Yokogawa Test & Measurement Releases PBDH0400 Series High-voltage, Wide-bandwidth Differential Probe

­Yokogawa Test & Measurement Corporation announces the release of its PBDH0400 series differential probe with a maximum input voltage of 2000 V and a frequency bandwidth of 400 MHz. PBDH0400 series differential probes are able to deliver the measurements required for developing the next generation of higher speed power devices that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Development Background

With growing emphasis on measures that will help to achieve decarbonization across all areas of society, there is a need to increase the energy efficiency of motors and inverters used in the transportation and renewable energy sectors.

This requirement is particularly acute in the power electronics industry, where the increase in applications for - and production of - next-generation power devices utilizing silicon-carbide (SiC) technology necessitates the ultra-precise measurement of high-voltage and higher speed signals.

This task requires performing measurements from an ungrounded (floating) potential, necessitating the use of differential probes rather than standard probes. Yokogawa Test & Measurement therefore set about developing wide-bandwidth differential probes capable of measuring high-voltage and high-speed signals. The new probes contribute to a more sustainable society through improved energy efficiency.

Main Features

Initially, two models of the PBDH0400 series will be available: the 702922 model with a maximum input voltage of 2000 V, and the 702921 with a maximum input voltage of 1000 V.

1.     High-voltage and wide-bandwidth measurement
To perform the accurate waveform observation of faster-changing signals prevalent in electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy applications, PBDH0400 series differential probes measure voltages over 1000 V and offer a wide frequency range from DC to 400 MHz. This capability is particularly beneficial for developers of next-generation inverters, enabling the accurate observation of tiny changes in high-speed switching signals. In addition, excellent noise resistance allows the detection of events that can cause unexpected anomalies, including waveform overshoot and ringing.

2.     Automatic power supply and attenuation setting
The PBDH0400 series features the Yokogawa probe interface, saving both cost and installation space by eliminating the need for an external power supply when connected to a Yokogawa oscilloscope. Furthermore, the probe attenuation ratio is automatically set through the interface so that measurement can start immediately after connection to the instrument. Combining the PBDH0400 with Yokogawa’s 12-bit DLM5000HD or DLM3000HD oscilloscopes enables more accurate waveform measurements.

Major Target Markets

·       In-vehicle electronic systems that include inverters and motors

·       Power electronics such as electronic devices, inverters, and power generation devices

·       Domestic electronic systems like household appliances and air conditioners

·       Mechatronics, including industrial devices.

Applications

·       High-precision evaluation of high-speed, high-voltage switching signals exhibited by SiC devices and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) within EV inverters

·       Power analysis and operational confirmation of SiC and gallium nitride (GaN) based power electronics

·       Design and assessment of electrical and electronic circuits

·       Analysis and testing of industrial devices, such as high-efficiency motors, robots, and sensors.

For more information, go here.