| Welcome to our Archives Section |
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Welcome to our archive section . Since April 2001, we have documented many important developments and findings along the way. If you have any
questions or would like us to post specific info, always feel free to contact us. |
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Mark Stephens, P.E.
Engineering Manager
Industrial PQ Studies
+1.865.218.8022
mstephens@epri.com
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Chuck Thomas
Senior Engineer
+1.865.218.8031
cthomas@epri.com
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| May 2006: Schneider-Toshiba Altivar 61 & 71 Drives Obtain
SEMI F47 Certification |
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This article describes the certification testing of Schneider Toshiba drives. Tests were done on 208Vac and 480Vac units. Checkout out the results to
learn more.
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| October 2005: Siemens SIRIUS Contactors SEMI F47 Certified |
This article is about a large certification effort with Siemens related to their SIRIUS series relays and contactors. See Details..
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| July 2005: EVALUATING VOLTAGE DIP IMMUNITY OF INDUSTRIAL
EQUIPMENT |
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The topic of voltage sag immunity testing methods are explored in a paper we presented at both the CIRED conference in Turin, Italy and at the EPRI PQA Conference in
Vancouver, BC. In order to aid in the understanding of this important topic, we are providing a multimedia version of the power point presentation.
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| July 2005: Power Quality in the Heartland |
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An article about Chuck Thomas' work in the rural areas of the U.S. solving power quality issues. Read about his work..
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| July 2005: Rockwell Automation Drive Tests |
We have certified many power supplies, relays, and contactors, to standards such as SEMI F47. However, only a few drives have been certified. It is our pleasure to share
the test results from our recent work with Rockwell Automation. We invite you to read more about the test and the capabilities of the PowerFlex 70 and 700 drives to meet
SEMI F47 and IEC 61000-4-34. Read more...
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| May 2005: Are you using the Best SEMI F47 Test
method? |
SEMI F47 and the SEMI F42 companion test protocol were developed using the test methodologies developed based on EPRI research from the early 1990s through 1999. The
method we initially developed leads to a realistic evaluation of the equipment under test in the electrical environment and promotes compatibility with the electrical
system. Since the implementation of the SEMI F47 standard, some have conducted the tests in a different manner than we originally intended in the SEMI F42 specification.
Furthermore, a new IEC standard is being proposed that may not lead to level of equipment compatibility that one would expect. If you want to learn more, read the new
technical paper we have co-written with a leading industry expert. ....Read More...
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| May 2005: EPRI Report: "Impact of SEMI F47" Made
Public |
Did SEMI F47 really improve the uptime of semiconductor tools? Was the effort worth it? Is the standard reaping dividends and lowering the cost of tool ownership? EPRI
utility sponsors funded a study to determine the impact of SEMI F47. EPRI has released a version of the report for public consumption. Click here
to download
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| July 2004: Phoenix Embedded Solutions Workshop |
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Want to learn how to economically design semiconductor systems to be more robust to voltage sags? Join EPRI,SRP, and other industry professionals in this important
workshop. Find Out More....
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| April 2004: SEMICON China 2004 Review |
This article describes our work at SEMICON China 2004 where we began the process of engaging the Chinese semiconductor industry concerning SEMI F47. Read Our Review of the event.
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| November 2003: New Batch of Power Supplies SEMI F47
Certified! |
EPRI Recently tested 29 power supplies from five different
manufacturers for SEMI F47 compliance. In the spirit of the season, we offer a peak into our Members Area Content by conveying the make, model, and
contact information for these supplies to help you build more robust systems. Access to this type of content is available year round
for members. |
| August 2003: Can Temperature Affect Voltage Sag
Performance? |
Recent test results show that temperature does have some influence of the ability of relays to
ride-through voltage sags. Download our new test brief to learn more. |
| March 2003: Power Quality In Robotic Systems |
Used in Automotive to Semiconductor
industries, robotic systems are an integral part of modern manufacturing. EPRI has recently focused on what makes robots sensative to voltage sags . More... |
| (photo courtesy of Kuka Robotics) |
| December 2002: The "A" Team |
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Our most experienced SEMI F47 field testing team reflects on three years of close knit teamwork, the secret of their success, lessons learned, and memorable moments along
the way. more..
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| August 2002: EPRI Sag Gen Featured |
The August issue of Plant Engineering focuses on voltage sags and what to do about them. EPRI's portable voltage sag generator is featured on
the magazine's cover. Jack Smith, Senior Editor of Plant Engineering magazine, has written an excellent article on power quality. EPRI's own Bill Howe also offers insight
on the relationship-based challenge of power quality. Read
Article.. |
| August 2002: Rolling Right Up to the Sag! |
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EPRI rolls out a new design of Porto-Sag, an all-in-one unit in a 100- or 200-Amp package, compact but big enough to use on large semiconductor tools and process
equipment. This all-in-one design takes up less fab floor space and allows for quicker setup and take down, reducing the down time required to test. more..
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| June 2002: Update on SEMI F47 compliance |
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Over two years after the SEMI F47 standard was published, and many compliance tests later, some tool suppliers have made significant efforts to improve voltage sag
immunity and achieve compliance while others still lag behind. EPRI has recently Written a paper that focuses on the success rates for achieving certification and
outlines effective strategies to aid equipment suppliers in meeting the SEMI F47 standard. EPRI is happy to share the paper with industry to promote a better
understanding of SEMI F47 compliance success rates and issues. download paper..
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| April 2002: Breaking the Half-Century Mark! |
A recent achievement of the EPRI Semiconductor and Industrial PQ Group involves two "marks." The Group surpassed the half-century mark, having tested 51
semiconductor tools since 1997, when the Group began testing the tools as part of an EPRI research project. The second mark is the man responsible for leading the Group
toward that achievement, EPRI engineer Mark Stephens.
In January, Stephens' group of engineers and technicians tested its 51st semiconductor tool against the SEMI F47 Standard. "We've
certified over 120 tools and tool components for the semiconductor industry, both in the U.S. and in Europe."
Additionally, the Group has conducted audits for dozens of semiconductor manufacturers, most recently in Texas, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Singapore. "We have made
recommendations for improving the power quality performance of over 130 tools," Stephens said, adding that many of these recommendations solved costly power quality
problems.
For more information on tools tested, work experience, and qualifications click here.
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| April 2002: To SEMI F47 and Beyond! |
In recent years, EPRI has worked closely with
semiconductor clients worldwide to determine their actual electrical environment and equipment voltage sag ride-through needs. While passing SEMI F47 level tests make
equipment much more robust to voltage sags, in some regions of the world we have been requested to test at lower voltage levels. In addition, some of our clients have asked us
to provide capability to produce voltage swells. We have listened. Our new system transformer design allows the 100Amp and 200Amp portable voltage sag generators to
recreate voltage disturbances from 0% to 125% of nominal voltage in 5% increments. EPRI's systems test capabilities already allow for voltage sag durations from 4
milliseconds to 3 seconds with complete 360 degree controllability on where the voltage sags begins on the voltage sine wave. This new capability further sets EPRI apart
from the test capability of others and allows full characterization of equipment well beyond the SEMI
F47 requirements. |
| September 2001: New 200amp Porto-Sag Capability |
EPRI Debuts new 200 Amp SEMI F47 Testing Capability.
Building on the enourmous robustness and success of the 100 Amp porto-sag unit, EPRI has created a new 200 Amp unit. With its first test debut in Holland in August, the
200 Amp unit promises to boost test capabilities by enabling EPRI to test larger tools without having to break the loads into subsystems. Based on EPRI's previous
design schemes, the new 200 Amp unit is modular and portable. With advances in EPRI's proprietary power electronics design scheme, the 200 Amp unit is actually smaller
than the previous generation 100 Amp counterpart. Click here to read the specifications for the new unit. |
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