Yokogawa Test & Measurement has introduced the WT1500 Precision Power Analyzer, the newest addition to its WT Series of power analyzers. Designed for applications such as electric vehicle (xEV) powertrains and renewable energy systems, the WT1500 offers the series’ first 2000 V DC input capability along with industry-leading measurement accuracy. It also features a compact design, resolver signal input support, and multi-unit synchronization, making it well suited for testing increasingly complex, high-voltage systems.
The launch comes as demand grows for advanced testing solutions in electric mobility and renewable energy. Traditional power analyzers often require external high-voltage dividers for measurements above 1500 V, which can reduce accuracy and increase setup complexity. In xEV motor testing, engineers have also had to measure power and resolver signals separately before combining the data, adding time and complexity to the evaluation process.
The WT1500 addresses these challenges by enabling direct measurements of systems up to 2000 V without the need for external high-voltage dividers. Its compact footprint simplifies installation in rack-mounted and desktop test environments, while integrated resolver signal support and synchronized multi-unit operation help streamline testing workflows.
Built to deliver the highest measurement performance in the WT Series, the WT1500 maintains exceptional accuracy across a broad range of operating conditions. It also offers two types of input elements, allowing a single instrument to support both high-voltage applications such as energy storage systems (ESS) and power conversion systems (PCS), as well as efficiency testing for the latest generation of xEV motors.
Main specifications:
- Total power accuracy of ±0.038% (DC, 50/60 Hz) and low-power-factor accuracy of ±0.07% of apparent power (S) at 50/60 Hz
- High voltage element supports direct measurement up to 2000 V DC and 300 kHz, ideal for PCS and ESS applications.
- Wide bandwidth element supports up to 1000 V with a 2 MHz bandwidth, crucial for measuring the complex, high-frequency waveforms generated in modern xEV motors.
- Both inputs share a common sensor input and can be mixed in a single unit.
System integration and a space-saving design
Despite its compact form factor, which allows easy integration into test facilities, the WT1500 offers a wide range of communication interfaces and remote-control capabilities, enabling flexible connectivity with various testing and evaluation systems. It supports a broad range of applications, from seamless integration into automated evaluation systems to standalone measurement and analysis tasks:
- Supports up to four power measurements and four motor evaluations.
- Supports encoder and resolver signal inputs, IEEE 1588 time synchronization, data output to CAN/CAN FD buses, and low-latency data transmission via UDP communication.
- Equipped with a variety of interfaces that enable remote operation from a PC, external monitor, or tablet, allowing the WT1500 to be used as a standalone measurement instrument. A compact front-panel control interface also simplifies connection and configuration settings.
- A space-saving 2U design (19-inch rack width, approximately 88 mm high) makes it easy to integrate into evaluation system racks and test equipment installations.
Scalability for multi-channel measurements
For measurements requiring more than four channels, up to five WT1500 units can be synchronized, enabling 20-channel power measurement. One unit acts as the main controller, directing subunit configuration and consolidating data acquisition.
The WT1500 also features up to four unique current input terminals alongside the voltage terminals, providing power for current sensors. These, in combination with a series of new current adapters that are provided as accessories, enable the WT1500 to accommodate a wide variety of sensors: the CT Series penetration-type (D-sub Terminal, 60 A to 2000 A, AC/DC), the CT1000S split-core (BNC, 1000 A, AC/DC), and AC-only current clamp probes (BNC, 50 A and 200 A class).
Major target markets include:
- EV/xEV, automotive
- Power
- Renewable energy (PCS/ESS)
Applications include:
- Four-channel power measurement, handling both single-phase and three-phase inputs simultaneously, using a PC to manage system configuration and data acquisition.
- Measurement of two-system inverter motors and e-Axle systems using dual-WT1500 and single-unit setups, respectively.
- Multi-unit simultaneous measurement and high-voltage measurement of ESS and PCS.
