New software V3.5.x for routine testing in mass production
2/2023
We have significantly improved the PC software for our Power Choke Tester DPG10 series. There are now two different applications for operating the devices with different user interfaces.
- an application intended for laboratory operation and small series routine testing with the familiar user interface (lab application)
- an application optimized for routine testing in mass production with a user interface reduced to the necessary operating elements and a configurable large display (production application)
In the production application, the measurement results are stored in a database. In the laboratory application, the data can either be saved in xml files as before or also in a database. The laboratory application is available both as a 32-bit and as a 64-bit application, the production application only as 64-bit.
The new production application enables very effective and fast routine testing in mass production. When using a scanner, no actions are required by the user apart from contacting the test object. If contacting is automated, a fully automatic test is possible.
Production GUI of the DPG10 Software
ed-k in Bodo’s Power Systems
01/2023
A cover story about ed-k products has again been published in the well-known trade journal “Bodo’s Power Systems”, which specializes in power electronics.
The article introduces the new Pulse Current Source PCS10 Series. The device series, developed in cooperation with a leading German semiconductor manufacturer, was developed for the dynamic wafer test of IGBTs. The article shows the use for the so-called “clamped inductive load test” to check the RBSOA and the SCSOA of IGBT wafers according to IEC60747-9.
The article also presents new features for the Power Choke Tester DPG10 series:
- The new production application for routine testing in mass production
- The new test adapters for testing low-inductance components and SMD components
New Models DPG10-2000B and DPG10-2000B/E
10/2022
The models DPG10-1500B and DPG10-1500B/E are no longer produced. They will be replaced by the more powerful DPG10-2000B and DPG10-2000B/E models.
The 1500A models were derivatives of the DPG10-1000B. Only the 1000A range was extended to 1500A, while the ranges up to 100A and up to 10A remained unchanged. Like all other models of the Power Choke Tester DPG10/20 series, the new 2000A devices now have three current measuring ranges, which differ by a factor of 10 (2-20A, 21-200A, 201-2000A).
The new models DPG10-2000B and DPG10-2000B/E are operated using the same powerful software as the other models in the DPG family.
Despite the significantly higher performance, we were able to keep the prices almost stable compared to the old 1500A devices.
New Device Series Pulse Current Source PCS10
06/2022
The new Pulse Current Source PCS10 series is a series of pulse current sources capable of delivering pulses with an adjustable voltage up to 400V and a current up to 3000A (depending on the model). It was derived from our well-known Power Choke Tester DPG10 series and is available now.
The Pulse Current Source PCS10 series is suitable for inductive and resistive loads. The pulse energy is taken from a capacitor battery and can be up to 2kJ depending on the model, pulse repetition rate and selected pulse voltage. Both the pulse duration and the current can be preselected as criteria for ending the voltage pulse.
The voltage and current are unregulated. When the pulse energy is relatively small compared to the energy stored in the capacitor bank, the pulse voltage is approximately constant.
The pulse duration can be set between 3µs and 70ms in increments of 1µs. The maximum current, upon reaching which the pulse is terminated, can be set in steps of 1A.
Applications are e.g. the test of power semiconductors (RBSOA), many other applications are possible.
Test Adapter for Testing Low-inductance Components and SMD Components
03/2022
With the Power Choke Tester DPG10 series, the measurement of small inductance values is limited to values greater than approx. 1-3µH due to the use of measuring cables.
On the one hand, this is due to the inductance of the test cables, which is in the range of 0.7-1.5µH despite the special construction. In the case of low-inductance test samples, this means that most of the test voltage drops on the test cables instead of on the test sample. On the other hand, the coupling between Force and Sense lines increases with lower inductance of the test sample, resulting in an increase in the measurement inaccuracy.
That is why we have developed new test adapters for measuring low-inductance components. There is a separate test adapter for each current measuring range of the devices. These three test adapters are available in a set and can be plugged directly into the front panel of the DPG10 devices without a test cable.
This makes it possible to measure inductance values down to < 100nH if the measurement parameters are optimally choosen.
Regardless of the inductance, the test adapters are ideal for all SMD components that can be soldered directly onto the test adapters. However, they can also be used for PCB mounted THD components.
Power Choke Tester DPG10/20 in Bodo’s Power Systems
11/2021
A three-part series of articles about the Power Choke Tester DPG10/20 series has been published in the well-known trade journal “Bodo’s Power Systems”, which specializes in power electronics.
In the 11/2021 issue, the pulse measuring principle of the DPG10/20 series is presented in detail. The various measuring options are shown and the technical requirements of the pulse measuring principle are discussed. It is explained what should be considered when choosing the measurement parameters in order to achieve the best measurement results.
In the second part (published in issue 12/2021), the traditional measurement methods (LCR meter and reactance calculation with mains current and mains voltage) and the pulse measurement method with thyristors that cannot be turned off are explained. The inherent disadvantages of these measurement methods are shown and why the pulse measurement method of the DPG10/20 series with IGBT power stage has prevailed over other measurement methods. Finally, the calibration is discussed, which made it necessary to develop our own inductance standards due to the extremely high measurement currents.
The third part appears in issue 03/2022. It is shown how, with the help of the 3-Phase Extension Unit, the pulse measuring principle of the DPG10/20 series can also be used to measure the inductance of 3-phase chokes. A comparison with the conventional measurement method with mains voltage and mains current shows that only the pulse measurement principle can deliver correct measurement results in the non-linear range and what other advantages it has.
New features and improvements for the DPG10/20 series
01/2021
The DPG10/20 series is continuously developed and improved.
It now has significantly expanded resistance measuring ranges. Previously, the devices had two internal resistance measuring ranges that were model-specific. From now on the devices have 4 internal resistance measuring ranges, which are identical for all models of the DPG10 series. This improves the resolution of small resistance values considerably to 10 µΩ and the maximum measurable resistance increases to 35 Ω. The accuracy has also been significantly improved.
The resolution of the DPG20 series is now 1 µΩ with a maximum measurable resistance of 3.5 Ω.
In addition, the time for a complete measurement cycle could be shortened by several seconds when connected via USB. This is a great advantage, especially when used for routine tests in series production, as the throughput can be increased considerably. But the time advantage can also be felt in the laboratory for individual tests.
The status of the Safety-Lock-Interface (DPG ready / DPG locked) is now displayed on a traffic light on the user interface.
ed-k becomes a key player in the Cluster Power Electronics within the ECPE
05/2020
We have been connected to the Cluster Power Electronics within the ECPE for many years. At cluster seminars and workshops, for example, we gave presentations on our core area, inductance measurement on inductive power components. From 2014 to 2015, we exhibited at the joint stand of the ECPE during the PCIM fair in Nuremberg.
We are very happy to be official key player in the Cluster Power Electronics within the ECPE now.
DPG20-10000B/G in service
02/2020
Already over 2 years ago we announced that we would develop a new model of the Power Choke Tester DPG family with a measuring current up to 10kA and a significantly increased pulse energy up to 15kJ.
The enormously high measuring current, which can rise to 18kA in the event of a short circuit, and the very large pulse energy have made a completely new development with a new circuit topology necessary. The circuit topology of the DPG10 series was maxed out at currents up to 4000A and 8kJ.
More pulse energy for the DPG10 B series
02/2019
All models of the DPG10 B series will be equipped with an increased pulse energy.
The models DPG10-100B, DPG10-1000B and DPG10-1500B now have 1350J instead of 1150J. For the models DPG10-1500B / E and DPG10-3000B / E, the pulse energy increases from 2500J to 2750J and for the model DPG10-4000B / F from 7500J to 7700J.
The increased pulse energy will be delivered from 04/2019 at no extra charge.
New 3-Phase Extension Unit EXT2 for DPG10-4000B/F
12/2017
Because the previous 3-Phase Extension Unit (EXT1) with a width of 63TE was suitable only for devices up to 3000A, we have developed an additional model that is compatible with the DPG10-4000B/F. The new 3-Phase Extension Unit EXT2 with a width of 84TE was strengthened accordingly and is available from February 2018.
Warranty extension from 2 to 4 years
10/2017
For the divices of the DPG10 B-series, as well as all other devices from 03/2017, we give a retroactive warranty of 48 months from date of purchase, provided the devices were purchased in the EU. For devices purchased before 03/2017, and devices purchased outside the EU, we continue to give a warranty of 24 months from date of purchase.
Normal wear and tear of test leads and improper use are excluded from the warranty. For the duration of the warranty period, we repair devices free of charge.
New software generation 3.X available
05/2017
It did take a bit longer than we had hoped, but the new 3rd generation software is now ready. It offers an entire new graphical user interface with a larger area for displaying the measurement diagram and improved handling via an uncluttered toolbar. It is compatible with all models of the DPG10 B-series.
The new software generation furthermore offers additional measurement functions, such as the representation of flux density B(i), and will be continuously updated over the coming years. As always, our software updates are available free of charge on request.
New model DPG10-4000B/F
02/2017
We have again extended our range to include higher currents and pulse energies. The DGP10-4000B/F delivers measurement current up to 4000A. At 7500J, pulse energy has tripled as compared to models with option /E. The device is nevertheless very compact, measuring 3HE and weighing little more than 21 kg (47x50x17cm³)!
This equips the device work with very large inductors into the MVA range. At the same time it is also perfectly suitable for small PCB mounted inductors in the smaller measuring ranges of up to 400A and up to 40A. It thus covers an enormous spectrum of inductive components. Inductances can even be precisely measured all the way down to the nH range.
The DPG10-4000B/F is controlled via the same high performance software as the other models in the DPG series.
Replacement of the DPG10 A-series by the new DPG10 B-series
02/2017
The DPG10 A-series has been produced and continuously improved since 2005, its functional range has been increased and new models added. Now it is being replaced by the new DPG10 B-series. The improvements offered by the new DPG10 B-series as compared to the old A-series include, inter alia:
– new software version 3.x with new user interface and many new features
– more pulse energy (1150J instead of 900J for the models -100B, -1000B and -1500B)
– faster measurements
– more robust, lockable connectors in the largest measurement range
– new test leads with lockable 6mm plugs
– new models with measuring currents up to 4kA and pulse energy of up to 8kJ
The DPG10 A-series has been discontinued.
New model DPG10-3000B/E
10/2016
We have extended our range of models to include higher currents. The DPG10-3000B/E delivers measuring current of up to 3000A and pulse energy up to 2500J. It is immediately available.
It is controlled via the same high performance software as the other models of the DPG series and was also kept extremely compact. The largest measurement range is equipped with special 6mm connectors; we also offer new, corresponding cables for them.
Move to new premises
07/2016
At the end of July 2016, we moved to new premises, because the previous ones had become too small. Especially storage capacity had become inadequate for a while.
The move occurred within the same commercial complex, so that our address and all contact data have remained unchanged.
The new domicile was given a full makeover and was partitioned and equipped according to our requirements (such as ESD flooring and special illumination). The available floor space has almost doubled as a result. Since the entire complex has also been fully refurbished, we look forward to working in a very pleasant environment.
