98X Teraohmmeter for High-Voltage Insulation Resistance (IR) Testing

The 98X Series Teraohmmeter fulfills today’s stringent insulation resistance (IR) testing requirements.

Electric vehicles and solar panel arrays currently have voltage rails of up to 2.5 KV in a never-ending quest for performance. 

The 98Xi devices have a unique blend of performance features built on the same DSP technology that has placed Vitrek as a leader in high-performance test systems, including:

• High-speed testing (with dwell times as low as 100 ms)
• Multi-dwell functionality (multiple steps without having to return to zero between steps)
• Continuously variable IR test voltage (adjustable over the full output range of the instrument)
• Pico-amp leakage measurement (with stable and precise 50 Teraohm IR readings)
• Capacitance test modes (vital for solar panels, cable harnesses, and other capacitive loads)
• Multi-mode insulation resistance tests (three test modes – end on time, end on pass, end on fail)

The Vitrek 98×1 IR Testers may directly operate up to four 64-channel Vitrek 964i high-voltage scanners for applications needing insulation resistance measurements on numerous conductors. The same instrument can handle 1020 test points when connected to a PC running Vitrek’s QT Enterprise^TM software.

Image Credit: Vitrek, LLC

Image Credit: Vitrek, LLC

Image Credit: Vitrek, LLC

Expanding the Possibilities of High Voltage Resistance Measurement

Image Credit: Vitrek, LLC

The new 981i and 983i Teraohmmeters are built to handle the most challenging high-resistance measuring tasks and demanding applications that most other IR testers cannot handle. When testing higher voltage IR values, such as today's electric vehicle systems and higher voltage solar arrays, count on Vitrek to provide the IR tester users require for their production line.

What Sets the Vitrek 98X Series IR Testers Apart from Others?

Since these devices are based on Vitrek’s proven DSP technology, they can operate in capacitive loads when most others cannot. Vitrek delivers an output voltage range of up to 6.5 KVDC for the 981i and up to 11 KV for the 983i.

Need to Perform an Insulation Resistance Test on a Multi-Conductor Cable Harness?

The 981i and 983i can control up to four 64-channel HV scanners directly out of the box. That is up to 256 test points, and utilizing a PC and Vitrek’s Q-Test software, the count can be increased to 1020 test points. The Vitrek 964i is the preferred HV Switching System, with eight 8-channel switching cards available in 7, 10, and 15 KV ratings.

Electric vehicles and solar panel arrays are now working at 2.5 KV in a never-ending drive for improved efficacy. 

Image Credit: Vitrek, LLC

Product Features and Benefits

• Highest range of IR test voltage—Select from 6.5 KVDC or 11 KVDC maximum output
• High resistance measurement range—Transfer measurement up to 150 Teraohms
• Fast IR readings—High-speed output control with Dual Coldfire microprocessors and Dual DSPs to provide dwell times as low as 100 ms
• Expansive Test sequency memory includes up to 100 tests, each with up to 254 steps. Tests can be run using the front panel, Ethernet, RS232, or optional GPIB.
• Ethernet, RS232, digital I/O and scanner control—All standard interfaces. Offers the highest level of test automation. GPIB available
• Multi-dwell functionality—allows for dwells at various voltage levels without returning to zero between test steps—radically simplifying advanced dielectric property analysis
• Pico-amp leakage measurement guarantees that even the lowest leakage current levels are accurately detected and that values of 150 Teraohm transfer and 50 Teraohm IR are stable and exact
• Multi-mode IR—Values up to one Teraohm or more can be obtained with precision in the choice of 4 IR test modes—end on time, end on pass, end on fail, or steady or rising
• Test specific fixture and cable compensation—Automatically calibrate out offset errors caused by test fixture insulation resistance and capacitive and leakage
• Capacitive loads—Most IR testers are not designed to work with capacitive loads, but the 981i and 983i are. This means that the 981i and 983i excel at performing IR tests on PV panels and CMC devices.
• Continuously variable insulation resistance test voltage—Unlike many IR testers, which restrict users to three or four distinct test voltages, the 981i lets users choose a test voltage from 30 V to 6.5 KV with a 1-volt resolution. The 983i has outputs ranging from 60 V to 11 KV.
• Lightweight design—Better reliability, easier on the back. Compare the 4.5 kg 981i/983i with what was being used. Vitrek provides higher performance in a smaller, lighter footprint.
• Measure IR on grounded loads—Some DUTs cannot be isolated from earth ground, add option HSS2 to make precise IR measurements on grounded loads
• Three-year extended warranty—one-year standard, a three-year extended warranty with registration and annual factory calibration. Built-in dependability that will last for years
• Safety tested per EN 61010-1. EMC compliant to EN 61326-1
• Manual test mode—allows for variable voltage output during testing, as well as continuous measurements and pass/fail indication until the user stops the test.
• Made in the USA

Specifications

General Specifications

• Specifications: Valid after a 15-minute warm-up period, for one year from the last external calibration, and ambient temperatures within +/–2 ºC of the last ZERO operation.
• RS232 Interface: Selectable baud: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 or 115200, full handshake
• Ethernet: High speed, high noise immunity LAN interface
• VICL Interfaces: Provided for control of HV Scanners
• Optional GPIB: Option GPIB-9 adds GPIB interface capability
• Digital I/O Interface: Provides 4 digital inputs and 5 digital outputs. Functions include Start/Stop, Testing, Pass/Fail, HV Present, Safety Interlock, Dwell Timer
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 50 °C
• Humidity: <85% RH (non-condensing)
• Weight: 5 Kg (11 lb.) Net/7 Kg (15 lb.)
• Power: 105-265Vrms, 45-65Hz, 500VA Max
• Dimensions: 89 mm H × 432 mm W × 457 mm D (3.5″ H × 17″ W × 18″ D)
• Accessories: Alligator test leads, NIST traceable calibration certificate with no data, power cord, and operator’s manual. Limited ISO 17025 cal cert with data and uncertainties available.

DC Output Voltage

• 981i: 30 V to 6500 V
  • Accuracy: +/– (0.25% rdg + 0.1 V)
• 981i with option HSS2: 30 V to 5000 V
  • Accuracy: +/– (0.25% rdg + 0.1 V + 1 V/mA)
• 983i: 60 V to 11000 V
  • Accuracy: +/– (0.25% rdg + 0.2 V)
• Output Resolution: 1 V
  • Loading: up to 4 mA charging, 2 mA continuous

Current Measurement

• 981i & 983i RETURN current only, 1 pA to 4 mA
  • Accuracy [Resistive Load up to 1000 pF): +/– (0.5% rdg + 10 pA + 2 pA per kV)]
  • Accuracy [Capacitive Load 1000 pF to 50 nF): +/– (0.5% rdg + 100 pA + 20 pA per kV)]
  • Accuracy [Capacitive Load >50 nF): +/– (0.5% rdg + 1 nA + 200 pA per kV)]
• Option HSS2 HV Output current, 1 nA to 4 mA (for grounded loads)
  • Accuracy [Resistive Load up to 1000 pF), C < 1000 pF): +/– (0.5% rdg + 5 nA + 1 nA per kV)]
  • Accuracy [Capacitive Load 1000 pF to 50 nF): +/– (0.5% rdg + 7.5 nA + 2.5 nA per kV)]
  • Accuracy [Capacitive Load >50 nF): +/– (0.5% rdg + 10 nA + 5 nA per kV)]

Resistance Measurement

Note: It is unnecessary to employ the OFFSET (or ZERO) feature in either AUTO or MANUAL TEST modes to achieve these criteria; the OFFSET option allows the user to offset externally produced leakages.

Source: Vitrek, LLC

Transfer Measurement

Comparative Measurement Capability (measurement of several values within 10% at the same test voltage, in the same environmental conditions within +/–1 ºC, in one hour, with no intervening ZERO operations and constant power)

Uncertainty (Resistive Load): +/– (0.05% rdg + (R/(5 Tohm per kV))%rdg + (1/V)%rdg + 2 ohms per kV) for R < 150 Tohm

Timing

• Charge Time: 1 second minimum charge time, 9999 sec max.
• Dwell Time: 0.1 s to 9999 days, 0.1 sec resolution