Report

EVALUATION OF THE ACCURACY OF DIGITAL POWER COMPARATORS

WITH HARMONICALLY DISTORTED WAVEFORMS
Enrico Mohns1
It is becoming increasingly important for ac power measurements to determine the electrical ac
power P as well as the voltage URMS and the current IRMS under distorted conditions. This is due to
the increasing distortions in electrical grids that result from non-linear loads. The measurement
accuracy of electricity meters must therefore also be assessed under such conditions. This is done
worldwide in specially equipped and certified laboratories with reference meters traceable to power
comparators. The comparators are calibrated from time to time to national standard in the respective
national metrology institutes (NMI).
This calibration is usually performed under sinusoidal conditions, as the number of possible
harmonically distorted waveforms (HDWFM) is unlimited and tests would have to be restricted to
specific HDWFMs. However, the measurement bandwidth of digital power comparators (DPC) is
sufficiently high to determine even the highest required 40th harmonic [1] with sufficient small
measurement uncertainty.
This report describes a method to specify the error limits of DPCs for any HDWFM. This is done
by using "worst case" test signals that are more distorted than the waveforms used when testing
electricity meters [2] (leading edge or half-wave rectification). Equations in general form for
determining the error limits for URMS, IRMS and P are provided. They can be used for retrospective
calculation of the error limits of DPCs that were previously only calibrated under sinusoidal
conditions. Finally, the deviations of a DPC determined with these test signals and other but
standardised test signals are compared.

1. DEFINING THE TEST SIGNALS

The harmonically distorted waveforms for DPC tests are usually limited to the 3rd or 5th harmonic
[2]. A total harmonic distortion (THD) of 10% is added to the voltage and a THD of 40% is added
to the current. These waveforms, which are not very meaningful, are replaced by a discrete spectrum
of the form f -2 for voltage and of the form f -1 for current, where f is the frequency.
When assuming one sine- and one cosine-type series, this results in the two suggested voltages (test
signals) usin(t) and ucos(t) in the form
n

usin ( t ) = 2 U ( k ) sin ( k 2 f 1 t )
k =1
n

u cos ( t ) = 2 U ( k ) cos ( k 2 f 1 t )

k =1

The author is with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (German National Metrology Institute),
38116 Braunschweig, Germany (E-mail: Enrico.Mohns@ptb.de)
(Date: 26.06.2009)
-1-

(1)

The spectral components U(k) are replaced by the fundamental component U1 and the order k of
the respective harmonic. This simplifies (1) to
n

1
sin ( k 2 f 1 t )
2
k =1 k
.
n 1
u cos ( t ) = 2 U1 2 cos ( k 2 f 1 t )
k =1 k
usin ( t ) = 2 U1

(2)

Figure 1 shows the test signals for the highest harmonic order of n = 20. The waveforms are
normalised to the rms value of the composite waveform. The crest factor cF = umax / URMS can
therefore be directly determined from the peak value displayed. The two very different progressions
have the same spectrum, which is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1: Test signals for voltage assuming sine- and cosine-type time series
according to (2) with n = 20 and a fundamental frequency of 50 Hz.

Figure 2: Spectrum of the f -2 test signal according to (2) with n = 20.

-2-

When assuming sine- and cosine-type time series, this results in the two suggested currents (test
signals) isin(t), and icos(t) for the spectral components I(k) in a similar manner to (1). The spectral
components I(k) are replaced by the fundamental component I1 and the order k of the respective
harmonic, considering a progression of f -1. This leads to
n

1
sin ( k 2 f 1 t )
k =1 k
.
n 1
i cos ( t ) = 2 I 1 cos ( k 2 f 1 t )
k =1 k
i sin ( t ) = 2 I 1

(3)

The progressions of the currents are shown in Figure 3 and the spectrum is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 3: Test signals for currents assuming sine-and cosine-type time series
according to (3) with n = 20 and a fundamental frequency of 50 Hz.

Figure 4: Spectrum of the f -1 test signal according to (3) with n = 20.

-3-

The characteristic properties of these test signals are summarised in Table 1.

Table 1: Characteristic properties of the test signals proposed
Properties (n = 20)

Voltage

sin

cos

THDU in %

28,7

U1/URMS in %

96,1

Crest factor cFU

Current

1,39

2,17

THDI in %

77,2

I1/IRMS in %

79,2

Crest factor cFI

1,99

4,03

Table 1 shows that these test signals put much higher loads on the DPCs than the usual tests
(THDU = 10 % and THDI = 40 %) with the third or fifth harmonic. The measurement deviations
will therefore be higher. It is intended to use these test signals to specify the error limits of DPCs. In
addition, a new DPC shall be calibrated with these signals as well as with the sinusoidal signals.

2. CALCULATION OF THE MEASUREMENT DEVIATION AT HDWFM

2.1 Measurement deviation of the rms voltage and rms current
The rms voltage URMS results from the individual rms values of all harmonics U(k). The total
harmonic distortion (THDU) of the voltage is calculated from the ratios U(k) / U1.
n

U RMS = U ( k )2 = U1 1 + THDU 2
k =1

U ( k )2

THDU =

k =2

U(k )

k = 2 U1
n

U1

(4)

The measurement deviation of the DPC URMS,DPC is determined by comparison with a reference
system. This is for distorted voltages and with consideration of (4) and the voltage error of the
fundamental U1,DPC
U RMS,DPC =

U RMS,DPC

U RMS,DPC =

U1,DPC

U RMS
U1

1
2
1 + THDU,DPC

U RMS,DPC U1,DPC +

1 + THDU 2

1 = (1 + U1,DPC )

2
1 + THDU,DPC

1 + THDU2

-4-

2
1 + THDU,DPC

1 + THDU2

1.

(5)

It is now possible to define a measurement deviation UHDWFM of the comparator that reflects the
error that occurs with harmonically distorted waveforms in addition to the measurement deviation
for sinusoidal voltages. This is

U HDWFM = U RMS,DPC U1,DPC =

2
1 + THDU,DPC

1 + THDU2

(6)

The rms current IRMS is calculated in an analogue manner from the individual rms values of all
harmonics I(k). The total harmonic distortion (THDI) of the current is calculated from the ratios
I(k) / I1.
n

I RMS = I ( k )2 = I 1 1 + THDI 2
k =1

I ( k )2

THDI =

k =2

I1

I (k )

k=2 I1
n

(7)

The measurement deviation IRMS,DPC is determined by comparison to a reference system. This is for
distorted currents and with consideration of (6) and the measurement deviation I1,DPC

I RMS,DPC =

I RMS,DPC

I RMS,DPC =

I 1,DPC

I RMS
I1

I RMS,DPC I 1,DPC +

1
2
1 + THDI,DPC

1 + THDI 2

1 = (1 + I 1,DPC )

2
1 + THDI,DPC

1 + THDI2

2
1 + THDI,DPC

1 + THDI2

1
.

(8)

and
I HDWFM I RMS,DPC I 1,DPC =

2
1 + THDI,DPC

1 + THDI2

It is apparent from (5) and (8) that the measurement deviation URMS,DPC (or IRMS,DPC) depends on
the one hand directly on the measurement deviation of the DPC for the fundamental component
U1,DPC (or I1,DPC), and on the other hand on the ability of the DPC to resolve the spectral
components U(k) / U1 (or I(k) / I1) and to calculate the total harmonic distortion THDU (or THDI)
correctly.
The spectral resolution of the DPC directly depends, in particular, on its frequency responses of the
voltage and current paths and the frequency response of its ADC. The non-linearity of the ADC has
an additional effect on the measurement deviation. The frequency responses and the non-linearity
are fixed by design. The resulting additional error UHDWFM (or IHDWFM) caused by HDWFM is
therefore an inherent characteristic of the device that does not change over time.

-5-

The measurement deviation of the DPC for the fundamental component U1,DPC (or I1,DPC) is
already determined during the calibration for sinusoidal signals. The error limits for this relative
measurement deviation are furthermore specified by the manufacturer to be in the range of 5010-6.
It is therefore useful to add another error limit that describes the additional measurement deviation
UHDWFM or IHDWFM of the DPC, when the harmonically distorted "worst case" waveforms
described above are applied. This makes it easy for laboratories to provide comprehensive
documentation (according to quality management ISO/IEC 17025) of their procedure for
measurements under distorted conditions.

2.2 Measurement deviation of the electrical ac power

The electrical ac power P results from the sum of the multiplications of the individual rms values of
all harmonics U(k)I(k) and the cosine of the corresponding enclosed phase angles (k)
n

P = U ( k ) I ( k ) cos ( ( k )) .

(9)

k =1

The relative measurement deviation PDPC of the DPC is related to the apparent power
S = URMSIRMS
n

PDPC =

PDPC P
=
S

U ( k )DPC I ( k )DPC cos ( ( k )DPC ) U ( k ) I ( k ) cos ( ( k ))

k =1

k =1

U1 I 1 1 + THDU 1 + THDI 2
2

PDPC =

n U (k ) I (k )
U ( k )DPC I ( k )DPC

cos ( ( k )DPC )

cos ( ( k ))
U1
I1
I1
k =2
k = 2 U1

P1,DPC +

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2
(10)

Here it is also apparent that the measurement deviation for the ac power depends on the
measurement deviation P1,DPC for the power of the fundamental components. As for (5) and (8),
there are also additional terms that depend on the spectral resolution. The phase angle and the
internal phase displacement of the DPC are additional elements. The problem is the separation of
the respective effects. This is not possible, as the individual components overlap, but conclusions
concerning additional error limits of the DPC can be made in a meaningful manner using tests with
the test signals proposed.
The first test can be performed with the signals usin(t) and isin(t). The phase angles (k) are in this case
equal to zero for all k. The cos-term in (10) with the phase angle can therefore be neglected (set to
one). The determined deviation PDPC(0) of this test therefore describes the effect of the frequency
responses of the voltage and current paths as well as the non-linearity of the DPC. The second test
can be performed with the signals ucos(t) and isin(t). The enclosed phase angle is now 90, so that the
result PDPC calculated by the DPC should be equal to zero. A deviation PDPC(90) therefore
describes the effect of the internal phase displacement of the voltage and current paths.
The results of the two tests PDPC(0) and PDPC(90) can be seen as extremes. Measurement
deviations PDPC caused by any other phase angle will produce a variety of results, but all will be
within the range of (PDPC(0)2 + PDPC(90)2). The two tests provide the following results:
-6-

PDPC (0 )

U ( k )DPC I ( k )DPC U ( k ) I ( k )

U1
I1
U1
I1
k=2

P1,DPC (0 ) +

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2

(11)
n

U ( k )DPC I ( k )DPC

k 1,DPC
U1
I1
k =2

P1,DPC (90 ) +
PDPC (90)

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2

It was assumed that the phase displacement (k)DPC has a linear relationship to the order k and the
phase displacement of the fundamental component 1,DPC. This phase displacement of the
fundamental component is in turn covered by the calibration for the sinusoidal signals. The
manufacturer of the DPC furthermore guarantees that the phase displacement 1,DPC remains
within a specified error limit (usually within 50 rad, corresponding to 5010-6). The phase
displacement in turn depends only on the frequency responses of the voltage and current paths of
the DPC and is therefore a design property that is typical for the device and does not change over
time.

3. CALCULATION OF THE ERROR LIMITS OF DPC WITH HDWFM

3.1 Requirements for the calculation of the error limits
Several requirements must be fulfilled to allow the calculation of the error limits, which is based on
applying equations (4) to (11) for the internal calculations routines of the DPC in a general manner.
The reason for these requirements is that the calculation routines of the DPC are based on the time
domain while the calculations presented in this report are based on the frequency domain to limit the
extent of the calculations as far as possible. These requirements are as follows for the DPCs
Com1003, Com303, Com3000 and Com3003 offered by Zera:

a) The sampling frequency is synchronised with the fundamental component of the voltage
and current signals. This results in a sampling rate, that is an integer multiple of the
fundamental component. The sampling rate of these devices is 720 points per period of the
fundamental. The DPC is therefore theoretically capable to resolve the spectral components
up to the 359th harmonic (Nuiquist bandwidth).
b) The signal paths (voltage divider, current-to-voltage transducer including the ADCs) are
sufficiently linear within their dynamic range. This is due to the high resolution of the ADC
(20 bit) and the low linearity error found with sinusoidal test signals ( 3010-6 for rms
measurement deviations between 40 %... 120% of the respective measurement range).
c) The signal paths (voltage divider, current transformer) have a sufficient bandwidth to
adapt the test signals internally without a significant loss of amplitude to the measurement
ranges of the ADCs. A bandwidth of 20 kHz (-3 dB) is assumed in the subsequent
calculations and is based on the specifications of the manufacturer. The frequency response
for the voltage path FU (as for the current path FI) was assumed to be a first-order low-pass
filter for the interesting frequency range from 50 Hz to 2 kHz (fundamental to 40th
harmonic). For further calculation this frequency response is expressed without the normally
required range constants. With the imaginary unit j, it follows that
-7-

U ( f )DPC
1
1
= F U( f ) =
=
f
U( f )
1+ j
1+ f / fg
fg

U ( k )DPC
= F U (k ) =
U(k )

1 + k f1 / f g

jk

f
fg

(12)

f1
fg

3.2 Calculation of the error limit for the rms voltage

Application of (6) and the frequency response according to (12) results for UHDWFM ( ' means
exclusive consideration of the frequency-dependent influence) in

U ' HDWFM

2
1 + THDU,DPC

1 + THDU2

1
2

U ( k )DPC
1+

k = 2 U 1,DPC

1
2
n U (k )
1+

k = 2 U1
n

U ' HDWFM

U ' HDWFM

2
U(k ) 1 + f1 / f g
1+

k = 2 U1 1 + k f / f
1
g
n

U(k )
1+

k = 2 U1
n

1
.

(13)

Inserting the suggested spectrum according to (2) leads to the following, additional measurement
deviation for the DPC with HDWFM

U ' HDWFM

1 1 + f1 / f g
1+ 4
k =2 k
1 + k f1 / f g
n

1
1+ 4
k=2 k

1.

(14)

The final result for n = 20 is

2

U ' HDWFM

50 Hz
1+

20 1
20000 Hz
1+ 4
2
k =2 k
50 Hz

1+ k

20000 Hz 1 = 1.5 10 6 .

20 1
1+ 4
k =2 k
-8-

(15)

The calculated difference between the measurement deviation for the fundamental component
U1,DPC and the measurement deviation with HDWFM URMS,DPC is only UHDWFM = 1.510-6. This
difference is calculated for different cut-off frequencies fg (10 kHz 20 kHz) and different values of
n (n 40) to determine an appropriate error limit. The result is shown in Figure 5. It is apparent that
the effect of the order n of the maximum harmonic considered is small. However, the cut-off
frequency has a stronger (square) impact. The maximum difference is about UHDWFM = 210-6 at
fg = 20 kHz.

Figure 5: Additional measurement deviation U HDWFM for the rms voltage for different assumed cut-off
frequencies and different maximum harmonic orders n and for the spectrum of the f -2 test signal according to
(2). The non-linearity of the ADC is not considered here.

The considerations performed for the maximum difference UHDWFM for any k -2-type voltage
spectra are only valid when complete linearity of the voltage path and the ADC is assumed.
However, the linearity in the range between 40%...120% of the respective voltage measurement
range typically is ULinear = 3010-6 (see 3.1-b). In the worst case, the amounts of the two deviations
add up and result in the total, additional measurement deviation
U HDWFM = U ' HDWFM + U Linear
U HDWFM = 2 10 6 + 30 10 6 = 32 10 6

(16)

The rounded-up value is UHDWFM = 5010-6. This value is recommended as an additional error limit
for determining the value of the rms voltage.

-9-

3.3 Calculations of the error limit for the rms current

Use of the analogy according to (13), application of (8) and the frequency response according to (12)
results for IHDWFM ( ' means exclusive consideration of the frequency-dependent influence) in
I ' HDWFM

2
1 + THDI,DPC

1 + THDI2

1
2

I ( k )DPC
1+

k = 2 I 1,DPC

1
2
n I (k )
1+

k =2 I 1
n

I ' HDWFM

I ' HDWFM

2
I (k ) 1 + f1 / f g
1+

k =2 I 1 1 + k f / f
1
g

I (k )
1+

k =2 I 1
n

1
.

(17)

Inserting the suggested spectrum according to (3) results in the following measurement deviation for
the current of the DPC with HDWFM:

I ' HDWFM

1 1 + f1 / f g
1+ 2
k =2 k
1 + k f1 / f g
n

1
1+ 2
k=2 k

1 .

(18)

The final result for n = 20 is

2

I ' HDWFM

50 Hz
1+

20 1
20000 Hz
1+ 2
2
k =2 k
50 Hz

1+ k

20000 Hz 1 = 36 10 6 .

20 1
1+ 2
k =2 k

(19)

The calculated difference between the measurement deviation for the fundamental component
I1,DPC and the measurement deviation with HDWFM URMS,DPC is IHDWFM = 3610-6. This
difference is again evaluated for different cut-off frequencies fg (10 kHz 20 kHz) and different
values of n (n 40) to determine an appropriate error limit. The result is shown in Figure 6. It is
apparent that the effect of the order n of the maximum harmonic order considered is linear. The
maximum difference is about IHDWFM = 7510-6 at fg = 20 kHz.

- 10 -

Figure 6: Additional measurement deviation I HDWFM for the rms current at different assumed cut-off
frequencies and different maximum harmonic orders n and the spectrum of the f -1 test signal according to (3).
The non-linearity of the ADC was not considered here.

The considerations made for the maximum difference IHDWFM for any k -1-type spectra of the
current only apply when complete linearity of the current path and the ADC is assumed. However,
the linearity in the range from 40%...120% of the respective current measurement range is typically
ILinear = 3010-6 (see 3.1-b). In the worst case, the amounts of the two deviations add up and result
in the total, additional measurement deviation
I HDWFM = I ' HDWFM + I Linear
I HDWFM = 36 10 6 + 30 10 6 = 66 10 6

(20)

The rounded-up is IHDWFM = 10010-6. This value is recommended as an additional error limit for
determining the value of the rms current.

- 11 -

3.4 Calculation of the error limit for the electrical ac power

Use of (11) and the assumption of an identical frequency response for the voltage and current paths
according to (12) results in the measurement deviation PDPC(0) in
n

PDPC (0 )

U ( k )DPC I ( k )DPC U ( k ) I ( k )

U1
I1
U1
I1
k =2

P1,DPC (0) +

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2

U (k ) I (k )
1
P1,DPC (0 ) +

I1 1 + k f / f
k = 2 U1
1
g

PDPC (0 )
1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2
n

(21)

f n U (k ) I (k ) 2
P1,DPC (0 ) 1

k
f g k = 2 U1
I
1

PDPC (0 )
1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2

Inserting the spectra according to (2) and (3) provides the relative measurement deviation for the
electrical ac power of the DPC with HDWFM ( ' means exclusive consideration of the frequencydependent influence)
2

f n 1
P1,DPC (0 ) 1
f g k =2 k

.
P 'DPC (0 )
2
1 + THDU 1 + THDI 2

(22)

The result for n = 20, the harmonic distortions THDU = 0.287 and THDI = 0.772 and the relative
measurement deviations for power P1,DPC = 10010-6 for the fundamental components (error limit
according to the manufacturer) is
2

50 Hz n 1
100 10 6

20000 Hz k = 2 k = 64 10 6 .
P 'DPC (0 )
1 + 0.2872 1 + 0.7722

(23)

A sinusoidal operation results in a relative measurement deviation P1,DPC(0) = 10010-6. The

additional measurement deviation PHDWFM(0) is therefore about 3610-6. This is of the same order
as the additional DPC measurement deviation IHDWFM for the rms current, but larger than the
additional measurement deviation UHDWFM for the rms voltage.

- 12 -

Using (11) and assuming an identical frequency response for the voltage and current paths according
to (12) results in the measurement deviation PDPC(90)
n

U ( k )DPC I ( k )DPC

k 1,DPC
U1
I1
k =2

P1,DPC (90 ) +
PDPC (90)

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2

U(k ) I (k )
1

I1 1 + k f / f
k =1 U1
1
g

PDPC (90)

k 1,DPC

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2

U (k ) I (k )

k k3 f1 / f g
I 1
k =1 U1

1,DPC
PDPC (90)

)
2

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2
n

U (k ) I (k )

k
I1
k =1 U1

1,DPC
PDPC (90)

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2

(24)

Inserting the spectra according to (2) and (3) provides the relative measurement deviation PDPC(90)
for the electrical ac power of the DPC with HDWFM ( ' means exclusive consideration of the
frequency-dependent effect)
n

P 'DPC (90 )

1
2
k =1 k

1,DPC

1 + THDU 2 1 + THDI 2

(25)

The results for n = 20, the harmonic distortions THDU = 0.287 and THDI = 0.772 and the phase
displacement for the fundamental component 1,DPC = 5010-6 is
n

P 'DPC (90 )

1
2
k =1 k

50 10 6

1 + 0.287 1 + 0.772
2

= 60.7 106 .

(26)

Sinusoidal operation would result in a relative measurement deviation P1,DPC(90) = 5010-6. The
additional measurement deviation PHDWFM(90) is therefore about 1110-6.
For all other phase angles (k) - see (10) - but with spectra according to (2) and (3), the maximum,
additional measurement deviation is PHDWFM((k)) = (362 + 112) = 3810-6.
The considerations made for the maximum difference PHDWFM((k)) only apply when complete
linearity of the voltage and current path and the ADC is assumed. However, the linear properties in
- 13 -

the range between 40%... 120% of the respective voltage and current measurement ranges are
typically ULinear = 3010-6 and ILinear = 3010-6 (see 3.1-b). In the worst case, the amounts of the
three deviations add up and result in the total, additional measurement deviation
PHDWFM ( ( k )) = P ' HDWFM ( ( k )) + U Linear + I Linear
PHDWFM = 38 10 6 + 30 10 6 + 30 10 6 = 98 10 6

(27)

The rounded-up value is PHDWFM = 10010-6. This value is recommended as the additional error
limit for determining the electrical ac power.

3.5 Summaries of the error limits of the DPC with HDWFM

The error limits summarised below result for DPCs of type Com1003, Com303, Com3000 and
Com3003 of the Zera Company, based on the calculations according to (16), (20) and (27). All values
for the HDWFM are rounded-up to full 5010-6. The combined error limits with HDWFM have to
be calculated properly from the error limits for sinusoidal signals and the (additional) error limits
with HDWFM. Additionally the error limits with HDWFM have to be declared in the operation
manual from the manufacturer of the DPC.
Table 2: Compilation of the error limits of the DPCs for test signals according to (2) and (3)
Error limits

Voltage

Current

Electrical
ac power

(Sine)
U1 in %

0.005

(in addition with HDWFM2)

UHDWFM in %

0.005

(Sine)
I1 in %

0.005

(in addition with HDWFM3)

IHDWFM in %

0.010

(Sine)
P1 in %

0.010

(in addition with HDWFM4)

PHDWFM in %

0.010

Voltage - for all spectra with an f -2-type progression, a crest factor cFU 2.2 and maximum harmonic order n = 20

Current - for all spectra with an f -1-type progression, a crest factor cFI 4.0 and maximum harmonic order n = 20

Electrical ac power - for all spectra with signals that comply with 1 and 2
- 14 -

Frequenz

KEY
Frequenz
Messbereich Spannung
Kurvenform
Sinus
Bezug
80

Sinus (Bezug)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2
Kombination 9
Kombination 12

Frequenz

0,00
28,68
28,68
43,48
45,89

THDU
in %

U RMS
in V
160

Kurvenform

Sinus (Bezug)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2

Frequency
Measuring range for voltage
Curve type (see appendix)
Sine
Reference

- 15 0,00
28,68
28,68

THDU
in %

Messbereich Spannung

U RMS
in V

Kurvenform

Messbereich Spannung

U 2
in 10-6
-34
-35
-36

U 1
in 10-6
-21
-22
-21

240 V

55,5 Hz

U 2
in 10-6
-28
-28
-30
-38
-58

U 1
in 10-6
-22
-22
-23
-30
-51

120 V

55,5 Hz

U 3

in 10-6
-27
-28
-29

U 3

in 10-6
-24
-24
-26
-32
-51

in 10-6
-1
-3
-10
-30

in 10-6
0
-3
-9
-28

U 2,HDWFM U 3,HDWFM

in 10-6
0
0

in 10-6
-1
-1

in 10-6
0
-2

U 1,HDWFM U 2,HDWFM U 3,HDWFM

in 10-6
0
-1
-9
-29

U 1,HDWFM

35

U (
U )
in 10-6
15

35

U (
U )
in 10-6
15

4. COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION

4.1 Investigation of the measurement deviation of the rms voltage

Table 3: Results of the calibration of a DPC (COM 303) with HDWFM for the rms voltage

KEY
Frequenz
Messbereich Strom
Kurvenform
Sinus
Bezug
Frequenz

0,00
77,17
0,00
77,05
0,00
77,06

THDI
in %

I RMS
in A

0,8

Sinus (Bezug)
Kombination 1
Kombination 3
Kombination 5
Kombination 6
Kombination 7
Kombination 8
Kombination 9
Kombination 10
Kombination 11
Kombination 12

Frequency
Measuring range for current
Curve type (see appendix)
Sine
Reference

- 16 0,01
77,05
77,06
43,31
91,07
32,72
94,59
43,47
24,60
62,92
45,75

THDI
in %

Messbereich Strom

0,8

0,08

I RMS
in A

Kurvenform

Sinus (Bezug)
Kombination 1
Sinus (Bezug)
Kombination 1
Sinus (Bezug)
Kombination 1

Kurvenform

Frequenz
Messbereiche Strom

I 2
in 10-6
-41
-73
-24
-54
-33
-43
-49
-31
-48
-75
-58

I 1
in 10-6
-72
-100
-51
-83
-58
-73
-73
-64
-79
-101
-88

2A

55,5 Hz

I 2
in 10-6
-60
-92
-58
-86
-52
-78

I 1
in 10-6
-62
-92
-56
-79
-56
-88

100 mA - 1 A - 10 A

55,5 Hz

I 3

in 10-6
-68
-97
-53
-80
-58
-69
-71
-61
-75
-98
-83

I 3

in 10-6
-49
-80
-50
-75
-42
-73

in 10-6
-28
21
-12
13
-1
-1
8
-7
-30
-16

I 1,HDWFM

in 10-6
-29
-23
-32

I 1,HDWFM

in 10-6
-32
17
-13
7
-2
-9
10
-8
-34
-17

I 2,HDWFM

in 10-6
-31
-27
-26

I 2,HDWFM

in 10-6
-29
15
-12
10
-1
-3
7
-7
-30
-15

I 3,HDWFM

in 10-6
-30
-25
-31

I 3,HDWFM

40

U (
I )
in 10-6
20

15
35
15
35
15
35

U (
I )
in 10-6

4.2 Investigation of the measurement deviation of the rms current

Table 4: Results of the calibration of a DPC (COM 303) with HDWFM for the rms current

Frequenz

KEY
Frequenz
Messbereich Spannung
Messbereich Strom

Frequency
Measuring range for voltage
Measuring range for current

- 17 -

80

Sinus (Bezug1)
Sinus (Bezug2)
Sinus (Bezug3)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2
Kombination 3
Kombination 4
Kombination 5
Kombination 6
Kombination 7
Kombination 8
Kombination 9
Kombination 10
Kombination 11
Kombination 12
Kombination 13
Kombination 14

Frequenz

U RMS
in V

160

Kurvenform

Sinus (Bezug1)
Sinus (Bezug2)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2
Sinus (Bezug1)
Sinus (Bezug2)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2
Sinus (Bezug1)
Sinus (Bezug2)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2

Kurvenform
Sinus
Bezug
28,68

77,06

0,00

0,00
8

77,05

28,68

0,00
0,8

0,00

0,00

THDI
in %

77,17

0,08

I RMS
in A

100 mA - 1 A - 10 A

240 V

28,68

0,00

THDU
in %

Messbereich Strom

55,5 Hz

77,05
77,05
77,06
77,05
43,31
91,07
32,72
94,59
43,47
24,60
62,92
45,75
45,75
45,75

THDI
in %

28,68
28,68
28,68
28,68
0,00
0,00
0,00
0,00
43,48
0,00
0,00
45,89
45,89
45,89
0,8

I RMS
in A
0,00

2A

120 V

55,5 Hz

0,00

THDU
in %

Messbereich Spannung

U RMS
in V

Kurvenform

Messbereich Strom

Messbereich Spannung

0
90
0
90
0
90
0
90
0
90
0
90

in

0
90
-90
0
90
0
-90
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
90
-90

in

-6

P 1

in 10
-90
-7
-72
15
-79
4
-66
14
-78
4
-64
21

-6

P 1

in 10
-92
5
-6
-69
10
-48
-13
-91
-47
-84
-52
-63
-90
-76
-132
-1
-1

-6

in 10
-97
-14
-77
11
-94
-2
-78
13
-88
-5
-70
17

P 2

-6

P 2
in 10
-66
-2
1
-52
7
-32
-9
-68
-32
-61
-37
-46
-66
-57
-110
-2
1

-6

in 10
-78
16
-63
28
-79
-1
-64
10
-70
21
-57
31

P 3

-6

P 3
in 10
-89
2
-3
-67
8
-49
-12
-89
-49
-83
-53
-62
-88
-75
-128
-1
0

-6

-6

in 10
14
10
34
-10
-1
35
6
30
21
1
9
-44
0
0

-6

in 10
23
6
40
-8
1
40
7
37
27
1
14
-39
-3
3

in 10
19
22
13
10
14
17

-6

-6

in 10
21
26
17
15
18
23

-6

in 10
15
12
14
10
12
10

P 1,HDWFM P 2,HDWFM P 3,HDWFM

in 10
23
6
44
-8
1
45
8
40
28
2
16
-41
-5
5

P 1,HDWFM P 2,HDWFM P 3,HDWFM

50

30

50

30

50

30

U (
P )
-6
in 10

50

30

U (
P )
-6
in 10

4.3 Investigation of the measurement deviation of the electrical ac power

Table 5: Results of the calibration of a DPC (COM 303) with HDWFM for the electrical ac power

Curve type (see appendix)

Sine
Reference

KEY
Frequenz
Messbereich Spannung
Messbereich Strom

Frequency
Measuring range for voltage
Measuring range for current

- 18 -

Kurvenform
Sinus
Bezug

Sinus (Bezug1)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2
Sinus (Bezug1)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2
Sinus (Bezug1)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2

Kurvenform

Sinus (Bezug1)
Kombination 1
Kombination 2
Kombination 3
Kombination 4
Kombination 5
Kombination 6
Kombination 7
Kombination 8
Kombination 9
Kombination 10
Kombination 11
Kombination 12
Kombination 13
Kombination 14

Kurvenform
0,00
28,68
28,68
28,68
28,68
0,00
0,00
0,00
0,00
43,48
0,00
0,00
45,89
45,89
45,89

THDU
in %

160

U RMS
in V

28,68

0,00

28,68

0,00

28,68

0,00

THDU
in %

Frequenz
Messbereich Spannung
Messbereich Strom

80

U RMS
in V

Frequenz
Messbereich Spannung
Messbereich Strom

0,00
77,05
77,05
77,06
77,05
43,31
91,07
32,72
94,59
43,47
24,60
62,92
45,75
45,75
45,75

THDI
in %

0,8

0,08

I RMS
in A

77,06

0,00

77,05

0,00

77,17

0,00

THDI
in %

55,5 Hz
240 V
100 mA - 1 A - 10 A

0,8

I RMS
in A

55,5 Hz
120 V
2A

1
-6

S 1

0
0
90
0
0
90
0
0
90

-85
-115
-111
-77
-103
-101
-77
-110
-110

-95
-127
-124
-93
-123
-121
-86
-112
-114

S 2
in 10-6

S 1
in 10-6

-69
-101
-104
-54
-49
-81
-61
-70
-78
-69
-76
-101
-116
-115
-115

-6

S 2
in 10

-93
-122
-122
-74
-70
-105
-80
-94
-95
-95
-100
-121
-138
-138
-137

in 10

in

0
0
90
0
-90
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
90
-90

in

-78
-106
-107
-77
-104
-104
-69
-101
-103

in 10-6

S 3

-92
-121
-123
-79
-73
-103
-82
-93
-96
-93
-98
-119
-135
-134
-133

-6

S 3
in 10

-6

-32
-36
14
20
-13
7
-2
-9
0
-7
-32
-48
-46
-46

-6

in 10
-29
-31
13
19
-12
9
-1
-4
-2
-7
-28
-43
-43
-41

-6

in 10

-30
-26
-26
-24
-34
-33

in 10-6

-32
-30
-31
-28
-26
-28

in 10-6

-29
-29
-27
-27
-32
-34

in 10-6

S 1,HDWFM S 2,HDWFM S 3,HDWFM

-29
-29
20
24
-11
13
-1
-2
-1
-6
-27
-45
-44
-44

in 10

S 1,HDWFM S 2,HDWFM S 3,HDWFM

50

30

50

30

50

30

U (
S )
-6
in 10

50

30

U (
S )
-6
in 10

4.4 Investigation of the measurement deviation of the apparent power

Table 6: Results of the calibration of a DPC (COM 303) with HDWFM for the apparent power

Curve type (see appendix)

Sine
Reference

4.5 Evaluation of the results considering the error limits calculated

a) Voltage
The calculated error limit (see Table 2) for the additional measurement deviation is
UHDWFM 5010-6. The calibrated measurement deviations (see Table 3) for the curve types
"Combination 1", "Combination 2", and "Combination 9" are smaller than 1010-6 with an
extended measurement uncertainty of MU = 3510-6. The calculated error limit therefore fully
includes the calibrated measurement deviations. As expected, no significant difference could
be found between the different measurement ranges.
The additional measurement deviation for the curve type "Combination 12" violates the
conditions for an f -2-type signal progression. The measured deviation UHDWFM 3010-6 is
therefore also larger. However, the calculated error limit of 5010-6 includes at least a part of
the calibrated measurement deviation UHDWFM, when the extended measurement uncertainty
MU = 3510-6 is considered.

b) Current
The calculated error limit (see Table 2) for the additional measurement deviation is
IHDWFM 10010-6. The calibrated measurement deviations (see Table 4) for all curve types
"Combination 1" to "Combination 12" are smaller than 3510-6 with an extended
measurement uncertainty of MU = 3510-6. The calculated error limit therefore fully includes
the calibrated measurement deviations. As expected, no significant difference could be found
between the different measurement ranges.
An interesting finding is provided by the fact that the measurement deviations for the
standardised curve types Class A to Class D (Combination 5 to Combination 8) [1] are much
smaller than the measurement deviations for the test functions isin(t) and icos(t) suggested in
this report. The intended worst-case effect of the suggested test functions is therefore
illustrated by this example.
Other curve types such as the sine half-wave (Combination 9), the leading edge at 45 or 90
(Combination 10 and Combination 11) as well as the rectangular signal (Combination 12)
result in measurement deviations IHDWFM that are at most equal or smaller than the
measurement deviations IHDWFM determined with the suggested test functions isin(t) and
icos(t). This again confirms the intended "worst case" relationship of the test functions
suggested here (Combination 1 to Combination 4).

c) Electrical ac power
The calculated error limit (see Table 2) for the additional measurement deviation is
PHDWFM 10010-6. The calibrated measurement deviations (see Table 5) for all curve types
"Combination 1" to "Combination 11" are smaller than 4510-6 with an extended
measurement uncertainty of MU = 5010-6. The calculated error limit therefore fully includes
the calibrated measurement deviations. A significant difference between the different
measurement ranges could not be determined.
The measurement deviations determined for the curve types "Combination 12" to
"Combination 14" violate the condition for the spectral progression of the voltage. However,
- 19 -

they are smaller than 4410-6 with an extended measurement uncertainty of MU = 5010-6.
These measurement deviations are within the calculated error limit of PHDWFM 10010-6.
It is apparent that the measurement deviations for the standardised IEC curve types Class A
to Class D (Combination 5 to Combination 8) are at most equal or smaller than the
measurement deviations found for the test functions suggested in this report (Combination 1
to Combination 4). This corresponds to the findings for the current (see 4.5 b). This example
therefore demonstrates the "worst case" nature of the test functions suggested here also for
the electrical ac power.

d) Apparent power
No error limit was calculated for the additional measurement deviation SHDWFM. The
measurement deviations found (see Table 6) are for all the curve types "Combination 1" to
"Combination 11" smaller than 3610-6 with an extended measurement uncertainty of
MU = 5010-6. An error limit SHDWFM = 10010-6 (as for the error limit for the electrical ac
power) would therefore fully include the calibrated measurement deviations. A significant
difference between different measuring ranges could not be found.
The measurement deviations found for the curve types "Combination 12" to "Combination
14" violate the condition for the spectral progression of voltage. However, they are smaller
than 4810-6 with an extended measurement uncertainty of U = 5010-6. These measurement
deviations also are below the suggested error limit of SHDWFM 10010-6.

d) Reactive power
No error limit for the additional measurement deviation QHDWFM was calculated in this
report. This is due to the different definitions for the reactive power. Two different
measuring systems might therefore display different results and the calculation of the
additional measurement deviation QHDWFM was therefore omitted. However, it can be
assumed that an additional measurement deviation of QHDWFM = 10010-6 would also apply
to the definition of reactive power implemented in the DPC, when the devices to be tested
or calibrated work with the same definition of the reactive power. This statement can be
derived from the result for the electrical ac power and the apparent power. However, in case
of doubt, this will have to be proven.

- 20 -

5. APPLICATION EXAMPLE: MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY BUDGET

THE ELECTRICAL AC POWER IN AN ACCREDITED LABORATORY

FOR

In this example, the Type B measurement uncertainty of a comparator is calculated for the
measurement deviation PDPC related to the apparent power, taking the effect of harmonically
distorted waveforms into account. The Type A measurement uncertainty can later be added to the
results.
The calibration laboratory only knows the measurement deviations P1,DPC under sinusoidal
conditions. These are provided in a calibration certificate of a NMI. The measurement deviations
found are in the range of 7010-6. The NMI certified an extended measurement uncertainty (k = 2)
of 10010-6 (Gaussian distribution). To simplify matters, the calibration laboratory does not intend to
correct the systematic measurement deviations found, as harmonically distorted measurements (test
of electricity meters MID Class A, B, C) do not require the smallest possible measurement
uncertainty. This is considered in the form of the additional variable PRange, which has a
rectangularly distributed measurement uncertainty of 7010-6. The effect of the distorted voltages
and currents on the DPC can only be considered by using the additional error limit
PHDWFM = 10010-6 provided by the manufacturer as no other information or calibration is
available. This is done by assuming a rectangularly distributed variable according to GUM [3]. The
model equation for determining the measurement uncertainty is
PDPC = P1,DPC PRange + PHDWFM

(28)

Table 6: Measurement uncertainty budget (Type B only) for the measurement deviation PDPC related to the
apparent power of a comparator of the type COM3003
sensitivity variance
2 weight in
coefficient (c iu (X i))
%
-12
ci
in 10

value

relative standard
uncertainty
u (X i) in 10-6

P 1,DPC

50,0

2500,0

33,5

P Range

40,4

1633,3

21,9

P 1,DPC

57,7

3333,3

44,6

contribution

Xi

(variance) =
deviation P DPC = 0

ext. uncertainty U ( P DPC) =

7466,7
-6

17310

(k =2)

The extended measurement uncertainty including the usually negligible Type A component would
lead to a stated extended measurement uncertainty of U(PDPC) = 2.010-4 (equivalent to 0.020 %)
(rounded-up with not more than two significant digits).

- 21 -

References
[1]

IEC 61000-3-2

[2]

IEC 62053-21

[3]

GUM "Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement"

Enrico Mohns was born in Bautzen, Germany, in 1973. He received the

Dipl.-Ing. (FH) degree from the Braunschweig-Wolfenbttel University of
Applied Sciences in 2001, and the Dipl.-Ing. (TU) degree from the
Technical University Braunschweig in 2007.
In 2001, he joined the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt,
Braunschweig, where he has been engaged in the field of electric power
measurement techniques. Since 2008, he has been head of the working
group instrument transformers.

- 22 -

5. APPENDIX
5.1 Progression of the test signals for voltage (blue) and current (red)
A)

Combination 1 (usin(t) and isin(t), see (2) and (3))

- 23 -

B)

Combination 2 (ucos(t) and isin(t), see (2) and (3))

- 24 -

C)

Combination 3 (ucos(t) and icos(t), see (2) and (3))

- 25 -

D)

Combination 4 (usin(t) and icos(t), see (2) and (3))

- 26 -

E)

Combination 5 (IEC Class A)

- 27 -

F)

Combination 6 (IEC Class B)

- 28 -

G)

Combination 7 (IEC Class C)

- 29 -

H)

Combination 8 (IEC Class D)

- 30 -

I)

Combination 9 (sine - half-wave)

- 31 -

J)

Combination 10 (leading edge 45)

- 32 -

K)

Combination 11 (leading edge 90)

- 33 -

L)

Combination 12 (rectangular signal - 0)

- 34 -

M)

Combination 13 (rectangular signal - +90)

- 35 -

N)

Combination 14 (rectangular signal - -90)

- 36 -