PCA301
CABLE FAULT PRE-LOCATION TDR
The Adret PCA301 is used to determine the distance to a fault or discontinuity in symmetric or asymmetric cables using TDR Technology. Measuring the length of a cable (including those wound on a drum) or distance to high impedance faults or short circuit faults are possible. Storing and processing the results of measurements both internally or using the supplied PC software. As part of a suitable test system, determining the distance to a fault or discontinuity in cables with lengths of up to 160 km for all possible fault types without the need of preliminary cable fault burning or conditioning is achieved without difficulty. The unit features all the known cable fault pre-location methods and can be seamlessly integrated to any standard surge generator system.
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The unit is capable of pre-locating distance to fault in three distinct modes. The unit features an automatic mode in all ranges where the cable length, gain level and fault positions are indicated by the press of only a few buttons. In addition to this there is also the Expert Mode where all settings can be set by manually.
TDR, 3 Phase
In the TDR (Time domain Reflectometer) mode the instrument transmits a pulse which is reflected off the far end of the cable. Any impedance mismatches (i.e. Joints, open or short circuits) along the cable are also reflected. The waveforms are easy to analyze.
Impulse Current
In the Impulse Current Mode a high voltage discharge generated by a surge generator is applied to a faulty cable until the fault breaks down. Thus the surge energy is then reflected back to its source. Upon arriving at the source it is reflected back into the cable. This continues until the energy is depleted. The PCA101 will capture and store the current waveform flowing in the cable and display it for analysis.
ARC-Reflection, ARC-Reflection Multi
In the ARC-Echo mode the instrument is connected to the faulty cable via the AE101 Coupling unit. This unit provides the suitable isolation and filtering required to superimpose a TDR waveform on top of the high voltage surge generated by the surge generator. When the high voltage energy arrives at the fault it temporarily breaks it down causing a short term short circuit. The waveforms are simple and easy to analyze and look exactly like TDR waveforms. ARC Reflection Multi captures and displays 15 TDR traces for easy identification of faults
Decay
Decay is used as an alternative tool when locating faults that does not break down below 32kV. The system can be used together with a DC Power source up to 60kV to assist in fault pre-location
SPECIFICATION
Distance measurement range
m @ v/2 = 80 m/s 20-160000
Sampling rate
400MHz Max
Gain
dB -37 + 37
Output impedance
8 – 500 Ω
Propagation velocity
(v/2), m/us 10.0 – 150.0
Pulse width
10 – 100 000nS
Automatic trace analysis
Cable end and fault position
Time domain accuracy
% of FS ± 0.1
Pulse amplitude
45V
Operation modes
TDR; ARC; ARC Multi; ICE; Decay 32kV
Arc Multi, 16 Shots
Control
Touchscreen and Control Knob
Voltage Input Proof
400V
Connectivity
RS-485, USB
Internal data storage
4 Gb (not less than 1000reflectograms with data)
Display
10.4”, 1024×768 TFT touch-sensitive
Internal battery
12 V (8 hours of operating when fully charged)
External power adaptor
Input 230V 50 Hz
Power consumption
36 W
Dimensions
366 × 271 × 178 mm
Enclosure
IP65 When Closed
Net weight (with internal battery)
8.0 kg
ACCESSORIES
Standard padded canvas carry case, all necessary cables,operator manual, USB Ports for software updates