Download - Modern Test and Measure: February 2015
February 2015
Interview with Steve Barfield
General Manager of Siglent
From NEWCOMER to GLOBAL LEADER
Siglent’s Rise to the Top in the Global Scope Market
New Power Efficiency Standards
Tips & Techniques for Capacitor
Testing
CONTENTS
4
14
24
30
TECH REPORTTips and Techniques for Capacitor Testing
TECH REPORTSiglent’s EasyPulse Technology for New Generation Waveform Generators
INDUSTRY INTERVIEWFrom Newcomer to Global LeaderSteve Barfield, General Manager of Siglent
TECH REPORTNew Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
By Dale Cigoy, Lead Applications Engineer Keithley Instruments, a Tektronix Company
Virtually every type of electronic hardware incorporates capacitors,
which are widely used for functions such as bypassing, coupling, filtering, and tunneling electronic circuits.
However, to be useful, their capacitance value, voltage rating, temperature coefficient,
and leakage resistance must be characterized. Although capacitor
manufacturers perform these tests, many of the electronics manufacturers who build them into their products
also perform some of these tests as quality checks. This article looks at tips and techniques
that can simplify the process of capacitor testing.
Capacitor Testing
TECHNIQUESTIPS and
for
for New-Generation Waveform Generators
At present, the method used to generate pulse signals by most ARB/function generators is to fill the DDS waveform memory with the original pulse data. By editing the pulse waveform data
table in advance, DDS can output the right pulse waveform corresponding with the separate rising and falling edges. The edge and width of this pulse waveform can be finely adjusted, and also contains low jitter. This traditional method is represented in the following block diagram (figure 1.)
However, this method comes with some disadvantages:
• Waveforms are affected by the signal’s frequency, meaning the rising and falling edge transition time will be limited at low frequencies.
• The output pulse will be limited by waveform length, so the duty cycle cannot be very small.
• Waveform data will need to be updated when changing the pulse’s frequency, edge, and width. If the waveform length is large, it needs more time to change the other parameters of the pulse.
To solve these problems, Siglent innovated a new algorithm for pulse generation, called EasyPulse technology, which is built in the new SDG5000 and SDG800 series waveform generators.
Siglent’sEasyPulse Technology
Figure 2.Figure 1.
Based on the EasyPulse architecture, the SDG5000 and SDG800 can produce low-jitter, rapid rising, and falling edge, without being affected by frequency or extreme duty cycle. The pulse transition time can be adjusted over a larger range, and fine resolution. The EasyPulse method is illustrated in the following block diagram:
Siglent’s EasyPulse technology comes with significant advantages. For one, it can output rapid rising and falling edges (6ns), even at very low frequencies (less than 1Hz); and the pulse width can be 12ns under low frequency, with very long or short duty cycles. Parameter changes such as pulse can be easily and immediately changed without updating any waveform data and the edge and pulse width can be adjusted over wide ranges.
Phase Tuning Word
Phase Tuning Word
Steve Barfield has been in the Test & Measure
industry since the 1970s. Back then, the big player
in the field was Hewlett Packard—one of the only
companies offering advanced test equipment. In the
following years, the industry has taken off, with hundreds
of big name companies dominating the markets—
each offering their own spin on these classic devices.
While customers tend to go with the brands they trust,
Barfield feels there should be more emphasis on overall
engineering experience: better specs, better support, and
lower price. This is why Barfield joined Siglent, a relatively
new test equipment company that is making its mark in
the field. EEWeb spoke with Barfield about some of the
ways Siglent differentiate themselves from more familiar
brands and how this approach has led to explosive growth
in the Chinese market.
Interview with Steve Barfield General Manager of Siglent
Siglent’s Rise to the Top of the Chinese Scope Market
From
LEADER to GLOBAL
NEWCOMEREfficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
VIIVV
VIIVV
for External Power Supplies
Efficiency STANDARDS
The global regulatory environment surrounding the legislation of external power supply efficiency and no-load
power draw has rapidly evolved over the past decade since the California Energy Commission (CEC) implemented the first mandatory standard in 2004. With the publication of a new set of requirements by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) set to go into effect February 2016, the landscape is set to change again as regulators try to further reduce the amount of energy consumed by external power adapters.
Mandating higher average efficiencies in external power supplies has undoubtedly had a real impact on global power consumption. However, with the benefit of a reduced draw on the power grid come challenges and uncertainties for the electronics industry as it tries to keep up with this dynamic regulatory environment.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who design external power supplies into their products must continue to monitor the latest regulations to ensure that they are in compliance in each region where their product is sold. The goal of this paper is to provide an up-to-date summary of the most current regulations worldwide.
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
VIIVV
VIIVV
CONTENTS
An up-to-date summary of the current compliance regulations worldwide...pg. 14
Modern Test & Measure
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
Figure 1: The image below traces the path from the CEC’s 2004 regulation up to the new Level VI standards set to take effect February 2016
2005Energy Star
Implements a voluntary efficiency
program with levels referred to as Tier 1
2006Energy Star
Releases international efficiency
marking protocol to harmonize all
initiatives around the globe
2008Energy Star
Allows manufacturers to use the
Energy Star label if their power
supplies meet Level IV standards
European Union
Implements Phase 1 of their ErP
directive equivalent to Level IV2010
2008Australia
Updates MEPS to include a voluntary High
Efficiency category equivalent to Level IV
2004California Energy
Commission (CEC)
Passes legislation to impliment their Tier 1
standards in July ‘06 (equivalent to Level III)
2006CEC Tier 1
California implements its Tier 1
standards (equivalent to Level III)
2011
US Department
of Energy (DOE)
Publishes more stringent Level VI standard2014
China Energy
Conservation Program
Implements a voluntary efficiency
program, never fully adopted
2005
Voluntary
No mandatory standards were set before 2004
2004PRE
European Union
Approves Directive 2005/32/EC establishing
a framework for the settingof eco-design
requirements, power supplies not defined
2005 Australia
Implements their Minimum
Efficiency Performance
standard, (equivalent to Level III)
2006
CEC Tier 2 & EISA 2007
These efficiency levels are implemented
equivalent to Level IV
2008 European Union
Enacts ErP Directive 2009/125/EC
with dates to harmonize with CEC
and EISA by April ‘11
2009 Energy Star
Removes the power supply
category from its listing as they
feel it is part of the end product
2010
NRCan
Natural Resources Canada implements Tier 1
standards equivalent to Level IV2012
Level VI Efficiency Standard
Set to go into effect in the US February 10, 2016
2016
US Congress
Enacts the Energy Independence and
Security Act (EISA), harmonized with CEC
Tier II release date and requirements
2007
LEVE
L V
LEVE
L III
NO
NE
LEVE
L IV
LEVE
L VI
EISA, CEC & European Union
CEC implements their Tier 3 Standards and EU
implements its Phase 2 standards in harmony
with Level V Marking Protocol
page 3
3
44
Modern Test & Measure
By Dale Cigoy, Lead Applications Engineer Keithley Instruments, a Tektronix Company
Virtually every type of electronic hardware incorporates capacitors,
which are widely used for functions such as bypassing, coupling, filtering, and tunneling electronic circuits.
However, to be useful, their capacitance value, voltage rating, temperature coefficient,
and leakage resistance must be characterized. Although capacitor
manufacturers perform these tests, many of the electronics manufacturers who build them into their products
also perform some of these tests as quality checks. This article looks at tips and techniques
that can simplify the process of capacitor testing.
Capacitor Testing
TECHNIQUESTIPS and
for
5
TECH REPORT
5
By Dale Cigoy, Lead Applications Engineer Keithley Instruments, a Tektronix Company
Virtually every type of electronic hardware incorporates capacitors,
which are widely used for functions such as bypassing, coupling, filtering, and tunneling electronic circuits.
However, to be useful, their capacitance value, voltage rating, temperature coefficient,
and leakage resistance must be characterized. Although capacitor
manufacturers perform these tests, many of the electronics manufacturers who build them into their products
also perform some of these tests as quality checks. This article looks at tips and techniques
that can simplify the process of capacitor testing.
Capacitor Testing
TECHNIQUESTIPS and
for
66
Modern Test & Measure
Capacitor BasicsA capacitor is somewhat like a battery in that they both store electrical energy. Inside a battery, chemical reactions produce electrons on one terminal and store electrons on the other. However, a capacitor is much simpler than a battery, because it can’t produce new electrons—it only stores them. Inside the capacitor, the terminals connect to two metal plates separated by a non-conducting substance known as a dielectric.
A capacitor’s storage potential, or capacitance, is measured in farads. A one-farad (1F) capacitor can store one coulomb (1C) of charge at one volt (1V). A coulomb is 6.25x1010 electrons. One amp represents a rate of electron flow of 1C of electrons per second, so a 1F capacitor can hold one amp-second (1A/s) of electrons at 1V.
Measuring CapacitanceThe coulombs function of an electrometer can be used with a step voltage source to measure capacitance levels ranging from <10pF to hundreds of nanofarads. The unknown capacitance is connected in series with the electrometer input and the step voltage source.
The calculation of the capacitance is based on this equation:
Figure 1 illustrates a basic configuration for measuring capacitance with an electrometer with an internal voltage source. The instrument is used in the charge (in coulombs) mode and its voltage source provides the step voltage. Just before the voltage source is turned on, the meter’s zero check function should be disabled and the charge reading suppressed by using the REL function to zero the display (The purpose of zero check is to protect the input FET from overload and to zero the instrument. When zero check is enabled, the input of the electrometer is a resistance from roughly 10 mega-ohms to 100 mega-ohms, depending on the electrometer used. Zero check should be enabled when changing conditions on the input circuit, such as changing functions and connections. The REL function subtracts a reference value from actual readings. When REL is enabled, the instrument uses the present reading as a relative value. Subsequent readings will be the difference between the actual input value and the relative value.)
Next, the voltage source should be turned on and the charge reading noted immediately. The capacitance can then be calculated from this equation:
where: Q2 = final charge Q1 = initial charge (assumed to be zero) V2 = step voltage V1 = initial voltage (assumed to be zero)
After the reading has been recorded, reset the voltage source to 0V to dissipate the charge from the device. Before handling the device, verify the voltage on the capacitance has been discharged to a safe level. The unknown capacitance should be in a shielded test fixture. The shield is connected to the LO input terminal of the electrometer. The HI input terminal should be connected to the highest impedance terminal of the unknown capacitance. If the rate of charge is too great, the resulting measurement will be in error because the input stage becomes temporarily saturated. To limit the rate of charge transfer at the input of the electrometer, add a resistor in series between the voltage source and the capacitance. This is especially true for capacitance values >1nF. A typical series resistor would be 10kΩ to 1MΩ. Refer to Keithley Application Note #315 for details.
Leakage and Insulation ResistanceLeakage is one of the less-than-ideal properties of a capacitor, which is expressed in terms of its insulation resistance (IR). For a given dielectric
material, the effective parallel resistance is inversely proportional to the capacitance. This is because the resistance is proportional to the thickness of the dielectric, and inverse to the capacitive area. The capacitance is proportional to the area and inverse to the separation. Therefore, a common unit for quantifying capacitor leakage is the product of its capacitance and its leakage resistance, usually expressed in megohms-microfarads (MΩ·μF). Capacitor leakage is measured by applying a fixed voltage to the capacitor and testing and measuring the resulting current. The leakage current will decay exponentially with time, so it’s usually necessary to apply the voltage for a known period (the soak time) before measuring the current.
In theory, a capacitor’s dielectric could be made of any non-conductive substance. However, practical applications use specific materials that best suit the capacitor’s function. The insulation resistance of polymer dielectrics such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, or Teflon® can range from 104MΩ·μF to 108MΩ·μF, depending on the specific materials used and their purity. For example, a 1000pF Teflon cap with an insulation resistance higher than 1017Ω is specified as >108MΩ·μF. The insulation resistance of ceramics such as X7R or NPO can be anywhere from 103MΩ·μF to 106MΩ·μF. Electrolytic capacitors such as tantalum or aluminum have much lower leakage resistances, typically ranging from 1MΩ·μF to 100MΩ·μF. For example, a 4.7μF aluminum cap specified as 50MΩ·μF is guaranteed to have at least 10.6MΩ insulation resistance.
Figure 1. Capacitance measurement using an electrometer with an integrated voltage source.
http://www.keithley.com/data?asset=6076
7
TECH REPORT
7
Capacitor BasicsA capacitor is somewhat like a battery in that they both store electrical energy. Inside a battery, chemical reactions produce electrons on one terminal and store electrons on the other. However, a capacitor is much simpler than a battery, because it can’t produce new electrons—it only stores them. Inside the capacitor, the terminals connect to two metal plates separated by a non-conducting substance known as a dielectric.
A capacitor’s storage potential, or capacitance, is measured in farads. A one-farad (1F) capacitor can store one coulomb (1C) of charge at one volt (1V). A coulomb is 6.25x1010 electrons. One amp represents a rate of electron flow of 1C of electrons per second, so a 1F capacitor can hold one amp-second (1A/s) of electrons at 1V.
Measuring CapacitanceThe coulombs function of an electrometer can be used with a step voltage source to measure capacitance levels ranging from <10pF to hundreds of nanofarads. The unknown capacitance is connected in series with the electrometer input and the step voltage source.
The calculation of the capacitance is based on this equation:
Figure 1 illustrates a basic configuration for measuring capacitance with an electrometer with an internal voltage source. The instrument is used in the charge (in coulombs) mode and its voltage source provides the step voltage. Just before the voltage source is turned on, the meter’s zero check function should be disabled and the charge reading suppressed by using the REL function to zero the display (The purpose of zero check is to protect the input FET from overload and to zero the instrument. When zero check is enabled, the input of the electrometer is a resistance from roughly 10 mega-ohms to 100 mega-ohms, depending on the electrometer used. Zero check should be enabled when changing conditions on the input circuit, such as changing functions and connections. The REL function subtracts a reference value from actual readings. When REL is enabled, the instrument uses the present reading as a relative value. Subsequent readings will be the difference between the actual input value and the relative value.)
Next, the voltage source should be turned on and the charge reading noted immediately. The capacitance can then be calculated from this equation:
where: Q2 = final charge Q1 = initial charge (assumed to be zero) V2 = step voltage V1 = initial voltage (assumed to be zero)
After the reading has been recorded, reset the voltage source to 0V to dissipate the charge from the device. Before handling the device, verify the voltage on the capacitance has been discharged to a safe level. The unknown capacitance should be in a shielded test fixture. The shield is connected to the LO input terminal of the electrometer. The HI input terminal should be connected to the highest impedance terminal of the unknown capacitance. If the rate of charge is too great, the resulting measurement will be in error because the input stage becomes temporarily saturated. To limit the rate of charge transfer at the input of the electrometer, add a resistor in series between the voltage source and the capacitance. This is especially true for capacitance values >1nF. A typical series resistor would be 10kΩ to 1MΩ. Refer to Keithley Application Note #315 for details.
Leakage and Insulation ResistanceLeakage is one of the less-than-ideal properties of a capacitor, which is expressed in terms of its insulation resistance (IR). For a given dielectric
material, the effective parallel resistance is inversely proportional to the capacitance. This is because the resistance is proportional to the thickness of the dielectric, and inverse to the capacitive area. The capacitance is proportional to the area and inverse to the separation. Therefore, a common unit for quantifying capacitor leakage is the product of its capacitance and its leakage resistance, usually expressed in megohms-microfarads (MΩ·μF). Capacitor leakage is measured by applying a fixed voltage to the capacitor and testing and measuring the resulting current. The leakage current will decay exponentially with time, so it’s usually necessary to apply the voltage for a known period (the soak time) before measuring the current.
In theory, a capacitor’s dielectric could be made of any non-conductive substance. However, practical applications use specific materials that best suit the capacitor’s function. The insulation resistance of polymer dielectrics such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, or Teflon® can range from 104MΩ·μF to 108MΩ·μF, depending on the specific materials used and their purity. For example, a 1000pF Teflon cap with an insulation resistance higher than 1017Ω is specified as >108MΩ·μF. The insulation resistance of ceramics such as X7R or NPO can be anywhere from 103MΩ·μF to 106MΩ·μF. Electrolytic capacitors such as tantalum or aluminum have much lower leakage resistances, typically ranging from 1MΩ·μF to 100MΩ·μF. For example, a 4.7μF aluminum cap specified as 50MΩ·μF is guaranteed to have at least 10.6MΩ insulation resistance.
Figure 1. Capacitance measurement using an electrometer with an integrated voltage source.
88
Modern Test & Measure
Testing Capacitor LeakageFigure 2 illustrates a general circuit for testing capacitor leakage. Here, the voltage is placed across the capacitor (CX) for the soak period, then the ammeter measures the current after this period has elapsed. The resistor (R), which is in series with the capacitor, serves two important functions. First, it limits the current in case the capacitor becomes shorted. Second, the decreasing reactance of the capacitor with increasing frequency will increase the gain of the feedback ammeter. The resistor limits this increase in gain to a finite value. A reasonable value is one that results in an RC product from 0.5 to 2 seconds. The switch (S), while not strictly necessary, is included in the circuit to allow control over the voltage to be applied to the capacitor.
The series resistor also adds Johnson noise—the thermal noise created by any resistor—to the measurement. At room temperature, this is roughly 6.5×10-10
amps, p-p. The current noise in a 1TΩ feedback resistor at a typical 3Hz bandwidth would be ~8×10-16A. When measuring an insulation resistance of 1016Ω at 10V, the noise current will be 80% of the measured current.
Greater measurement accuracy can be achieved by including a forward-biased diode (D) in the circuit, as shown in Figure 3. The diode acts like a variable resistance, low when the charging current to the capacitor is high, then increasing in value as the current decreases with time. This allows the series resistor used to be much smaller because it is only needed to prevent overload of the voltage source
Figure 2. A simple capacitor leakage test circuit.
Figure 3. Alternative test circuit that incorporates a small-signal diode.
A variety of considerations should go into the selection of the instrumentation used when measuring capacitor leakage:
■ Although it is certainly possible to set up a system with a separate voltage source, an integrated one simplifies the configuration and programming process significantly, so look for an electrometer or picoammeter with a built-in variable voltage source. A continuously variable voltage source allows calculating voltage coefficients easily. For making high resistance measurements on capacitors with high voltage ratings, a 1000V source with built-in current limiting is best. For a given capacitor, a larger applied voltage within the voltage rating of the capacitor will produce a larger leakage current. Measuring a larger current with the same intrinsic noise floor produces a greater signal-to-noise ratio and, therefore, a more accurate reading.
■ Temperature and humidity can have a significant effect on high resistance measurements, so monitoring, regulating, and recording these conditions can be critical to ensuring measurement accuracy. Some newer electrometers, such as Keithley’s Model 6517B Electrometer/Source (Figure 4), have the ability to
Figure 4. Model 6517B Electrometer/Source.
monitor temperature and humidity simultaneously. This provides a record of conditions, and allows for easier determination of temperature coefficients. Automatic time stamping of readings provides a further record for time-resolved measurements.
■ Incorporating switching hardware into the test setup allows automating the testing process. For small batch testing in a lab with a benchtop test setup, consider an electrometer that offers the convenience of a plug-in switching card. For testing larger batches of capacitors, look for an instrument that can integrate easily with a switching system capable of higher channel counts.
Choosing Test Instrumentation
9
TECH REPORT
9
Testing Capacitor LeakageFigure 2 illustrates a general circuit for testing capacitor leakage. Here, the voltage is placed across the capacitor (CX) for the soak period, then the ammeter measures the current after this period has elapsed. The resistor (R), which is in series with the capacitor, serves two important functions. First, it limits the current in case the capacitor becomes shorted. Second, the decreasing reactance of the capacitor with increasing frequency will increase the gain of the feedback ammeter. The resistor limits this increase in gain to a finite value. A reasonable value is one that results in an RC product from 0.5 to 2 seconds. The switch (S), while not strictly necessary, is included in the circuit to allow control over the voltage to be applied to the capacitor.
The series resistor also adds Johnson noise—the thermal noise created by any resistor—to the measurement. At room temperature, this is roughly 6.5×10-10
amps, p-p. The current noise in a 1TΩ feedback resistor at a typical 3Hz bandwidth would be ~8×10-16A. When measuring an insulation resistance of 1016Ω at 10V, the noise current will be 80% of the measured current.
Greater measurement accuracy can be achieved by including a forward-biased diode (D) in the circuit, as shown in Figure 3. The diode acts like a variable resistance, low when the charging current to the capacitor is high, then increasing in value as the current decreases with time. This allows the series resistor used to be much smaller because it is only needed to prevent overload of the voltage source
Figure 2. A simple capacitor leakage test circuit.
Figure 3. Alternative test circuit that incorporates a small-signal diode.
A variety of considerations should go into the selection of the instrumentation used when measuring capacitor leakage:
■ Although it is certainly possible to set up a system with a separate voltage source, an integrated one simplifies the configuration and programming process significantly, so look for an electrometer or picoammeter with a built-in variable voltage source. A continuously variable voltage source allows calculating voltage coefficients easily. For making high resistance measurements on capacitors with high voltage ratings, a 1000V source with built-in current limiting is best. For a given capacitor, a larger applied voltage within the voltage rating of the capacitor will produce a larger leakage current. Measuring a larger current with the same intrinsic noise floor produces a greater signal-to-noise ratio and, therefore, a more accurate reading.
■ Temperature and humidity can have a significant effect on high resistance measurements, so monitoring, regulating, and recording these conditions can be critical to ensuring measurement accuracy. Some newer electrometers, such as Keithley’s Model 6517B Electrometer/Source (Figure 4), have the ability to
Figure 4. Model 6517B Electrometer/Source.
monitor temperature and humidity simultaneously. This provides a record of conditions, and allows for easier determination of temperature coefficients. Automatic time stamping of readings provides a further record for time-resolved measurements.
■ Incorporating switching hardware into the test setup allows automating the testing process. For small batch testing in a lab with a benchtop test setup, consider an electrometer that offers the convenience of a plug-in switching card. For testing larger batches of capacitors, look for an instrument that can integrate easily with a switching system capable of higher channel counts.
Choosing Test Instrumentation
1010
Modern Test & Measure
■ Double insulate all electrical connections that an operator could touch. Double insulation ensures the operator is still protected, even if one insulation layer fails.
■ Use high-reliability, fail-safe interlock switches to disconnect power sources when a test fixture cover is opened.
■ Where possible, use automated handlers so operators do not require access to the inside of the test fixture.
■ Provide proper training to all users of the system so they understand all potential hazards and know how to protect themselves from injury.
be configured in such a way that the user cannot come in contact with the conductors, connections, or the DUT. Safe installation requires proper shielding, barriers, and grounding to prevent contact with conductors.
More complex test systems that combine leakage measurement with capacitance measurements, dielectric absorption and other tests, if desired, are possible. A simplified schematic of such a test system using an LCZ bridge and a picoammeter with a voltage source is shown in Figure 6.
Ensuring Test SafetyMany electrical test systems or instruments are capable of measuring or sourcing hazardous voltage and power levels. It is also possible, under single fault conditions (e.g., a programming error or an instrument failure), to output hazardous levels even when the system indicates no hazard is present. These high voltage and power levels make it essential to protect operators from any of these hazards at all times. It is the responsibility of the test system designers, integrators, and installers to make sure operator and maintenance personnel protection is in place and effective. Protection methods include:
■ Design test fixtures to prevent operator contact with any hazardous circuit.
■ Make sure the device under test is fully enclosed to protect the operator from any flying debris.
and damage to the diode if the capacitor is short-circuited. The diode used should be a small signal diode, such as a 1N914 or a 1N3595, but it must be housed in a light-tight enclosure to eliminate photoelectric and electrostatic interference. For dual-polarity tests, two diodes should be used back to back in parallel.
Test Configurations Producing enough useful data for statistical analysis requires testing a large quantity of capacitors quickly. Obviously, performing these tests manually is impractical, so an automated test system is required. Figure 5 illustrates such a system, which employs an electrometer with built-in voltage source, as well as a switching mainframe that houses a low current scanner card and a Form C switching card. In this test setup, a single instrument provides both the voltage sourcing and low current measurement functions. A computer controls the instruments to perform the tests automatically.
One set of switches is used to apply the test voltage to each capacitor in turn; a second set of switches connects each capacitor to the electrometer’s picoammeter input after a suitable soak period. After the capacitors have been tested, the voltage source should be set to zero and then some time allowed so the capacitors can discharge before they are removed from the test fixture.
Note that in Figure 5 the capacitors have a discharge path through the normally closed contacts of the relays. To prevent electric shock, test connections must
Figure 5. Example capacitor leakage test system configuration.
Figure 6. Capacitance and IR measurement system.
11
TECH REPORT
11
■ Double insulate all electrical connections that an operator could touch. Double insulation ensures the operator is still protected, even if one insulation layer fails.
■ Use high-reliability, fail-safe interlock switches to disconnect power sources when a test fixture cover is opened.
■ Where possible, use automated handlers so operators do not require access to the inside of the test fixture.
■ Provide proper training to all users of the system so they understand all potential hazards and know how to protect themselves from injury.
be configured in such a way that the user cannot come in contact with the conductors, connections, or the DUT. Safe installation requires proper shielding, barriers, and grounding to prevent contact with conductors.
More complex test systems that combine leakage measurement with capacitance measurements, dielectric absorption and other tests, if desired, are possible. A simplified schematic of such a test system using an LCZ bridge and a picoammeter with a voltage source is shown in Figure 6.
Ensuring Test SafetyMany electrical test systems or instruments are capable of measuring or sourcing hazardous voltage and power levels. It is also possible, under single fault conditions (e.g., a programming error or an instrument failure), to output hazardous levels even when the system indicates no hazard is present. These high voltage and power levels make it essential to protect operators from any of these hazards at all times. It is the responsibility of the test system designers, integrators, and installers to make sure operator and maintenance personnel protection is in place and effective. Protection methods include:
■ Design test fixtures to prevent operator contact with any hazardous circuit.
■ Make sure the device under test is fully enclosed to protect the operator from any flying debris.
and damage to the diode if the capacitor is short-circuited. The diode used should be a small signal diode, such as a 1N914 or a 1N3595, but it must be housed in a light-tight enclosure to eliminate photoelectric and electrostatic interference. For dual-polarity tests, two diodes should be used back to back in parallel.
Test Configurations Producing enough useful data for statistical analysis requires testing a large quantity of capacitors quickly. Obviously, performing these tests manually is impractical, so an automated test system is required. Figure 5 illustrates such a system, which employs an electrometer with built-in voltage source, as well as a switching mainframe that houses a low current scanner card and a Form C switching card. In this test setup, a single instrument provides both the voltage sourcing and low current measurement functions. A computer controls the instruments to perform the tests automatically.
One set of switches is used to apply the test voltage to each capacitor in turn; a second set of switches connects each capacitor to the electrometer’s picoammeter input after a suitable soak period. After the capacitors have been tested, the voltage source should be set to zero and then some time allowed so the capacitors can discharge before they are removed from the test fixture.
Note that in Figure 5 the capacitors have a discharge path through the normally closed contacts of the relays. To prevent electric shock, test connections must
Figure 5. Example capacitor leakage test system configuration.
Figure 6. Capacitance and IR measurement system.
CLICK
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Modern Test & Measure
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
VIIVV
VIIVV
for External Power Supplies
Efficiency STANDARDS
The global regulatory environment surrounding the legislation of external power supply efficiency and no-load
power draw has rapidly evolved over the past decade since the California Energy Commission (CEC) implemented the first mandatory standard in 2004. With the publication of a new set of requirements by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) set to go into effect February 2016, the landscape is set to change again as regulators try to further reduce the amount of energy consumed by external power adapters.
Mandating higher average efficiencies in external power supplies has undoubtedly had a real impact on global power consumption. However, with the benefit of a reduced draw on the power grid come challenges and uncertainties for the electronics industry as it tries to keep up with this dynamic regulatory environment.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who design external power supplies into their products must continue to monitor the latest regulations to ensure that they are in compliance in each region where their product is sold. The goal of this paper is to provide an up-to-date summary of the most current regulations worldwide.
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
VIIVV
VIIVV
15
TECH REPORT
15
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
VIIVV
VIIVV
for External Power Supplies
Efficiency STANDARDS
The global regulatory environment surrounding the legislation of external power supply efficiency and no-load
power draw has rapidly evolved over the past decade since the California Energy Commission (CEC) implemented the first mandatory standard in 2004. With the publication of a new set of requirements by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) set to go into effect February 2016, the landscape is set to change again as regulators try to further reduce the amount of energy consumed by external power adapters.
Mandating higher average efficiencies in external power supplies has undoubtedly had a real impact on global power consumption. However, with the benefit of a reduced draw on the power grid come challenges and uncertainties for the electronics industry as it tries to keep up with this dynamic regulatory environment.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who design external power supplies into their products must continue to monitor the latest regulations to ensure that they are in compliance in each region where their product is sold. The goal of this paper is to provide an up-to-date summary of the most current regulations worldwide.
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
VIIVV
VIIVV
1616
Modern Test & Measure
A BRIEF HISTORYIn the early 90’s, it was estimated that there were more than one billion external power supplies active in the United States alone. The efficiency of these power supplies, mainly utilizing linear technology, could be as low as 50% and still draw power when the application was turned off or not even connected to the power supply (referred to as “no-load” condition). Experts calculated that without efforts to increase efficiencies and reduce “no-load” power consumption, external power supplies would account for around 30% of total energy consumption in less than 20 years. As early as 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency started a voluntary program to promote energy efficiency and reduce pollution, which eventually became the Energy Star program. However, it was not until 2004 that the first mandatory regulation dictating efficiency and no-load power draw minimums was put in place. Figure 1 demonstrates just how dynamic the regulatory environment has been over the past decade. It also traces the path from the CEC’s 2004 regulation up to the new Level VI standards set to take effect February 2016.
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
Figure 1: The image below traces the path from the CEC’s 2004 regulation up to the new Level VI standards set to take effect February 2016
2005
Energy StarImplements a voluntary efficiency
program with levels referred to as Tier 1
2006
Energy StarReleases international efficiency
marking protocol to harmonize all initiatives around the globe
2008
Energy StarAllows manufacturers to use the
Energy Star label if their power supplies meet Level IV standards
European UnionImplements Phase 1 of their ErP
directive equivalent to Level IV 2010
2008
AustraliaUpdates MEPS to include a voluntary High
Efficiency category equivalent to Level IV
2004
California EnergyCommission (CEC)
Passes legislation to impliment their Tier 1 standards in July ‘06 (equivalent to Level III)
2006
CEC Tier 1California implements its Tier 1
standards (equivalent to Level III)
2011US Departmentof Energy (DOE)
Publishes more stringent Level VI standard 2014
China EnergyConservation ProgramImplements a voluntary efficiency program, never fully adopted2005
VoluntaryNo mandatory standards were set before 2004
2004PRE
European UnionApproves Directive 2005/32/EC establishing a framework for the settingof eco-design requirements, power supplies not defined2005
AustraliaImplements their Minimum Efficiency Performance standard, (equivalent to Level III)2006
CEC Tier 2 & EISA 2007These efficiency levels are implemented equivalent to Level IV2008
European UnionEnacts ErP Directive 2009/125/EC with dates to harmonize with CEC and EISA by April ‘112009
Energy StarRemoves the power supply category from its listing as they feel it is part of the end product2010NRCan
Natural Resources Canada implements Tier 1 standards equivalent to Level IV 2012
Level VI Efficiency StandardSet to go into effect in the US February 10, 2016
2016
US CongressEnacts the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), harmonized with CEC Tier II release date and requirements2007
LEVE
L V
LEVE
L III
NO
NE
LEVE
L IV
LEVE
L VI
EISA, CEC & European UnionCEC implements their Tier 3 Standards and EU implements its Phase 2 standards in harmony with Level V Marking Protocol
page 3
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
VIIVV
VIIVV
Figure 1: This image traces the path from the CEC’s 2004 regulation up to the new Level VI standards set to take effect February 2016.
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
17
TECH REPORT
17
A BRIEF HISTORYIn the early 90’s, it was estimated that there were more than one billion external power supplies active in the United States alone. The efficiency of these power supplies, mainly utilizing linear technology, could be as low as 50% and still draw power when the application was turned off or not even connected to the power supply (referred to as “no-load” condition). Experts calculated that without efforts to increase efficiencies and reduce “no-load” power consumption, external power supplies would account for around 30% of total energy consumption in less than 20 years. As early as 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency started a voluntary program to promote energy efficiency and reduce pollution, which eventually became the Energy Star program. However, it was not until 2004 that the first mandatory regulation dictating efficiency and no-load power draw minimums was put in place. Figure 1 demonstrates just how dynamic the regulatory environment has been over the past decade. It also traces the path from the CEC’s 2004 regulation up to the new Level VI standards set to take effect February 2016.
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
Figure 1: The image below traces the path from the CEC’s 2004 regulation up to the new Level VI standards set to take effect February 2016
2005
Energy StarImplements a voluntary efficiency
program with levels referred to as Tier 1
2006
Energy StarReleases international efficiency
marking protocol to harmonize all initiatives around the globe
2008
Energy StarAllows manufacturers to use the
Energy Star label if their power supplies meet Level IV standards
European UnionImplements Phase 1 of their ErP
directive equivalent to Level IV 2010
2008
AustraliaUpdates MEPS to include a voluntary High
Efficiency category equivalent to Level IV
2004
California EnergyCommission (CEC)
Passes legislation to impliment their Tier 1 standards in July ‘06 (equivalent to Level III)
2006
CEC Tier 1California implements its Tier 1
standards (equivalent to Level III)
2011US Departmentof Energy (DOE)
Publishes more stringent Level VI standard 2014
China EnergyConservation ProgramImplements a voluntary efficiency program, never fully adopted2005
VoluntaryNo mandatory standards were set before 2004
2004PRE
European UnionApproves Directive 2005/32/EC establishing a framework for the settingof eco-design requirements, power supplies not defined2005
AustraliaImplements their Minimum Efficiency Performance standard, (equivalent to Level III)2006
CEC Tier 2 & EISA 2007These efficiency levels are implemented equivalent to Level IV2008
European UnionEnacts ErP Directive 2009/125/EC with dates to harmonize with CEC and EISA by April ‘112009
Energy StarRemoves the power supply category from its listing as they feel it is part of the end product2010NRCan
Natural Resources Canada implements Tier 1 standards equivalent to Level IV 2012
Level VI Efficiency StandardSet to go into effect in the US February 10, 2016
2016
US CongressEnacts the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), harmonized with CEC Tier II release date and requirements2007
LEVE
L V
LEVE
L III
NO
NE
LEVE
L IV
LEVE
L VI
EISA, CEC & European UnionCEC implements their Tier 3 Standards and EU implements its Phase 2 standards in harmony with Level V Marking Protocol
page 3
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
VIIVV
VIIVV
Figure 1: This image traces the path from the CEC’s 2004 regulation up to the new Level VI standards set to take effect February 2016.
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
1818
Modern Test & Measure
page 4
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
THE CURRENT REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTAs different countries and regions enact stricter requirements and move from voluntary to mandatory programs, it has become vital that OEMs continually track the most recent developments to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or fines. While many countries are establishing voluntary programs harmonized to the international efficiency marking protocol system first established by Energy Star, the following countries and regions now have regulations in place mandating that all external power supplies shipped across their borders meet the specified efficiency level:
Although the United States Department of Energy has established the more stringent Level VI standard, it is not set to go into effect until 2016. Today, Level V will meet or exceed the requirements of any governing body around the globe. Power supply manufacturers indicate compliance by placing a Roman Numeral V on the power supply label as specified by the International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0, updated in September 2013. This latest version of the Protocol provides additional flexibility on where the marking may be placed.
UNITED STATES CANADA EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union is currently the only governing body to enforce compliance to the Level V standard, though most external power supply manufactures have adjusted their product portfolios to meet these requirements. The adjustments are a direct response to the needs of OEM’s to have a universal power supply platform for their products that ship globally.
UNITED
page 4
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
THE CURRENT REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTAs different countries and regions enact stricter requirements and move from voluntary to mandatory programs, it has become vital that OEMs continually track the most recent developments to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or fines. While many countries are establishing voluntary programs harmonized to the international efficiency marking protocol system first established by Energy Star, the following countries and regions now have regulations in place mandating that all external power supplies shipped across their borders meet the specified efficiency level:
Although the United States Department of Energy has established the more stringent Level VI standard, it is not set to go into effect until 2016. Today, Level V will meet or exceed the requirements of any governing body around the globe. Power supply manufacturers indicate compliance by placing a Roman Numeral V on the power supply label as specified by the International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0, updated in September 2013. This latest version of the Protocol provides additional flexibility on where the marking may be placed.
UNITED STATES CANADA EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union is currently the only governing body to enforce compliance to the Level V standard, though most external power supply manufactures have adjusted their product portfolios to meet these requirements. The adjustments are a direct response to the needs of OEM’s to have a universal power supply platform for their products that ship globally.
THE CURRENT REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTAs different countries and regions enact stricter requirements and move from voluntary to mandatory programs, it has become vital that OEMs continually track the most recent developments to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or fines. While many countries are establishing voluntary programs harmonized to the international efficiency marking protocol system first established by Energy Star, the following countries and regions now have regulations in place mandating that all external power supplies shipped across their borders meet the specified efficiency level:
Although the United States Department of Energy has established the more stringent Level VI standard, it is not set to go into effect until 2016. Today, Level V will meet or exceed the requirements of any governing body around the globe. Power supply manufacturers indicate compliance by placing a Roman Numeral V on the power supply label as specified by the International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0, updated in September 2013. This latest version of the Protocol provides additional flexibility on where the marking may be placed.
The European Union is currently the only governing body to enforce compliance to the Level V standard, though most external power supply manufactures have adjusted their product portfolios to meet these requirements. The adjustments are a direct response to the needs of OEM’s to have a universal power supply platform for their products that ship globally.
PERFORMANCE THRESHOLDSFigure 2 summarizes past and current performance thresholds as they were established over time. The internationally approved test method for determining efficiency has been published by the IEC as AS/NZS 4665 Part 1 and Part 2. The approach taken to establish an efficiency level is to measure the input and output power at 4 defined points: 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of rated power output. Data for all 4 points are separately reported as well as an arithmetic average active efficiency across all 4 points.page 5
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
PERFORMANCE THRESHOLDSFigure 2 summarizes past and current performance thresholds as they were established over time.
The internationally approved test method for determining efficiency has been published by the IEC as AS/NZS 4665 Part 1 and Part 2. The approach taken to establish an efficiency level is to measure the input and output power at 4 defined points: 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of rated power output. Data for all 4 points are separately reported as well as an arithmetic average active efficiency across all 4 points.
LEVEL NO-LOAD POWER REQUIREMENT AVERAGE EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
I used if you do not meet any of the criteria
II no criteria was ever established no criteria was ever established
III ≤10 Watts: ≤0.5W of No Load Power
10~250 Watts: ≤0.75W No Load Power
≤1Watt: ≥ Power x 0.49
1~49 Watts: ≥[0.09 x Ln(Power)] + 0.49
49~250 Watts: ≥84%
IV 0~250 Watts: ≤0.5W No Load Power ≤1Watt: ≥ Power x 0.50
1~51 Watts: ≥[0.09 x Ln(Power)] + 0.5
51~250 Watts: ≥85%
VStandard Voltage Ac-Dc Models (>6Vout)
0~49 Watts: ≤0.3W of No Load Power ≤1 Watt: 0.48 x Power +0.140
50~250 Watts: ≤0.5W of No Load Power 1~49 Watts: [0.0626 x Ln(Power)] + 0.622
50~250 Watts: ≥87%
Low Voltage Ac-Dc Models (<6Vout)
0~49 Watts: ≤0.3W of No Load Power ≤1 Watt: 0.497 x Power + 0.067
50~250 Watts: ≤0.5W of No Load Power 1~49 Watts: [0.0750 x Ln(Power)] + 0.561
50~250 Watts: ≥86%
Figure 2: The table above summarizes past and current performance thresholds as they were established over time. The term “power” means the power designated on the label of the power supply.
CURRENT EXEMPTIONSNot all external power supplies are treated the same and exemptions exist in both the United States and the European Union.
In the US, Congress has written provisions into section 301 of EISA 2007 that exclude some types of external power supplies. These are devices that:
Δ Require Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c).
Δ Power the charger of a detachable battery pack or charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor operated.
Δ Are made available as a service part or spare part by the manufacturer of an end-product that was produced before July 1, 2008 for which the external power supply was the primary load. Power supplies used for this purpose can be manufactured after July 1, 2008.
The European Union has instituted similar exemptions to the United States. External power supplies for medi-cal devices, battery chargers, and service products are
Figure 2: The table above summarizes past and current performance thresholds as they were established over time. The term “power” means the power designated on the label of the power supply.
CURRENT EXEMPTIONSNot all external power supplies are treated the same and exemptions exist in both the United States and the European Union.
In the US, Congress has written provisions into section 301 of EISA 2007 that excludes some types of external power supplies. These are devices that:
• Require Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c).
• Powers the chargers of a detachable battery packs or charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor-operated.
19
TECH REPORT
19
page 4
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
THE CURRENT REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTAs different countries and regions enact stricter requirements and move from voluntary to mandatory programs, it has become vital that OEMs continually track the most recent developments to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or fines. While many countries are establishing voluntary programs harmonized to the international efficiency marking protocol system first established by Energy Star, the following countries and regions now have regulations in place mandating that all external power supplies shipped across their borders meet the specified efficiency level:
Although the United States Department of Energy has established the more stringent Level VI standard, it is not set to go into effect until 2016. Today, Level V will meet or exceed the requirements of any governing body around the globe. Power supply manufacturers indicate compliance by placing a Roman Numeral V on the power supply label as specified by the International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0, updated in September 2013. This latest version of the Protocol provides additional flexibility on where the marking may be placed.
UNITED STATES CANADA EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union is currently the only governing body to enforce compliance to the Level V standard, though most external power supply manufactures have adjusted their product portfolios to meet these requirements. The adjustments are a direct response to the needs of OEM’s to have a universal power supply platform for their products that ship globally.
UNITED
page 4
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
THE CURRENT REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTAs different countries and regions enact stricter requirements and move from voluntary to mandatory programs, it has become vital that OEMs continually track the most recent developments to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or fines. While many countries are establishing voluntary programs harmonized to the international efficiency marking protocol system first established by Energy Star, the following countries and regions now have regulations in place mandating that all external power supplies shipped across their borders meet the specified efficiency level:
Although the United States Department of Energy has established the more stringent Level VI standard, it is not set to go into effect until 2016. Today, Level V will meet or exceed the requirements of any governing body around the globe. Power supply manufacturers indicate compliance by placing a Roman Numeral V on the power supply label as specified by the International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0, updated in September 2013. This latest version of the Protocol provides additional flexibility on where the marking may be placed.
UNITED STATES CANADA EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union is currently the only governing body to enforce compliance to the Level V standard, though most external power supply manufactures have adjusted their product portfolios to meet these requirements. The adjustments are a direct response to the needs of OEM’s to have a universal power supply platform for their products that ship globally.
THE CURRENT REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTAs different countries and regions enact stricter requirements and move from voluntary to mandatory programs, it has become vital that OEMs continually track the most recent developments to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or fines. While many countries are establishing voluntary programs harmonized to the international efficiency marking protocol system first established by Energy Star, the following countries and regions now have regulations in place mandating that all external power supplies shipped across their borders meet the specified efficiency level:
Although the United States Department of Energy has established the more stringent Level VI standard, it is not set to go into effect until 2016. Today, Level V will meet or exceed the requirements of any governing body around the globe. Power supply manufacturers indicate compliance by placing a Roman Numeral V on the power supply label as specified by the International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0, updated in September 2013. This latest version of the Protocol provides additional flexibility on where the marking may be placed.
The European Union is currently the only governing body to enforce compliance to the Level V standard, though most external power supply manufactures have adjusted their product portfolios to meet these requirements. The adjustments are a direct response to the needs of OEM’s to have a universal power supply platform for their products that ship globally.
PERFORMANCE THRESHOLDSFigure 2 summarizes past and current performance thresholds as they were established over time. The internationally approved test method for determining efficiency has been published by the IEC as AS/NZS 4665 Part 1 and Part 2. The approach taken to establish an efficiency level is to measure the input and output power at 4 defined points: 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of rated power output. Data for all 4 points are separately reported as well as an arithmetic average active efficiency across all 4 points.page 5
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
PERFORMANCE THRESHOLDSFigure 2 summarizes past and current performance thresholds as they were established over time.
The internationally approved test method for determining efficiency has been published by the IEC as AS/NZS 4665 Part 1 and Part 2. The approach taken to establish an efficiency level is to measure the input and output power at 4 defined points: 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of rated power output. Data for all 4 points are separately reported as well as an arithmetic average active efficiency across all 4 points.
LEVEL NO-LOAD POWER REQUIREMENT AVERAGE EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
I used if you do not meet any of the criteria
II no criteria was ever established no criteria was ever established
III ≤10 Watts: ≤0.5W of No Load Power
10~250 Watts: ≤0.75W No Load Power
≤1Watt: ≥ Power x 0.49
1~49 Watts: ≥[0.09 x Ln(Power)] + 0.49
49~250 Watts: ≥84%
IV 0~250 Watts: ≤0.5W No Load Power ≤1Watt: ≥ Power x 0.50
1~51 Watts: ≥[0.09 x Ln(Power)] + 0.5
51~250 Watts: ≥85%
VStandard Voltage Ac-Dc Models (>6Vout)
0~49 Watts: ≤0.3W of No Load Power ≤1 Watt: 0.48 x Power +0.140
50~250 Watts: ≤0.5W of No Load Power 1~49 Watts: [0.0626 x Ln(Power)] + 0.622
50~250 Watts: ≥87%
Low Voltage Ac-Dc Models (<6Vout)
0~49 Watts: ≤0.3W of No Load Power ≤1 Watt: 0.497 x Power + 0.067
50~250 Watts: ≤0.5W of No Load Power 1~49 Watts: [0.0750 x Ln(Power)] + 0.561
50~250 Watts: ≥86%
Figure 2: The table above summarizes past and current performance thresholds as they were established over time. The term “power” means the power designated on the label of the power supply.
CURRENT EXEMPTIONSNot all external power supplies are treated the same and exemptions exist in both the United States and the European Union.
In the US, Congress has written provisions into section 301 of EISA 2007 that exclude some types of external power supplies. These are devices that:
Δ Require Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c).
Δ Power the charger of a detachable battery pack or charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor operated.
Δ Are made available as a service part or spare part by the manufacturer of an end-product that was produced before July 1, 2008 for which the external power supply was the primary load. Power supplies used for this purpose can be manufactured after July 1, 2008.
The European Union has instituted similar exemptions to the United States. External power supplies for medi-cal devices, battery chargers, and service products are
Figure 2: The table above summarizes past and current performance thresholds as they were established over time. The term “power” means the power designated on the label of the power supply.
CURRENT EXEMPTIONSNot all external power supplies are treated the same and exemptions exist in both the United States and the European Union.
In the US, Congress has written provisions into section 301 of EISA 2007 that excludes some types of external power supplies. These are devices that:
• Require Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c).
• Powers the chargers of a detachable battery packs or charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor-operated.
2020
Modern Test & Measure
• Are made available as a service part or spare part by the manufacturer of an end-product that was produced before July 1, 2008 for which the external power supply was the primary load. Power supplies used for this purpose can be manufactured after July 1, 2008.
The European Union has instituted similar exemptions to the United States. External power supplies for medical devices, battery chargers, and service products are exempt. In addition, an exemption exists for low volt- age EPS devices. Low voltage external power supply means a unit with a nameplate output voltage of less than 6 volts and a nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 mA.
MOVING TO LEVEL VIPower supply manufactures, including CUI, are already preparing for the coming transition to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard. Regulated products will now include:
• Multiple-voltage external power supplies
• Products with power levels greater than 250 watts
The new performance thresholds are summarized in the tables at the right:
page 6
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
exempt. In addition, an exemption exists for low volt-age EPS devices. Low voltage external power supply means a unit with a nameplate output voltage of less than 6 volts and a nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 mA.
MOVING TO LEVEL VIPower supply manufactures, including CUI, are already preparing for the coming transition to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard. Regulated products will now include:
Δ Multiple-voltage external power supplies
Δ Products with power levels >250 watts
The new performance thresholds are summarized in the tables below:
1 Single-Voltage External Ac-Dc Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage dc output and is able to convert to only one dc output voltage at a time.
2 Low-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps. Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply.
3 Single-Voltage External Ac-Ac Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage ac output and is able to convert to only one ac output voltage at a time.
4 Multiple-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac input into more than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY 1, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE 2
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY3, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
MULTIPLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY4
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.497 × Pout + 0.067 0.300
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.075 × ln(Pout) + 0.561 0.300
Pout > 49 W 0.860 0.300
page 6
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
exempt. In addition, an exemption exists for low volt-age EPS devices. Low voltage external power supply means a unit with a nameplate output voltage of less than 6 volts and a nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 mA.
MOVING TO LEVEL VIPower supply manufactures, including CUI, are already preparing for the coming transition to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard. Regulated products will now include:
Δ Multiple-voltage external power supplies
Δ Products with power levels >250 watts
The new performance thresholds are summarized in the tables below:
1 Single-Voltage External Ac-Dc Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage dc output and is able to convert to only one dc output voltage at a time.
2 Low-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps. Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply.
3 Single-Voltage External Ac-Ac Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage ac output and is able to convert to only one ac output voltage at a time.
4 Multiple-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac input into more than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY 1, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE 2
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY3, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
MULTIPLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY4
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.497 × Pout + 0.067 0.300
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.075 × ln(Pout) + 0.561 0.300
Pout > 49 W 0.860 0.300
page 6
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
exempt. In addition, an exemption exists for low volt-age EPS devices. Low voltage external power supply means a unit with a nameplate output voltage of less than 6 volts and a nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 mA.
MOVING TO LEVEL VIPower supply manufactures, including CUI, are already preparing for the coming transition to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard. Regulated products will now include:
Δ Multiple-voltage external power supplies
Δ Products with power levels >250 watts
The new performance thresholds are summarized in the tables below:
1 Single-Voltage External Ac-Dc Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage dc output and is able to convert to only one dc output voltage at a time.
2 Low-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps. Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply.
3 Single-Voltage External Ac-Ac Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage ac output and is able to convert to only one ac output voltage at a time.
4 Multiple-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac input into more than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY 1, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE 2
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY3, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
MULTIPLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY4
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.497 × Pout + 0.067 0.300
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.075 × ln(Pout) + 0.561 0.300
Pout > 49 W 0.860 0.300
1. Single-Voltage External AC-DC Power SupplyAn external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage AC into lower-voltage DC output and is able to convert to only one DC output voltage at a time
2. Low-Voltage External Power SupplyAn external power supply with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps. Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply.
3. Single-Voltage External AC-AC Power SupplyAn external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage AC into lower-voltage AC output and is able to convert to only one AC output voltage at a time.
4. Multiple-Voltage E xternal Power SupplyAn external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage AC input into more than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
21
TECH REPORT
21
• Are made available as a service part or spare part by the manufacturer of an end-product that was produced before July 1, 2008 for which the external power supply was the primary load. Power supplies used for this purpose can be manufactured after July 1, 2008.
The European Union has instituted similar exemptions to the United States. External power supplies for medical devices, battery chargers, and service products are exempt. In addition, an exemption exists for low volt- age EPS devices. Low voltage external power supply means a unit with a nameplate output voltage of less than 6 volts and a nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 mA.
MOVING TO LEVEL VIPower supply manufactures, including CUI, are already preparing for the coming transition to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard. Regulated products will now include:
• Multiple-voltage external power supplies
• Products with power levels greater than 250 watts
The new performance thresholds are summarized in the tables at the right:
page 6
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
exempt. In addition, an exemption exists for low volt-age EPS devices. Low voltage external power supply means a unit with a nameplate output voltage of less than 6 volts and a nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 mA.
MOVING TO LEVEL VIPower supply manufactures, including CUI, are already preparing for the coming transition to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard. Regulated products will now include:
Δ Multiple-voltage external power supplies
Δ Products with power levels >250 watts
The new performance thresholds are summarized in the tables below:
1 Single-Voltage External Ac-Dc Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage dc output and is able to convert to only one dc output voltage at a time.
2 Low-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps. Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply.
3 Single-Voltage External Ac-Ac Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage ac output and is able to convert to only one ac output voltage at a time.
4 Multiple-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac input into more than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY 1, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE 2
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY3, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
MULTIPLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY4
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.497 × Pout + 0.067 0.300
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.075 × ln(Pout) + 0.561 0.300
Pout > 49 W 0.860 0.300
page 6
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
exempt. In addition, an exemption exists for low volt-age EPS devices. Low voltage external power supply means a unit with a nameplate output voltage of less than 6 volts and a nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 mA.
MOVING TO LEVEL VIPower supply manufactures, including CUI, are already preparing for the coming transition to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard. Regulated products will now include:
Δ Multiple-voltage external power supplies
Δ Products with power levels >250 watts
The new performance thresholds are summarized in the tables below:
1 Single-Voltage External Ac-Dc Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage dc output and is able to convert to only one dc output voltage at a time.
2 Low-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps. Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply.
3 Single-Voltage External Ac-Ac Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage ac output and is able to convert to only one ac output voltage at a time.
4 Multiple-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac input into more than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY 1, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE 2
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY3, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
MULTIPLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY4
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.497 × Pout + 0.067 0.300
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.075 × ln(Pout) + 0.561 0.300
Pout > 49 W 0.860 0.300
page 6
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
exempt. In addition, an exemption exists for low volt-age EPS devices. Low voltage external power supply means a unit with a nameplate output voltage of less than 6 volts and a nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 mA.
MOVING TO LEVEL VIPower supply manufactures, including CUI, are already preparing for the coming transition to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard. Regulated products will now include:
Δ Multiple-voltage external power supplies
Δ Products with power levels >250 watts
The new performance thresholds are summarized in the tables below:
1 Single-Voltage External Ac-Dc Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage dc output and is able to convert to only one dc output voltage at a time.
2 Low-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps. Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply.
3 Single-Voltage External Ac-Ac Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac into lower-voltage ac output and is able to convert to only one ac output voltage at a time.
4 Multiple-Voltage External Power Supply An external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage ac input into more than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY 1, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-DC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE 2
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.100
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.100
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY3, BASIC-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.5 × Pout + 0.16 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.071 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.67 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.880 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
SINGLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL AC-AC POWER SUPPLY, LOW-VOLTAGE
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.517 × Pout + 0.087 0.210
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.0834 × ln(Pout) - 0.0014 × Pout + 0.609 0.210
49 W < Pout 250 W 0.870 0.210
Pout > 250 W 0.875 0.500
MULTIPLE-VOLTAGE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY4
Nameplate Output Power
(Pout)
Minimum Average Efficiency in Active Mode (expressed as a decimal)
Maximum Power in No-Load Mode
(W)
Pout 1 W 0.497 × Pout + 0.067 0.300
1 W < Pout 49 W 0.075 × ln(Pout) + 0.561 0.300
Pout > 49 W 0.860 0.300
1. Single-Voltage External AC-DC Power SupplyAn external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage AC into lower-voltage DC output and is able to convert to only one DC output voltage at a time
2. Low-Voltage External Power SupplyAn external power supply with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps. Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply.
3. Single-Voltage External AC-AC Power SupplyAn external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage AC into lower-voltage AC output and is able to convert to only one AC output voltage at a time.
4. Multiple-Voltage E xternal Power SupplyAn external power supply that is designed to convert line voltage AC input into more than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
2222
Modern Test & Measure
page 7
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
DIRECT VS INDIRECT OPERATION EPSsThe new standard also defines power supplies as direct operation and indirect operation products. A direct operation product is an external power supply (EPS) that functions in its end product without the assistance of a battery. An indirect operation EPS is not a battery charger but cannot operate the end product without the assistance of a battery. The new standard only applies to direct operation external power supplies. Indirect operation models will still be governed by the limits as defined by EISA2007. Figure 3 illustrates the instructions provided by the DOE to help distinguish between direct and indirect operation power supplies:
LEVEL VI EXEMPTIONSThe new Level VI mandate also defines exemptions for EPS products. The direct operation EPS standards do not apply if:
Δ It is a device that requires Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 360c of title 21;
ORΔ A direct operation, ac-dc external power supply with
nameplate output voltage less than 3 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 1,000 milliamps that charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor operated.
If the external power supply (EPS) can be connected to an end-use consumer product and that consumer product can be operated using battery power, the method for determining whether that EPS is incapable of operating that consumer product directly is as follows:
If the time recorded in paragraph (1)(v) is greater than the summation of the time recorded in paragraph (1)(iii) of this definition and five seconds, the EPS cannot operate the application directly and is an indirect operation EPS.
If the end-use product has a removable battery, removeit for the remainder of the test and proceed to step (v).
step i
Charge the battery in the application via the EPS such that the application can operate as intended before taking any additional steps.
step ii
Disconnect the EPS from the application. From an off mode state, turn on the application and record the time necessary for it to become operational to the nearest five second increment (5 sec, 10 sec, etc.).
step iii
Operate the application using power only from the battery until the application stops functioning due to the battery discharging.
step iv
Connect the EPS first to mains and then to the application. Immediately attempt to operate the application. If the battery was removed for testing and the end-use product operates as intended, the EPS is not an indirect operation EPS and paragraph 2 of this definition does not apply.
If the battery could not be removed for testing, record the time for the application to become operational to the nearest five second increment (5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.).
step v
2
1
If not, proceed to step (ii).
Figure 3: The above instructions have been provided by the DOE to help distinguish between direct and indirect operation power supplies.
DIRECT VS. INDIRECT OPERATION EPSSThe new standard also defines power supplies as direct operation and indirect operation products. A direct operation product is an external power supply (EPS) that functions in its end product without the assistance of a battery. An indirect operation EPS is not a battery charger but cannot operate the end product without the assistance of a battery. The new standard only applies to direct operation external power supplies. Indirect operation models will still be governed by the limits as defined by EISA2007. Figure 3 illustrates the instructions provided by the DOE to help distinguish between direct and indirect operation power supplies:
LEVEL VI EXEMPTIONSThe new Level VI mandate also defines exemptions for EPS products. The direct operation EPS standards do not apply if:
• It is a device that requires Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 306c of title 21;
OR• A direct operation, AC/DC external
power supply with nameplate output voltage less than 3 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 1,000 milliamps that charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor operated.
LOOKING FORWARDThe compliance date for the new requirements has been set for February 10, 2016, two years after the rule’s publication in the Federal Register. It is important to note that compliance with the new standard will be regulated from the date of manufacture, so legacy products can still be shipped as long as the manufacture date is prior to February 10, 2016. Labeling requirements will be required to meet the same International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0 as the current Level V standard.
Globally, it is expected that other nations will soon follow suit with this standard. In the EU, the mandatory European Ecodesign Directive for external power supplies is currently going through revision discussions and it is expected to harmonize with most, if not all, of the US standards. It should be expected that countries with existing efficiency regulations in-line with the US, including Canada and Australia, will move to harmonize with the new standard as well.
SUMMARYThe EPA estimates that external power supply efficiency regulations implemented over the past decade have reduced energy consumption by 32 billion kilowatts, saving $2.5 billion annually and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 24 million tons per year. Moving beyond the mandated government regulations, many OEMs are now starting to demand “greener” power supplies as a way to differentiate their end-products, driving efficiencies continually higher and even pushing the implementation of control technologies that in some cases eliminates no-load power consumption altogether. In late 2014, CUI Inc. began introducing Level VI compliant adapters to keep their customers one step ahead of the coming legislation. Moving forward, CUI will continue to look for ways to implement the latest energy-saving technologies into their external power supplies in order to address market demands and comply with current and future regulations. View all Level V and Level VI compliant power supplies at www.cui.com/catalog/power/ac-dc-power-supplies/external.
Figure 3. The above instructions have been provided by the DOE to help distinguish between direct and indirect operation power supplies.
http://www.cui.com/catalog/pow-er/ac-dc-power-supplies/external
23
TECH REPORT
23
page 7
Efficiency Standards for External Power Supplies
DIRECT VS INDIRECT OPERATION EPSsThe new standard also defines power supplies as direct operation and indirect operation products. A direct operation product is an external power supply (EPS) that functions in its end product without the assistance of a battery. An indirect operation EPS is not a battery charger but cannot operate the end product without the assistance of a battery. The new standard only applies to direct operation external power supplies. Indirect operation models will still be governed by the limits as defined by EISA2007. Figure 3 illustrates the instructions provided by the DOE to help distinguish between direct and indirect operation power supplies:
LEVEL VI EXEMPTIONSThe new Level VI mandate also defines exemptions for EPS products. The direct operation EPS standards do not apply if:
Δ It is a device that requires Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 360c of title 21;
ORΔ A direct operation, ac-dc external power supply with
nameplate output voltage less than 3 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 1,000 milliamps that charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor operated.
If the external power supply (EPS) can be connected to an end-use consumer product and that consumer product can be operated using battery power, the method for determining whether that EPS is incapable of operating that consumer product directly is as follows:
If the time recorded in paragraph (1)(v) is greater than the summation of the time recorded in paragraph (1)(iii) of this definition and five seconds, the EPS cannot operate the application directly and is an indirect operation EPS.
If the end-use product has a removable battery, removeit for the remainder of the test and proceed to step (v).
step i
Charge the battery in the application via the EPS such that the application can operate as intended before taking any additional steps.
step ii
Disconnect the EPS from the application. From an off mode state, turn on the application and record the time necessary for it to become operational to the nearest five second increment (5 sec, 10 sec, etc.).
step iii
Operate the application using power only from the battery until the application stops functioning due to the battery discharging.
step iv
Connect the EPS first to mains and then to the application. Immediately attempt to operate the application. If the battery was removed for testing and the end-use product operates as intended, the EPS is not an indirect operation EPS and paragraph 2 of this definition does not apply.
If the battery could not be removed for testing, record the time for the application to become operational to the nearest five second increment (5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.).
step v
2
1
If not, proceed to step (ii).
Figure 3: The above instructions have been provided by the DOE to help distinguish between direct and indirect operation power supplies.
DIRECT VS. INDIRECT OPERATION EPSSThe new standard also defines power supplies as direct operation and indirect operation products. A direct operation product is an external power supply (EPS) that functions in its end product without the assistance of a battery. An indirect operation EPS is not a battery charger but cannot operate the end product without the assistance of a battery. The new standard only applies to direct operation external power supplies. Indirect operation models will still be governed by the limits as defined by EISA2007. Figure 3 illustrates the instructions provided by the DOE to help distinguish between direct and indirect operation power supplies:
LEVEL VI EXEMPTIONSThe new Level VI mandate also defines exemptions for EPS products. The direct operation EPS standards do not apply if:
• It is a device that requires Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 306c of title 21;
OR• A direct operation, AC/DC external
power supply with nameplate output voltage less than 3 volts and nameplate output current greater than or equal to 1,000 milliamps that charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor operated.
LOOKING FORWARDThe compliance date for the new requirements has been set for February 10, 2016, two years after the rule’s publication in the Federal Register. It is important to note that compliance with the new standard will be regulated from the date of manufacture, so legacy products can still be shipped as long as the manufacture date is prior to February 10, 2016. Labeling requirements will be required to meet the same International Efficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0 as the current Level V standard.
Globally, it is expected that other nations will soon follow suit with this standard. In the EU, the mandatory European Ecodesign Directive for external power supplies is currently going through revision discussions and it is expected to harmonize with most, if not all, of the US standards. It should be expected that countries with existing efficiency regulations in-line with the US, including Canada and Australia, will move to harmonize with the new standard as well.
SUMMARYThe EPA estimates that external power supply efficiency regulations implemented over the past decade have reduced energy consumption by 32 billion kilowatts, saving $2.5 billion annually and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 24 million tons per year. Moving beyond the mandated government regulations, many OEMs are now starting to demand “greener” power supplies as a way to differentiate their end-products, driving efficiencies continually higher and even pushing the implementation of control technologies that in some cases eliminates no-load power consumption altogether. In late 2014, CUI Inc. began introducing Level VI compliant adapters to keep their customers one step ahead of the coming legislation. Moving forward, CUI will continue to look for ways to implement the latest energy-saving technologies into their external power supplies in order to address market demands and comply with current and future regulations. View all Level V and Level VI compliant power supplies at www.cui.com/catalog/power/ac-dc-power-supplies/external.
Figure 3. The above instructions have been provided by the DOE to help distinguish between direct and indirect operation power supplies.
24
Modern Test & Measure
Steve Barfield has been in the Test & Measure
industry since the 1970s. Back then, the big player
in the field was Hewlett Packard—one of the only
companies offering advanced test equipment. In the
following years, the industry has taken off, with hundreds
of big name companies dominating the markets—
each offering their own spin on these classic devices.
While customers tend to go with the brands they trust,
Barfield feels there should be more emphasis on overall
engineering experience: better specs, better support, and
lower price. This is why Barfield joined Siglent, a relatively
new test equipment company that is making its mark in
the field. EEWeb spoke with Barfield about some of the
ways Siglent differentiate themselves from more familiar
brands and how this approach has led to explosive growth
in the Chinese market.
Interview with Steve Barfield General Manager of Siglent
Siglent’s Rise to the Top of the Chinese Scope Market
From
LEADER to GLOBAL
NEWCOMER
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW
25
Steve Barfield has been in the Test & Measure
industry since the 1970s. Back then, the big player
in the field was Hewlett Packard—one of the only
companies offering advanced test equipment. In the
following years, the industry has taken off, with hundreds
of big name companies dominating the markets—
each offering their own spin on these classic devices.
While customers tend to go with the brands they trust,
Barfield feels there should be more emphasis on overall
engineering experience: better specs, better support, and
lower price. This is why Barfield joined Siglent, a relatively
new test equipment company that is making its mark in
the field. EEWeb spoke with Barfield about some of the
ways Siglent differentiate themselves from more familiar
brands and how this approach has led to explosive growth
in the Chinese market.
Interview with Steve Barfield General Manager of Siglent
Siglent’s Rise to the Top of the Chinese Scope Market
From
LEADER to GLOBAL
NEWCOMER
26
Modern Test & Measure
You’ve been in the Test & Measure field for quite some time. What has led you to your current position at Siglent?
I started my career at Hewlett Packard in Dallas back in the late 1970s. I really came to love test and measurement instrumentation—I even started to build my own as a hobby. As long ago as this was, I can still see a piece of old HP equipment from across the room and tell you exactly what model it is and the basic specs.
Since then, I worked as a distributor of test and measurement equipment and then on to sales and sales management. In 2011, I moved to Cleveland, where I was a sales manager for Rigol and when they moved to Oregon, I stayed here to help open the new Siglent offices in Cleveland. By being in the sales department with test and measurement equipment manufacturers, you get to see a lot of different industries and companies. I have been in factories where they did the final assembly of nuclear warheads, and others that were developing new automobiles that needed to have testing done—if you like seeing many different technologies and products, then it is a fun place to be.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities in trying to establish a brand in the test and measurement industry?
Back in the day, there were only a handful of test and measurement companies in the industry. Customers either bought from HP, from a select few competitors, or they made their own equipment. Today, there are many more players in the field, and the technology is certainly a lot different than it was in those days. Many would consider Siglent to be the “new kid on the block” in terms of brand recognition. While we were founded in 2002, Siglent is the leading oscilloscope manufacturer in China as far as number of shipments. We do ODM products for several well-known companies here in the US as well as overseas.
As far as challenges go, when you are new and are competing against veteran companies with recognizable names, it is hard to win customer trust overnight. There are no shortcuts to winning customer trust—it does take time. I do believe that whenever someone uses a Siglent product and gets their hands on it, they begin to gain confidence in it; that is one of the ways we will continue to grow. More and more customers will take the first step and try out a piece of Siglent equipment. We also plan on continuing to be a major ODM supplier. Our job is to make customers aware of us, build trust in our brand, and get them to try Siglent products.
What are some of the opportunities that you see as a smaller company?
A multi-million dollar company that has been around for a number of years has its advantages. However, being a newer company, Siglent has its own unique advantages. One that comes to mind is that we can move quickly—in some ways, quicker than any larger company. For example, when we recommend a change, option, or new product, those things can happen faster than at a larger company. In August, I was told of a new spectrum analyzer that Siglent is developing. I recommended certain features that I thought would be important and, to my surprise, at Electronica last November, we had a prototype of that very spectrum analyzer with those features I suggested.
Another big advantage of a small company is that communication is easier. Since I have been with Siglent I have communicated on an almost daily basis with Eric Qin, the CEO of Siglent. People here at the office can make contact with just about anyone at our headquarters so they are empowered to get things done on their own. There are fewer channels and chains of command to deal with.
The challenge for us is to make a product that meets the needs of the customer at a lower price.
You mentioned being able to move quickly with product development, which is a key factor in a lot of niche markets. What are some of the niche markets that Siglent plans to serve?
Right now, we are still targeting broader markets. When a new customer asks what we do, I usually mention that if their product has a battery or power cord, it could probably use the type of measurement instruments that we make in their design, test, and manufacturing phases of product development. In that sense, we have an extremely broad customer base. We also have our ODM business, which is really important to us. We came in to the US market by selling to small companies and individuals, which is changing as we are getting larger and developing more sophisticated instrumentation.
We have a new spectrum analyzer coming out that will have a feature set that will make it ideal for low-cost EMC pre-compliance testing. Virtually every company that makes an electronic product has to go through EMC compliance testing, and performing the pre-compliance testing in-house saves them a great deal of time and money (compared to outsourcing it). There is virtually no downside to buying your own appropriate low-cost spectrum analyzer compared to sending it out for pre-compliance testing at a certified testing lab.
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW
27
You’ve been in the Test & Measure field for quite some time. What has led you to your current position at Siglent?
I started my career at Hewlett Packard in Dallas back in the late 1970s. I really came to love test and measurement instrumentation—I even started to build my own as a hobby. As long ago as this was, I can still see a piece of old HP equipment from across the room and tell you exactly what model it is and the basic specs.
Since then, I worked as a distributor of test and measurement equipment and then on to sales and sales management. In 2011, I moved to Cleveland, where I was a sales manager for Rigol and when they moved to Oregon, I stayed here to help open the new Siglent offices in Cleveland. By being in the sales department with test and measurement equipment manufacturers, you get to see a lot of different industries and companies. I have been in factories where they did the final assembly of nuclear warheads, and others that were developing new automobiles that needed to have testing done—if you like seeing many different technologies and products, then it is a fun place to be.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities in trying to establish a brand in the test and measurement industry?
Back in the day, there were only a handful of test and measurement companies in the industry. Customers either bought from HP, from a select few competitors, or they made their own equipment. Today, there are many more players in the field, and the technology is certainly a lot different than it was in those days. Many would consider Siglent to be the “new kid on the block” in terms of brand recognition. While we were founded in 2002, Siglent is the leading oscilloscope manufacturer in China as far as number of shipments. We do ODM products for several well-known companies here in the US as well as overseas.
As far as challenges go, when you are new and are competing against veteran companies with recognizable names, it is hard to win customer trust overnight. There are no shortcuts to winning customer trust—it does take time. I do believe that whenever someone uses a Siglent product and gets their hands on it, they begin to gain confidence in it; that is one of the ways we will continue to grow. More and more customers will take the first step and try out a piece of Siglent equipment. We also plan on continuing to be a major ODM supplier. Our job is to make customers aware of us, build trust in our brand, and get them to try Siglent products.
What are some of the opportunities that you see as a smaller company?
A multi-million dollar company that has been around for a number of years has its advantages. However, being a newer company, Siglent has its own unique advantages. One that comes to mind is that we can move quickly—in some ways, quicker than any larger company. For example, when we recommend a change, option, or new product, those things can happen faster than at a larger company. In August, I was told of a new spectrum analyzer that Siglent is developing. I recommended certain features that I thought would be important and, to my surprise, at Electronica last November, we had a prototype of that very spectrum analyzer with those features I suggested.
Another big advantage of a small company is that communication is easier. Since I have been with Siglent I have communicated on an almost daily basis with Eric Qin, the CEO of Siglent. People here at the office can make contact with just about anyone at our headquarters so they are empowered to get things done on their own. There are fewer channels and chains of command to deal with.
The challenge for us is to make a product that meets the needs of the customer at a lower price.
You mentioned being able to move quickly with product development, which is a key factor in a lot of niche markets. What are some of the niche markets that Siglent plans to serve?
Right now, we are still targeting broader markets. When a new customer asks what we do, I usually mention that if their product has a battery or power cord, it could probably use the type of measurement instruments that we make in their design, test, and manufacturing phases of product development. In that sense, we have an extremely broad customer base. We also have our ODM business, which is really important to us. We came in to the US market by selling to small companies and individuals, which is changing as we are getting larger and developing more sophisticated instrumentation.
We have a new spectrum analyzer coming out that will have a feature set that will make it ideal for low-cost EMC pre-compliance testing. Virtually every company that makes an electronic product has to go through EMC compliance testing, and performing the pre-compliance testing in-house saves them a great deal of time and money (compared to outsourcing it). There is virtually no downside to buying your own appropriate low-cost spectrum analyzer compared to sending it out for pre-compliance testing at a certified testing lab.
28
Modern Test & Measure
What are the key differentiations in Siglent’s products?
Siglent Technologies manufactures oscilloscopes, power supplies, DMMs, ARB/function generators, and coming soon, spectrum analyzers. In order to be a new company in this crowded market, you need to do something different to survive. This means more features, better specs, lower price, or better support. Siglent strives to do all of that. We have to distinguish ourselves against these much larger brands, so we have been focusing on overall better value for our customers, and a lot of that comes from better support. People like to buy from companies that they know and trust, so one of our goals here is to do any type of repair in ten days or less. If you want to be the best, you have to be willing to work harder and provide more for the customer at a lower price. Siglent is able to do this.
As far as our products go, Siglent does not make 20GHz oscilloscopes or 10kW power supplies—what we do make are the most commonly used test and measurement products. Our scopes have very large memories, fast hardware, and options that can be added in the field if necessary. Our generators have what we call “EasyPulse” technology, which gives the user faster transition times and more adjustment ranges compared to similar units from other companies.
The challenge for us is to make a product that meets the needs of the customer at a lower price. Almost everyone is facing tighter budgets than they used to, so if they can equip their lab with two to three workstations at the same price that they used to spend on one station, as well as having more capabilities and better features, then we have succeeded.
Given your previous role at Rigol, what did you learn there that has helped guide you at your current role at Siglent?
In a lot of ways, Siglent is in the same place that Rigol was in the United States a few years ago. This is not surprising because we came to the US several years after they did. For me, I think the experience of helping grow a relatively new Chinese-based test and measurement company in North America—which is what I did at Rigol—is helping me now at Siglent. I am a big believer that every job we hold throughout our careers can help us in doing a better job in our later positions. If we are willing, we can learn important lessons and gain valuable experience from every position we have.
What is your favorite piece of test equipment?
I would say the oscilloscope is my favorite. An oscilloscope is the most used piece of equipment on many engineers’ benches. When I worked for HP back in the day, I worked with customers to show them the differences between our models and the competitions’. Through this, I became the top scope salesman in the South during my first year at HP. If you approach a new customer and ask them to look at your model of scope, they can become disillusioned with it if they have to re-learn the functions and how to use it. A customer has to sit down and use the scope for a while in order to feel comfortable with it. I understood why scopes were so important to customers, which is why I was able to convince customers to be receptive to changes in equipment.
Whenever someone uses a Siglent product and gets their hands on it, they begin to gain confidence in it; that is one of the ways we will continue to grow.
In order to be a new company in this crowded market, you need to do something different to survive. This means more features, better specs, lower price, or better support.
Siglent’s Brand-new SDM3055 Digital Multimeter
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW
29
What are the key differentiations in Siglent’s products?
Siglent Technologies manufactures oscilloscopes, power supplies, DMMs, ARB/function generators, and coming soon, spectrum analyzers. In order to be a new company in this crowded market, you need to do something different to survive. This means more features, better specs, lower price, or better support. Siglent strives to do all of that. We have to distinguish ourselves against these much larger brands, so we have been focusing on overall better value for our customers, and a lot of that comes from better support. People like to buy from companies that they know and trust, so one of our goals here is to do any type of repair in ten days or less. If you want to be the best, you have to be willing to work harder and provide more for the customer at a lower price. Siglent is able to do this.
As far as our products go, Siglent does not make 20GHz oscilloscopes or 10kW power supplies—what we do make are the most commonly used test and measurement products. Our scopes have very large memories, fast hardware, and options that can be added in the field if necessary. Our generators have what we call “EasyPulse” technology, which gives the user faster transition times and more adjustment ranges compared to similar units from other companies.
The challenge for us is to make a product that meets the needs of the customer at a lower price. Almost everyone is facing tighter budgets than they used to, so if they can equip their lab with two to three workstations at the same price that they used to spend on one station, as well as having more capabilities and better features, then we have succeeded.
Given your previous role at Rigol, what did you learn there that has helped guide you at your current role at Siglent?
In a lot of ways, Siglent is in the same place that Rigol was in the United States a few years ago. This is not surprising because we came to the US several years after they did. For me, I think the experience of helping grow a relatively new Chinese-based test and measurement company in North America—which is what I did at Rigol—is helping me now at Siglent. I am a big believer that every job we hold throughout our careers can help us in doing a better job in our later positions. If we are willing, we can learn important lessons and gain valuable experience from every position we have.
What is your favorite piece of test equipment?
I would say the oscilloscope is my favorite. An oscilloscope is the most used piece of equipment on many engineers’ benches. When I worked for HP back in the day, I worked with customers to show them the differences between our models and the competitions’. Through this, I became the top scope salesman in the South during my first year at HP. If you approach a new customer and ask them to look at your model of scope, they can become disillusioned with it if they have to re-learn the functions and how to use it. A customer has to sit down and use the scope for a while in order to feel comfortable with it. I understood why scopes were so important to customers, which is why I was able to convince customers to be receptive to changes in equipment.
Whenever someone uses a Siglent product and gets their hands on it, they begin to gain confidence in it; that is one of the ways we will continue to grow.
In order to be a new company in this crowded market, you need to do something different to survive. This means more features, better specs, lower price, or better support.
Siglent’s Brand-new SDM3055 Digital Multimeter
3030
Modern Test & Measure
for New-Generation Waveform Generators
At present, the method used to generate pulse signals by most ARB/function generators is to fill the DDS waveform memory with the original pulse data. By editing the pulse waveform data
table in advance, DDS can output the right pulse waveform corresponding with the separate rising and falling edges. The edge and width of this pulse waveform can be finely adjusted, and also contains low jitter. This traditional method is represented in the following block diagram (figure 1.)
However, this method comes with some disadvantages:
• Waveforms are affected by the signal’s frequency, meaning the rising and falling edge transition time will be limited at low frequencies.
• The output pulse will be limited by waveform length, so the duty cycle cannot be very small.
• Waveform data will need to be updated when changing the pulse’s frequency, edge, and width. If the waveform length is large, it needs more time to change the other parameters of the pulse.
To solve these problems, Siglent innovated a new algorithm for pulse generation, called EasyPulse technology, which is built in the new SDG5000 and SDG800 series waveform generators.
Siglent’sEasyPulse Technology
Figure 2.Figure 1.
Based on the EasyPulse architecture, the SDG5000 and SDG800 can produce low-jitter, rapid rising, and falling edge, without being affected by frequency or extreme duty cycle. The pulse transition time can be adjusted over a larger range, and fine resolution. The EasyPulse method is illustrated in the following block diagram:
Siglent’s EasyPulse technology comes with significant advantages. For one, it can output rapid rising and falling edges (6ns), even at very low frequencies (less than 1Hz); and the pulse width can be 12ns under low frequency, with very long or short duty cycles. Parameter changes such as pulse can be easily and immediately changed without updating any waveform data and the edge and pulse width can be adjusted over wide ranges.
Phase Tuning Word
Phase Tuning Word
31
TECH REPORT
31
for New-Generation Waveform Generators
At present, the method used to generate pulse signals by most ARB/function generators is to fill the DDS waveform memory with the original pulse data. By editing the pulse waveform data
table in advance, DDS can output the right pulse waveform corresponding with the separate rising and falling edges. The edge and width of this pulse waveform can be finely adjusted, and also contains low jitter. This traditional method is represented in the following block diagram (figure 1.)
However, this method comes with some disadvantages:
• Waveforms are affected by the signal’s frequency, meaning the rising and falling edge transition time will be limited at low frequencies.
• The output pulse will be limited by waveform length, so the duty cycle cannot be very small.
• Waveform data will need to be updated when changing the pulse’s frequency, edge, and width. If the waveform length is large, it needs more time to change the other parameters of the pulse.
To solve these problems, Siglent innovated a new algorithm for pulse generation, called EasyPulse technology, which is built in the new SDG5000 and SDG800 series waveform generators.
Siglent’sEasyPulse Technology
Figure 2.Figure 1.
Based on the EasyPulse architecture, the SDG5000 and SDG800 can produce low-jitter, rapid rising, and falling edge, without being affected by frequency or extreme duty cycle. The pulse transition time can be adjusted over a larger range, and fine resolution. The EasyPulse method is illustrated in the following block diagram:
Siglent’s EasyPulse technology comes with significant advantages. For one, it can output rapid rising and falling edges (6ns), even at very low frequencies (less than 1Hz); and the pulse width can be 12ns under low frequency, with very long or short duty cycles. Parameter changes such as pulse can be easily and immediately changed without updating any waveform data and the edge and pulse width can be adjusted over wide ranges.
Phase Tuning Word
Phase Tuning Word
3232
Modern Test & Measure
The EasyPulse Advantage in Four Measurements
Comparison of Pulse signal edge under 1Hz low frequency
Comparison of pulse duty cycle under 1Hz low frequency
Comparison of edge adjustment of low frequency 0.1Hz pulse signal
EasyPulse waveform with low jitter
2
3
4
1As indicated here, EasyPulse can keep rapid rising and falling edges (6ns); but the ordinary DDS pulse edge is very slow (in millisecond).
For 1Hz pulse waveforms, the minimum width of EasyPulse can be 12ns with small duty ratio (less than 0.0001%). But pulse width of ordinary DDS is large and duty cycle cannot be adjusted to small values.
When waveform generator outputs 0.1Hz pulse waveform, the edge of EasyPulse can be adjusted over a large range, with a minimum edge of 6ns, and maximum edge of 6s. However, there is a limitation on the adjustment of the ordinary DDS pulse edge.
Using Siglent oscilloscopes to measure the cycle-to-cycle jitter of EasyPulse, the RMS value (sdev value) is under 100ps.
33
TECH REPORT
33
The EasyPulse Advantage in Four Measurements
Comparison of Pulse signal edge under 1Hz low frequency
Comparison of pulse duty cycle under 1Hz low frequency
Comparison of edge adjustment of low frequency 0.1Hz pulse signal
EasyPulse waveform with low jitter
2
3
4
1As indicated here, EasyPulse can keep rapid rising and falling edges (6ns); but the ordinary DDS pulse edge is very slow (in millisecond).
For 1Hz pulse waveforms, the minimum width of EasyPulse can be 12ns with small duty ratio (less than 0.0001%). But pulse width of ordinary DDS is large and duty cycle cannot be adjusted to small values.
When waveform generator outputs 0.1Hz pulse waveform, the edge of EasyPulse can be adjusted over a large range, with a minimum edge of 6ns, and maximum edge of 6s. However, there is a limitation on the adjustment of the ordinary DDS pulse edge.
Using Siglent oscilloscopes to measure the cycle-to-cycle jitter of EasyPulse, the RMS value (sdev value) is under 100ps.
3434
Modern Test & Measure
When stating the low jitter performance of EasyPulse, the disadvantages of DDS on jitter become more apparent. When DDS generates a pulse, if the reference frequency is not exactly the integral multiple of output frequency (i.e. mod(fref/fout )≠0), it will introduce a deterministic jitter equal to one reference clock period, as shown in the figures at right.
Table 1. Technical specifications for a pulse signal of the SDG5162 waveform generator.
Period Maximum 1000000s: Minimum 25 ns
Pulse Width ≥ 12ns, 100ps resolution
Duty Cycle 0.0001% ~ 99.9999%
Rise/Fall time 6ns ~ 6s, 100ps resolution
Over Shoot < 3%
Jitter (Cycle to Cycle )<=200ps + 2ppm, DC-1MHz; <= 500ps, over 1 MHz
(In the figure the reference clock period is 20ns)
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