Line of Clamp Meters Further Extended to Boost Ease of Use

January 29, 2019 – Nagano, Japan

HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION is pleased to announce the launch of the AC Clamp Meter CM4141/CM4142 (rated for use with currents of up to 2000A), a pair of clamp AC current meters featuring a new jaw shape designed to make the instruments easier to clamp around wires.

Last year, Hioki launched the AC Clamp Meter CM3289 (rated for use with currents of up to 1000 A) in March, followed by the AC/DC Clamp Meter CM4375/CM4376 (also rated for use with currents of up to 1000 A) in October. All three instruments are designed to be easier to fit around wires being measured.  The newly launched CM4141/CM4142 fill out the company’s line of clamp meters while boosting work efficiency and resolving user dissatisfaction stemming from the difficulty of applying conventional clamp meters to wires in an increasing number of settings.

Narrowest width

Traditional design: thick jaws made                 New design: easily slide between
it difficult to get between cables                      narrow gaps with thin sensor

                                                                         Resolved with thin clamp sensor

Traditional approach: attempts to                     New approach: easily measures
snake flexible sensor around cable                   large current with slim clamp
that may lead to electric shock

■ Development Background
Regular maintenance and management are essential in order to keep electrical equipment operating properly in buildings and manufacturing plants.  Clamp meters make it easy to measure current simply by clamping the jaws of the instrument around the cable being measured, and as a result they have entered into wide use in maintenance management applications.
Distribution panels have been shrinking in recent years, with the result that the wires inside them are packed closer together. Less space between adjacent cables makes it harder for technicians to do their jobs.

In addition, separately available flexible sensors can be used to measure thick, high-current cables but must be affixed to the clamp meter in order to do so. Such sensors are bendable, loop-shaped devices that are used by routing one end around the cable to be measured and back to the instrument, posing the risk of contact with energized terminals inside distribution panels.
By improving the shape of their sensors’ jaws, Hioki was able to design the new clamp meters so that they can be more safely and easily routed around thick, high-current cables.

■ CM4141, CM4142 Features
1. New, thinner jaw profile that can be more easily inserted into narrow spaces between cables and clamped around thick cables
Hioki reduced the width of the jaws near the opening to 11 mm to make the instrument easier to clamp around wires (jaw thickness at the same position ranged from 15 mm to 22 mm in previous products).

In addition, whereas the CM3289, which was launched last year with a design that is easier to clamp, can measure cables with a diameter of about 33 mm, the CM4141 and CM4142 can measure cables with a diameter of up to 55 mm, providing the ability to measure even thick cables without needing to connect a flexible sensor.

2. Robust jaws that are strong enough to push and pull wires
Sometimes the jaws have to be pried into place when a large number of cables are packed into a small space. Despite their thin dimensions, the CM4141 and CM4142’s jaws are strong enough to withstand being maneuvered into place.

3. Measure up to 2000 A AC using the true RMS method
The CM4141/CM4142 delivers accurate results even when measuring AC current waveforms that have been distorted by a device such as an inverter or switching power supply.  Whereas the previous model was able to measure currents of up to 1000 A AC, the new models can measure up to 2000 A AC. Since they offer three ranges (60.00 A, 600.0 A, and 2000 A), they can be used in a variety of applications.

4. Significantly reduced workload thanks to a weight of just 300 g
The CM4141/CM4142 is more than 100 g lighter than a conventional clamp meter of the same size. As a result, the load on the hand when holding the instrument for an extended period of time has been significantly reduced.

5. Extensive measurement functionality
The CM4141/CM4142 can measure multiple parameters, including AC current, AC/DC voltage, frequency, continuity, resistance, capacitance, diode, and temperature.

6. Bluetooth® wireless technology (CM4142 only)
HIOKI’s free smartphone app GENNECT Cross can be used to transfer measured values from the CM4142 to a smartphone. In addition to creating simple reports (in PDF format), the app can save data as a CSV file for later editing in Excel.

■ Principal applications and locations of use
• Verifying whether circuit breakers’ current ratings are appropriate
• Verifying the starting current (inrush current) of electrical equipment and conducting maintenance inspections
• Carrying out electrical work, building maintenance, plant maintenance, etc.

■ Series Lineup
AC Clamp Meter CM4141
AC Clamp Meter CM4142  (with Bluetooth® wireless communication)

Test Tool Delivers Reliable Detection of Latent Defects on High-Density Printed Wiring Boards

January 21, 2019 – Nagano, Japan

The FA1817’s features and capabilities make it ideal for use in inspecting high-density printed wiring boards. With support for a broad range of test types, from low-resistance measurement to high-insulation-resistance measurement, the system reliably detects the latent defects that trouble end-users.

Typical board defects

^*1 A printed wiring board (PWB) onto which no electronic components have been mounted

Board probing in action

Development Background
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) onto which electronic components have been mounted can be found in industrial equipment, automotive devices, consumer electronics, and other products, where they play an extremely important role by providing device operation and control functionality. To ensure their electronic components function properly, bare boards must exhibit high quality and reliability.

In recent years, miniaturization of electronic devices has seen bare boards with finer-pitch, higher-density patterns, as well as large numbers of layers, with the result that latent defects are becoming more common. Recognizing the needs of customers that wish to improve the quality of such bare boards, Hioki developed the FA1817 as a system capable of detecting a variety of phenomena that can cause latent defects, including open vias, near-open defects, micro-shorts, and arc discharges.

Key Customers
·      Manufacturers of printed wiring boards

Key Features
1. Support for a broad range of test types, from low-resistance measurement to high-insulation-resistance measurement 
Hioki has taken advantage of its exceptional technological capabilities in the areas of low-resistance measurement and insulation resistance measurement to deliver the ability to measure low resistance as well as high insulation resistance of 100 GΩ/250 V (when using dedicated probes and measurement boards).

The FA1817’s low-resistance measurement functionality measures minuscule fluctuations in resistance values to detect open-via defects.  By means of its high-insulation-resistance measurement capabilities, the system also detects insulation abnormalities and arc discharge phenomena caused by the effects of pattern shape anomalies and impurities, voids, and other defects that exist between patterns.

2. Half the impact depth
Traditionally, probes are placed in contact with the board to carry out bare board testing in a process that leaves impact marks on the board. On high-density bare boards, even small marks can have a serious effect. Impact marks from the probes of previous products were already slight, but the FA1817 uses the High-density Probe CP1072, which was developed using proprietary Hioki technology, in order to further reduce the size and depth of these marks. Impact mark depth has been halved compared to that of previous products to minimize damage to bare boards.

3. Optimized probe movement for testing that’s up to 20% faster
By taking advantage of two top arms and two bottom arms to probe target boards efficiently, the FA1817 reduces testing times by up to 20%.

4. Defect analysis with the newly developed Process Analyzer (a standard accessory)

Attain Greater Accuracy When Measuring the Efficiency of Increasingly High-Current, High-Speed EV/HEV Inverters

December 19, 2018 – Nagano, Japan

Hioki is please do announce the release of the AC/DC Current Sensor CT6875 (rated for 500 A) and CT6876 (rated for 1000 A). The pair of pass-through current sensors deliver significant improvements in frequency band and noise resistance over their predecessors (the AC/DC Current Sensor 9709 and CT6865), making them ideally suited for use in applications such as measuring the efficiency of the increasing high-current, high-speed inverters that are used in today’s electric and hybrid vehicles (EVs and HEVs).

Development Background

The automotive market’s global transition to EVs began gathering momentum during the second half of 2017. Most of the first EVs and HEVs to be introduced were compact vehicles whose development necessitated measuring currents of around 200 A, but the moveto bring electric drivetrains to larger vehicles has led to demand for the ability to measure currents of 500 A and higher. In addition, adoption of SiC/GaN elements*1 in inverters is driving increases in power conversion unit switching speeds (on/off cycle speeds)  and efficiency. Consequently, the industry demands current sensors that can measure larger currents with greater precision over a wider band of frequencies and in a broader range of operating temperatures than ever before.

Legacy Hioki sensors capable of measuring currents of 500 A and greater include the AC/DC Current Sensor 9709 (rated for 500 A) and CT6865 (rated for 1000 A), but those devices offered insufficient performance to fulfill the required specifications. To address this shortfall, Hioki developed the CT6875 and CT6876 by improving the performance of those two products.

*1 Silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are being used as replacements for silicon in the manufacture of next-generation semiconductors.

Principal Applications

*  Evaluation, design, and development of inverters and batteries for EVs and HEVs
*  Evaluation, design, and development of power conditioners for solar power systems

Key Features
1. Broad frequency band
The CT6875 provides a frequency band of 2 MHz, which is 20 times that of its predecessor (the 9709), while the CT6876 provides a band of 1.5 MHz, which is 75 times that of its predecessor (the CT6865).
2. Significantly improved noise resistance, even at high frequencies

Enhanced shielding enables the effects of noise such as common-mode voltage to be significantly reduced in current measurement at high frequencies.

More details:

CT6875 AC/DC Current Sensor

CT6876 AC/DC Current Sensor

Download the Complete Catalog

Engine Load Testing And Its Importance
Engines, particularly diesel ones, are expensive and known to have a long lifespan. Engines are built to run within an environment and load limit. However, the improper operation conditions often kill the engines prematurely. Overload is one of the top three common reasons [1]. An overloaded engine cannot reach its rated Revolutions per Minute (RPM) under a full load of fuel and water tanks capacity [2]. Continued operation of an overloaded engine leads to excessive black smoke emission during cruising, high exhaust temperature beyond manufacturer’s specification, excessive fuel consumption, slow acceleration, reduced engine life, and exhaust flow components failure.

Engine RPM As Engine Load Test Parameter
Engine RPM denotes the number of times the engine crankshaft rotates around its axis and translates to the torque or power produced. The piston movements during engine cylinder combustion drive the crankshaft’s rotational motion [3]. In engine commissioning test, the RPM test is one of the tests to ensure that the end user complies with the engine build specifications. The engine RPM measurement involves the measurement of the crankshaft gear’s rotational speed. This gear contains a fixed number of teeth (Figure 1.0).

Figure 1.0 Crankshaft gear with fixed teeth

Conventional Engine RPM Measurement Methods
There are two conventional methods of measuring RPM [4] before proximity sensors’ introduction:

i) Tachometers with mechanical sensors (contact on rotating body to be
measured) or optical sensors (infrared light/ laser beam). The measured RPM
is displayed either on a calibrated analog dial or digital display. A common
drawback for this method is that it requires space for instrument mounting and thus does not suit engine mounted at constraint spaces.

ii) Stroboscopic using intense flash that strobes at high frequency. The measured rotating object will appear to be stationary when the frequency of the light synchronized with the RPM of the object. It takes multiple adjustments to get the synchronized frequency and requires manual logging of the result.

Hioki LR8512 Pulse Logger For Engine RPM Testing
Hioki LR8512 pulse logger is convertible to be used for engine RPM measurement. It can be used independently for this sole purpose or paired with LR8410 central logger together with other logging modules for simultaneous measurement of various parameters (e.g. DC voltages and temperature) with RPM measurement. This feature is particularly useful
during engine commissioning where engine RPM and other parameters measurement are required. The LR8512 logger connection cable connects the logger to the magnetic or electrical pickup transducer that is mounted close to the engine gear area (Figure 2.0). The pickup transducer will return a signal when a gear teeth passes by the location the transducer [5].

Figure 2.0 Example of LR8512 probe set up for engine rpm testing

One complete rotation through all the teeth on the gear signifies one revolution. This number of teeth needs to be keyed into the logger as reference and can be done wirelessly (via Bluetooth) using LR8410 as shown in Figure 3.0 with an example of a gear with 97 teeth.

Figure 3.0 LR8512 gear teeth setting (viewed on LR8410)

The LR8512 reports RPM in r/sec (Figure 4.0). Users can also report in other units using the ‘Scaling’ function. Example for reporting in r/min unit set the scaling ratio value to ‘60’ and the unit to ‘r/min’ (Figure 5.0).

Hioki LR8512 is suitable for real-time engine rpm monitoring with the following key features:
• Compact size to fit constraint spaces such as engine bays
• Bluetooth wireless data sending for real-time monitoring (accessible thru
Android smart devices installed with free ‘Wireless Logger Collector’ app within 30m line-of-sight)
• Stand-alone use or pair with LR8410 together with other data loggers
(up to 7 modules) for simultaneous measurement of various parameters
(Multiple loggers data are combined automatically in a single csv file for user’s
convenience)
• 2 channels for 2 locations simultaneous tracking
• 500,000 data points per channel

Summary
Aside from the small size, the Hioki LR8512 mini logger’s easy set up features for engine rpm testing makes it an ideal tool for this purpose. The remote monitoring feature enables real-time monitoring and automated data retrieval of test data. Engine RPM testing is particularly useful for engines commissioning for warranty coverage by engine manufacturers.

References
1.https://mvdirona.com/TechnicalArticles/DieselEngineOverload/AvoidingDieselEngineOverload.htm
2. https://www.scottmarinepower.com/techtips/2015/9/24/full-power-engine-speed-readings-proper-engine-loading-aka-wide-open-throttle
3. https://knowhow.napaonline.com/understanding-engine-rpm-basics/
4. https://test.electronicsforu.com/rpm-measurement-sensors-techniques/
5. https://eblogbd.com/types-of-speed-sensor-and-their-comparison/

While Memory Recorders don’t have sampling speeds that are as fast as those of digital oscilloscopes, these waveform recorders can be used to record various types of signals without worrying about potential differences between them and without using isolation amplifiers.

01. What is a Memory HiCorder?

Basic principle of Memory HiCorders

Typical waveform recording instruments have included the oscilloscope, electromagnetic oscillograph, and pen oscillograph (a category that includes pen recorders). With progress in digital technology, analog oscilloscopes gave way to digital oscilloscopes, while electromagnetic oscillographs and pen oscillographs gave way to memory-based recorders (transient recorders).
The Memory HiCorder is such a memory-based recorder. Figure 1-1 illustrates the basic architecture used by Memory HiCorders, which consist of A/D converters, data memory, a waveform display, and a printer along with a CPU that controls them. The A/D converters function to convert input analog signals into digital signals, which are then stored in the instrument’s memory and displayed or printed as waveforms.

Comparison with analog recorders

This section explains why analog pen oscillographs (pen recorders) and electromagnetic oscillographs were replaced by Memory HiCorders.

Pen oscillographs are self-balancing recorders with servomotors that operate in proportion to the amplitude of input signals to move pens and thereby record signal data. They have a response speed on the order of dozens of hertz, but their use of mechanical means to represent amplitude imposes limits on that speed, and ink-type variants require regular maintenance.

Electromagnetic oscillographs use high-sensitivity reflecting elements that are deflected according to the amplitude of the input signals in order to reflect light from a light source onto photosensitive recording paper. This method of measurement is capable of attaining high-speed recording with paper feed speeds of up to 200 centimeters per second (5 ms/cm) and response speeds on the order of several kilohertz, but it suffers from difficulties in the form of the high running costs associated with the photosensitive paper (resulting from the instrument’s high speed) and handling of the reflecting elements.

Memory HiCorders incorporate a thermal dot array printer (with a high resolution of 8 dots per millimeter) for printing recorded data, and this design offers high reliability due to the absence of moving parts such as pens. The instruments generally offer high response speeds, with sampling speeds of up to 20 MS/s (50 ns). They also combine extensive trigger functionality with low running costs, since users can retrieve only that waveform data which is necessary. Despite enhanced functionality and performance, the instruments have fallen in price, and for these reasons they have displaced electromagnetic oscillographs and pen recorders.

Memory HiCorder part names and functions

Memory HiCorders provide a color LCD for displaying waveforms and a printer for printing them. Both the display and printer can generate output in real time for certain signal loads. (Data acquired at a sampling speed of at least 10 kS/s is displayed on the screen in real time.)

With a maximum sampling speed of 20 MS/s, Memory HiCorders are slower than digital oscilloscopes, but they are characterized by the ability to accept input of numerous signals without use of isolation amplifiers or concern for potential differences between signals.

Recorded data can be stored on the instrument’s built-in SSD, a CF card, or a USB flash drive.

Each input unit generally provides two channels of input, and the instrument can accommodate input of up to 1000 V DC (700 V AC) as well as dynamic strain, thermocouple, logic, and other input simply by switching input units.

By connecting the instrument to a computer via its USB or LAN interface, users can transfer data and control the instrument remotely.

Memory HiCorder applications (Difference from digital oscilloscopes and data loggers)

Currently available recording and waveform observation instruments can be broadly divided into three categories: oscilloscopes in the high-speed segment of the market, Memory HiCorders in the medium- and low-speed segment of the market, and data loggers in the low-speed segment of the market. Customers choose instruments based on the frequency of the signal waveform being measured and recording interval, or based on characteristics such as input signal voltages, if the circuit being measured has a different ground potential.

While digital oscilloscopes excel in their ability to observe high-speed phenomena, their use of a common ground for all channels introduces the risk of shorts between circuits and ground faults when measuring circuits that are at different potentials relative to ground or when measuring targets such as mechatronic control circuits that mix strong and weak currents.

Since Memory HiCorders use isolated channels, they are able to perform tasks such as measuring DC control signals while observing a commercial power supply’s AC waveform or recording waveforms between inverter or converter inputs and outputs. As a result, they shine in applications involving measurement of circuits mixing strong and weak currents, as mentioned above.

Thanks to improvements in sampling speeds, Memory HiCorders have frequency characteristics that exceed the audible frequency range, and as discussed above, an extensive range of input units gives them capabilities ranging from electrical measurement to measurement of mechanical and vibration physical properties. Figure 1-6 illustrates the frequency bands for signal waveforms and compatible waveform measuring instruments in a variety of fields.

02. What is the Difference Between a Digital Oscilloscope and a Memory HiCorder?

No need for isolation amplifiers

The biggest difference between Memory HiCorders and digital oscilloscopes lies in isolation of input channels from one another and from the instrument.

A Memory HiCorder’s input channels are all electrically isolated. In a digital oscilloscope or A/D board, one side of each input channel is connected to the ground.

Digital oscilloscopes are well suited to use in applications where it is necessary to observe multiple signals that share the same ground, for example in measuring the electrical signals on a circuit board. However, if it were used to simultaneously measure the input and output sides of a power conversion device (such as a converter or inverter) like that shown in Figure 2-1, a digital oscilloscope would experience an internal short-circuit.

Memory HiCorders are extremely useful in applications such as this where a large number of signals at different potentials must be measured.

The only way to use a digital oscilloscope in such applications is to place an isolation amplifier between each signal and the instrument.

Difference of resolution and accuracy

Most digital oscilloscopes have a resolution of 8 bits (yielding 256 points). For example, if using a ±10 V range, that means the smallest interval that can be detected by the instrument is 0.078 V (obtained by dividing the full span of 20 V by 256 points).

Most Memory HiCorders have a resolution of 12 bits (yielding 4,096 points), enabling them to read values at an interval of 0.0048 V under the same conditions. A Memory HiCorder with a resolution of 24 bits would be able to read values at an interval of 0.000001192 V.

Memory HiCorders also offer superior accuracy. Whereas a typical digital oscilloscope provides accuracy of ±1% f.s. to ±3% f.s., Memory HiCorders deliver accuracy of ±0.01% rdg. and ±0.0025% f.s. to ±0.5% f.s.

This level of resolution and accuracy makes it possible to observe output from mechanical displacement, vibration, and other sensor types at a higher level of detail.

More channels and support for a larger variety of signals

Whereas typical digital oscilloscopes have 4 input channels, Memory HiCorders can accommodate from 2 to 54 channels of input, depending on the model.

In addition, different input units can be used, enabling Memory HiCorders to accept a larger variety of signals.

Available input units include analog units that can accept 1000 V DC (600 V AC) voltage input; units that can be connected to thermocouples, strain gauges, and acceleration pickups; and units that can be connected to high-precision current sensors.

Other units go beyond signal input to enable signal output with function generator and arbitrary waveform generation functionality.

Memory HiCorders shine in the field of mechatronics, where they deliver functionality that lies beyond the capabilities of digital oscilloscopes, for example in mixed recording of voltage and current waveforms and control signals for motors, inverters, and converters and in recording gasoline engine strain and ignition waveforms.

03. Basic Measurement Functions of a Memory Hicorder

Memory HiCorder basic measurement functions

Each Memory HiCorder provides enough functionality to be used as a number of different types of measuring instrument.

■ Memory recorder function
The instrument can record high-speed transients and sudden phenomena whose timing is unknown. It can also perform a variety of waveform calculations.

■ Recorder function
Although the instrument can be used as a real-time recorder or normal recorder, its extremely fast response speed, which is on the order of several microseconds, also enables it to record the amplitude of phenomena such as noise, even at low speed settings.

■ RMS recorder function
The instrument can record RMS voltage levels of current input without an RMS converter, and it can record fluctuations in supply voltage.

■ XY Memory・XY Recorder Function
The instrument can be used as an X-Y recorder for data from multiple X-T (time axis) recorded channels, with a user-specified channel as the axis.

■ Recorder&Memory Function
Recorder functionality can be used to record long-term fluctuations, and memory recorder functionality can be used to record sudden phenomena.

■ FFT Function
The instrument can analyze the frequency components of phenomena such as vibrations using its frequency analysis function.

■ Logic Recording Function
In addition to analog input, the instrument can record logic. Mixed digital/analog recording makes it possible to measure characteristics such as sequence timing.

04. The Power of Triggers

Trigger function and trigger types

The trigger function plays an important role in configuring a Memory HiCorder. When recording high-speed transients, this functionality makes it easy to start and stop measurement based on complex patterns that would be impossible for a human operator to duplicate manually.

The following introduces some Memory HiCorder trigger functions.

Figure 4-1 illustrates the types of trigger sources supported by Memory HiCorders. With the exception of manual triggers, triggers are activated based on AND/OR conditions between sources. Triggers can also be activated based on AND/OR conditions between analog channels and between logic channels.

■ Level Trigger
The level trigger is activated when the input voltage either rises above or falls below a set trigger level. A trigger filter can be set to keep the trigger from being activated by noise or other phenomena.

■ In-Window Trigger
Triggering occurs when the signal enters (IN) the defined upper and lower threshold range.

■ Out-of-Window Trigger
Triggering occurs when the signal exits (OUT) the defined upper and lower threshold range.

■ Voltage dip Trigger
Phenomena such as momentary voltage dips and power outages can be detected using a trigger designed specifically for use with commercial power supplies (50/60 Hz). The user sets a peak value (or an RMS value), and the trigger is activated if input falls beneath that level.

■ Period Trigger
Triggers can be activated when the period is outside of the specified time width, based on frequency variation and so on.

■ RMS Trigger
Triggers can be activated based on RMS levels.

■ Logic Trigger
Triggers can be activated according to signal input on logic channels.

■ Timer Trigger
Triggering occurs at the specified interval from the specified Start time until the Stop time.

Start　　‘00-1-1 0:00
Stop　　 ‘00-1-2 0:00
Ineterval   1:00

■ External Trigger
The external trigger is activated based on an external signal. The trigger is activated using a no-voltage contact signal or a 5 to 0 V signal. The external trigger has two inputs and outputs so that trigger output can be connected to another Memory HiCorder to enable simultaneous trigger operation.

■ Manual Trigger
Triggers can be activated by pressing the manual trigger key.

Trigger mode

Select from the below setting modes whether to record one recording length per trigger event, or to record continuously.

■ Single mode
Only one trigger activation is accepted by the instrument. When the trigger activates once, the waveform is recorded for the set recording length, and then measurement stops.

■ Repeat mode
Repeated trigger activations are accepted by the instrument. When no trigger has been activated, the instrument enters the trigger standby state.

■ Auto mode
Repeated trigger activations are accepted by the instrument. If no trigger is activated after approximately 1 s, the instrument automatically records the waveform for the recording length.

Trigger start point (Pre-trigger)

The user sets the trigger point as a percentage, using the recording start point for the set recording length as 0% and the recording stop point as 100%. By setting this pre-trigger, it is possible to review conditions before the trigger (malfunction or anomaly) occurred.

05. How to Use Memory HiCorders・Setting Examples

Example applications in different industrial fields

1. Electrical and power-related
•    Power supply analysis (momentary power outages, momentary voltage dips, power supply noise, harmonic analysis)
•    Analysis of problems with electrical control systems
•    Analysis of the characteristics of breakers and magnetic circuit interrupters
•    Detection of short-circuits and ground fault circuits
•    Generator and load dump testing
•    Battery charge/discharge testing
•    Servomotor and feedback system analysis
•    Analysis of magnetic card playback signals
•    Analysis of inverter input and output

2. Automotive, rail, and transport
•    Automobile and engine control testing
Engine combustion analysis, ECU signal analysis, ABS testing, suspension testing, navigation system testing, airbag testing, 4WD testing, transmission testing, vibration testing while the vehicle is driven, sensor signal analysis, etc.
•    Train car control testing
Element control testing, inverter motor control testing, train operation control testing, etc.; brake characteristics and vibration analysis, etc.

3. Manufacturing and machinery
•    Control analysis in steelmaking, chemical, and other types of industrial plants
Analysis of instrumentation signals, analysis of solenoid valve and control system malfunctions
•    Plant equipment maintenance, motor and bearing vibration analysis
•    Hydraulic equipment pressure testing
•    Analysis of characteristic vibration frequencies of various types of equipment and machinery
•    Analysis of control systems for injection molding machines
•    Diagnosis of malfunctions affecting rotating equipment
•    Measurement of welding currents
•    Analysis of malfunctions affecting automated equipment

4. Maintenance
•    Elevator acceleration testing and analysis of electrical control malfunctions
•    Analysis of rotating equipment

5. Other
•    Material testing (compression, tension, load, vibration, and impact testing, etc.)
•    Medical (recording of electrical activity of the heart, measurement in combination with various types of medical equipment)
•    Construction and civil engineering (vibration and impact testing; analysis of characteristic vibration frequencies of various objects)
Chemical (explosive testing of gunpowder and pressure analysis)

Example: Measuring the input and output characteristics of DC power supply

Objective:
To measure the rising time in output after the power supply switch is activated

Key considerations:
A level trigger should be activated at the rising edge of the primary input when the power switch is turned on.

1)    Setting recording length
Since we want to capture data for about 2 s, set the shot length (recording length) to 20 div. at 100 ms/div.

2)    Setting input range
Since the primary side of the circuit is 100 V AC, which yields a P-P value of 282 V, set channel 1 to 100 V/div. Since the secondary side is 5 V DC, set channel 2 to 1 V/div.

3)    Making trigger setting
Since the voltage will change from 0 to 100 V (RMS) when the switch is turned on, set the trigger level to a rising slope that is greater than 0 V. This explanation will use a setting of 10 V.

4)    Setting the trigger start point (Pre-trigger)
Since we want data after the switch is turned on, use a pre-trigger setting of 10%.

5)    Selecting trigger mode
Since we need only one measurement, use single mode.

6)    Data printing setting
If you wish the instrument to print data automatically when the trigger activates, turn on automatic printing on the status (settings) screen. If you wish to automatically save data in external memory, select the type of media and select the data format (binary or text). If you capture data on the screen even though automatic printing is off, you can record or print it later using the PRINT key, so turn this setting off.

7)    Setting [Waiting for pre-trigger]
Check the input cord connections and press the START key. If the display indicates that the instrument is in the trigger standby state, it has been set up properly.

8)    Recording
Turn on the power supply switch. If the instrument has been configured correctly, measurement will end once acquisition of the waveform data is complete.

Example: Measuring the input and output characteristics of DC power supply 2

Objective:
To measure the fall time in output after the power supply switch is activated

Key considerations:
Configure a trigger so that it is activated by the falling edge of the AC power supply. Since the level trigger would not be activated for channel 1, use either a voltage drop trigger with peak value detection or set up a trigger to activate at the falling edge of the DC output voltage level. If you have a line-use logic probe, you can also set up a trigger to activate when the input logic level switches from 1 to 0. This explanation will focus on the measurement procedure when using a voltage drop trigger. Once you understand how to use this voltage drop trigger, you will be able to measure momentary outages and momentary voltage drops affecting AC power supplies.

■ Measurement using a voltage drop trigger
1) Setting recording length
Select the voltage drop trigger for channel 1 and set it to 5 V.

2) Setting input range
Since the primary side of the circuit is 100 V AC, which yields a P-P value of 282 V, set channel 1 to 100 V/div. Since the secondary side is 5 V DC, set channel 2 to 1 V/div.

3) Setting display positions
Set the 0 positions to around 60% and 10% so that channels 1 and 2 do not overlap. (The positions can be changed later after data has been acquired if the channel displays overlap, so it’s fine if they do.)

4) Making trigger setting
Select the voltage drop trigger for channel 1 and set it to 5 V.

5) Setting the trigger start point (Pre-trigger)
Since we want data after the switch is turned on, use a pre-trigger setting of 10%.

6) Selecting trigger mode
Since we need only one measurement, use single mode.

7) Data printing setting
（Same setting as example of “Measuring the input and output characteristics of DC power supply”）

8) Setting [Waiting for pre-trigger]
Check the input cord connections and press the START key. If the display indicates that the instrument is in the trigger standby state, it has been set up properly.

9) Recording
Turn off the power supply switch. If the instrument has been configured correctly, measurement will end once acquisition of the waveform data is complete.
*Same as Figure 5-1

■ Measurement using a line-use logic probe
Change the trigger condition settings and the logic channel display settings. Other settings are the same as described above.

1) Making trigger setting
Since the trigger will be activated based on logic input, set up a logic trigger. Using channel A1 [0.x.x.x] 4, set up the trigger so that it activates when channel A1 changes from 1 to 0.

2) Displaying logic channel
Display the logic channel A1 on the channel display screen.

3) The remaining settings are the same as those that were described in the previous section.

If you encounter a self-hold circuit such as a sequence control circuit that exhibits the issue of resetting when this approach is applied, you can analyze the issue, for example in the power supply circuit, by setting up a trigger to activate depending on whether or not the self-hold circuit has a voltage.

Example: Measuring starting current waveforms of motors

Objective:
Although instruments such as normal ammeters cannot be used to measure quantities such as instantaneous load current fluctuations or starting current, a Memory HiCorder can easily do so using waveform levels when utilized in combination with a clamp current sensor.

Key considerations:
Use a clamp current sensor and set up a trigger so that it is activated by the starting current. Use the scaling function so that current values can be read directly. Use a Hioki 9018 Clamp On Probe. The output rate will be 500 A AC  200 mV AC. You can also display trace cursors, use them to measure the maximum value and rush current time, and then use the parameter calculation function to calculate the maximum value.

1) Setting recording length
The recording length varies with the load, but here we will use a setting of 10 div. at 50 ms/div. to capture 0.5 s.

2) Setting input range
Since the clamp current sensor we’re using generates 200 mV AC output, set the 0 position to 50% using the 50 mV/div. range.

3) Making scaling settings
Select 2-point scaling on the system’s scaling settings screen and configure the settings as shown in Figure 5-12. Since use of the ENG setting in combination with scaling enables settings in units of 103 and 106, you can read values as indicative of units with a K, M, or G prefix.

Voltage　　Voltage values at 2-points
HIGH side　0.2000E+00　→　5.0000E+02　　[A]
LOW side　 0.0000E+00　→　0.0000E+00

4) Setting the trigger start point (Pre-trigger)
Since we need data after the trigger is activated, use a setting of 10%.

5) to 8)　(Sama as “Measuring the input and output characteristics of DC power supply”)

6) Maximum value calculation
Set parameter calculation to “ON” on the status (settings) screen and specify a calculation for channel 1 only. Since data remains, moving the flashing cursor to the parameter calculation “ON” setting will cause an “EXECUTE” button to be displayed on the function key GUI display. Press that button. The maximum value calculation result will be displayed on the screen.

Hioki is pleased to announce that the Memory HiCorder MR6000, Power Analyzer PW3390, AC/DC Current Sensor CT6904, and Lux Meter FT3425, all of which it manufactures and sells, have been recognized with the 2018 Good Design Award by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. Below are summaries of the features of these four award-winning products.

Memory HiCorder MR6000
This flagship model offers the most measurement capacity of any Memory HiCorder ever introduced along with high-speed measurement at 200 MS/sec. (10 times faster than legacy models), and high-speed real-time saving of data that is 32 times faster than earlier generation devices. Direct, intuitive operation using a capacitive touch panel combines with higher-speed sampling and faster data processing to improve work efficiency.

Power Analyzer PW3390
In addition to support for performance testing under the new WLTP mode fuel efficiency standard, the PW3390 provides high-accuracy power analysis with basic accuracy of ±0.09%, placing it in the top tier of its category in the industry and exceeding the performance of its predecessor (the 3390). In addition to a measurement frequency band that has been expanded to 200 kHz, the instrument features a new phase shift function. The product is poised to make a significant contribution to the development, production, maintenance, and management of electric devices in the fields of energy conservation and alternative energy.

AC/DC Current Sensor CT6904
This current sensor delivers both a world-class measurement band (4 MHz, or 40 times that of the legacy model) and high accuracy, making it ideal for use in applications such as the evaluation of next-generation inverters, which operate on increasingly large currents and at increasingly high frequencies.

Lux Meter FT3425
The world’s first illuminance meter to offer Bluetooth® communications, the FT3425 can transfer measured values to a smartphone or tablet via GENNECT Cross, an app developed by Hioki. This capability has allowed users to halve the amount of time they spend making measurements, recording readings, and creating reports. Furthermore, an optional extension cart helps reduce the physical workload on technicians.

The Good Design Award program has been comprehensively evaluating product designs and recommending them to consumers for more than 50 years. Since receiving its first Good Design Award in 1985, Hioki has won the accolade 73 times (including two Long-life Design Awards). Hioki’s approach to product design seeks to pinpoint how customers feel when they hold and use its products in an effort to enrich their lives and society as a whole. These awards recognize both products’ improved performance and the benefits that stem from their designs.

Memory HiCorder MR6000	AC/DC Current Sensor CT6904	Power Analyzer PW3390	Lux Meter FT3425

Judges offered the following remarks concerning the products recognized this year:

Memory HiCorder MR6000
“Hioki has fine-tuned the design to transform it from a product that is used in maintenance in the field to one that can also be used in development, and in doing so it has looked toward development of technology for improving the energy efficiency of inverters and power conditioners as those devices continue to evolve. Although Hioki’s goal is to eke out every possible gain in measurement precision, enhancements such as sensitivity to the effects of minuscule changes, use of isolated channels, excellent portability, support for measurement over extended periods of time with features like an angled monitor and touch panel, and an interface capable of displaying multiple phenomena at once reflect the demands of both researchers and industrial customers, earning the product high marks.”

Power Analyzer PW3390
“Accurate power measurement plays an essential role in the development of technology for increasing the energy efficiency of inverters and power conditioners as those devices continue to evolve, and one can envision such instruments being used in a variety of settings and conditions. I was highly impressed with how well Hioki has made the instrument smaller, supported conversion cables and sensors, and designed an innovative power supply to accommodate use in a simply remarkable array of settings, all while maintaining the world-class level of measurement precision that it has achieved over the line’s many years of history.”

AC/DC Current Sensor CT6904
“Recent growth in the market for electric vehicles is boosting demand for current sensors that support large currents and high frequencies. I was impressed with the instrument’s world-class measurement accuracy and a level of performance that makes possible the world’s broadest measurement band. The product incorporates a variety of technical innovations and features that are designed to increase precision, including a compact design that reduces the distance between the sensor and the conductor under measurement, enhancements that reject noise, and a measurement band that is 40 times that of the previous model. By delivering such a demanding level of measurement accuracy, the CT6904 contributes to development, which is to say, to energy conservation. The design exhibits a comprehensive scope that accommodates the needs of users in the field through technological capability, a well-designed form factor, and innovative features.”

Lux Meter FT3425
“The product offers wireless capability and an auxiliary cart to solve issues with illuminance measurement work in buildings, namely the surprising inefficiency of such work and the sheer magnitude of repetition that it entails. As a result, work that previously required two people can be accomplished by one as reports become easier to create; mistakes, less frequent; and the process as a whole, faster. This revolutionary product introduces the first system of its kind in the world to reduce worker and time requirements while boosting efficiency for nighttime work that must be performed in a harsh environment over a limited timeframe that is measured in days.”

Hioki is pleased to announce that its flagship memory waveform recorder, MR6000 Memory HiCorder, is now compatible with FlexPro, a powerful software package for analysis and presentation of scientific and technical data, developed by Weisang GmbH.  Earlier generations and sister models of the MR6000 have already been supported by FlexPro  – with the addition of the MR6000, Memory HiCorder users are now afforded even greater analytic capabilities with their measurement data.

In recent years, demand for multi-channel testing has significantly increased due to ever more complex equipment and the inter-dependence of signals.  This also results in huge data files that can be difficult to manage.  With FlexPro, measurement data can be managed systematically, analyzed using fast Fourier transform (FFT) processing and other methods, and presented as a report in smooth, easy steps.

Customers in the automotive, aeronautics, railway and other advanced industries use FlexPro extensively in their production, research and development efforts to analyze mission-critical measurement data.  Those who use Hioki Memory HiCorders to capture that data can now enjoy the advantages of FlexPro in order to improve data management efficiency and increase their analytical capabilities.

Compatible version (MR6000):  FlexPro 2017 (v11.0.15 or later)
Compatible Hioki Memory HiCorders: MR8875 Series, MR8847 Series, MR8847A Series,  MR8827, MR8740, MR8741, MR6000 Series
Supported Memory HiCorder data format:  .MEM

More information:  https://www.weisang.com/en/flexpro/

Data from other legacy Hioki Memory HiCorders is also supported by FlexPro.  See complete list here.