Yokogawa releases WT1500 high-precision power analyser
Yokogawa Test & Measurement has announced the release of the WT1500 high-precision power analyser. A new addition to the WT series, the WT1500 addresses a growing need for high-voltage, multi-functional measurement within the renewable energy and electrified vehicle (xEV) markets. It also offers a high precision measurement solution for semiconductor and battery applications. Delivering the highest rated input voltage of the series at 2000 V DC, its four measurement channels fit within a 2U, 19-inch chassis, making it ideal for the rack-mount and PC controlled test environments typically found in these industries. Resolver signal input support enables customers to conduct motor evaluation tests without needing additional equipment, while new multi-unit synchronisation capabilities, due to be released soon will allow up to 5 units to connect, for a maximum of 20 power channels.
Continued growth in xEV technologies and renewable energies is accelerating demand for evaluation, testing, and production capabilities built around high-voltage equipment.
Target voltages within these systems can reach the thousands, requiring specialised high-voltage divider equipment in typical analysis set-ups. These dividers can introduce measurement errors, reducing overall accuracy while complicating wiring and equipment installations. Additionally, conventional motor efficiency measurements require separately measured power and resolver signals to be synchronised on a PC.
Existing power analyser models lacked the required voltage input range for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Power Conversion Systems (PCS) or resolver support motor testing, or were too large to fit within conventional rack-mounted or desk-based setups. Yokogawa Test & Measurement specifically developed the WT1500 to address this gap, delivering the necessary capabilities and functionality while eliminating the need for high-voltage dividers for systems up to 2000 V, all within a compact 19 inch width, 2U height design.
The WT1500 achieves a total power accuracy of ±0.038% (DC, 50/60 Hz) and low-power-factor accuracy of ±0.07% of S at 50/60 Hz, the best DC accuracy figures of the WT series, and supports two types of input elements, High Voltage (HV) and Wide Bandwidth (WB). The HV element supports direct measurement up to 2000 V DC and 300 kHz, ideal for high-voltage PCS and ESS applications. The WB element supports up to 1000 V with a 2 MHz bandwidth, crucial for measuring the complex, high-frequency waveforms generated in modern xEV motors. Both inputs share a common sensor input and can be mixed in a single unit.
The WT1500’s compact 2U height (approx. 88mm) design supports four power measurements and four motor evaluations, including both encoder and resolver signal inputs, IEEE 1588 time synchronisation, and data output to CAN/CAN-FD buses and low-latency data transmission via UDP communication. It is equipped with a variety of interfaces for remote control via PC, external monitor or tablet and features a small front panel for straightforward connection setup or even to be used as a standalone instrument. The WT1500’s high space efficiency allows easy integration into evaluation system racks.
For measurements requiring more than four channels, up to five WT1500 units can be synchronised, enabling 20-channel power measurement. One unit acts as the main controller, directing subunit configuration and consolidating data acquisition. Multi-unit synchronisation support will be released soon.
The WT1500 also features four unique current input terminals, alongside its voltage terminals, providing power for current sensors. These, in combination with a series of new current adapters that are provided as accessories, enable the WT1500 to accommodate a wide variety of sensors: the CT Series solid-core (D-sub Terminal, 60 A to 2000 A, AC/DC), the CT1000S split-core (BNC, 1000 A, AC/DC), and AC-only current clamp probes (BNC, 50 A and 200 A class).
