The Ls/Lx Series is a completely improved new product based on the popular California Instruments L Series. Both the Ls and Lx feature many basic AC Source capabilities at a very reasonable price. For more information on either product, please click on the product tab on the right.

Ls Series
The Ls Series is an improved version of the classic California Instruments L Series AC power sources. It provides many basic AC source capabilities at an economical cost. Additional capabilities such as arbitrary waveform generation and harmonic measurements can be added as options. The Ls Series can be ordered in either single phase (-1) or three phase (-3) configurations. Power levels range from 3 kVA to 6 kVA in a single chassis. Multiple chassis can be combined for power levels up to 18 kVA. The Ls Series is completely microprocessor controlled and can be operated from a simple front panel keypad. A pair of analog controls located next to the backlit alphanumeric LCD display allows output voltage and frequency to be slewed up or down dynamically. For more advanced operations, a series of menus is provided using a dual line high contrast LCD display. The Lx Series represents a modern AC power source that addresses increasing demands on test equipment to perform more functions at a lower cost. By combining a flexible AC power source with a high-end harmonic power analyzer, the Lx Series systems are capable of handling applications that would traditionally have required multiple

Features Details Ls Series
L Series Backward Compatibility
The Ls Series offers functional and bus compatibility with the CI L Series AC power sources. Using the APE (Abbreviated Plain English) command syntax, the Ls Series can be used in existing test systems without the need to modify program code. The APE language is part of the -GPIB option, which also adds the GPIB/ IEEE-488 interface.

Applications
With precise output regulation and accuracy, high load drive current, multi or single phase mode and built-in measurement capabilities, Ls Series AC sources address many application areas for AC power testing. Additional features, like available DO 160 or MIL 704 test standards, make the Ls Series a good choice for avionics or defense applications.
All Ls Series AC sources are standard equipped with RS232C and USB remote control interfaces. An optional GPIB and LAN interface is also available.

Transient Programming
To simulate common line disturbance occurrences, the Ls Series offers a list of transient steps. These steps can be programmed from the front panel or downloaded over the interface using the GUI program supplied. The GUI allows libraries of commonly used line disturbances to be created on disk for quick recall. Once downloaded, the transient program can be executed from the PC or from the front panel. AC transient generation allows the effect of rapid changes in voltage, frequency, phase angle and waveform shape on the unit under test to be analyzed.

Measurements
The following standard measurements are available from the front panel or via the bus: 

• Frequency
• Phase
• Voltage (rms)
• Current(rms)
• Peak Current
• Crest Factor
• Real Power
• Apparent Power
• Power Factor

Diagnostics Capability
The AC Source can perform a self test and report any errors. The self test will run until the first error is encountered and terminate. The response to the self test query command will either be the first error encountered or 0 if no error was found. (Self test passed).

Configuration Options
The Ls Series is available in either three or one phase output configurations and offers voltage ranges of 135 Vrms and 270 Vrms. A wide range of options can be added to customize the Ls Series to meet your specific application requirements.

Voltage Range Options (-HV and -EHV)
Output voltage range options are available to provide higher voltage outputs. In addition to the standard 135/270 V range pair, 156/312 Vrms (-HV option) and 200/400 Vrms (-EHV option) can be specified at the time of order. All voltage ranges are Line to Neutral. On three phase Ls Series models, maximum Line to Line voltages are 467 V (standard), 540 V (-HV option) and 692 V (-EHV option).

Phase Mode (-MODE)
The -MODE option provides automatic switching between three phase and single phase output modes. In single phase mode, all output current is routed to the Phase A output terminal. The -MODE option is available for 3 phase Ls models (e.g. 4500Ls-3).

Waveform Generation (-ADV option)
The standard Ls Series provides sine wave output capability. For more demanding test applications, the advanced option package adds the following waveform capabilities: 

• Squarewave.
• Clipped Sinewave - Simulates THD levels to test for harmonic distortion susceptibility.
• Harmonic and Arbitrary (User defined) waveforms.

Using the provided Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) program, defining harmonic waveforms is as easy as specifying the relative amplitude and phase angle for each of up to 50 harmonics. The waveform data points are generated and downloaded by the GUI to the AC source through the standard RS232C or optional GPIB bus and are retained in non-volatile memory. Up to 50 waveforms can be stored and given a user defined name for easy recall.

Advanced Measurement Functions (-ADV option)
Power analysis of EUT load characteristics is available by adding the -ADV option. Harmonics up to the 50th harmonic (for fundamental frequencies up to 250 Hz) and total harmonic distortion of both voltage and current is provided as well. Harmonic analysis data can be displayed on the front panel display or on the PC using the GUI program. The GUI can also be used to save and print harmonics data in tabular, bar graph or time domain formats. The acquired voltage and current time-domain waveforms for each output phase can be displayed using the GUI program. Waveform displays on the PC. Available display modes include voltage and current combined, three phase voltage, three phase current and true power. The time-domain data is also available for transfer to a PC through the bus when using custom software.

Windows Graphical User Interface
Our Windows compatible Instrument Control Software offers a soft front panel interface for operation from a PC. The following functions are available through this GUI program: 

• Steady state output control (all parameters).
• Create, run, save and print transient programs.
• Measure and log standard measurements.
  With -ADV option:
• Generate and save harmonic waveforms.
• Generate and save arbitrary waveforms.
• Capture and display Voltage and Current waveforms.
• Measure, display, print and log harmonic voltage and current measurements.