ECAT Lightning Test System (LTS)

Modular LTS platform for multiple avionic standards

The M Precision Labs ECAT Lightning Test System (LTS) is a modular test platform which tests to the lightning simulator requirements of RTCADO-160, Section 22 and Section 17. The system is expandable to meet Boeing, Airbus, EUROCAE and other avionic standards.

  • Safe
  • Quick test set-up
  • Simple user interface
  • Waveforms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B and 6
  • Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5+
  • Single Stroke, Multiple Stroke, Multiple Burst and Pin Injection from the same front panel
  • Modular architecture
  • Voltage spikes

When failure is not an option

With its fully-automated test operation, the M Precision Labs ECAT Lightning Test System (LTS) yields reliable, repeatable and accurate test results to avionics lightning simulation requirements of RTCA DO 160 Section 22 and 17. It is easily expandable to meet most Boeing, Airbus, EUROCAE and other requirements.

Building on the legacy of the proven ECAT platform, it provides field-upgradeable modular technology featuring fast test set- up, intuitive programming, and front panel control. On-site calibration and field service is available worldwide.

System description

The ECAT LTS is configured as a basic test system available as a Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 tester. All test systems feature Single stroke, Multiple Stroke, Pin Injection and Multiple Burst test capability integral to the system controls without any external connections.

The system is composed of a frame that houses power and control functions for the system. Waveforms are produced from the modules inserted into the frame. Both the frame and modules can be purchased separately. Owning multiple frames allows increased capability by “swapping” modules between frames, and testing with each frame simultaneously.

The Total System

The ECAT LTS provides a modular test platform based on the requirements of RTCA DO-160G Section 17 (Voltage Spikes) and Section 22 (Lightning Induced Transient Susceptibility), EUROCAE, Boeing, Airbus and others. The LTS can perform Pin Injection, Cable Bundle and Ground Injection testing with Single Stroke, Multiple Stroke and Multiple Burst modes from the same module. The system can be expanded as test requirements evolve or to allow the operator to double his capacity using existing modules without purchasing another system.

Turn-key Testing

With the advent of the ECAT LTS, lightning testing of avionics comes of age with an easy to use, turn-key solution for test engineers and technicians. Until recently, the availability of commercial equipment for testing to lightning standards for avionics, such as RTCA DO-160G, has been limited. Most test equipment used in the industry was home-made: difficult and time consuming to set-up and awkward to use, often unsafe and requiring skilled engineers for their operation and maintenance.

Testing with the ECAT LTS insures repeatable, reproducible test results while virtually eliminating tester set-up time. Waveforms and functions are selected with the push of a button rather than by reconfiguring test equipment and moving around bulky generator boxes and wiring. The ECAT LTS can significantly reduce total test time resulting in significant cost savings.

Versatile, Modular Architecture

ECAT LTS modular systems are totally open-ended to protect you as industry standards evolve. Built upon the proven modular construction of the M Precision Labs ECAT System, ECAT LTS waveform simulators use plug-in modules that can be added or replaced by the operator at any time wi

Currently Available LTS Modules1:

Waveform Pin Injection Single Stroke Multiple Stroke Multiple Burst Description Plug-in Module
WF1     6.4µs X 69µs Current Wave D561, D566
WF2   ≤100ns x 6.4µs Voltage Wave D562
WF3- 1 MHz 1 MHz Oscillatory Voltage Wave D563
WF3- 10 MHz   10 MHz Oscillatory Voltage Wave D563
WF4   6.4µs X 69µs Voltage Wave D561, D566
WF5A   40µs X 120µs Current Wave D561, D567
WF5A Airbus / Boeing     40µs X 120µs Voltage & Current Wave D568
WF5B   50µs X 500µs Current Impulse D564
WF6       0.25µs X 4.0µs Current Impulse D569
Voltage Spikes       2 ≤2µs X ≥10µs, ≤2µs X ≥50µs, ≤2µs X
≥100µs, ≤2µs X ≥200µs, ≤2µs X ≥400µs
D570
1 See specifications 2 Up to 50 pulses in 60 seconds

One example of the multiple standards supported for WF3 Multiple Burst Test Mode:

LTS Display Standards Compliance Min. Applic. Time Max # Trans Max # Bursts Time Between Bursts Time Between Transients
DO160 DO160
Boeing D6-16050-5
Airbus ABD0100.1.2-F
Airbus ABD0100.1.2-G
3 sec 20 3 30-300ms 50-10,000µs
Airbus/E Airbus ABD0100.1.2-E 15 sec 500 1 ------------------ 10-10,000µs
Boeing-4 Boeing D6-16050-4 NH-90 3 sec 20 24 10-200ms 10-50µs

Example test setup for WF3 Single Stroke, Multiple Stroke, Multiple Burst and Pin Injection from the same module front panel

Test Setup

Controller front panel programming for above example

1. Select Test Type: Pin Injection, Single Stroke, Multiple Stroke or Multiple Burst 2. Select waveform type, voltage levels and timing
Test Type Waveform Type

It doesn’t get any easier than this!


Model: F-LTS-X

Model: F-LTS-X (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Frame/Controller for the operation of individual modules
System Voltage 190-230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 3Ø Wye, 30 Amax (Optional 190-230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1Ø 50 Amax)
Test Types Single Stroke
Multiple Stroke: 1-24 pulses; 10 – 200 ms fixed, random or irregular 1st pulse and subsequent pulse spacing
Multiple Burst: 1-500 pulses; 50 – 1000 us fixed, random or irregular pulse spacing; 1-24 bursts; 30 – 300 ms
fixed, random or irregular burst spacing
Pin Injection
Voltage Spikes
Number of Tests 1 to 999
Test Repetition Rate 3 s to 255 s (at maximum level, min rep rate may be >3 s)
Control Interface Display 8x40 character LCD; Remote USB, RS232, Fiber-optic (future feature)
Safety Features Emergency off switch, external interlock for users (mats, Lexan barrier, etc); lockout/tag out capability
Module Bays 3 full-width / 4 half-width plug-in module capability
Operating Temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
Physical Specifications Height 160 cm (66.6 in); Width 107 cm (42 in); Depth 69 cm (27 in); Weight 360 kg (800 lb) fully configured
Options LTS-1PHASE: Adds a power converter to accept 190-230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1Ø 50 Amax to power the LTS
CE Marking Safety and EMC Directives

Model: D561-Lx

Model: D561-Lx (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Module for WF1, WF4, WF5A, full-width ECAT plug-in module
WF1 (CI1, GI) Single Stroke, 6.4/69 µs, 50-3800 A, 2000 Voc Multiple Strokes, 6.4/69 µs, 25-1200 A
WF4 (GI) Single Stroke, 6.4/69 µs, 25-2000V, 2100 Asc Multiple Strokes, 6.4/69 µs, 10-600 V
WF4 Pin Injection 6.4/69 µs, 50-2000 Voc /10-400 Asc = 5 Ohm
WF5A (CI1, GI) Single Stroke, 40/120 µs, 50-10000 A, 1300 Voc
Multiple Strokes, 40/120 µs, 30-1500 A
WF5A Pin Injection 40/120 µs, 50-1800 Voc /50-1800 Asc = 1 Ohm
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating Temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives
1(For Cable Induction use Model DCI-1 Cable Induction Coupler)

Model: D562-Lx

Model: D562-Lx (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Module for WF2, half-width ECAT plug-in module
WF2 (CI1, GI)2/td> Single Stroke, 0.1/6.4 µs, 25-1920 V, 1700 Asc
Multiple Strokes, 0.1/6.4 µs, 25-1200 V
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating Temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives
1 (For Cable Induction use Model DCV-1 Cable Induction Coupler and use 2 for Level 5)
2 (Add wire to clamp between ground planes)

Model: D563-Lx

Model: D563-Lx (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Module for WF3, 1 MHz and 10 MHz, full-width ECAT plug-in module
WF3 (CI1, GI) Single Stroke, 1 MHz, 25-4000 V, 160 Asc
Multiple Strokes, 1 MHz, 25-2400 V
Multiple Burst, 1 MHz, 25-2300 V
Single Stroke, 10 MHz, 25-4000V, 60 Asc
Multiple Strokes, 10 MHz, 25-2400 V
Multiple Burst, 10 MHz, 25-2300 V
WF3 Pin Injection 1 MHz, 30-4000 Voc /1.2-160 Asc = 25 Ohm
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives
1 (For Cable Induction use Model DCHV-1 Cable Induction Coupler)

Model: D564-Lx

Model: D564-Lx (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Module for WF5B, full-width ECAT plug-in module
WF5B (CI1, GI2) Single Stroke, 50/500 µs, 150-6000 A, 900 Voc
Multiple Strokes, 50/500 µs, 30-1500 V
WF5B Pin Injection 50/500 µs, 50-1800 Voc /50-1800 Asc = 1 Ohm
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives
1 (For Cable Induction use Model DCI-1 Cable Induction Coupler)
2 (DCI-1 clamp cal loop)

Model: D566-Lx

Model: D566-Lx (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Module for WF1, 4, full-width ECAT plug-in module
WF1 (CI1, GI) Single Stroke, 6.4/69 µs, 50-3800 A, 2000 Voc
Multiple Strokes, 6.4/69 µs, 25-1200 A
WF4 (GI) Single Stroke, 6.4/69 µs, 25-2000V, 2100 Asc
Multiple Strokes, 6.4/69 µs, 10-600 V
WF4 Pin Injection 6.4/69 µs, 50-2000 Voc /10-400 Asc = 5 Ohm
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating Temperature +15®C to +35®C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives
1 (For Cable Induction use Model DCI-1 Cable Induction Coupler)

Model: D567-Lx

Model: D567-Lx (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Module for WF5A, full-width ECAT plug-in module
WF5A (CI1, GI2) Single Stroke, 40/120 µs, 50-10000 A, 1300 Voc; Multiple Strokes, 40/120 µs, 30-1500 A WF5A
Pin Injection 40/120 µs, 50-1800 Voc /50-1800 Asc = 1 Ohm
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating Temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives
1 (For Cable Induction use Model DCI-1 Cable Induction Coupler)
2 (For Ground Injection take from cal loop on DCI-1)

Model: D568-L5

Model: D568-L5 (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Module for WF5A for Airbus/Boeing specifications, full-width ECAT plug-in module
WF5A (SS, MS) 40/120 µs, 50-2000 voltage & current, output impedance =1 Ohm
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating Temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives
1 (For Cable Induction up to 1500V/1500A use Model DCVI-1 Cable Induction Coupler and use 2 for Level 5, use 3 for 2000V/2000A)

Model: D569-Lx

Model: D569-Lx (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5) LTS Module for WF6, full-width ECAT plug-in module
WF6 (CIA1, GI) Multiple Burst, 0.25/4.0 µs, 5-160 A, 4500 Voc
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating Temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives
1 (For Cable Induction use Model DCHV-1 Cable Induction Coupler)

Model: D570

Model: D570 (x indicates level 3, 4 or 5)
LTS Module for RTCA DO-160G, Section 17, Voltage Spikes, full-width ECAT plug-in module
≤2µs X ≥10µs 50Ω or 100Ω
≤2µs X ≥50µs 5Ω or 10Ω
≤2µs X ≥100µs 5Ω or 10Ω
≤2µs X ≥200µs
≤2µs X ≥400µs 5Ω or 10Ω
Safety Features Door interlocks, safety sockets, outputs only connected during transient, active module indicator LED, voltage present indicator LED
Operating Temperature +15°C to +35°C
Humidity 10-75%, non-condensing
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives

Accessories

Option: DCI-1

Option: DCI-1
Cable Induction Coupler for WF1, 4, 5A, 5B
WF1 6.4/69 µs, >2000 VLimit, >5000 A Test
WF4 See Technical Note #201
WF5A 40/120 µs, >1200 VLimit, >10,000 A Test
WF5B 50/500 µs, >900 VLimit, >6000 A Test
Safety Features Double insulated, safety sockets
Dimensions Height 21.6 cm (8.5 in); Width 28.3 cm (11.1 in); Depth 34.3 cm (13.5 in)
Aperture 3.8 cm x 7.6 cm (1.5 in x 3 in)
Weight 48 kg (106 lb)
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives

Option: DCV-1

Option: DCV-1
Cable Induction Coupler for WF2 (use 2 for Level 5)
WF2 0.1/6.4 µs, >2000 VTest, >1700 A Limit
Safety Features Double insulated, safety sockets
Dimensions Height 14.2 cm (5.6 in); Width 12.7 cm (5.0in); Depth 31.8 cm (12.5 in)
Aperture 3.8 cm x 5.1 cm (1.5 in x 2 in)
Weight 13 kg (29 lb)
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives

Option: DCHV-1

Option: DCHV-1
Cable Induction Coupler for WF3, 6
WF3/1 MHz 1 MHz, >4000 VTest, >300 A Limit
WF3/10 MHz 10 MHz, >4000 VTest, >20 A Limit
WF6 0.2/4µs, >4000 VLimit, >160 A Test
Safety Features Double insulated, safety sockets
Dimensions Height 14.2 cm (5.6 in); Width 12.7 cm (5.0in); Depth 31.8 cm (12.5 in)
Aperture 3.8 cm x 5.1 cm (1.5 in x 2 in)
Weight 13 kg (29 lb)
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives

Model: D591

Model: D591
Powered Pin Decoupler Module for Powered Pin Injection, half-width ECAT plug-in module
Operating AC Voltage 0-244 VAC, 20 A
Operating DC Voltage 0-285DC, 10 A
Operating Frequency 0-400 Hz
Safety Features Safety sockets
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives

Option: DCVI-1

Option: DCVI-1
D568-L5 Cable Induction Coupler for Airbus/ Boeing WF5A specifications. Includes lift and ground plane.
Top is removable to allow cable bundle insertion within the coupler. Top section weight is 180 lb.
Ground Plane is 0.06 AL sheet, 1” perforated overhangs for attachment to adjacent ground planes if needed.
Calibration loop contains 1 turn.
2 DCVI-1 clamps required for obtaining waveforms up to 1500V / 1500A
3 DCVI-1 clamps required for obtaining waveforms at 2000V / 2000A
WF5A (SS, MS) 40/120 µs, 50-2000 voltage & current
Safety Features Double insulated, safety sockets
Transformer
Dimensions Height 34.3 cm (13.5 in); Width 41.9 cm (16.5 in); Depth 45.7 cm (18 in) cable length
Aperture 6.4 cm x 10.9 cm (2.5 in x 4.3 in)
Weight 362 kg (800 lbs)
Cart
Lowered Height 29.8 cm (11.75 in)
Raised Height 92.7 cm (36.5 in)
Length 90.1 cm (35.5 in)
Width 59.69 (23.5 in)
Lift Time 25 strokes
Capacity 498.9 kg (1100 lbs)
Weight 130.2 kg (287 lb)
DCVI-1 total weight = 493kg 1087 lb)
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives

Option: D111-1

Option: D111-1
5 KA Current Probe suitable for all waveforms except WF5B
Sensitivity 0.1 Volt/Ampere +1/-0%
Output Resistance 50 Ohms
Scope Coupling 1 MΩ DC/AC
Maximum Peak Current 5,000 Amperes
Useable Rise Time 25 nanoseconds
Low Frequency 3dB Point Cut-off 5 Hz
High Frequency 3dB Point Cut-off 15 MHz
Operating Temperature 0°C to +65°C
Output Connector BNC
Weight 1.7 kg (3.7 lb)

Option: D301X

Option: D301X
50KA Current Probe suitable for WF5A, 5B
Sensitivity 0.01 Volt/Ampere +1/-0%
Output Resistance 50 Ohms Scope Coupling, 1 MΩ DC/AC
Scope Coupling 1 MΩ DC/AC
Maximum Peak Current 50,000 Amperes
Useable Rise Time 200 nanoseconds Low Frequency 3dB Cut-off 5 Hz
High Frequency 3dB Cut-off 2 MHz
Operating Temperature °°C to +65°C
Output connector UHF (SO-239)
Weight 7.9 kg (17.5 lb)

Option: D5KV

Option: D5KV
Voltage Probe suitable for all Waveforms to 5KV Max.
Input Voltage 5 kV
Scope Coupling 1 MΩ DC/AC
System Attenuation 100:1, +/-2%
System Input Resistance 50 MΩ Input
Capacitance < 6 pF
System BW (-3 dB) 400 MHz
Operating Temperature 0 °C to +50 °C
Output Connector BNC

Option: DPI-1

Option: DPI-1
Probe accessory kit suitable for all Waveforms to 5KV
Safety Socket Dolphin Clips
Safety Socket Crocodile Clips
Safety Socket Pointed Probes
Safety Socket Grabber Probes
Safety Socket Lug Terminals
Safety Socket Clip-On
Safety Socket Cables
Safety Socket Leads
Safety Socket Plugs

Option: E000

Option: E000
ECAT Half-width module bay blank for unused module bay locations (required if no module is present in the bay). Cannot be used in lowest module bays. Half-width ECAT plug-in module.
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives

Option: E002

Option: E002
ECAT Full-width module bay blank for unused module bay locations (required if no module is present in the bay). Full-width ECAT plug-in module.
CE Marking Safety and EMC directives

Option: LTS-1PHASE

Option: LTS-1PHASE
AC converter that allows LTS to operate from a single phase instead of a 3 phase AC source.
Input 1Ø 208VAC +/-10%, 50/60 Hz, 50 Amax
Output 3Ø 208VAC +/-10% 50/60 Hz, 30 Amax
Dimensions Height 50.8 cm (20 in); Width 38.1 cm (15 in); Depth 33 cm (13 in)
Weight 34 kg (75 lb)
CE Marking Safety, EMC Directives and UL listed

Option: LTS-CASTERS

Option: LTS-CASTERS
Add-on base for LTS with larger 5” casters to facilitate high threshold and/or aggressive ramp installations. Increases LTS caster ground clearance from 1.5” to 5”
Dimensions Height 25 cm (9.8 in); Width 107 cm (42 in); Depth 69 cm (27 in)
Weight 34 kg (75 lb)

Option: LTS

Option: LTS
Kit of commonly used components for Section 22 setups
Qty = 1 39000µF, 100V bypass capacitor for DC Supply up to 50V, i.a.w. Fig. 22-17
Qty = 1 ea of the following block Varistors: EPCOS B40K130 130VAC/170VDC1, 40kA2
EPCOS B40K150 150VAC/200VDC1, 40kA2
EPCOS B40K275 275VAC/350VDC 1, 40kA 2
EPCOS B40K550 550VAC/745VDC1, 40kA2
Qty = 1 ea of following Bidirectional TVS diodes: Littlefuse AK10-058C 64-70V3, 10kA2
Littlefuse AK10-076C 85-95V3, 10kA2
Littlefuse AK10-170C 180-220V 3, 10kA2
Littlefuse AK10-240C 2250-285V3, 10kA2
1 Operating voltage. See EPCOS datasheet for complete specs
2 Peak Pulse Current with 8.20µs impulse
3 Reverse Breakdown Voltage. See Littlefuse datasheet for complete specs

Option: LTS-100 A-LISN

Option: LTS-100 A-LISN
Line Impedance Stabilization Network
Frequency 10kHz – 400MHz
Supply Lines Single Conductor
Current Rating: 100A
Max Voltage Rating: DC – 1200V, 60Hz – 800V, 400Hz – 400V, 800Hz – 230V; Includes 10µF by-pass capacitor
Power Connector Superior Con Socket
RF Output Connector Type N
Chassis Size 15” X 9” X 7”
Manufacturer Fischer Custom Communications, Model: FCC-LISN-5-100-02-DO-160F

Option: LTS-50 A-LISN

Option: LTS-50 A-LISN
Line Impedance Stabilization Network
Frequency 10kHz – 400MHz
Supply Lines Single Conductor
Current Rating: 50A
Max Voltage Rating: DC – 1200V, 60Hz – 800V, 400Hz – 400V, 800Hz – 230V; Includes 10µF by-pass capacitor
Power Connector Multi-Contact Safety Socket
RF Output Connector Type N
Chassis Size 9” X 6” X 5”
Manufacturer Fischer Custom Communications, Model: FCC-LISN-5-50-1-01-DO-160F

© 2012 - M Precision Laboratories Inc. All rights reserved. Results may vary under different operating conditions. Specifications, terms and pricing are subject to change. Not all products are available in all countries. Please consult your local sales representative for details.

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