APTS INTERFACES

The APTS test set includes a combined digital/analogue interface connector which allows a multitude of devices and interfaces to be connected.

A number of special purpose interfaces are available, these include interfaces for a number of different relays as well as for Meter Testing, GPS clock synchronisation, Transformer Differential protection relay testing and CT testing.

APTS Relay Interfaces

RES manufacture the following relay interfaces: 

Relay interfaces provide a hardware connection between the APTS test set and the relay's built-in test connectors. By monitoring and measuring internal relay digital and analogue signals as well as putting the relay into various test modes, the APTS is able to very thoroughly test the relay in a very short time.

*DDD - direct data download

Some interfaces also automatically download all relay settings and configuration data directly from the relay's microprocessor. This permits the test to proceed without the need to enter any data manually. Downloaded relay data is saved with all test results.

Relay interfaces are not essential, they merely make the process of testing these relays faster and more convenient. Relays for which an interface is available can also be tested without an interface using the standard APTS software package.

All relay interfaces feature complete galvanic isolation between the APTS and relay under test.

APTS Meter Test Interface

The APTS Meter Test Interface is a small accessory unit designed to enable the APTS protection test set to rapidly and automatically test up to three energy meters simultaneously

Industry standard inputs are provided for connection to a sub-standard and meter pickup-heads. Alternatively, software programmable inputs allow meter pulse signals of any type (dry contact or voltage pulses from 2V to 250V) to be used. The APTS test set provides the voltage and current sources to drive the meters under test.

Once the Meter Test Interface is connected, the APTS software program provides for either totally automatic or manual meter testing to take place. The meter testing module of the APTS software includes comprehensive results archiving, presentation and printing facilities as well as error/trend analysis.

APTS GPS Interface

The APTS GPS Interface enables two or more physically separated APTS test sets to be triggered at precisely the same instant in time. It is used principally when performing end-to-end tests on line protection schemes.

The APTS GPS Interface consists of a rugged waterproof GPS integrated receiver/aerial unit and a small connector mounted enclosure which plugs into the APTS interface connector. A 100ft (30m) cable allows the receiver/aerial unit to be optimally positioned outdoors. The receiver/aerial unit utilised is an application-specific high-noise immunity precision timing receiver with guaranteed timing accuracy.

In use, the APTS software displays the current GPS time, date and location. The user enters the time and date at which it is desired to generate the trigger event. The trigger event so set-up can be used to initiate any APTS test, including end-to-end and DFR/COMTRADE/EMTP replay. UTC time is used at all times, facilitating use across differing time zones. At the end of a test, the trigger event time, date and location information from the GPS Interface is saved as part of the results file.

The GPS Interface is powered directly by the APTS test set. Digital trigger inputs and outputs are also available and these can be programmed for specialist functions, like the precise high-resolution absolute time-tagging of external event inputs and the generation of timed event outputs.  

Specifications

CT Magnetising Curve Interface

This accessory permits the APTS to be used for testing power system protection current transformers.
The interface plugs into the APTS voltage outputs so that the three APTS voltage amplifiers are connected in series, thus producing a single 0-900 Vac output. This voltage is fed to the CT secondary. A current transducer in the interface measures the magnetising current.

The interface enables the APTS test set to automatically plot the magnetising curve of the CT under test.

Advanced Transformer Differential Interface

This small accessory is effectively a ‘voltage to current’ converter, converting the three APTS2/3 voltage outputs to currents, giving six currents in total. This interface, in combination with a totally new Advanced Differential test package within the APTS software adds significant new capabilities to current APTS test set users needing to test all types of differential relays.
For more information on this interface, please see the datasheet.