An electrically sound hardware integrity test, called self-test, with the provision of error codes, should an electrical fault be detected.
Return of an error code during transformer testing to assist in diagnosing whether incorrect test parameters have been used or poor connections have caused the fault.

During normal component or transformer testing and/or while running self-test, voltage and current signals are constantly being generated, stabilized, measured and dissipated. Should a problem occur during one of these four stages, a unique error code is produced and displayed by the AT Series tester. The error code consists of a DSP (digital signal processor) status error code and a reason for DSP status error code.

The DSP status error code is a four-digit number that indicates that something has gone wrong. Each error code translates into an effect (a short description of the fault), such as a current or voltage overload, that can help the operator diagnose the cause of the problem. The DSP status error code is seen on self-test failures and on the Editors results screen.

The reason for DSP status error code is a one or two-digit number, displayed in parentheses, that explains the reason for the four-digit DSP status error code. These reason for DSP status error code translates into why a status error was displayed. This, again, can help the operator diagnose the cause of the problem. The reason for DSP status error code is only seen on self-test failures.

For the operator, the DSP status error codes can assist in determining if the fault is due to a poor fixture or an incorrectly seated part, or it could prompt an investigation into the appropriate test parameters being used. For the more serious faults, the user can contact their local Voltech technical support group and by explaining the application along with the DSP status error code can speed up and help the technical support engineer investigate the cause of the fault.

FRONT-PANEL ERROR CODES

When a fault is detected, the first DSP error code seen is a four-digit hexadecimal number, called the DSP status error code; the second is a one or a two-digit hexadecimal number in parentheses, called the reason for DSP status error code. This one or two digit code is only displayed with self-test failures.

Status error codes can be seen after a self-test failure. To view the error code, at the ‘FAIL’ display, press the ‘Details’ softkey. The following display will show the two status error codes: the first four digits being the DSP status error code and the second single or two-digit number in parentheses being the reason for DSP status error code.

Important Note:
Should self-test fail for any reason, contact Voltech technical support immediately, providing the following information:

Serial number of the instrument
Status error codes (the four-digit number and the one or two-digit number in parentheses on the display)

EDITOR ERROR CODES

Status error codes are also shown when using the Editor software in download and run mode. They are shown at the end of each test result. Only the first four-digit error code is displayed when using the Editor.

If you look at the test results screen shown above, you will see that test 4 (LBAL) contains a status error code of 0010. This error code indicates that “The measurement had not settled in time”. Although this test passed, it indicates that a problem existed during the test sequence. In this particular example, the fault was due to a poor connection to the core of the transformer.

The following table gives the error codes that can appear when using the run facility in the Editor or when viewing on-line results with the Server. These error codes can give specific help in modifying the test program, depending on the tests used.

The error code is a 16-bit binary code, which is shown in hexadecimal notation in the table below. The error codes indicate one single bit of the 16-bit code, and therefore one or more errors could occur at the same time, which will be shown as a full, 4-digit hexadecimal code. For example, if a voltage over-range (xxx1) and a current over-range (xxx2) have occurred at the same time during test, then the error code is *0003* (i.e., both bits 0 and 1 set in the 16 bit binary error code).

If a test has failed due to an interrupt, then an additional code is attached to bits 12-15 of the error code as the table details further.

Hex Code	Error
0000	Test passed with no errors.
xxx1	Voltage over-range occurred.
xxx2	Current over-range occurred.
xxx4	Ramp-up process has been aborted; too much load.
xx2x	The test parameters could not be trimmed to required value; incorrect test parameters for the load.
xx4x	An error occurred after ramp-down; current did not decay away in time.
x1xx	Current limit fail (hi-pot tests only); test current exceeded preprogrammed limit (AT3600 only).
x2xx	Voltage present (Vpres) did not go away in time; something on the fixture is staying charged (AT3600 only).
#4xx	The test has failed due to an interrupt (see table below).
Where # = reason for interrupt fail.
1	The safety interlock interrupt has terminated the test; a break has occurred from the safety interlock port (AT3600 only).
3	A hi-pot trip interrupt has terminated the test; a flashover has occurred or the current has exceeded the AT’s current capabilities (can occur on HPAC, HPDC, ACRT, DCRT and IR) (AT3600 only).
4	A STOP interrupt has terminated the test from the STOP flag of the remote port.
5	An 8kV interrupt has terminated the test - voltage > 8kV (AT3600 only).
7	An over-temperature interrupt has terminated the test; unit has become too hot (AT3600 only).
8	An auxiliary trip interrupt has terminated the test; this can be created by an attached device to the peripherals port.

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