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PCA-4125

Power Communications Analyzer

Overview

The definitive industry standard for testing and maintaining Power Line Carrier and Audio Tone systems. Integrates six essential measurement functions into a single portable instrument, dramatically streamlining field operations while enabling unprecedented precision.

Frequency range

5 Hz – 5 MHz

Functions

6-in-1 instrument

Generator output

Up to 2W

Battery life

~2 hours

Request A Quote Datasheet

01 — All-in-One

Six Instruments, One Device

The PCA‑4125 integrates a selective level meter, impedance meter, frequency response analyzer, VSWR meter, signal generator, and oscilloscope into a single portable instrument. Test all major elements of a Power Line Carrier system with straightforward, simplified procedures that significantly decrease test time and chance of user error.

Selective level meter with ±0.01 dB accuracy, 5 Hz to 5 MHz

Impedance meter for line tuner and trap testing, 100mΩ to 100kΩ

Frequency response analyzer for hybrid and combiner loss measurement

VSWR meter with included dual directional coupler

DDS signal generator with 2W high‑level output

Basic oscilloscope for waveform verification

02 — Data & Compliance

Electronic Data Storage & NERC Compliance

Save, recall, and download field test setups and results with internal data storage or USB export. Each test result is date/time stamped and can be transferred to a computer for report generation, helping users comply with NERC PRC‑005 requirements. Up to 1,000 test setups, readings, or sweep results stored in 1 GB internal memory.

1 GB

Internal Storage

1,000

Saved Test Results

03 — Field Ready

Built for Field Operations

Rugged and compact, the PCA‑4125 saves space by eliminating the need to carry multiple single‑function instruments. Equipped with rechargeable lithium‑ion polymer batteries and a display with multiple color modes for optimum outdoor viewing. Each instrument ships with a transit case and accessory kit compiled with the field technician in mind.

Instrument Functions

The PCA‑4125 integrates six essential measurement functions. Click any function below to learn more.

The frequency selective level meter (SLM) measures the signal level(s) of individual frequencies from 5 Hz to 5 MHz. The SLM home screen displays all relevant frequency selective measurement values including frequency, level RMS voltage, level dBm, power, and wideband RMS voltage.

Four inputs: High-Z (>100Vrms), 50/75Ω (18W), Low Level, and balanced
Dual frequency function for simultaneous two-channel measurement
Passive sweep of the communications path
Multiple bandwidth options: 1 Hz to wideband

The impedance meter measures the impedance of different circuits ranging from 100mΩ to 100kΩ. It is the meter used when testing and adjusting line tuners and traps in a power line carrier system. Displays frequency, impedance, phase angle, RMS voltage, and current.

Selectable display modes: real time, table, and graph
Line trap sweep with simple start/stop frequency entry
Simplified final line trap adjustments via real-time phase angle display
LCR measurements: inductance, capacitance, resistance

The Frequency Response Analyzer (FRA) has a frequency range of 5 Hz to 5 MHz and is used to measure the dynamic response of a system or piece of equipment. Power Line Carrier applications include measurement of hybrid and combiner losses and phase.

Compare two inputs simultaneously
Selectable graphs for gain or phase
Gain accuracy: 0.02 dB below 1 kHz

The VSWR meter measures the standing wave ratio on a communications circuit using either impedance measurement or the included Model 410/411 external dual directional coupler. Primarily used for line tuner reflected power measurements. Displays forward power, reflected power, % reflected, return loss, and VSWR ratio on a single screen.

All relevant values on one screen including percent reflected power
Simulate transmitter frequency with the PCA-4125 generator
Perform "as left" measurements with local transmitter via directional coupler
Multiple response graphs: % reflected power, return loss, VSWR vs. frequency

The PCA-4125 signal generator is a Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) frequency generator with a frequency range from 5 Hz to 5 MHz. Two outputs are available: a low level output (0.2W into 50Ω) and a high level output (2W into 50/75Ω).

Programmable waveforms: sine, triangle, square, white noise
FSK control function for teleprotection scheme timer testing
Guard & trip (mark & space) toggle via keypad
Frequency shift delay timer: 0 to 1s in 1ms steps

The oscilloscope is a convenient waveform viewer with single or dual trace capability. Sample rate of 5 Msamples/s and a timebase sweep of 5µs/div to 5s/div.

Single and dual trace modes
Trigger: auto, normal, or single shot
Pretrigger: none, 25%, 50%, 75%

General
Dimensions	12" × 9" × 1.75" (310 × 225 × 45 mm)
Weight	5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Display	5.7" (150mm) 1/4 VGA color
Internal memory	1 GB (up to 1,000 test setups, readings, or sweep results)
Sweep steps	Up to 2,000 steps
Data ports	USB, RS-232, LAN
External power	9–18V @ 3A; AC adapter or 12VDC external
Battery	3× lithium polymer
Battery life	Approximately 2 hours
Temperature range	-5°C to +50°C
Selective Level Meter
Frequency range	5 Hz to 5 MHz
Frequency accuracy	±5ppm over all temperature range
Level meter accuracy	±0.01 dB
Bandwidth settings	1 Hz, 3 Hz, 25 Hz, 100 Hz, 1.95 kHz, 3.1 kHz, wideband
High voltage input max	±300V peak, 1MΩ ±5%
50Ω input max	18W (30V rms), 50Ω ±1%
Signal Generator
Type	Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS)
Waveforms	Sine, square, triangle, white noise
Frequency accuracy	±5ppm over all temperature range
High level output	2W into 50Ω (10V rms), 10 kHz–5 MHz
Low level output	5V rms into high impedance, 5 Hz–5 MHz
Impedance Meter
Range	100mΩ to 100kΩ
Accuracy	±0.2% +2%/MHz
Frequency range	5 Hz to 5 MHz
Features	LCR measurements, lead compensation, impedance vs. frequency curve
VSWR Meter
Accuracy	1% of reading up to 1 MHz; 5% above 1 MHz at VSWR=3
Measurements	Forward power, reflected power, % reflected, VSWR ratio
Frequency Response Analyzer
Frequency range	5 Hz to 5 MHz
Gain accuracy	0.02 dB < 1 kHz; 0.1 dB + 0.001 dB/kHz
Phase accuracy	0.02° < 10 kHz; 0.02° + 0.003°/kHz
Oscilloscope
Sample rate	5 Msamples/sec
Timebase	5µs/div to 5s/div
Trigger modes	Auto, normal, single shot

PCA-4125 PCA-4125

Six Instruments, One Device

Electronic Data Storage & NERC Compliance

Built for Field Operations

Selective Level Meter

Impedance Meter

Frequency Response Analyzer

VSWR Meter

Signal Generator

Oscilloscope

PCA-4125