Hardware to be used:

Alstom COSI NXCT-F3 Current Transformer

Cost: $17,500

The centerpiece of our portable transient detection system is the NXCT-F3 Current Transformer made by Alstom. An optical current transformer has the distinct advantage over standard current transformers in that it does not sense via induction. Instead, the NXCT-F3 senses by measuring a polarity shift caused by the Faraday Effect. Since the sensing is not inductive, there is no risk of damage to the NXCT-F3 from strong current spikes. Features of this current transformer are included below:

AC Reading up to 5kHz
Accuracy Over 99%
Flexible Max/Min Current Configuration
A Maximum Distance Between Sensor and Electronics of 10 km

Techtronix MSO 2014 Ocsilloscope:

Cost: $4690 (In-department use of scope provided free of charge by NAU EE Department)

We are using the scope to trigger on voltage transients and store transient events through a link to an attached laptop. Some key features of the MSO 2014 Oscilloscope are included below:

100 MHz Bandwidth
1GS/s Sample Rate
1 Megapoint Record Length
Many Supported Triggering Modes

Getac S400 Rugged Laptop:

Cost: $3000

A rugged laptop computer is used in our portable system to preform storage and analysis of transients captured by the oscilloscope. the increased expense of a rugged versus a conventional laptop is justified by the likelihood of exposure to the elements that the computer will face while being transported, or as it is in service. Notable laptop features are shown below:

Highly Water Resistant
Functionality from -30° F to 150° F
2GB of Available Storage
Low Power Mode

A Portable Transient Detection System