OverviewThe California Instruments Sequoia Series is a high-power, precision programmable regenerative grid simulator that combines SiC power‑switching architecture with four‑quadrant bidirectional operation in a floor‑standing chassis. It is designed to simulate worldwide power line conditions and disturbances for testing inverters, UPS, V2G systems, wind and avionics power systems, and compliance testing.
Product Summary (table)Model: Sequoia Series
Voltage: 0 - 333VAC
Current: 0 - 3,000A/phase
Power: 15kVA - 1.08MVA
Overview: Precision Programmable Regenerative Grid Simulator
Features and Capabilities- Dual voltage ranges supporting over‑voltage testing on 480V based systems
- Instrument setups for quickly re‑establishing known instrument state
- 500 µS time resolution for transients
- Virtual Panels control software included
- Non‑linear current waveform programming during Load mode
- Phase coordination among multiple units (LKM/LKS)
- Analog controls suitable for PHIL and modulation tests
- Trigger In & Out for coordination with external systems
- Extensive onboard diagnostics
- Digital I/O including RS232, USB, Ethernet (GPIB optional)
- Intuitive 5” color display
- Auto‑paralleling for multi‑chassis configurations
- Separate terminal blocks for single‑phase and three‑phase AC outputs
Simple OperationThe Sequoia Series can be operated entirely from its menu‑driven front panel color‑touch display. USB and LAN remote control interfaces and instrument drivers are provided for integration with automated test systems. The programmable arbitrary waveform generator enables application‑specific waveform generation, time‑ and frequency‑domain measurements, and capture of actual voltage/current waveforms.
ConfigurationsThe Sequoia Series offers five single‑chassis configurations: 15 kVA, 22.5 kVA, 30 kVA, 45 kVA, and 90 kVA. Multi‑cabinet (multi‑chassis) models are available for higher power requirements and support flexible reconfiguration (Reflex capability).
Choice of Voltage RangesStandard dual ranges: 0–166 V and 0–333 V line‑to‑neutral direct‑coupled output. Maximum three‑phase output capability: 287 VAC and 576 VAC line‑to‑line respectively. Optional transformer‑coupled ranges are available up to 715 V L‑N and 1,238 V L‑L. A user‑defined XVC option is available for custom applications.
High Crest FactorSupports high crest factor loads to drive difficult non‑linear loads. Example: the SQ30 has a crest factor rating of 4.5 and can deliver up to 300 A repetitive peak current (166 V AC range) per phase for three‑phase loads; consult model‑specific specifications for peak current ratings.
Remote ControlStandard RS232C, USB, and LAN interfaces are provided; IEEE‑488 (GPIB) is optional. The instrument uses the SCPI command protocol for programming.
Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL)The External Drive (-EXTD) feature enables external analog signal control of the source while in AC operation, turning the source into a high‑bandwidth amplifier. Common PHIL applications include power plant simulation, hybrid electric vehicles, and renewable energy simulation; combined PHIL solutions can achieve overall delays as low as ~100 µS.
Regenerative Electronic AC/DC Load (optional)An optional programmable regenerative electronic AC/DC load mode provides precisely controlled non‑linear load simulation (including high crest factor and variable power factor loads) and can regenerate energy back to the utility mains. Supported modes include Constant Power, Constant Current, and RLC.
Testing Applications- Power conditioning equipment testing
- Grid‑interactive green energy & distributed power generation testing
- Avionics and shipboard electronics testing
- Regulatory compliance testing
- Electric vehicle charger (EVSE, V2G) testing
- Manufacturing line testers
- Advanced renewable energy simulation and testing
- IEEE 1547 testing
- Motor testing
Caractéristiques / Spécifications techniques- Model designation: Sequoia Series
- Voltage (standard L‑N): 0 – 166 V and 0 – 333 V (dual range)
- Maximum three‑phase outputs (standard): 287 VAC and 576 VAC line‑to‑line
- Optional transformer‑coupled ranges: up to 715 V L‑N and 1,238 V L‑L
- Current: 0 – 3,000 A per phase (model‑dependent)
- Power range: 15 kVA – 1.08 MVA
- Single‑chassis configurations: 15 kVA, 22.5 kVA, 30 kVA, 45 kVA, 90 kVA; multi‑cabinet configurations available
- Transient time resolution: 500 µS (transients)
- Crest factor support: example SQ30 rated crest factor 4.5 (model‑specific peak repetitive currents)
- Front panel: 5" color touch display
- Communications: RS232C, USB, LAN; IEEE‑488 (GPIB) optional; SCPI command protocol
- Optional features: External Drive (-EXTD) for PHIL, regenerative electronic AC/DC load mode (Constant Power/Current/RLC), XVC user‑defined voltage option
- Diagnostics: extensive onboard diagnostics; instrument setups for quick state restore
- Controls: virtual panels GUI included; powerful analog controls for PHIL/modulation tests; trigger in/out for external coordination
- Hardware features: auto‑paralleling for multi‑chassis, separate terminal blocks for single‑ and three‑phase outputs