I want to measure the characteristics of an constant current source from the 60s/70s It is able to deliver 10A to 300A. I want to measure the characteristics of this constant current source without frying my oscilloscope. Is a 10:1 Voltage divider with an 24V zener diode and a 10:1 probe enough protection against huge spikes? Is a 2m long 175mm² cable in water linear enough to use it as a shunt resistor? The reason behind this all is that I want to know how fast the regulation is and how large the voltage / current spike is when the constant current source get switched on/off And I'm interested how far of the delivered current is compared to the label. The constant current source was made for nominal 380VAC grid voltage which is now nominal 400VAC.
I would recommend a scope from the Tektronix 530 series. They need not much protection.
Why should I buy an slow, Tek when I already own a old Rigol (150MHz, monochrome) which fullfills all my needs. And a Tektronix oscilloscope gets damaged too if the voltage spikes are to high. Specially when it is connected to 50+Kg metal. I dont want to damage my mesurement tools with one stupide move.
Barny_G. wrote: > It is able to deliver 10A to 300A. I assume DC. In general, is it really too difficult to tell us your brand and type of current source and oscilloscope? And, in case you have them, to provide links to specifications, manuals, etc.? Because then I wouldn't have to assume DC, but would know. > The constant current source was made for nominal 380VAC grid voltage > which is now nominal 400VAC. You are looking at the wrong data. You need to know what is called the "compliance voltage". This is the maximum DC voltage the constant current source is capable of generating to drive its 10A to 300A current through a load. Then you match the compliance voltage to the specifications of your scope. And then you think about adding additional protection in case the current source exceeds its compliance voltage. E.g. because of glitches or defects when the load changes abruptly.
The scope is an Rigol DS5152MA. The brand of the current source is unknown. Its an large, green hammer-enamel box on wheels with an large hand crank on top. Some parts (diodes) are probably CCCP made. The constant current source is delivering DC. The no load voltage is 80 to 100VDC, depending on dialed in current and the position of the current range selection busbars. The oral passed on recomendation is to stay below 15V under long term load. The compliance voltage isn't troubling me. The voltage spikes which are occurring giving me headache. And this voltage spikes, overshoots, undersoots,... should get measured without frying my scope. I want to know if I'm able to use this current source for other things then charge large lead-acid batterys, let steel bars glow,... without risk to kill everything.
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