In physics, power is the rate of doing work. It is equivalent to an amount of energy consumed per unit of time. The unit for power is Joule per second [J/s], also known as Watt [W]. The integral of power over time defines the energy (performed work). The power of an electrical system is calculated by multiplying the voltage with the current.

What is the difference between measuring DC and AC power?

Measuring DC power is not as complicated, as the voltage and current are constant, so there is no frequency and the time interval for the integration just defines the average interval of the power calculation. To measure AC systems the periodic time needs to be known. This cannot be done by taking the normal grid frequency (e.g. 50 Hz) as a constant, due to the fact that the grid frequency is ever changing depending on the balance of the energy supply and the electric load at that exact moment.

What is the difference between conventional and Dewesoft’s power analyzer?

Conventional power analyzers use zero-point detection to determine the periodic time. This means that they evaluate when the voltage or current crosses that x-axis and use that value to calculate the periodic time. Dewesoft Power Analyzer on the other hand uses a special FFT algorithm (Software PPL) to determine the periodic time (frequency). The algorithm determines the periodic time of the signal via a special FFT algorithm using a sampling window of multiple periods. The calculated frequency is highly accurate (mHz) and works for every application (motor, inverter, grid, …).

How Dewesoft calculates the power of an AC system?

Dewesoft calculates power in the frequency domain. With the predetermined period time, an FFT analysis for voltage and current is done for a definable number of periods (typically 10, with electrical applications) and a definable sampling rate. The FFT yields an amplitude for the voltage, current, and cos phi for each harmonic. One major benefit of this FFT transformation is that the behavior of amplifiers, current or voltage transducers in amplitude and phase for the whole frequency range (using the Sensor XML) can now be corrected.

Which wiring schematics does the Dewesoft power module offer?

Dewesoft Power Analyzer can measure DC, 1-phase, 2-phase, 3-phase, as well as 6 to 12-phase special measurements. There are predefined measurement configurations for DC, Single phase, 2-phase, and various 3-phase configurations (Star, Delta, Aron, V-Connection, 3-phase 2-meter) already available in the Dewesoft X software, for higher phases single-phase measurements can be used, and using the mathematics module be added together for totals.

What is needed to measure an inverter?

When measuring inverters always use high-speed amplifiers as the voltage is modulated with switching frequencies up to several hundred kHz, also ensure to use current sensors with high bandwidth capabilities as well as make sure they are capable to measure both DC and AC currents. Do not forget to set the current as of the frequency source and use either a star or delta connection. Never use an Aron or a V-connection for such measurements.

Is Dewesoft Power Analyzer good for E-Mobility measurements?

Dewesoft’s modular DAQ systems in combination with its powerful Dewesoft X software and Power Analyzer can measure all types of applications, also for E-Mobility the Dewesoft bundle is widely used. For example, a 6-phase motor can be measured by using 6 single-phase power modules and calculating the total power in the power module.

Is there a manual for Dewesoft power analyzer?

Yes. The extensive <a data-cke-saved-href="https://download.dewesoft.com/download-file/dewesoft-power-solutions-manual-enpdf" href="https://downloads.dewesoft.com/manuals/dewesoft-power-solutions-manual-en.pdf" target="_blank" title="Dewesoft electrical power analysis and power quality manual" rel="noopener">Power Analyzer and Power Quality Analyzer manual</a> available can be downloaded in a form of a PDF document.

12 reviews

Power AnalyzerHigh-precision electricl power measurement and analysis [AC⚡DC]

Introducing the Dewesoft Power Analyzer: not just the world's smallest and most flexible power analyzer, but also the most powerful. It seamlessly merges a versatile hardware platform with robust software features, opening up a realm of unique testing possibilities for all your electrical measurement needs.

Dewesoft Power Analyzers go beyond accurately measuring direct high-voltage and current signals. They excel in measuring a wide range of parameters, including vibration, temperature, loads, GPS/GNSS, CAN bus, XCP/CCP, video, and much more – all fully synchronized for comprehensive data insights.

High Voltage

Voltage

Current

Resistance

Vibrations

IEPE

Temperature

Thermocouple

RTD

RPM

Torque

Strain and Stress

Force

Angle

Counter and Encoder

Frequency

FFT analyser

Dynamic signal analysis

CAN bus

J1939

CAN FD

OBDII

XCP/CCP

FlexRay

GPS and GLONASS

Digital IO

Orientation

Video

High-speed video

Thermal video

SSD

Battery

TEDS compatible

DSI compatible

Full HD

EtherCAT

Ethernet

DVI

Power Analyzer highlights

Power calculations

The system calculates over 100 power parameters, including P, Q, S, PF, and cos phi. It also offers full raw data recording capabilities, as well as features like an oscilloscope, FFT, and harmonics analysis. These calculations can be performed both online and in post-processing.

Easy to use

Dewesoft power analyzers feature plug-and-play capabilities with the award-winning Dewesoft X software. The hardware and sensors are automatically detected. Simply select the input channels and power parameters you want to calculate, and the power analyzer module takes care of the rest.

15 MS/s sampling rate

Dewesoft power analyzer hardware includes high-speed amplifiers that offer sampling rates of up to 15 MS/s per channel. These amplifiers use SAR analog-to-digital converters with built-in hardware filtering capabilities.

5 MHz bandwidth

SIRUS® XHS power analyzers offer 5 MHz bandwidth acquisition and analysis with up to 15 MS/s sampling rate per channel.

Fully isolated

The "worry-free" solution provides isolation on the sensor side (channel-to-ground), channel-to-channel, and even isolated sensor excitation. It also provides less noise, no ground loops, and the best signal quality.

0,03 % accuracy

Our measurement signal amplifiers offer high accuracy for voltage and current measurement, with a basic power accuracy down to 0.03%.

Safety

Our high-voltage amplifiers offer direct input of ±2000 V, 1600 V, CAT II 1000 V, and CAT III 600 V with high galvanic channel-to-channel isolation.

Current sensors

We offer and support all types of current sensors, such as zero-flux current transducers, AC/DC current clamps, Rogowsky coils, and shunts. These sensors are true RMS sensors available in a variety of models and are powered directly by our power analyzers.

Up to 64 channels

Our power analyzer can be configured with up to 64 channels in a single chassis solution. For applications with higher channel count requirements, multiple measurement instruments can be synchronized.

Additional inputs

Our power analyzer can also measure different signals such as IEPE, thermocouples, digital counters, speed, angle, GPS, CAN, XCP, FlexRay, video, etc. all fully synchronized.

Portable power analyzers

We also offer portable power analyzers with a built-in display, CPU, and batteries for standalone operation. These all-in-one solutions are perfect for field power analysis measurements.

Advanced Online and Offline Math Processing

DewesoftX measurement software offers an easy-to-use signal processing engine. Math can be applied in real-time during measurement or post-processing. Our power analyzers store raw data so all calculations can be recalculated in post-processing, after the measurement.

Raw data storage

Our power analyzers always store raw data, allowing you to recalculate all parameters in the post-processing stage.

Software included

Every Dewesoft data acquisition system is bundled with award-winning DewesoftX data acquisition software. The software is easy to use but very rich and deep in functionality. All software updates are free forever with no hidden licensing or yearly maintenance fees.

Dewesoft quality and 7-year warranty

Enjoy our industry-leading 7-year warranty. Our data acquisition systems are made in Europe, utilizing only the highest build quality standards. We offer free and customer-focused technical support. Your investment into the Dewesoft solutions is protected for years ahead.

Dewesoft power analyzer: more than just a power analyzer

Dewesoft power meters offer numerous benefits compared to conventional power analyzers. They provide a highly flexible solution for electrical and mechanical power measurements, combined with power quality analysis capabilities, making them the perfect choice for comprehensive power analysis.

Key Advantages:

Multi-Functional Device: Dewesodt power analyzers combine the functionality of a power analyzer, combustion analyzer, oscilloscope, raw data logger, spectrum analyzer, and CAN logger in a single device.
Synchronous Data Acquisition: Captures electrical, mechanical, vehicle bus, positioning data, and video simultaneously.
Unified Data Storage: Stores all data in one system and one data file format.
Integrated Power Analysis and Data Storage: Allows combined power analysis and raw data storage.
Real-Time Calculation: Performs live, online power calculations with 1ms resolution.
Enhanced Power Quality Analysis: Advanced tools for thorough power quality assessments are provided.
Versatile Input Channels: Supports any number and type of input channels, including voltage, current, IEPE/ICP, strain, thermocouple, RTD, and CAN.
Portable and Modular System: Our portable power analyzers are battery-powered and feature an integrated LED display, a fast CPU, and SSD storage, making them fully portable and standalone. Modular systems can easily be distributed and offer convenient setup for test benches and lab use. All power analyzers are expandable to hundreds of I/O channels.
Sensor Software Calibration: Includes additional software calibration for sensors.
Integrated Sensor Power Supply: We provide power for sensors such as current transducers directly from our power analyzers, eliminating the need for an external sensor excitation source.

These features make the Dewesoft powers analyzer a comprehensive and efficient power analysis solution, eliminating data synchronization, visualization, storage, and comparison issues.

High precision mesurements

For precise power analysis, highly accurate voltage and current amplifiers are essential. SIRIUS amplifiers, with their high sampling rates and integration into both high and low-voltage inputs, set new standards in measurement accuracy. These amplifiers boast a basic accuracy of 0.03% of reading from DC to 1 kHz. This level of precision is unique in the power analyzer market, particularly crucial for variable frequency drives where achieving the highest possible accuracy is necessary for all measurements.

Unlike other manufacturers, which often focus solely on accuracy at line frequencies (50/60 Hz), Dewesoft ensures superior performance across a broader frequency range. For a visual representation, refer to the grey line in the accompanying chart.

Key Features of High-Accuracy Amplifiers:

• Wide Bandwidth: Up to 5 MHz

• High Sampling Rate: 15 MS/s

• Base Accuracy: 0.03%

• Flexible Filtering Options: Includes optional hardware 1 MHz low-pass filter (LPF) and programmable digital IIR filters

These features make Dewesoft’s voltage and current amplifiers exceptionally accurate and versatile, ensuring top performance in various power analysis applications.

Accuracy chart of Dewesoft power anslyzers

Various wiring configurations with simple and intuitive setup

The DewesoftX data acquisition software offers a visual selection of different wiring schematics and provides power calculations for all possible connections.

Predefined Power Schematics:

Direct Current
Single-Phase
Two-Phase
Star Connection
Delta Connection
V Connection
Aron Connection
Combined Star/Delta Connection

These connections can be measured with or without currents. Thanks to the modular construction of our measurement devices and the multiple synchronized power modules in our software, Dewesoft can also analyze 6, 7, 9, or 12-phase motors.

To learn more about each connection, please look at the Dewesoft Power Analysis free online training or the Dewesoft Power Manual.

DewesoftX power analysis 3-phase start configuration

Electrical power calculations

The DewesoftX data acquisition software automatically calculates and stores raw data from voltage and current channels, as well as calculates and stores all power values such as:

Active Power (P), Reactive Power (Q), Apparent Power (S), Distortion Power (D)
Cos φ, Power Factor
P, Q, Cos φ for each harmonic

Multiple power system calculations

With Dewesoft power analyzer systems, you can measure multiple power systems simultaneously. For example, the Dewesoft R8D DAQ system can synchronously measure up to eight 3-phase systems. Additionally, it supports analysis at different frequencies (DC, 50 Hz, variable frequency) and wiring configurations (1-phase, 3-phase). It can also measure mechanical values like torque, speed, noise, temperature, and vibration in complete synchronization.

Accurate frequency calculation

A single Dewesoft power analyzer and data acquisition system can measure multiple power modules simultaneously, each with an independent frequency. Supported line frequencies include:

16.7 Hz: Railway Sector
25 Hz: Public Grid
50 Hz: Public Grid
60 Hz: Public Grid
400 and 800 Hz: Aerospace
Variable Frequency: E.g., power inverters

Period values calculation

Our power analyzers also calculate period values of voltage and current, power components, power factor, and symmetrical components. Users can define cycle calculations and the overlap percentage.

Star-delta connection calculation

The system can calculate all values and waveforms for star connections from a delta connection and vice versa, displaying waveforms for U1, U2, U3 ↔ U12, U23, U31.

Frequency source selection

The Dewesoft Power Analyzer allows users to choose the frequency source for their measurements. The available options are:

Voltage
Current
External frequency source

This feature is especially beneficial when measuring inverters. Inverter measurements can be tricky due to the PWM-modulated voltage signal, which makes it difficult to determine the correct period of time. On the other hand, the current signal is generally less distorted because of the high inductance in the motor coil.

Therefore, using the current signal as the frequency source is often a better choice for inverter measurements. This approach ensures accurate frequency determination for every application.

Dewesoft power analyzer frequency source selection

Oscilloscope and Vectorscope

Oscilloscope

Selectable graphs.
U1, U2, U3, U12, U23, U31: Line to line and line to earth voltages are supported.
Up to 8 graphs in one diagram.
Zoom in and out are supported online.
Waveforms can be stored.

Vectorscope

Vectorscope for 3-phase systems.
Each individual harmonic can be displayed.
Multiple vectorscopes can be displayed at once.
Different power systems can be displayed.
Direct comparisons of phasors are possible with the "transparent" function.

Recorder and X/Y Recorder

The Dewesoft power analyzer provides visual recorder displays for time-domain data.

Recorder

Recording of all parameters in individual intervals.
Individual screens can be defined.
Zoom in and out, pinch to zoom on multi-touch displays.
Storing fast (full sampling rate) or reduced (e.g. 600 sec.).
Detailed zoom-in to the pulse width.

X/Y recorder

Orbitals can be generated online.
P over Q is an example for this function.

Fault and transient recorder

The Dewesoft power analyzer can also function as a fault and transient recorder. Measuring the shortest transients is easy with the high sampling rates provided. Our SIRIUS® XHS power analyzers excel in this area, especially with their 15 MS/s sampling speed amplifiers.

It has advanced triggering capabilities and can trigger on all channels, including analog, digital, power, and math. You can trigger various parameters such as:

Multiple parameters from the power module
U, I, P, Q, S, D, cos φ, power factor, etc.
Specific harmonic components
Positive, negative, and zero-sequence systems
Very fast glitch detection (up to 15 MS/s)
Mathematical channels like RPM, torque, efficiency, etc.
Channels streamed from third-party devices

Math formulas can create combined trigger conditions for any measurement parameter. When a trigger event occurs, data is stored at a fast sampling rate with pre- and post-event time. Only reduced datasets (min, max, average, RMS) are stored for the remainder of the measurement, minimizing file size for long-term measurements.

Applications:

Battery testing (discharge)
Inverter testing (high switching frequencies)
Motor testing

Sensor calibration and accuracy

Voltage and current transducers always have a frequency-dependent amplitude error and phase shift. With Dewesoft’s X unique software calibration technology, amplitude and phase can be corrected for the entire frequency range from DC up to 1 MHz.

All internal curves, such as filter response, are corrected inside the software. The Dewesoft sensor database includes correction curves for a variety of transducers, including iron-core clamps, AC/DC clamps, Rogowski coils, and grid current and voltage transducers.

Dewesoft current sensor phase and amplitude correction chart

Integrated sensor power supply

Current sensors can be powered directly from the signal amplifier. However, our higher accuracy sensors perform best when using our integrated SIRIUS® MCTS power supply unit. The MCTS power supply slice can be integrated in two ways:

As a rack slide-in slice for SIRIUS® R2DB, R3, R2/R4, R8, or R8DB power analyzers
As a stand-alone modular unit compatible with SIRIUS® modular and SIRIUS® XHS slices

This flexibility ensures that Dewesoft power analyzers can meet a wide range of measurements with precision and reliability.

Power Analysis Applications

With the increasing demand for energy efficiency more and more electrical equipment needs to be tested.

Dewesoft offers a very flexible power analyzer solution which can be used for almost all power analysis applications. Here are few under the scope:

Motor and Inverter testing
Power Transformer testing
Standby Power testing
Electrical and Lighting testing

You can also read the LED testing application note for more details on how the Dewesoft power analyzer is used for LED light power and efficiency testunbg.

Additional Resources

Additional information and resources on how to measure voltage and current, and perform electrical power analysis can be found in the following links: