RIGOL is a registered trademark of RIGOL (SUZHOU) TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Publication Number
UGE32100-1110
Notices
⚫RIGOL products are covered by P.R.C. and foreign patents, issued and
pending.
⚫RIGOL reserves the right to modify or change parts of or all the
specifications and pricing policies at the company’s sole decision.
⚫ Information in this publication replaces all previously released materials.
⚫ Information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
⚫ RIGOL shall not be liable for either incidental or consequential losses in
connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this manual, as
well as any information contained.
⚫Any part of this document is forbidden to be copied, photocopied, or
rearranged without prior written approval of RIGOL.
Product Certification
RIGOL guarantees that this product conforms to the national and industrial
standards in China as well as the ISO9001:2015 standard and the
ISO14001:2015 standard. Other international standard conformance
certifications are in progress.
Contact Us
If you have any problem or requirement when using our products or this
manual, please contact RIGOL.
E-mail: service@rigol.com
Website: www.rigol.com
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide I
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The symbol printed on the device indicates that the
user should refer to a corresponding topic in the manual
(marked with the
symbol) before using the relevant
function.
In the manual, the
symbol indicates particularly
important information that the user should read before
using the device.
The symbol printed on the device indicates that
only insulated conductors suitable to the voltage of the
circuit under test can be measured.
DANGER
Indicates that incorrect operation presents an extreme
hazard that could result in serious injury or death to the
user.
WARNING
Indicates that incorrect operation presents a significant
hazard that could result in serious injury or death to the
user.
CAUTION
Indicates that incorrect operation presents a possibility
of injury to the user or damage to the device.
NOTE
Indicates suggestions related to the performance of the
device or correct operation.
General Safety Summary
CAUTION
This device is designed to comply with IEC 61010 Safety Standards, and has
been thoroughly tested for safety prior to shipment. However, mishandling
during use could result in injury or death, as well as damage to the device.
Ensure that you have understood the instructions and precautions in the
manual before use.
Safety Terms and Symbols
Before using the device, read the following safety notes carefully.
The following symbols in this manual indicate the important cautions and
warnings.
II PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
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Contents
Guaranty and Declaration .................................................................... I
General Safety Summary .................................................................... II
Safety Terms and Symbols .................................................................. II
Safety Precautions ............................................................................. IV
Service ............................................................................................. VIII
Current Probe Overview ....................................................................... 1
PCA1030/PCA2030 Parts Overview ...................................................... 2
PCA1150 Parts Overview .................................................................... 3
Parts Introductions ............................................................................ 4
To Use the Current Probe ..................................................................... 5
Preparations for Measurement ............................................................ 5
Demagnetizing and Zero Adjustment ................................................... 6
5. Do not measure around a bare conductor. Doing so may result in
short-circuit or electric shock. Take measurements at a location on an
insulated wire where there is sufficient insulation for the circuit voltage.
6. Refer to Appendix 2 Relation between Max Input Current and Frequency when measuring current that includes a high-frequency
component. Never measure any current that exceeds the rated current.
7. Using the device in high-frequency or strong magnetic field may cause the
device to become abnormally hot, resulting in fire, equipment damage, or
burns (see Specifications).
8. Observe the following to avoid electric shock and short circuit.
1) Connect the probe to the waveform measurement instrument first,
and then connect the probe to the active cable to be measured.
2) When the sensor is opened, do not short circuit the conductor being
measured.
3) Be careful to avoid damaging the insulation surface while taking
measurements.
4) Before clamping the conductor being measured, make sure that the
insulation on the conductor is undamaged. Also, take care not to
damage the insulation when clamping the conductor. Any damage to
the insulation could cause an electric shock.
5) To prevent fire, burns, or damage of the DUT, pay attention to the
following items when measuring high-frequency current or current
that has high-frequency components:
Eddy current loss may cause heating of the sensor head.
Dielectric heating may cause heating of cord insulation and
other materials.
6) This device should only be connected to the secondary side of a
breaker, so the breaker can prevent an accident if a short circuit
occurs. Connections should never be made to the primary side of a
breaker, because unrestricted current flow could cause a serious
accident if a short circuit occurs.
7) Be sure to observe all operating precautions for the waveform
measurement instrument and other measurement instruments to
which this device is connected.
8) When using a measurement instrument that does not provide
IV PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
isolation between its input terminals, chassis, or other input
×
×
terminals, please pay attention to the following points. As shown in
the following figure, if a signal is applied to an input terminal other
than that to which this device is connected, do not connect the
ground terminal of the signal to any non-ground potential. Otherwise,
short-circuit current will flow through the current probe from the
ground terminal, which could cause an electrical accident or
damage.
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PCA1030/PCA2030
PCA1150
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide V
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WARNING
1. Keep the device dry, and do not take measurements with wet hands. This
may cause an electric shock.
2. Do not perform demagnetization operation on the waveform
measurement instrument while the conductor being measured is clamped
onto the probe. Doing so could damage the circuitry or cause an accident
that might result in injury or death.
3. Ensure that the input does not exceed the maximum rated current to
avoid device damage, short-circuiting and electric shock resulting from
overheating.
4. To avoid electric shock when measuring live lines, wear appropriate
protective gear, such as insulated rubber gloves, boots and a safety
helmet.
CAUTION
⚫To avoid damage to the device, protect it from vibration or shock during
transport and handling, and be especially careful to avoid falling.
⚫This probe should be installed and operated indoors only, at the ambient
temperature between 0°C and 40°C, in the humidity of 80%RH or less.
⚫Do not store or use the device in a place where it could be exposed to
direct sunlight, high temperature, humidity, or condensation. Under such
conditions, the device may be damaged and insulation may deteriorate so
that it no longer meets specifications.
⚫This device is not designed to be entirely water-proof or dust-proof. To
avoid damage, do not use it in a wet or dusty environment.
⚫The sensor head is a precision assembly which includes a molded
component, a ferrite core, and a Hall effect element. It may be damaged if
subjected to sudden changes in ambient temperature, or mechanical
strain or shock, and therefore great care should be exercised in handling
it.
⚫The gear mating surface of the sensor head are precision ground, and
should be treated with care. If the surface is scratched, performance may
VI PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
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be impaired.
⚫Measurements are degraded by dirt on the gear mating surface of the
sensor head, so keep the surface clean with a soft cloth.
⚫Foreign substances such as dust on the contact surface of the sensor head
can cause resonant sound (refer to the introduction about resonant sound in the later section) and degrade measurement, so it should be
cleaned with a soft cloth.
⚫ Do not bend or pull the cables to avoid damaging them.
⚫ Do not apply a static electricity or other source of high voltage to the
sensor. Doing so may damage its internal Hall elements and circuitry.
⚫To clean the device, wipe it gently with a soft cloth moistened with water
or mild detergent. Never use solvents such as benzene, alcohol, acetone,
ether, ketones, thinners or gasoline, as they can deform and discolor the
case.
⚫When the power is on, keep the sensor closed, except when clamping it
onto the conductor to be measured. Otherwise, the gear mating surface
of the magnetic core section can be scratched when the sensor is open.
⚫Keep the sensor head closed when not in use, to avoid accumulating dust
or dirt on the gear mating surface, which could affect its clamp
performance.
⚫Avoid stepping on or pinching the cable, which could damage the cable
insulation.
⚫Keep the cables away from heat sources, as bare conductors could be
exposed if the insulation melts.
NOTE
Correct measurement may be impossible in the presence of strong magnetic
fields, such as near transformers and high-current conductors, or in the
presence of strong electromagnetic fields such as near radio transmitters.
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide VII
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Service
When sending the device for repair, pack carefully to prevent damage in transit.
Package the device with the cushioning materials to avoid causing damage to
the probe. Be sure to attach the detailed failure descriptions about the product.
RIGOL shall not be responsible for any damage of the probe that occurs
during shipment.
A regular calibration is necessary in order to ensure that the current probe can
provide correct measurement results with expected accuracy. If you need to
calibrate the current probe, contact RIGOL.
VIII PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
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Current Probe Overview
This device can be directly connected to a BNC input connector of a waveform
measurement instrument. Once being clamped on a conductor to be measured
through the sensor head, it can capture the current waveform easily.
Main Features:
⚫ Highly accurate current detection
⚫ Easy current measurement
⚫ Broadband frequency characteristics
PCA1030: DC to 50 MHz
PCA2030: DC to 100 MHz
PCA1150: DC to 10 MHz
⚫PCA1030/PCA2030: Compact design, available to measure low current
level
⚫ PCA1150: Large diameter allows high-current measurements
⚫ Easy protect function at excessive input
⚫ Unique thin film Hall effect element
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide 1
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Current Direction Indication
"UNLOCK" Indication
Terminator
Sensor Cable
3
2
1
4
Sensor
PCA1030/PCA2030 Parts Overview
For the parts from 1 to 4 noted in the above figure, please refer to Parts
Introductions.
NOTE
In the above figure, the Terminator is connected to the waveform
measurement instrument via the output connector. The Terminator will provide
power to the current probe when the waveform measurement instrument is
powered on.
2 PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
Figure 1 PCA1030/PCA2030 Parts
Current Direction
Indication
"LOCK" Indication
Terminator
Sensor Cable
1
1
4
Sensor
"UNLOCK" Indication
2
PCA1150 Parts Overview
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Figure 2 PCA1150 Parts
For the parts (1, 2, 4) noted in the above figure, please refer to Parts
Introductions.
NOTE
In the above figure, the Terminator is connected to the waveform
measurement instrument via the output connector. The Terminator will provide
power to the current probe when the waveform measurement instrument is
powered on.
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide 3
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Parts Introductions
5. Opening lever
It is used to open and lock the current sensor. You are recommended to
lock the current sensor when measuring the conductor to avoid danger.
For PCA1030/PCA2030, there are OPEN, FREE and LOCK indications on
one side of the opening lever. The on/off status of the current sensor is
related to the position of the opening lever.
When the opening lever is in the OPEN position, the current sensor is
open and at this point, the conductor to be measured can be
connected to the current sensor;
When the opening lever is in the FREE position, the current sensor is
closed but not locked;
When the opening lever is in the LOCK position, the current sensor is
locked and at this point, the UNLOCK indication is covered (cannot
be seen).
For PCA1150, there are LOCK and UNLOCK indications on the opening
lever. The current sensor is locked when the LOCK indication is displayed
on the opening lever (the UNLOCK indication disappears).
6. Sensor head
It is used to clamp the conductor under measurement to carry out the
actual current measurement. It is a precision assembly that includes a
molded component, a ferrite core, and a Hall effect element. It may be
damaged if subjected to sudden changes in ambient temperature, or
mechanical strain or shock, and therefore great care should be exercised
in handling it.
7. Coarse adjustment trimmer (Only for PCA1030/PCA2030)
Use this only when the adjustment is outside the zero adjustment range of
the waveform measurement instrument. Use a nonconductive screwdriver
(e.g. ceramic driver) for adjustment on this coarse adjustment trimmer.
8. Output connector
The current waveform of the conductor under measurement is output at a
constant gain via this connector to the waveform measurement
instrument. This connector can be connected to the BNC input connector
of the waveform measurement instrument.
NOTE
⚫ Since the output impedance of the current probe is 25 Ω
(PCA1030/PCA2030) or 7 Ω (PCA1150), the current probe must be
connected to a waveform measurement instrument that has an input
4 PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
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impedance of at least 1 MΩ. Accurate measurement is not possible
with waveform measurement instrument that has an input
impedance of 50 Ω.⚫If using BNC-banana plug adapters or similar connectors to connect
to input terminals other than BNC connectors, make sure the polarity
is correct in connection.
To Use the Current Probe
Before using the current probe, make sure to refer to Safety Precautions.
Preparations for Measurement
1. Prepare a set of waveform measurement instrument.
2. Connect the waveform measurement instrument to the AC power source.
3. Connect the output connector of the current probe to the input terminal of
the waveform measurement instrument.
4. Power on the waveform measurement instrument, and check whether the
front panel power indicator lights up.
5. Turn on the current probe and wait at least 30 minutes. Immediately after
it is powered on, zero drift occurs obviously due to the warm-up and other
factors. To ensure the accurate measurement, wait for at least a
30-minute warm-up after turning on the current probe before performing
the measurement.
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide 5
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Demagnetizing and Zero Adjustment
1. With the waveform measurement instrument input at ground, adjust the
trace to the zero position.
2. Set the input coupling of the waveform measurement instrument to DC.
CAUTION
⚫When disconnecting the output connector from the waveform
measurement instrument, be sure to release the lock before pulling
out the connector. Forcibly pulling out the connector without
releasing the lock or pulling the cable can damage the terminator.
⚫If using BNC-banana plug adapters or similar connectors to connect
to input terminals other than BNC connectors, make sure the polarity
is correct in connection.
⚫Do not demagnetize while the sensor of the current probe is
clamping a conductor to be measured. Demagnetizing causes
current to flow into the conductor, which may damage components
of the circuit to be measured.
⚫With the above considerations, as the demagnetized waveform will
be generated when the current probe is energized, ensure that no
conductor being measured is clamped to the current probe before
providing power to the current probe.
3. Make sure the current sensor is locked (for PCA1030/PCA2030, the
opening lever should be in the LOCK position; for PCA1150, LOCK should
be displayed on the opening lever and UNLOCK should disappear).
6 PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
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Opening Lever
4. Perform the demagnetization operation on the waveform measurement
instrument.
5. Perform the zero adjustment operation on the waveform measurement
instrument to adjust the trace to the zero position.
NOTE
For PCA1030/PCA2030, if zero adjustment cannot be achieved through
the waveform measurement instrument, try to use the coarse adjustment
trimmer to adjust the trace to within the available zero adjustment range
of the waveform measurement instrument.
While turning the coarse adjustment trimmer, do not subject it to a thrust.
Doing so may cause the trimmer to come off. To turn the trimmer, use a
slotted screwdriver whose flat blade is made of non-conductive materials
(such as ceramic), 0.4 mm in thickness, 1.8 mm in width, and 10 mm or
longer in length.
Measurement Procedure
1. Check and ensure that the system is safe and the preparations described
in the preceding section have been ready.
2. Open the current sensor by pushing the opening lever in the arrow
direction shown in the figure below (for PCA1030/PCA2030, the opening
lever should be in the OPEN position; for PCA1150, UNLOCK should be
displayed on the opening lever and LOCK should disappear).
3. Adjust the current sensor to make its current direction indicator align with
4. Lock the current sensor by pushing the opening lever in the arrow
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide 7
the actual current direction in the conductor. Clamp the sensor head
around the conductor to be measured and put it in the center of the
sensor head.
direction shown in the figure below (for PCA1030/PCA2030, the opening
lever should be in the LOCK position; for PCA1150, push the opening lever
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Opening Lever
until LOCK is displayed and UNLOCK disappears).
5. It is now possible to monitor the current waveform. The output gain is 0.1
V/A for PCA1030/PCA2030 and 0.01 V/A for PCA1150. The current
sensitivity can be derived from the voltage sensitivity of the waveform
measurement instrument. For example, for PCA1030, if the voltage
sensitivity is 10 mV/div, then the current sensitivity is (10 mV/div)/(0.1
V/A) = 100 mA/div.
NOTE
The current consumption of the current probe depends on the current to
be measured. The figure below shows the relation curve between the
output current and current consumption.
PCA1030
8 PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
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PCA2030
PCA1150
Note: The current consumption is the algebraic sum of the positive and negative current
consumption.
Precautions for Measurement
CAUTION
1. The maximum continuous input range is based on the heat that is
internally generated during the measurement. Never input current in
excess of this level. Exceeding the rated level may result in damage to the
probe.
2. The device may sustain damage from self-heating even at current levels
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide 9
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that are lower than the maximum current value defined by the maximum
rated current.
The maximum rated current is a recommended value that assumes
sine-wave input under standard conditions. Self-heating may increase if
the ambient temperature increases or the measurement current
waveform contains other frequency components. Refer to Appendix 2 Relation between Max Input Current and Frequency.
3. If excess current is input, generated heat activates a built-in safety
function that blocks normal output. If this happens, remove the input
immediately (remove the sensor from the conductor being measured, or
reduce the input current to zero). Wait until the sensor has had sufficient
time to cool before resuming operation.
4. Heating generated during measurement of current with a frequency of 1
kHz or higher is mainly attributed to the self-heating of the sensor head.
In this case, the built-in safety function will not be activated. Be careful to
avoid accidents, such as a burn by heat, short-circuit, and damage to the
sensor.
5. Even if the input current does not exceed the rated continuous maximum,
continuous input for an extended period of time may activate the safety
circuit to prevent damage resulting from heating of the sensor.
6. At a high ambient temperature, the built-in safety circuit may be activated
even if the input current is below the rated continuous maximum.
7. Continuous input of current exceeding the rated maximum or repeated
activation of the safety function may result in damage to the device.
8. The maximum input range is indicated by the Maximum Continuous
Input Range. It is also indicated by another product specification
Maximum Peak Current Value. Make sure that the input does not
exceed the continuous maximum input range in rms.
9. Do not place any unclamped conductor with a current of a frequency of 10
kHz or higher near the sensor head, as shown in the following figure, as
current flow in the conductor nearby may cause the temperature of the
sensor head increase, leading to damage to the sensor.
10 PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide
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PCA1030/PCA2030
PCA1150
Upper Core
10. When opening the sensor head of the probe, be sure to operate with the
opening lever. For PCA1030/PCA2030, if an upper core is forced to open
while the sensor head is locked, the open-close mechanism can be
damaged.
NOTE
1. Immediately after powering on, this device may be subject to an
appreciable offset drift due to the effect of self-heating. To counteract this,
allow the device to warm up for about 30 minutes before carrying out
measurement.
2. When performing continuous measurements, it is necessary to be aware
that the zero offset voltage will drift due to the impact of some factors
such as the changes of the ambient temperature.
3. Under certain circumstances, oscillation may occur if the output connector
is connected to the waveform measurement instrument that has been
powered on. This does not indicate a malfunction. Oscillation can be
stopped and operation restored to normal by opening and closing the
clamp.
4. Depending on the amplitude and frequency of the current being measured,
the sensor head may emit a resonant sound. This sound may also occur
during demagnetizing operation, but it does not represent a malfunction
(device failure).
5. If foreign matter becomes adhered to the gear mating surface of the
sensor head, a slight gap will appear between its upper and lower layer. In
this case, a resonant sound will be produced from the sensor head.
Therefore, any foreign matter on the gear mating surface of the sensor
head should be removed by using the cleaning method described in this
PCA1030/PCA2030/PCA1150 User Guide 11
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manual.
6. An increase in the volume of the resonant sound during use may indicate
that the gap between the upper and lower layer has increased. Since the
sensor characteristics may change, it is recommended to calibrate the
device.
7. Perform the demagnetization operation on the waveform measurement
instrument will generate a demagnetized waveform. Although the
waveform may be asymmetry with respect to the zero-volt line, it does not
indicate a malfunction.
8. The reading may be affected by the position within the clamp aperture of
the conductor being measured. The conductor should be in the center of
the clamp aperture.
9. When carrying out measurement, make sure that the sensor head is
locked (for PCA1030/PCA2030, the opening lever should be in the LOCK
position; for PCA1150, slide the opening lever until the "UNLOCK"
indication disappears, and hold it until LOCK appears). If the sensor head
is not properly closed, accurate measurement will not be possible.
10. Accurate measurement may be impossible in locations subject to strong
external magnetic fields, such as transformers and high current
conductors, or in locations subject to strong external electric fields, such
as radio transmission equipment.
11. At high frequencies, common mode noise may affect measurements taken
on the high voltage side of the circuit. If this occurs, reduce the frequency
range of the waveform measurement instrument or clamp onto the
low-voltage side of the circuit, as appropriate.