DTCD Explained

CGabriel

Industry Expert
Oct 31, 2013
618
92
265
WA, USA
www.shunyata.com
Some of you have basic misunderstandings about AC power delivery and power rectification specifically. Without some basic knowledge you will never understand the subject.

It is necessary to understand the manner in which power supplies in consumer electronics function. The integrated circuits in consumer electronics require several DC voltages to operate. It is the job of the power supply to convert alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet to direct current (DC) voltages that supply power to the component's electronic circuits.There are basically two types of power supplies: transformer and transformer-less (switched mode) power supplies. Both use rectifiers that are essentially electronic switches that alternately turn on and off in response to the input AC voltage. It is the rectifiers that convert the AC voltage to a pulsating DC voltage.. This voltage is stored and filtered by the power supply storage capacitors that provide the relatively stable DC voltages to the PCBs and integrated circuits.Unlike a light bulb, fan or simple motor, audio/video power supplies do not pull current in a constant or linear fashion. Rather, they pull current in instantaneous pulses as the rectifiers switch on to fill the storage capacitors. This is as true for low current devices such as CD players and pre-amplifiers as it is for high current amplifiers. The rectifiers turn on and off at the positive and negative voltage peaks of the AC waveform. These current pulses have high frequency harmonics up to 50 times the frequency of the AC power line. This places a great demand upon the AC power circuit and associated connections to deliver current without significant impedance to the flow.

Placing anything in front of an electronics system that restricts, impedes or slows instantaneous impulse AC power will often noticeably degrade the performance of the system. This is why most electronics manufacturers discourage the use of power conditioners. They understand that traditional low-pass power “conditioners" interfere with instantaneous current flow and interfere with the performance of their carefully engineered power-supplies.

How do you measure current pulses?

Conventional AC power testing methods and equipment are not designed to detect the volume of current delivered during the brief conduction period (milliseconds) and the corresponding impedance during the period of conduction. Multimeters measure voltage and current averaged over a period of one or more AC cycles. Common current probes are too slow to give an accurate reading of current delivery during a single current pulse that has a period of only a few milliseconds.

What is DTCD - dynamic transient current delivery?

DTCD is method of current analysis that measures instantaneous current delivery in the context of a pulsed current draw. In layman’s terms, it is a way of measuring current performance into typical electronic component power supplies. It allows the measurement of pulsed transient current through a variety of AC power products, including: power wiring, outlets, distribution panels, terminals, connectors, power cords and portable power distribution boxes.

Shunyata Research developed a DTCD ANALYZER specifically designed to perform DTCD measurements. The analyzer simulates the pulsed current draw of typical electronic power supplies. It supplies a precision reference voltage to the DUT (device under test) and measures its ability to conduct current during a short gate time (milliseconds). The DTCD ANALYZER provides a read-out of the equivalent current (DTCD-I) that the DUT could deliver in a one second time period. It also calculates the equivalent voltage drop (DTCD-Vd) and corresponding impedance (DTCD-?).

And to save you some time here are some of the most common misconceptions about DTCD graphs.

Why is the amperage in the graphs so high?

You may be thinking that your CD player only pulls about one amp of current and your amplifier only draws about 12 amps. So how can a test be valid that shows the cord pulling hundreds of amps of current?

Power supplies only pull current for about 5% to 10% (or less) of the AC duty cycle. During the conduction period, when the cable is actually conducting current, the instantaneous current could be hundreds of amps, but the longer term average is only one to 20 amps, depending upon the device and the load.

Note: If a power supply is drawing 10 amps of current (as measured by a standard current meter), then the peak currents would be 10 to 20 times higher or 100-200 amps of instantaneous current.



It appears from the graph that the standard power cord has voltage drop of more than 50%. How is this possible?

The answer is similar to the answer above. Since the conduction period is short and fast, the cable is presented with an instantaneous change in current. The impedance and inductance of the cable resists the change in current and causes a short term voltage drop across the cable. Of course, there is not a sustained or significant average voltage drop. Otherwise, the equipment wouldn't function.

The DTCD Analyzer uses a source voltage of 30 volts to represent a typical difference voltage between the power supplies storage capacitors and the peak voltage of the line. So, the graph is indicating the amount of voltage drop between the voltage on the capacitors and the line voltage - not the difference between the peak line voltage and ground.

Note the peak of the standard power line(120 volts AC) is about 163 volts (Peak) depending and what the crest factor (1.35 typical) of the power line. What the test shows is that the standard power cable under these test conditions would have a 15 volt drop in the power cable while sourcing 130 amps. While the Venom-3 power cable would only have a 5 volt drop and have the ability to provide almost twice the current 230 amps. – at a third of the cable voltage drop.

Note again that the conduction period is 1/10 to 1/20 of the power line cycle, so peak currents are 10 to 20 times higher than measured RMS currents or rated currents. A power amp at full power can be drawing 10 amps, resulting in peak current draw during the charging period of 100 to 200 amps. If the power amp needs 130 amps of current during the peak charging period, the standard power cable would have a cable voltage drop of 15 volts. This would limit the ability of the input stage of the power amp to fully charge, which effectively would create a relative low line condition as the input stage of the power amp will not be able to fully charge. To put it another way, the input line voltage has been reduced from 120VAC to about 110VAC!



Microseconds seems like an unreasonably short period of time to measure current. Why is that?

Since power supplies pull current in pulses and the pulse duration is typically less than 10% of the duty cycle, the conduction period is typically 200-800 microseconds. The time scale for the graphs is about 50 microseconds from beginning to end. Notice that the slope of the measured waveforms levels out and stabilizes within that 50 microsecond timeframe. Therefore, it is unnecessary to display information beyond the 50 microseconds. In other words, the measured differences would be the same even if we extended the time period beyond that shown.



If the standard power cord slows current delivery, doesn't it just take a bit longer to fill the storage capacitors?

This is true and explains why the power supply will function within normal average voltage and current requirements. However, that does not mean that there are not audible differences between a cord with better DTCD. A cord with higher instantaneous current delivery will fill the storage capacitors faster. Therefore, the rectifiers are on for a shorter period of time. The longer it takes to fill the storage capacitors means that the peak of the charging waveform has passed while still trying to charge the storage capacitors, thus not able to fully charge the storage capacitors. Also, note the volt drop in the power cable limits the ultimate voltage level that the filter capacitors can be charged to.

A power cable able to supply 300 to 400 amps of charging current will have a much shorter charging time than a cable only able to supply 100 amps. The 100 amp power cable will have voltage drops and resistance that limits its ability to fully charge the input capacitors. As the charging will not be finished before the peak of the power line charging cycle has passed.

This reduces the amount of time that the power supply is in a low impedance, open condition to the power line. When the rectifiers are on, power line noise is more likely to be transmitted through to the power supply.
 

CGabriel

Industry Expert
Oct 31, 2013
618
92
265
WA, USA
www.shunyata.com
It would be interesting to see DTCD measurements of a typical home's AC power system. From the power company's big transformer's connections through a fer hundred feet of service entrance cable to the main breaker box and on to the wall outlet ((25 to 100 feet) that is used for the audio set-up.

This is already possible and relatively easy to perform. This test is called the ASCC available short-circuit current test. This test is used by electricians in commercial building installations to ensure that a line meets the required current delivery specification. It tests the integrity of connections and wiring from the transformer to the electrical panel and on to the outlet. Typical measurements are in the range of 400-1200 amps of instantaneous current.

The test devices are available from several companies that make test equipment and cost around $500. It allows you to test your dedicated line to test the level of DTCD available through the power circuit. It also will detect bad circuit breakers, poor junction box connections, bad connections to outlets and undersized wiring in the wall.

This is demonstrated in our DTCD video on our website.

http://www.shunyata.com/technical-feat/videos-gallery/422-dtcd
 
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supersax

Well-Known Member
May 22, 2018
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Hi Caelin,

Your link to the DTCD video in the previous append no longer works.

Also, I did find the video on your website and it looks like the analyzer you were using in the video was an Ideal Industries 61-165, which was discontinued several years ago. Do I need the 61-165 to do DTCD measurements at home, or will a 61-164 work equally well?

Dave
 

CGabriel

Industry Expert
Oct 31, 2013
618
92
265
WA, USA
www.shunyata.com

ArnoFenn

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Oct 28, 2020
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Went around my house with the 61-164 tester. Very revealing!
 

sbnx

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Mar 28, 2017
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Curious what you found? Did you compare different power cords?
 

VLS

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Mar 7, 2019
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Curious what you found? Did you compare different power cords?

I just used the 61-164 tester to measure the ASCC of several line/PC combinations. Indeed, very interesting:

1) Basic 15A outlet + generic 1.5m black cord: 265A
2) A dedicated 10AWG line I use for my system about the same distance from the breaker panel as above + generic cord: 487A
3) Dedicated 10AWG line + Shunyata Sigma XC v2 + Denali v2 + Sigma NR v2: 668A (!!!!). Really impressive current delivery given all the noise filtering.

Needless to say, in my system "3" sounds vastly better than "1" or "2".
 

ack

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3) Dedicated 10AWG line + Shunyata Sigma XC v2 + Denali v2 + Sigma NR v2: 668A (!!!!). Really impressive current delivery given all the noise filtering.
I would easily buy that - not only is there no current choking with the Shunyata, but instantaneous current delivery actually also improved in here, as they advertise. I suspect it's the Denali v2 - a masterpiece of power equipment. Thanks for sharing
 
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allvinyl

Well-Known Member
Apr 10, 2013
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I just used the 61-164 tester to measure the ASCC of several line/PC combinations. Indeed, very interesting:

1) Basic 15A outlet + generic 1.5m black cord: 265A
2) A dedicated 10AWG line I use for my system about the same distance from the breaker panel as above + generic cord: 487A
3) Dedicated 10AWG line + Shunyata Sigma XC v2 + Denali v2 + Sigma NR v2: 668A (!!!!). Really impressive current delivery given all the noise filtering.

Needless to say, in my system "3" sounds vastly better than "1" or "2".
Hi - did you use an adapter as Caelin suggests? Also, could you step-by-step detail the tester setup and testing process? Thanks so much!
 

allvinyl

Well-Known Member
Apr 10, 2013
359
80
935
73
Burnsville, MN
I would easily buy that - not only is there no current choking with the Shunyata, but instantaneous current delivery actually also improved in here, as they advertise. I suspect it's the Denali v2 - a masterpiece of power equipment. Thanks for sharing
Speaking of the Denali V2, can you explain why a Typhon is no longer needed with the Reference or Performance Shunyata 'conditioners'? I have recently sold an A/V and all my version 1 Alpha HC PCs and am trying to understand my path forward with a new 'conditioner' and PCs. I still have a Typhon and can sell it if I no longer need it. I would like to understand its obsolescence if that is, in fact, the case with the current generation of 'conditioners'. TIA for any info...
 

VLS

Well-Known Member
Mar 7, 2019
100
140
128
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Boston, MA
Hi - did you use an adapter as Caelin suggests? Also, could you step-by-step detail the tester setup and testing process? Thanks so much!

Hi,

I did not build an adapter, and only measured current with various power cords. Have a look at this post for more info and additional measurement conditions:


The thread contains a lot of other useful info.

The tester is very easy to use - it has a simple pushbutton-operated menu and the instructions it comes with are fairly clear. You may also want to look at this how-to video from Shunyata:

Let me know if you have any specific questions once you get around to using it.

Vlad
 
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kennyb123

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Nov 30, 2012
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Speaking of the Denali V2, can you explain why a Typhon is no longer needed with the Reference or Performance Shunyata 'conditioners'? I have recently sold an A/V and all my version 1 Alpha HC PCs and am trying to understand my path forward with a new 'conditioner' and PCs. I still have a Typhon and can sell it if I no longer need it. I would like to understand its obsolescence if that is, in fact, the case with the current generation of 'conditioners'. TIA for any info
Hi John! It’s my understanding that a Typhon can still be beneficial, but with the Everest the latest technologies make it outperform the products formerly at the top of their lineup (Triton v3 plus Typhon QR) and do so for a lot less money.

As far as products below the Everest, I’m not sure we’ve seem the end of the Typhon technology. Caelin hinted about an upcoming companion product for the Denali. My guess is that this will be something like a Typhon, but more affordable than the QR.

As far as your existing Typhon, it may still be put to good use. I just wrote to Shunyata this week and inquired about using an older Typhon to share the same outlet with my amp, that’s on a separate dedicated circuit. Richard promptly replied and confirmed that it would be a good way to go. It really depends on your current system configuration. I’d encourage you to shoot a mail to info@shunyata.com. Oh and if you decide to sell your Typhon, I might be interested.

Ken
 

tima

Industry Expert
Mar 3, 2014
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I still have a Typhon and can sell it if I no longer need it. I would like to understand its obsolescence if that is, in fact, the case with the current generation of 'conditioners'. TIA for any info...

As far as your existing Typhon, it may still be put to good use. I just wrote to Shunyata this week and inquired about using an older Typhon to share the same outlet with my amp, that’s on a separate dedicated circuit.

The concept and function embodied by the Typhon are not obsolete. They date back to much earlier Shunyata power cords that contained a proprietary blend of ferroelectric material inside the powercord itself. This material helps eliminate high-frequency noise, achieved by an electromagnetic field coupling between the ferroelectric material and the electric field of the noise component of the AC signal. The ferroelectric material converts the absorbed energy to heat at a molecular level.

The Typhon employs three filters (one each for hot, neutral and ground) which Shunyata labels 'NICs', or Noise Isolation Chambers. These NICs contain noise absorbing ferroelectric material and do so under a patented method for a greater surface area exposure interface between the wire and the ferroelectrics, which meant greater noise absorption. This same technology has been refined and is used in some post-Triton power distributors - look for a reference to NIC in product descriptions. The Typhons are not obsolete.

As kennyb123 suggests, if you have, for example, an amplifier on a dedicated circuit you can plug the Typhon into the other half of the duplex used for the amp. It will perform its function on the powerline and the amp (which is part of that circuit) will benefit from the Typhon's noise reduction.

I had been doing exactly that for several years, using two Typhons, one each dedicated to my monoblock amps.

-myroom-003.jpg

John - nice to see you online.
 

Addicted to hifi

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The concept and function embodied by the Typhon are not obsolete. They date back to much earlier Shunyata power cords that contained a proprietary blend of ferroelectric material inside the powercord itself. This material helps eliminate high-frequency noise, achieved by an electromagnetic field coupling between the ferroelectric material and the electric field of the noise component of the AC signal. The ferroelectric material converts the absorbed energy to heat at a molecular level.

The Typhon employs three filters (one each for hot, neutral and ground) which Shunyata labels 'NICs', or Noise Isolation Chambers. These NICs contain noise absorbing ferroelectric material and do so under a patented method for a greater surface area exposure interface between the wire and the ferroelectrics, which meant greater noise absorption. This same technology has been refined and is used in some post-Triton power distributors - look for a reference to NIC in product descriptions. The Typhons are not obsolete.

As kennyb123 suggests, if you have, for example, an amplifier on a dedicated circuit you can plug the Typhon into the other half of the duplex used for the amp. It will perform its function on the powerline and the amp (which is part of that circuit) will benefit from the Typhon's noise reduction.

I had been doing exactly that for several years, using two Typhons, one each dedicated to my monoblock amps.

View attachment 81467

John - nice to see you online.
very nice.
 

kennyb123

Well-Known Member
Nov 30, 2012
856
796
1,155
Kirkland, WA
I had been doing exactly that for several years, using two Typhons, one each dedicated to my monoblock amps.

Really nice looking setup!
 
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allvinyl

Well-Known Member
Apr 10, 2013
359
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Burnsville, MN
The concept and function embodied by the Typhon are not obsolete. They date back to much earlier Shunyata power cords that contained a proprietary blend of ferroelectric material inside the powercord itself. This material helps eliminate high-frequency noise, achieved by an electromagnetic field coupling between the ferroelectric material and the electric field of the noise component of the AC signal. The ferroelectric material converts the absorbed energy to heat at a molecular level.

The Typhon employs three filters (one each for hot, neutral and ground) which Shunyata labels 'NICs', or Noise Isolation Chambers. These NICs contain noise absorbing ferroelectric material and do so under a patented method for a greater surface area exposure interface between the wire and the ferroelectrics, which meant greater noise absorption. This same technology has been refined and is used in some post-Triton power distributors - look for a reference to NIC in product descriptions. The Typhons are not obsolete.

As kennyb123 suggests, if you have, for example, an amplifier on a dedicated circuit you can plug the Typhon into the other half of the duplex used for the amp. It will perform its function on the powerline and the amp (which is part of that circuit) will benefit from the Typhon's noise reduction.

I had been doing exactly that for several years, using two Typhons, one each dedicated to my monoblock amps.

View attachment 81467

John - nice to see you online.

Thanks much for the explanation of the Typhon internals. I can use it exactly as you are using your two. I actually use two of the older Black Mambas (with the loose ferrite material inside the jacket) to power my two subwoofer amps. Also, yes, it's nice to be back on WBF with more frequency.

Coincidentally, I had recently received the same Typhon usage advice in an email reply from Richard. I'm so glad now the Typhon is still here as I will make good use of it. Is the butcher block under your Typhon a purpose made piece? 20210829_130148.jpg 20210829_130148.jpg
 

tima

Industry Expert
Mar 3, 2014
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I found this diagram from Shunyata that shows the dedication of a Typhon to an amplifier, while allowing the amp to run directly into the wall:

attachment.png

Is the butcher block under your Typhon a purpose made piece?
Thanks for your follow-up.

The butcher blocks were made originally as generic amp stands to accomodate components that come in for review. They are 20x20x3 made from maple by Tony's Woodshop in Pennsylvania. In 2004 they cost ~$56. (I also buy my record shelves from him.) The size suits many audio components and worked well for the Typhons. Today the amp stands in the above picture serve the original function of the butcher blocks and are replaced by SRA Virginia Class amp stands, while the butcher blocks became dedicated to the Typhons .

DSC01604-1.JPG
 

Addicted to hifi

VIP/Donor
Sep 8, 2020
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I found this diagram from Shunyata that shows the dedication of a Typhon to an amplifier, while allowing the amp to run directly into the wall:

View attachment 81529


Thanks for your follow-up.

The butcher blocks were made originally as generic amp stands to accomodate components that come in for review. They are 20x20x3 made from maple by Tony's Woodshop in Pennsylvania. In 2004 they cost ~$56. (I also buy my record shelves from him.) The size suits many audio components and worked well for the Typhons. Today the amp stands in the above picture serve the original function of the butcher blocks and are replaced by SRA Virginia Class amp stands, while the butcher blocks became dedicated to the Typhons .

View attachment 81530
Lovely amps.
 

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