WHALETEQ HFPA150 ESU Neutral Electrodes Impedance Tester User Manual

HFPA150 ESU Neutral Electrodes Impedance Tester

Product Information

Product Name
WHALETEQ ESU Neutral Electrodes Impedance Tester

• Model Number: HFPA150
• User Manual Version: 2021-06-18
• Hardware Version: 1.3.x

Manufacturer: WhaleTeq Co. LTD.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Connect an oscilloscope to measure the output voltage and current. The HFPA150 is equipped with a built-in conversion circuit, so no additional current probe is required to measure the current value. Simply connect the Current Monitor port with an oscilloscope to obtain the current value.
2. Adjust the frequency and gain to meet the needs of high-power sine wave output by using the sine wave generator.
3. Ensure that the HFPA150 is compliant with IEC60601-2-2: 2009 testing requirements, designed according to the standard of the neutral electrode (Neutral Electrode, NE) contact impedance test.
4. Produce current over 200 mArms (~ 570 mApp), compliance with the standard requirement.
5. Measure the upper limit of the contact impedance of the neutral electrode at 50 by using the HFPA150.
6. Adjust the frequency from 50 kHz to 5 MHz as needed.
7. Read the user manual carefully for the working principles and possible risks before first operating the HFPA150.

Introduction

HFPA150 is a unique tester specifically designed for the testing of neutral electrode (NE) impedance in electrosurgical system. The HFPA150 is built to satisfy the testing requirements for contact impedance test as stated in IEC60601-2-2:2009. According to IEC 60601-2-2:2009 clause 201.15.101.6, the impedance of the electrical contact between the surface of the NE application site and the NE cord connection shall be low enough to prevent a risk of patient burn due to ohmic heating during the passage of HF surgical current. It is evident that hazard of patient burn during the use of electrosurgical system is present. The main contribution to the risk of patient burn is caused by the high impedance of the NE application site and the NE cord connection. Thus, this safety test is especially important for the neutral electrode manufacturers. The HFPA150 generates specific NE impedance test signals per requirement of the IEC standard. The built-in generator is capable of generating signals with frequency ranging from 50 kHz to 5 MHz, producing current over 200 mArms, and sine wave with THD < 0.3%. The HFPA150 is built with high stability output, adjustable frequency and gain functions. In addition to neutral electrode test, it could also be used as a measurement tool for general purpose generator where the specifications are appropriate.

Features

• A sine wave generator: user may adjust the frequency and gain to meet the needs of high-power sine wave output.
• Stable frequency output: equipped with DDS (direct digital synthesis) technology, a frequency synthesizer for generating arbitrary waveforms from a single, fixed-frequency reference clock. Together with an embedded DC fan for ventilation and control of the internal temperature, the HFPA150 is not susceptible to temperature fluctuation which facilitates great output stability.
• Compared to a conventional sine wave generator which creates waveforms based on the charging and discharging of the capacitor, the stability of waveforms is therefore determined by the capacity of the capacitor. However, the capacity change is proportional to the ambient temperature while inversely to the generated frequency. Thus, a common problem with the conventional sine wave generator occurs with the heat generated from prolong usage and resulted with the lower frequency generated.
• Compliance with IEC60601-2-2: 2009 testing requirements: the HFPA150 is designed according to the standard of the neutral electrode (Neutral Electrode, NE) contact impedance test.
• Produce current over 200 mArms (~ 570 mApp), compliance with the standard requirement.
• With the amplified built-in sine wave generator, the output voltage can be up to 10 Vrms (at 50 Ω impedance).
• Capability to measure to the upper limit of the contact impedance of the neutral electrode at 50 Ω.
• Frequency is adjustable from 50 kHz to 5 MHz.

Note:
An oscilloscope shall be used with the HFPA150 to measure the output voltage and current. The HFPA150 is equipped with a built-in conversion circuit, so that no additional current probe is required to measure the current value. User may simply connect the “Current Monitor” port with an oscilloscope to obtain the current value. (For details, please refer to Chapter 6B, < How to monitor the HFPA150 output voltage and current>).

Safety Summary

Please review the following safety warnings to avoid injuries and prevent damage to this product or any related products. To avoid potential hazards, only use the product in accordance with this instruction. Only WhaleTeq qualified professionals should repair/adjust the operation program. To avoid fire or personal injuries, only use the original factory-supplied power supply.

• The equipment shall be operated by a qualified electrical engineer or a professional with equivalent qualification and knowledge in the principle of high-frequency insulation and oscilloscope use. Please read this user manual carefully for the working principles and possible risks before first operating the HFPA150.
• If the power output is over 2 watts, pay special attention to the heat and power tolerance while connecting the load. Always use safe work practices when using electrical equipment to avoid the risk of electric shock and fire.

Main applications

IEC60601-2-2:2009 Measurement of neutral electrode contact impedance. Recommended test instruments:

Testing of neutral electrode according to IEC 60601-2-2:2009

201.15.101

Neutral Electrodes

|

HFIT 8.01

|

HFPA150

| Oscilloscope| Heat induction meter|

DC Power Supply

| Digital Multimeter|

Remark

201.15.101.1

General requirements for NEUTRAL ELECTRODES

| | | | | | |

Not testing required

201.15.101.2

NE code attachment

| | | | |

v

|

v

|
201.15.101.3

NE cord connector, no conductive parts on patient

| | | | | | |

Use test finger

201.15.101.4

NE cord insulation

|

v

| |

v

| | | |
201.15.101.5

NE thermal performance2

|

v

| |

v

|

v

| | |

Refer to Note2

201.15.101.6

NE contact impedance

| |

V

|

v

| | | |
201.15.101.7

NE adhesion

| | | | | | |

Non-electrical test

201.15.101.8

NE shelf life

| | | | | | |

Note 1: MEDTEQ HFIT 8.0, High-Frequency Insulation Tester: For insulation and current leakage test of cord and surgical instruments. Visit: https://www.medteq.net/testequipment/hfit8
Note 2: No current probe is required when the HFIT 8.0 is used as a generator. In the NE thermal performance test, IEC standard stated that the NE under test shall be applied on human skin, surrogate media or test devices with electrical and thermal equivalent properties. Since impedance varies with different contact surfaces, in some cases (especially with high impedance), the HFIT 8.0 is not capable to provide current up to 770mArms (maximum output of HFIT 8.0 is150W), and in such case, an ESU along with a current probe will be required to conduct the test.

Specifications

with voltage probe to measure voltage, Ch2 connects with HFPA150 current monitoring interface to measure the current value)
Current Measurement
Accuracy*| < ±5%
Frequency Range| 50 kHz to 5 MHz
Connector Type| BNC
General
Power Source| Power Adapter

Input: 100 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz

Output: 12 VDC / 2 A

Environment| 10 oC to 40 oC, 30% to 90% RH
Dimensions / Weight| 18X18X4.8 (cm, LxWxH) / 0.7 kg

• Use with original factory-supplied connection cord (BNC-BNC) and test cords (BNC-Alligator). See Chapter 5 for cord specifications.

Labels

Back panel labels – Figure 1.

Item| Label| Name| Description

1

|

On/Off

|

Power switch

|

On/Off Switch

2| DC IN 12V| Power Interface| 12 VDC power input connecting to the power

supply

Front panel labels – Figure 2.

Item| Label| Name| Description
1| Output| Signal output port| Signal output. BNC connector.

2

|

Frequency

| Frequency adjustment knob| Turn clockwise to increase frequency and turn counter clockwise to decrease frequency
3| 100KHz| 100 kHz indicator

(Green)

| Illuminates to indicate for 100 kHz selection.

Frequency is adjusted to be 100 kHz per step.

4

|

10KHz

| 10 kHz i ndicator (Yellow)| Illuminates to indicate for 10 kHz selection. Frequency is adjusted to be 10 kHz per step.
5| 100K/10KHz

Frequency

| 100 kHz/10 kHz

Switch button

| Press for switch between 100 kHz and 10 kHz.

6

|

Gain

|

Gain knob

| Turn clockwise to increase amplitude and turn counter clockwise to decrease amplitude

*Read Chapter 6C before operation

7

| Gain Indicator| Gain indicator (Green)| The flashing light indicates signal output. The light will be solid green when there is no signal output

or when the reset button is pressed.

8| Gain Reset| Gain reset| Press to reset gain to zero

9

|

Current Monitor

|

Current monitoring port

| Connect the oscilloscope with the original factory- supplied BNC cord to monitor the current value. (The oscilloscope shows 1 mV is equivalent to 1 mA

of current flowing through the DUT.)

Original factory-supplied connection cords
HFPA150 is capable to measure the output current value through a current monitor port with direct connection to the oscilloscope using the BNC-BNC cord. This unique design saves cost and the need of an expensive current probe. A BNC-Alligator cord is supplied for the connection to the signal output port in order to pass the test signal to the connection points and metallic plate of NE.
To control the accuracy of monitoring the current to ±5%, the HFPA150 measures the current by means of a 1 Ω shunt together with the frequency compensation circuit. According to IEC60601-2-2 clause 201.15.101.6, NE contact impedance test frequency shall range from 200 kHz to 5 MHz. As the frequency changes, the small capacitance of the test cord with the HFPA150 resistor results in noticeable RC effect, leading to significant deviation of frequency response.
The original factory-supplied cords with the HFPA150 are designed to resolve the above described issues. It is strongly recommended to use the original factory-supplied cords for measurements. The specifications of the cord are as follows:

• a) BNC-BNC cord
  Exclusively designed for HFPA150 current monitoring, the BNC-BNC cord connects the current monitoring port with the oscilloscope. The indication of 1 mV is equivalent to 1 mA current flowing through the DUT.

b) BNC-Alligator cord
The BNC alligator clips on the short cord is specifically designed for NE tests. It connects the HFPA150 with the DUT. Each of the alligator clip connects the wire connection port of the DUT (neutral electrode) and the metallic plate/prosthesis

Note:
When using the BNC-Alligator cord, avoid contacting the two alligator clips together. Contacting the two alligator clips under no-load condition can cause output short circuit, equipment damage, and possible risk of fire and electric shock.

Instructions

A. Power

DC Power Port

Powering up

HFPA150 measures the output voltage and current through two connecting ports of the oscilloscope:

1. Connect the original factory-supplied BNC-BNC cord* with the “Current Monitoring” port and oscilloscope CH2.
2. Connect the “Output” port with the BNC-Alligator cord. Connect the other end of this cord to the analytes (DUT) and voltage probes connect with the oscilloscope CH1 (as shown in Figure 5)
3. Power up the HFPA150, turn the “Gain” knob clockwise to read a 50 kHz signals from CH1/CH2. The HFPA150 is working properly when amplitude increases with gain increase. The 1 mVrms at CH2 is equivalent to 1 mArms

B. How to monitor the HFPA150 output voltage and current

To achieve HFPA150 current monitoring accuracy (<± 5%), use the original factory-supplied connection cords

C. Parameter adjustment

Gain

1. “Gain” knob: use for gain output adjustment. Monitor the oscilloscope to adjust the desired voltage/current. Turing the knob clockwise to increase the gain; counter-clockwise to reduce the gain.
2. A flashing “Gain Indicator”: indicates signal being output. The light will be solid green when there is no signal output or the reset button is pressed.
3. “Gain Reset”: Press to reset gain to zero. For safety reason, always reset gain when replacing analytes.

Notes:

1. While doing gain adjustment, always monitor the current/voltage by an oscilloscope. Overcurrent will activate the protection circuit. See Chapter 7
2. When replacing the analyte, press “Gain Reset” to avoid hazard to operators or damage to HFPA150 unit due to sudden load reduction and current increase.
3. While turning the “Gain” knob to increase gain, the power output also increases accordingly. If the power output is over 2W, pay special attention to the heat and power tolerance while connecting the load. Always use safe work practices every time electrical equipment is used to avoid the risk of electric shock or fire.
4. While using the BNC-Alligator cord, avoid contacting the two alligator clips together. Contacting the two alligator clips under no-load condition can cause output short circuit, equipment damage, and possible risk of fire and electric shock.

Frequency

• “Frequency” knob: use for frequency output adjustment. Monitor the oscilloscope to adjust the desired frequency. Turning the knob clockwise to increase the frequency; counter-clockwise to reduce frequency.
• “100KHz” indicator: Illuminates to indicate for 100 kHz selection. Frequency is adjusted to be 100 kHz per step.
• “10KHz” indicator: Illuminates to indicate for 10 kHz selection. Frequency is adjusted to be 10 kHz per step.
• “100KHz/10KHz Frequency” switch button: Press for switch between 100 kHz and 10 kHz.

Overcurrent protection

To ensure the safety operation and avoid the risk of damage to equipment due to improper use, the HFPA150 is built with a set of overcurrent protection circuit.
When “Detected circuits” detects an overcurrent, it will target the “Power Amp (Turn Off)” to reduce immediately. In case the limit is reached, the “MCU” receives the signal and subsequently adjusts the “Variable Amp” of the gain value to “0”. Figure 6 below illustrates the principle of the protection circuit activation.

Instant current rise will results in an event that the impedance of the analyte is very low or even short circuit. In such case, using firmware to control “MCU” and further adjusting the gain value is not going to be responsive enough. The protection circuit works in the way of turning on the hardware as soon as overcurrent is being detected so that the “Power Amp” is reduced immediately. At this point, waveforms will distort (Figure B) due to the current decrease. There could also be no waveforms (Figure C) when the “MCU” adjusts the “Variable Amp” to Low gain “0.”

Both waveform distortion (Figure B) and no waveform (Figure C) indicate the protection circuit is activated. Readjust the gain value (increase or decrease) as needed.

Figure A: Normal waveforms on the oscilloscope display before protection circuit is activated.

Figure B: Distorted waveforms after the protection circuit shuts down the “Power Amp”.

Figure C: No waveform displayed after “MCU” adjusts the “Variable Amp” to Low gain “0.”

Test example

Test of ESU Neutral Electrodes Impedance Test
Refer to Figure 7 for HFPA150 connection for neutral electrode contact impedance test.

1. Connect the original factory-supplied BNC-Alligator cord from the “Output” port to the neutral electrode (NE) plates. Connect the red alligator clip to the NE connector and the black alligator clip to the adhesive metallic plate.
2. Connect the oscilloscope probe (CH1) to the same point as the red alligator clip on the NE connector, and connect the ground end of the probe to the adhesive metallic plate.
3. Connect the HFPA150 “Current Monitor” port and the oscilloscope CH2 using the original factory-supplied BNC-BNC cord.
4. Adjust HFPA150 “Gain” and “Frequency” to CH2 200 kHz, Vrms=200mVrms. (This indicates Irms=200mArms).
5. Measure Vrms voltage of CH1. Use the equation Z=V/I to get the contact impedance value.
   • Note: Turning the “Gain” Knob clockwise will increase gain and output power accordingly. When the output voltage exceeded 10 Vrms while the output current does not reach 200mArms, this is an indication that the neutral contact impedance of tested negative plate is more than 50Ω. (IEC60601-2-2:2009 clause 201.15.101.6 stated that the neutral electrode impedance shall not exceed 50 Ω). Stop increasing the gain in such event and record the rms voltage and current. Calculate the contact impedance value for the neutral electrode.
6. Adjust the frequency to 500 kHz/1 MHz/2 MHz/5 MHz and repeat step 4 and 5.

Cautions

• Warranty void if QC PASS label is removed or tampered with.
• The professional testing instrument, not a medical device, is for testing only, and will not involve human or clinical use.

Package Contents

• HFPA150 x 1
• Power Supplier x 1
• Signal line x 2

Optional Software and Accessories

• Load resistor x 2

Version Information

Chap 10 Ordering Information Chap 11 Version Information

| 20210331
20210618| Add

Chap 9 Cautions

| 20210618

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WhaleTeq Co. LTD

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Contact WhaleTeq

• Email: service@whaleteq.com
• Address: 8F., No. 125, Songjiang Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City 104474, Taiwan
• Phone: +886-2-2517-6255
• Website: www.whaleteq.com

References

• WhaleTeq
• WhaleTeq
• High Frequency Insulation Tester HFIT 8.0 — MEDTEQ

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