test asset optimization services, power line utilization

D A T A S H E E T

Test Asset Optimization ServicesPower Line Utilization Module (PLUM)

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Description

A Power Line Utilization Module (PLUM) is a device used to monitor the utilization and health parameters of an instrument in real time. This monitoring occurs both during the instruments normal operation and during its idle time in the R&D lab or production floor. To determine instrument utilization, the PLUM measures power fluctuations over time and monitors GPIB traffic. To determine instrument health, the PLUM measures tem-perature, humidity, shock, current and voltage. These utilization and health parameter trends are captured and recorded in the PathWave Asset Advisor.

Utilization parameter Health parameters

% (minutes used / hour) TemperatureHumidityShockCurrentVoltage

Collecting, analyzing and interpreting utilization and health data improves preventative maintenance management, avoids instrument downtime, saves time in Out-of-Tolerance (OOT) analysis, and identifies under-utilized assets. For example, maintenance and downtime can be avoided by monitoring the excessive heat, humidity or current as these can lead to an instrument failure. OOT Root Cause Analysis can take less time as the health data can provide insights when an OOT driving event occurred. Taking action on utilization and health data will reduce capital and operating expenses.

The PLUM data is captured by the PathWave Asset Advisor. A PLUM device is an external module that sits in-line with the AC power supply and runs on instruments that do not have a true CPU or host controller. If there is a loss in connectivity, the PLUM collects and stores the data for one month, depending on how the data collection frequency is set. At the time of re-connection, the PLUM sends all the stored data to the PathWave Asset Advisor. As the storage capacity of the PLUM is reached, the PLUM data is overridden using a first-in first-out logic.


The utilization and health data is associated to a specific instrument by its unique identifier in the PathWave Asset Advisor. No measurement or device under test (DUT)data is captured by the PLUM or sent to the PathWave Asset Advisor.

Controller

GPIB GPIB

Features

Utilization To determine utilization, PLUMs measure power fluctuations captured in a % (minutes used / hour). The PLUM analyzes the GPIB traffic and registers commands sent to the assets it’s connected to as utilization events. The update rate is user configurable between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

Figure 1. PLUM shown with instrument, controller and GPIB

Figure 2. Asset utilization of an instrument with a PLUM configured to the PathWave Asset Advisor


Health To determine instrument health, PLUMS have temperature, humidity, current, and voltage sensors and a three-axis accelerometer to capture physical shock data. The benefit of capturing and monitoring this information is to maximize the performance of the instrument and to reduce the risk of failure.

Color Meaning

Green Instrument performing within specification

Yellow Instrument approaching specification limits and requires close monitoring

Red Instrument performing out of specification with risk of imminent failure

Figure 3. Asset Health of an instrument with a PLUM configured to the PathWave Asset Advisor

TemperatureThe value of measuring the environmental temperature of an instrument is to ensure that the instrument is not operating at too high or too low a temperature. If the instrument is used in environments where the temperature is too high, the instrument ages prema-turely, requires more frequent calibrations and experiences a higher risk of failure. If the instrument is used in environments where the temperature is too low, the instrument may require more frequent calibration to remain within specifications.


HumidityThe value of measuring the environmental humidity surrounding the instrument is to avoid unnecessary instrument failure. If the relative humidity is too high, condensation can occur and, if the relative humidity is too low, there is the risk of static electricity, resulting in electrical shorts and instrument failure.

ShockThe value of measuring shock is to monitor if the instrument is dropped or if the instru-ment rack is jarred by human error. Sufficient shock can result in a printed circuit board losing its connection, resulting in instrument failure or incorrect measurements.

CurrentThe benefit of measuring current is to determine any significant changes in the instru-ment operation. If current drawn to the instrument is higher than normal, it could be an indication of a part failure. For example, the instrument fans may operate at maximum power, drawing additional current, to cool the instrument in a hot environment. Monitor-ing current may prevent an instrument failure.

VoltageThe benefit of measuring voltage is to ensure that the instrument is used within its designed specifications. Most instruments are designed to operate at some voltage tolerance near 120 or 240 Volts. If the instrument operates at too low or too high a voltage, it may permanently damage some components. Voltage measurements can monitor disruptions in the power source, such as brown-outs, so that the data would be available to alert the user to power off the instrument.

Data transmission alternativesData can be collected from the PLUM in two ways:

1 WiFi Data can be transmitted from the PLUM to PathWave Asset Advisor via WiFi network.

2 LAN Data can be transmitted from the PLUM to PathWave Asset Advisor via LAN. A hub or switch may be required with the LAN option.


Specifications

Peripheral Interfaces

WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz, interior antenna

Bluetooth® On Board Bluetooth 4.0 module, interior antenna

Ethernet 1x10/100M

GPIB 1x GPIB monitor interface

Sensor

Temperature -40 to +85°C

Humidity 0 to 100%

Accelerometer ±16 G

Current 10 Amps

Voltage 85 to 265 VAC

Power

Input Wide Range (100 - 240 VAC with ±10% ), C14 Terminal

Consumption 1.8 W Average (without WLAN)

Mechanical

Dimensions 100 x 60 x 43 mm (Box)

Weight 0.4 Kg

Enclosure Black Plastic

Environment Condition

Temperature Operating: -25 to +60°C; Storage: -40 to +85°C

Humidity 5 to 95% RH at 25 to 35°C (Non-Condensation)

Cooling Mode No fan

Safety InformationWarning Statements and SymbolsCaution and Warning notices are used in this document are described below.

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operat-ing procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

A WARNING denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

CAUTION

WARNING


General Safety NoticesThis product has been designed and tested in accordance with accepted industry standards, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The documentation contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and to maintain the product in a safe condition.

No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. To prevent electrical shock do not remove covers.

For continued protection against fire hazard, replace fuses, and or circuit breakers only with same type and ratings. The use of other fuses, circuit breakers or materials is prohibited.

The Mains wiring and connectors shall be compatible with the connector used in the facilities electrical system. Failure, to ensure adequate earth grounding by not using the correct components may cause product damage, and serious injury.

Install the instrument so that the detachable power cord is readily identifiable and is easily reached by the operator. The detachable power cord is the instrument disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply before other parts of the instrument.

This instrument has auto-ranging line voltage input;, be sure the supply voltage is within the specified range and that voltage fluctuations do not to exceed 10 percent of the nominal supply voltage.

This device provides no overcurrent protection for the DUT to which it is connected. It is expected that the DUT itself will provide overcurrent protection for its circuitry.

WARNING

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION


Best Practices for PLUM Use

Post these instructions on or near the instrument that has a PLUM attached for continuous reference.

– PLUM Placement – Ensure that the PLUM is attached to the instrument using double sided tape and placed in a position that will not receive undue fan exhaust, jolts or bumps from near by instruments or racks. Misplacement of the PLUM could produce inaccurate or false temperature, humidity or accelerometer readings. If PLUM is not attached directly to the instrument, also ensure to avoid PLUM placement in areas receiving exhaust fan heat or potential for bumps that will produce false accelerometer readings.

– PLUM Placement with Wi-Fi Connectivity enabled – Initial placement of the PLUM during installation was optimized for Wi-Fi signal connectivity to PathWave Asset Advisor. In case of instrument movement and the PLUM is disconnected, it is best to put the PLUM back in its original placement to ensure Wi-Fi connection is enabled.

– Instrument Movement – Ensure the PLUM travels with the instrument if will be utilized in a different location. All PLUMs are matched to their specific instrument. If the PLUM must be disconnected, for example sending the instrument out for service, ensure that the PLUM is re-attached to the same instrument per the Asset ID# on the PLUM label. Also, follow PLUM Placement guidelines above.

– Instrument GPIB Address Changes – Ensure that GPIB Address for the PLUM is kept constant per the PLUM label. If GPIB address must be changed contact your PathWave Asset Advisor Site Administrator to have the PLUM GPIB address re-configured.

This information is subject to change without notice. © Keysight Technologies, 2018, Published in USA, July 18, 2018, 5992-2310EN


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please contact your local Keysight office. The complete list is available at:

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Requirements

– PathWave Asset Advisor - Track and Control application – PathWave Asset Advisor - Utilization and Health application – Startup Services

Related Services

– PathWave Asset Advisor - Application Note 5992-2160EN

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test asset optimization services, power line utilization

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