CMC 256plus

User Manual
CMC 256plus User Manual

Manual version: ENU 1011 05 01

© OMICRON electronics GmbH 2022. All rights reserved.
This manual is a publication of OMICRON electronics GmbH. All rights including translation reserved.
Reproduction of any kind, for example, photocopying, microfilming, optical character recognition and/or
storage in electronic data processing systems, requires the explicit consent of OMICRON. Reprinting,
wholly or in part, is not permitted.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this manual represent the
technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this manual is useful, accurate and entirely
reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be
present. The user is responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON product.
OMICRON translates this manual from the source language English into a number of other languages.
Any translation of this manual is done for local requirements, and in the event of a dispute between the
English and a non-English version, the English version of this manual shall govern.

2 OMICRON
Table of contents
1 Preface 5
1.1 Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Open source license information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Safety 6
2.1 Designated use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Safety symbols used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5 Changing the power fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Test set overview 9
3.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2 Front panel connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2.1 VOLTAGE OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2.2 CURRENT OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.3 BINARY/ANALOG INPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.4 ANALOG DC INPUT (UDC, IDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.5 BINARY OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2.6 AUX DC (DC power for test objects) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2.7 Generator combination socket for VOLTAGE OUTPUT and CURRENT OUTPUT . . . . . 15
3.3 Back panel connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.3.1 USB ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.3.2 Ethernet ports ETH1 and ETH2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3.3 ! button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3.4 Associate button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3.5 Status LED A and B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.3.6 SELV interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4 Technical data 20
4.1 Calibration and guaranteed values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.2 Main power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.2.1 Operational limits in conjunction with a weak power supply input voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.3 System clock accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.4 Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.5 Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.5.1 General generator outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.5.2 Extended frequency range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.5.3 Current outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.5.4 Parallel switching of CURRENT OUTPUT A and B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.5.5 Single-phase operation for output currents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.5.6 Voltage outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.5.7 Accuracy of output power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.5.8 Low-level outputs LL out for external amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.5.9 Low-level binary outputs (ext. Interf.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.5.10 Binary output relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.5.11 DC supply (AUX DC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.6 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.6.1 Binary inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.6.2 Counter inputs 100 kHz (low level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.6.3 DC measurement inputs (ANALOG DC INPUT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4.7 IEC 61850 protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

OMICRON 3
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.8 Technical data of the communication ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4.8.1 NET-2 board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.8.2 NET-1C board (legacy board) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.8.3 NET-1B board (legacy board) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.8.4 NET-1 board (legacy board). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
4.9 Environmental conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
4.10 Mechanical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.11 Safety standards, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.12 Electrical insulation groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
4.13 EnerLyzer measurement option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.13.1 General data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.13.2 Multimeter mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.13.3 Harmonic analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.13.4 Transient recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5 Increasing the output power 67
5.1 Current outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
5.2 Voltage outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
5.3 Operation with external amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
6 Troubleshooting 71
6.1 Troubleshooting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
6.2 Potential errors, possible causes, remedies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
6.3 Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Support 74

4 OMICRON
 Preface

1 Preface
The purpose of this User Manual is to familiarize users with the CMC 256plus test set hardware and its
specifications.
This manual is supplemented by the Safe use of CMC test sets manual, on-site safety regulations and
existing national safety standards for accident prevention and environmental protection.
The CMC 256plus test set requires a suitable control software or control device for operation.
► Consult the corresponding Getting Started manual or user documentation regarding the use of the
control software or control device.
Note:
• The Safe use of CMC test sets manual and the software manuals are supplied on CD/DVD together
with this User Manual.
• From time to time the manual is updated to reflect the actual development status or changes of the
test set’s functional range. See page 2 for this manual’s version number.

WARNING
Death or severe injury caused by dangerous voltage possible
► Operate the CMC 256plus only after you have read and fully understood the Safe use
of CMC test sets manual.

1.1 Web Interface

The CMC 256plus test set is additionally equipped with a Web Interface. The Web Interface enables you
to view device-specific parameters, and – depending on the device type – even provides you with
configuration features.
For more detailed information, see the according Web Interface help.
► Launch the Web Interface of that particular device, then click its help command. The Web Interface
is launched from the OMICRON Device Link tool.

1.2 Open source license information

Parts of the CMC 256plus test set software are under OMICRON license, other parts are under open
source software licenses. Both the open source license texts and the necessary source code are
provided in the OMICRON Open Source Download Area at www.omicronenergy.com/opensource.
Open this address in your Internet browser, click the Download Software button, and navigate to the
CMC Embedded Image directory.
► Look for the file containing your version in the file name (for example, Open Source CMC embedded
Image 2.59.zip for version 2.59).
In addition to some open source code packages, the archive contains an overview of all license
information of the CMC test set.

OMICRON 5
CMC 256plus User Manual

2 Safety
2.1 Designated use
CMC test sets are computer-controlled devices for testing protection relays, transducers, energy meters,
and PQ (power quality) analyzers. In addition to the testing functionality, CMC test sets optionally provide
measurement functions for analog inputs.
► Do not use CMC test sets in any other way than described in this document or in working
environments that exceed the specifications given in section 4 "Technical data". Improper use may
result in damage to persons or property.

2.2 Safety symbols used

In this document, the following symbols indicate safety instructions for avoiding hazards.

WARNING
Death or severe injury can occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not
observed.

NOTICE
Equipment damage or loss of data possible.

2.3 Safety instructions

► Before operating a CMC test set, carefully read the following safety instructions.
► Only operate (or even turn on) the CMC test set after you have read this manual including section
4 "Technical data" on page 20, and fully understood the instructions. We also recommend to read all
other relevant documentation for your test set and control software.

For your safety

Only trained personnel may operate CMC test sets. Any maloperation can result in damage to property
or persons.
You can remotely activate CMC test set outputs if the CMC is turned on and connected to a suitable
control software or control device (via network, wireless or USB).
► Observe all necessary safety measures given below.
All 4 mm safety sockets on the front panel can carry signals at dangerous levels and can conduct
dangerous voltages.

6 OMICRON
 Safety

Rules for use

► Before operation, visually check for damages and make sure that the device and its accessories are
in a technically sound condition.
► Use CMC test sets only in accordance with the safety regulations for the specific job site and
application.
► Follow the instructions provided in the documentation.
► Testing with CMC test sets shall only be carried out by authorized and qualified personnel. Before
starting to work, clearly establish the responsibilities of all personnel involved.
► Personnel operating CMC test sets must be familiar with all necessary personal safety equipment.
► Testing with CMC test sets must comply with all on-site procedures and methods for personal safety.
► Personnel receiving training, instruction, direction, or education on CMC test sets should remain
under the constant supervision of an experienced operator while working with the equipment.
► Keep this document available on site where the CMC test sets are used.

Safe operation procedures

► Ensure proper grounding of the device and of the equipment under test.
► Use a power supply with protective earth.
► The power cable must be rated for the nominal voltage and current specified in section 4.2 "Main
power supply" on page 21. We recommend to use the cable supplied with the test sets.
► Do not block the access to safety-relevant test set components like the power switch or the power
cable.
► Operate CMC test sets only under the environmental conditions specified in section
4.9 "Environmental conditions" on page 50. Especially avoid a condensing environment.
► Do not operate CMC test sets when explosive gas or vapors are present.
► When setting up CMC test sets, make sure that the ventilation holes on the rear of the device remain
unobstructed.
► The fuse (→ section 2.5 "Changing the power fuse" on page 8) is the only serviceable part in CMC
test sets. Do not open CMC test sets or carry out any modifications, extensions, or adaptations.
► If CMC test sets seem to be functioning improperly, please contact OMICRON Support.
► If CMC test sets are equipped with an optical Ethernet interface (NET-1 option only), they are a
product of laser class 1 (IEC 60825-1:2014).
► Falling adapters or cables are a hazard. Test leads wired to tall test objects must be secured
mechanically.
► Do not connect any of the front panel outputs of VOLTAGE OUTPUT or CURRENT OUTPUT to
protective earth. The N sockets, however, may be connected to protective earth.
► Do not connect high inductive loads to CMC test sets.
► Observe the wiring instructions and safety precautions given in the Safe use of CMC test sets
manual.

OMICRON 7
CMC 256plus User Manual

2.4 Cleaning
Cleaning procedure:
1. Switch off the power switch.
2. Unplug the power cable from the power outlet.
3. Clean the CMC test set with a cloth dampened with isopropanol alcohol.

2.5 Changing the power fuse

Proceed as follows to replace the power fuse on your CMC test set:
1. Unplug the power cable of the CMC test set from the power outlet.
2. Locate the fuse on the back of the CMC test set.
3. Replace the fuse by an identical fuse type: Schurter 0001.2515 (T12.5 AH 250 V).

8 OMICRON
 Test set overview

3 Test set overview

3.1 Description
The CMC 256plus is a multipurpose test set with low-drift signal generators, reaching calibrator
accuracy. The device has a very accurate time base, which allows a very high frequency accuracy even
without external synchronization. To synchronize outputs and binary inputs the time base can be
synchronized to UTC using either the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) according to IEEE 1588 or the
IRIG-B time code. Synchronization to GPS can be achieved by using the CMGPS 588 or OTMC 100
accessory from OMICRON.
The CMC 256plus uses its own internal digital processor platform for measurements and signal
generation (including support according to the IEC 61850 protocol for signal generation and
binary I/Os). The CMC 256plus has 10 combined analog/binary inputs.
The CMC 256plus test set itself does not provide any control elements and requires a suitable control
software or control device for operation.
The CMC 256plus provides the following options for communication with the control software or control
device:
• Ethernet
• USB
• Wi-Fi (requires a Wi-Fi adapter available from OMICRON)
• Parallel port (discontinued)

Available options for the CMC 256plus test set

• EnerLyzer
Software module for measuring and analyzing AC and DC voltages
→ Section 4.13 "EnerLyzer measurement option" on page 53.
• LLO-2 (low-level outputs 7–12)
SELV interface connector holding 2 independent generator triples (SELV = safety extra low voltage).
These 6 additional high-accuracy analog signal sources can serve to either control an external
amplifier or to directly provide low-level outputs.
→ Section 4.5.8 "Low-level outputs LL out for external amplifiers" on page 36.
• PAR-1 (CMC 256plus with parallel port; discontinued)
CMC 256plus with a parallel port, replacing the 2 Ethernet ports. Option PAR-1 is used, for example,
in conjunction with the OMICRON CMB IO-7.1
Note: The PAR-1 option was discontinued in April 2014.

1. CMB IO-7 is a meanwhile discontinued product.

OMICRON 9
CMC 256plus User Manual

3.2 Front panel connections

WARNING
Death or severe injury caused by dangerous voltage possible
All outputs and inputs of CMC test sets that are not explicitly restricted to SELV can carry
lethal voltage. The insulation between input and output groups on the front panel is only a
functional insulation and not sufficient to prevent dangerous voltages from being bridged
between ports. In case of an internal failure input ports can also be a source of
dangerous voltages.
► Before working on test objects, connections or terminals connected to the CMC test
set, make sure that the power supply of the CMC test set is switched off and that all
parts in the working area are de-energized.
► Observe the correct wiring procedure.

1 2 3 4

8 7 6 5

1 VOLTAGE OUTPUT 4 × 300 VRMS output of the internal voltage amplifier;

outputs 1–3 also applied to the generator combination socket
2 AUX DC Output voltage in 3 ranges from 0 to 264 V;
used to supply power to test objects
3 BINARY OUTPUT 4 potential-free relay contacts
4 ANALOG DC INPUT 0 ... ±1 mA/0 ... ±20 mA: DC current input
0 ... ±10 V: DC voltage input
5 POWER switch
6 BINARY/ANALOG 10 binary or analog inputs in 5 galvanically separated groups
INPUT EnerLyzer option: analog measurement inputs
7 Generator 8-pole combination socket for VOLTAGE OUTPUT 1–3 and
combination socket CURRENT OUTPUT A
8 CURRENT OUTPUT Group A: 3 × 12.5 ARMS output of the internal current amplifier;
also applied to the generator combination socket
Group B: 3 × 12.5 ARMS output of the internal current amplifier

10 OMICRON
 Test set overview

3.2.1 VOLTAGE OUTPUT

NOTICE
Equipment damage possible

The device under test could be damaged because the N sockets of the voltage outputs are internally
connected to each other.
► Check the circuit diagram of the device under test before wiring. The internally connected N sockets
can cause a short circuit.

An external infeed could damage the CMC test set.

► Make sure that there is no infeed from an external source.

The 4 voltage outputs have a common neutral (N) that can be connected to protective earth, if required.
The voltage outputs of VOLTAGE OUTPUT 1–3 are available on the generator combination socket.
→ Section 3.2.7 "Generator combination socket for VOLTAGE OUTPUT and CURRENT OUTPUT" on
page 15.
→ Section 4.5.6 "Voltage outputs" on page 34.
The amplifier is galvanically separated from all other connectors of the CMC 256plus.
All voltage outputs are protected for open circuits, L-N short circuits, overload, and overtemperature.
► Do not connect any of the outputs of VOLTAGE OUTPUT 1–3 or VOLTAGE OUTPUT 4 to protective
earth.

OMICRON 11
CMC 256plus User Manual

3.2.2 CURRENT OUTPUT

WARNING
Death or severe injury caused by dangerous inductive loads possible
If charged with current, inductive loads may store a dangerous amount of energy. For
example, an energy of <350 mJ is considered safe according to the IEC 61010-1 safety
standard.
► Make sure that the possibly stored energy of the inductive device under test is within
safe limits.
► Do not use the CMC test set for the measurement on high inductances (power
transformer, current transformer) due to the discharging processes.
► If in doubt, contact OMICRON Support for more information.

WARNING
Death or severe injury caused by dangerous voltage levels on conductive parts
possible
Although the output voltages of the current generators are within touch-safe limits, the
insulation to other input and output groups is implemented as functional insulation only.
Therefore, the outputs can conduct dangerous voltages.
► Observe the wiring instructions and safety precautions given in section "Wiring" in the
Safe use of CMC test sets manual.
► Do not touch open conductive parts with live current signals (e.g. blank screw
terminals) while the CMC test set is switched on.

NOTICE
Equipment damage possible
An external infeed could damage or destroy the current output. The outputs are protected in switched-
off state by a short-circuit relay.
► Make sure that there is no infeed from an external source.

CURRENT OUTPUT A and CURRENT OUTPUT B are 2 galvanically

separated 3-phase current outputs, each with their own neutral (N).
CURRENT OUTPUT A is available on the generator combination socket.
→ Section 3.2.7 "Generator combination socket for VOLTAGE OUTPUT
and CURRENT OUTPUT" on page 15.
→ Section 4.5.3 "Current outputs" on page 26.
Each output is galvanically separated from all other connections of the
CMC 256plus. All current outputs are protected against open circuits,
short circuits, overload, and overtemperature.

12 OMICRON
 Test set overview

3.2.3 BINARY/ANALOG INPUT

All 10 inputs of the CMC 256plus can be individually configured by the control software to be either
binary (wet = potential-sensing or dry = potential-free) or analog measurement inputs. When the
contacts are potential-sensing, the expected nominal voltage and pick-up threshold can be set for each
binary input.
The 10 inputs are divided into 5 groups of 2 inputs, each group galvanically separated from the others.
Up to 3 inputs can be used for measuring RMS values without the EnerLyzer option.
To use the inputs as analog measurement inputs, use the EnerLyzer measurement option. The
EnerLyzer option can be upgraded at any later stage.
→ Section 4.13 "EnerLyzer measurement option" on page 53.
Moreover, the binary inputs 1 to 10 can be used as counter inputs for input frequencies up to 3 kHz.

3.2.4 ANALOG DC INPUT (UDC, IDC)

The measurement of analog DC signals is implemented for testing of transducers,
and consists of:
• a high-accuracy voltage reference
• an ADC (analog digital converter) for each input
• the respective input circuits (such as accuracy voltage divider and a shunt,
filter).
The input signals UDC and IDC are measured. The IDC input has 2 ranges available:
• 0 … ± 20 mA
• 0 … ± 1 mA
A reversible input fuse is used as protection for the IDC input.
The evaluation and forwarding of the measurement values takes place in the measurement unit. UDC
and IDC inputs reference a common neutral (N). The DC measurement unit is galvanically separated
from all connections on the front panel.

OMICRON 13
CMC 256plus User Manual

3.2.5 BINARY OUTPUT

The 4 potential-free normally open relay contacts can switch AC or DC
currents of up to 8 A.
Technical data → Section 4.5.10 "Binary output relays" on page 39.

3.2.6 AUX DC (DC power for test objects)

WARNING
Death or severe injury caused by dangerous voltage levels due to control by
software possible
The AUX DC output can be programmed to output dangerous voltage without user
intervention. It will then output the pre-programmed voltage directly after the start-up of
the test set. This may lead to damage to property or persons. Since the output is only
controlled by software, a wrong AUX DC setting (e.g. set in software, software or
hardware error) could lead to an unexpected value (up to 264 V).
► Make sure that the voltage applied at the AUX DC output of the CMC test set interface
is safe before connecting any test leads to this output.
► Follow the wiring procedure described in section "Wiring" in the Safe use of CMC test
sets manual.

The AUX DC output can be used to supply test objects with DC voltage. The output voltage
can be configured to 0 … 264 V in the control software or control device.
► Refer to the documentation of the control software for more information.
The AUX DC output is galvanically separated from all other connections of the CMC 256plus.
The output is protected against short-circuit, overload, and overtemperature.
An LED in the upper left corner indicates if the output is active.
LED status Description
Red Output is active
Red blinking 20 s time period without voltage output after start-up → "AUX DC voltage
output after start-up" below.
OFF Output is inactive

14 OMICRON
 Test set overview

AUX DC voltage output after start-up

In the control software or control device, the AUX DC output can be programmed to automatically output
a configured voltage after switching the CMC 256plus on. If so:
• No voltage is output for the first 20 s after the start-up of the CMC 256plus.
• The LED blinks red during this period of time.
• Upon expiry of this 20 s period, the configured voltage is available at the AUX DC output. The LED
lights continuously.

3.2.7 Generator combination socket for VOLTAGE OUTPUT and

CURRENT OUTPUT
The generator combination socket for VOLTAGE OUTPUT and
CURRENT OUTPUT A simplifies the connection of test objects to the
CMC 256plus. The 3 voltage outputs VOLTAGE OUTPUT 1–3 as well as the
CURRENT OUTPUT A are wired to the generator combination socket.
If a voltage greater than 42 V is applied to the socket, an LED lights up above the
socket.
Note: For currents greater than 32 A, do not connect the test object (the load) to the
generator connection socket but to the 4 mm sockets.

Pin Signal
1– VOLTAGE N
2– VOLTAGE 3
3– VOLTAGE 2
4– VOLTAGE 1
View
onto
the
cable 1+ CURRENT A 1
wiring side of the
2+ CURRENT A N
connector
3+ CURRENT A 3
4+ CURRENT A 2

Note: If using negative sequence phase rotation, swap the connectors

VOLTAGE 2 and VOLTAGE 3 as well as CURRENT 2 and CURRENT 3.

Manufacturer ordering information

Neutrik speakON 8-pole cable connector NL8FC

For a manufacturer description about the generator combination socket, visit the website
www.neutrik.com. You can order the generator combination cable directly from OMICRON.

OMICRON 15
CMC 256plus User Manual

3.3 Back panel connections

Rear view of the CMC 256plus with the NET-2 interface board and the option LL out 7–12:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

11 10 9 8

1 Power supply, fuse T12.5 AH 8 Ethernet ports ETH1 and ETH2

2 Fans for power supply 9 ! button
3 External interface ext. Interf. 10 Interfaces LL out 1– 6 and LL out 7–12
The SELV interface LL out 7–12 is optional
4 Status LEDs A and B → "LL out 7–12 (low-level outputs 7–12) – Option LLO-
2" on page 19.

5 Associate button 11 Grounding socket

Used to connect the CMC test set to protective earth
6 USB ports type A and B using a grounding cable if grounding via the power
outlet is insufficient (see section "Grounding" in the
7 Fans:
Safe use of CMC test sets manual).
Current outputs (left), voltage outputs (right)

3.3.1 USB ports

USB port type A is used to insert USB peripherals such as wireless USB adapters. Only
OMICRON-supplied wireless USB adapters are supported.
USB port type B is used to connect the CMC 256plus to your computer.
► To improve electromagnetic compatibility, use the OMICRON-supplied cable.
For the technical data of the USB port see section 4.8 "Technical data of the communication ports" on
page 48.

16 OMICRON
 Test set overview

3.3.2 Ethernet ports ETH1 and ETH2

Depending on the interface board of your CMC test set, the 2 PoE Ethernet (Power over
Ethernet) ports ETH1 and ETH2 are of one of the following types:
• 10/100Base-TX (twisted pair) Ethernet ports (at NET-1(x) boards)
• 10/100/1000Base-TX (twisted pair) Ethernet ports (at NET-2 board)
They support auto crossing (auto MDI/MDIX). This means you can use a standard cable or a
cross-over Ethernet patch cable.
Note: If your Ethernet ports ETH1 and ETH2 look different, that is, ETH2 is a Fast Ethernet over optical
fiber connector version, you have a NET-1 board installed in your test set.
→ Section 4.8 "Technical data of the communication ports" on page 48.
Since the CMC test set can be controlled over a network, any distance between the controlling computer
and the test set is possible. This enables direct remote control of the CMC test set, for example, for end-
to-end testing.
The Ethernet ports also provide the basis for the processing of substation protocols according to the
IEC 61850 standard. They allow flexible configurations, for example, for the separation of data traffic
from different network segments or the segregation of substation protocol data and test set control
commands.
The yellow and green LEDs at each ETH port reflect the port’s operational status. Depending on your
NET-x interface board, their behavior slightly varies.
→ Section 4.8 "Technical data of the communication ports" on page 48.

3.3.3 ! button
The ! button enables you to recover from unsuccessful software image downloads or other issues.
To start a new software image download, press the ! button with a pointed tool or a paper clip while
! powering up the CMC. In that case, the test set will not start as usual but wait for a new software
image download.

3.3.4 Associate button

The Associate button has the following functions:

Associate

• Association with controlling computer

An Ethernet communication port enables you to communicate with any CMC available on the
network. This may lead to dangerous situations where a user accidentally connects to a device
located on a desk of somebody else, emitting unsafe voltages and endangering the person working
there.
To prevent such a situation, a mechanism is integrated into the CMC test set that allows only
"authorized" clients to control the test set. If you use the Associate button, the test set is registered
for use with a specific host computer.
The association process can be initiated via OMICRON Device Link.

OMICRON 17
CMC 256plus User Manual

► For more details about this process, refer to the according help.
For the association, the CMC test set remembers the Ethernet hardware address (MAC) of the
connected port of the controlling device. Should the port change, a re-association is necessary.
• Reset IP configuration
If the Associate button is pressed while powering up the CMC test set, the IP configuration of the
network interfaces is reset to factory default, which is DHCP/AutoIP for both network interfaces. This
may be necessary to recover from settings with conflicting static IP addresses.

3.3.5 Status LED A and B

The status LEDs A and B above the Associate button are of interest in case of troubleshooting.

A: yellow status LED

• ON indicates that the test set is ready to be controlled by a computer. The hardware checks in the
test set are finished.
• OFF indicates that the test set is waiting for a software image download. This is the case when the
! button is pressed while powering up the CMC test set.

B: green status LED

• LED B blinks slowly: The CMC test set waits for the TFTP download (trivial file transfer protocol) of
a software image.
• LED B is ON: The TFTP download of the software image is in progress.
• LED B blinks quickly: The computer is writing, for example, the software to the flash memory of the
CMC test set.
► Do not turn off the CMC test set as long as the writing is in progress.

3.3.6 SELV interfaces

All inputs and outputs of the SELV group (SELV = safety extra low voltage, defined in IEC 60950-1)
reference to a common neutral (N) that is internally connected to the protective earth (GND) of the
housing.

External interface (ext. Interf.):

The SELV interface connector ext. Interf. holds 4 additional transistor binary outputs
(BINARY OUTPUT 11–14). Unlike regular relay outputs, the outputs of BINARY
OUTPUT 11–14 are bounce-free binary outputs and have a minimal reaction time.
In addition, 2 high frequency counter inputs for up to 100 kHz are available for the testing
of energy meters.

ext. Interf. → Section 4.5.9 "Low-level binary outputs (ext. Interf.)" on page 38.
Furthermore, this interface is used to control certain CMC accessories like the CMIRIG-B
interface box (for IRIG-B synchronization) or the TWX1 accessory (for testing traveling wave protection
relays and fault recorders).

18 OMICRON
 Test set overview

LL out 1–6 (low-level outputs 1–6)

The SELV interface connector LL out 1–6 holds 2 independent generator triples. These
6 high-accuracy analog signal sources can serve to either control an external amplifier or
to directly provide low-level outputs.
In addition, a serial digital interface is available that transmits control and monitor
functions between the CMC 256plus and the external amplifiers. Supported devices are
the CMS 356 or the discontinued devices CMA 156, CMA 56, CMS 156, CMS 251 and
LL out 1–6 CMS 252.
The low-level outputs are short-circuit-proof and continually monitored for overload.
► Connect the external amplifier to the CMC 256plus low-level outputs.
► Use the connecting cable that was supplied with the amplifier.
→ Section 4.5.8 "Low-level outputs LL out for external amplifiers" on page 36.

LL out 7–12 (low-level outputs 7–12) – Option LLO-2

The SELV interface connector LL out 7–12 is an option available for the CMC 256plus
test set.
The outputs 7–12 extend the low-level outputs 1–6 by 2 more independent generator
triples. Outputs 7–12 are technically identical to outputs 1–6 as described above.
→ Section 4.5.8 "Low-level outputs LL out for external amplifiers" on page 36.
LL out 7–12

Overload warning flagged in the software

When a low-level output is overloaded, the OMICRON control software displays a warning message.

OMICRON 19
CMC 256plus User Manual

4 Technical data
4.1 Calibration and guaranteed values
We recommend that you send in your test sets for calibration at least once a year.
The drift of test equipment, that is, the deterioration of accuracy over time, depends strongly on
environmental conditions and the application field. Excessive use or mechanical and/or thermal stress
may result in the need for shorter calibration intervals.
Moderate working environments, on the other hand, allow you to increase the calibration interval to once
every 2 or even 3 years.
► Particularly in cases of extended calibration intervals, verify the accuracy of the test set by cross-
referencing the measurement results with traceable reference equipment either on a regular basis or
prior to use. You can, for example, use a typical, often-used device under test as a reference, or use
measurement equipment with a certified high accuracy.
Should the test equipment fail, immediately contact OMICRON Support for calibration or repair. Do not
try to use it anymore.

Guaranteed values
• The values apply at 23 °C ± 5 °C (73 °F ± 9 °F), and after a warm-up time greater than 25 minutes.
• Guaranteed values of the generator outputs:
The values are valid in the frequency range from 10 to 100 Hz unless specified otherwise. Given
maximum phase errors relate to the voltage amplifier outputs.
• Accuracy data for analog outputs are valid in the frequency range from 0 to 100 Hz unless specified
otherwise.
• The given input/output accuracy values relate to the range limit value (% of range limit value).

20 OMICRON
 Technical data

4.2 Main power supply

Main power supply
Connection C14 connector according to IEC 60320-1
Voltage, single phase
Nominal voltage 100 … 240 VAC
Operational range 85 … 264 VAC
Power fuse T 12.5 AH 250 V (5 × 20 mm)
Schurter ordering number 0001.2515
For more information, visit the website www.schurter.com.

Nominal supply current Max. 12 A @ 110 V; max. 10 A @ 230 V

Frequency
Nominal frequency 50/60 Hz
Operational range 45 ... 65 Hz
Overvoltage category II

4.2.1 Operational limits in conjunction with a weak power supply

input voltage
In general, the maximum output power of the CMC 256plus is limited by the power supply input voltage.
If the power supply input voltage is less than 120 VAC, it is possible to supply the CMC 256plus with 2
phases (L-L, for example with a NEMA 6 240 V U.S. Standard) instead of the normal phase-neutral (L-
N) operation in order to increase the power supply input voltage.
In order to limit the internal losses and to maximize the output power of the voltage amplifier, always set
the maximum test object voltage to the minimum value possible for the test.
If all of the voltage and current outputs as well as the AUX DC output are to be driven with a power supply
input voltage of less than 120 VAC, reduce the maximum load of the current outputs by reducing the
compliance voltage. To do so, configure the hardware using the OMICRON Test Universe software.
Apart from the reduction of the available total output power, a weak power supply input does not further
affect the technical data of the CMC 256plus.

4.3 System clock accuracy

All signals generated or measured by the CMC 256plus refer to a common internal time base that is
specified as follows:

OMICRON 21
CMC 256plus User Manual

Characteristic Specification
Clock performance Stratum 3 (ANSI/T1.101-1987)
Frequency drift (over time)
24 hours <±0.37 ppm (±0.000037 %)
20 years <±4.60 ppm (±0.00046 %)
Frequency drift (over temperature range) <±0.28 ppm (±0.000028 %)

4.4 Synchronization
Synchronization of system clock
By synchronizing the system clock to an external time base, the system clock accuracy can be improved
up to the level of the external time base. Synchronizing the system clock additionally makes the absolute
time available in the system. The absolute time is used to tag measurement results, start distributed tests
at the same time, and generate and measure synchrophasors.
The following specifications refer to the internal time base. For the absolute time accuracy of the outputs
and inputs, the inherent error of the respective channel itself has to be added.

Characteristic Specification
IEEE 1588-2008 (v2)
Offset (UTC) Error <±1 μs
Pulling range ±100 ppm (±0.01 %)
Supported profiles IEEE C37.238-2011 (Power Profile: v1)
IEEE C37.238-2017 (Power Profile: v2)
IEC/IEEE 61850-9-3-2016: Communication
Networks and Systems for Power Utility
Automation – Part 9-3: Precision Time Protocol
Profile for Power Utility Automation (Utility
Profile)
Supported sources OMICRON CMGPS 588, OTMC 100 or any
Precision Time Protocol source (PTP
grandmaster clock)
IRIG-B
Offset (UTC) Error <±1 μs
Pulling range ±100 ppm (±0.01 %)
Supported sources Third-party IRIG-B sources with OMICRON
CMIRIG-B accessory

22 OMICRON
 Technical data

Absolute time synchronization

The voltage and current outputs can be synchronized to an absolute time base like IRIG-B and
IEEE 1588 to generate output signals synchronous to the time source. This can be used to test phasor
measurement units (PMU) by generating reference signals.

Absolute timing accuracy1

Typical Guaranteed
Voltage and current outputs Error <±1 μs Error <±5 μs
1. Valid for a phasor with a frequency of 50/60 Hz

OMICRON 23
CMC 256plus User Manual

Synchronization to external analog signal

The phase and frequency of the voltage and current outputs can be synchronized to a reference input
signal of 10 ... 300 V / 15 ... 70 Hz applied to binary input 10. In contrast to the synchronization of the
system clock, this kind of synchronization influences the frequency and phase of the signal generation
directly.
The possible accuracy depends on the quality of the synchronization signal because the synchronization
uses the zero crossings of the signal.

4.5 Outputs
4.5.1 General generator outputs

General generator outputs data

(analog current and voltage outputs, and LL out outputs)
Frequency ranges1 Sinusoidal signals2 10 … 3000 Hz
Transient signals3 0 (DC) … 3100 Hz
Frequency resolution (signal <5 μHz
generation)
Bandwidth (–3 dB) 3.1 kHz
Phase range ϕ –360° ... +360°
Phase resolution 0.001°
Phase error4 Typical 0.005° Guaranteed <0.02°
Amplitude temperature drift 0.0025 %/°C
1. For injections longer than 1 minute, the maximum fundamental frequency is limited to 587 Hz to comply with international trade
restrictions for frequency-controlled signal generators. For other options, please contact OMICRON Support.
2. Signals above 1000 Hz are only supported in selected software modules.
3. Amplitude derating at >1000 Hz
4. Valid for sinusoidal signals at 50/60 Hz and currents that are in the same range
VOLTAGE OUTPUT CURRENT OUTPUT A or B
4 × 300 VRMS 3 × 12.5 ARMS

1 2 3 N 4 N 1 2 3 N

All voltages and current generators can independently be configured with respect to amplitude, phase
angle, and frequency.
All outputs are monitored. Overload conditions prompt a notification in the control software.

24 OMICRON
 Technical data

4.5.2 Extended frequency range

In selected Test Universe modules, the CMC 256plus supports a mode for generating stationary signals
of up to 3 kHz. This mode corrects the phase and gain errors of the output filter. The 3 dB bandwidth of
this filter limits the amplitude at 3 kHz to about 70 % of the maximum range value. The application of the
extended frequency range is the generation of harmonics and interharmonics.

Extended frequency range (1 ... 3 kHz)

Typical Guaranteed
Low-level outputs1 Phase error <0.25° Phase error <1°
Amplitude error <0.25 % Amplitude error <1 %
Voltage amplifier Phase error <0.25° Phase error <1°
Amplitude error <0.25 % Amplitude error <1 %
Current amplifier2
Phase error Not quantified

Amplitude error Not quantified

1. No extended frequency range support for external amplifiers.

2. Amplifier is calibrated with low resistance burden. The error is highly burden-dependent and therefore not quantified.

OMICRON 25
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.5.3 Current outputs

2 × 3 current outputs1 (groups A and B)

Output currents
3-phase AC (L-N) 3 × 0 ... 12.5 A
1-phase AC (L-N)2 1 × 0 ... 37.5 A
DC (L-N)2 1 × 0 ... ±17.5 A
DC (L-N) 1 × 0 ... ±12.5 A
Typical Guaranteed
Output power (range I)
3-phase AC (L-N) 3 × 12.5 VA at 1.25 A
Output power (range II)
3-phase AC (L-N) 3 × 80 VA at 8.5 A 3 × 70 VA at 7.5 A
1-phase AC (L-N)2 1 × 240 VA at 25.5 A 1 × 210 VA at 22.5 A
1-phase AC (L-L)3 1 × 160 VA at 8.5 A 1 × 140 VA at 7.5 A
DC (L-N)2 1 × 240 W at ±17.5 A 1 × 235 W at ±17.5 A
DC (L-N) 1 × 100 W at ±12.5 A 1 × 90 W at ±12.5 A
Accuracy4
Range I: Rload ≤ 1 Ω Error <0.015 % of rd. + 0.005 % of rg. Error <0.04 % of rd. + 0.01 % of rg.
Range II: Rload ≤ 0.5 Ω Error <0.015 % rd. + 0.005 % of rg. Error <0.04 % of rd. + 0.01 % of rg.
Harmonic distortion 0.025 % <0.07 %
(THD+N)5
DC offset current
Range I <30 µA <300 µA
Range II <300 µA <3 mA
Current ranges Range I: 0 ... 1.25 A
Range II: 0 ... 12.5 A
Resolution <50 µA (1.25 A range)
<500 µA (12.5 A range)
Trigger on overload Timer accuracy error <1 ms
Short-circuit protection Unlimited to N
Open-circuit protection Open outputs (open-circuit) permitted
Connection 4 mm socket, generator combination socket6
(CURRENT OUTPUT A only)
Insulation Reinforced insulation of power supply and all SELV interfaces
1. Data for 3-phase systems are valid for symmetric conditions (0°, 120°, 240°)
2. 3-phase parallel switched
3. Single-phase mode (in phase opposition): 2 currents in series.
4 rd. = reading; rg. = range, whereas n % of rg. means: n % of upper range value
5. Values at 50/60 Hz, 20 kHz measurement bandwidth, nominal value, and nominal load
6. For currents >32 A, connect the test object only to the 4 mm sockets and not to the generator combination socket.

26 OMICRON
 Technical data

Typical duty cycles for different loads and output configurations

Terms and definitions
"Continuous operation" or "100 % duty cycle" is defined as a CMC test set being able to provide a
specified current for at least 30 minutes without shutting down due to overtemperature.
A duty cycle of 75 %, for example, means, the CMC test set provides the specified current 75 % of the
time, and needs the remaining 25 % of the time to cool off (for example: 30 s on and 10 s off).
Preconditions that apply to duty cycles:
• In the Output Configuration Details dialog of the Test Universe Hardware Configuration, the
compliance voltage is set to 100 % (15 V), and the fan mode is set to maximum power.
• The duty cycle values listed below apply to output frequencies of 50 Hz to 60 Hz and to sinusoidal
signals. For other frequencies or output wave forms the results may vary.
• The duty cycle values listed below apply to resistive loads only, not to inductive or capacitive loads.
• For 3- and 6-phase operation, the phase angles between the currents are 0°, 120°, 240°.
Measuring method
Every test starts with a heat sink temperature of an ambient temperature of +15 °C (+59 °F). Then the
CMC test set starts to provide the specified current. If within 30 minutes no shutdown due to
overtemperature occurred, the measurement for this particular current is completed, and the duty cycle
for this current value equals 100 %.
In case an overtemperature shutdown occurred, the time between the actual shutdown and the moment
the CMC test set can be restarted is defined as "cooling time" (tcooling). The time between the restart of
the CMC test set and its next shutdown due to overtemperature is defined as "on time" (ton).
Using these 2 time definitions, the duty cycle calculates as follows:
ton
duty cycle =
ton + tcooling

With regard to the following duty cycle graphs, note that when selecting a current of 12 A, continuous
operation is possible at a much smaller load resistance than, for example, with a current of 10 A. The
reason for this is that the CMC 256plus linearly reduces the compliance voltage from 15 V to 10.5 V for
currents in the range of 8 A to 12.5 A per phase.
Note: In order to get the approximate duty cycle values for 3 × 25 A and 1 × 75 A configurations, refer
to the 6 × 12.5 A configuration graphs, and divide the load values at the x-axis by 3 or 6.

OMICRON 27
CMC 256plus User Manual

Typical duty cycles

At Rload = 3 × 0 Ω At Rload = 6 × 0 Ω

100
100

90
90

80
Duty cycle [%]

Duty cycle [%]

80

70
70

60
60

50 50

40 40

30
Blue curve: Tambient = 0 °C 30
Blue curve: Tambient = 0 °C
20 Green curve: Tambient = 25 °C 20 Green curve: Tambient = 25 °C
10 Red curve: Tambient = 50 °C 10
Red curve: Tambient = 50 °C

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Output current [A] Output current [A]

In a 1 × 12.5 A configuration at Tambient = 25 °C In a 1 × 12.5 A configuration at Tambient = 50 °C

105

100
100

95 90
Blue curve: I = 8 A/phase
Duty cycle [%]

Duty cycle [%]

90
80 Green curve: I = 10 A/phase
85 Red curve: I = 12 A/phase
70
80

75 60

70
50

65

Blue curve: I = 8 A/phase 40

60
Green curve: I = 10 A/phase
30
55
Red curve: I = 12 A/phase
50 20
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6

Rload per phase in Ω Rload per phase in Ω

In a 3 × 12.5 A configuration at Tambient = 25 °C In a 3 × 12.5 A configuration at Tambient = 50 °C

105

100
100

95 90
Blue curve: I = 8 A/phase
Duty cycle [%]

Duty cycle [%]

90 Green curve: I = 10 A/phase

80

85
Red curve: I = 12 A/phase
70
80

75 60

70
50
Blue curve: I = 8 A/phase
65
Green curve: I = 10 A/phase 40

60
Red curve: I = 12 A/phase
30
55

50
20
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45

Rload per phase in Ω Rload per phase in Ω

28 OMICRON
 Technical data

In a 6 × 12.5 A configuration at Tambient = 25 °C In a 6 × 12.5 A configuration at Tambient = 50 °C

105
100
100

95 90
Blue curve: I = 8 A/phase
Duty cycle [%]

Duty cycle [%]

90 Green curve: I = 10 A/phase
80

85
Red curve: I = 12 A/phase
70
80

75 60

70
50

65 Blue curve: I = 8 A/phase

60
Green curve: I = 10 A/phase 40

Red curve: I = 12 A/phase

55 30

50
20
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45

Rload per phase in Ω Rload per phase in Ω

Typical first shutdown, cooling times and on times at an ambient temperature of 25 °C (see also
"Measuring method" on page 27):
• t1: The time until a "cold" CMC test set shuts down.
• ton: The time between the restart of the CMC test set and its next shutdown due to overtemperature.
Typical first shutdown, cooling times and on times at an ambient temperature of 25 °C

1 × 12.5 A, Rload = 1 × 0 Ω 1 × 12.5 A, Rload = 1 × 0.6 Ω

I [A] t1 [min] ton [s] tcool [s] duty I [A] t1 [min] ton [s] tcool [s] duty
cycle [%] cycle [%]
0 ... 6 >30 >1800 – 100 0 ... 7 >30 >1800 – 100
7 9.4 222 17 93 8 7.6 162 17 90
8 5.1 83 17 83 9 6.8 120 17 88
9 4.4 68 17 80 10 8.3 161 17 90
10 4.2 66 17 80 11 12.9 380 17 96
11 4.2 65 17 79 12 >30 >1800 – 100
12 4.5 70 17 80

3 × 12.5 A, Rload = 3 × 0 Ω 3 × 12.5 A, Rload = 3 × 0.15 Ω

I [A] t1 [min] ton [s] tcool [s] duty I [A] t1 [min] ton [s] tcool [s] duty
cycle [%] cycle [%]
0 ... 7 >30 >1800 – 100 0 ... 8 >30 >1800 – 100
8 5.9 124 17 88 9 13.9 438 17 96
9 4.6 88 17 84 10 >30 >1800 – 100
10 4.3 82 17 83 11 >30 >1800 – 100
11 4.3 82 17 83 12 >30 >1800 – 100
12 4.6 89 14 84

OMICRON 29
CMC 256plus User Manual

6 × 12.5 A, Rload = 6 × 0 Ω 6 × 12.5 A, Rload = 6 × 0.15 Ω

I [A] t1 [min] ton [s] tcool [s] duty I [A] t1 [min] ton [s] tcool [s] duty
cycle [%] cycle [%]
0 ... 5 >30 >1800 – 100 0 ... 5 >30 >1800 – 100
6 5.3 100 23 81 6 8.0 200 23 90
7 3.6 54 23 70 7 4.7 86 23 79
8 2.8 39 23 63 8 3.5 56 23 71
9 2.5 34 23 60 9 3.3 50 23 68
10 2.4 33 23 59 10 3.4 53 23 70
11 2.4 33 23 59 11 3.8 62 23 73
12 2.5 35 23 60 12 4.7 84 23 79

6 × 12.5 A, Rload = 6 × 0.3 Ω 6 × 12.5 A, Rload = 6 × 0.415 Ω

I [A] t1 [min] ton [s] tcool [s] duty I [A] t1 [min] ton [s] tcool [s] duty
cycle [%] cycle [%]
0 ... 6 >30 >1800 – 100 0 ... 6 >30 >1800 – 100
7 6.3 139 23 86 7 8.9 230 23 91
8 4.6 81 23 78 8 5.9 121 23 84
9 4.4 77 23 77 9 6.3 130 23 85
10 5.3 101 23 81 10 11.3 326 23 93
11 7.9 197 23 90 11 >30 >1800 – 100
12 >30 >1800 – 100 12 >30 >1800 – 100

30 OMICRON
 Technical data

Ensuring continuous operation

In order to ensure continuous operation, the compliance voltage in the software can be decreased. Small
compliance voltages result in less power dissipation inside the current amplifier, which, in turn, has the
disadvantage of preventing the current amplifier from driving high burdens at high currents. In that case
the current amplifier would report an overload. The figure below shows the typical possible compliance
voltage that ensures continuous operation in a 6 × 12.5 A configuration with the maximum output current
of 12.5 A per phase. Since other configurations produce less internal heat dissipation, this diagram can
also be used as indicator for these other configurations.
Typically allowed compliance voltage to ensure continuous operation
100% 15V At a temperature of 50 °C, the compliance
90%
14V voltage cannot be reduced far enough to ensure
13V
continuous operation for loads with a resistance
80%
Blue curve: Tambient = 25 °C
70% Red curve: Tambient = 50 °C
12V
above 0.3 Ω per phase.
Compliance voltage in %

Compliance voltage in V
11V

60%
10V

50% 9V

8V
40%

7V
30%
6V
20%
5V

10%
4V

0% 3V
0ȍ 0.05ȍ 0.1ȍ 0.15ȍ 0.2ȍ 0.25ȍ 0.3ȍ 0.35ȍ 0.4ȍ 0.45ȍ

Rload per phase in Ω

OMICRON 31
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.5.4 Parallel switching of CURRENT OUTPUT A and B

Parallel switched current outputs1 (groups A and B)

Output currents
3-phase AC (L-N) 3 × 0 ... 25 A
1-phase AC (L-N)2 1 × 0 ... 75 A
DC (L-N)2 1 × 0 ... ±35 A
DC (L-N) 1 × 0 ... ±25 A
Typical Guaranteed
Output power (range I)
3-phase AC (L-N) 3 × 25 VA at 2.5 A
Output power (range II)
3-phase AC (L-N) 3 × 160 VA at 17 A 3 × 140 VA at 15 A
1-phase AC (L-N)2 1 × 480 VA at 51 A 1 × 420 VA at 45 A
1-phase AC (L-L) 1 × 320 VA at 8.5 A 1 × 280 VA at 15 A
DC (L-N)2 1 × 480 W at ±35 A 1 × 470 W at ± 35 A
DC (L-N) 1 × 200 W at ±25 A 1 × 180 W at ± 25 A
Accuracy (range I)3
Rload ≤ 0.5 Ω Error <0.015 % of rd. + 0.005 % of rg. Error <0.04 % of rd. + 0.01 % of rg.
3
Accuracy (range II)
Rload ≤ 0.25 Ω Error <0.015 % of rd. + 0.005 % of rg. Error <0.04 % of rd. + 0.01 % of rg.
Harmonic distortion 0.025 % <0.07 %
(THD+N)4
DC offset current
Range I <60 µA <600 µA
Range II <600 µA <6 mA
Current ranges Range I: 0 ... 2.5 A
Range II: 0 ... 25 A
Resolution <100 µA (in range I)
<1 mA (in range II)
Connection 4 mm sockets, generator combination socket5
1. Data for 3-phase systems are valid for symmetric conditions (0°, 120°, 240°).
2. 3-phase parallel switched
3 rd. = reading; rg. = range, whereas n % of rg. means: n % of upper range value
4. Values at 50/60 Hz, 20 kHz measurement bandwidth, nominal value, and nominal load
5. For currents >32 A, connect the test object only to the 4 mm sockets and not to the generator combination socket.

32 OMICRON
 Technical data

Typical output power per phase of a group and with parallel switching (A || B) of
both groups

160

A parallel B
120
Typ. output power per phase
in VA

80

A, B
40

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Output current in A

4.5.5 Single-phase operation for output currents

Typical output power curves (50/60 Hz) Typical compliance voltage (50/60 Hz)

500 3 × parallel + 2 × series 6 × parallel 45

40
400
4 × series
in Vrms

35
VA in VA

4 × series
Compliance voltage
VRMS

30
in Power

300
Voltage

25
typ. Output

Compliancein

200 20 3 × parallel + 2 × series

Typ. output power

15
100
10 6 × parallel
5
0
0 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 0
Output current in A
Output Current in A 0.0 12.5 25.0 37.5 50.0 62.5 75.0

Output current in A
Output Current in A

→ Section 5 "Increasing the output power" on page 67.

OMICRON 33
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.5.6 Voltage outputs

4 voltage outputs
Output voltages
4-phase AC (L-N)1 4 × 0 ... 300 V
2-phase AC (L-L)2 2 × 0 ... 600 V
1-phase AC (L-L) 1 × 0 ... 600 V
DC (L-N) 4 × 0 ... ±300 V
Typical Guaranteed
3
Output power
4-phase AC4 4 × 75 VA at 100 ... 300 V 4 × 50 VA at 85 ... 300 V
3-phase AC5 3 × 100 VA at 100 ... 300 V 3 × 85 VA at 85 ... 300 V
2-phase AC (L-L) 2 × 138 VA at 200 ... 600 V 2 × 125 VA at 200 ... 600 V
1-phase AC (L-N) 1 × 200 VA at 100 ... 300 V 1 × 150 VA at 75 ... 300 V
1-phase AC (L-L) 1 × 275 VA at 200 ... 600 V 1 × 250 VA at 200 ... 600 V
DC (L-N) 1 × 420 W at 300 VDC 1 × 360 W at 300 VDC
Accuracy
Rload ≥ 250 Ω, UL-N = 0...300 V Error <0.015 % of rd.6 Error <0.04 % of rd.
+ 0.005 % of rg. + 0.01 % of rg.
Rload < 250 Ω, UL-N ≥ 30 V Error <0.025 % of rd. Error <0.1 % of rd.
Rload < 250 Ω, UL-N < 30 V Error <10mV Error <30mV
Harmonic distortion 0.015 % <0.05 %
(THD+N)7
DC offset voltage <20 mV <100 mV
Voltage ranges Range I: 0 ... 150 V
Range II: 0 ... 300 V
Resolution Range I: 5 mV
Range II: 10 mV
Short-circuit protection Unlimited for L–N
Connection 4 mm sockets; generator combination socket VL1–VL3
Insulation Reinforced insulation of power supply and all SELV interfaces
1. a) VL4(t) automatically calculated: VL4 = (VL1+ VL2+ VL3) * C. C = configurable constant from –100 to +100.
b) VL4 can be configured by software in frequency, phase, and amplitude.
2. Without common neutral (N).
3. Guaranteed data for ohmic loads (PF = 1). Refer to the accompanying figures of the output power curves.
4. Data for 4-phase systems are valid for symmetric conditions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°)
5. Data for 3-phase systems are valid for symmetric conditions (0°, 120°, 240°)
6. rd. = reading; rg. = range, whereas n % of rg. means: n % of upper range value
7. Values at 50/60 Hz, 20 kHz measurement bandwidth, nominal value, and nominal load

34 OMICRON
 Technical data

Power diagram for 3-phase operation

typical
guaranteed
Output power per phase in VA

Output voltage in V

Power diagram for single-phase operation

Section 5.2 "Voltage outputs" on page 69

Single-phase operation L-N Single-phase operation L-L

typical typical
guaranteed
guaranteed
Output power in VA

Output power in VA

Output voltage L-N in V Output voltage L-L in V

OMICRON 35
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.5.7 Accuracy of output power

Output power
Typical Guaranteed
Accuracy1 Error <0.05 % Error <0.1 %
Output power temperature drift 0.001 %/°C <0.005 %/°C
1. Data apply for set value (relative error) from 0.1 to 12.5 A (current amplifier A or B), and 50 to 300 V (voltage amplifier) at
50/60 Hz.
Permissible load for current outputs:
– Range 1.25 A: 0 to 1 Ω and max. 1 VA, cos ϕ = 0.5 to 1
– Range 12.5 A: 0 to 0.5 Ω and max. 6 VA, cos ϕ = 0.5 to 1
Permissible load for voltage outputs:
– Max. 10 VA at 50 to 300 V, cos ϕ = 0.5 to 1

4.5.8 Low-level outputs LL out for external amplifiers

Note: The low-level outputs LL out 7–12 are only available if the option LLO-2 is installed.
Both SELV interface connectors LL out 1–6 as well as the optional LL out 7–12 (if applicable) hold 2
independent generator triples each. These 6 high-accuracy analog signal sources per connector can be
used to either control an external amplifier or to directly provide low-level outputs.
In addition, each SELV interface connector provides a serial digital interface (pins 8–16; see below) that
transmits control and monitor functions between the CMC 256plus and the external amplifiers.
Supported devices are the CMS 356 or the discontinued devices CMA 156, CMA 56, CMS 156,
CMS 251 and CMS 252.
The low-level outputs are short-circuit-proof and continually monitored for overload. They are separated
through reinforced insulation from the power input and from the voltage and current outputs. They deliver
calibrated signals in the range from 0 to 7 Veff nominal (0 to ± 10 Vpeak).
Both the selection of the particular amplifier as well as the specification of the range of the amplifier takes
place in the software.

36 OMICRON
 Technical data

Pin assignment of LL out 1–6 (lower 16-pole LEMO socket); view onto the connector from the cable
wiring side:
Pin Function LL out 1–6 Function LL out 7–12
1 LL out 1 LL out 7
2 LL out 2 LL out 8
1 11

2 12 10
3 LL out 3 LL out 9
3 13 16 9 4 Neutral (N) connected to GND
4
14 15
8
5 LL out 4 LL out 10
5 7

6 6 LL out 5 LL out 11
7 LL out 6 LL out 12
8–16 For internal purposes
Housing Screen connection

LL out 1–3 and LL out 4–6 (and optionally LL out 7–9 and LL out 10–12) each make up a selectable
voltage or current triple.

6 outputs "LL out 1–6" and 6 (optional) outputs "LL out 7–12"
Output voltage range 0 … ±10 Vpeak1 (SELV)
Output current Max. 1 mA
Typical Guaranteed
Accuracy Error <0.025 % Error <0.07 % for 1 … 10 Vpeak

Harmonic distortion (THD+N)2 <0.015 % <0.05 %

DC offset voltage <150 µV <1.5 mV
Resolution <250 µV
Unconventional CT/VT simulation Linear or Rogowski3 mode (transient and sinewave)
Short-circuit protection Unlimited to GND
Overload indication Yes
Insulation Reinforced insulation to all other potential groups of the test
equipment. GND is connected to protective earth (PE).
1. Input OMICRON amplifier nominal: 0 ... 5 VRMS
2. Values at nominal voltage (10 Vpeak), 50/60 Hz, and 20 kHz measurement bandwidth.
3. When simulating Rogowski sensors, the output voltage is proportional to the derivative of the current with respect to time
(di(t)/dt).

Manufacturer ordering information

Connector for two-guide notches and pull relief (for LL out) FGB.2B.316.CLAD 72Z
Black anti-bend cable cover GMA.2B.070 DN

For a manufacturer description about the connection sockets LL out and the external interface
ext. Interf., visit the website www.lemo.com. You can order the LEMO cable directly from OMICRON.

OMICRON 37
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.5.9 Low-level binary outputs (ext. Interf.)

The SELV interface connector ext. Interf. holds 4 additional transistor binary outputs
(BINARY OUTPUT 11–14). Unlike regular relay outputs, BINARY OUTPUT 11–14 are bounce-free
binary outputs and have a minimal reaction time.
In addition, 2 high-frequency counter inputs for up to 100 kHz are available for the testing of energy
meters. They are described in section 4.6.2 "Counter inputs 100 kHz (low level)" on page 44.
Pin assignment of the external interface ext. Interf. (upper 16-pole LEMO socket); view onto the
connector from the cable wiring side:

Pin Function
Pin 1 Counter input 1
Pin 2 Counter input 2
Pin 3 Reserved
Pin 4 Neutral (N) connected to GND
Pin 5 Binary output 11
Pin 6 Binary output 12
Pin 7 Binary output 13
Pin 8 Binary output 14
Pin 9–16 Reserved
Housing Screen connection

4 low-level transistor binary outputs (BINARY OUTPUT 11–14)

Type Open-collector transistor outputs; external pull-up resistor
Rated voltage Max. ±16 V
Rated current Max. 5 mA (current limited); min. 100 µA
Update rate 10 kHz
Rise time <3 µs (Vextern = 5 V, Rpullup = 4.7 kΩ)
Connection Connector ext. Interf. (CMC 256plus rear side)
Insulation Reinforced insulation to all other potential groups of the test
equipment. GND is connected to protective earth (PE).

38 OMICRON
 Technical data

Circuit diagram of ext. Interf. binary transistor outputs 11–14:

Rear side of CMC 256plus
Vextern = 5 ... 15 V

Inside of Rpullup
CMC 256plus

16 V

Binary outputs 11–14

ext. Interf.

Manufacturer ordering information

Connector for one-guide notch and pull relief (for ext. Interf.) FGG.2B.316.CLAD 72Z
Black anti-bend cable cover GMA.2B.070 DN

For a manufacturer description about the connection sockets LL out and the external interface
ext. Interf., visit the website www.lemo.com. You can order the LEMO cable directly from OMICRON.

4.5.10 Binary output relays

4 binary output relays (BINARY OUTPUT 1–4)

Type Potential-free contacts; software-controlled
Connection 4 mm sockets
AC loading capacity Vmax = 300 V, Imax = 8 A, Pmax = 2000 VA
AC breaking capacity
DC loading capacity → "Load limit breaking capacity curve for binary output relays with
DC voltages" on page 40.
DC breaking capacity
Inrush current 15 A (max. 4 s at 10 % duty cycle)
Carry capacity 5 A continuous at 60 °C (140 °F)
Electrical lifetime 100 000 switching cycles at 230 VAC/8 A and ohmic load
Operate time Max. 10 ms (no bouncing)
Release time Max. 5 ms (no bouncing)
Overvoltage category II, according to IEC 61010-1

OMICRON 39
CMC 256plus User Manual

The accompanying diagram shows the load limit curve for DC voltages. For AC voltages, a maximum
power of 2000 VA is achieved.
Load limit breaking capacity curve for binary output relays with DC voltages
DC voltage (V DC) Resistive load

300

200

100

50
40
30

20

10
0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2 5 10 20

L/R = 50 ms DC current (A DC)

4.5.11 DC supply (AUX DC)

DC supply (AUX DC)

Voltage ranges 0 ... 66 VDC (max. 0.8 A)
0 ... 132 VDC (max. 0.4 A)
0 ... 264 VDC (max. 0.2 A)
Power Max. 50 W
Accuracy1 Typical Guaranteed
Error <2 % Error <5 %
Resolution <70 mV
Connection 4 mm sockets on front panel
Short-circuit protection Yes
Overload indication Yes
Insulation Reinforced insulation from power supply and all SELV interfaces
1. Percentage is with respect to each range’s full-scale.

40 OMICRON
 Technical data

4.6 Inputs
4.6.1 Binary inputs
BINARY/ANALOG INPUT
(CAT II/600 V)

BINARY INPUTS 3–10 are identical.

500 kΩ 500 kΩ

General data of binary inputs 1…10

Number of binary inputs 10
Trigger criteria Potential-free or DC-voltage compared to threshold voltage
Reaction time Max. 220 µs
Sampling rate 10 kHz
Time resolution 100 µs
Maximum measuring time Unlimited
Debounce/deglitch time 0 … 25 ms (→ page 43)
Counting function
Counter frequency <3 kHz (per input)
Pulse width >150 µs (for high and low signals)
Connection 4 mm sockets
Insulation 5 galvanically insulated binary groups with each 2 inputs
having its own GND. Functional insulation to the power
outputs, DC inputs and between galvanically separated
groups. Reinforced insulation from all SELV interfaces and
from power supply.

OMICRON 41
CMC 256plus User Manual

Data for potential-sensing operation

Threshold voltage data per input range Setting range Resolution
100 mV ±100 mV 2 mV
1V ±1 V 20 mV
10 V ±10 V 200 mV
100 V ±100 V 2V
600 V ±600 V 20 V
Maximum input voltage CAT IV: 150 V
CAT III: 300 V
CAT II: 600 V
1
Threshold voltage accuracy per range: Error:
100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V Typical <2 %, guaranteed <4 %
600 V Typical <5 %, guaranteed <10 %
Threshold voltage hysteresis: Typical:
100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V 3.5 % of range + 1.3 % of setting
600 V 5.8 % of range + 1.3 % of setting
Input impedance 500 kΩ (|| 50 pF)
1. Valid for positive voltage signal edge; percentage is shown in respect to each range’s full-scale.

Data for potential-free operation

Trigger criteria Logical 0: R >80 kΩ
Logical 1: R <40 kΩ
Input impedance 162 kΩ (|| 50 pF)

42 OMICRON
 Technical data

Deglitching input signals

In order to suppress short spurious pulses, a deglitching algorithm could be configured. The deglitch
process results in an additional dead time and introduces a signal delay. In order to be detected as a
valid signal level, the level of an input signal must have a constant value at least during the deglitch time.
The figure below illustrates the deglitch function.

Input signal

Input signal deglitched

Tdeglitch Tdeglitch

Debouncing input signals

For input signals with a bouncing characteristic, a debounce function can be configured. This means that
the first change of the input signal causes the debounced input signal to be changed and then be kept
on this signal value for the duration of the debounce time.
The debounce function is placed after the deglitch function described above and both are realized by the
firmware of the CMC 256plus and are calculated in real time.
The figure below illustrates the debounce function. On the right-hand side of the figure, the debounce
time is too short. As a result, the debounced signal rises to "high" once again, even while the input signal
is still bouncing and does not drop to a low level until another Tdebounce period has expired.
The figure below illustrates the debounce function.

Input signal

Input signal debounced

Tdebounce Tdebounce Tdebounce

OMICRON 43
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.6.2 Counter inputs 100 kHz (low level)

The SELV interface connector ext. Interf. holds 2 high-frequency counter inputs for up to 100 kHz which
are used for testing energy meters.
In addition, 4 additional transistor binary outputs (BINARY OUTPUT 11–14) are available. They are
described in section 4.5.9 "Low-level binary outputs (ext. Interf.)" on page 38.
Pin assignment of the external interface ext. Interf. (upper 16-pole LEMO socket); view onto the
connector from the cable wiring side:

Pin Function
Pin 1 Counter input 1
Pin 2 Counter input 2
Pin 3 Reserved
Pin 4 Neutral (N) connected to GND
Pin 5 Binary output 11
Pin 6 Binary output 12
Pin 7 Binary output 13
Pin 8 Binary output 14
Pin 9–16 Reserved
Housing Screen connection

2 counter inputs
Maximum counter frequency 100 kHz
Pulse width >3 µs (high and low signal)
Switch threshold
Pos. edge Max. 8 V
Neg. edge Min. 4 V
Hysteresis Typ. 2 V
Rise and fall times <1 ms
Maximum input voltage ±30 V
Connection Socket ext. Interf. (rear side of CMC 256plus)
Insulation Reinforced insulation to all other potential groups of the test
equipment. GND is connected to protective earth (PE).

44 OMICRON
 Technical data

Circuit diagram of ext. Interf. counter inputs 1 and 2:

Rear side of
CMC 256plus +15 V
Inside of
CMC 256plus

Counter inputs 1 and 2

ext. Interf.

100 kΩ

Manufacturer ordering information

Connector for one-guide notch and pull relief (for ext. Interf.) FGG.2B.316.CLAD 72Z
Black anti-bend cable cover GMA.2B.070 DN

For a manufacturer description about the connection sockets LL out 1–6 and external interface
ext. Interf., visit the website www.lemo.com. You can order the LEMO cable directly from OMICRON.

OMICRON 45
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.6.3 DC measurement inputs (ANALOG DC INPUT)

ANALOG DC INPUT

1 MΩ
PTC

0 – ±20 mA 0 – ±10 V

Note: Exceeding the specified input values can damage the measurement inputs.
DC measurement input IDC
Measurement range 0 ... ±1 mA and 0 ... ±20 mA
Maximum input current 600 mA
Accuracy Typical Guaranteed
Error <0.003 % of rg.1 Error <0.02 % of rg.
Input impedance Approx. 15 Ω
Connection 4 mm sockets
Insulation Functional insulation to all other front panel connections; reinforced
insulation from all SELV interfaces and from power supply;
galvanically connected to VDC

DC voltage measurement input VDC

Measurement range 0 … ±10 V
Maximum input voltage ±11 V
Input impedance 1 MΩ
Maximum input current ±90 mA
Accuracy Typical Guaranteed
1
Error <0.003 % of rg. Error <0.02 % of rg.
Insulation Galvanically connected to IDC
1. rg. = range, whereas n % of rg. means: n % of upper range value

46 OMICRON
 Technical data

4.7 IEC 61850 protocols

IEC 61850 GOOSE

Simulation Mapping of binary outputs to data attributes in published GOOSE messages.
Number of virtual binary outputs: 360
Number of GOOSE to be published: 128
Subscription Mapping of data attributes from subscribed GOOSE messages to binary inputs.
Number of virtual binary outputs: 360
Number of GOOSE to be published: 128
Performance Type 1A; Class P2/3 (IEC 61850-5).
Processing time (application to network or vice versa): <1 ms
VLAN support Selectable priority and VLAN-ID

IEC 61850 Sampled Values (Publishing)

Specification According to the “Implementation Guideline for Digital Interface to Instrument
Transformers Using IEC 61850-9-2” of the UCA International Users Group and
the "IEC 61869-9 Instrument transformers – Part 9: Digital interface for
instrument transformers"
Sample rate • 4000 Hz (80 SPC @ 50 Hz) – 1 sample per packet
• 4800 Hz (80 SPC @ 60 Hz) – 1 sample per packet
• 4800 Hz – 2 samples per packet
• 5760 Hz– 1 sample per packet
• 12800 Hz (256 SPC @ 50 Hz) – 8 samples per packet
• 14400 Hz – 6 samples per packet
• 15360 Hz (256 SPC @ 60 Hz) – 8 samples per packet
Synchronization Synchronization attribute (smpSynch) can follow the synchronization status of
the test set or be set to distinct values.
Sample count (smpCnt) zero is aligned with top of the second (IRIG-B and PPS).
For the accuracy data → section "Absolute time synchronization" on page 23.
VLAN support Selectable priority and VLAN-ID
Maximum number Test Universe: 3
of SV streams
RelaySimTest: 4

OMICRON 47
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.8 Technical data of the communication ports

4.8.1 NET-2 board
The NET-2 board requires a Test Universe software version 3.00 SR2 (or later), or a CMControl software
version 2.30 (or later).

NET-2: 2 × USB port and Ethernet ports ETH1/ETH2

USB type USB 2.0 high speed up to 480 Mbit/s
USB connector USB type A (for future use of USB peripherals)
Output current Max. 500 mA
USB type USB 2.0 high speed up to 480 Mbit/s;
USB 1.1-compatible
USB connector USB type B (connect to computer)
USB cable USB 2.0 high speed type A-B, 2 m/6 ft
ETH type 10/100/1000Base-TX1 (twisted pair,
auto-MDI/MDIX or auto-crossover)
ETH connector RJ45
ETH cable type Shielded LAN cable of category 5 (CAT5)
or better
ETH port status LED Depending on the ETH type of your NET-2
interface board’s counterpart, the status LED’s
behavior varies.
Physical link established, port active:

Mbit/s Active LED ON

10 yellow
100 green
1000 yellow + green

If there is traffic via an ETH port, the active

LEDs start blinking.
ETH Power over IEEE 802.3af compliant
Ethernet (PoE)
Port capability limited to one Class 1 (3.84 W)
and one Class 2 (6.49 W) power device
1. 10Base = 10 Mbit/s transfer rate
100Base = 100 Mbit/s transfer rate
1000Base = 1000 Mbit/s transfer rate

48 OMICRON
 Technical data

4.8.2 NET-1C board (legacy board)

NET-1C: USB port and Ethernet ports ETH1/ETH2

USB type1 USB 2.0 full speed up to 12 Mbit/s
USB connector USB type B (connect to computer)
USB cable USB 2.0 high speed type A-B, 2 m/6 ft
ETH type 10/100Base-TX (10/100Mbit, twisted pair,
auto-MDI/MDIX or auto-crossover)
ETH connector RJ45
ETH cable type Shielded LAN cable of category 5 (CAT5)
or better
ETH port status LED • Physical link established, port active: green
LED ON
• Traffic via ETH port: yellow LED is blinking

ETH Power over IEEE 802.3af compliant

Ethernet (PoE)
Port capability limited to one Class 1 (3.84 W)
and one Class 2 (6.49 W) power device
1. For the USB port to work, the NET-1C board requires a Test Universe software version 3.00 (or later) plus
the matching CMC firmware

4.8.3 NET-1B board (legacy board)

NET-1B: Ethernet ports ETH1 and ETH2

Type 10/100Base-TX (10/100Mbit, twisted pair,
auto-MDI/MDIX or auto-crossover)
Connector RJ45
Cable type Shielded LAN cable of category 5 (CAT5) or
better
ETH port status LED • Physical link established, port active: green
LED ON
• Traffic via ETH port: yellow LED is blinking
ETH Power over IEEE 802.3af compliant
Ethernet (PoE)
Port capability limited to one Class 1 (3.84 W)
and one Class 2 (6.49 W) power device

OMICRON 49
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.8.4 NET-1 board (legacy board)

NET-1: Ethernet ports ETH1 and ETH2

Type 100Base-FX (100 Mbit, fiber, duplex)
Connector MT-RJ
Cable type 50/125 µm or 62.5/125 µm (duplex patch
cable)
Cable length >1 km/0.62 miles possible
ETH2 port status LED • Physical link established, port active: green
LED ON
• Traffic via ETH port: yellow LED is blinking

This is a product of Laser Class 1

(IEC 60825-1:2014)

Type 10/100Base-TX (10/100Mbit, twisted pair,

auto-MDI/MDIX or auto-crossover)
Connector RJ45
Cable type Shielded LAN cable of category 5 (CAT5) or
better
ETH1 port status LED • Physical link established, port active: green
LED ON
• Traffic via ETH port: yellow LED is blinking

4.9 Environmental conditions

Climate
Operating temperature 0 ... +50 °C (+32 ... +122 °F),
a 50 % duty cycle may apply above +30 °C (+86 °F)
Storage –25 … +70 °C (–13 … +158 °F)
Maximum altitude 2000 m (6560 ft)
Humidity 5 … 95 % relative humidity; no condensation
Climate Tested according to IEC 60068-2-78

Shock and vibration

Vibration Tested according to IEC 60068-2-6;
frequency range 10 ... 150 Hz; 2 g (20 sweeps)
Shock Tested according to IEC 60068-2-27;
15 g/11 ms, half-sinusoid, each axis

50 OMICRON
 Technical data

4.10 Mechanical data

Size, weight and protection
Weight 16 kg (35.3 lb)
Dimensions W × H × D 450 × 145 × 390 mm (17.7 × 5.7 × 15.4")
(without handle)
Housing IP20 according to IEC 60529

4.11 Safety standards, electromagnetic compatibility

(EMC) and certificates
Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Europe EN 61326-1; EN 61000-6-4; EN 61000-3-2/3; EN 55032 (Class A)
International IEC 61326-1; IEC 61000-6-4; IEC 61000-3-2/3; CISPR 32 (Class A)
USA 47 CFR 15 Subpart B (Class A) of FCC
Electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS)
Europe EN 61326-1; EN 61000-6-2; EN 61000-4-2/3/4/5/6/8/11/16/18;
EN 61000-6-5
International IEC 61326-1; IEC 61000-6-2; IEC 61000-4-2/3/4/5/6/8/11/16/18;
IEC 61000-6-5
Safety standards
Europe EN 61010-1; EN 61010-2-030
International IEC 61010-1; IEC 61010-2-030
USA UL 61010-1; UL 61010-2-030
Canada CAN/CSA-C22.2 No 61010-1; CAN/CSA-C22.2 No 61010-2-030
Certificate

Manufactured under an ISO 9001 registered system

OMICRON 51
CMC 256plus User Manual

4.12 Electrical insulation groups

The following chapter shows how the inputs and outputs of CMC test sets are insulated against PE and
each other.
B = Basic insulation
R = Reinforced insulation
F = Functional insulation

PE
B Output group
B
R CURRENT OUTPUT A B
F
Mains F
R CURRENT OUTPUT B B
100 ... 240 V/10 A F
Overvoltage F
category II R VOLTAGE OUTPUT B
F
F
R AUX DC OUTPUT B
R F
R
F
R Binary I/O group

F
R BINARY/ANALOG INPUT 1/2 B
F
R BINARY/ANALOG INPUT 3/4 B
F
R BINARY/ANALOG INPUT 5/6 B
2 x Ethernet F
2 x USB
R BINARY/ANALOG INPUT 7/8 B
LL out
Ext. Interf. F
R BINARY/ANALOG INPUT 9/10 B
F
R DC INPUT B
F
R BINARY OUTPUT 1 (Relay) B
F
R BINARY OUTPUT 2 (Relay) B
F
R BINARY OUTPUT 3 (Relay) B
F
R BINARY OUTPUT 4 (Relay) B
F

Insulation designed for pollution degree 2.

52 OMICRON
 Technical data

4.13 EnerLyzer measurement option

Optionally, each of the 10 binary/analog inputs of the CMC 256plus can be configured to be analog
measurement inputs for DC and AC voltages of up to 600 V.
Voltage and current measurements on 3 channels are basic functionalities of the CMC 256plus test set.
The fully featured measurement functionality on all 10 channels requires the EnerLyzer option.
As the analog inputs of the CMC 256plus are voltage inputs, active current clamps or current shunts
(C-Shunt 1 or C-Shunt 10) with voltage outputs have to be used to measure currents.
OMICRON offers the C-PROBE1 as a suitable current clamp. This current clamp is not included in the
delivery of the EnerLyzer measurement option. Please order it separately (→ "Support" on page 74).

4.13.1 General data

The analog measurement inputs have 5 measurement ranges that can be individually configured in the
EnerLyzer test module.
• 100 mV
• 1V
• 10 V
• 100 V
• 600 V
These range limits refer to the respective RMS values of the sinusoidal-shaped input signals. The ranges
100 mV, 1 V, 10 V and 100 V could be overloaded approximately with 10 %.
Input impedance: 500 kΩ || 50 pF for all measurement ranges
The sampling rate can be configured by software:
• 28.44 kHz
• 9.48 kHz
• 3.16 kHz
Four different operating modes are possible:
• Multimeter mode (→ section 4.13.2 on page 53)
• Harmonic analysis (→ section 4.13.3 on page 62)
• Transient recording (→ section 4.13.4 on page 65)
• Trend recording

4.13.2 Multimeter mode

This operating mode is designed for measuring steady-state signals (for example, also non-sinusoidal
shaped). It can be used for measurements such as RMS values, phase angle, frequency, etc.
The input signals are processed in real time without delay.

Accuracy AC measurements
Conditions: integration time 1 s, measurement signal sinusoidal, excitation 10 ... 100 %, accuracy
references the measurement full-scale values.

OMICRON 53
CMC 256plus User Manual

Sampling rate 28.44 kHz, measurement range 600 V, 100 V, 10 V, 1 V:

Frequency range Accuracy

Typical Guaranteed
DC ±0.15 % ±0.40 %
10 Hz ... 100 Hz ±0.06 % ±0.15 %
10 Hz ... 1 kHz +0.06 %/–0.11 % ±0.25 %
10 Hz ... 10 kHz +0.06 %/–0.7 % ±1.1 %

Sampling rate 28.44 kHz, measurement range 100 mV:

Frequency range Accuracy

Typical Guaranteed
DC ±0.15 % ±0.45 %
10 Hz ... 100 Hz ±0.1 % ±0.3 %
10 Hz ... 1 kHz +0.15 %/–0.2 % ±0.5 %
10 Hz ... 10 kHz +0.15 %/–1.0 % ±2 %

Sampling rate 9.48 kHz, 3.16 kHz; measurement range 600 V, 100 V, 10 V, 1 V:

Frequency range Accuracy

Typical Guaranteed
DC ±0.15 % ±0.45 %
10 Hz ... 100 Hz ±0.08 % ±0.2 %
10 Hz ... 1 kHz +0.1 %/–0.3 % ±0.5 %
10 Hz ... 4 kHz (sampling rate 9.48 kHz) +0.1 %/–0.5 % ±1.2 %
10 Hz ... 1.4 kHz (sampling rate 3.16 kHz) +0.1 %/–0.5 % ±1.0 %

Sampling rate 9.48 kHz, 3.16 kHz; measurement range 100 mV:

Frequency range Accuracy

Typical Guaranteed
DC ±0.15 % ±0.5 %
10 Hz ... 100 Hz ±0.1 % ±0.35 %
10 Hz ... 1 kHz +0.15 %/–0.35 % ±0.5 %
10 Hz ... 4 kHz (sampling rate 9.48 kHz) +0.15 %/–0.6 % ±1.2 %
10 Hz ... 1.4 kHz (sampling rate 3.16 kHz) +0.15 %/–0.6 % ±1.2 %

The accuracy data contains linearity, temperature, long-term drift, and frequency.

54 OMICRON
 Technical data

Typical frequency response with a sampling rate of 28.44 kHz and an input voltage of 70 V:

Frequency response
Frequency in the
Response 100
in the 100VVrange
Range
(SR =(SR = 28.44 kHz)
28.44 kHz) Maximum+3Sigmamax
1
Minimum-3Sigmamax

0.5

0
Rel. Error / %

-0.5

-1
Rel. error in %

-1.5

-2

-2.5
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Frequency / kHz
Frequency in kHz

Typical frequency response with a sampling rate of 9.48 kHz and an input voltage of 70 V:
Frequency response in the 100
Frequency Response V range
in the 100 V Range
(SR = 9.48(SR = 9.48 kHz)
kHz) Minimum-3Sigmamax
1 Maximum+3Sigmamax
0.8
0.6
/%
in /%

0.4
Rel. Error

0.2
Rel. error

0
-0.2
-0.4
-0.6
-0.8
-1
0 1 2 3 4 5
Frequency / kHz Frequency in kHz

Typical AC linear progression at 50 Hz and a sampling rate of 28.44 kHz:

AC AC
linearity ininthe
Linearity the 100
100 VVRange
range
Maximum+3Sigmamax
0.04
Minimum-3Sigmamin
0.03
in %

0.02

0.01
/%
error
Rel.Error

0
Rel.

-0.01

-0.02

-0.03

-0.04
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Amplitude
RMS Am plitude /V (RMS) in V

OMICRON 55
CMC 256plus User Manual

Note:
Actual – Expected
a) Relative error: × 100 %
Full scale
b) 3Sigmamax represents the maximum of the 3Sigma values of all 10 input channels.
The 3Sigmamax values of an analog input are determined from 50 measurement values.

Channel cross-talk
Conditions: sinusoidal form infeed on a channel without overload, AC measurement on neighboring
channel, integration time 1 s.
Cross-talk dampening on channels of the same potential groups in dB at f = 50 Hz:
Measurement range 600 V 100 V 10 V 1V 100 mV
Dampening in dB 80 105 95 120 120

Cross-talk dampening on channels of the same potential groups in dB at f = 500 Hz:

Measurement range 600 V 100 V 10 V 1V 100 mV
Dampening in dB 65 80 75 95 95

The cross-talk dampening on a neighboring channel of another potential group is greater than 120 dB in
all measurement ranges (f = 50 Hz or 500 Hz).

Accuracy phase measurements

Phase error
Phase Erroras
as function
a Functionof
of the inputvoltage
the input voltage
Phase CH1-CH2;
(Phase CH1-CH2,range: 100
Range:100 V, V; f =Hz)
f = 50 50 Hz CH1:10V
CH1:70V
0,3
CH1:50V

0,25

0,2
Phase. error in °
Phase Error / °

0,15

0,1

0,05

0
1 10 100
Am plitude CH2Amplitude
(Vrm s) CH2 in VRMS

Conditions: integration time 1 s, measurement signal sinusoidal, measurement range 100 V, f = 50 Hz,
sampling rate 28.44 kHz.

56 OMICRON
 Technical data

U = 10 VRMS (R = 100 V)
Phase error as function of the sampling rate U = 20 VRMS (R = 100 V)
(fin = 50 Hz, R = 100 V)
U = 70 VRMS (R = 100 V)

0,4

5°
0.33
0,35

8°
0,3

0.26

4°
5°

0.22
0,25
Phase error in °

0.21

0,2
°

0,15
0.114
4°

9°
0.10

0.09
3°

0,1
0.06

3°
0.04

0,05

0
28.44kHz 9.48kHz 3.16kHz

Sampling rate

Conditions: integration time 1 s, measurement signal sinusoidal, f = 50 Hz, measurement range 100 V,
both channels same excitation (20 V, 70 V).

PhasePhase error
Error as as function
a Function of input frequency
of Frequency
(fs(SR
= =28.44 kHz,
28.44 kHz, R: range = =100
100 V, Uin V, s)
20 Vrm Uin = 20 VRMS)
0.3

0.25

0.2
error in °
Phase Error / °

0.15

0.1
Phase

0.05

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Frequency / Hz Frequency in Hz

Conditions: integration time 1 s, measurement signal sinusoidal, sampling rate = 28.44 kHz,
measurement range 100 V, excitation on both channels 20 VRMS.

OMICRON 57
CMC 256plus User Manual

The maximum input frequency for the phase measurement depends on the sampling rate.

Sampling rate Input frequency range

28.44 kHz 10 Hz ... 2.30 kHz
9.48 kHz 10 Hz ... 750 Hz
3.16 kHz 10 Hz ... 250 Hz

Note:
1. The measurement accuracy of phase can be improved by:
• increasing the integration time
• enabling the recursive averaging function
2. When measuring very small phase shifts (less than 0.2°), the sign (positive or negative) of the
measurement results cannot be definitely determined. If this causes a problem, refer to the phase
measurement in the harmonic analysis.
3. For measuring phase, the input voltage should be greater than 5 % of full scale. An overload of the
measurement channel does not negatively affect the obtainable accuracy.

Accuracy of the frequency measurement

Error in frequency
Error in Frequencymeasurement
Measurem ent asas a function
a Function of theofinput
the voltage
input voltage
(measured over
(Measured over 50 periods)
50 Periods)

0,1
Frequency error
frequency % %
Error / in

0,01
Rel.Rel.

0,001
1 10 100 1000
Voltage
Voltage signal signal
in % of in %
full range of full range

Conditions: integration time 1 s, measurement signal sinusoid.

The maximum input frequency for the frequency measurement depends on the sampling rate.
Sampling rate and input frequency range:

Sampling rate Input frequency range

28.44 kHz 10 Hz ... 1500 Hz
9.48 kHz 5 Hz ... 500 Hz
3.16 kHz 5 Hz ... 150 Hz

Conditions: Excitation greater than 10 % from measurement full scale, duty cycle 50 %.
Note: With the harmonic analysis, you can measure input frequencies up to 3.4 kHz.

58 OMICRON
 Technical data

Accuracy of power measurement

a) General
The power is calculated from 1 current channel and 1 voltage channel:
T
1
Active power: P = --- *  u ( t )*i ( t ) dt [W]
T
0
Apparent power: S = VRMS × IRMS [VA]

2 2
Reactive power: Q = S – P * sign_Q [var]

T T
1 2 1 2
URMS = ---*  u ( t ) dt , IRMS = ---*  i ( t ) dt
T T
0 0
b) Accuracies
Conditions: integration time 1 s, measurement signal sinusoidal, excitation 10–100 %, accuracy
references the apparent power, error of the current clamp is not taken into consideration.
Sampling rates 28.44kHz, 9.48kHz, 3.16kHz:
Frequency range Power Accuracy1
AC Typical Guaranteed
10 Hz ... 100 Hz S ±0.3 % ±0.7 %
P ±0.3 % ±0.7 %
Q ±0.8 % ±2 %

Sampling rate 28.44kHz:

Frequency range Power Accuracy1
AC Typical Guaranteed
10 Hz ... 2.2 kHz S +0.3 %/–1.2 % ±2.5 %
P +0.3 %/–1,2 % ±2.5 %
Q +0.8 %/–2.5 % ±3.5 %
Actual – Expected
1. Relative error: × 100 %
Full scale

S = Apparent power
P = Active power
Q = Reactive power

OMICRON 59
CMC 256plus User Manual

Sampling rate 9.48 kHz:

Frequency range Power Accuracy1
AC Typical Guaranteed
10 Hz ... 750 Hz S +0.3 %/–0.7 % ±1.8 %
10 Hz ... 750 Hz P +0.3 %/–0.7 % ±1.8 %
10 Hz ... 750 Hz Q +0.8 %/–1.2 % ±2.5 %

Sampling rate 3.16 kHz:

Frequency range Power Accuracy1
AC Typical Guaranteed
10 Hz ... 250 Hz S +0.3 %/–0.5 % ±1.3 %
10 Hz ... 250 Hz P +0.3 %/–0.5 % ±1.3 %
10 Hz ... 250 Hz Q +0.8 %/–1 % ±2.2 %

DC accuracy:
Power Accuracy1
P, S Typical Guaranteed
±0.3 % ±0.9 %
Actual – Expected
1. Relative error: × 100 %
Full scale
S = Apparent power
P = Active power
Q = Reactive power

The accuracy specifications include linearity, temperature, aging drift, frequency and phase response.
c) Typical relative error as function of the excitation
Typical
Typ. error of apparent
Error apparent pow erpower S as function
S as a function of the excitation
of the excitation
(fs
(fs== 28.44 kHz,
28.44kHz, f = 50 Hz)
f=50Hz)

0,2

0,18
in %

0,16

0,14
Error error
/%

0,12
Rel. Rel.

0,1

0,08

0,06

0,04

0,02

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Excitation CH1&CH2 CH1
Excitation /% and CH2 in %
phi = 1° phi = 60° cos phi=0.01 (89.4°)

60 OMICRON
 Technical data

Typical
Typ.error of active
Error real pow er power P as function
P as a function of the excitation
of the excitation
(fs(fs==28.44
28.44kHz, f=50Hz)
kHz, f = 50 Hz)

0,2
in %

0,15
Rel./ %error

0,1
Rel. Error

0,05

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

-0,05
Excitation CH1&CH2CH1
Excitation /% and CH2 in %
phi = 1° phi = 60° cos phi=0.01 (89.4°)

Typical error of reactive power Q as function of the excitation

Typ. Error reactive pow er Q as a function of the excitation
(fs
(fs = 28.44 kHz,
= 28.44kHz, f = 50 Hz)
f=50Hz)

0,3

0,25
in %

0,2
Rel./ %error

0,15

0,1
Rel. Error

0,05

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
-0,05

-0,1

-0,15

Excitation
Excitation CH1&CH2 CH1
/% and CH2 in %
phi = 1° phi = 60° cos phi=0.01 (89.4°)

Conditions: integration time 1s, measurement signal sinusoid, sampling rate = 28.44 kHz, fin = 50 Hz.

OMICRON 61
CMC 256plus User Manual

Typical errorreactive
Typ. Error of reactive
pow er power Q as function
Q as a function of the
of the phase shift phase shift
(fs
(fs ==28.44kHz,
28.44 kHz, f = 50 Hz)
f = 50HZ)

0,5

0,4
in %

0,3
Rel./ %error

0,2

0,1
Rel. Error

0
0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1
-0,1

-0,2

-0,3

-0,4
Phase / ° Phase shift in °

Average Error Error (+3sigm a) Error (-3sigm a)

Conditions: integration time 1 s, measurement signal sinusoidal, sampling rate = 28.44 kHz, both
channels with same excitation 70 %.
The 3Sigma values are determined from 50 measurement values.
Note:
• For very small phase shifts (<0,3°) and small excitation (<10 %), too little integration time (<1 s) or
sampling rate 3.16 kHz, the sign of the reactive power cannot definitely be determined.
• The accuracy of the power measurement depends primarily on the accuracy of the current clamp.

4.13.3 Harmonic analysis

This operating mode is designed for measuring stationary signals (for example, non-sinusoidal shape).
The input signal is separated into fundamental and harmonic waves (Fourier analysis).
The following items are measured:
• frequency of the fundamental wave
• amplitude of the fundamental and harmonic waves
• phase shifts between the fundamental and harmonic waves (also from the different channels)
The input signals are captured. Finally, the calculation of the measurement items is carried out. During
this time, the input signal is not taken into consideration.

Accuracy of the frequency measurement

The permitted input frequency range depends on the specified sampling rate:
Sampling rate Input frequency range
28.44 kHz 49 Hz ... 3400 Hz
9.48 kHz 17 Hz ... 1100 Hz
3.16 kHz 5 Hz ... 380 Hz

62 OMICRON
 Technical data

Accuracy of frequency measurement

Uncertainty in Frequency Measurem ent
as function of the voltage signal Average
0,05
Avg+3Sigmamax
0,04
Avg-3Sigmamax
0,03
error in %

0,02
Frequeny Error / Hz

0,01

0
Frequency

-0,01

-0,02

-0,03

-0,04

-0,05
1 10 100

Voltage
Voltage signal in % signal in %
of full range of full range

Conditions: sampling rate 9.48 kHz, fin = 20 Hz ... 1 kHz.

Note: Through recursive averaging, the measurement uncertainty can be further reduced.

Accuracy amplitude measurement

The measurement values are given as effective values (RMS). The permitted input frequency range for
the fundamental wave depends on the specified sampling rate. Sampling rate and input frequency
range:
Sampling rate Input frequency range
28.44 kHz 100 Hz (= fmin) ... 3200 Hz
9.48 kHz 30 Hz (= fmin) ... 1000 Hz
3.6 kHz 10 Hz (= fmin) ... 350 Hz

Applies to fundamental and harmonic waves in a specified frequency range; accuracy refers to full scale.
Sampling rate 28.44 kHz; measurement range 600 V, 100 V, 10 V, 1 V:
Frequency range Accuracy
Typical Guaranteed
fmin ... 1 kHz ±0.1 % ±0.3 %
fmin ... 10 kHz +0.1 %/–0.7 % ±1.1 %

Sampling rate 28.44 kHz; measurement range 100 mV:

Frequency range Accuracy
Typical Guaranteed
fmin ... 1 kHz ±0.2 % ±0.5 %
fmin ... 10 kHz +0.2 %/–1.0 % ±2.0 %

OMICRON 63
CMC 256plus User Manual

Sampling rate 9.48 kHz, 3.16 kHz; measurement range 600 V, 100 V, 10 V, 1 V:
Frequency range Accuracy
Typical Guaranteed
fmin ... 100 Hz ±0.1 % ±0.3 %
fmin ... 1 kHz +0.1 %/–0.5 % ±0.8 %
fmin ... 4 kHz (sampling rate = 9.48 kHz) +0.1 %/–0.8 % ±1.2 %
fmin ... 1.4 kHz (sampling rate = 3.16 kHz) +0.1 %/–0.8 % ±1.2 %

Sampling rate 9.48 kHz, 3.16 kHz; measurement range 100 mV:
Frequency range Accuracy
Typical Guaranteed
fmin ... 100 Hz ±0.15 % ±0.4 %
fmin ... 1 kHz +0.2 %/–0.5 % ±0.8 %
fmin ... 4 kHz (sampling rate = 9.48 kHz) +0.2 %/–1.0 % ±1.5 %
fmin ... 1.4 kHz (sampling rate = 3.16 kHz) +0.25 %/–1.0 % ±2.0 %

Accuracy of phase measurement

The permitted input frequency range for the fundamental wave depends on the specified sampling rate.
Sampling rate and input frequency range:
Sampling rate Input frequency range
28.44 kHz 100 Hz ... 3200 Hz
9.48 kHz 30 Hz ... 1000 Hz
3.16 kHz 10 Hz ... 350 Hz

Accuracy of phase measurement as function of the excitation:

Accuracy
Uncertainty of phase
phase m easurem entmeasurement
as a function of Excitation
as function
(fs =9.48 of the
kHz, excitation
fin=50 Hz)
Average
2.5
Avg+3Sigmamax
2 Avg-3Sigmamax
1.5
in °

1
error
/°

0.5
PhaseError

0
Phase

-0.5

-1

-1.5

-2

-2.5
1 10 100
Excitation / % Excitation in %

Conditions: sampling rate 9.48 kHz, fin = 50 Hz.

Note: Through recursive averaging, the measurement uncertainty can be further reduced.

64 OMICRON
 Technical data

4.13.4 Transient recording

In this operating mode, transient signals on up to 10 input channels can be synchronously recorded.
The recording starts whenever a predefined trigger condition is met. The selectable trigger conditions
are:
• Trigger on threshold with positive or negative edge
• Combination of different power quality triggers (sag, swell, harmonic, frequency, frequency change,
notch)
In addition, a time offset for the capture window relative to the trigger event can be specified. The trigger
delay can be one of the following:
• positive (recording begins after the trigger event)
• negative (recording begins already before the trigger event)
Illustration of the relationship between trigger events, trigger delay, and recording time:

Start time for End of

Trigger event
recording recording

Trigger delay (negative)

Recording of input signals

More details about triggering methods can be found in the OMICRON Test Universe help and in the
practical examples of the EnerLyzer option.
The maximum recording time depends on the number of active channels and the sampling rate:
Number of active Maximum recording Maximum recording Maximum recording
channels time [s] time [s] time [s]
at fs = 28.4 kHz at fs = 9.48 kHz at fs = 3.16 kHz
1 35.16 s 105.47 s 316.41 s
2 17.58 s 52.73 s 158.20 s
3 11.72 s 35.16 s 105.47 s
4 8.79 s 26.37 s 79.10 s
5 7.03 s 21.09 s 63.28 s
6 5.86 s 17.58 s 52.73 s
7 5.02 s 15.07 s 45.20 s
8 4.40 s 13.18 s 39.55 s
9 3.91 s 11.72 s 35.15 s
10 3.52 s 10.55 s 31.64 s
111 3.20 s 9.59 s 28.76 s

1. All binary inputs are stored as 1 channel.

OMICRON 65
CMC 256plus User Manual

Accuracy of a transient sampled input value

Measurement range Accuracy
Typical Guaranteed
600 V, 100 V, 10 V, 1 V Error <±0.2 % Error <±0.5 %
100 mV Error <+0.3 % Error <±0.6 %

The accuracy data are full-scale errors.

66 OMICRON
 Increasing the output power

5 Increasing the output power

The possible output current and output voltage of the CMC 256plus can be increased by connecting
amplifiers in parallel or in series. The following output configuration examples represent a selection of
the possible configurations. For a complete list of possible configurations, check the hardware
configuration of the control software or control device.
When using the CMC 256plus in an operational mode that parallels the output currents, make sure to
use test leads of an appropriate diameter.

5.1 Current outputs

1 × 0 ... 12.5 A 1 × 0 ... 37.5 A
CURRENT OUTPUT A CURRENT OUTPUT A
1 2 3 N 1 2 3 N

CURRENT OUTPUT B CURRENT OUTPUT B

3 N

The amplifier groups CURRENT OUTPUT A The individual current outputs 1, 2, and 3 of
and CURRENT OUTPUT B are connected in the amplifier groups CURRENT OUTPUT A
series. The currents 1 and 2 of a group are and CURRENT OUTPUT B are connected in
phase-opposite. parallel. The groups A and B are then
connected in series.
1 × 0 ... 12.5 A; 320 VA at 8.5 A;
max. 40 VRMS 1 × 0 ... 37.5 A; 480 VA at 25.5 A;
max. 20 VRMS
• The phase angles of all outputs of group A
must be identical.
• The phase angles of all outputs of group B
must be identical plus in phase opposition
to the phase angle of group A.
• The amplitude of all outputs for both
groups must be set to the same value.
► For currents greater than 32 A, do not
connect the test object (the load) to the
generator connection socket but to the
4 mm sockets.
► For the neutral connection, use a parallel
2-cable connection.
► Use short cables.

OMICRON 67
CMC 256plus User Manual

1 × 0 ... 75 A 2 × 0 ... 37.5 A

CURRENT OUTPUT A CURRENT OUTPUT A
1 2 3 N 1 2 3 N

CURRENT OUTPUT B CURRENT OUTPUT B

The individual current outputs 1, 2, and 3 of The individual current outputs 1, 2, and 3 of
the amplifier groups CURRENT OUTPUT A the amplifier groups CURRENT OUTPUT A
and CURRENT OUTPUT B are connected in and CURRENT OUTPUT B are connected in
parallel. Groups A and B are then connected parallel. Groups A and B are used
in parallel, too. individually.
1 × 0 ... 75 A; 480 VA at 51 A; max. 10 VRMS 2 × 37.5 A; 210 VA at 22.5 A; 10 VRMS
► Set all 6 current channels to the same ► For currents greater than 32 A, do not
phase and amplitude. connect the test object (the load) to the
► For currents greater than 32 A, do not generator connection socket but to the
connect the test object (the load) to the 4 mm sockets.
generator connection socket but to the
4 mm sockets.
► For the neutral connection, use a parallel
3-cable connection.
► Use short cables.

68 OMICRON
 Increasing the output power

3 × 0 ... 25 A
CURRENT OUTPUT A
1 2 3 N

CURRENT OUTPUT B

The individual current outputs 1, 2, and 3 of

the amplifier group CURRENT OUTPUT A
are connected to the equivalent outputs of the
amplifier group CURRENT OUTPUT B.
3 × 0 ... 25 A; 140 VA at 15 A; max. 10 VRMS

5.2 Voltage outputs

1 × 0 ... 300 V 1 × 0 ... 600 V

VOLTAGE OUTPUT VOLTAGE OUTPUT

1 2 3 N 1 2 3 N

N N’

Typical: 200 VA at 100 ... 300 V Typical: 275 VA at 200 ... 600 V

OMICRON 69
CMC 256plus User Manual

5.3 Operation with external amplifiers

The LL out 1–6 connections offer a large variety of extension possibilities through the connection of
external amplifiers. As such, higher currents and higher power outputs can be generated, or the number
of independent voltage or current channels can be extended. This allows for applications that the
CMC 256plus alone cannot cover, for example testing busbar differential protection, transformer
differential protection or synchronizer devices.
For example, with the CMS 356 voltage and current amplifier you can add 3 × 300 V and 3 × 64 A, or
6 × 32 A to the CMC test set. It is also possible to parallel the current outputs of several CMS 356 units
for even higher current amplitudes.
With the optional LL out 7–12 connection it is possible to double the number of independent channels
that can be added with external amplifiers.

70 OMICRON
 Troubleshooting

6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Troubleshooting guide
In case of operational problems with the CMC 256plus, and if you could not find a solution in this manual
or the other accompanying documentation (of control software and device), proceed as follows:
1. Check whether the malfunction is reproducible and document it.
2. Try to isolate the malfunction by using another computer, control device, test set or connecting cable,
if available.
3. Note the exact wording of any error message or unexpected conditions.
4. If you contact OMICRON Support, please supply the following:
• Your company name as well as a phone number and email address
• The serial number of your test set
• Information about the control device or the computer running the control software: manufacturer,
type, memory, installed printers, operating system (and language), and the installed version and
language of the control software
• Screenshots or the exact wording of possible error messages
5. If you contact OMICRON Support, have your computer and test set available and be prepared to
repeat the steps that caused the problem.
To speed up the process, please attach available diagnostic log files or a system snapshot file.
Proceed as follows if you are using the RelaySimTest or CMControl software:
1. Connect to the CMC 256plus Web Interface (→ section 1.1 on page 5).
2. Navigate to the System page.
3. Download a System snapshot.
Proceed as follows if you are using the Test Universe software:
The communication log file records any communication between the CMC 256plus and the computer.
To send the log file to the OMICRON Support:
1. Close all other applications.
2. From the Test Universe start screen, select Calibration and Diagnosis… and then Log File.
3. Select Logging on (Detailed) in the Edit menu and minimize the window.
4. Start the test module and reproduce the malfunction.
5. Go back to the log file and select Send in the File menu to submit the log file via email to the
OMICRON Support.
Refer to section "Using OMICRON Assist to send troubleshooting results to OMICRON’s Technical
Support" of the Test Universe Getting Started manual.

OMICRON 71
CMC 256plus User Manual

6.2 Potential errors, possible causes, remedies

Some potential disruptions that may occur while operating the CMC 256plus are listed below. Try to
eliminate them by applying the remedies proposed here.

Error Possible causes Remedies

The power switch does not light There is no power to the test set. Check the power supply and
up after turning on the make sure that it supplies power
CMC 256plus test set. to the test set.
The fuse of the test set is blown. Unplug the power cord from the
power source. Replace the fuse:
T 12 AH 250 V (5 × 20 mm).
→ 2.5 "Changing the power
fuse" on page 8
There is a malfunction of internal Contact OMICRON Support
test set components. → "Support" on page 74
The following message appears The ground-wire connection to Switch off the CMC 256plus and
in the status line: "Warning: the CMC 256plus is broken or disconnect it from power supply.
broken or insufficient connection the test set is powered by an
Check the ground connection.
to protective earth. We earth-free power supply.
recommend to switch off the Ground the housing of the test
device. Check the connection or, set separately using the
if necessary, install an additional grounding socket (on the back
PE connection." panel of the test set).

6.3 Overheating
Depending on the output current, the compliance voltage setting and the ambient temperature, a duty
cycle smaller than 100 % has to be applied for the current outputs in order to prevent a protective shut-
down of the current amplifier by the overtemperature protection function (→ section "Typical duty cycles
for different loads and output configurations" on page 27). If the CMC 256plus performed a protective
shutdown of the current amplifier, a message is displayed in the control software or on the control device.
You can then try the following to avoid further protective shutdowns:
• Use shorter duty cycles, for example, 50 % instead of 75 %.
• Reduce the compliance voltage of the current outputs. This way you can optimize the output power
limit of the current amplifiers.
• Use the CMC 256plus at lower ambient temperatures.
Refer to the figures shown in section "Typical duty cycles for different loads and output configurations"
on page 27 for typical duty cycles for different ambient temperatures.
Refer to the documentation of the control software or control device for detailed information on how to
set the compliance voltage.

72 OMICRON
 Troubleshooting

OMICRON 73
 Support

Support
When you are working with our products we want to provide you with the greatest
possible benefits. If you need any support, we are here to assist you!

24/7 Technical support – get support

www.omicronenergy.com/support
At our technical support hotline, you can reach well-educated technicians for all
of your questions. Around the clock – competent and free of charge.
Make use of our 24/7 technical support hotlines:
Americas: +1 713 830-4660 or +1 800-OMICRON
Asia-Pacific: +852 3767 5500
Europe / Middle East / Africa: +43 59495 4444
Additionally, you can find our Service Center or Sales Partner closest to you at
www.omicronenergy.com.

Customer Portal – stay informed

www.omicronenergy.com/customer
The Customer Portal on our website is an international knowledge exchange
platform. Download the latest software updates for all products and share your
own experiences in our user forum.
Browse through the knowledge library and find application notes, conference
papers, articles about daily working experiences, user manuals and much more.

OMICRON Academy – learn more

www.omicronenergy.com/academy
Learn more about your product in one of the training courses offered by the
OMICRON Academy.

OMICRON electronics GmbH, Oberes Ried 1, 6833 Klaus, Austria, +43 59495

OMICRON 74
ENU 1011 05 01