Power Diagnostix provides a complete line of modular preamplifiers for various testing applications. The most significant difference among the preamplifiers is the frequency range in which they detect partial discharge signals. Other features that distinguish one preamplifier from another are: options for transparency and on/off switching, unipolar vs. bipolar charge detection, and the possibiltiy of galvanic isolation in the test setup.
All of the Power Diagnostix external signal conditioning modules and preamplifiers are remote supplied and remote controlled through a simple coaxial signal cable (RG58). This technique allows placement of these units close to the sensor or signal source. Furthermore, as these modules act as impedance converter and line driver, the weak signal source, such as voltage divider or coupling impedance, is not loaded by the cable capacitance or impedance.
This technique also provides enhanced over-voltage protection. All preamplifiers of the RPA series can drive a 50 W cable with a length of up to 50 m.
The RPA1 is the standard preamplifier for measurements in the low frequency range according to standards such as the IEC 60270. The RPA1D, RPA1E, RPA1F, and RPA1G are variations on the RPA1.
The RPA1D and RPA1G are suited to connect directly to ultra-sonic acoustic sensors. To simplify connection, they provide the selectable power supply for the sensor (15 VDC or 28 VDC).
The RPA1L and RPA1H are intended primarily for measurements on medium- and high-voltage power cables using the ICMcompact.
The RPA2 is primarily for measuring the PD signal spectra found with rotating machines, while the RPA2B is used with capacitive sensors to monitor cables and cable accessories at a higher sensitivity.
The RPA3 module is well-suited for measuring PD signal spectra, detected by sensors and antennas installed with gas insulated switchgear (GIS).
The RPA4 is a preamplifier set with fiber optic transmission, offering outstanding isolation properties.
The frequency converter unit FCU2 is an ultra-wide band preaquisition unit, covering 100 to 1800 MHz. It has a logarithmic output and is mainly used for GIS applications.
The UHF1 and UHF2 offer an amplification of 27 dB in the range from 200 MHz to 1 GHz resp. 300 MHz to 2 GHz, and are suitable for boosting weak signals from GIS sensors.
