Introduction to High Voltage Impulse Generators
High Voltage Impulse (HVI) generators are specialized instruments designed to produce controlled transient voltage surges for testing the dielectric strength and immunity of electrical and electronic equipment. These devices simulate natural phenomena such as lightning strikes, switching transients, and electrostatic discharges (ESD) to evaluate product robustness under extreme conditions.
The LISUN SG61000-5 Surge Generator is a state-of-the-art HVI generator engineered to comply with international standards, including IEC 61000-4-5, EN 61000-4-5, and GB/T 17626.5. It is widely utilized across industries such as lighting fixtures, industrial equipment, medical devices, and automotive electronics to ensure compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.
Fundamental Operating Principles of Impulse Generators
High Voltage Impulse Generators operate based on the discharge of stored energy through capacitive or inductive circuits. The key stages include:
- Energy Storage – A high-voltage DC source charges a capacitor bank to a predefined voltage level.
- Waveform Shaping – Inductors and resistors shape the output waveform to meet standardized surge profiles (e.g., 1.2/50 μs voltage wave and 8/20 μs current wave).
- Discharge Control – A triggered spark gap or solid-state switch releases the stored energy into the device under test (DUT).
The LISUN SG61000-5 employs a precision-controlled Marx generator topology, ensuring repeatable surge waveforms with minimal jitter. Its modular design allows for flexible configuration, supporting both differential and common-mode surge testing.
Key Specifications of the LISUN SG61000-5 Surge Generator
The SG61000-5 is distinguished by its high performance and adaptability. Key technical parameters include:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage Range | 0.5 kV – 10 kV (open circuit) |
| Output Current Range | 0.25 kA – 5 kA (short circuit) |
| Waveform Compliance | 1.2/50 μs (voltage), 8/20 μs (current) |
| Repetition Rate | Up to 1 surge per minute |
| Coupling/Decoupling | Integrated CDN for line-to-line and line-to-ground testing |
| Compliance Standards | IEC/EN 61000-4-5, GB/T 17626.5 |
| Interface | Touchscreen HMI with remote control capability |
These specifications ensure the generator meets rigorous testing demands across multiple industries.
Industry Applications of High Voltage Impulse Testing
Lighting Fixtures and Industrial Equipment
Manufacturers of LED drivers and industrial control systems use HVI generators to verify surge immunity. The SG61000-5 simulates lightning-induced transients, ensuring uninterrupted operation in harsh environments.
Medical Devices and Intelligent Equipment
Medical electronics, including patient monitors and imaging systems, must withstand electrostatic discharges. The SG61000-5’s precise waveform control ensures compliance with IEC 60601-1-2 for medical EMC.
Automotive and Rail Transit Systems
Automotive ECUs and railway signaling equipment undergo surge testing to prevent failures due to load dump or inductive switching. The generator’s high-current capability validates protection circuits in 12V/24V/48V systems.
Power Equipment and IT Infrastructure
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and server racks are tested for resilience against grid disturbances. The SG61000-5’s configurable output supports both AC and DC power line testing.
Competitive Advantages of the LISUN SG61000-5
- Enhanced Waveform Accuracy – Advanced pulse-forming networks ensure compliance with IEC standards, minimizing waveform distortion.
- Automated Test Sequences – Programmable surge counts and intervals reduce manual intervention, improving repeatability.
- Multi-Standard Compatibility – Supports not only IEC 61000-4-5 but also ISO 7637-2 for automotive applications.
- Robust Safety Features – Integrated overvoltage and overcurrent protection safeguards both the DUT and the generator.
Testing Methodologies and Standards Compliance
The SG61000-5 adheres to standardized test procedures:
- Common Mode Surge Testing – Applies surges between power lines and ground to evaluate insulation breakdown.
- Differential Mode Surge Testing – Injects transients between live conductors to assess differential protection.
- Combined Wave Testing – Simultaneously delivers voltage and current surges for comprehensive immunity assessment.
Test setups vary by industry:
- Lighting: Surges applied to input terminals with monitoring of luminaire performance.
- Household Appliances: Line-to-ground surges verify circuit breaker response.
- Communication Equipment: Ethernet and telecom ports tested for surge withstand capability.
Scientific Validation and Data Reproducibility
The SG61000-5’s waveform accuracy is validated using high-bandwidth oscilloscopes and current probes. Typical performance metrics include:
- Rise Time (1.2 μs): ±30% tolerance as per IEC 61000-4-5.
- Peak Current (8/20 μs): ±10% deviation under 2 Ω load.
Data logging and remote monitoring ensure traceability for certification audits.
FAQ Section
Q1: What is the maximum repetition rate of the SG61000-5?
The generator supports a maximum repetition rate of one surge per minute to prevent thermal overstress.
Q2: Can the SG61000-5 test both AC and DC power lines?
Yes, it includes configurable coupling networks for AC (up to 440V) and DC (up to 250V) systems.
Q3: How does the generator ensure safety during high-voltage testing?
It features interlock circuits, emergency stop buttons, and automatic discharge after each surge.
Q4: Which industries require surge testing per IEC 61000-4-5?
Lighting, medical devices, automotive, IT equipment, and industrial controls commonly mandate this testing.
Q5: Is the SG61000-5 suitable for aerospace component testing?
Yes, its high-voltage range meets DO-160 and MIL-STD-461 surge requirements for avionics.
This concludes the technical overview of high voltage impulse generators, with a focus on the LISUN SG61000-5’s capabilities and applications.
