VECTO 3

The VECTO 3 is a multifunction, waveform synchronised, Ed3.0 Class-A, portable or fixed installation power quality analyser, recorder and measurement device, now in its fourth generation.

Right side-on view of the VECTO 3 Waveform Synchronised Edge-Computer based multifunctional power quality measurement device with advanced PMU, Metering, Grid Stability Monitoring and Grid Automation capabilities.

4th Generation
VECTO 3

The 1.5MHz sampling VECTO 3 is a multifunction, waveform synchronised, Ed3.0 Class-A power quality recording device, sampling at 1.5MHz with the ability to store 50kHz time synchronised waveforms. 

The device is permanently GPS or PTP time synchronised to within <100ns from absolute time, and offers high accuracy and high-bandwidth analog inputs with programmable gain. It offers secure Gigabit bandwidth IP integration via Ethernet, Fiber, WiFi and 4G Cellular interfaces. The devices are powered from either AC, DC or POE-Plus sources and offers built-in battery support. VECTO devices can operate stand-alone or as part of a fleet of permanently connected devices managed by VECTO Grid OS, the big data hosting, visualisation, analysis & reporting software platform. Various value-adding software modules are available.

We took this opportunity to align the device’s features with market needs, incorporating valuable feedback from our clients to ensure it meets and exceeds their expectations.

System upgrades

  • Higher sampling rate with 30x oversampling (1.5MHz sampling rate)
  • Incredible harmonic and small signal performance
  • Higher analogue bandwidth (500kHz)
  • Waveform samples now 21-bit resolution
  • 10 x better phase angle accuracy over broader spectrum
  • Built-in PCIe SSD drive
  • Replaceable li-ion batteries with 10-year design life
  • Fanless sesign with low self-heat

Voltage Input Upgrades

  • Selectable measurement input range for improved accuracy
  • 600V, 300V, 150V, 75V, 37.5V signal performance

Current Input Upgrades

  • Lower input impedance (5mΩ)
  • Higher fault level withstand

Current Sensor Input Upgrades

  • Fully differential
  • Selectable measurement input range for improved accuracy
  • 10V, 5V, 2.5V, 1.25V, 625mV

Analogue/Digital Input Upgrades

  • Analog level detection
  • Analog trending

Communication Upgrades

  • SFP fibre converter cage
  • MIMO cellular antenna
  • MIMO WiFi antenna
  • IEC62439-6:2006 MIB (Annex E)
  • Support Sample Values via IEC61850-9-2LE

Synchronisation Upgrades

  • PTP time synchronisation (digital substation ready)
  • Allow download of example PTP profiles, including IEEEC37.234-2017 and IEC61850-9-3
  • Allow upload of PTP Security Associations
  • Allow tracking PTP grand master clock class

Power Supply Upgrades

  • Low power consumption (<10W)
  • Low harmonic content of load current

Hardware Features

  • 1.5MHz sampling rate
    • 500kHz analogue bandwidth
    • 50kHz diagnostic waveform capturing
  • GPS, IEEE 1588V2 (PTP) & NTP time synchronisation
  • NVMe M.2 SSD data storage
  • Battery-backed GPS w active antenna
  • Battery-backed 4G cellular modem w MIMO antennae
  • Battery-backed WiFi w MIMO antennae
  • 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 1 x Gigabit SFP fibre port
  • Lockable USB-C expansion port
  • Li-Ion battery
  • Universal AC/DC power supply
  • IEEE 802.3 compliant POE+
  • Fanless design
  • Rugged aluminium enclosure with DIN rail mounts
  • Comprehensive onboard device telemetry

Functional Features

  • Linux operating system with comprehensive cyber-security support
  • Encrypted communication with onboard open VPN client
  • Web server with real-time viewer
  • Field upgradeable
  • Rich diagnostic event data streams with long pre- & post data
  • Diagnostic waveform data sampled at fixed sampling rate
  • XrossTrigger mechanism – (synchronous cross-triggering of multiple devices)
  • Measures AC & DC parameters
  • Offline synchrophasor recording
  • Fast SCADA parameter update speed
  • Supports 16.66Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz & 400Hz networks
  • Harmonic powers & phase
  • Prevailing phasors
    • Prevailing harmonic magnitude ratio
  • Higher harmonic bands (up to 25kHz)
  • Frequency lock on chopped voltage waveforms
  • Calculate 3rd or 4th current from existing 2- or 3-current inputs
  • Compensate harmonic amplitude & phase angle of external sensors
  • Simultaneously record various time interval data streams

VECTO 3 Interfaces

3 stack left side-on view of the VECTO 3 Waveform Synchronised Edge-Computer based multifunctional power quality measurement device with advanced PMU, Metering, Grid Stability Monitoring and Grid Automation capabilities.

Device Compliance

  • Power Quality Instrument: IEC62586-1 – PQI-A-FI1-H
  • Power Quality: IEC6100-4-30 ED 3.0 Class-A
  • Harmonics: IEC61000-4-7 Class 1
  • Flicker: IEC61000-4-15 Class F1
  • PMU: IEEE C37-118 Class P&M
  • Billing: IEC62053-22 Class 0.2S

External Interfaces

4 x High impedance voltage inputs with selectable measurement range
4 x Galvanically isolated current inputs
4 x Current sensor inputs with selectable measurement range (5V Powered)
4 x Analogue/logic event inputs
4 x Solid-state relay outputs w LED Indicators
1 x Universal AC/DC power supply input
2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports with POE & PTP support
1 x 1000BASE-X SFP cage
1 x MIMO WiFi antenna port
1 x MIMO cellular antenna port
1 x SIM slot
1 x Active GPS antenna port
1 x USB-C expansion port (lockable)
13 x LEDs
1 x Power on/off push button
1 x Safety earth connection point
1 x Kensington key slot

Product Functionality

  • PQI: IEC61000-4-30 ED3.0 Class-A
  • PMU: IEEE C37-118 Class P&M
  • oPMU: Oscillation phasor measurement
  • Automation protocols supported
    • Modbus
    • DNP3
    • IEC61850
    • IEEE C37-118 – Simultaneous Class M & Class P (PMU Streaming)
  • Billing features
    • Imported
    • Exported
    • Net
    • Month to date Modbus register
    • Previous month Modbus register
Voltage Inputs specifications of the VECTO 3
Voltage inputs
Number of channels 4 x voltage inputs (3/4 Wire + 4th Diff)
Measurement input range 0-600VRMS (VLN), 0-1,000VRMS (VLL)
Voltage measurement Single Phase, 3-Phase (Star, Delta), DC
Input impedance/channel > 1MΩ
Current inputs specifications of the VECTO 3
Current inputs
Number of channels 4 x galvanically isolated inputs
VA burden @5A < 125mVA
Measurement input range 0-8.0ARMS
Max continuous current 10.0ARMS
2sec over-current withstand 50A
Galvanic isolation 1,000V
Current transducer inputs specifications of the VECTO 3
Current transducer inputs
Number of channels 4 x differential low voltage inputs
Measurable input range 0-10 VRMS,(±14V Peak)
Input impedance/channel >1MΩ
Selectable input range 10V, 5V, 2.5V, 1.25V, 625mV
Power specifications of the VECTO 3
Power
Power consumption < 10W (15W max when charging)
AC/DC supply voltage 90-280VAC (40-70Hz), 90-300VDC
Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.3at compliant
Onboard battery Li-ION (2,000 charge/discharge cycles)
Analog/Logic inputs specifications of the VECTO 3
Analog/Logic inputs
Number of channels 4 x Analog/Logic inputs
Input Voltage rating ± 150VDC
Resolution 12-Bit
Relay output specifications of the VECTO 3
Relay outputs
Number of channels 4 x galvanically isolated solid-state relays
Switch rating 0.1ARMS, 300VRMS (max)
Galvanic isolation 1,000V
Table showing the accuracy & bandwidth specifications of the VECTO 3
Accuracy & Bandwidth
Sampling rate 1.5MHz (time synchronised)
Analogue bandwidth 500kHz
Waveform storage rate 1kHz – 50kHz (user configurable)
ADC resolution >16-bit
Overall accuracy <0.1%
Fast transient capturing ≥ 20μs
Power frequency range DC, 40-70Hz, 400Hz
Harmonic spectrum 1-64th (harmonic and inter-harmonic)
Higher harmonic bands DC – 25kHz (200Hz bands)
Physical specifications of the VECTO 3
Physical
Construction Aluminium, 250 x 135 x 65 (L x W x H)
Weight 1.9kg
Mounting options 3U-19” Rack, Panel Mount, Portable Case
Electrical connections Pluggable screw type (screw lock-down)
Operating temperature -10℃ to 60℃ (ambient)
Storage temperature -10℃ to 70℃
Operating humidity 0-95%(non-condensing)
Communication specifications of the VECTO 3
Communication
Ethernet 2 x Gigabit Ethernet with PTP & POE support
Fibre 1 x 1000BASE-X SFP cage
Cellular modem 1 x Battery backed industrial 4G module
Cellular antennae 1 x MIMO antenna port
Wifi 1 x industrial WiFi module
Wifi antennae 1 x MIMO antenna port
Operating modes Access Point or Infrastructure Mode
USB expansion port USB-C port – 480 Mbit (5V powered)
Clock specifications of the VECTO 3
Clocks
Precision time source Built-in GPS, PTP
Onboard fall-back time source Battery Backed Real Time Clock
On-Board RTC drift 10 ppm (320 seconds per annum)
Other sources NTP
Overall accuracy <100ns from absolute time

Next generation power grid management

Download the VECTO 3 specification sheet.

CTA Download VECTO 3.4 Brochure (#17)

VECTO 3 FAQ's

What are synchronised waveforms?

Voltage and current waveforms provide the most precise insights into power system behaviours. Time synchronisation enable large-scale, coordinated analysis of waveforms across vast areas. Such advancements enables new concepts, strategies, and tools for monitoring, protecting, and controlling power systems and equipment. GPS based time synchronisation of waveform data from multiple locations was introduced by CT LAB in the VECTOGRAPH Power Quality meter in 1995. The latest, fourth generation VECTO 3 provides just such a comprehensive toolkit to power system managers.

VECTO devices can operate stand-alone or as part of a fleet of permanently connected devices managed by VECTO Grid OS, the big data hosting, visualisation, analysis & reporting software platform.

VECTO Grid OS on a laptop screen showing in a standard browser window