PXe-AFV-P Programmable AC Power Source

Programmable AC and DC Test Platform

The PXe-AFV-P combines a programmable AC source, a programmable DC output, and integrated measurement and test-sequence control within a single rack-compatible platform.

Four output ratings are available:

Current values are shown for the 0-155V / 0-310V ranges, respectively.

Selectable AC Voltage Ranges

Two programmable AC voltage ranges are available:

0 to 155V RMS
0 to 310V RMS

The range is user-selectable, and voltage setting resolution is 0.1V RMS.

The lower voltage range provides the higher available output current. The 310V range provides greater voltage capability with a correspondingly lower maximum current.

The required voltage range and load current should therefore be considered together when selecting the correct AFV-P rating.

Frequency Configuration

Standard programmable output frequency is:

40 to 500Hz

An extended-frequency option provides:

15 to 1000Hz

The standard range covers conventional 50Hz and 60Hz testing, as well as 400Hz testing for aerospace and specialist electrical equipment.

The extended-frequency option is intended for cases where operation below 40Hz or above 500Hz is part of the required test procedure.

Sweep and Ramp Testing

The Sweep function allows voltage or frequency to change automatically between programmed operating points.

It can be used for:

• Voltage operating-window testing
• Minimum and maximum supply-voltage evaluation
• Frequency tolerance testing
• Repetitive product validation
• Automated production testing

Changes can be programmed as individual steps or continuous sequences.

The Ramp function controls the rate at which voltage or frequency changes. A controlled voltage ramp can also be useful when energising motors and other loads with substantial starting current.

AC Disturbance and Transient Generation

The AFV-P can create controlled power-line disturbances without relying on variations in the available site mains supply.

Programmable events include:

• Voltage sag
• Voltage surge
• Spike
• Dropout
• Rapid voltage change
• Frequency change

These functions are useful during product development, fault investigation, and pre-compliance work, where engineers need to understand how equipment behaves when its supply deviates from normal operating conditions.

The output voltage can move from 0% to 90% within 300 µs, providing the response required for fast disturbance testing.

The AFV-P is best described as a programmable AC source for controlled supply simulation and pre-compliance investigation rather than a full regenerative grid simulator.

Start and End Phase-Angle Control

Output start and end phase angles can be programmed from 0° to 360°.

The point on the AC waveform at which a load is energised can significantly affect its initial current. Phase-angle control therefore allows switch-on behaviour to be reproduced under defined conditions rather than relying on a random point in the mains cycle.

This is particularly useful with:

• Transformers
• Motors
• Switching power supplies
• Rectifier-fed loads
• Capacitive input circuits
• Equipment with significant charging current
• High Peak-Current Capability

Peak output capability is up to 4.5 times the maximum RMS output current.

This allows the source to support short-duration current demand from equipment whose initial current is substantially greater than its normal operating current.

Model selection should still consider the magnitude, duration and repetition of the inrush event as well as the continuous RMS load.

Stored Test Sequences

The AFV-P provides:

• 50 test memories
• 24 programmable steps per memory
• 1,200 total programmable steps

Frequently used test sequences can therefore be stored and repeated without manually entering each voltage, frequency or timing condition.

This is particularly useful for quality control, production testing, and repeatable design validation procedures.

Programmable DC Output

The AFV-P also provides programmable DC output, extending the platform’s capabilities to DC testing where required.

The DC capability is a useful secondary function, but the product should remain positioned primarily as a Programmable AC Power Source.

Integrated Measurement

The AFV-P incorporates measurement functions to enable direct monitoring of key electrical parameters from the power source.

Available measurements include:

• RMS voltage
• RMS current
• Peak current
• Output frequency
• True power
• Apparent power
• Reactive power
• Power factor
• Crest factor

The 4.3-inch touchscreen provides local measurement and operating information together with direct access to test parameters.

For applications requiring higher measurement accuracy, harmonic analysis or traceable power measurement, a separate precision power analyser can be used alongside the AFV-P.

Front-Panel Control

Local operation is provided through the 4.3-inch touchscreen and rotary control.

The operator can set and review:

• Output voltage
• Output frequency
• Current limits
• Output state
• Test sequences
• Measurements
• Stored programmes

The rotary control provides precise adjustment, while the touchscreen provides direct access to operating parameters and measurement information.

Remote Sense

Remote-sense connections compensate for voltage drop between the power source and the equipment under test.

This can be useful where cable resistance would otherwise cause the device under test to experience a voltage different from the programmed source voltage.

Remote Control and Automated Test Integration

Standard remote interfaces include:

• Ethernet
• USB
• RS232
• RS485
• PLC Remote Input/Output

Optional interfaces include:

• GPIB
• Analogue control

Control software and a LabVIEW driver are available to support remote setup, sequence control, data collection, and integration with automated test equipment.

Constant-Current Foldback

The AFV-P includes Over-Current Foldback with Constant-Current operation.

Where the connected load attempts to draw more than the programmed current, the source can reduce output voltage while maintaining the controlled current limit.

This provides a useful operating mode for development work and for loads where the current behaviour needs to be controlled rather than immediately shutting down the source.

Output Synchronisation Signal

A 5V BNC synchronisation output provides an event signal for:

Output ON
Programmed voltage change
Programmed frequency change

This can be used to trigger or synchronise oscilloscopes, data-acquisition equipment and other instruments with the programmed AFV-P test event.

Selecting the Correct PXe-AFV-P

The AFV-P should be selected around the complete test requirement rather than simply matching its VA rating to the nameplate rating of the equipment under test.

PX normally reviews:

• Continuous VA and W
• Required AC voltage range
• Maximum RMS current
• Peak and inrush current
• Frequency range
• Load type
• Required disturbance functions
• AC and DC testing requirements
• Remote-control interface
• Automation requirements
• Calibration and documentation

Available Models

PX-AFV-P-600
600VA / 500W model for lower-power laboratory, development and component testing.

PX-AFV-P-1250
1250VA / 1000W model for laboratory, R&D, product validation and production testing requiring increased continuous and peak current.

PX-AFV-P-2500
2500VA / 2000W model for higher-power equipment testing and automated test systems.

PX-AFV-P-5000
5000VA / 4000W model with up to 40A RMS output on the lower AC voltage range and up to 180A peak-current capability.

Input Supply

All models use a single-phase input with a published input frequency range of 47 to 63Hz.

Extended Frequency Option

Standard frequency coverage is:

40 to 500Hz

Optional extended frequency:

15 to 1000Hz

Specify the extended-frequency option where the test programme requires output above 500Hz or below 40Hz.

Remote Interface Options

Standard

• RS232
• RS485
• Ethernet
• USB
• PLC Remote Input/Output

Optional

• GPIB
• Analogue control

The required control interface should be identified when the system is specified, particularly where the AFV-P will form part of an existing automated test platform.

Test Automation

For automated applications, confirm:

• Required communication interface
• Test-sequence structure
• Trigger requirements
• External instrument synchronisation
• Required measurement collection
• PLC integration
• LabVIEW integration
• Reporting requirements

Defining these requirements early avoids unnecessary interface changes once the test system has been assembled.

Calibration and Documentation

Where required, PX can provide project-specific test and calibration documentation appropriate to the supplied configuration.

For applications where the AFV-P forms part of a formal measurement or compliance system, the required measurement uncertainty and external reference instrumentation should be identified before quotation.

Mechanical Configuration

The AFV-P uses a rack-compatible 442mm-wide chassis.

Allow sufficient clearance for ventilation, mains and output cabling, remote-sense connections and communication interfaces.

PXe-AFV-P Series Technical Specification

Input

AC Output

DC Output

Measurement

General

Dimensions and Weight

Specification note: Specifications are preliminary. Final configuration and guaranteed performance should be confirmed at quotation. Output values shown as low-voltage range / high-voltage range where applicable.