First of a new class of affordable graphical power analyzers

The first of a new class of affordable graphical power analyzers, Vitrek's new PA900 precision power analyzer is now exclusively available in the UK from TTid (Thurlby Thandar instrument distribution). The PA900 integrates a high accuracy, wideband waveform digitizer with advanced computational capability, a large hi-resolution display and a touch-screen user interface. It delivers the performance needed to provide users with confidence in the integrity of their power measurement results. The unit’s intuitive touch-screen operation, with built-in data history, scope mode and waveform zoom – allows users to explore many aspects of power measurement in greater detail than traditional power analyzers. The PA900 delivers waveform visualization and measurement results necessary to validate the performance of power critical designs - such as LED lighting, solar power inverters, electric vehicles and aviation power distribution. Paul Withers, pioneer in the use of DSP technology for power measurement and chief engineer at Vitrek, said: “To gain an in-depth knowledge of the power consumption characteristics of their designs, engineers need to capture power signals with higher resolution, greater bandwidth and better accuracy than traditional power analyzers can provide. The PA900’s intuitive user interface, graphical waveform display and wideband digitizer allow it to address a wide range of power measurement applications at a price point never before available.” To meet a large variety of power measurement requirements, the PA900 can be fitted with three different types of channel cards. The A type is a precision 24 bit digitizer capable of capturing waveforms up to 1MHz, the S type is an economical 22-bit 1MHz version and the W type is a wideband channel card offering 5MHz bandwidth with 22 bits of resolution. Up to four cards can be fitted The heart of the PA900 is a 7-inch hi-resolution colour LCD with an intuitive touch interface that allows the user to easily view waveforms and standard or custom measurement data screens. The Standard Power Data Screen simultaneous displays V, A, W, VA, VAR, PF and more for desired channels. The PA900 features a front panel located USB flash drive port for data logging test results, capturing waveform screen shots and for downloading customized power measurement screens. 2GB of internal memory allow for high speed data logging without the need for an external drive. Standard Ethernet, high-speed serial and USB 2.0 interfaces make connectivity fast and easy. GPIB is optionally available, says the company.