HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080, MANUAL, Part #600057
Revision Description Date
Initial Release October, 1993
A Isotropicity Spec October, 1994
B Changed Battery Charger June, 1997
C Added CE Label June, 1997
D Changed Charger Spec August, 1999
E Changed Area Code February, 2000
F Revised June, 2005
The HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 Electric Field Probes
embody the latest innovations in isotropic sensor design and low
noise, miniaturized electronics. The HI4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 probes are fully intelligent sensor
enabling fast and accurate EMF measurements with industryleading performance specifications. Optical coupling to a variety
of readout options makes this new probe ideally suited for a wide
range of field monitoring applications. The HI4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 probes are excellent tools for
electric field mapping, RADHAZ measurements and EMC field
monitoring.
The basic HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 probes are shipped
complete with a 10 meter fiber extension cable, a carrying case,
battery charger and connectors for extending the optic cable.
The HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 probe assembly consists
of a spherical casing, containing the sensor, which is mounted
on one end of a shaft; the other end of the shaft is attached to an
extrusion that houses the electronics (Figure 1). The sensor and
electronics housing operate-and are calibrated-as a unit.
The HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 measures the field
strength in each of three axes. It performs a vector addition
calculation on the readings and sends the resultant to the
receiver via a fiber optic cable. Frequency response of the HI4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 is 80 MHz to 40 GHz; dynamic
range is 1 to 300 Volts per meter (V/m).
Step 1. Upon delivery of your order, inspect the shipping
container(s) for evidence of damage. Record any damage on
the delivery receipt before signing. In case of concealed
damage or loss, retain the packing materials for inspection by
the carrier.
Step 2. Remove the probe from its shipping containers. Save
the boxes and any protective packing materials for future use.
Step 3. Check all materials against the packing list to verify that
the equipment received matches what was ordered. If you find
any discrepancies, note them and call ETS-Lindgren Customer
Service for further instructions.
Be sure that you are satisfied with the contents of your order and
the condition of your equipment before installing the probe.
PROBE
A switch, two fiber optic connectors and a battery charger
connector are mounted on the HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080
electronics housing (Figure 2).
The fiber optic cable assembly from the receiver is attached to
the probe via two connectors. The cables are color-coded white
for XMIT, yellow for RCV. Identically colored dots are located on
the electronics housing adjacent to these connectors. Be sure
that each cable is attached to the proper probe connector.
Figure 2: Switch and Connectors
When the fiber optic cables are not attached, always cover the
probe connectors with the protective plastic covers supplied with
the unit, or with similar material. This prevents dirt or other
contaminants from entering the connector and causing
communication problems.
The ARM/OFF switch activates and deactivates the probe. In
the ARM position, its internal 3.6 VDC NiCd battery powers the
probe: in the OFF position, the probe is inactive. To prolong
battery life, set the ARM/OFF switch to OFF at the end of a test
sequence or when the probe is not in use.
CHARGER
A standard fast charger is supplied with the HI4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080. When charging is complete, the
fast charger acts as a trickle charger. The battery can be left on
this maintenance mode indefinitely and its performance will not
degrade.
BATTERY
The NiCd battery provides up to 17 hours of probe operation
when fully charged.
BATTERY CHARGING
Each HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 probe contains a
rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery. A fully-charged
battery (nominal output voltage of 3.6 VDC) provides up to 17
hours of continuous operation.
NOTE: ETS-Lindgren charges the internal NiCd battery
of the HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 at the factory in
order to calibrate the probe prior to shipment. While
every effort is made to ensure that your probe arrives
ready to use, we cannot guarantee that this will be the
case. Always check the condition of the probe's battery
prior to making any measurements.
Step 1. Plug the charger into a suitable AC source.
Step 2. Set the probe switch to OFF. Insert the plug on the
charger cable into the probe's CHARGER jack.
Step 3. The battery is now charging. This may take
approximately one hour, depending on how deeply the batteries
are discharged. When charging is complete, the charger
automatically goes into a trickle charge and will continue to do so
until the probe is disconnected.
BATTERY TIPS
NiCd batteries have several characteristics that can affect both
their performance and operating life. The following tips advise
you how to take advantage of these characteristics to get the
most out of your probe’s battery.
•Although NiCd batteries are rated for operation in
temperatures from -20°C to +65°C (-4 °F to +140 °F),
operating the probe in extreme temperatures will reduce
operating time significantly. The optimum operating
temperature range for these batteries is
+20°C to +30°C (+68°F to +86°F).
•The battery in the HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080
probe does not require periodic "deep discharges" to
reverse the capacity-depleting "memory effect" caused
by repeated shallow discharges; however,
undercharging can reduce battery capacity. Therefore,
after the charging procedure is complete, be sure that
the battery is fully charged before resuming field
operation.
•If the battery exhibits low terminal voltage during
charging, or if it appears unable to acquire or maintain
an appreciable charge, individual cells in the battery may
be shorted or damaged. If, for any reason, your battery
needs replacement, contact ETS-Lindgren Customer
Service for assistance.
This section discusses the theory of operation and the functions
of the HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 Isotropic Electric Field
Probe. A high-level block diagram (Figure 3) is included to aid
the discussion. The objective is to provide information
enhancing user understanding of the design of this probe.
SYSTEM THEORY
The HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 Broadband Isotropic
Electric Field Probe utilizes a microprocessor for intelligent
operation and control. The probe's self-contained power supply
employs a 3.6 VDC NiCd battery, which provides up to 17 hours
of continuous operation.
For each axis, the probe measures the radio frequency signal
level and generates a linearized reading of the measurement. A
vector addition is performed on these three readings: the result is
transmitted to the readout over glass fiber optic cables. See
"Probe Operation" below for a more detailed explanation of the
functioning of the HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080.
The probe relays data to the readout via either a short form or
long form output word. See Appendix B for details on both
output word formats.
For some applications, you may use any computer with an
RS232 serial port to communicated directly with the HI4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 via ETS-Lindgren’s optional HI4413P Fiber Optic/RS232 Interface.
Receiver commands to the probe consist of the following:
• Sending reading
• Switch range
• Read battery voltage
• Zero
• Read temperature
• Enable axis
• Set sleep timer
The signal flow within the probe is shown in the block diagram.
To measure field strength, three mutually orthogonal dipole
antennas (one per axis) are used to provide an isotropic
response to the ambient field. The signal from each axis is fed
to a Schottky diode detector operating in its Square-Law region.
After filtering, the signals generated by each axis are added
vectorially: the result is fed to the instrumentation amplifier,
whose output feeds the selectable range/offset stage.
NOTE: The HI-4450/FP2080/FP4080/FP5080 does not
allow the option of measuring on an individual axis: all
three axes are active at all times. Consequently, the
change axis commands have no effect.
For each of the four ranges, the selectable range and offset
stage provides a coarse analog zero for the measured signal.
The output of the range/offset stage is fed to the A/D multiplexer,
then to the analog-to-digital (A/D) converter itself.
After acquiring the composite three-axis signal, the
microprocessor commands the A/D multiplexer to read the
battery voltage and temperature sensing lines.
Data from the A/D converter is fed to the microprocessor, which
transmits it to the receiver.
The EEPROM stores all calibration data for the probe.