and 5x fixed functions)
Number of channel: 3x and 1x Ref, 4x Sync

alternative 11x and 1x Ref, 12x Sync
(depending on version)
Input Impedance (PD): 10kΩ//50pF (RPA1-Input),

1kΩ//50pF (RPA1L-Input)
50 Ω (CH/REF-Input)
Input Sensitivity: < 5 µV (9 kHz bandwidth)

< 50 µV (270 kHz bandwidth)
Maximum input voltage: 120 mV (270 kHz bandwidth, SPEC mode)

5 mV (9 kHz bandwidth, SPEC mode)
2,5 mV (RIV mode)
140 Vrms (200Vpeak) SYNC input
A/D Converter: 12 bit (SPEC mode)

+/-7 bit (SCOPE)
Precision: < 5%
Frequency: 10 kHz – 10 MHz
Bandwidth: 9 kHz or 270 kHz
Operation Temperature: 10-40°C (non condensing)
Size: Width: 236mm

Height: 133mm
Depth: 300mm (exclusive BNC-Connectors)
Weight: approx. 4 kg
48
VI INDEX
DIV..................... 49 KEYB ................. 37

A divider ratio......... 49 S
L
acquisition unit ......6 Safety ................... 4
E
adj.......................13 LIGHT ................ 35 SCOPE............... 17
adjustment ..........47 EXT.................... 13 LLD ...............33, 41 shipment ............. 50
AMP......................6 LOCK................... 6 span ................... 15
analog gating ......43 F LOW .................. 36 SPEC ................. 15
AUTO............ 14, 43 low level discriminator start .................... 15
FAST.................. 23
automatic gating..45 ..................33, 41 STEP............ 25, 27
FILTER............... 26
AVG .............. 25, 26 SWEEP .............. 25
FREQ ........... 15, 23
M SWP................... 26
frequency ........... 46
B SYNC ......... 6, 7, 12
frequency bands . 45 mains supply ...8, 10
synchronization... 12
BANDW ..............45 frequency range.. 45 maintenance....... 50
BEEP..................35 manual gating..... 45
T
brightness.............6 G METER .............. 19
burst mode..........46 MHD................... 26 technical data ..... 52
g......................... 13
BW .....................28 threshold level..... 45
G MODE............. 29
N thyristor firing 42, 43
G...gating............ 13
C TR_A .................. 26
GAIN .21, 22, 28, 30 Noise Reduction. 41
TRACE ............... 23
C/W ....................26 GATE ................. 28 NORM...........18, 23
TTL Gating.......... 42
CAL .............. 30, 40 gate in .................. 7
CALF ............ 32, 40 gating ........... 42, 43 P
U
calibration ..... 39, 47 gating time .......... 45
PH...................... 33
CF ......................32 GND ............... 8, 10 UP DOWN.......... 49
phase shift ....17, 33
CH ........................7 Upeak................. 48
POS ................... 33
clearing time .......45 H Urms ................... 49
preamplifier9, 10, 43
conformity...........51
HF disturbances . 43
connections ........10 Û
HIGH .................. 36 Q
control buttons ......6
HOLD ........... 18, 23 Û/(2 .................... 49
correction factor ..47 quadrupole ........... 9
HVM ................... 48
coupling unit........10 V
CP ......................26 R
I
crest factor..........48 voltage output ..... 36
Range ................ 39
CURSOR ............23 IEC270 ......... 19, 23
REC OUT........8, 36
Impulse Generator38 W
ref ........................ 7
D INFO................... 35
refresh rate ........ 18 WIN .............. 33, 42
declaration..........51 remote.................. 8 window ......... 33, 42
K
DISPL.................35 RIV..................... 46
display ................13 k.. ....................... 13 RPA ..............10, 13
key menus .......... 20

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SPECcompact Partial Discharge Analyzer

I.1 About this Manual.........................................................................................................................4

I.2 Instrument Safety .........................................................................................................................4

I.3 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................5

II.1 The Acquisition Unit......................................................................................................................6

III Operation ......................................................................................................................................12

III.1 Main Functions...........................................................................................................................12

III.2 Key Menus .................................................................................................................................19

III.4 Noise Reduction.........................................................................................................................37

III.5 RIV measurement.......................................................................................................................41

III.6 HVM - High Voltage Meter Display (optional) ..............................................................................43

IV.1 Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................45

IV.2 Shipment Instructions .................................................................................................................45

IV.3 Declaration of Conformity ...........................................................................................................46

V Technical Data of the SPECcompact.................................................................................................47

I.1 About this Manual

I.2 Instrument Safety

II.1 The Acquisition Unit

Fig. 1: SPECcompact front panel in ½ 19'' rack

Fig. 2: Rear panel of a three channel SPECcompact

II.1.1 Optional Functions for the SPECcompact

The instrument can be equipped with several optional features as:

II.2.1 Measuring Impedance

PD Power Diagnostix Systems

II.2.2 Preamplifier (optional)

The RPA1 is the standard preamplifier for measurements in the low

The RPA1L and RPA1H are for measurements in higher frequency

HV Caution: The CHx are only to be connected with the

Mains System Serial PC To Recorder Gating External

II.2.3.1 Synchronizing the SPECcompact

III.1 Main Functions

SPEC display SCOPE display METER display

G ...................external gating is turned on

(3/2)...............Channel 3 (CH3) and SYNC 2 is selected, keys are unlocked

(2/1/L)............Channel 2 (CH2) and SYNC 1 is selected, keys are locked

k=...................Circuit RIV factor, calculated during calibration by k = UCH / UREF

ADJ:...............Factor to adjust the instrument for the RIV measurement

CSR:...............Frequency at the cursor position

III.1.1 SPEC mode

OFF Turns off the trace; graph is not visible.

III.1.2 SCOPE mode

Fig. 6 shows the Scope display with NORM

The FREEZE function allows to fix the currant

III.1.3 METER mode

Synchronisation Peak Charge Level [pC] Selected Label of

Fig.8: METER display mode

III.2 Key Menus

GAIN+ >NORM GAIN+ FAST GAIN+ FREQ SWEEP DIV

GAIN CAL CAL G MODE RECOUT

TH+ GT+ 5 MIN

Fig. 9: Menu overview

III.2.1 Key Menus Description

GAIN+ GAIN+ / GAIN-

GAIN+ GAIN+ / GAIN-

GAIN+ GAIN+ / GAIN-

III.6 HVM Display

START + START + / START -

A_OFF, A_C/W, A_MHD, A_VW, A_AVG

TRACE C_OFF, C_C/W, C_MHD, C_VW, C_AVG