Instruments Functions

• Frequency Selective Voltmeter (RMS Voltmeter)
• Signal Generator
• VSWR Meter
• Impedance Analyzer (LCR Measurements)
• FRA (Frequency Response Analyzer)
• Oscilloscope

Applications

• Power Line Carrier Alignment & Maintenance
• Line Trap Alignment & Test
• Line Tuner Alignment & Test
• PLC Transmitter & Receiver Test & Set-up
• Audio Tone Protective Relay Channel Test & Setup

The PCA-4125 was designed to provide a single instrument solution for the Electric Utility System Protection Engineer and Relay/Communications Technician responsible for the alignment and maintenance of Power Line Carrier and Audio Tone Communications Systems. This multifunction instrument replaces all 4 existing Power Line Carrier Instruments in one for a fraction of the cost, all in a compact lightweight package.

Line Trap Testing

The PCA-4125’s Impedance Analyzer provides the technician a frequency versus impedance curve directly on the display. The technician can view the curve representing the resonant frequency and adjust the trap and tuning packs while viewing the changes in a real time environment, without having to adjust the meter. Since the PCA-4125 is a true LCR Meter, test lead length and separation is no longer a concern. Now the technician can attach long leads to the mounted trap and perform testing while still on the ground, by simply zeroing the capacitance in the leads.

Line Tuner Testing

The PCA-4125 provides a single instrument solution for adjusting the Tuner’s Series inductor and Impedance Matching transformer for minimum reflected power. The 4125 uses an impedance comparison to provide this accurate measurement. In SWR mode, a single screen displays the frequency under test, the forward power level, the reflected power level and the % reflected power. This method eliminates the need for a passive external coupler circuit and performs the testing in one unit, as opposed to the previous method which requires 3 different instruments.

Transmitter/Receiver Testing

The PCA-4125’s wide frequency range (5Hz to 5MHz) is ideal for setting transmitters and receivers on Power Line Carrier, Audio Tone or Analog Baseband Microwave systems. The high level output provides up to 2 watts into 50 Ohms for Power Line Carrier applications, while the low level output is ideal for work on audio tone and microwave systems. The PCA-4125 is equipped with multiple inputs providing solutions for many applications. For the Power Line Carrier user, a high level, high impedance input capable of up to 150V peak to peak can handle any standard transmitter output in the field today with no external attenuator required.

Data & Event Recording

Many of the PCA-4125’s test functions will provide the technician invaluable information that can be used for future reference in verifying the state in which the equipment was tested and aligned. An internal 1 Gigabyte of storage, external USB memory stick compatibility and an RJ45 input connection for laptop connectivity provides the user a versatile solution for storing and retrieving field data. Internal time and date stamping used in conjunction with standard PowerComm Solutions forms will help your company document the characteristics of your individual Power Line Carrier elements system wide.

Field Instrument

Designed for the substation environment, the PCA-4125 is manufactured in a rugged aluminum housing and is equipped with a custom leather carrying case designed with a shoulder strap for comfortable field use. The PCA-4125 uses a state of the art 5.7” Color Display to maximize visibility in all conditions, including full sunlight. A welcome alternative to the present multi-unit bulky solutions, the PCA-4125’s tablet size (12”x9”x1.75”) and relatively light weight (5lbs) provides a compact solution that can become the technician’s primary diagnostic tool. In addition to operating off internal rechargeable batteries and an AC adapter, the PCA-4125 is also designed to operate off of an external supply or 12V vehicle battery standard.