MN-04.07.154 - Eng - PD Pro User Manual - Rev 03

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PD Pro
Techimp
USER MANUAL
Software release 2.0.0
MN-04.07.154_eng Rev. 03 – Agust 2021

This Page Was Intentionally Left Blank
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The product and the information contained herein may be changed at any time without prior
notification.
Neither this manual nor any of its parts shall not be reproduced or transmitted in any form either
electronically or physically, including photocopying and recording, without the express written
consent of Techimp -Altanova Group.
All rights reserved.

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INDEX
1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................... 7
2 PRELIMINARY ACTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 9
CONTROL UNIT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 9
SOFTWARE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................... 9
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................. 10
3 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................. 14
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 14
LOGIN .............................................................................................................................................. 14
HOME PAGE .................................................................................................................................... 15
USER MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................................... 15
CHOOSE LANGUAGE.......................................................................................................................... 17
LOGOUT ........................................................................................................................................... 18
MANAGE LICENSES ........................................................................................................................... 19
3.7.1 Techimp PD Pro Offline activation procedure............................................................................ 19
3.7.2 Techimp PD Pro online activation procedure ............................................................................ 20
SOFTWARE VERSION DETAIL .............................................................................................................. 21
DATABASE........................................................................................................................................ 22
3.9.1 Create new registry .................................................................................................................... 22
3.9.2 Query: registry............................................................................................................................ 25
3.9.3 Query: acquisition ...................................................................................................................... 29
3.9.4 Query: Test Plan ........................................................................................................................ 32
3.9.5 Test Plan Editor ......................................................................................................................... 34
ACQUISITION .................................................................................................................................... 38
3.10.1 Base mode............................................................................................................................. 41
3.10.1.1 TF map filters ................................................................................................................................... 43
3.10.2 Advanced mode (PDcheck, pdscope, micro aquila, aquila) .................................................. 45
3.10.2.1 TF map filters ................................................................................................................................... 52
3.10.2.2 Calibration window and IEC60270 working modality ....................................................................... 54
3.10.3 Advanced mode (pdbase) ..................................................................................................... 58
3.10.3.1 PDBase sequential streaming.......................................................................................................... 65
3.10.3.2 PDBase advanced sync management ............................................................................................. 66
3.10.4 Test plan mode ...................................................................................................................... 68
3.10.5 Operator mode....................................................................................................................... 75
3.10.5.1 Calibration window and IEC60270 working modality ....................................................................... 82
3.10.5.2 TF map filters ................................................................................................................................... 82
PROCESSING .................................................................................................................................... 83
3.11.1 Advanced processing: main page ......................................................................................... 86
3.11.2 Advanced processing: homepage ......................................................................................... 86
3.11.3 Advanced processing: separation ......................................................................................... 87
3.11.4 Advanced processing: pattern filter ....................................................................................... 89
3.11.5 Advanced processing: Generic identification ........................................................................ 91
3.11.5.1 Advanced identification .................................................................................................................... 94
3.11.6 Advanced processing: TDR location ..................................................................................... 94
3.11.7 Advanced processing: pattern movie .................................................................................... 97
3.11.8 Advanced processing: trending ............................................................................................. 98
3.11.9 Advanced processing: report ............................................................................................... 100
4 ANNEX A: PD PATTERN LIBRARY.................................................................................................... 101
INTERNAL PD .............................................................................................................................. 101
SURFACE PD .............................................................................................................................. 105
CORONA PD ................................................................................................................................ 107
5 ANNEX B - TIME-FREQUENCY MAPPING ........................................................................................ 109
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1 INTRODUCTION
The following user’s manual describes the usage of the Techimp PD Pro software in all its features,
highlighting the best practices and the standard usage for correct detection of the signal relevant to
Partial Discharges (PD), the management of such data, and their correct analysis.
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2 PRELIMINARY ACTIONS
This section describes the preliminary actions to be taken before Techimp PD Pro software first
running.
CONTROL UNIT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
To optimally run the Techimp PD Pro, it is necessary to have installed on a laptop or a personal
computer the following minimum set of hardware:
- RAM: 8GB
- Hard Disk: 100 GB
- Ethernet connection: 1GB
- Screen resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
SOFTWARE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
To correctly install the Techimp PD Pro the following two software constraints must be satisfied:
• Operating system: Microsoft Windows 10;
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.
Non-complying with the minimum hardware or software requirements listed here above can result in
experiencing errors during the installation, standard operation, or in a loss of performance of the
Techimp PD Pro.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Before starting the Techimp PD Pro installation procedure, make sure to satisfy the hardware and
software requirements listed in sections 2.1 and 2.2.
The installation can be started by running the Techimp PD Pro installer with the administrator
privileges (right-click on the PD Pro icon and select run as administrator).
In the following figures (from Figure 2-1 to Figure 2-10), screenshots of the installation wizard steps
are reported.
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-2
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Figure 2-3
Figure 2-4
Figure 2-5
Figure 2-6
Figure 2-7
Figure 2-8
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Figure 2-9
Figure 2-10
Completed the installation procedure, the Techimp PD Pro can be run from the shortcut on the
desktop or by searching it from Windows Start.

3 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
The following sections will fully describe all the software functionalities – e-g how to perform
acquisitions, how to manage the data, and how to make data elaboration.
LOGIN
By double-clicking the Techimp PD Pro icon on the desktop, the Login window (Figure 3-1) is shown.
The default login credentials are:
• Username: admin
• Password: admin
Figure 3-1 Login window
Once the login procedure has been completed, the software Homepage, Figure 3-2, is presented.
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HOME PAGE
In the Techimp PD Pro Homepage, Figure 3-2, the software modules are represented by hexagonal
icons.
Each module is associated with a macro-functionality of the software:
• Start a new acquisition (ACQUISITION icon);
• Manage and organize the data (DATABASE icon);
• Analyze the acquisitions (PROCESSING icon);
• Create a new Test Plan routine (TEST PLAN icon)
Based on the license purchased, some icons may be disabled.
On the upper-right side, additional icons (users, language, license, etc.) can be found., their meaning
will be described in the next paragraphs.
Additional icons
Acquisition
Database
Test Plan Editor

Processing
Figure 3-2 Techimp PD Pro navigation window
USER MANAGEMENT
The user management icons, located on the upper-right side of the Homepage, are shown in Figure
3-3.
By selecting the Add User icon a new user profile can be created, while with the Users management
icon it is possible to edit or delete the existing users.
Add User
Users management
Figure 3-3 User management icons
By clicking the Add User icon, the window in Figure 3-4 is displayed. To create a new user profile
the username, email, and password fields must be filled in.
When the required information is given the Add user icon in the center-right part of the window will
be enabled and, by clicking it, the new user profile will be created.
Add User icon
Figure 3-4 Add new user wizard
By selecting the Users management icon (Figure 3-3), the window in Figure 3-5 is displayed.
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Delete User
Edit User
Figure 3-5 User management
In the User Management window, all the existing users are listed and they can be edit or deleted
through the icons highlighted in Figure 3-5.
CHOOSE LANGUAGE
By clicking on the Choose language icon, on the upper-right side of the Homepage, a drop-down
menu will appear and the desired Techimp PD Pro language can be selected.
Additional languages may be included in the feature software releases.

Figure 3-6 Select the Techimp PD Pro language
LOGOUT
By clicking on the Logout icon, Figure 3-7, the ongoing session will be terminated and the Login
window (Figure 3-1) will be presented again.
Logout
Figure 3-7 Logout icon
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MANAGE LICENSES
The Techimp PD Pro software must be activated through the activation key provided by Techimp.
To activate the software, it is first necessary to recall the Manage License window, Figure 3-8, by
clicking on the Manage License icon on the upper-right side of the Homepage.
Offline Activation
License .xml file

Online Activation
Properties .xml file

Upload Icon
Software version
Figure 3-8 Manage licenses window
The Techimp PD Pro can be activated in two different modalities: offline and online. In the following
paragraphs 3.7.1 and 3.7.2, both the procedures are described.
3.7.1 TECHIMP PD PRO OFFLINE ACTIVATION PROCEDURE
The offline activation procedure is composed of two steps. Follow the list below to complete the first
part:
• Open the Techimp PD Pro software;
• Complete the Log-in procedure (section 3.2);
• Click on the Manage license icon, on the upper-right side of the Techimp PD Pro Homepage;
• Insert the activation key into the dedicated slot;
• Click on the Activation offline icon (represented by the wrench in Figure 3-8).
The software will create a .dat file located in C:/User/«Logged-in user»/Documents which must be
sent to Techimp.
Once Techimp will have received the .dat file, it will send back two other files: QlmLicense.xml and
QlmProductProprieties.xml. Such files are required to finalize the second part of the procedure.
Follow the next steps to finalize the installation:
• Complete the Log-in procedure (Par. 3.2);
• Insert the activation key into the dedicated slot;
• Use the License and Properties slots to import the two .xml files sent by Techimp;
• Click the Upload icon below the two slots.
The procedure is finished and the Techimp PD Pro is activated.
3.7.2 TECHIMP PD PRO ONLINE ACTIVATION PROCEDURE
The online procedure has been designed for those machines (PC, laptop, server, …) that are
connected to the internet.
To activate the Techimp PD Pro, follow the below procedure:
• Complete the Log-in procedure (Par. 3.2);
• Fill the activation key into the corresponding field;
• Click on the Activation online icon (represented by the network icon, Figure 3-8)
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The procedure is finished and the Techimp PD Pro is activated.
SOFTWARE VERSION DETAIL
As depicted in Figure 3-8 in the bottom part of the Manage Licenses window, the software and the
PDFramework versions are reported.

DATABASE
Techimp PD Pro exploits a database structure to efficiently manage, store and organize the
acquired data. In the following sections, all the features and tools related to data management will
be described.
The database functionalities can be accessed via the dedicated icons on the center-left side of the
Homepage window (Figure 3-9). The database module is composed of four sub-modules: Create
new registry, Query registry, Query test plan, Query acquisition. In sections 3.9.1, 3.9.2, 3.9.3,
and 3.9.4 each sub-modules will be described.
Create New Registry
Query Registry
Query Test Plan Query Acquisition

Figure 3-9 Database management icons
3.9.1 CREATE NEW REGISTRY
A registry can be considered as a container in which the data and some information of the
measurement campaign (such as the customer name, the asset name, the asset typology, the
location, etc.) are stored and organized
A new registry can be created by clicking on the Create new Registry icon in the Techimp PD Pro
Homepage (Figure 3-9). A specific wizard (see Figure 3-10) will guide the operator in the creation of
the new registry.
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Figure 3-10 Create new registry wizard
In step 1 of the wizard the following information is requested:
• Customer name (mandatory field)
• Asset name (mandatory field)
• Location (mandatory field)
• Rated Voltage
• Apparatus Serial Number (mandatory field)
• Manufacturer
• Vintage
• Asset type, where the available asset typology are: cable, GIS, rotating machine, switchgear,
and transformer (mandatory field)
Once the mandatory fields are filled, the Next icon on the bottom-right side is activated and the
operator can proceed. In the second step of the wizard, additional technical information can be
inserted as represented in Figure 3-11.

Confirm and save
Figure 3-11 Cable specific registry data
In the second step, information regarding:
• Number of phases, and their names;
• Detection points number and the identification labels per each detection point;
• Voltage type, i.e. high voltage and medium voltage
are required to the operator, but not mandatory. Such parameters are common for all the asset types
but, per each specific asset, other peculiar information can be inserted – e.g the cable length for
cables, the machine typology for rotating machines, or the bushing type for transformers, etc.
To confirm and save the new registry, click on the Save icon (Figure 3-11). The information window
that appears (Figure 3-11) confirms the operator the correct creation of the Registry.
Figure 3-12 Correctly registry saving
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3.9.2 QUERY: REGISTRY
An existing registry can be retrieved by clicking the Query: Registry icon in the Techimp PD Pro
Homepage (Figure 3-9). Figure 3-13 shows the Query Registry window where all the saved registries
are listed.
Filters can be defined to easily find the desired registry (see Figure 3-13).
By clicking on the Plus icon, present on the first column of a Registry row, additional information is
shown (Figure 3-14).
Filters
Figure 3-13 Exploded row in Query Registry

Import
Acquisition
Copy
Modify Acquisition
Registry additional information
Delete
Figure 3-14 Exploded row in Query Registry
The icons on the right side of the window in Figure 3-14 can be used to:
• Copy, to create a new registry starting from an existing one;
• Modify, to edit an existing registry;
• Delete a registry, to remove a registry from the database;
• Acquisition, to start a new acquisition with the selected registry;
• Import acquisitions, to import acquisitions into the PDPro database. It is possible to import
*.pd2 or *.pqd files.
To avoid unintentional losses of data if the Delete icon is selected an additional
confirmation will be requested (Figure 3-15).
Moreover, if the selected Registry contains acquisitions the operator will be not
allowed to delete both the Registry and the data in a single operation (Figure 3-16),
but the software will force to first delete the acquisitions and only then the Registry.
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Figure 3-15 registry delete confirmation window
Figure 3-16 Warning: the registry contains acquisitions are you sure you want to delete it?
In the upper part of the Query Registry window (Figure 3-13) the Filters section is present. As shown
in Figure 3-17 there are four pre-defined filters (Registry ID, Customer name, Asset type, and
Location) and one customizable filter.
More filters can be used together and they will be combined with the AND logic condition.
On the right side of the Query Registry window, icons dedicated to apply, reset, or save filters are
present.
The saved filters can be recalled by clicking on the Saved queries icon on the upper-right side of the
window in Figure 3-17.
By clicking on the Queries history icon all the already used filters will be shown in a table.
Filters history
Saved filters
Apply filter
Delete filter
Save filter
Customizable filter
Figure 3-17 Registry filters
Figure 3-18 displays some quantities that can be chosen in the customizable filter. More than a single
customized filter can be combined.
Figure 3-18 Dynamic filters
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3.9.3 QUERY: ACQUISITION
An acquisition can be retrieved by clicking the Query: Acquisition icon in the Techimp PD Pro
Homepage (Figure 3-9). Figure 3-19 shows the Query Acquisition window where all the saved
acquisitions are listed. Filters can be defined to easily find the desired acquisitions.
By clicking on the Plus icon, present on the first column of an acquisition row the PRPD Pattern and
TF map graphs are shown (Figure 3-20).
Figure 3-19 Query acquisition window
The four icons beside the T-F Map (Figure 3-20) can be used to:
1. Analyze the selected acquisition by sending it to the processing module;
2. Show more acquisition detail;
3. Export the acquisition by creating a .pqd file;
4. Delete the acquisition.

Saved Queries
Queries history
Export acquisition
Delete acquisition
Open in the More acquisition

Processing module detail
Figure 3-20 Detail of an acquisition
More acquisitions can be selected with the checkbox presents in the second column of an acquisition
row. The selected acquisitions can be sent to the Processing module, exported, or deleted through
the dedicated icons present on the bottom-right side of the Acquisition query window (Figure 3-20).
In the upper part of the Query Acquisition window (Figure 3-19) the Filters section is present. As
shown in Figure 3-21 there are five pre-defined filters (Start date, End date, Customer name, Asset
type, and Location) and one customizable filter.
On the right side of the Query Acquisition window, icons dedicated to apply, reset, or save filters are
present.
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Filters history
Saved filters
Apply filter
Delete filter
Save filter
Customizable filter
Figure 3-21 Acquisition query filters section

3.9.4 QUERY: TEST PLAN
A Test Plan can be retrieved by clicking the Query: Test Plan icon in the Techimp PD Pro Homepage
(Figure 3-9). Figure 3-22 shows the Query Test Plan window where all the created test plans are
listed. Filters can be defined to easily find the desired test plan.
A Test Plan can be modified or deleted by clicking the dedicated icon (Figure 3-22). By clicking the
play icon the corresponding test process will start.
Saved
Queries Queries
Filter
history
Edit Start an
Delete Acquisition
Figure 3-22 Query Test Plan window
In the upper part of the Query Test Plan window (Figure 3-22) is present the Filters section. As
shown in Figure 3-23 there are two predefined filters (Test Plan ID, and Test Plan name) and one
customizable filter.
On the right side of the Query Test Plan window, icons dedicated to apply, reset, or save filters are
present.
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Filters history
Saved filters
Apply filter
Delete filter
Save filter
Customizable filter
Figure 3-23 Query Test Plan Filter section

3.9.5 TEST PLAN EDITOR
In this section, the Techimp PD Pro Test Plan Editor module is described.
The Test Plan module is intended to suit as much as possible the factory quality control tests. It
allows defining customized test procedures having each one of them its own measurement steps
defined in terms of supply voltage, warning thresholds (in [V] or [pC]), and acquisition parameters.
To define a new Test Plan click on the Test Plan Editor icon on the Techimp PD Pro Homepage
(Figure 3-24).
Test Plan editor
Figure 3-24 Test Plan Editor
Figure 3-25 shows the Test Plan Editor window. The window has been divided into five areas:
1. The header zone, where the operator can specify:
o the name of the test plan
o if the test plan should be performed according to the IEC60270
o the device that is going to be used
o enable the Consecutive channels feature, through which the software automatically
performs an acquisition with all the channels within a step of the test plan.
o enable the Ask for registry feature, the details of this feature are reported below.
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2. Measurement plan, dedicated to create and customize each step of the test procedure;
3. Channel management, allows selecting the PD channels. Per each channel, it is possible to
import an IEC60270 calibration and specify the synchronism settings.
4. Registry fields to be set, allows selecting a reference Registry and choosing what fields shall
be modified from a test session and the other. This feature has been created to speed up,
for example, a test campaign made on many assets all equal to each other but having only
different serial numbers.
The functionality Registry field to be set will be available just if the Ask for registry checkbox
is enabled.
5. Additional Test Plan keys, for adding additional fields, that can be mandatory requested, or
not, at the beginning of new tests.
Measurement plan
Channel Registry fileds to

management be set
Additional Test
Figure 3-25 Test Plan editor window Plan keys
In Table 1 and Table 2 the meaning of each parameter present in the Test Plan Editor window is
reported.
Table 1
Measurement plan area
Parameter Description
Applied voltage [V] It indicates the magnitude of the stress voltage
Warning threshold
It indicates, in each step, the maximum admitted PD amplitude.
[V] or [pC]
Time length [s] It indicates the length, in seconds, of each acquired pulse.
It is used to initiate sweep ahead of the transmitted pulse, it is

Pre-trigger [%]
possible to change its value in % of the time length.
Timeout
An acquisition stops when the max pulse number pulses are
acquired or, in case the set number of pulses is not reached,
when timeout seconds are passed.
Max pulses number
Notes Comments on the step
Table 2
Channel management area
It indicates the phase shift applied to the acquired pulses with

Phase shift
respect to the sync voltage in input to the acquisition system.
It indicates the signal ratio of the used sync device - e.g. the
ratio 1:1000 of a Capacitive Coupler.
Sync ratio
This parameter is used to obtain and display, from the input sync
signal, the real magnitude of the voltage applied to the
Equipment Under Test.
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Parameter editable just when a PDBase is in use.
It allows choosing among six synchronization channels the one

Sync source to be associated with each PD channel. It is also possible to
select an Internal synchronization, which means that the PD
channel will be synchronized with the mains that supply the
Techimp PDBaseII.
It is the full scale (i.e. the max amplitude value) of the
synchronization channel.
Sync full scale [V]
If a too low full scale is selected the saturation of the signal can
determinate difficulties in the correct synchronization
It sets the waveform length of the synchronization signal (it is

Sync time length [s] suggested to have at least one entire sinusoidal, e.g.
timelength=20ms @ 50Hz).
It allows filtering, via software, the synchronization signal.

Sync bandwidth It is a low pass filter with the value of the cut frequency
selectable through the drop-down menu.
ACQUISITION
In the following section, the Techimp PD Pro Acquisition module is described.
Acquisition
Module
Figure 3-26 Acquisition icon in the Techimp PD Pro main page
To start a new acquisition, it is necessary to click on the Acquisition icon on the Techimp PD Pro
Homepage (Figure 3-26). The window depicted in Figure 3-27 will appear and permit the operator to
select an existing registry (by clicking on the Query: Registry button) or to create a new one (by
clicking on the Create new Registry button).
If the Skip acquisition association checkbox is selected then the acquisitions, that
will be performed, will not be linked to a registry and thus not saved in the database
(this function can be useful when a fast test has to be performed without storing the
data).
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Detail of the
selected
Registry
Create a new
Registry
Skip Registry
Query an association
(the data will not be
existing Registry saved)
Next
Figure 3-27 Wizard for starting a new acquisition (step 1)
By clicking the Next button (Figure 3-27) the window shown in Figure 3-28 is displayed and allows
the operator to choose one of the acquisition modalities (Base mode, Test Plan, Advanced mode,
Operator mode) and the instrument (PDCheck, PDScope, Aquila, Micro Aquila, and PDBase).
PD Instruments
Acquisition
modalities
Figure 3-28 Wizard for starting a new acquisition (step 2)

Based on the license purchased, some acquisitions modalities or instruments may
be not available.
In the following paragraphs, the four acquisition modalities (Base mode, Test Plan, Advanced mode,
Operator mode) are presented and explained.
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3.10.1 BASE MODE
The Base mode is a simplified acquisition modality in which the software automatically chooses the
better acquisition settings and autonomously performs the acquisition.
Figure 3-29 reports the base mode acquisition window.
IP address Port number
Connect
Channel
Acquisition log
Acquire
Figure 3-29 Acquisition: Base mode
To start a new acquisition follow the below procedure:
• Insert the instrument IP address and the Port number.
• Click on the Connect icon (on the upper-left side of the window).
• Select Channel 1.
• Insert the requested acquisition information in the appeared wizard (Figure 3-30). It is
possible to specify which phase is under test, what is the detection point, and indicate the
PD and sync sensors.

Phase ref
Detection point
in use PD sensor in use
Sync sensor in use
PD Test type
Figure 3-30 Set acquisition information wizard
• Specify, if it is needed, the Phase shift (it indicates the phase shift applied to the acquired
pulses with respect to the sync voltage in input to the acquisition system.
• Click on the Play button (on the bottom-left side, Figure 3-29) to start the automatic
acquisition process. The software iteratively defines the optimal values of Full Scale and
Trigger and performs the acquisition.
• The Play button can be clicked again to start a new acquisition.
In Figure 3-31 an example of acquisitions done in Base mode is reported. The performed acquisitions
are listed in the Acquisition log. The acquisitions can be selected and, using the dedicated icons
(see Figure 3-31), it is possible to add a comment, delete the acquisition, change the association
between the acquisition and the detection point, phase, sensors, etc. or it can be sent to the
processing module for deeper analysis
It is possible to create a summary report of the measurement campaign by clicking on the Report
icon on the bottom right side of the window.
The Reset button (on the bottom-right side of the window) can be used to start a new acquisition
session.
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Change acquisition
information
Recall the
Acquisition log Processing module
Delete
Add a comment
Figure 3-31 Examples of acquisitions done in base mode
3.10.1.1 TF map filters
With a right-click on the TF map graph (Figure 3-31) a context menu allows choosing Show T-F Map
filters. Figure 3-33 shows the window dedicated to the definition of TF map filters.
By clicking and dragging the mouse on the map it is possible to select the areas in the TF map that
have to be filtered. If more filters have a common area overlapped, the total area will be discarded
as the union of the different areas.
A filter can be selected with a double left click on its area or by selecting it through the Area drop-
down menu. When a filter is selected it can be resized (through the mouse pointer or by changing
its coordinates Tmin, Tmax, Fmin, and Fmax on the central-right side of the window), moved ( using
the mouse pointer positioned internally to the filter area), or deleted.
To confirm the defined filters click on the apply icon.

Filters list
Filter coordinates
Apply
Figure 3-32 TF map filters window
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3.10.2 ADVANCED MODE (PDCHECK, PDSCOPE, MICRO AQUILA, AQUILA)
The Advanced mode has been specially designed for the PD skilled operator. In this acquisition
modality, all the acquisition and streaming parameters can be manually modified.
In this paragraph, the Techimp PDPro advanced working modality for the PDCheck, PDScope,
Micro Aquila, and Aquila will be presented.
The Advanced mode interface is 3-phases oriented that can work with up to three PD channels
simultaneously (Figure 3-33).
To establish a connection with the instrument insert the IP address, the port number, and click on
the Connect button (see Figure 3-33).
Connect Port number
IP address
Figure 3-33 Advanced acquisition window
Once the instrument has been reached and the connection has been established, the interface will
result enabled as shown in Figure 3-34.

Start streaming
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Figure 3-34 Advanced acquisition: instrument connection stabilized
Clicking on the play button on the upper-left part of the window the three channels start streaming
simultaneously (Figure 3-35).
Start/Stop Simultaneous Sync detail Monitoring Sync Connection

streaming Acquisitions Status Status Status
Connect/ Waveforms
Disconnect Graph
Three Acquisition
streaming Settings
channels
Acquisition
Log
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Figure 3-35 Advanced acquisition: three phases streaming
In the header of the window in Figure 3-35 a status bar (Figure 3-36) is present, starting from the left
the function of each element is described here below.
• The first three icons are dedicated to the Instrument connection, to Start/ Stop the streaming,
and to perform Simultaneous acquisitions (Figure 3-36). In particular, by clicking the latter
icon three simultaneous acquisitions start on the three streaming channels.
• IP address and port number fields are required for the software-instrument connection.
• Sync details: indication of the sync frequency (in [Hz]) and the amplitude of the sync signal
(in [V]).
• Finally, three led status indicators: the enable/disable monitoring indicator, the indicator for
the correct synchronization status, and finally the instrument connection status.
Figure 3-36 Advanced acquisitions: status bar
On the right side, of the advanced acquisition window (Figure 3-35) there are three different areas.
From the top to the bottom:
1. The waveforms of the signals get from the PD sensors are represented together in the
Waveform chart (Figure 3-37). Exploiting the channel selector (“All”, “1”, “2”, or “3”) an
operator can choose which waveforms he wants to point out.
The desired value of the pretrigger can be chosen through the selector below the waveform
graph (see. Figure 3-37).

Channel
selector
Pretrigger
selector
Figure 3-37 Advanced acquisition: waveforms streaming
2. In the second section (Figure 3-38) a skilled operator can find and tune all the settings related
to the acquisition and the streaming. Table 3 reports the meaning of each parameter.
Figure 3-38 Advanced acquisition: acquisition parameters
Table 3
The short time after a Trigger event when a detector cannot

Dead Time
process another event
It is the total length of the displayed and acquired waveform for

Time length
each pulse
Acquisition time out An acquisition stops when the Max pulse number pulses are
and acquired or, in case the set number of pulses is not reached
Max pulse number when timeout seconds are passed.
The pattern and the T-F Map will be reset when the number of
Buffer dimension
collected pulses reaches the buffer dimension.
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3. The third section is the acquisition log (Figure 3-39), where all the acquisitions that have
been done are organized in a table. Each acquisition can be selected and, using the
dedicated icons, it is possible to add a comment, delete the acquisition, change the
association between the acquisition and the detection point, phase, sensors, etc. or it can
be sent to the processing module for deeper analysis
Add comment Delete Change acquisition

information
Send to
Processing
module
Figure 3-39 Advanced acquisition: acquisition log
The central part of the Advanced acquisition window (Figure 3-35) is dedicated to the streaming of
the PRPD Patterns and TF Maps (Figure 3-40).
Figure 3-40 Advanced acquisition: PRPD Patterns and TF maps streaming

Focusing on one single channel hereinafter a brief description of each tool shown in the screenshot
in Figure 3-41 is explained.
Acquisition circuit Acquire APTWTi and Acquire Wfms Change acquisition

information
Autoset
Enable/Disable
Full Scale channel
streaming
Trigger
Enable IEC60270
Phase Shift
Pulse counter
Saturation Figure 3-41 Advanced acquisition: channel 1 Pattern and TF Map
PRPD Pattern graph shows a large amount of acquired pulses relating their amplitude to the phase
of the synchronization signal (sinusoidal waveform). When the amount of data (shown through the
pulse counter) reaches the maximum pulses number, the software will reset the Pattern and the TF
map automatically (refer to Table 3 for managing the maximum pulses number).
TF Map graph shows the acquired pulses classified by Equivalent Timelength [ns] and the
Equivalent Frequency [MHz], two parameters relevant to the pulses waveforms. Each point in the
TF map is related to a single point in the PRPD Pattern graph. By right-clicking on the TF map graph
it is possible to reset both the PRPD pattern and TF map graphs.
Autoset button to start the automatic selection of the better values of Full Scale and Trigger
threshold.
Full scale sets the maximum value (positive and negative) displayed in the graphs (PRPD Pattern
and waveform graph), it is possible to change its value by writing the desired one in the
50
correspondent text box, by clicking the relevant up-down arrows buttons, or to scroll with the mouse
wheel.
Trigger threshold sets the minimum amplitude value above which pulses are displayed and
acquired. Pulses that do not reach the trigger value will be neither displayed nor acquired. It is
possible to change the trigger value by writing the desired value in the trigger text box, by clicking
on the relevant up-down arrows buttons, by scrolling with the mouse wheel, or by moving the trigger
cursor on the right side of the PRPD Pattern.
Phase shift indicates the phase shift applied to the acquired pulses with respect to the sync voltage
in input to the acquisition system.
Pulse counter shows the amount of data (i.e. pulses) displayed in the PRPD Pattern and TF map
graphs.
Saturation is a led indicator that shows when a pulse exceeds the PRPD Pattern Full Scale.
The Circuit type in use, since the PD identification algorithm uses also pulse polarity for an
enhanced automatic diagnosis, it is necessary to set the right kind of measurement circuit used for
the selected channel. It can be Direct (e.g. a high-frequency current transformer wrapped around
the ground connection of the Equipment Under Test) or Indirect (e.g. a coupling capacitor connected
in parallel to the EUT).
APTWTi acquisition button to start the acquisition of the PRPD Pattern, and the TF map.
Waveform acquisition button to start the acquisition of the PRPD Pattern, the TF map, and all the
pulse waveforms.
Change the acquisition information button to recall the window in Figure 3-42 for changing the
association between the acquisition and the detection point, phase, the PD and sync sensors, etc.
IEC60270 button enables the amplitude value conversion from [mV] to [pC] in the PRPD Pattern
graph (according to the IEC60270). To obtain a correct conversion a calibration will be necessary
(see Par. 3.10.2.2)
Enable/Disable channel streaming to stop or restart the streaming of the PRPD Pattern and TF
Map graphs of a channel
When the IEC60270 modality is enabled only one single channel can stream at a
time. Thus the Enable/Disable channel streaming control must be used to select
on which channel the streaming has to be activated.
With a right-click on the TF map graph (Figure 3-43) a context menu allows choosing between:
• Reset buffer; to reset both the PRPD pattern and TF map graphs.
52
• Show T-F Map filters, to set software filters recalling the TF map filter window (see Figure
3-44).
• Reset filters, to delete all the defined TF map filters.
• Disable/Enable TF map filters, to disable or enable the TF map filters without deleting them.
Figure 3-43 TF map context menu
If the Show TF Map filter is selected the window in Figure 3-44 is shown and, by clicking and dragging
the mouse on the graph, it is possible to select the areas that have to be filtered. If more filters have
a common area overlapped, the total area will be discarded as the union of the different areas.
A filter can be selected with a double left click on its area or by selecting it through the Area drop-
down menu. When a filter is selected it can be resized (through the mouse pointer or by changing
its coordinates Tmin, Tmax, Fmin, and Fmax on the central-right side of the window), moved ( using
the mouse pointer positioned internally to the filter area), or deleted.
To confirm the defined filters click on the apply icon. To remove all the filters click on the Reset icon.
Filters list
Filter
coordinates
Apply Delete
Reset
Figure 3-44 TF map filters window
3.10.2.2 Calibration window and IEC60270 working modality
Once the IEC60270 icon is clicked, the Calibration wizard, in Figure 3-45 and Figure 3-46, is
displayed. This procedure allows the operator to set the calibration pulse in order to obtain the PD
amplitude in pC values, in compliance with the International Standard IEC 60270.
Load
calibration
Figure 3-45
54
Calibration
Trigger selector file name
Full scale
controls
Autoset
Injected pC
Streaming
Waveform Apply
Save and apply
Figure 3-46 Advanced acquisition: IEC60270 Calibration wizard
After having connected the calibrator to the equipment under test, change the value of Full Scale to
avoid a saturated pulse displayed in the waveform graph and select a Trigger threshold higher
enough to trigger just on the injected pulse and not on the noise. Alternatively, by clicking the Autoset
button the Full Scale and Trigger values are autonomously defined by the software.
Once the PD pulse is properly visualized insert the value of the injected pC in Injected pC box.
To apply and save the calibration click on the save icon. The calibration will be saved in the database
with the name written in the Calibration Name box and so recallable for future acquisitions. To load
a saved calibration click on the Load icon in the first window of the calibration wizard (Figure 3-45).
If the check icon (Figure 3-46) is clicked the calibration will be applied only on the ongoing
measurement session but not saved: the calibration will be lost as soon as the connection with the
Techimp instrument is terminated.
When the IEC60270 modality is enabled only one single channel can stream at a
time. Thus the Enable/Disable channel streaming control (Figure 3-41) must be
used to select on which channel the streaming has to be activated.
In the second step of the Calibration wizard, the warning message shown on the bottom side of the
window in Figure 3-47 could be exposed.

Warning
Figure 3-47 Advanced acquisition: IEC 60270
The warning informs the operator that the ongoing calibration can not be saved because the
association between the channel, the phase under test, and the detection point has not been done
yet. Hence, it is required to previously click on the Change acquisition information icon (see Figure
3-41) and make the association. In this way, the software can uniquely correlate the Calibration with
the phase, the detection point, and the PD sensor.
When the Calibration is completed the Techimp PD Pro starts working according to the international
standard IEC60270.
Figure 3-48 shows an example of the Advanced window when the Calibration procedure has been
completed on channel 1 and channel 2, and the streaming is enabled on channel 1.
Analyzing the Figure 3-48:
• The IEC buttons colored in blue highlight the channels in which the Calibration has been
completed.
• The Full scale and Trigger threshold commands are removed from the usual position and
are positioned beside the waveform graph. This location facilitates the selection of the best
acquisition settings by looking at the waveform of the signals and not at the PRPD Pattern.
• The y axis of the PRPD Pattern is now displaying the data in [pC] instead of in [V].
56
Channels calibrated to
work according to the Full scale
IEC60270
Trigger
pC
Streaming
channel
Channel not calibrated
Figure 3-48 Advance modality working according to the IEC60270
As shown in Figure 3-48 more channels can be calibrated to show the data in pC, but only a channel
can be enabled to stream the data at a time.
The IEC60270 calibration can be disabled by clicking again on the blue IEC button or can be deleted
(e.g. to perform a new calibration) by right-clicking on the blue IEC button and then selecting reset.
3.10.3 ADVANCED MODE (PDBASE)
The Advanced mode has been specially designed for the PD skilled operator. In this acquisition
In this paragraph, the Techimp PDPro advanced working modality for the PDBase will be presented.
To establish a connection with the instrument insert the IP address and the port number and click
on the Connect button (see Figure 3-47).
Figure 3-49 Advanced acquisition window for the PDBase
Once the instrument has been reached and the connection has been established, the interface will
be enabled as shown in Figure 3-50.
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Start streaming
Channel selector
Figure 3-50 PDBase advanced acquisition window in streaming
Clicking on the play button on the upper-left part of the window the selected channel will start
streaming (Figure 3-35).
With the PDBase only one single channel can stream at a time. Thus the Channel
selector control (Figure 3-50) must be used to choose on which channel the
streaming has to be activated.
Taking Figure 3-50 as reference hereinafter all the PDBase Advanced acquisition functionalities will
be analyzed.
On the top of the window in Figure 3-50 a status bar (Figure 3-51) is present, starting from the left
the function of each element is described here below.
• The first three icons are dedicated to the Instrument connection, to Start/ Stop the streaming,
and to perform Simultaneous acquisitions (Figure 3-36). In particular, by clicking the latter
icon three simultaneous acquisitions start on the three streaming channels.

• IP address and port number fields are required for the software-instrument connection.
• Sync details: indication of the sync frequency (in Hz) and the amplitude of the sync signal
(in Volt).
• Finally, four led status indicators: the sequential streaming indicator (see Par.3.10.3.1), the
enable/disable monitoring indicator, the indicator for the correct synchronization status
(see Par. 3.10.3.2), and finally the instrument connection status.
Connect/ Start/stop IP address Sync Sequential Sync

disconnect streaming and Port details streaming management
Connection
status
Figure 3-51 PDBase advanced acquisitions: status bar
On the right side, of the advanced acquisition window (Figure 3-50) there are three different areas.
From the top to the bottom:
4. The waveforms of the signals get from the PD sensors are represented in the Waveform
chart (Figure 3-52). Exploiting the channel selector (“1”, “2”, or “3”) an operator can choose
which waveforms he wants to point out.
The desired value of the pretrigger can be chosen through the selector below the waveform
graph (see. Figure 3-52).
Channel
selector
Pretrigger
selector
Figure 3-52 Advanced acquisition: waveforms streaming
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5. In the second section (Figure 3-53) a skilled operator can find and tune all the settings related
to the acquisition and the streaming. Table 4 reports the meaning of each parameter.
Figure 3-53 Advanced acquisition: acquisition parameters
Table 4

Dead Time

Time length
each pulse
Buffer dimension
6. The third section is the acquisition log (Figure 3-50), where all the acquisitions that have
been done are organized in a table. Each acquisition can be selected and, using the
dedicated icons, it is possible to add a comment, delete the acquisition, change the
association between the acquisition and the detection point, phase, sensors, etc. or it can
be sent to the processing module for deeper analysis

information
Send to
Processing
module
Figure 3-54 Advanced acquisition: acquisition log
The central part of the PDBase Advanced acquisition window is dedicated to the streaming of the
PRPD Patterns and TF Maps (Figure 3-55).
Figure 3-55 Advanced acquisition: PRPD Patterns and TF maps streaming
62
Focusing on one single channel hereinafter a brief description of each tool shown in the screenshot
in Figure 3-56 is explained.
Acquisition circuit Acquire APTWTi and Acquire Wfms Change acquisition

information
Autoset
Channel
Full Scale selector
Trigger
Enable IEC60270
Phase Shift
Pulse counter
Saturation Figure 3-56 PDBase advanced acquisition: channel 1 Pattern and TF Map
PRPD Pattern graph shows a large amount of acquired pulses relating their amplitude to the phase
of the synchronization signal (sinusoidal waveform). When the amount of data (shown through the
pulse counter) reaches the maximum pulses number, the software will reset the Pattern and the TF
map automatically (refer to Table 3 for managing the maximum pulses number).
TF Map graph shows the acquired pulses classified by Equivalent Timelength [ns] and the
Equivalent Frequency [MHz], two parameters relevant to the pulses waveforms. Each point in the
TF map is related to a single point in the PRPD Pattern graph. By right-clicking on the TF map graph
it is possible to reset both the PRPD pattern and TF map graphs.
threshold.
wheel.
graphs.
pulse waveforms.
64
(see Par. 3.10.2.2)
Channel selector to choose in which channel the streaming is enabled.
3.10.3.1 PDBase sequential streaming
By clicking on the Sequential streaming label (on the top status bar, Figure 3-51) the window in
Figure 3-58 is shown. Once the streaming interval [s] and the channels have been defined, the
Techimp PDPro will start streaming on the selected channels for the defined period of time and then
will automatically switch to the following channel.

Figure 3-58 PDBase sequential streaming window
When the Sequential streaming feature is enabled the relevant led indicator will be colored in green
(as displayed in Figure 3-58). By clicking on the led indicator such functionality is enabled/disabled.
Figure 3-59 Sequential streaming functionality enabled
3.10.3.2 PDBase advanced sync management
By clicking on the Sync management indicator on the right side of the top bar (Figure 3-51) the
interface in Figure 3-60 is presented. In the Synchronization management window, the waveform of
the sync signal is displayed together with some sync settings that could be modified.
66
Channel selector
Full Scale
Time length
Filter bandwidth
Applied voltage
Figure 3-60 PDBase advanced acquisition: sync management window
It is possible to select each one of the six different channels on the top of the window in order to
visualize the relevant waveform.
Select the Internal synchronization means that the PD channel is synchronized with
the mains that supply the Techimp PDBaseII
Time Length sets the waveform length of the synchronization signal. It can be changed using the
drop-down menu or moving the related cursor (it is suggested to visualize at least one waveform
period – e.g. at least 20ms @ 50Hz);
Filter Band [Hz] allows filtering, via software, the synchronization signal. It is a low pass filter, and
the value of the cut frequency can be selected by the drop-down menu;
Full Scale is the full scale of synchronization graph;
Applied Voltage is possible to set the voltage applied to the asset under test.
3.10.4 TEST PLAN MODE
The Test Plan mode is the Techimp PD Pro acquisition modality focused on the quality controls and
end-off line tests or, in general, on those applications in which the same test procedure has to be
repeated.
In this acquisition modality the software, based on the ongoing PD activity, automatically chooses
the better acquisition parameters (i.e. the Full Scale and the Trigger threshold) and autonomously
performs the acquisitions.
A Test Plan is composed of different steps, channels configuration, warning thresholds, and other
settings that are fully customizable through the Test Plan Editor (see section 3.9.5).
In Figure 3-61 the Test Plan acquisition window is shown.
IP address Port number
Connect
Figure 3-61 Test Plan window
68
the Connect button (Figure 3-61).
Once the instrument has been reached the interface will be enabled as shown in Figure 3-62. First
of all, concerning the example reported in Figure 3-62, the information about the Customer and
Location need to be specified.
The information requested in the Registry fields to be set (Figure 3-62) depends on
the specification given in the Test Plan Editor. When the ask for registry function (see
Par. 3.9.5) is enabled, the Test Plan execution will request to insert the chosen
Registry fields.
When the apply icon is pressed an information window (Figure 3-63) advises the operator that a new
Registry, based on the reference Registry (specified in the Editor) and the details given in the
Registry fields to be set, will be created.
The acquisitions performed during the execution of the Test Plan will be linked to the new Registry
and stored together in the database.
Registry fields to
be set
Figure 3-62 Test Plan window, connection established
Figure 3-63 New registry information window
To start the execution of the Test Plan follow the below steps:
• Select the channel to be used (upper-left side of the window, in the Select channel section).
• Insert the requested acquisition information in the appeared wizard (Figure 3-64). It is
possible to specify which phase is under test, what is the detection point, and indicate the
PD and sync sensors.
Phase analyzed
Detection point
in use PD sensor
in use
Sync
PD Test type
Apply
• If the Test Plan has been defined to work according to the IEC60270, the calibration wizard
will appear. Refer to Par. 3.10.2.2 for all the details.
70
• Click on the Play button on the bottom-left side of the window in Figure 3-65. The software
will automatically perform the acquisition. If more acquisitions are desired they can be done
by simply pressing again the play button.
• If more channels are in use, change the selected channel and press the play button to start
a new acquisition.
If in the Test Plan Editor the consecutive channels feature (see 3.9.5) has been
enabled then, during the execution of the tests, the acquisitions and the channels
selection are automatically performed by the software.
• When all the acquisitions in a step are completed, press the Next icon on the bottom-left side
of the window in Figure 3-65.
• When all the steps have been completed it is possible to:
o generate a summary report by clicking on the Report icon
o start a new test by clicking the Reset icon
o close the Test Plan window.
Sync Status Connection Status
Step details
Channels
Phase Shift Channel details
Acquisition log
Report
Reset
Step number Stop stream
Next step
Acquire Figure 3-65 Test plan acquisition

At the end of each Test Plan step the software, based on the results of the acquisitions, proposes
the results of the step (Figure 3-66).
Figure 3-66 Test plan Step result
The software will consider Passed the Test Plan step if all the acquisitions in that
step have a Qmax lower than the warning threshold. Anyway, the Test Plan result
can always be modified by the operator.
Figure 3-67 shows how the Test Plan window appears when all steps have been completed.
72
Acquisition
log
Reset Report
button button
Steps
results
Figure 3-67 Test plan acquisition: all steps tested
In the central part of the window (Figure 3-67) the performed acquisitions are listed in the Acquisition
log. By clicking on a row of the Acquisition log the related PRPD Pattern and TF Map are shown in
the dedicated graphs.
An operator can select one or more acquisitions by checking the box in the first column and:
• Add a comment to the acquisitions
• Delete the acquisitions
• Change the Set Acquisition data
• Open the acquisitions in the Processing module
these operations can be easily done by exploiting the icons in the upper-right side of the Acquisition
log (Figure 3-68).

Set
acquisition
data
Delete
Open the
Add a Processing
Acquisition comment
log
Figure 3-68 Test plan acquisition: acquisition log
On the right side of the Test Plan Acquisition window the Step parameters and Channel parameters
sections report the settings defined in the Test Plan editor.
74
3.10.5 OPERATOR MODE
The Operator mode has been specially designed for the PD skilled operator. In this acquisition
the Connect button (see Figure 3-69).
Port number
Connect
IP address
Start
streaming
Figure 3-69 Operator mode window
Once the instrument has been reached the interface results to be enabled as shown in Figure 3-70.
To start streaming click on the Play icon on the upper left side of the window.
The Operator window can be considered composed of two areas:
• The streaming part, on the upper side, in which the PRPD Pattern, TF map, and the
Waveform graph stream the data coming from the instrument;
• The pre-processing part, on the bottom side, in which the reported charts are the screenshot
of the upper Pattern and TF map and on which some pre-elaboration can be done.
Streaming
graphs
Pre-processing
Figure 3-70 Operator mode window
Hereinafter a brief description of each tool shown in Figure 3-71 is explained.
Acquisition circuit Acquire APTWTi and Acquire Wfms

Channel selector
Full Scale
Trigger
Phase Shift
Pulse counter
Screenshot Pattern
and TF Map
Saturation
Enable IEC60270
Autoset Change acquisition

Figure 3-71 Operator mode tools
information
The PRPD Pattern graph (Figure 3-72) shows a large amount of acquired pulses relating their
maximum amplitude with the phase of the synchronization signal (sinusoidal waveform). When the
76
amount of data reaches the stream buffer dimension the software resets the pattern automatically.
The value of the stream buffer dimension can be modified through the related drop-down menu
on the right side of the Operator window.
Figure 3-72 PRPD Pattern graph
The points on the TF Map (Figure 3-73) correspond to the equivalent time length and the equivalent
frequency of the detected pulses. Each point in the Pattern corresponds to a point in the TF map.
Figure 3-73 TF map graph
The waveform graph (Figure 3-74) displays the pulse waveform.

Figure 3-74 Waveform graph
threshold.
The Channel selector drop-down menu allows choosing the channel in use.
wheel.
78
graphs.
pulse waveforms.

(see Par. 3.10.2.2).
The screenshot button allows taking a screenshot of the PRPD Pattern and TF map in streaming
and to report the results in the below charts for fast analysis.
On the right side of the Operator window, in the trigger and streaming parameters section (Figure
3-76), it is possible to tune all the settings related to the acquisition and the streaming. Table 5
reports the meaning of each parameter.
Figure 3-76 Acquisition parameters section
Table 5

Dead Time

Time length
each pulse
Buffer dimension
80
On the right side of the Operator window in the acquisition log section (Figure 3-77), all the
performed acquisitions are organized in a table. Each acquisition can be selected and, using the
dedicated icons, it is possible to add a comment, delete the acquisition, change the association
between the acquisition and the detection point, phase, sensors, etc. or it can be sent to the
processing module for deeper analysis

information
Send to
Processing
module
Figure 3-77 Acquisition log section
Figure 3-78 highlights the pre-processing tools and a brief description of them is given here below.
Screenshot
Save Patter and TF map sent

into the preprocessing
Previous/next zoom
Apply a TF map filter
Reset zoom
Figure 3-78 Pre-processing section

When the screenshot icon is clicked the PRPD Pattern and the TF Map currently shown are sent to
below the pre-processing charts.
By dragging the mouse cursor (with a right-click) on the TF map it is possible to zoom on a region
in order, for example, to select only a cluster of pulses. As a consequence, the beside Pattern is
rebuilt showing only the pulses belonging to the selected area.
The apply TF map filter button (Figure 3-78) allows defining a TF map software filter that excludes
the entire area visualized in the TF map graph.
The save current acquisition button saves the dataset visualized in the pre-processing charts.
The buttons reset zoom, previous zoom, and next zoom can be used respectively to delete all the
performed zooms or to recall the previous/next zoom.
3.10.5.1 Calibration window and IEC60270 working modality
The Operator mode can work according to the IEC60270, this functionality can be recalled by clicking
on the IEC icon (Figure 3-71).
For the details about the IEC60270 working modality refer to Par. 3.10.2.2.
For the details about the TF map filtering tool refer to Par. 3.10.2.1.
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PROCESSING
This paragraph describes the Techimp PD Pro Processing module and how to use it. The
Processing allows acquired data to be analyzed and all the related information to be managed.
On the Processing home page (Figure 3-79) the opened acquisitions are listed in the left area.
The green font in the acquisition list highlights the waveform acquisitions.
In the center of the Processing homepage window the PRPD Pattern and the TF map are shown
together with the values of the Full Scale and Phase Shift.
Finally, on the right side of the window in Figure 3-79, some acquisition details are reported.
Acquisitions Pattern and Acquisition

list TF map details
Figure 3-79 Processing homepage

Taking the window in Figure 3-80 as reference the below list briefly describes the main
functionalities.
Add acquisitions button allows adding additional acquisitions to those already opened.
Load New Acquisition button can be used to open the desired acquisitions (if some acquisitions
had been already loaded they will be replaced).
Advanced Processing: by clicking on the mechanical gear icon the Advanced Processing sub-
module is recalled (see Par. 3.11.1).
The opened acquisitions can be navigated through the acquisition selectors.
Add Advanced
acquisitions Processing
Full Scale
Load new
acquisitions Phase shift
Acquisition
selectors
Figure 3-80 Processing homepage
On the Processing homepage, the operator can change the Full Scale value by writing the value in
its box or by clicking on the arrows buttons as well as change the Phase Shift value by writing the
84
desired value or using the arrow buttons. These parameter changes are not permanent (i.e. the PD
file is not modified), but only temporarily applied to the PD Pattern to have a better visualization of
it.
With a right-click on the Pattern or the TF Map, the exposed data can be copied or exported, the first
allows the operator to make a print screen, while the latter one will save the data in a .csv file.
3.11.1 ADVANCED PROCESSING: MAIN PAGE
The Techimp PD Pro Advanced Processing sub-module (Figure 3-81) allows performing a deeper
analysis of PD data.
Class list
Homepage
Waveform
slide bar Pointer cursor
Figure 3-81 Advanced processing: homepage
The Advanced Processing window is composed of multiple PD tools - i.e. the Cluster separation,
the Pattern Filter, the PD Identification, the TDR location, the Pattern Movie, the Trending, and
the Report. Each one of these tools can be recalled by clicking on the related icon on the upper-left
side of the Advanced Processing window (Figure 3-81).
3.11.2 ADVANCED PROCESSING: HOMEPAGE
The Homepage of the Advanced Processing window shows the PD Pattern, the TF map, and, only
for the waveform acquisitions, the Waveform and Pulse Spectrum graphs (Figure 3-81). Moving the
waveform slide bar it is possible to plot all the waveforms and pulse spectra of the loaded
acquisition.
86
The Cluster list allows selecting and thus displaying the Pattern of one of the Cluster defined
through the Separation tool (see 3.11.3 for more details on the cluster definition).
When the pointer cursor is enabled it shows the values of the Amplitude, the Phase, the
Equivalent Timelength, and the Equivalent Frequency of the selected dot on the Pattern or the TF
map. If the opened acquisition is a waveform acquisition, the Waveform and Pulse Spectrum
graphs will show the data relevant to the selected dot on the Pattern or the TF Map.
The Full Scale and Phase Shift controls, in Figure 3-81, allow changing the Full Scale and phase
shift values, in order to get a better visualization of the pattern. It is possible to change these values
either by clicking the up and down arrows or writing the value in the box. It is important to set the
proper Full Scale and Phase Shift because the automatic identification algorithm relies on this
information.
On the Pulse Spectrum and Waveform graphs, zooming can be performed by clicking with the left
mouse button on the pulse spectrum graph and dragging the cursor (or using the mouse scroll
wheel). To reset the visualization, right-click the mouse button and select reset zoom.
3.11.3 ADVANCED PROCESSING: SEPARATION
Thanks to the Separation tool it is possible to select different clusters in the TF Map to separate
different PD phenomena and analyze the generated sub-patterns. To exploit the Separation tool
select the Separation icon in the upper part of the window in Figure 3-82.
Class
selector
Separation Area
icon list
Separation
Map
Separation
result
Apply, reset and

delete icons
Sub Patterns
Figure 3-82 Advanced processing: separation page
On the separation page (Figure 3-82), the Separation Map, the sub-patterns, the class list, and the
area list are shown.
To perform the separation drag the mouse cursor on the Separation Map graph to define a
rectangular area that includes the desired portion of the TF Map. After the mouse button has been
released a class is created and the software is ready for the definition of a new class.
If an area needs to be added in an existing Class it is sufficient to select the class with the Class
selector and create a new area on the Separation Map.
To apply the separation click the check icon in the center part of the window. After the cluster
separation has been applied the generated sub-patterns appear in the lower part of the window.
Each class created by the Separation procedure is indicated by a letter in the Area list.
A rectangular in the Separation Map can be selected by a double click (or through the Area list) and
can be modified or moved directly using the mouse cursor.
88
When a rectangular area has been selected it can be deleted with the dedicated icon (Figure 3-82)
or by the Canc keyboard button.
The reset icon will delete all the created rectangles.
Class #0 includes all the pulses which do not belong to any other class, i.e. the dots that have not
been included in any rectangular area. If a certain area of the Map is selected for different classes,
then the pulses located in this area belong to the last defined class.
When all the desired classes are defined, it is possible to go back to the main page by clicking on
the house icon on the upper side of the window. As indicated in Figure 3-83 the sub-pattern relevant
to the class chosen with the class selector will be shown.
Class
selected
Figure 3-83 Advanced processing: main page after separation
3.11.4 ADVANCED PROCESSING: PATTERN FILTER

With the Pattern Filter tool, it is possible to perform manual filtering of PD Pattern. To activate the
Pattern filter tool click on the Pattern Filter icon as shown in see Figure 3-84. This function is very
important to get the correct phenomenon identification.
Pattern Automatic Acquisition

Filter icon filtering circuit
Class
selector
Apply
filter
Figure 3-84 Advanced processing: pattern filter
First of all, the right setting of the Acquisition circuit (in the upper part of this window) must be
checked. On top of the window, there is a PD Pattern with colored lines that allow defining amplitude
and phase ranges, for positive and negative pulses. It is possible to move those lines using the
relevant cursors.
Red lines define a region for positive pulses, while blue lines define a region for negative pulses. It
is noteworthy that the dots corresponding to positive pulses are plotted above the horizontal axis of
the PD Pattern if the Direct measurement circuit is selected. On the contrary, positive pulses are
plotted below the horizontal axis of the PD Pattern, if the Indirect measurement circuit is selected.
Once the filtering cursors have been set it is possible to view, on the low part of the window, a
preview PD Pattern, that shows only pulses inside regions defined through colored lines. To apply
this filter click on the check icon.
90
If a separation has been done it is possible to perform a different pattern filtering for each class. To
do this select a class through the Class selector, then define the filtering for that class.
To support unskilled operators, an automatic filtering function is available in Techimp PD Pro
software (Figure 3-84). First of all the right setting of the Acquisition circuit (in the upper part of this
window) must be checked then the output of the automatic filter algorithm could be modified by
moving the cursors in the PD Pattern.
It is possible to restore automatic filtering results by disabling and enabling the auto filtering
again(see Figure 3-84).
The chosen automatic filtering status (enabled/disabled) will be saved and
maintained at the restart of the Techimp PD Pro.
3.11.5 ADVANCED PROCESSING: GENERIC IDENTIFICATION
By clicking on the Identification icon as shown in Figure 3-85, the operator can get a final response
in terms of PD Identification.
Identification
icon
Drop-down
menu
Figure 3-85 Advanced processing: identification
The system takes advantage of an architecture that evaluates the behavior of the PD phenomena
concerning the amplitude and phase distribution
As a first level, PD can be recognized within 6 classes:
1. Corona Discharges: the PD’s are recognized as discharges generated in open air or gas
between sharply shaped electrodes (needle-needle, needle-plate,…);
2. Surface Discharges: the PD’s are recognized as discharges that develop on the surface of
solid insulation materials, due to the cut component of the electric field to the surface;
3. Internal Discharges: the PD’s are recognized as discharges occurring in an air gap
completely surrounded by a solid dielectric, otherwise between the solid dielectric and a
metallic electrode; these discharges are generated by the normal component of the electric
field to the surface of the electrodes;
4. Noise: data acquired are recognized as noise.
5. Not identified as PD in the asset: data have been wrongly acquired, so it’s impossible to
do any inference because of a large amount of unclassifiable data acquired; in this case, try
to filter again the pattern and retry to run the identification procedure;
6. Likelihood: express the grade of the likelihood of the given identification;
92
On the lower-right side of the Identification window, a table of Diagnostic Indexes is given.
The red and the blue columns display respectively the parameter values for positive and negative
PDs. Table 6 for further information about the parameters calculated.
Table 6
Qmax [V] The highest value of the recorded PDs;
The highest value of the recorded PDs evaluated with

QMax95% [V]
95% interval of confidence;
QMean [V] The mean amplitude of the recorded PDs;
QMin [V] The lowest PD amplitude detected;
The scale parameter of the best fitting Weibull

Alfa [V]
Distribution
The shape parameter of the best fitting Weibull
Beta
Distribution
N The number of pulses acquired;
N/s [1/s] The repetition frequency of the acquired PD;
The repetition rate as pulses per period of the applied

Nw
voltage;
Phi Max [°] The highest value of the measured phases;
Phi Mean [°] The mean value of the measured phases;
Phi Min [°] The lowest value of the measured phases;

3.11.5.1 Advanced identification
By expanding the drop-down menu in Figure 3-85 an operator can select what kind of asset the
analyzed data are referred to. Thus providing the input needed from the fuzzy logic to fully identify
the PD source.
Figure 3-86 Advanced processing: advanced identification
Based on the license purchased, the PD identification based on a specific asset may
be disabled.
3.11.6 ADVANCED PROCESSING: TDR LOCATION
Through the TDR location tool (if the bought license includes this feature) it is possible to locate the
PD source along a cable circuit affected by PD activity using the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
technique. The distance between the measuring point and the PD source is obtained from the time
delay among the PD pulse and its reflections generated at cable terminations.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This tool is available only for waveform acquisitions.
To activate the TDR Location select the TDR Location icon as shown in Figure 3-87.
94
Third
First part
part
TDR location
icon
Second
Slide bar
part
Average
pulse
Fourth
part
Figure 3-87 Advanced processing: TDR location
PD Localization window (Figure 3-87) is divided into four sections:
• In the upper part of the window, the waveform of each acquired pulse is reported. Moving the
horizontal slide bar below the upper waveform graph it is possible to plot all the waveforms
of the loaded acquisition file.
• The second section (on the central left) shows the plot of the average pulse of the acquisition.
Use the average pulse for location purposes is useful because background noise amplitude
is reduced.
• If the average pulse waveform is still affected by background noise it is possible to modify
low and high cut-off frequency through the Waveform Filtering (third section on the right part
of Figure 3-87).
• The fourth section (on the bottom side) shows the location of the PD source with respect to
the measuring point after the cursor positions and the cable data have been properly
provided, as described in the following.

In the single and average pulse waveform there are three vertical cursors, the blue one represents
the PD pulse (t1), the red one indicates the first reflection (t2), and the grey represents the second
reflection (t3). Using the mouse scroll wheel a zoom of the waveforms can be made to easily adjust
the three cursors.
To adequately perform the location the cursors must be carefully positioned: the
blue one on the PD pulse, the red one on the first reflection, and the green one on
the second reflection. This operation must be done manually. It is suggested to
place the cursors on the rising point of the pulse not on the peak point as shown in
Figure 3-88.
Figure 3-88 Advanced processing: TDR location with proper positioning of the cursors
Once the three cursors have been placed, the user can proceed to the PD source location. In the
left part of the fourth section, the propagation speed of the pulse and total cable length are indicated
(input by the user) while on the right there is the difference between t3 and t1 and between t2 and
t1. These parameters, as well as L1 and L2, are calculated automatically according to propagation
speed and total cable length.
96
Inserting one of the two values (propagation speed or total cable length), the other
is automatically determined by the cursor positions.
3.11.7 ADVANCED PROCESSING: PATTERN MOVIE
The Pattern movie tool allows visualizing the real-time sequence of detected pulses that occurred
during the measurement. To activate the Pattern movie tool select the pattern movie icon as shown
in Figure 3-89.
Identification
icon
Black
cursor
Progress
bar
Speed cursor
regulator
Figure 3-89 Advanced processing: pattern movie
On the PD Pattern, it is possible to follow the movement of a black cursor that constantly spots the
position of the last pulse that occurred during the acquisition time sequence, like a movie. A vertical
cursor is reported on the right side of the pattern by which the refresh speed of the pattern may be
changed.
On the bottom of the PD Pattern there is a progress bar that indicates the movie progress.
With a right-click on the PD Pattern an operator can choose:
• Trigger: to show the Trigger level set during the file acquisition.
• Copy data: it allows performing a print screen of the PD Pattern picture on your clipboard.
• Export data: it allows us to export the PD Pattern data in a .csv file.
While with a right-click on the TF Map an operator can choose:
• Copy data: takes a snapshot of the T-F Map and saves it in the clipboard.
3.11.8 ADVANCED PROCESSING: TRENDING
Thanks to the trending tool it is possible to plot the evolution of PD phenomena over time. To activate
the Trending tool select the trending icon as shown in Figure 3-90.
Trending
icon
Selectable
quantities
Figure 3-90 Advanced processing: trending
To get a correct trending of PD parameters, before opening the Advanced Processing window, the
acquisitions, that we would like to add in the trend, must be opened in the same row of the Processing
Homepage (Figure 3-80).
98
It is possible to choose what variables to plot by selecting the desired ones in the bottom part of the
window. The selectable quantities are:
• Qmax 95%: 95% percentile of the PD amplitude distribution;
• Nw: the repetition rate as pulses per period of the applied voltage;
• N: the number of acquired pulses;
• V Synch: the amplitude of synchronization voltage signal, RMS;
• Applied voltage: the amplitude of applied voltage, RMS;
• Synchronization frequency: the frequency of the synchronization voltage signal;
IMPORTANT NOTE: Each class corresponds to a specific region of TF Map;
when we look after the trend of a specific class the program looks only after the
trend of this specific region in the TF Map. This logic of calculation may lead to
unexpected results of the trend because Classification maps may be quite
different among files acquired at different times.
By clicking on each point of the trend, it is possible to visualize the relevant PD Pattern and TF Map.
Using the mouse scroll wheel a zoom of the graph can be made.
With a right-click on the PD Pattern an operator can choose:
• Copy image to clipboard: to perform a print screen of the PD Pattern picture on the
computer clipboard.
With a right-click on the TF Map graph it can be chosen:
• Copy image to clipboard: to perform a print screen of the TF Map picture on the computer
clipboard.
3.11.9 ADVANCED PROCESSING: REPORT
Thanks to the Report tool it is possible to automatically generate a summary report in which all the
analyses results are inserted. An operator can click on the report icon to lunch the generation of the
document, as shown in Figure 3-91.
Report Available file

icon extensions
Report forwarding
through mail
Figure 3-91 Advanced processing: report
In the first part of the document general information about the measurement campaign and the asset
are reported while, in the following parts, the entire PD Pattern and TF Map together with the results
of the separation and PD identification.
100
4 ANNEX A: PD Pattern Library
NOTE: all patterns represented in the following pictures are acquired in indirect polarity.
INTERNAL PD
Spherical void in epoxy (low overvoltage) Spherical void in epoxy (low overvoltage)
Spherical void in epoxy (low overvoltage) Spherical void in epoxy (large overvoltage)
Spherical void in epoxy, sharp electrodes Internal PD with strongly divergent field
Metallic protrusion with tree Treeing in epoxy
Multiple voids Multiple voids
102
Flat cavity Internal PD in MV capacitor
Slot discharges in rotating machine Distributed microvoids
Embedded delamination in a rotating machine Conductor-side delamination in a rotating
winding machine winding

PD within oil-impregnated pressboard
104
SURFACE PD
Insulated HV conductor on grounded metallic Insulated HV conductor on grounded metallic
plane (low overvoltage) plane (large overvoltage)
Insulated HV conductor on grounded metallic Insulated HV conductor on grounded metallic
plane (large overvoltage) plane (large overvoltage)
Surface PD on cable termination Surface PD on cable termination

PD on stress grading system of a VPI rotating PD on stress grading system of a resin-rich
machine with taped grading system rotating machine with painted grading system
External PD on a rotating machine HV PD on ceramic insulators associated with salt
connection fog pollution
106
CORONA PD
Needle on high voltage electrode (low Needle on high voltage electrode (low
overvoltage) overvoltage)
Needle on high voltage electrode (large Needle on high voltage electrode (large
Needle on high voltage electrode (large Needle on high voltage electrode (large
Needle on ground voltage electrode (low Needle on ground voltage electrode (low
Needle on high voltage electrode (discharges
from both HV and ground electrode)
108
5 ANNEX B - Time-Frequency mapping
This measurement approach allows the signals detected, sampled and acquired to be gathered into
homogeneous clusters based on the shapes of the signals. Signals coming from the same sources
are characterized by similar shape parameters. Such shape parameters are the equivalent time
length (T) and the equivalent frequency (F) and they are calculated according to the following
equations (1) to (4).
L
s (t ) = s (t ) ∫ s(τ ) dτ (1)
2
being s(t) the normalized PD signal,

L
t0 = ∫ ts (t ) 2 d t (2)
0
being t 0 the “gravity center” of the normalized signal,
L
= ∫ (t − t ) s(t ) (3)
2 2
T 0 dt
0
being T the equivalent time length, and
∞
2
F= ∫f S ( f ) d f (4)
2
being F the equivalent frequency.
The decomposed PD signals are then plotted in an XY graph, the T-F map. By means of this graph,
it is possible to separate the different phenomena and relate them to the sources that can be noise,
other typologies of disturbances or to real defects.

Figure 5-1 shows an example of a separation of the detected signals of a PD acquisition into three
clusters, each one belonging to a different signal source relevant to the color of the cluster. The
resulting PRPD sub-patterns are built according to the separation carried out in the T-F map and are
relevant to different phenomena. Such separation (that can be automatic or manual) allows an easier
identification of the source, focusing on the characteristic patterns.
Figure 5-1: an example of separation of signals by means of the T-F map clusters.
Moreover, the T-F map separation allows tracking the time behavior of each single phenomenon,
avoiding the raising of false alarms caused by the superposition of contributions from different
sources.
110
Notes
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112
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Via Toscana, 11/C

Techimp – Altanova Group S.r.l.
40069 Zola Predosa BO – ITALY

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Software release 2.0.0

MN-04.07.154_eng Rev. 03 – Agust 2021

consent of Techimp -Altanova Group.

All rights reserved.

2 PRELIMINARY ACTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 9

CONTROL UNIT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 9

SOFTWARE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................... 9

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................. 10

3 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................. 14

HOME PAGE .................................................................................................................................... 15

USER MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................................... 15

MANAGE LICENSES ........................................................................................................................... 19

3.7.1 Techimp PD Pro Offline activation procedure............................................................................ 19

3.7.2 Techimp PD Pro online activation procedure ............................................................................ 20

SOFTWARE VERSION DETAIL .............................................................................................................. 21

3.9.1 Create new registry .................................................................................................................... 22

3.9.2 Query: registry............................................................................................................................ 25

3.9.3 Query: acquisition ...................................................................................................................... 29

3.9.4 Query: Test Plan ........................................................................................................................ 32

3.9.5 Test Plan Editor ......................................................................................................................... 34

3.10.1.1 TF map filters ................................................................................................................................... 43

3.10.2 Advanced mode (PDcheck, pdscope, micro aquila, aquila) .................................................. 45

3.10.2.1 TF map filters ................................................................................................................................... 52

3.10.2.2 Calibration window and IEC60270 working modality ....................................................................... 54

3.10.3 Advanced mode (pdbase) ..................................................................................................... 58

3.10.3.1 PDBase sequential streaming.......................................................................................................... 65

3.10.3.2 PDBase advanced sync management ............................................................................................. 66

3.10.4 Test plan mode ...................................................................................................................... 68

3.10.5 Operator mode....................................................................................................................... 75

3.10.5.1 Calibration window and IEC60270 working modality ....................................................................... 82

3.10.5.2 TF map filters ................................................................................................................................... 82

3.11.1 Advanced processing: main page ......................................................................................... 86

3.11.2 Advanced processing: homepage ......................................................................................... 86

3.11.3 Advanced processing: separation ......................................................................................... 87

3.11.4 Advanced processing: pattern filter ....................................................................................... 89

3.11.5 Advanced processing: Generic identification ........................................................................ 91

3.11.5.1 Advanced identification .................................................................................................................... 94

3.11.6 Advanced processing: TDR location ..................................................................................... 94

3.11.7 Advanced processing: pattern movie .................................................................................... 97

3.11.8 Advanced processing: trending ............................................................................................. 98

3.11.9 Advanced processing: report ............................................................................................... 100

4 ANNEX A: PD PATTERN LIBRARY.................................................................................................... 101

INTERNAL PD .............................................................................................................................. 101

SURFACE PD .............................................................................................................................. 105

CORONA PD ................................................................................................................................ 107

5 ANNEX B - TIME-FREQUENCY MAPPING ........................................................................................ 109

CONTROL UNIT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

computer the following minimum set of hardware:

- Hard Disk: 100 GB

- Ethernet connection: 1GB

- Screen resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)

SOFTWARE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Operating system: Microsoft Windows 10;

• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.

software requirements listed in sections 2.1 and 2.2.

privileges (right-click on the PD Pro icon and select run as administrator).

desktop or by searching it from Windows Start.

.pd2 or .pqd files.