COMPANO 100

What’s New in Version 2.40

© OMICRON Page 1 of 17
 1 New in Version 2.40 (Compared to v2.31)

1.1 Compatibility
There are no known compatibility issues.

1.2 New features and changes

1.2.1 Smooth ramps
The new ramp type Smooth ramp allows you to create a continuous gradient ramp. It can be used, for
example, to test dI/dt (DC protection) or df/dt (single phase ROCOF) protection functions.

For dI/dt, you can use a C-SHUNT 10 in reverse direction on the current output I OUT to generate a low-
level voltage of 0 … 125 mV (0 … 12.5 A via 10 mΩ). You can connect this voltage to the voltage input of a
DC protection relay or a transducer (shunt input, usually 0 … 60 mV or 0 … 100 mV).
If you use a C-SHUNT, please make sure that the next state in the FLEX sequencer has a maximum current
setting of 12.5 A (C-SHUNT 10) or 32 A (C-SHUNT 1) to limit the current to the permitted range.

1.2.2 Calculated measurements

1.2.2.1 Capacitance with series resistance (Rs, Cs)

With the new calculated measurement type Rs, Cs you can calculate the series resistance of a capacitance.
You can use it to measure a stand-alone capacitor with current injection and voltage measurement. In
addition, you can measure single capacitors in a capacitor bank, by injecting low-level voltage (e.g. 1 V), and
measure the current on the bushings of each single capacitor using a leakage current clamp.

If a four-wire current injection and voltage measurement are performed directly on the terminals of the
capacitor, measuring the resistance of the connection leads (in addition to the serial resistance) is no longer
necessary.
Please be aware that, if voltage is injected and a current clamp is used to measure the current of a single
capacitor in a capacitor bank (e.g. via a clamp on the bushing of capacitor), the phase-error of the used
current clamp may have a major impact on the calculation of Rs. In such applications, usually only Cs is
sufficiently accurate.

1.2.2.2 Capacitance with dissipation factor (Cs, tan δ)

This calculated measurement works like Rs, Cs but calculates the dissipation factor directly. Using four
wires, this measurement can be used to roughly estimate the dissipation factor of a capacitor and compare it
with the type plate.

Note that capacitance measurement with dissipation factor cannot be used to measure the dissipation factor
of the isolation, as the capacitance is usually very small, and the phase measurement is usually not accurate
enough for this application.

1.2.2.3 Impedance and apparent power (|Z|, |S|)

This calculated measurement can be used, for example, to measure the burden of a current transformer as
impedance and apparent power, and display both simultaneously. This may be more convenient than
switching between the existing calculations for both values.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 2 of 17

 1.2.3 Software update from the user interface
Starting with version 2.40, software updates can now be performed directly from the user interface of
COMPANO 100.

1.2.4 Improved start-up time

Starting with version 2.40, certain parts of the user interface are only loaded on demand, when they are
used for the first time. This significantly reduces the start-up time of COMPANO 100.

1.2.5 Battery charging tip

During start-up, COMPANO 100 now displays a battery charging tip.

1.2.6 Excel File Loader

Version 2.40 of the COMPANO Excel File Loader supports the new ramp type and calculated measurement.
Additionally, the folder name in the Windows Start menu was changed from “OMICRON” to “OMICRON
COMPANO 100” as Microsoft changed the menu structure and Windows 10 now shows all entries with the
same name in a flat hierarchy. With multiple OMICRON software packages installed, this led to confusion in
the past.

1.3 Fixed issues

1.3.1 Issue # 184068 (Misleading recommendation in the grounding system test modules)
Misleading recommendations to use I OUT or V OUT, displayed in the output menu of the grounding system
test modules, have been fixed.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 3 of 17

 2 New in Version 2.31 (Compared to v2.30)

2.1 Fixed issues

2.1.1 Issue #180452 (Changes in input configuration might impact previous results for calculated
measurements)
When results are present in QUICK or FLEX, the calculated measurements might show wrong values when
the input configuration is changed after a test. This issue only affects the displayed values and does not
affect the data stored in reports.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 4 of 17

 3 New in Version 2.30 (Compared to v2.20)

3.1 Compatibility
There are no known compatibility issues.

3.2 New features and changes

3.2.1 Visualization of target output values in result screens
It is now possible to display the target output values in result screens by pressing the Jog Dial Wheel. Each
click switches between measured and target values. This feature is supported in QUICK, FLEX, Polarity
Check and Micro-ohm.

3.2.2 Calculated Measurements outside of active tests

When utilizing the Calculated Measurement feature the calculation results are now displayed during the
configuration of the test even when no test is active. This is possible as long as only output operands are
selected since the values are already known during the configuration step. A common example would be the
Impedance in R, X based on the operands I OUT and V OUT.

3.2.3 Customization of Soft Key values (“Hold” feature)

It is now possible to press and hold one of the soft keys to customize the value making it easy to recall the
value later. This feature is supported for the output values in QUICK, FLEX, Polarity Check and Micro-ohm.
The customization is only temporary for the current session and will be reset to the default values on the
next reboot so that users always experience the defaults independent of the last session.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 5 of 17

 3.2.4 Displaying timer values both in seconds and cycles
From now on users can select the Timer display unit (< 1min). It can either be set to Auto which uses the
same unit chosen for the Time duration unit (< 1min) or it can be set to display cycles beside seconds at the
same time. This feature affects the timer values in QUICK and FLEX.

3.2.5 Increased granularity of V OUT AC range for special values

Special requested values within the 150V AC V OUT range have now an increased granularity for certain
test scenarios. Those values include, for example, 57.7V or 63.5V. The efficiency of selecting the target
value using the Jog Dial Wheel stayed the same since only a small selection of special values were added.

3.2.6 Reminder to validate output setup measurements in Grounding System tests

When performing Grounding System tests the measurements in the output setup step need to be validated
now before starting the output in sub-sequent steps. This reminder reduces the risk for the user to perform
invalid measurements without noticing.

3.3 Fixed issues

3.3.1 Issue #117197 (Device may lose user time)

In rare and special scenarios, the device might lose the date and time information.

3.3.2 Issue #155640 (Too large open output detection time in Polarity Check)
Certain combinations of output currents and burdens could lead to an overestimated open output detection
time in Polarity Check tests. This could have led to wrong interrupt triggers.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 6 of 17

 4 New in Version 2.20 (Compared to v2.10)

4.1 Compatibility
There are no known compatibility issues.

4.2 New features and changes

4.2.1 Auxiliary DC supply mode
The V OUT voltage output can now be configured to act as a general-purpose, auxiliary DC supply. In this
“AUX DC” mode the hardware outputs 48 to 220 V DC with a higher output power and current than in the
regular operation mode:

Range Voltage t_max I_max Power_max

150 V AC 75 ... 150 V AC 1 min 200 mA 30 W
(15…500 Hz) 0 ... 75 V AC 1 min 200 mA 15 W
110 ... 220 V DC 1 min 200 mA 30 W
220 V DC
0 ... 110 V DC 1 min 200 mA 22 W
1s 900 mA 60 W
AUX DC 48 … 220 V DC
>2h 500 mA 45 W

AUX DC can be turned on and off in the V OUT configuration menu and is independent from the regular
outputs (e.g. I OUT) used during testing.

4.2.2 USB configuration profiles

It is now possible to save configuration profiles to USB memory and load them from there. This allows for
more configuration profiles than with the internal device storage (which supports up to 10 profiles). This way
configuration profiles can also be re-used across devices and shared with other users.

When the USB memory is connected to a PC, it’s possible to organize configuration profiles in different
directories, e.g. one per substation, field or asset. These directories can then be selected on
COMPANO 100 to load the required configuration profile.

4.2.3 Support wrapping for phase input values

Phase input fields, e.g. in QUICK and FLEX, can be adjusted continuously within the range of -180° to
+180°. Previously, the phase values were clamped at +/- 180°. This change can be useful for testing relays
with phase shifts near +/-180° since it allows to shift the phase value from say 179° and -179°.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 7 of 17

 4.2.4 Increased granularity of frequency steps in FLEX ramps
Frequency step values below 1 Hz in FLEX frequency ramps can now be fine-adjusted with a resolution of
10 mHz instead of 100 mHz. For higher frequency step values the resolution remains unchanged at
100 mHz.

4.2.5 Increased granularity in 20 A range

Low I OUT current values in QUICK and FLEX can now be adjusted with higher granularity in the 20 A
range: below 100 mA the value can now be adjusted with 1 mA steps instead of 10 mA.
This can be used to test, for example, ground fault relays.

Please note that the specified accuracy remains the same. Use an external ammeter if you need an
accurate measurement result in the lower mA range.

4.2.6 Calculated measurements

4.2.6.1 Admittance measurement (“Y” and “G, B”)

The new calculated measurement types “Y” and “G, B” compute the admittance in both common forms
similar to the impedance measurement.

4.2.6.2 Frequency measurement (“f”)

Improved accuracy and stability of frequency measurement for frequencies above 100 Hz.

4.2.7 Improved I OUT output signal accuracy at low frequencies

Improved I OUT phase accuracy for output frequencies below 40 Hz.

4.2.8 PC software update

The COMPANO 100 PC software now includes an update service which automatically checks for new
software versions. This check can also be triggered manually by the user.

4.3 Fixed issues

4.3.1 Issue #73811 (Communication problem with amplifiers)
Under special conditions it is possible that the internal communication with the amplifier modules is
interrupted, leading to an unexpected error. In this state a restart of the device is needed to resolve the
problem.

4.3.2 Issue #120323 (Amplifier communication problem after emergency stop)

In rare situations it is possible that the communication with the amplifier modules is interrupted after multiple
emergency stop events. In this state a restart of the device is needed to resolve the problem.

4.3.3 Issue #124544 (Inconsistent state of “calculated measurement” LED)

In certain configurations the LED for the calculation measurements displays a state which is not consistent.
For example, if selecting I OUT as operand 2 of a (single-operand) frequency measurement, the state of
I OUT is not ignored as it ought to be. When I OUT is in overload the calculated measurement LED blinks
red.

4.3.4 Issue # 128166 (Additional output change after starting output in QUICK)
After entering and leaving charge mode, the device may emit an additional output change trigger event for
the first output started with QUICK. The additional output change happens after the output is started. This
might lead to wrong timer results if the timer is configured with the output change event.

4.3.5 Issue #122788 (Problem with Portuguese version of Excel File Loader)
There is a problem with version 2.10 of the Excel File Loader when installing with Portuguese language. This
has been fixed with 2.10 SR1.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 8 of 17

 4.3.6 Issue #125388 (Problem with Excel File Loader and Turkish locale settings)
There is a problem with version 2.10 of the Excel File Loader in combination with Turkish locale settings.
This has been fixed with 2.10 SR1.

4.3.7 Issue #123905 (Ground impedance template and locale settings)

Opening the ground impedance template might result in an error (“Runtime error 1004”) in combination with
certain locale settings.

4.3.8 Issue #126991 (Fault duration settings in grounding templates)

Improved validation checks for settings like “Maximum Fault Duration” in grounding templates.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 9 of 17

 5 New in Version 2.10 (Compared to v2.01)

5.1 Compatibility
Changes to Micro-ohm might affect old configuration profiles: if an old profile contains Micro-ohm output
current of below 1 A, this is converted to 1 A when loaded with software version 2.10.

5.2 New features and changes

5.2.1 Ground impedance application module
A new Ground impedance application module is available to check the conductivity between a grounding
system and its surrounding soil. Ground impedance is also referred to as Ground Potential Rise or Fall-of-
Potential.

This module requires a software license (can be ordered as VESM6160 - Grounding System Licenses).

5.2.2 Step and touch application module

A new Step and touch application module is available to determine step and touch voltages together with the
HGT1 accessory from OMICRON. This an important measurement to ensure human safety inside a
substation and its close vicinity.

This module requires a software license (can be ordered as VESM6160 - Grounding System Licenses).

5.2.3 Soil resistivity application module

A new Soil resistivity mode is available to measure the resistivity of soil. The measurement gives a specific
ground impedance value at different distances of the measurement electrodes. The Wenner method and the
Schlumberger method are supported.

This module requires a software license (can be ordered as VESM6160 - Grounding System Licenses).

© OMICRON 2023 Page 10 of 17

 5.2.4 Enhancements to Micro-ohm application module
It is now possible to specify the Micro-ohm measurement/output time using the new Timeout setting. After a
test the screen shows how the last test was ended (e.g. “Ended by timeout”).

Further the user can now manually select the input range (i.e. range of resistance that can be measured).

In Micro-ohm mode, the minimum current that can be set is now 1 A, as values below are not recommended
and may even lead to unreliable test results.

The device now aborts the test if measurement is not possible (e.g. due to over-range on input).

5.2.5 Increased maximum possible shunt/clamp ratios

Shunt/clamp ratios in input configuration and other modes can now be set up to 1000 V/A (or Ohm) instead
of 0.1 V/A. This allows to use also very sensitive current sensors.

5.2.6 Timed licenses

Timed licenses are now supported to allow evaluation periods for new features. The available licenses
together with their status and expiry date are listed in the device info screen.

The device will show a message on every start if there is at least one active timed license.

5.2.7 Adapt default start screen depending on valid licenses

Depending on the available licenses the device selects the screen to show on start.

5.2.8 Language support

The following new languages are supported:

• Chinese Simplified (CHS)

• Chinese Traditional (CHT)
• Czech (CZE)
• Korean (KOR)

These languages are already supported:

• Italian (ITA)
• Polish (POL)
• Russian (RUS)
• Turkish (TUR)
• Hungarian (HUN)
• Indonesian (IDN)
• English (ENG)
• French (FRA)
• German (DEU)
• Portuguese (POR)
• Spanish (SPA)

© OMICRON 2023 Page 11 of 17

 5.3 Fixed issues
5.3.1 Issue #109160 (State enter timer trigger does not work as expected)
Setting the state index for the timer triggers to 1 does not result in the expected behavior for repeated FLEX
sequences. The trigger only fires for the first iteration but not for the following iterations.

5.3.2 Issue #113312 (Device reports "Unit is not calibrated" when emergency stop is pressed)
In rare cases, it could happen that the device reports "Unit is not calibrated" when emergency stop is
pressed, even though it is correctly calibrated. After a device reboot the calibration status is correct.

5.3.3 Issue #115623 (Device does not update LED state if there are no valid results)
When a test in QUICK, FLEX or Micro-ohm is interrupted with emergency stop (or error conditions), the test
stops without valid results. In this scenario the LED state on the front panel is not updated until returning to
the application module.

5.3.4 Issue #117373 (Test start possible while system is not ready)
In certain conditions and for a very short moment, it is possible to start a test/output even if the device is not
ready due to internal state change.

5.3.5 Issue #117657 (Rare system problem with network discovery)

In rare case, network discovery message can cause a system problem leading to an “Unexpected error”
message.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 12 of 17

 6 New in Version 2.01 (Compared to v1.00)

6.1 Compatibility
This software version contains changes which may affect compatibility with older versions or data
generated with older versions. Please read this section carefully for further information.

6.1.1 Phase semantics

The change “New relative phase semantic in FLEX” affects the resulting output signals of existing FLEX
sequences using relative phase jumps. See section 4.2.2 for details.

6.1.2 Configuration profiles

Configuration profiles with non-zero phase values in FLEX sequences as well as configuration profiles
created with software versions earlier than 2.01 cannot be loaded in newer versions, starting from 2.01. In
this case the device will show the message “Error: Outdated FLEX sequence not compatible!” until the user
overwrites the profile.

6.1.3 Old report data files

Report data files created using device software versions earlier than 2.01 can be loaded with the Excel File
Loader version 2.00 and higher. Relative phase values in such report data files have different semantics
than in later versions (see section 4.2.2 for details). The Excel File Loader will display such phase values as
is without further notices and leaves interpretation to the user.

6.2 New features and changes

6.2.1 Support for voltage output
The software now supports the V OUT independent voltage output. The independent voltage output is
available in QUICK, FLEX and Polarity check together with the existing current output (I OUT). The voltage
output is included in results and device reports similar to I OUT. The user manual describes the usage of the
V OUT voltage output and possible new applications.

To use the voltage output, the device must be equipped with the corresponding hardware and a license must
be available (Order No. VEHO 6100 – V OUT Independent Voltage Output).

To check if your device hardware supports the voltage output option

1. Start the device
2. Press Setup key and select Device info
3. If Voltage output capability reads Yes than the device supports voltage output

If your device does not support voltage output, it can be upgraded. Contact OMICRON for further details.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 13 of 17

 6.2.2 New relative phase semantic in FLEX
Changed the semantic of relative phase values in FLEX sequences to match behavior of protection testing
software, like Test Universe and improve usability for protection testing applications.

In versions before 2.01, the relative phase was considered as relative to the phase in the previous state. For
Example:

State Phase Setting Resulting Phase (in relation to start phase) Comment
1 Relative 30° 30° 0° (Start) + 30° = 30°
2 Relative 25° 55° 30° + 25° = 55°
3 Relative 25° 80° 55° + 25° = 80°

In versions starting with 2.01, the relative phase is considered relative to the start phase or the last absolute
phase set. For Example:

State Phase Setting Resulting Phase (in relation to start phase) Comment
1 Relative 30° 30° 0° (Start) + 30° = 30°
2 Relative 25° 25° 0° (Start) + 25° = 25°
3 Relative 25° 25° 0° (Start) + 25° = 25°

This is shown in the following configuration:

Which provides the following output:

Due to this change, it is no longer possible to specify different phase modes for different signals in the same
state. Changing the phase mode of one output will set the same phase mode for all other outputs as well.

6.2.3 Allow to change phase in QUICK during output

In QUICK the user can now change the output phases during active tests to smoothly adjust them relative to
each other.

6.2.4 Output phase measurements

The device now displays the measured phases of the output signals in QUICK and FLEX. Setting Mode
(blue background) remains unchanged: you can specify the target phase values in this mode.

6.2.5 Calculated measurements

6.2.5.1 Ratio measurement (“Ratio”)

A new calculated measurement type, called “Ratio” is available. It allows to specify any combination of
voltages and currents as long as the signals are both AC or DC. It then shows the ratio between those two
operands.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 14 of 17

 6.2.5.2 Fixed ratio measurements (“Ratio:1” and “Ratio:5”)
The number of decimal digits is now variable instead of two fixed decimal digits. This provides a higher
resolution for small ratios.

6.2.5.3 Frequency measurement (“f”)

This new single-operand measurement measures the frequency of an AC signal. The second operand is
ignored for this measurement type.

6.2.5.4 Signal quality measurements (“THD+N” and “Crest factor”)

The device provides two new calculated measurement types:

The new single-operand measurement “THD+N” calculates the Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise
(THD+N) of the signal. It uses the selective frequency measurement to determine the used fundamental.
Please refer to the manual chapter “Reference signals”. The second operand is ignored for this
measurement type.

The new single-operand measurement “Crest factor” calculates the ratio of peak value to effective value of
the signal. The second operand is ignored for this measurement type.

6.2.5.5 Complex difference measurement (“Complex diff.”)

The complex difference measurement computes the complex difference (vector difference) of two AC
signals.

6.2.6 Changed fast power-off

The device can now be powered off quickly by pressing the power button followed by the wheel. This was
previously realized by pressing the power button twice but some users reported they accidentally turned off
the device this way.

6.2.7 Improved fan control

Reduced fan speed if all outputs are disabled (“Off”), i.e. for pure measurement tasks.

6.2.8 Improved power saving

Amplifiers now stay in power-save mode if all outputs are disabled (“Off”), i.e. for pure measurement tasks.

6.2.9 Temperature limit indicator while emergency stop is pressed

The temperature limit indicator is now updated while emergency stop is pressed. This allows for a faster
recovery during and after emergency stop.

6.2.10 Automatic debounce/deglitch for binary AC input signals

Device now automatically selects suitable internal debounce and deglitch settings if a binary input is
configured for AC.

6.2.11 Regional settings

After changing the language in the Setup/Regional menu, the confirmation dialog is now already displayed in
the selected target language.

6.2.12 Language support

The following new languages are supported:

• Italian (ITA)
• Polish (POL)
• Russian (RUS)
• Turkish (TUR)
• Hungarian (HUN)
• Indonesian (IDN)

© OMICRON 2023 Page 15 of 17

 6.2.13 Excel File Loader
Changes in COMPANO 100 Excel File Loader since version 2.00:
• Its not possible to force installation even if no Microsoft Office is detected by the installer (like with
some Office 365 installation)

Changes in COMPANO 100 Excel File Loader since version 1.02:

• Support voltage output
• Support new calculated measurement types (crest factor, THD+N, frequency, complex difference,
multi-purpose ratio)
• Visualization of measured output phases in addition to the target phases
• Improvement of timer state change trigger visualization
• Show warning dialog for unsupported template upgrading

6.3 Fixed issues

6.3.1 Issue #89964, #53840 (Comm. problem with amplifier on startup or reboot)
In rare cases device came up with an “Unexpected error” after power-on or device-initiated reboot because
of a communication problem with the amplifier.

6.3.2 Issue #87763 (“Unexpected error” when starting a test)

If emergency stop is pressed or the device encounters an under-voltage condition shortly after starting a test
this can lead to an “Unexpected error” message.

6.3.3 Issue #101976 (Wrong result reasons in FLEX when ended by temp. limit)
Applies to FLEX mode only.

When device stops because temperature limit is reached then this result reason overwrites result reasons of
each result instead of only the last one.

6.3.4 Issue #93578 (Wrong result reasons in FLEX when ended by temp. limit)
Device fan may continue to run in soft power down state (if charger is connected).

6.3.5 Issue #104973 (Under-voltage problems under low temperature conditions)

When operating at very low temperatures (below -10 °C) device may report an unexpected error instead of
under-voltage condition.

Improve device behavior to avoid certain under-voltage conditions.

6.3.6 Issue #107902 (Corrupt software images)

Corrupt software images on USB were not correctly rejected in all cases. An attempt to install such images
can lead to a state where device does not boot normally and needs to be reset using fail-safe mode

© OMICRON 2023 Page 16 of 17

For more information, additional literature,
and detailed contact information of our
worldwide offices please visit our website.

www.omicronenergy.com Subject to change without notice.