Voltech - ATi Transformer Tester

The World Leader in Power Analyzers and Transformer Testers

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The ATi Precision Transformer Tester

The only test solution you need...

Automatic high speed transformer testing plus all the features you would expect from a high precision LCR meter. The ATi replaces the many different instruments previously required to test low-voltage wire wound and passive components. The ATi is your one test solution for low-voltage wire wound and passive components.

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Overview

Most companies involved in the manufacture of wire wound and passive components have to use LCR meters, inductance analyzers and component analyzers for their testing needs.

For many years, these companies have had to build their own test solution equipment or work with systems integrators to overcome the difficulties frequently encountered in connecting the parts under test and analyzing test measurements.

With its built-in, 20-nodes Kelvin matrix, wide variety of available test parameters, LCR meter mode, test result software, user-friendly handler, OLE and barcode interface and its extensive frequency and measurement range, the ATi replaces the many different instruments previously required to test low-voltage wire wound and passive components. The ATi is your one test solution for low-voltage wire wound and passive components.

* International patents: UK 2261957B, Europe
0621953B, USA US5500598

Benefits

The voltech integrated test solution saves you time and improves your product’s quality in a variety of ways:

No specialist operator training required
Reduced component handling
Consistent measurements through voltech test Fixturing
Increased test speed
Automatic test results storage
Reduced maintenance and calibration costs
Worldwide technical and service support

Using techniques patented by voltech the AT3600 and ATi introduce a fast reliable and flexible test solution for all small, medium and large wound component manufacturers.

Offering 100% testing of production output for 100% of the requited functional and safety tests, the AT3600 and ATi provides complete assurance of zero-defect components.

Whether used for testing manually or with automatic handling systems, the AT3600 and ATi will guarantee output quality, minimize test times and reduce costs.

* International patents: UK 2261957B, Europe
0621953B, USA US5500598

Specification

Test

Measurement
Range
Frequency

User Entered Test Data

Test Signal

Test Frequency (4)

AR(1)

interwinding

100pF – 1mF

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Continuity

10kΩ – 10MΩ

n/a

DC Resistance

10kΩ – 10MΩ

n/a

0.10%

AC Resistance—Parallel Circuit

10kΩ – 10MΩ

20Hz – 3MHz

0.05%

AC Resistance—Series Circuit

10kΩ – 10MΩ

20Hz – 3MHz

0.05%

Magnitude of Complex Impedance

1mΩ – 1MΩ

20Hz – 3MHz

0.20%

Inductance—Parallel Circuit

1nH – 1MH

20Hz – 3MHz

0.05%

Inductance—Series Circuit

1nH – 1MH

20Hz – 3MHz

0.05%

Inductance with Bias—Parallel Circuit

1nH – 1MH

20Hz – 3MHz

0.05%

Inductance with Bias—Series Circuit

1nH – 1MH

20Hz – 3MHz

0.05%

Quality Factor

0.001 – 1000

20Hz – 3MHz

0.50%

Angle of Complex Impedance

-360° – +360°

20Hz – 3MHz

0.05°

Turns Ratio and Phase by Voltage

1:100k – 100k:1

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Insulation Resistance

1MΩ – 10GΩ

n/a

Complex Impedance with Bias

1mΩ – 1MΩ

20Hz – 3MHz

0.20%

Dissipation Factor

0.001 – 1000

20Hz – 3MHz

0.50%

Capacitance Match

100pF – 1mF

20Hz – 3MHz

0.20%

General Longitudinal Balance

0dB – 100dB

20Hz – 3MHz

0.5db

Inductance Match

1:10000 – 10000:1

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Insertion Loss

-100dB – 100dB

20Hz – 3MHz

0.5db

Leakage Inductance

1nH – 1kH

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Leakage Inductance with User Offset

1nH – 1kH

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Longitudinal Balance

0dB – 100dB

20Hz – 3MHz

0.5db

User Port Relay Control

n/a

Interwinding Phase

-360° – +360°

n/a

0.05°

Return Loss

-100dB – 100dB

20Hz – 3MHz

0.20%

Turns Ratio by Inductance

30:1 – 1:30

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Trim Adjustable Part

n/a

Low Voltage Open Circuit

100μV – 50V

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Capacitance—Parallel Circuit

100pF – 1mF

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Capacitance—Series Circuit

100pF – 1mF

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Reactance

1mΩ – 1MΩ

20Hz – 3MHz

0.10%

Voltech’s ATi transformer tester is much more then a LCR meter with its added switching matrix. It can be used as a dedicated production tester providing 100% test of all your transformers!

The ATi has been specially designed and built to production test transformers quickly and accurately.

The ATi fully integrates programmable signal sources, a 20-way switching matrix and prescision measuring circuits under the control of one digital processor.

This dedicated and unique integrated topology is the only way to provide the benefits of high quality, speed, reliability, accuracy and low cost of ownership in one package.

5 reasons to choose a true production tester in place of a LCR meter:

Quality
Speed
Reliability
Accuracy
Low Cost

Quality

Customers trust transformers that have been 100% Voltech tested.

Accepted by major manufacturers world-wide
100% test on every transformer
100% test on every parameter
Clear PASS / FAIL or PC record of results are available.(No operator judgement of values)

Speed

Fast to use, change a batch and to program.

Program new transformers in minutes with the PC Editor.
Change from one completely different transformer type to another in seconds.
More than 10 DIFFERENT tests per second + Any test, any winding, any voltage and frequency
Integrated 20-way switching matrix for optimum speed, accuracy and reliablity.

Reliability

Typical field MTBF of more than 8 years.

Relays only switched when there is no voltage or current present.
1000’s of AT Series testers in use all day, every day.
Service centres world-wide.
Integrated 20-way switching matrix for optimum speed, accuracy and reliablity.

Accuracy

0.05% Basic Accuracy

Full Kelvin (4-terminal connection) to every winding eliminates contact resistance.
The test voltage is measured at the transformer pins during every test to ensure the same test conditions, every time.
Full open-circuit and short-circuit compensation available at every frequency.

Low Cost

Low cost of ownership

Initial investment is not much more than a good quality LCR meter.
Very easy to use by an unskilled operator.
High speed reduces test costs.
Eliminates test errors
Automatically records results.
Long and reliable life.

Line Frequency Transformers

Switched Mode Power Supplies

Chokes and Inductors

Current Transformers

Communication Transformers

ATi - THE automatic transformer testing plus
all the feature of an LCR meter

Click on a solution to learn more...

Chokes and Inductors

Chokes and inductors are used for noise and ripple control in power supplies and other power conversion equipment.
From line chokes operating at 50-60Hz to DC-DC converters working at up to 3MHz, and operating with dc currents from 1mA to 250A, the AT3600 can perform 100% quality checks at rated operational conditions.

What’s needed to test chokes ?

A programmable impedance meter that can measure inductance (L), resistance ( ac and dc ) and Q at different voltages and frequencies.
Compensation for stray impedances.
4-wire (or Kelvin )connections for the most accurate measurements.
Measurements of insulation between windings.
Means or recording results and / or signaling a PASS or FAIL to the operator.

The AT Solution

An AT Series transformer tester coupled to a DC1000 bias unit provides:

A 0.05%, 3MHz laboratory grade LCR meter.
Up to 250A of smooth dc bias current with the DC 1000.
4-wire connections throughout
Insulation resistance tests.
PASS / FAIL indicators.
Optional PC results storage and analysis
A fast, accurate, reliable and easy-to-use test station !

Additionally, using the AT3600 with a DC1000 DC Bias unit will provide 100% testing at working conditions plus measurements of surge and Hi-pot. Plot inductance Saturation Curves using the free DC1000 PC Software.

Communication Transformers

The accuracy and high frequency performance of the Voltech transformers tester series make them ideal for testing audio transformers and telecommunications transformers used in modems, Ethernet adaptors and DSL filters.

What’s needed to test audio and telecom transformers ?

Making accurate measurements at high frequency
Controlling the source and load impedances
Compensation for stray impedances
Calculation of results in dB to the reference international standard

The AT Solution

Fully programmable sources which provide accurate measurements up to 3MHZ
Laboratory LCR meter grade measurements (0.05% basic accuracy).
Control both source and load impedances by automatic and repeatable fixture connections.
Calculates and presents results in accordance to formulae as defined by current international standards.

Current Transformers

The ATi is ideal for testing current transformers because it contains an AC source that will generate a programmable constant as current to energize the CT while the ATi measures the open circuit voltage.

Tests up to 270V, 2A can be conducted as standard with the AT3600 or up to 600V, 10A with the AC Interface. For higher VA testing an external source can be connected and directly controlled by the ATI.

Test Requirements

Standards such as IEC60404-2 are that measurements of core losses are made under4 constant AC current test conditions.
Voltages are often measured as a rectified mean (not rms) .
Ideally, current transformers will also be tested with constant AC current drive.

The AT Series Solution

Constant current is fully programmable for amplitude and frequency
Simultaneous measurement of rms or rectified mean (rms scaled ) voltage
Current carefully ramped up and down under software control for optimum speed.
DC resistance, inductance, leakage inductance and Q measurements built in !
AC interface allows primary currents of up to 10A with a simple step-down transformer.

Line Frequency Transformers (laminates)

The AT is perfect for testing laminate or iron-cored transformers because it has a built-in, fully programmable AC source. This allows the Ati transformer tester to measure magnetizing current and multiple open circuit voltages quickly and accurately.

What’s needed to test Laminate Transformers ?

Measurements need to be carried out at the functional operating point of the transformer (e.g.110V, 60Hz) because of non-linear core characteristic (tech note library )
Switch-on surge can be large, requiring over-size source or the careful ramp-up of both current and voltage sources.
Multiple windings require connections to be moved from winding to winding for voltage measurements.
Safety Hi pot test are often required on line-frequency transformers.
The operator should be protected from the high voltages present during test.

Switched Mode Power Supply Transformers

Ferrite cored switched mode power supply transformers are used for power conversion and control in a wide variety of equipment such as power supplies, lighting ballasts, invertors and UPS. All of which demand a broad range of different tests, often carried out at different voltage and frequencies.
The ATi is a superb test solution for these transformers not just because of the vast range of tests that can be applied quickly and accurately, but also because it can be configured to test a completely different batch of transformers within minutes.

What’s needed to test switched mode power supply transformers ?

A programmable impedance meter that can measure inductance (L), resistance (ac and dc) and Q at different voltages and frequencies.
Multiple meters (or multiple connections ) to measure turns ratio between windings.
Means to short-circuit windings so that leakage inductance can be measured.
Compensation for stray impedances.
4-wire (or Kelvin ) connections for the most accurate measurements.
Measurements of insulation between windings.
Means of recording results and / or signaling a PASS or FAIL to the operator.

The AT Series Solution

One integrated test station means accuracy, speed and reliability without compromise :

A 0.05%, 3MHz laboratory grade LCR meter
A20-way switching matrix.
4-wire connections throughout
An insulation resistance tester
PASS / FAIL indicators
Optional PC results storage and analysis

In addition to the following accessories, the ATi can be fitted with a variety of Fixtures, either custom or standard.

Leadsets

A range of leads and connectors for easy connection to your AT3600.

Learn More

PC Cables

Used to connect your AT series transformer tester’s auxiliary part to a PC running the AT Editor software.

Learn More

Test

Description

Main Application

Winding Tested

Reason for Test

CTY

Continuity

All transformers

Properly installed fixture

DC Resistance

All transformers

All windings

Properly installed fixture Correct wire used Integrity of terminations

Inductance (Series circuit)

Most transformers But usually not line frequency transformers

One winding usually the primary

Correct primary turns Right grade of core material Core correctly assembled

Inductance (Parallel circuit)

Right grade of core material Core correctly assembled Check for shorted turns

RLS

Equivalent Series Resistance

RLP

Equivalent Parallel Resistance

Dissipation Factor

Leakage Inductance

SMPS transformers Communication transformers Other as applicable

Select windings

Check windings have been installed in the correct position relative to the core

LLO

Interwinding capacitance

High frequency transformers Isolating transformers

Check winding positioning Check insulation thickness between windings

Turn Ratio and Phasing

Most transformers, but usually not line frequency transformers

All winding

Check winding has correct turns and phasing

TRL

Turn Ratio by Inductance

As with Turns Ratio but used where three is poor flux linkage between windings.

All windings

Check windings have correct turns and phasing

LVOC

Low Voltage Open Circuit

Insulating Resistance

All transformers

Between selected windings

Winding isolation check where safety is not involved

LSB

Inductance with Bias Current(Series Circuit)

Transformers for use in application passing significant dc bias current is part of the normal operat

One winding

Correct number of turns Right grade of core material

LPB

Inductance with Bias Current (Parallel Circuit)

TRIM

Trimming Adjustment

Transformers with variable / trimmable component

To adjust transformer to give specific measured values

OUT

Output to User Port

Allows to AT to perform external switching as part of the test program.

DC Resistance Match

SMPS, audio & telecom

All windings

Check matching between windings

Inductance Match

SMPS, audio & telecom

All windings

Check matching between windings

Capacitance Match

SMPS, audio & telecom

All windings

Check correct winding position on bobbin

GBAL

General Longitudinal Balance

Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Check common mode rejection ration

LBAL

Longitudinal Balance

Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Check common mode rejection ration

ILOS

Insertion Loss

Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Checks losses within the transformers

RESP

Frequency Response

Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Checks losses over a range of frequencies

RLOS

Return Loss

Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Checks losses returned by transformer

Impedance

Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Checks impedance at given frequency

Impedance + Bias

Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Checks impedance at given frequency

ANGL

Impedance Phase Angle

Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Finds phases shifts between Voltage and Current on a winding

PHAS

Interwinding Phase

Test Audio & telecom

Selected windings

Measures phases shifts between a pair of windings.

LSBX

Induction with External Bias (Series Circuit)

Wound components that usually carry a significant DC Bias current in normal operation

Selected windings

Checks number of turns, right grade of correctly assembled core material where bias current is greater than LSB test can handle.

LPBX

Induction with External Bias (Parallel Circuit)

Wound components that usually carry a significant DC Bias current in normal operation

Selected windings

Checks number of turns, right grade of correctly assembled core material where bias current is greater than LSB test can handle.

ZBX

Impedance with External Bias

Audio & Telecom

Selected windings

Checks impedance at a given frequency, while applying a greater bias current than is possible with ZB test.

* These tests require the use of one or more Voltech DC1000 Precision DC Bias Current Sources.

Editor Software

Version: 3.26.21 Release Date : May, 2008

Easily design your own test programs for your ATi transformer tester...

Learn More

Server Software

Version: 3.24.05 Release Date : May, 2008

Server software for your ATi that allows you to store and manage test results

Learn More

Database Connectivity Software

Version: 2.0.0 Release Date : May, 2008

Easy statistical results analysis of your ATi test results presented in real time

Learn More

ATi Firmware

Version: 3.07 Release Date : April, 2006

Firmware for your ATi transformer tester. Click learn more to see the latest features of this firmware and to download the latest version.

Learn More

Brochures and Manuals

Ati Brochure

6.33 MB

Download

AT series tests application note

3.34 MB

Download

ATi User Manual

6.17 MB

Download

Introduction to the ATi

595.50 KB

Download

Fixture Construction Manual

2.22 MB

Download

Safety Interlock Cable

1.18 MB

Download

Quick Start Guides

Application Notes

Turns Ratio Measurements

1 MB

Download

Transformer Basics

672 KB

Download

Database connectivity application note

928 KB

Download

Ferrite Transformer Testing

4 MB

Download

Compensating Measurements

17 Bytes

Download

Server OLE and C++

640 KB

Download

Leakage Inductance

1 MB

Download

User Port Operation

2 MB

Download

Relay Matrix

1 MB

Download

Kelvin Connections

1 MB

Download

Server Access Queries

2 MB

Download

Telecom / Audio Transformer Testing

402 KB

Download

Technical Library

Voltech also has an extensive technical library available to you. If you can’t find what you need here, please search our library.