SFRA User Guide
SFRA User Guide
SFRA User Guide
PN 500-0295
72A-1849-01 Rev. B
06/02
Warranty
Equipment Limited
Warranty
Software Limited
Warranty
Limitations of
Remedies
Contents
Preface ............................................................................................................ ix
Structure of This Guide........................................................................................................... ix
Document Conventions........................................................................................................... x
Contents
ii
iii
iv
Figures
Figure 1.1
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Figure 3.3
Figure 3.4
Figure 3.5
Figure 3.6
Figure 3.7
Figure 3.8
Figure 3.9
Figure 3.10
Figure 3.11
Figure 3.12
Figure 3.13
Figure 3.14
Figure 3.15
Figure 3.16
Figure 3.17
Figure 3.18
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
Figure 4.6
Figure 4.7
Figure 4.8
Figure 5.1
Figures
Figure 5.2
Figure 5.3
Figure 5.4
Figure A.1
Figure A.2
vi
5-4
5-6
5-7
A-3
A-8
Tables
Table 5.1
Table B.1
Table B.2
Table B.3
Table B.4
Table B.5
Table B.6
Table B.7
Table B.8
vii
viii
Preface
Structure of This Guide
This guide consists of five chapters, two appendices and an index.
Chapter 1 SFRA Introduction and Theory
Describes the method of Sweep Frequency
Response testing.
Chapter 2 Getting Started with the M5100 SFRA Instrument
Gives an overview of the M5100 SFRA Instrument
and its associated accessories.
Chapter 3 M5100 SFRA Software
Explains the features and functions of the M5100
SFRA software, as well as describing the
requirements and installation for use on a PC.
Chapter 4 Setup and Operation
Provides a detailed description on setting up the
test set, preparing the transformer for tests, test
connections, and obtaining results. Basically a
start-to-finish list of instructions for a crew planning
to do SFRA testing.
Chapter 5 Data Interpretation
Explains how to analyze the data once the testing is
complete.
Appendix A Application Tips
Discusses the role of cable impedance, grounding
and noise in instrument operation.
Appendix B M5100 SFRA Instrument Specifications
Lists the physical and environmental specifications
for the instrument.
ix
Document Conventions
Document Conventions
Buttons, Picklist Items, Menu Items, etc.
Items that are selected by the user buttons, menu
items, etc. are shown in this text.
Windows
User-entered text
NOTE
WARNING
1-1
SFRA Theory
SFRA Theory
The primary objective of SFRA is to determine how the impedance of a
test specimen behaves over a specified range of frequencies. The
impedance is a distributive network of real and reactive electrical
components. The components are passive in nature, and can be modeled
by resistors, inductors, and capacitors. The reactive properties of a given
test specimen are dependent upon and sensitive to changes in frequency.
The change in impedance versus frequency can be dramatic in many
cases. This behavior becomes apparent when we model the impedance
as a function of frequency. The result is a transfer function representation
of the RLC network in the frequency domain.
Frequency response analysis is generally applied to a complex network
of passive elements. For practical purposes, we will only consider
resistors, inductors, and capacitors as passive circuit elements, and they
are assumed to be ideal. These three fundamental elements are the
building blocks for various physical devices, such as transformers,
motors, generators, and other electrical apparatus.
It is important to understand the difference between the physical device
and the mathematical model we intend to use. When large and complex
systems are electrically analyzed, we are often faced with a poorly
defined distributed network. A distributed network contains an infinite
amount of infinitely small RLC elements. For example, transmission lines
are generally distributed in nature. It is practical to model such
distributed systems by lumping the basic RLC components together,
resulting in a lumped network. Lumping elements together for a single
frequency is a trivial task, however, when system modeling requires
spanning over a significant frequency interval, then producing a suitable
lumped model becomes difficult.
When a transformer is subjected to SFRA testing, the leads are configured
in such a manner that four terminals are used. These four terminals can
be divided into two unique pairs, one pair each for the input and the
output. These terminals can be modeled in a two-terminal pair or a
two-port network configuration. Figure 1.1 illustrates a two-port network.
1-2
H ( j ) =
Voutput ( j )
Vinput ( j )
1-3
SFRA Theory
H ( j ) =
Voutput
Vinput
50
Z ( j ) + 50
A(dB) = 20 log10 (H ( j ) )
A( ) = tan 1 (H ( j ) )
1-4
2-1
Controller
Controller
The M5100 SFRA Instrument is outfitted with various indicators, ports
and connections (Figure 2.2).
USB Ports
External
Printer Port
Test Lead
Intensity Control
Network Port
Power On
Power Indicator
Keyboard
and Mouse
Ground
2-2
The test leads are made from low loss RG-58 RF coaxial cable with the
shields grounded to the instrument chassis through a standard connector.
The M5100 SFRA Instrument requires a matched impedance signal
cable, and performs a single end measurement, that is, the signal is
measured with respect to the instrument ground. The shield of the signal
cable must be connected to the chassis using a 50 Ohm
impedance-matched RF BCN connector. Practical field experience
dictates the lead be 60 ft. in length. This length is the shortest length
useful to test the largest transformers from a location on the ground,
adjacent to the unit. Nevertheless, it is the lead length that determines the
maximum effective frequency.
NOTE
The cables and connectors supplied with the instrument should not be
modified in any manner.
Test lead connectors are large enough to clamp directly onto the bushing
terminals and will form a good connection.
Grounds
2-3
2-4
Menu Choices
Test Initiation and Control
Test Status
Data Display
The M5100 SFRA software operates from the main instrument screen and
automatically starts when the instrument is started. This screen is shown
in Figure 3.1 with call outs to its components.
3-1
Main Menu
Graphical
View Tabs
Test Initiation
and Control
Plot
Legend
Cursor
Selection
Test Status
Graph
Palette
Cursor
Locations
Lock to Plot
Bring to Center
File
Select Bands
Clear Graph
Analysis Mode
Frequency Scale
Calibrate
Help (not available through this function)
3-2
Current Frequency
Magnitude (Response)
Drive Amplitude
Vertical Range
Autorange
Clipping
The Trigger Status indicator displays any relevant error messages, and
tracks the percentage to test completion in bar graph form.
4. Data Display shows all collected and entered data. This area consists
of five plotting screens and one tabular screen, which are selected by
clicking the corresponding tab. The tab choices are:
Magnitude*
Phase*
Waveform*
Sub Band Magnitude
Sub Band Phase
Nameplate
Menu Choices
Menu choices provide access to data management routines such as
recalling data and saving data, while other menu choices are used to
configure the operation of the instrument. The menu choices are:
NOTE
File
Select Bands
Clear Graph
Analysis Mode
Frequency Scale
Calibrate
Help (not available through this function)
The Menu Choices can be accessed by shortcut keys. The ALT key in
combination with the corresponding underlined letter selects the
desired menu choice.
3-3
Menu Choices
File
The File pull-down menu includes Recall Data, Save Data, Print Screen,
and Quit Program (Figure 3.2).
Recall Data
Select Recall Data and the Open File window appears (Figure 3.3). This
window is used to browse for the desired files.
3-4
Save Data
Select Save Data and the Save File window appears (Figure 3.4). This
window is used to browse for the desired location to save files.
Print Screen
Select Print Screen to print the current plot in portrait to the active
printer. One plot is printed per page and the filename is appended to the
top of the printed page. The plot, grid, and legend colors are inverted to
minimize printer resources.
Quit Program
3-5
Menu Choices
Select Bands
3-6
Clear Graph
NOTE
Click Clear Graph and Figure 3.6 appears. This dialog box is used to
clear plots and nameplates. Plots can be cleared one at a time or in
groups.
Once a plot is cleared it is deleted from memory.
3-7
Menu Choices
Analysis Mode
Frequency Scale
Calibrate
NOTE
Help
3-8
Start Test
Click Start Test to start a test (or press the F1 function key). Once Start
Test is clicked the plot list dialog box shown in Figure 3.8 appears.
Using the Clear Graph function on the menu bar to delete any
unwanted plots reactivates those positions on the plot list. The Clear
Graph function deletes the data associated with that plot.
3-9
Test Status
Abort Test
Click Abort Test to abort a test (or press the F2 function key).
The Abort Test function only affects the active trace; previous data traces
are not lost. Once a test is aborted, two options exist:
Keep all data associated with the aborted trace.
Disregard and delete all data associated with the aborted trace.
NOTE
Test Status
The Test Status displays several operational parameters while the
instrument is running, including:
Trigger Status
Trigger Status
Test Status
Current Frequency
Magnitude (Response)
Drive Amplitude
Vertical Range
Autorange
Clipping
The Trigger Status indicator has two states (Figure 3.9 and Figure 3.10).
3-10
Current Frequency
Response
Drive Amplitude
The Drive Amplitude is the active level of the excitation source. The
arbitrary generator can provide up to 10 V when placed across a high
impedance. The arbitrary generator lowers its output when it experiences
lower impedances. The arbitrary generator output level varies depending
on the impedance of the specimen. It varies between 10 V for high
impedance specimens and 5 V for low impedance specimens.
Vertical Range
For the M5100 SFRA Instrument to be accurate, it scales the inputs as the
signal level changes. The Vertical Range changes with signal level and
indicates the present measuring range being used. The M5100 SFRA
Instrument automatically sets the Vertical Range. The range is set from
10.00 V to 25 mV in 10% increments, depending on the signal level
being measured. As the magnitude plot becomes more attenuated the
Vertical Range is expected to decrease. The Vertical Range is a good
indicator of the signal level being measured.
3-11
Data Display
Autorange
As the signal level changes, the Vertical Range is expected to follow. The
Autorange indicates any change in the Vertical Range. Autorange is a
green light indicator that illuminates bright green when the active
Vertical Range changes. When no change takes place between discrete
measurements the Autorange indicator remains dark.
Clipping
Data Display
All collected data, whether it be magnitude or phase traces or nameplate
data, is displayed in this area. The Data Display consists of five plotting
screens and one tabular screen, which are selected using the
corresponding tabs.
Magnitude
The Magnitude plot displays the voltage in/voltage out relationship of the
two measured waveforms. Up to nine plots can be displayed at one time.
The X-axis is scaled in frequency (Hz), and the Y-axis is scaled in
decibels (dB).
Phase
The Phase plot displays the phase shift relationship of the two measured
waveforms. Up to 9 plots can be displayed at one time. The X-axis is
scaled in frequency (Hz), and the Y-axis is scaled in degrees.
Waveform
The Waveform plot is only active while a test is running and measures
the actual reference and measured waveforms. These two waveforms do
not provide any diagnostic information for the apparatus being tested,
however they can be used to verify the quality and integrity of the test
signals. The Waveform plot can be very useful in visually identifying any
interference issues that may exist.
Sub Band
Magnitude
The Sub Band Magnitude provides three separate scaled plots, which are
derived from the main Magnitude plot. These plots represent various
frequency ranges from low to high, where the top plot represents the
lower frequency range and bottom plot represents the higher frequency
range.
3-12
The Sub Band Magnitude plots are scaled by the following frequency
ranges:
20 Hz to 20 kHz
200 Hz to 200 kHz
2 kHz to 2 MHz
Similar to the Sub Band Magnitude plots, Sub Band Phase also provides
three separate scaled plots, however they are derived from the main
Phase plot. They share the same frequency scaled range as the Sub Band
Magnitude plots.
Nameplate
3-13
Data Display
LTC
Nameplate to Edit/View
More than one nameplate can be associated with
one data file. This is useful for saving overlaid data
from different test specimens. The Nameplate to
Edit/View pull-down menu allows the user to
choose between all available nameplates for a
given test specimen.
It is in the Nameplate display where the plot names
can be edited. Any changes to the plot names are
carried through to all plots.
As the Nameplate information is entered the
M5100 SFRA software automatically generates a
filename. This is the filename that is saved when
Save is selected. Five fields are used to generate the
filename. As these fields are entered, they are
appended together:
Company
Location
Manufacturer
Serial Number
Test Date
3-14
Display Band
The Display Band selection box offers a short cut to scaling the X-axis.
Figure 3.12 shows the available scaling options offered by Display Band.
Graph Palette
The Graph Palette (Figure 3.13) has three buttons: Zoom, Cursor
Movement, and Pan.
Zoom
Pan
Cursor
Movement
3-15
Data Display
Zoom Tool
Click the Zoom tool and the Zoom palette appears. The Zoom palette
contains the following operations:
Use the Zoom Ring to zoom in and out on the display. The
Zoom Ring provides the following options, clockwise from
the top left, to zoom in and out of the graph:
Use Zoom to Rectangle and click a point on the display as a
corner of the zoom area and drag the tool until the rectangle
covers the zoom area.
Use X-zoom to zoom in on an area of the graph along the
x-axis.
Use Y-zoom to zoom in on an area of the graph along the
y-axis.
Use Zoom In and click a point you want to zoom in on. Hold
down the Shift key to switch between Zoom In about Point
and Zoom Out about Point.
Use Zoom Out and click a point to zoom in to
Auto Scale
Cursor
Movement Tool
Use the Cursor Movement tool to move the cursor on the graph.
Pan
Use the Pan tool to pick up the plot and move it around on the display.
Cursors
3-16
Two cursors are available and their controls are located to the right of the
plot screen. Either cursor can be turned on or off. A display below the
plot screen indicates the cursor position. Features such as lock to plot
and bring to center are available. Located near the cursor control are two
fields labeled Frequency Delta and Magnitude Delta. These two values
return the difference between the cursor for both axes when both cursors
are active.
Plot Legend
The Plot Legend provides identification for each plot and allows the plots
to be configured for preference, such as color, line style, and line width.
Figure 3.14 shows the Plot Legend and Figure 3.15 shows the Plot
Legend right-click menu bar.
Color
Line Style
Line Width
Anti-Aliased
3-17
Bar Plots
Interpolation
Point Style
X Scale
Y Scale
PC Requirements
PC/laptop minimum requirements are:
IBM PC compatible, Pentium
Windows 98 or later, Windows NT 4.X or later; or
Windows 2000. For the Windows NT 4X operating system,
it should have Service Pack 4 (SP4) or higher installed.
32 MB RAM minimum
20 MB disk space to install
3-18
Installation
The M5100 SFRA software has two versions, one that is pre-installed on
the instrument and the other that is used to view results on other PCs. The
M5100 SFRA installation program installs the M5100 SFRA software first
and then installs LabVIEW.
To install the M5100 SFRA software:
1. Insert the CD into the drive.
The autorun program presents the window shown in Figure 3.16.
3-19
Installation
To change the target directory click Browse. Select the new target
directory and click Next.
A dialog box appears (Figure 3.18 on page 3-20) indicating the
successful installation of the M5100 SFRA Office View software.
4. Click Finish to complete the process.
3-20
4-1
Grounding
Grounding
The apparatus under test, its tank or housing, and the M5100 SFRA
Instrument must be solidly and commonly grounded or earthed. This also
applies to any mobile equipment being tested.
The M5100 SFRA Instrument test cable shields must also be grounded or
earthed to the same common point as the instrument.
CAUTION
Personnel Safety
A pretest tailgate meeting is recommended. Frequently, other crews will
be working on non-test related tasks in close proximity to equipment
being tested. The tailgate meeting should include all personnel who will
be working in proximity to the area where testing will be performed. In
this meeting, the tests to be performed, the apparatus and the voltage test
levels involved, potential hazards involved with the work, and the
individual assignments should all be reviewed with the crew members.
Test personnel need to remain aware of the work activity taking place
around them and alert to the possibility that non-test personnel may enter
the test area.
A consistent and uniform set of signals, both visual and verbal, should be
agreed upon, and should be followed by all of the crew members during
testing.
While making the various types of connections involved in the tests, it
may be necessary for personnel to climb up on the apparatus, but no one
should remain on the apparatus during the test itself.
4-2
4-3
Calibrating
Calibrating
Before performing any SFRA testing, a calibration must be performed on
the instrument after it has been on for approximately 15 minutes. The
calibration routine needs to be performed only once for any particular
testing session, not before each individual test.
For more information regarding calibration of the M5100 SFRA
Instrument, refer to the Calibrate section in Chapter 3 M5100 SFRA
Software.
4-4
4-5
Instrument Connection
4-6
Yellow
Black
Measurement Cable
Red
Reference Cable
4. Connect the main cable clamps, red and black, to the bushing
terminals of interest. Also, connect the ground clips for each cable,
red and black, to the corresponding bushing flange.
NOTE
NOTE
All three connectors on the M5100 SFRA Instrument have colored dots
indicating where like colored leads are connected. Connectors with no
markings should not have cables connected to them.
4-7
Connection Diagrams
Connection Diagrams
4-8
4-9
Connection Diagrams
4-10
4-11
Connection Diagrams
4-12
4-13
Connection Diagrams
4-14
4-15
Connection Diagrams
4-16
4-17
Perform a Test
Perform a Test
Various tasks are encountered when running a test with the M5100 SFRA
Instrument. These include:
Initializing the Test
Monitoring Test Status
Aborting a Test
4-18
4-19
Aborting a Test
Click Abort Test or press the F2 function key to abort the test.
The Abort Test function only affects the active trace; previous data
traces are not lost. Once a test is aborted, two options exist:
Keep all data associated with the aborted trace.
Disregard and delete any data associated with the aborted trace.
Keeping data from an aborted test results in incomplete traces on the
screen. The software saves these incomplete traces as if they are normal,
so they can be recalled in the future. If the aborted test has no value then
it should disregarded. If the data is disregarded, then only the data
associated with the specific trace is deleted. All data on the screen prior
to the abort test is unaffected.
Data Management
Data management consists of:
4-20
Saving Data
Recalling Data
Remote
Printing
Shut Down
Saving Data
Once a full scan of all the test connections is completed, data is saved to
either the hard disk or USB storage device, such as a floppy drive or flash
card.
To save data:
1. Select the File menu and choose Save Data.
The dialog box in Figure 4.7 appears.
4-21
Recalling Data
Recalling Data
Stored data can be recalled by using the Recall Data function. Data can
be recalled in parts or in whole, which allows the data from different
sources to be viewed, overlaid, and combined. Data is stored in ASCII
delimited format specific to the M5100 SFRA Instrument and is
designated with a .csv extension. The M5100 SFRA Instrument is capable
of recalling and saving up to 9 traces at once.
The Recall Data function is useful when comparing newly acquired data
to historical data. Overlaying traces from different test dates allows an
effective comparison to be made. The overlaying of data traces is not
limited to data from the same unit.
Because data from multiple units can be overlaid, multiple nameplates
can be viewed, recalled, and saved together. When recalling data, it is
possible to load and view several nameplates, however only one can be
viewed at a time.
To recall data:
1. Select Recall Data and the window shown in Figure 4.8 appears.
4-22
Overlaying Plots
If it is desired to view multiple traces or multiple traces from different
files:
1. Use the Recall Data procedure to open a file.
2. Repeat as required for up to 9 plots.
Once all plots are chosen from all files, the data is displayed under the
Magnitude tab. All plots are overlaid with the various color-coded
connections shown. This allows for overlaying results between different
phases of different transformers for comparison purposes.
To clear any of the plots during viewing, refer to Clear Graph
on page 3-7 of Chapter 3.
Printing
To print the M5100 SFRA results:
Choose the File menu and select the Print Screen option.
This prints only the active screen to the Windows default printer. The
filename is printed at the top of the page. To print other screens
within the same file, choose the appropriate tab to display the screen
and then choose the Print Screen option again.
Powering Down
The M5100 SFRA Instrument uses Windows 2000 as its operating system.
Windows 2000 requires that all programs be closed, and the software
shut down before powering down the instrument. To exit the M5100
SFRA software and shutdown the instrument:
1. Select File from the menu bar and then select Quit.
The M5100 SFRA software closes.
2. Click Start and click Shut Down.
Windows 2000 ends all tasks and notifies the user to power down the
instrument.
NOTE
4-23
4-24
5. Data Interpretation
Frequency-dependant Transformer Equivalent Circuit
The power transformer equivalent circuit is a very complicated network
of distributed resistive, capacitive and inductive elements. These include:
5-1
Per-phase Measurement
As the name implies, the per-phase measurement targets the individual
phase of a given winding. At low frequencies, the influence of
capacitance is negligible and the winding behaves as an inductor.
Therefore, the attenuation (described by the magnitude of the transfer
function) and the phase shift (described by the phase of the transfer
function) of the low-frequency sinusoidal signals, passing through the
winding, are determined by inductive and resistive nature of the network.
The inductive characteristics are determined by the magnetic circuit of
the core and the resistive characteristics are dominated by the resistance
of the output measuring cable. An example of transfer function
magnitude and phase for a per-phase measurement is shown in
Figure 5.1 and Figure 5.2. In Figure 5.2 the phase angle is around
80 degrees, indicating the inductive nature of the total impedance (in the
region below 1 kHz). For a three-legged core-type unit, the magnetic flux
coupled with the outer phase (H1-H3 or H3-H2 in Figure 5.1) faces a
different reluctance than the flux coupled with the middle phase (H2-H1
in Figure 5.1). Therefore, the corresponding magnitude traces, in the low
frequency range, differ as well, i.e., the traces for the two outer phases
5-2
correlate very closely and are shifted from the middle-phase trace. The
presence of the residual magnetism may have an effect on relationship
between the traces. This is the same phenomenon that, during exciting
current and loss measurement, creates a pattern of two high similar and
one lower reading under normal conditions and a slightly distorted
pattern in the presence of residual magnetism.
5-3
Per-phase Measurement
5-4
As the frequency increases even further (over 100 kHz in Figure 5.2), the
sinusoidal signals travel mostly outside the winding and reflect the other
elements found in the transformer, e.g., leads, support insulation, etc. The
magnitude and the phase of the transfer function in that frequency region
are influenced by the inductive/capacitive/resistive nature of these
elements.
Although most of the low-frequency magnitude responses exhibit a
typical shape, there is no typical form responses in the high-frequency
region. These vary greatly with design of the unit. Therefore, the
frequency ranges noted in description of Figure 5.1 on page 5-3 and
Figure 5.2 on page 5-4, are different for different units.
Inter-winding Measurement
As the name implies, the inter-winding measurement targets the space
between two windings in a given phase (Figure 5.3 and Figure 5.4
on page 5-7). In this measurement, the influence of the magnetic circuit
of the core is excluded by floating the remaining transformer terminals.
For frequency ranges up to 100 kHz, the attenuation and the phase shift
of sinusoidal signals, passing through the winding, are determined by the
capacitive nature of the network. The capacitive characteristics are
determined by the various capacitance elements associated with
individual turns. This produces traces for three phases that are quite
similar.
As the frequency increases further (over 100 kHz in Figure 5.4
on page 5-7), the sinusoidal signals travel mostly outside the winding and
reflect the other elements found in the transformer, e.g., leads, support
insulation, etc. The magnitude and the phase of the transfer function in
that frequency region are influenced by the inductive/capacitive/resistive
nature of these elements.
5-5
Inter-winding Measurement
5-6
5-7
Initial Measurement
Present state of the art is such that analysis of SFRA data is based only on
a subjective comparison of traces. For the initial measurement, the traces
are analyzed for changes between responses of the three phases of the
same transformer and changes between responses of transformers of the
same design. Obviously, for the single-phase unit, only the later
comparison is applicable.
The appearance of new features or major resonance frequency shifts are
a cause for concern. When tapped windings are involved, it is useful to
perform measurements on at least two tap positions, to assess whether
differences in the trace originate from the tapped or untapped sections of
the winding.
When interpreting differences observed between phases, bear in mind
that for many windings there may be minor design differences associated
with the disposition of internal connections between windings, bushings
and tap-changers. These differences could introduce small differences
between phases in the frequency response. Therefore, for the initial
measurement, if minor differences between phases are observed, it is not
possible to make an unambiguous conclusion about the presence of
winding deformation. Fortunately, responses obtained for units of the
same design can often serve as a reference data for each other.
Subsequent Measurement
For the subsequent measurement, the traces are analyzed for changes
between the initial and subsequent response. Considerations described
for the initial measurement apply here as well.
5-8
Failure Mode
Diagnostic
Measurement
Windings
Electromagnetic forces caused
by overcurrent conditions
change the geometry of the
winding, and so changing the
measured leakage reactance.
Winding
distortion
FRA, leakage
reactance
Windings
Turn-to-turn
winding failure:
a) one or more
turns are
short-circuited
completely.
b) two or more
parallel strands of
different turns are
short-circuited.
FRA, exciting
current and
loss, DGA
Leakage loss,
DGA
Windings
Insulation failure creates a
circuit coupled with the leakage
flux. The resulting circulating
current contributes a load
component to the measured
leakage loss.
5-9
5-10
Failure Mechanism
Failure Mode
Diagnostic
Measurement
LTC windings
Insulation failure or miswiring
affects the current circulating
through a preventive
autotransformer in the bridging
position, or through a series
autotransformer or a series
transformer in all LTC positions.
The change in the circulating
current influences the load
component in the measured
exciting current and loss.
Open circuit,
shorted turns or
high resistance
connections in
the LTC
preventive
autotransformer,
series
autotransformer
or series
transformer.
FRA, exciting
current and
loss
LTC contacts
Contact problems affect the
current circulating through the
preventive autotransformer in
bridging positions. The change
in the circulating current
influences the load components
of the exciting current and the
loss measured in the bridging
positions.
Misalignment,
mechanical
problems, coking
and wear of LTC
and DETC
contacts.
Exciting
current and
loss, DGA
DETC contacts
Contact problems change the
resistance of the current path.
Misalignment,
mechanical
problems, coking
and wear of LTC
and DETC
contacts.
DC winding
resistance,
DGA
Conductors
Movement of conductors results
in the breaking of strands and
the deterioration of terminations
changing the resistance of the
current path.
Open circuit,
broken strands,
termination
problems
Exciting
current and
loss, DC
winding
resistance,
DGA
Failure Mode
Diagnostic
Measurement
Core
Movement or over excitation of
the magnetic system creates a
circuit coupled with the main
flux. The resulting circulating
current contributes a load
component to the measured
exciting current and loss.
Overheating due
to (abnormal)
circulating
currents in the
core, clamping
components and
through multiple
core grounds.
FRA, exciting
current and
loss
Dielectric
breakdown of
insulation.
Power factor
and
capacitance
(including
measurements
on bushings),
oil tests, DGA
5-11
5-12
A-1
Cables
Cables
RG-58 50 Ohm impedance matched test leads are used. The SFRA
measurement requires a matched impedance signal cable, and performs
a single-ended measurement, i.e., the signal with respect to the
instrument ground. Thus, the shield of the signal cable must be
connected to the chassis via RF BCN connectors.
Practical field experience dictates the leads be 60 ft. in length. This
length has been selected as being the minimum length required to test
the largest transformers from a location on the ground adjacent to the
unit. Nevertheless, it is the lead length that determines the maximum
effective frequency. At lengths of 60 ft., the cable approximates the
wavelengths of the higher measurement frequencies, and there is
probably little to be gained from the 2-10 MHz scan. As long as the cable
is less than of a wavelength in length, the short cable approximation
can be used. At lengths greater than of a wavelength, phasing effects
start to occur. It turns out that at 60 ft., the frequency cutoff with respect
to wavelength is approximately 2 MHz. Figure A.1 on page A-3
illustrates the effects of the cables at higher frequencies; different
attenuation levels are plotted to compare what influence the cables have
on the noise to signal ratio. The attenuation was accomplished using a 50
Ohm impedance matching resistor divider network.
It is important for the operator to not only recognize any problems with
the cables, but to be prepared to confirm a problem further by, for
example, having an ohmmeter available when a cable is recognized by
the M5100 SFRA Instrument as having an open circuit condition. The
connections to the apparatus must be contaminant free, metal-to-metal
junctions. This assures not only reliable and efficient SFRA data
collection, but helps to reduce the effects of noise and interference
inherent in a substation environment. Remember that a ba connection to
the apparatus can appear as an open circuit cable.
A-2
A-3
Instrument Setup
Instrument Setup
To cable the instrument:
1. Attach the 30 Chassis Ground Cable clamp to the grounding plate on
the transformer and insert the cam-lock connector into the
instrument, twisting in a clockwise rotation to insure locking of the
connection.
Gently attempt to pull this connection straight out to verify that
locking has occurred. Refer to Figure 4.3 on page 4-6.
2. Check that the Power On/Off rocker switch is in the Off position and
connect the power cord from the M5100 SFRA Instrument to an
appropriate AC power source.
3. Turn on the power switch located on the back of the M5100 SFRA
Instrument.
The M5100 SFRA software should automatically launch from the
desktop. If not, to initiate the program, do one of the following:
Double-click on the M5100 SFRA icon, or
Go to START|PROGRAMS|DOBLE M5100|M5100 v.1.1. to
open the software.
Wait for the main testing screen to appear.
Calibration Test
The Calibration Test assures that the M5100 SFRA Instrument provides
accurate test data.
Before performing any SFRA testing, a calibration must be performed on
the instrument after it has been on for approximately 15 minutes. The
calibration routine needs to be performed only once for any particular
testing session, not before each individual test.
To do this:
1. Select Calibrate from the Text Bar.
A dialog box appears reminding the operator that the instrument
should be at room temperature for a minimum of fifteen minutes.
A-4
Continuity Test
The Cable Continuity Test verifies that the Specimen Cable is free of open
circuit conductors and faulty connectors.
To connect the test Specimen Cable:
1. Connect the yellow, red, and black marked cables to the instrument.
2. Connect the RED and BLACK main clips together, shorting them.
These are the large clamps at the end of the cables.
3. Connect the RED and BLACK ground shield clips together, shorting
them.
These are the smaller clips, which are attached directly on the cable.
They are located approximately of the distance toward the end of
the cables.
4. Press F1 or select START TEST to start the test.
A dialog box appears that asks the operator to select a plot for data
storage, the default is unused1.
A-5
5. Select START
The Trigger Status indicates Measurement OK and Test Running
begins flashing above the Test Status % Bar.
The default color of unused1 is WHITE, therefore a WHITE trace
begins to form along the 0.00 dB horizontal line and continues until it
begins to deviate negatively at the highest frequencies.
See Figure A.1 on page A-3, to compare the results. If there is a
dissimilarity, (e.g. deviations of the trace into (-)dB regions prior to the
highest frequencies) there may be a problem with the cables. To fix
this:
a. Check the cables for any visual damage along their length, as
well as the connector and alligator clips.
b. Redo the connections and repeat the test.
If the problem repeats, contact the Doble Engineering
617.926.4900 for further assistance.
A-6
Grounding
NOTE
Noise
Noise and interference can be introduced into a measurement through
various means. Noise and interference influences a measurement by any
of the following:
Generated by the measurement instrument and coupled directly.
Stray electrostatic and electromagnetic fields.
Connection characteristics of the leads.
A-7
Noise
A-8
Description
Processor
Operating System
Communication
Data Storage
Keyboard
Mouse
Display
Description
Channels
Frequency Range
10 Hz 10 MHz
Voltage Output
10 V peak-to-peak at 50 Ohms
Output Coupling
DC
Output Impedance
50 Ohms
Protection
B-1
Description
Channels
Sampling
Simultaneously
Frequency Range
10 Hz 10 MHz
Bandwidth
10 MHz max
100 MS/s
Input Impedance
50 Ohms
Input Protection
42 VDC continuous
Calibration Interval
Description
Instrument
PC
B-2
Item
Description
Test Method
Sweep frequency
Frequency Range
10 Hz 10 MHz
Number of Points
Accuracy
1 dB > 80 dB
IF Bandwidth
Description
Scaling
Linear/Log
Frequency Range
Plotting
Description
Instrument Weight
28 lbs. / 12.7 kg
Dimensions
Transport Shock
AC Input Voltage
AC Input
Frequency
50 or 60 Hz
AC Protection
5A circuit breaker
B-3
B-4
Item
Description
Operating Ambient
Temperature
0 to 50 C
(IEC-60068-2-1 and IEC-60068-2-2)
Operating Relative
Humidity
Storage Ambient
Temperature
20 to 70 C
(IEC-60068-2-1 and IEC-60068-2-2)
Storage Relative
Humidity
5% to 90% non-condensing
(IEC-60068-2-56)
Index
A
Abort test 3-10
Accessories
cables 2-3
grounds 2-3
Analysis mode 3-8
Analysis of Test Data
initial measurement 5-8
subsequent measurement 5-8
Anti-Aliased 3-17
Autorange 3-12
B
Bar plots 3-18
C
Cables 2-3
Cables, tips A-2
Calibrate 3-8
Calibration 4-4
Clear graph 3-7
Clipping 3-12
Color 3-17
Common plots 3-17
Controller 2-2
Current frequency 3-11
Cursor movement tool 3-16
Cursors 3-16
D
Data display 3-12
Data Management
4-20
DETC 3-13
Diagnostic significance of frequency ranges, explained 5-2
Display band 3-15
Document Conventions 1-x
I-1
F
File 3-4
Fill base line 3-18
Frequency scale 3-8
Frequency-dependant transformer equivalent circuit, explained 5-1
G
Graph palette 3-15
Grounding, tips A-7
Grounds 2-3
Guide, structure 1-ix
I
Interpolation 3-18
L
Line style 3-17
Line width 3-17
LTC 3-14
M
M5100 SFRA Instrument
accessories 2-3
controller 2-2
hardware 2-1
operating system 3-1
software 3-1
M5100 SFRA Office View Software
3-18
installation 3-18, 3-19
PC requirements 3-18
M5100 SFRA Software
abort test 3-10
analysis mode 3-8
autorange 3-12
calibrate 3-8
clear graph 3-7
clipping 3-12
current frequency 3-11
cursor movement tool 3-16
cursors 3-16
I-2
N
Nameplate 3-13
Nameplate to edit/view 3-14
Noise, tips A-7
O
Operating system 3-1
P
Pan 3-16
Phase 3-12
I-3
Q
Quit Program 3-5
R
Recall data 3-4
Response 3-11
S
Safety
4-1
general rules 4-1
grounding 4-2
personnel 4-2
Save data 3-5
Select bands 3-6
SFRA Test Preparations
4-3
apparatus connection 4-6
diagrams 4-8
test file creation 4-4
SFRA theory
1-2
introduction 1-1
Software 3-1
Start test 3-9
Sub band magnitude 3-12
Sub band phase 3-13
T
Test
4-18
aborting 4-20
initializing 4-18
monitoring 4-20
overlaying plots 4-23
power down 4-23
printing 4-23
recalling data 4-22
saving data 4-21
I-4
V
Vertical range 3-11
W
Waveform 3-12
X
X scale 3-18
Y
Y scale 3-18
Z
Zoom tool 3-16
I-5
I-6