Error Code MD3001

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Issue

MD3001: Warning: Signal Processing error – Mains failure greater than 25ms. Results may be corrupted

Environment

iCE 3300
iCE 3400
iCE 3500

Resolution

Please check -

1. The mains frequency is within 0.1Hz

2. The RMS mains voltage

3. The Peak to Peak mains voltage

4. The RMS voltage between Live and Earth and Neutral and Earth.

Also try to disconnect an external UPS or generator, if in-line, and see if that helps to resolve this issue.

Analysis

The takeaway is that this error is due to an issue with the incoming power. First start by checking the voltage and frequency as described in the Resolution. In the U.S. you will have two hots (live) and one neutral. In this case you will want to check the voltage across the hots which is where the 208/220 will be derived from and then again from each Hot to neutral to ensure you have a balanced voltage of 110/120 on each leg. The drop between neutral and ground (earth) should be close to zero. If you don’t find any anomalies after checking these items, consider installing a line monitor to monitor the voltage/current/etc for a period of 1 week.

Cause

The AA instruments have a Phase Locked Loop that will lock onto 50 or 60Hz +-5%. This is used to drive all the signal processing and lamps. If for some reason the mains supply is interrupted or of the wrong frequency this error will occur. Other causes are spikes, brown outs, bad earths.