MPD 600

High-End Measurement and Analysis System for Partial Discharges

 Partial Discharge Analysis
Partial Discharges: Rising to the challenge:
Weak points in insulation systems The OMICRON solution
Partial discharges, as defined by IEC 60270, are localized The challenge when analyzing PD is to detect and evaluate
dielectric discharges in a partial area of an electrical discharges in the range of pico-coulombs (pC), while dealing
insulation system under high electric field intensity. with test voltages of up to several hundred kilovolts (kV).
PD phenomena are in many cases the preliminary stage
These sensitive measurements are often complicated by
of a complete breakdown of the insulation. For this reason,
severe external interference or noise from nearby equipment,
for many years generators, transformers, switchgear and
caused by corona or other radio frequency (RF) sources.
cable systems have been checked for partial discharge.
The MPD 600 incorporates a range of leading-edge
OMICRON's MPD 600 is a high-end measurement and
technologies in order to provide accurate, reliable and
analysis system for partial discharges. It corresponds to the
reproducible measurements – even under the most
relevant standards for electric PD measurements and also
demanding circumstances.
provides analysis techniques far beyond this.

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The system
The MPD 600 system consists of a measurement unit, a
USB controller and the sophisticated software. The
modular plug-and-play system enables a number of state-
of-the-art display and assessment features and achieves
outstandingly high measurement accuracy.

Practical multi-channel operation

The system can be expanded easily to a virtually unlimited
number of channels. Thereby parallel measurements and
truly synchronous multichannel measurements are viable.
With the fiber optic connections the distance between
adjacent units may also be up to 2 km / 1.2 miles.

Field-proven technology
Hundreds of units are operating world-wide in industrial
and utility applications. The MPD 600´s reliability gets
proven in some of the world’s largest PD measuring
projects by major cable, transformer and rotating machine
manufacturers.

Your Benefits
>> IEC 60270-compliant PD measurement

>> Handy system for different applications

and mobile use

>> Parallel and synchronous multi-channel

PD measurements

>> Excellent interference immunity for

measurements under difficult conditions

>> Safe operation through galvanic isolation

>> High measurement accuracy through

digital data processing

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 Effective prevention of interferences
A main problem during PD measurements is interferences Fiber-optic connections are well proven in industrial
caused by adjacent electrical equipment. These can make environments. Electrical or radio frequency connections
measurement, analysis and localization of PD signals very (e.g. WLAN) are less reliable because of frequent
difficult or even impossible. The elimination or at least disturbances from machines or electrical discharges
reduction of such interferences is critical for successful (e.g. PD).
PD analysis.
Fiber-optic connections also may be very long,
without degrading the instrument's performance.
Galvanic isolation through fiber optic cable
Another convincing advantage of fiber optics
The fiber optic transmission impresses with a complete
compared to copper wires, is the precise synchronicity
galvanic isolation between the individual measuring
of all connected units down to the range of
devices and the PC controller. This minimizes ground
nanoseconds. This simultaneous communication
loops, reduces interference coupling and achieves
ensures a continuous, uninterrupted acquisition of
significantly higher system sensitivity through the
time-critical PD events and the related test voltage,
improved signal-to-noise ratio.
even under most demanding circumstances.

Conventional PD detection

Interference
Coupling
capacitor
C2 ’
5 m ... 50 m / 16 ft ... 164 ft measurement cable
C3 ’ C1 C3’ Point of PD
C2 ’ Coupling device
measurement
C 2’
C3 ’ C1 C3’

C 2’
Device under test

Ground loop

Innovative PD detection with the MPD 600

C2 ’
Coupling
capacitor
C3 ’ C1 C3’
C2 ’
C 2’ up to 2 km
C3 ’ C1 C3’ Point of PD
Coupling device
measurement Optical fiber
C 2’ ~ 0.3 m / 1 ft
MPD 600
and MPP 600
Device under test

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Advanced fully digital filtering Measuring up to the UHF range
From the first measuring point, MPD 600 uses a digital Interferences can often be avoided through changing the
filter. Therefore, no aging effects or drift over time and center frequency. A largely expanded measuring range
temperature occurs, resulting in an exceptionally high up to the ultra-high frequencies (UHF) is realized with the
degree of reproducibility to perform reliable, calibrated optional UHF 608 and UHF 620. This unconventional UHF
and traceable PD quality control. measuring method can be used for commissioning tests
as well as on-site and online diagnostics.
Battery powered acquisition units
The combination of UHF 620 and MPD 600 results in
During battery operation no noise from mains a precise measurement system for different frequency
power supply enters the measuring circuit. This bandwidths: Either narrow band, medium band or
way the measurement unit can also be operated at wideband measurements can be selected.
high-voltage potential. Due to the very low power
The UHF 620 is ideally suited to measurements of
consumption, an uninterrupted battery operation of
power transformers and gas insulated switchgear (GIS).
more than 20 hours is ensured.
The UHF 608 is traditionally used for cable joints and
terminations.

Different UHF sensors as they are used for conventional

measurement systems like spectrum analyzers can be
combined with the UHF accessories.

PD signals obscured in the noise band

PD signal with reduced noise level

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 Tailored MPD software
Basic Mode – results by mouse click Cable Mode – guided measurement
In Basic Mode, most parameters and settings are The Cable mode is an intuitive three-step interface
automatically determined by the software, so the for testing high-voltage cables. This module is used
user can focus on performing the PD measurement. for quality assurance in the factory as well as fault
localization on site.
> Highly responsive real-time display
(> 20 frames /sec) The user is guided through the entire measurement.
The detection of partial discharge faults in high-
> Configurable real-time oscilloscope view voltage cables, which is accurate to the meter, is thus
for PD and V input
particularly effective and precise.
> Flexible PD event visualization, including the
phase resolved histogram view, ellipse and
real-time view

> Ellipse view for reproduction of a classical

analog feel

Large scope view area

Independent of the connected units the large

window displays:
> The progress of the test voltage
> The phase-resolved histogram in
different presentations
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> The 3PARD display
> The gating

Small scope view area

The small window can be configured to display

different data depending on the setting:
> Frequency spectrum of the input signal at
the PD input
> Threshold display with inception and
extinction voltage
> Voltage and charge value trend curve in
Replay mode

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Expert Mode – using all possibilities
The Expert Mode allows manual control over every Apart from numerous detailed displays and manual
aspect of PD detection and analysis, while providing settings, some functions characterize the Expert
access to advanced visualization options. mode particularly well:

Possible displays in Expert mode: > Hardware gating (with external gating unit)

> 3PARD – 3-Phase Amplitude Relation Diagram > PD detection and analysis for DC applications

> 3FREQ – Synchronous multiband measurements > Long-term aquistion of all relevant PD related
trending purposes
> Controlling of the advanced noise suppression
by Dynamic Noise Gating > Statistical PD fault location

> Full oscilloscope style functionality for PD input > Additional PD event evaluation in accordance to
signals IEC 60270 (e.g. QIEC average)

> Q(U) and H(Q) diagram > RIV measurements in μV

Acquisition unit selection

The upper display pane shows the connected

acquisition units as well as their status

IEC button

Fast, automatic measuring according to IEC 60270,

i.e., the center frequency and bandwidth are set
automatically

Measured quantities display

The two windows for measured values

and statistics show the current values for
quantities conforming with IEC 60270 such as:
PD charge, voltage or frequency

Settings area

Monitoring and control of the different software

modes:
> Easy handling in Basic and Cable mode
> Complete control in the Expert mode

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 Active noise suppression
Some noise looks very similar to PD. With the increasing Advanced noise separation tools
use of power electronic components, these pulses can
be ever-present in industrial environments. PD events on one phase can be detected also on the
other phases. Distinction between different PD sources
With freely selectable filtering options, the MPD 600 and superimposed noise pulses is a challenge due to this
can be flexibly adapted to challenging on-site coupling.
conditions. This results in a maximal signal-to-noise
ratio. The MPD 600 provides powerful tools for separation and
easy visualization of different sources of interference.

Manual gating
An unlimited number of phase/amplitude gates allows
to suppress signals with a certain amplitude and fixed
phase position (e.g. converter pulses, drives, irrelevant
PD). The gating areas are easy to define by marking
them with the mouse.

Antenna gating
To eliminate the effect of disturbances (e.g. corona) to
the measurement results, an optional external MPD 600
can be used as unit gate (antenna gating).

Dynamic Noise Gating (DyNG)

Non-stationary pulses which are not fixed in phase
("moving" vs. phase) – e.g. interference from drives,
motor-generator test sets and temporary interference –
can be suppressed by the unique Dynamic Noise Gating,
in which the amplitude-phase window follows the
disturbance pulses dynamically.

PD diagrams of three phases, partially

superimposed or with interference signals

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3-phase amplitude relation diagram Synchronous multi frequency measurements
(3PARD) (3FREQ)
The 3PARD simplifies the differentiation of various PD The 3FREQ characterizes PD sources by their frequency
sources and PD interferences. The three phases are signature. Even for a single phase or a single PD
measured synchronously and the results can be displayed decoupling position, pulse triples can be acquired by
combined in a single diagram, the 3PARD diagram. using three different PD filter settings.

This way results can be easily compared and PD sources The synchronous signal output from three filters with
can be quickly selected in the star diagram. This can different center frequencies or bandwidths, allows a
result in significant cost savings, for example when pulse waveform analysis as 3-Center Frequency Relation
screening measures can be reduced. Diagram, short 3CFRD, visualization.

Filtered interference signals

Separation through 3PARD or 3CFRD representation Broken down partial discharges

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 Post processing of realtime data
In many cases there is insufficient time for further detailed Replay function
analysis of the PD patterns or the changes which occurred
during testing. By storing the measured data as unprocessed raw data,
these can still be analyzed subsequently. The full set of
The MPD 600 can store PD events with very high sampling analysis functions and the different tools like 3PARD or
rate during testing. In addition, the test voltages and all gating can be used for this - just as if the measurement
other relevant system settings are also stored. was performed once again.

This creates a growing database, which can be used as

reference for the interpretation of future measurement Streaming function
results. The recorded measured data, so-called streams, can be
Numerous functions are integrated into the MPD 600 cut individually, i.e. to focus on relevant PD events. As the
system for safe and easy handling of the measured data. playback speed can also be freely selected, some sections
can be played back more slowly and thus be analyzed in
greater detail.

Export function
Recordings can also be stored as video in .avi format. With
the compressed file size the videos are easier to handle,
need less storage space and can be sent to experts as
email attachment. In addition, the videos can also be
played back without installed MPD software.

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 External application interface
A flexible application interface, based on
Microsoft COM, allows the complete transfer of
all measured quantities and configuration settings
to other programs like Microsoft Excel or MATLAB.
Application-specific software solutions can thus be
realized without problems.

Integrated reporting
Clear reports can be created automatically
in XML format. A company logo can be easily
integrated.

Furthermore, screenshots can be added to the

report at any time at the touch of a button. The
reports can also be stored as PDF file. This basic
version for reporting is included in all software
packages free of charge.

Individual protocol generator

The protocol generator integrated into
Microsoft Excel supports significantly more
functions. It controls the MPD 600 application
and integrates all measurement functions into an
individually adapted, ready to print protocol.

All measured values can be integrated as clear

diagrams or tables in the report with just a few
clicks. A screenshot of the PD pattern can be
integrated at the touch of a button.

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Applications and software packages
Multi-channel measurements of power transformers
The MPD 600 enables the user to quickly measure all of the relevant quantities
for a reliable PD measurement of power transformers. No matter whether the
transformer is single or three-phase.

Localizing PD failures accurate to a meter

Fault-finding in cables with the MPD 600 provides accuracy better than 0.2 % of
the total cable length. PD faults can thus be localized with meter to centimeter
precision. Therefore, during commissioning the focus is on quality control of
cable accessories, such as joints and terminations.

Reliable assessment of rotating machines

M/G Rotating machines, industrial drives and railway transportation must be assessed
offline or in operation. With the help of the MPD 600 and its unique functions,
the difficulties of nearby interfering fields can be overcome much easier than
other systems.

Precise assessment in factories and laboratories

In shielded laboratories, PD measurements on high-voltage components
are carried out using coupling capacitors and measuring impedances. After
calibration, the MPD shows the apparent charge according to IEC 60270.
PD analysis is supported by graphical tools such as the PRPD pattern.

PD measurements on gas-insulated switchgear (GIS)

PD measurements within the ultra-high frequency range are very sensitive and
therefore are used for PD detection in a long while. In new plants, UHF sensors
are more and more integrated – alternatively, mobile and external sensors can be
used. The combination of MPD 600 and OMICRON’s UHF 620 allows fast and easy
PD measuring up to the UHF range and provides therefore different frequency
bandwidths.

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 Basic Cable Advanced
Package Package Package
included VESM4102 VESM4101

Multiple bandwidths with freely selectable measurement frequencies ■ ■ ■

Recording and replaying stream files ■ ■ ■

Software support for RIV measurements ■ ■ ■

Measurement and visualization

Oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer function ■ ■ ■

Phase-resolved PD pattern (PRPD), Ellipse visualizations and ■ ■ ■

individual PD events

3D histogram visualizations ■ ■ ■

Voltage curve visualization ■ ■ ■

Q(U) and H(Q) Diagram – – ■

Trending – – ■

DC measurements – – ■

Additional statistic values in accordance with IEC 60270 – – ■

Light-sensitive sensor triggers the histogram ■ ■ ■

Triggering

Every MPD unit triggers itself ■ ■ ■

Internal triggering if no artificial light source is available ■ ■ ■

Cable fault locating mode using TDR, statistical TDR and dual‑end method – ■ ■
testing
Cable

Guided cable assessment user interface – ■ –

Phase and phase-amplitude gating ■ ■ ■

noise suppression

Unit gating (Antenna gating) ■ ■ ■

Gating and

Dynamic Noise Gating (DyNG) – – ■

3PARD multi-phase measurements – – ■

Module "3FREQ" – VESM4104 – □ □
>> 3FREQ multi-frequency measurements and 3CFRD visualization
Generating XML reports ■ ■ ■
and exporting data
Generating reports

Exporting data into MATLAB® files – – ■

Module "Report" – VESM4103 □ □ □
>> Automated, Excel-based report generation
>> Automation via COM® interface
>> Providing voltage and PD values for external applications

■ ... included □ ... optional – ... non-included

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 Technical data, ordering information and accesso

MPD 600 system Application areas

Application and setup with accessories

PD Measurement
Software MCU 502/504 Duplex fiber
optical cable
MPD 600 and MPP 600

Technical data MPD 600

Input Exactitude
Center frequency 0 Hz ... 32 MHz PD event time resolution < 2 ns

Frequency domain Standard: 9 kHz, 40 kHz, 100 kHz, 160 kHz, System noise < 0.015 pC
bandwidth 300 kHz, 650 kHz, 1 MHz, 1.5 MHz
Spectrum analyzer noise < -120 dB
With broadband filter: 9 kHz, 30 kHz, 100 kHz,
300 kHz, 1 MHz, 3 MHz Max. double pulse < 200 ns (time domain integration,
resolution superposition error < 1 %)
Time domain 100 ns ... 8 μs

Input frequency V input: 0 Hz ... 2.1 kHz Measurement accuracy Voltage: ± 0.05 % of calibrated V value
range PD input: 0 Hz ... 20 MHz Frequency: ± 1 ppm
PD level: ± 2 % of calibrated PD value
Input impedance V input: 1 MΩ (parallel 1 µF)
PD input: 50 Ω
Dimensions and Ambient Condition
Input voltage V input: 60 V rms (max.)
PD input: 10 V rms (max.) Humidity 5 % ... 100 %, non-condensing

Ambient Operation: 0 °C ... 55 °C / 32 °F ... 89 °F

Dynamic range V input: 102 dB
temperature Storage: -10 °C ... 70 °C / 14 °F ... 158 °F
PD input: 132 dB (overall), 70 dB (per input)
Power supply 8 V DC ... 12,3 V DC (external charger input
(MPP 600 package) range: 110 V ... 240 V, 50 Hz ... 60 Hz and
PC Requirements battery pack)
Min. hardware Pentium 4® / Athlon 64® or better, Dimensions 110 x 44 x 190 mm / 4.3 x 1.7 x 7.5 inch
1 GB RAM, USB 2.0 (W x H x D)
Software Windows 2000 Pro™, Windows XP™, Weight 600 g / 1.3 lbs
Windows Vista™ or Windows 7™

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ories
Calibration
CAL 542

Capacitive measurement
MCC 205/210

CPL 542/543 Capacitive measurement

Bushing Adapter

Inductive measurement
MCT 100/110

UHF measurement
UHF 608/620 UVS 610 UPG 620

Acoustic measurement
PDL 550/650

Multichannel measurement
MPD 600
Further information about the accessories
can be found on our website www.omicron.at

Ordering information

MPD 600 Order No. MPP 600 Order No.

Set with one channel VE004110 VEHZ4106
Lithium polymer battery
VEHZ4105
1 x MPD 600 acquisition unit
1 x MCU 502 controller
1 x CPL 542 0.5 A impedance
1 x Fiber optical cable, 20 m / 66 ft Duplex fiber optical cable Order No.
1 x MPP 600 power supply package Duplex fiber optical cable, 3 m / 10 ft VEHK4003
+ software package "Basic Package" Duplex fiber optical cable, 5 m / 16 ft VEHK4004
Duplex fiber optical cable, 20 m / 66 ft VEHK4001
Set with three channels VE004130 Duplex fiber optical cable, 50 m / 164 ft VEHK4002
(on cable drum)
3 x MPD 600 acquisition unit
1 x MCU 502 controller
3 x CPL 542 0.5 A impedance MCU 502/504 Order No.
3 x Fiber optical cable, 20 m / 66 ft
3 x MPP 600 power supply package MCU 502 – Fiber optic bus controller for MPD 600 VE004300
+ software package "Basic Package" MCU 504 – Fiber optic bus controller for MPD 600 VE004301
and CAL 543
Gating channel VE004120
1 x MPD 600G
1 x Fiber optical cable, 20 m Software Order No.
1 x MPP 600 power supply package Package "Basic Package" included
Package "Advanced Package" VESM4101
1x MPD 600 acquisition unit VE004112 Package "Cable Package" VESM4102
(additional PD channel) Module "Report" VESM4103
Module "3FREQ" VESM4104

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OMICRON is an international company serving the electrical
power industry with innovative testing and diagnostic solutions.
The application of OMICRON products allows users to assess
the condition of the primary and secondary equipment on their
systems with complete confidence. Services offered in the area of
consulting, commissioning, testing, diagnosis and training make the
product range complete.

Customers in more than 140 countries rely on the company’s ability

to supply leading edge technology of excellent quality. Service
centers on all continents provide a broad base of knowledge and
extraordinary customer support. All of this together with our strong
network of sales partners is what has made our company a market
leader in the electrical power industry.

The following publications provide further information on the solutions described in this
brochure:

MPD 500 PDL 650 MI 600

Brochure Brochure Brochure

For a complete list of available literature please visit our website.

For more information, additional literature,

and detailed contact information of our
worldwide offices please visit our website.

© OMICRON L2069, May 2013

www.omicron.at • www.omicronusa.com Subject to change without notice