The HP/Agilent 6842A is a 1750 VA benchtop harmonic and flicker test system that combines AC power sourcing, power analysis, flicker metering, and line impedance simulation into a single instrument. It executes compliance testing to IEC 1000-4-7, IEC 868, and IEC 725 standards, eliminating the need for multiple test instruments in product development, quality assurance, and regulatory certification workflows.
Technical Specifications
Power Output
• Maximum voltage: 300 V RMS AC
• Maximum current: 13 A RMS AC
• Output power: 1750 VA
• DC capability: 425 V, 10 A
Frequency & Waveforms
• Output frequency range: 45 Hz to 1 kHz
• Waveform types: sine, square, clipped sine, and user-defined arbitrary waveforms
• Clipped sine distortion range: 0% to 43%
• Programmable voltage slew control and frequency slew control
Measurements & Analysis
The system quantifies AC RMS, DC, combined AC+DC voltage and current, and peak current values across the output.
Source Impedance & Control
Output impedance is programmable to simulate various line conditions. Front panel controls and SCPI-based programming via HP-IB (GPIB) and RS-232 enable direct instrument operation or integrated automation. Sequencing supports up to 100 programmed output settings with trigger or dwell-time execution.
– Key Features
• Synthesized waveform generation with arbitrary waveform and list transient modes for complex test sequences
• AC line input: 220–240 V / 60 Hz / 1 Ph (standard); Option 200 extends to 174–220 Vac, 48–663 Hz
• Integrated flicker meter and harmonic analyzer eliminate external instrumentation
• Included Windows™ software for test setup, execution, real-time monitoring, data archiving, and automated reporting
– Environmental & Physical
• Operating range: 0°C to 40°C, up to 95% relative humidity
• Altitude rating: up to 2000 m
• Installation Category II, Pollution Degree 2
• Panel height: 5.25 inches
– Typical Applications
Harmonic and flicker compliance testing of power supplies, uninterruptible power systems, avionics automatic test equipment, power factor correction circuits, and general regulatory certification.
