Tracing PWM Waveform from an Inverter using an Oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Vigren
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 24, 2014, 08:52:32 am
content: Hi everyone,I am trying to trace PWM waveform from an Inverter that drives a 3 phase Induction Motor using an oscilloscope. The PWM waveform had been obtained but I am not sure if the method used is correct.Here are specs of equipments used :Motor : 3 phase, 0.75kW Induction Motor (MarelliMotori, MAA 80 MB 40)Inverter : Emerson SKA 1200075Oscilloscope : Agilent DSO 3062 (2-channel)Differential Probe : Picotech TA 041 active differential oscilloscope probesMy goal :To obtain the PWM waveform on oscilloscope and subsequently convert the signal to frequency domain using the FFT function on the oscilloscope. I am trying to correlate the noise and vibration of the motor with harmonics content in the PWM.Here is what I have done:1. Connect the differential probe lead to the motor terminals. In this case, they are connected to terminal U and W. (Phase-to-Phase)2. The BNC end of the differential probe was connected to the oscilloscope’s Channel 1.setup2byvigren_6, on FlickrExperimental Setupuvw2byvigren_6, on FlickrProbe leads connected to motor terminals3. Display screen was split into two : Top- PWM waveform & Bottom-FFT result.PWM3byvigren_6, on FlickrScreenshots of oscilloscope display4. The motor was run to 1000 rpm and the result is shown below. The result indicates that the waveform is not a PWM but instead a SPWM (Sinusoidal PWM). Pulse width which starts thin becomes wide in the middle before returning back to thin in the end.5. FFT has indicated harmonics of 3, 6 and 9 kHz was obtained. Cursor A – 3 kHz and Cursor B – 6 kHz.My question is :a. Is this the correct method to trace SPWM going into the motor? (phase-to-phase)b. Or should it be referenced to ground?c. Can the measurement be done without using the differential probe? By using 2 channels of the oscilloscope & measure phase-to-phase?Thank you.

author: HalfSpace
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 01:58:38 am
content: Hi Vigren,Using 2 channels of an oscilloscope referenced to ground in subtract mode will not have the same CMRR as differential probe. If the motor is “delta” wired then phase to phase measurement is correct.HalfSpace

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 06:55:47 am
content: Hi Vigren,Try to analyse the source of the vibration.It could be imbalance in the motor or the load.It is usually not the inverter.To check you inverter:The vibration usually is generated by the torque and torque is dependant on the current. So maybe measuring current is a better way.Depending on the algorithm of the inverter (standard pattern or vector control) it will generate a voltage that will result in currents in the windings that will make a rotating magnetic field.Specially at low frequencies this is difficult because the impedance of the windings at DC is much lower than at 50Hz. You have to PWM the current to prevent blowing up your inverter. This will make your current not perfectly a sinus wave.Also the inhertia of the load does not help.Look on the web. Schneider/Emerson have loads of info in the website.In the industry it is known as the Torque ripple.