1250E Frequency Response Analyzer

• Wide frequency range from 65 kHz to 10 µHz
• Sine, square, triangle Voltage generator up to 10 V RMS and ± 10.22 V DC
• Two (2) simultaneous Voltage measurement channels to 500 V peak
• Harmonic Analysis capable
• Impedance range from 100 mOhm to 100 TOhm, with the 1296A Dielectric Interface
• Able to perform DC potentiotstatic and galvanostatic experiments with 1287A Electrochemical Interface

Frequency Response Analysis (also referred to as Transfer Function Analysis) measures the output spectrum of a system relative to a stimulus, and is used to characterize the dynamics of the system under test. The technique measures the magnitude and phase relationship between output and input waveforms as a function of frequency. The input signals may be from a wide range of sensors including acoustic (microphones/sonar), mechanical (accelerometers/displacement transducers), optical (photodetectors), and electrical (amplifiers).

Applications that make use of this powerful technique include - electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), materials analysis, aerospace control system design, electronic amplifier design, power supply design, and vibration analysis.

The 1250E Frequency Response Analyzer (FRA) delivers accurate measurement of gain and phase. The device under test is stimulated by a sinewave and the response analyzed at various points in the system. These responses are then correlated with the stimulus to determine the amplitude and phase relative to the generator. The ratio of the two measured signals can then be used to provide the system transfer function.

This process rejects all harmonics and, by increasing the integration time to further reject noise and interference, even signals which are buried in noise can be measured accurately.

The 300 V range on the 1250E is particularly useful for making measurements on fuel cell stacks and high voltage batteries, used in hybrid vehicles and residential power supplies. Key product features include:-

• AC amplitude range - 10 mV to 10 V, for power supply testing
• Analyzer range 30 mV - 300 V, i.e. suitable for ATS (Automated Test Systems), power station vibration testing
• Noise rejection capability
• Ability to analyze non-linear systems (harmonic analysis)
• Front panel or PC software control

Electrochemistry
Measurement of impedance has become an important tool in the study of electrochemical/biological phenomena and material properties.
The 1250E together with a potentiostat such as the 1287A potentiostat/galvanostat, can be used in a wide range of applications, including:-

• Corrosion and inhibitor studies
• Analysis of organic and inorganic coatings and films
• Research into solid electrolytes for oxygen sensors/fuel cells
• Development of novel anode/cathode materials and electrolytes
• Bioanalytical research into plant/soil properties

Materials Testing
When combined with a 1296A Dielectric Interface and temperature test equipment the 1250E can be used to test a wide range of materials, such as:-

• Supercapacitor/battery/fuel cell materials
• Charge transport in semiconductors, organic crystals, ceramics etc.
• Analysis of chemical reactions, polymerization and curing processes
• Novel gas and liquid sensors
• Characterization of ferro/piezoelectric and semiconductor materials

Control Systems
A standard use for a FRA is to generate a signal which is connected to a signal converter (this may take many forms; e.g. hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical), which forces controlled movement to take place (e.g. displacement transducers used in aerodynamic tests). These are placed on the system under test and the output signal fed back to the FRA via a sensor such as an accellerometer or displacement transducer, enabling the system to be characterized. Typical uses include:-

• Automated test systems
• Power supply testing
• Aircraft instrumentation/system controls
• Aerodynamic tests - study of applied forces to wing structures
• Automotive shock absorbers
• Weapons guidance systems
• Rocket propulsion and vectoring technology

Specifications	1260A	1255B	1250E	1253A
Frequency Range	32 MHz - 10 µHz	1 MHz - 10 µHz	65 kHz - 10 µHz	20 kHz - 10 µHz
Generator	Voltage and Current	Voltage	Voltage	Voltage
Waveforms	Sine	Sine	Sine, Square, Triangle	Sine, Square, Triangle
Voltage Generator
Maximum Applied AC Voltage	3 V RMS (≤10 MHz) 1 V RMS (>10 MHz	3 V RMS	10 V RMS	10 V RMS
Maximum Applied DC Voltage	±40.95 V	±40.95 V	±10.22 V	±10.22 V
Measurement Capability
Number of Measurement Channels	1 Current, 2 Voltage	2 Voltage	2 Voltage	2 Voltage
Simultaneous Channel Measurement	Yes	Yes	Yes	Multiplexed
Harmonic Analysis	No	No	Yes	Yes
Voltage Measurement
Best Transfer Function Accuracy	0.2%, 0.2⁰	0.2%, 0.2⁰	0.2%, 0.2⁰	1%, 1⁰
Input Protected (Maximum)	46 V	46 V	500 V peak	500 V peak
Voltage Ranges	30 mV, 300 mV, 3 V	30 mV, 300 mV, 3 V	30 mV, 300 mV, 3 V, 30V, 300V	30 mV, 300 mV, 3 V, 30V, 300V
Maximum Measured Voltage	5 V peak	5 V peak	500 V peak	500 V peak
Unique Features	Current Generator to 60 mA rms (≤10 MHz) 20 mA rms (>10 MHz)  ± 100 mA Current Measurement to 100 mA peak