The Pulsed Electro-Acoustic (PEA) measurement is a non-destructive method for measuring space charge distribution inside insulators and dielectric materials. A test sample is placed between two electrodes. When a high-voltage pulse is applied, the electric field causes the internal space charges to exert a force, generating a pressure wave (acoustic wave). This pressure wave is detected by a piezoelectric sensor, which converts it into an electrical signal. The magnitude of this signal is proportional to the amount of space charge. Furthermore, the spatial location of the charge can be determined from the time delay between the application of the pulse and the detection of the signal, which corresponds to the wave's propagation time.
This measurement method is standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in IEC TS 62758:2012 Calibration of space charge measuring equipment based on the pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) measurement principle. In Japan, a corresponding standard, JEC-TR-61004-2012, has been established by the Japanese Electrotechnical Committee (JEC) of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE). Matsusada Precision's high-voltage power supplies are widely used as the DC bias source for PEA measurement systems.
- Dielectric
- insulating material
- charge distribution
- high voltage
