Why Do You Need a Function Generator, Constant Current Amplifier, and Constant Voltage Mode Power Amplifier to Test Watt Meters?
Accurate watt meters require stable and controlled voltage and current during testing. A constant voltage power amplifier and a constant current power amplifier, driven by a 2-phase function generator, can be used together to provide controlled test conditions and verify watt meter readings under load.
A constant voltage amplifier is used to provide the standard output voltage for the test. For example, Amp-Line’s AL-300-CV/A constant voltage power amplifier can provide an output voltage from 0 to 260 V rms. This wide output range allows the same unit to be used for testing watt meters designed for different input voltages. For example, a user can select 230 V rms. to test watt meters designed for the standard 230 V AC input power commonly used in Europe, Asia, Africa, and other regions. The same amplifier can be set to 120 V rms. for testing watt meters designed for the standard 120 V AC input power commonly used in North America. With a 0–260 V rms. output range, a single AL-300-CV/A can provide the voltage needed for a wide range of watt meter testing applications.
The constant current power amplifier is used to provide a controlled current to the watt meter. Different current levels can be applied to test the watt meter across its operating range while the voltage remains controlled by the constant voltage amplifier.
These constant voltage and constant current power amplifiers require a multi-phase function generator with at least two phases. Each phase of the function generator outputs a signal to the corresponding power amplifier, and the phase angle amongst them are adjustable. Our multi-phase digital oscillator provides phase-angle adjustment between the voltage and current, voltage and voltage, and current and current.
Using a multi-phase function generator, a constant voltage amplifier, and a constant current power amplifier together provides a flexible test setup for verifying watt meter readings under different voltage and current conditions.
Accurate watt meter readings are essential because utility companies use these watt meters to determine electricity usage. For example, in an apartment complex, an individual watt meter measures the electricity used by a specific unit. The measured usage is then used to calculate the user's electricity charge. Accurate readings are important to ensure that users are charged correctly for the electricity they consume. A faulty watt meter can result in a user being over-charged or charged too little. Testing watt meters with controlled voltage and current helps verify that the meter is providing accurate readings under different operating conditions.
Amp-Line has supplied these constant current and constant voltage power amplifiers to Itron, Inc. for their watt meter testing applications. Itron has purchased these units in large quantities and continues to purchase them from us for their testing needs. We also sold multiple complete test systems, consisting of a 3-phase digital oscillators, high and low constant current amplifier, and a high voltage power amplifier, to Southern California Edison for their electric watt meter applications.
About 3-Phase and 6-Phase Digital Oscillators
The OD-3 or OD-6 series multi-phase digital oscillators are designed for applications that require phase angle adjustment between voltage and current, voltage and voltage, and current and current. The phase angle among the output channels is 0.0o – 360.0o, and they are adjustable by RS232 or GPIB commands. The output voltage of each phase is 0 - 1 V rms., and the output frequency is 30 Hz to 20K Hz.
About Constant Voltage Mode Power Amplifiers
The CV-A series constant voltage mode power amplifiers provide a stable output voltage that remains consistent despite variations in the load and input power line. They are used to generate magnetic fields and test products such as transducers, lighting products, transformers, meters, and other electrical equipment. Standard models offer a 0 - 130 V rms. output range. Output ranges up to 260 V rms. or other output ranges are available upon request. The frequency range is 47 Hz to 10 kHz. The default output waveform is a sine wave, and the output always starts from the zero-crossing point when the amplifier is turned on or enabled.
About Constant Current Mode Power Amplifiers
The CC-A series constant current mode power amplifiers (transconductance power amplifiers) are stable, reliable, and easy-to-use amplifiers designed with linear circuitry. They provide a stable output current that remains consistent despite variations in the load and input power line, and are used for generating magnetic fields and for testing and qualifying products such as circuit breakers, relays, transformers, meters, and other electrical equipment. Custom output ranges up to 1000 A, and higher frequency ranges up to 100 kHz can be specified to meet application requirements.
If you need a constant voltage power amplifier or constant current power amplifier to test or validate your watt meters, please contact us by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone: 845-623-3288 ext. 301. One of our sales team will well take care of your needs.
A constant voltage amplifier is used to provide the standard output voltage for the test. For example, Amp-Line’s AL-300-CV/A constant voltage power amplifier can provide an output voltage from 0 to 260 V rms. This wide output range allows the same unit to be used for testing watt meters designed for different input voltages. For example, a user can select 230 V rms. to test watt meters designed for the standard 230 V AC input power commonly used in Europe, Asia, Africa, and other regions. The same amplifier can be set to 120 V rms. for testing watt meters designed for the standard 120 V AC input power commonly used in North America. With a 0–260 V rms. output range, a single AL-300-CV/A can provide the voltage needed for a wide range of watt meter testing applications.
The constant current power amplifier is used to provide a controlled current to the watt meter. Different current levels can be applied to test the watt meter across its operating range while the voltage remains controlled by the constant voltage amplifier.
These constant voltage and constant current power amplifiers require a multi-phase function generator with at least two phases. Each phase of the function generator outputs a signal to the corresponding power amplifier, and the phase angle amongst them are adjustable. Our multi-phase digital oscillator provides phase-angle adjustment between the voltage and current, voltage and voltage, and current and current.
Using a multi-phase function generator, a constant voltage amplifier, and a constant current power amplifier together provides a flexible test setup for verifying watt meter readings under different voltage and current conditions.
Accurate watt meter readings are essential because utility companies use these watt meters to determine electricity usage. For example, in an apartment complex, an individual watt meter measures the electricity used by a specific unit. The measured usage is then used to calculate the user's electricity charge. Accurate readings are important to ensure that users are charged correctly for the electricity they consume. A faulty watt meter can result in a user being over-charged or charged too little. Testing watt meters with controlled voltage and current helps verify that the meter is providing accurate readings under different operating conditions.
Amp-Line has supplied these constant current and constant voltage power amplifiers to Itron, Inc. for their watt meter testing applications. Itron has purchased these units in large quantities and continues to purchase them from us for their testing needs. We also sold multiple complete test systems, consisting of a 3-phase digital oscillators, high and low constant current amplifier, and a high voltage power amplifier, to Southern California Edison for their electric watt meter applications.
About 3-Phase and 6-Phase Digital Oscillators
The OD-3 or OD-6 series multi-phase digital oscillators are designed for applications that require phase angle adjustment between voltage and current, voltage and voltage, and current and current. The phase angle among the output channels is 0.0o – 360.0o, and they are adjustable by RS232 or GPIB commands. The output voltage of each phase is 0 - 1 V rms., and the output frequency is 30 Hz to 20K Hz.
About Constant Voltage Mode Power Amplifiers
The CV-A series constant voltage mode power amplifiers provide a stable output voltage that remains consistent despite variations in the load and input power line. They are used to generate magnetic fields and test products such as transducers, lighting products, transformers, meters, and other electrical equipment. Standard models offer a 0 - 130 V rms. output range. Output ranges up to 260 V rms. or other output ranges are available upon request. The frequency range is 47 Hz to 10 kHz. The default output waveform is a sine wave, and the output always starts from the zero-crossing point when the amplifier is turned on or enabled.
About Constant Current Mode Power Amplifiers
The CC-A series constant current mode power amplifiers (transconductance power amplifiers) are stable, reliable, and easy-to-use amplifiers designed with linear circuitry. They provide a stable output current that remains consistent despite variations in the load and input power line, and are used for generating magnetic fields and for testing and qualifying products such as circuit breakers, relays, transformers, meters, and other electrical equipment. Custom output ranges up to 1000 A, and higher frequency ranges up to 100 kHz can be specified to meet application requirements.
If you need a constant voltage power amplifier or constant current power amplifier to test or validate your watt meters, please contact us by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone: 845-623-3288 ext. 301. One of our sales team will well take care of your needs.