Model 2300CL Harmonics and Flicker Calibrator

California Instruments has released a new calibrator product that addresses a growing concern in the compliance test community about the ability to verify correct operation of harmonics and flicker test systems. The new Model 2300CL permits IEC 61000-3-2 Harmonics and IEC 61000-3-3 Flicker test system performance verification at the user's premises. Very often, end-users or test labs have no easy way to check for test system conformance to published test standards. The California Instruments' Model 2300CL calibrator addresses this concern by providing a simple means of verifying and, if required, adjusting the harmonics and flicker measurement system using a known stimulus and readily available NIST traceable calibration equipment such as a DMM and function generator.

The Model 2300CL uses the rectangular voltage modulation as specified in IEC/EN60868 to produce a precisely determined level of flicker. This allows not only the flicker meter to be calibrated, but also verifies proper operation of the IEC 725 Flicker reference impedance. The Model 2300CL is the only product on the market today that offers this capability. Since deviations in reference impedance values can have a significant impact on the flicker meter results, this capability is of critical importance. Voltage modulation levels of 0.125 %, 0.25 % 0.5 %, 1.0 % and 1.75 % at 230 V RMS are available. The modula-tion frequency is provided by an external LF function generator and can range from 0.1 CPM to 1800 CPM (Changes Per Minute). Features for checking dt and dc measurement accuracy are also included.

For harmonic measurement performance verification, the Model 2300CL is used in combination with the California Instruments iX Series AC power source which supports harmonic waveform generation. Both individual frequencies and combinations of specific harmonics can be generated this way. Harmonic measurement data from the IEC Harmonics measurement system under test can be compared to a reference AC DMM.

For proper operation of a compliance test system, periodic calibration is required. The 2300CL calibrator allows this periodic calibration and verification to NIST traceable standards to be performed more easily and cost-effectively. The Model 2300CL calibrator itself can be checked using commonly available standard calibration equipment for traceability purposes.

User documentation outlining the test procedure is included, as well as a Windows GUI control program that steps the operator through all test steps. A calibration data report can be printed using the GUI program for documentation and record keeping.

Housed in a compact 7 inch (178 mm) high rack mount chassis, the 2300CL can be used as a table top unit or mounted in a test rack.

California Instruments, 9689 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92121-1964. Tel: 858-677-9040; Fax: 858-677-0940.