Modular EMC test system uses IR link for safety

The new Modula range of mains interference EMC test equipment offers maximum functional safety and full compliance with relevant testing safety standards.

The new Modula range of mains interference EMC test equipment offers maximum functional safety and full compliance with relevant testing safety standards.

The innovative Modula is the result of a ground-up rethink of test equipment functionality and offers greater ease of operation in laboratory and production test facilities than previously available.

Full control of the system is available remotely by a wireless infra-red connected PDA.

The modular concept behind this new range offers better value to end users than traditional test systems as individual test modules may be added to the system as required.

This pay-as-you-need philosophy allows systems to be configured exactly as required with no redundancy.

This approach also has the flexibility to cope with changes to individual test standards without replacing the complete test system.

Using an open communications architecture and with a high degree of communication ability, Modula products can be integrated seamlessly into existing or new test systems.

The new system is designed to carry out EMC tests to determine immunity to mains born interference of electrical equipment for applications such as household appliances and office equipment as well as light to moderate industrial applications.

The Modula offers the following standard test solutions: surge generator to IEC61000-4-5, burst generator to EN61000-4-4 and mains dropout simulators to IEC61000-4-11.

Additionally, compact multifunction test packages are available for commonly made tests such as surge/burst/dropout.

The system is expandable to include magnetic field testing, voltage variations, three-phase coupling networks and data-cable coupling.

A master controller in the Modula system architecture takes care of overall "real-time" control and communicates with all other test units both locally within the Modula and externally via an Interbus link.

The Interbus connection enables system expansion and integration into larger test systems.

Each test module has its own internal controller to communicate with the master controller and allows the user to access all possible operating modes and limiting values.

User and system safety is ensured by switch protected high voltage outputs, linked monitoring circuits, which form a comprehensive protection network, and an emergency "off" button de-activates the whole installation in a safe manner if required.

The Modula system may be operated in a number of ways.

Each instrument is delivered with simple PC software as standard, which runs on Windows 95 and higher.

This software also enables control via standard Ethernet as found on most computers and runs under TCP/IP.

This enables Modula to be run as a stand-alone test system or be connected to a network where remote diagnosis and maintenance may be carried out.

An innovative alternative to PC control is the use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) connected via wireless infra-red link.

All test functions are clearly displayed and accessed on the easy to use touchscreen ensuring simple, error-free operation.

This allows freedom of movement around the laboratory and equipment under test with the Modula controlled at distances up to 10m.

The simple to use WIN Modula software includes automatic system component detection and enables access to all installed features and tests.

Available tests are shown as profiles to allow test procedures to be built up using sequential functions.

Custom or special test routines may be created or downloaded from the Internet.

The connection and administration of additional test generators is also easily accommodated.

Test reports may be constructed in a number of ways to suit individual needs.

The report generator may be accessed, online, while a test is in progress and notes or observations added to the final test report, time stamped for authenticity.

"Our new Modula test system is an exciting addition to our compliance testing product range", says Andrew Kotas, Marketing Manager at Schaffner EMC.

"Using a PDA for remote control brings a new dimension of convenience to users who often have to work in difficult situations".

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