5 Year Warranty

California Instruments 500 VA - 36000 VA

Asterion AC Series 200 / 400 Vac
High Performance Programmable AC / DC Power Source 250 / 500 Vdc

Advanced Features
 High power density in 1U / 2U / 4U / 14U chassis up to 18kVA
 Intuitive touch panel control
 Innovative iX2™ current doubling technology
 Multi-language display for global operation
 Auto paralleling for higher power
 Single phase 1U models and 1 or 3 phase selectable 2U / 4U / 14U models
 Complete avionic test suites (optional)
 ATE version available in 1U, 2U and 4U models
 Standard LXI LAN, USB and RS232, optional GPIB
 Legacy CSW5550 Emulation on the AST6003A1 Model

Performance. Reliance. Brilliance.

Inspired by the enduring power of a brilliant star, the California Instruments
Asterion line of AC power sources by AMETEK Programmable Power combines
intelligence and flexibility to create an advanced platform of AC solutions. This
easy-to-configure design features sophisticated technology for delivering high
performance, programmable AC and DC power. Its sleek design packs
maximum power density into a low-profile form factor with an intuitive touch
screen interface placing that power at your fingertips. Centralized control and
unparalleled modularity make Asterion the most adaptable platform on the market. Its
groundbreaking capabilities set the standard for affordable, precision power sources.

Maximize rack space utilization with leading AC power density in 1U/2U/4U chassis.
Employ full output power over widest voltage range with iX2TM technology.
Quickly and expertly control the AC source with intuitive touchscreen.

Control via Front Panel Touchscreen & Encoder or available digital control interfaces.
The Asterion AC Series is Digital Signal Processor (DSP) controlled and can be operated from the intuitive,
easy to use front panel touchscreen or the Ethernet LXI, USB and RS232 standard control interfaces, as well
as through the optional GPIB control interface.
The touchscreen function group icons include a Dashboard, Output Programing Parameters, Measurements,
Sequencing, Configuration, Control Interfaces, Applications, and System Settings. Function selection and
parameter entry can be achieved either by direct selection from the touchscreen or by using the encoder
selector button. The control resolution is adjusted by a dynamic rate change algorithm that combines the
benefits of precise control over small parameter changes with quick sweeps through the entire range.
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Asterion AC 500-36000VA Series Product Data Sheet

Product Controls and Interfaces

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1. Power ON/OFF Switch 8. Master/Auxilliary system interface connector

2. Status LEDs Plug n’ play system expansion control signals
Indicates Range, OCP Mode, Remote state, and Fault status 9. RS-232C interface connector
3. Output Enable Button 10. Command Monitor, Trigger Output, & Clock/Lock BNC connectors
Press to enable the output. Blue LED glows to indicate the output Isolated oscilloscope monitoring and trigger signals
is on. 11. External I/O connector (D-Sub 15)
4. Color Touch Display Analog control and monitoring signals
Front panel interface to control the AC source, including 12. External Relay connector
measurements, transient sequencing, and waveform generation. Isolated relay control interface for single phase mode of operation
5. Multi-function rotary/select switch 13. Ethernet (LAN) interface connector
Rotate to cycle through menus and set values. Press to select. 14. Remote Sense connector
6. USB interface connector 15. Output connector
7. GPIB interface connector (optional) 16. AC input

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 Asterion AC 500-36000VA Series Product Data Sheet

Applications
The Asterion AC Series is designed for testing today’s complex electronics, including avionics,
telecommunications and commercial electronics requiring low profile, light weight power sources with high
power density. Other applications include:
 Testing for real world power conditions using different waveforms on all three phases (including DC)
 Load susceptibility testing with sequence or event programming and multiple voltage harmonics
 Power line disturbance testing
 Commercial and military avionics testing, including MIL-STD 704, RTCA/DO-160, B787, and ABD100
 Power supply testing for AC-DC, DC-DC converters and Uninterruptable Power Supplies
 IEC testing with source compliance to IEC 61000-4-7 and 4-15, and immunity testing per IEC 61000-4-11, 4-
13, 4-14, 4-17, 4-28, and 4-29
 AC power simulation and manufacturing and process control
 Frequency & voltage conversion
 ATE applications
AC, DC, or AC+DC Output
A direct coupled, transformerless design allows AC and DC on separate phases or on the same phase. Hi DC
content waveforms (up to 400V) can be created with no derating of output power, even with 100% reactive loads,
eliminating the need for a separate DC supply. Waveform programming is easily accomplished using the Virtual
Panels interface software. Waveforms can be uploaded and modified from a digital scope. The waveforms can
then be downloaded into the Asterion AC sources and output to precisely simulate real world conditions.
Asterion Series Transient Generation
The Asterion Series controller has a powerful AC and DC transient generation system that allows complex
sequences of voltage, frequency, and waveshapes to be generated. When combined with a multiphase arbitrary
waveform capability, the AC and DC output possibilities are truly exceptional. Transient generation is controlled
independently yet time synchronized during three phase operation. Accurate phase angle control and
synchronized transient list execution provide unparalleled accuracy in positioning AC output events.
Transient programming is easily accomplished from the touch screen display, where intuitive menus guide the
user through the transient definition process. These menus provide a convenient listing of the programmed
transient sequence and allow for transient execution, Start, Stop, Abort, and Resume operations. User defined
transient sequences can be saved to non-volatile memory for instant recall and execution later. The included
Virtual Panels software interface program supports transient list generation and editing using a spreadsheet-like
data entry grid. A library of frequently used transient programs can be stored to disk using this software suite.
Harmonic Analysis
The Asterion Series provides detailed amplitude and phase information on up to 50 harmonics of the fundamental
voltage and current (up to 16kHz). Harmonic content can be displayed in both tabular and graphical formats on
the color touch display for immediate feedback to the operator. Alternatively, the included Virtual Panels software
can be used to display, print, and save harmonic measurement data. Total harmonic distortion of both voltage
and current is calculated from the harmonic data.
High Crest Factor
With a crest factor of up to 7:1, the Asterion Series AC source can drive difficult nonlinear loads with ease. Since
many modern products include switching power supplies, they tend to pull high repetitive peak currents. An
AST4503A1D can deliver up to 52.5Apk (200V range) per phase.

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Asterion AC 500-36000VA Series Product Data Sheet

iX2TM Constant-Power Mode Output Characteristic

The iX2TM Constant-Power mode has an output characteristic where full rated output power is available from
50% of full-scale output voltage to 100% of full-scale output voltage, as depicted in the graphs of Figure 1-1
and Figure 1-2. The output current versus output voltage follows a constant-power relation where the output
current would be 200% of the full-scale value when the output voltage is 50% of full scale. The current ratings
are also a function of output frequency, as shown in Figure 1-1 for the AST751, AST1501, AST2253,
AST4503, AST6003, AST12K3, AST18K3 and AST3001 models above 500 Hz, and in Figure 1-2 for the
AST501, AST1503, and AST3003 models above 1.2 kHz.

Figure 1-1. iX2TM Constant-Power: Output Current Versus Voltage, Figure 1-2. iX2TM Constant-Power: Output Current Versus Voltage,
AST751, AST1501, AST2253, AST3001, AST4503, AST6003, AST501, AST1503, AST3003, AST4503(3-ph)
AST12K3, AST18K3

Asterion AC Virtual Panels (Graphical User Interface)

Virtual Panels allow remote control of the Asterion AC power source as well as programming communication
and monitoring for the Asterion ATE model without front panel display.

Waveform Measurement
Settings Generation Analysis IEC Tests Avionics Tests

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Asterion AC 500-36000VA Series Product Data Sheet

Models and Configurations

Model Enclosure Form Rated Power Arms (max) per Φ [2] Adc (max) per Φ [2]
AST0501A1 1U 1-phase 500/500 5.0/2.5 4.0/2.0
AST0751A1 1U 1-phase 750/750 7.5/3.75 6.0/3.0
AST1501A1 1U 1-phase 1.5kVA/1.5kW [1] 15.0/7.5 12.0/6.0
AST1503A1 2U 1/3 phase 1.5kVA/1.5kW 5.0/2.5 4.0/2.0
AST2253A1 2U 1/3 phase 2.25kVA/2.25kW 7.5/3.75 6.0/3.0
AST3001A1 2U 1-phase 3kVA/3kW [1] 30.0/15.0 24.0/12.0
AST3003A1 2U 1/3 phase 3kVA/3kW [1] 10.0/5.0 8.0/4.0
AST4503A1 4U 1/3 phase 4.5kVA/4.5kW 15.0/7.5 12.0/6.0
AST6003A1 4U 1/3 phase 6kVA/6kW 20.0/10.0 16.0/8.0
AST12K3A1 14U 1/3 phase 12kVA/12kW 40.0/20.0 32.0/16.0
AST18K3A1 14U 1/3 phase 18kVA/18kW 60.0/30.0 48.0/24.0
[1]
Output power derates at with single phase input
[2]
Refer to “iX2TM Constant-Power Mode Output Characteristic on page 4

AC/DC Output Specifications

Parameter Specification Detail
Voltage Range – AC Low-Range: 0 to 200 Vrms L-N; High-Range: 0 to 400Vrms L-N
Voltage Range (DC) Low-Range: 0 to 250 Vdc; High-Range: 0 to 500 Vdc
200% of the full-scale RMS current at ≤50% of full-scale voltage. Refer to Figure 1-1 and
RMS Current
Figure 1-2 for graphs of current rating as a function of output frequency.
Constant-Power output capability in each output voltage range with full rated output power
from 50% of full-scale output voltage to 100% of full-scale; the output current increases to
iX2TM Constant-Power Mode 200% of rated current at 50% full-scale output voltage from 100% rated current at 100% of full-
scale voltage. Refer to Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2 for graphs of current rating as a function of
output frequency.
DC Offset Voltage, Typical ±20mVDC, ≥40Hz
±0.1% + 0.2% FS, DC, and AC 1kHz; >1kHz, add ±0.2% of full-scale/kHz; add ±0.1% of full scale
Voltage Program Accuracy
for AC+DC mode. Valid from 5% to 100% FS, with sense leads connected.
Voltage Resolution ≤0.02V, AC, DC, and AC+DC mode
Voltage Stability (typ) ±0.1% FS over 8 hours; with constant line, load, and temperature; with sense leads connected
≤100 Hz: 0.25%; 100Hz to 500Hz: 0.5%; 500Hz to 1kHz: 1%; >1kHz:1% + 1%/kHz to 5 kHz; with
Voltage Distortion (max)
resistive load
VoltageSlew Rate, Typical ≥10V/µs with full-scale programmed voltage step
± (0.3% of actual + 0.5% of full-scale) for DC, and AC 16 Hz to 1.2 kHz; add ±0.1% of full-
Current Limit Program scale for AC+DC mode. Valid from 5% of full scale to 200% of full-scale.
Accuracy HF option: for High-Range, add 1.2% of maximum/kHz; for Low Range, add 0.1% of
maximum/kHz; Valid from 20% of full-scale to 200% of full-scale.
DC, 16 – 1.2kHz
Frequency HF Option: DC, 16Hz to 5kHz
LF Option: DC, 16-550Hz
Frequency Program Accuracy ±0.01 +frequency resolution/2
≤81.91Hz: 0.01Hz
Frequency Program Resolution 82-819.1Hz: 0.1Hz
≥820Hz: 1Hz
Line Regulation ±0.015% of full-scale voltage, for a ±10% input line change; DC, or 40 Hz to 5 kHz.
Load Regulation ±0.025% FS, for 100% load change; DC, or 40 Hz to 1 kHz, >1 kHz, add ±0.015% FS/kHz

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Asterion AC 500-36000VA Series Product Data Sheet

Parameter Specification Detail

AC output: 450 mV(RMS), low-range; 750 mV(RMS), high-range; at ≥40 Hz; 20 kHz to 1 MHz;
Noise, (typ)
DC output: 400 mV(RMS), low-range; 700 mV(RMS), high-range; bandwidth, 20 Hz to 1 MHz.
AST 751, AST 1501, AST 3001, AST 2253, AST 4503, AST 6003, AST12K3, AST18K3:
Crest Factor 5:1 of full-scale current in each output range (ratio of peak output current to RMS full scale output
current). AST 501, AST 1503, AST 3003: 7:1 of full-scale current in each output range (ratio of
peak output current to RMS full scale output current).
Standard models: DC, and 16 Hz to 1.2 kHz; LF option: DC, and 16 Hz to 550 Hz; HF option: DC,
Frequency Range
and 16 Hz to 5 kHz
Frequency Accuracy ±0.01% of actual + frequency resolution/2; FC option: ±0.3%.
Frequency Programming
≤81.91 Hz: 0.01 Hz; 82-819.1 Hz: 0.1 Hz; 820-5 kHz: 1Hz; with LKM/LKS option: 1 Hz, 16-5kHz.
Resolution
0.0 º to 360.0 º, relative to external synchronization signal; in multi-phase group, Auxiliary unit
Phase Programming Range
output voltage is relative to the Leader unit output voltage, with the Leader unit as reference 0°.
Phase Accuracy ±1º, 16 Hz to 100 Hz; ±2º >100 Hz to 1.2 kHz, plus ±1º/kHz above 1.2 kHz
Phase Programming
±0.4º
Resolution

AC Input Specifications
Option Phase Voltage Operating Range Frequency Form Available on
90 – 132 VAC [1] 2 wire + GND (single phase installations) [1]
B 1 or 3 120/240 47-440 Hz 1U and 2U
180 – 264 VAC 3 wire + GND (three phase installations)
C 3 208 180 – 264 V L-L 47-440 Hz 3 wire + GND 4U and 14U
D 3 400 342 – 457 V L-L 47-63 Hz 4 wire + GND 4U and 14U
E 3 480 432 – 528 V L-L 47-63 Hz 3 wire + GND 4U and 14U
[1] Some models will derate output power with single phase input

Parameter Specification Detail

Input Current Model Dependent
[1],
Efficiency typical 75%
Power Factor [1], typical 1U & 2U models: 1-phase: 0.98; 3-phase: 0.95, 4U & 14U models: 0.95
Hold-Up Time [1], typical ≥10 ms
Isolation Voltage 2200 VAC, input to output; 1350 VAC, input to chassis
[1]
At full load and DC or 16 Hz to 1.2 kHz output frequency, nominal AC input

Standard Measurements
Parameter Range (per phase) Accuracy Resolution
16-1.2 kHz: ±0.1% + 0.2% FS;
>1.2kHz: add ±0.2% FS/kHz. For
Voltage (AC, DC, AC+DC) 0-500 V AC+DC mode, add ±0.1% FS. 20 mV; 25 mV (DC)
Valid from 5% to 100% FS with
sense leads connected.
AST 501, AST 751 ± 0-7.5 Arms
AST 1501 ± 0-15 Arms
16-1.2kHz: ±0.3% + 0.5% FS;
AST 1503, AST 2253 ± 0-7.5 Arms
add ±0.3% FS/kHz for AC 16 Hz
RMS AST 3003, AST 4503 ± 0-15 Arms
to 1 kHz; >1 kHz; add ±0.1% FS 2 mA [1]
Current AST 3001 ± 0-30 Arms for AC+DC mode. Valid from 5%
AST 6003 ± 0-22.5 Arms to 100% FS
AST 12K3 ± 0-45 Arms
AST 18K3 ±0-67.5 Arms

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 Asterion AC 500-36000VA Series Product Data Sheet
Standard Measurements (continued)
Parameter Range (per phase) Accuracy Resolution
AST 501, AST 751 ± 0-37.5 Apk
AST 1501 ± 0-75 Apk
AST 1503, AST 2253 ± 0-37.5 Apk
Peak AST 3003, AST 4503 ± 0-75 Apk
±0.5% + 0.5% of FS [2] 5 mA [1]
Current AST 3001 ± 0-150 Apk
AST 6003 ± 0-112.5 Apk
AST 12K3 ± 0-225 Apk
AST 18K3 ± 0-337.5 Apk
≤81.91 Hz: 0.01 Hz; 82.0-819.1
Frequency 16 Hz to 5.0 kHz ±0.01% of actual + resolution/2
Hz: 0.1 Hz; ≥820: 1 Hz
±1°, 16 Hz to 100 Hz; ±2°, >100
Phase 0-360° 0.1°, 16-100 Hz; 1°, >100 Hz
Hz to 1 kHz; ±5°, >1 kHz
16-1.2kHz: ±0.4% + 0.7% FS; >1
kHz, add ±0.4% of full-scale/kHz;
Real Power Model dependent 1 W [1]
add ±0.2% of full-scale for AC+DC
mode.
16-1.2 kHz: ±0.4% + 0.7% FS; >1
kHz, add ±0.4% of full-scale/kHz;
Apparent Power Model dependent 1 VA [1]
add ±0.2% of full-scale for AC+DC
mode.
Power Factor 0-1 ±2% of full-scale 0.01
[1]x3 for three phase models in the single phase mode

Harmonic Measurements
Parameter Specification
Frequency, Fundamental 16-81.91 Hz, 82.0-819.1 Hz, 820-960 Hz
Fundamental Frequency Resolution 0.01 Hz: 16-81.91 Hz; 0.1 Hz: 82.0-819.1 Hz; 1 Hz: 820-960 Hz
Harmonic Frequency 32 Hz to 48 kHz; 2nd to 50th harmonic
Fundamental Voltage Accuracy ±(0.2% of actual + 0.3% of full-scale) for 16 Hz to 960 Hz.
Fundamental Voltage Resolution 20 mV
Harmonic Voltage Accuracy ±(0.2% of actual + 0.3% of full-scale + 0.3% of full-scale/kHz).
Harmonic Voltage Resolution 20 mV
Fundamental Current Accuracy ±(0.4% of actual + 0.4% of full-scale) for 16 Hz to 960 Hz.
Fundamental Current Resolution 2 mA; 1-phase mode in 3-phase models: 6 mA.
Harmonic Current Accuracy ±(0.4% of actual + 0.6% of full-scale + 0.4% of maximum/kHz).
Harmonic Current Resolution 2 mA; 1-phase mode in 3-phase models: 6 mA.

Protection
Parameter Specification
Programmable to 115% of full-scale output voltage; exceeding OVP threshold results in
Output Overvoltage Protection (OVP)
shutdown of output.
User-selectable constant-current mode or current-limit mode, with programmable
current setpoint; in Constant-Current mode, output current is regulated to setpoint;
Output Current Limit Protection in Constant Voltage mode, exceeding current-limit setpoint results in shutdown of
output; Current limit delay: programmable from 100 ms to 10s.
Output Short-Circuit Protection Instantaneous and RMS current limit
AC Input Overcurrent Protection Internal fuses in each phase for fault isolation; not user replaceable
AC Input Undervoltage Protection Automatic shutdown for insufficient AC input voltage
AC Input Transient Protection Protection to withstand EN61326-1, Class-A surge levels
Internal temperature monitors cause shutdown of output if temperature thresholds are
Overtemperature Protection (OTP)
exceeded

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Asterion AC 500-36000VA Series Product Data Sheet

Environmental Specifications
Parameter Specification
Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C (32° F to 104° F)
Storage Temperature -40°C to 85°C ( -40°F to 185° F)
Altitude 2000 m (6,562 ft)
Relative Humidity 5-95 %, non-condensing
Vibration MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3; 5-500 Hz per Paragraph 4.5.5.3.1.
Shock MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3; 30G half-sine with 11ms duration per Paragraph 4.5.5.4.1.
Transportation Integrity ISTA Test Procedure 1A

Mechanical Specifications
Parameter Specification
H, 1.75” (44.45 mm); W (front panel), 19.0” (482.6 mm); D, 23.0” (584.2 mm); H, 1.75”
1U Dimensions
(44.45 mm); W (chassis), 16.9” (429 mm); D, 23.0” (584 mm).
H, 3.47” (88.1 mm); W (front panel), 18.9” (480 mm); D, 23.0” (584 mm); H, 3.47” (88.1
2U Dimensions
mm); W (chassis), 16.9” (429.3 mm); D, 23.0” (584 mm).
H, 6.97” (177.04 mm); W (front panel), 18.9” (480 mm); D, 23.0” (584 mm); H, 6.97”
4U Dimensions
(177.04 mm); W (chassis), 16.9” (429 mm); D, 23.0” (584 mm).
14U Dimensions H, 24.5” (622 mm); W (front panel), 19.5” (495.3 mm); D, 29.6” (752 mm)
14U Dimension (with castor wheels) H: 28.5” (724 mm); W (front panel): 19.5” (495.3 mm); D: 29.6” (752 mm)
1U Unit Weight AST 501/751: 19 lbs / 8.6 kg; AST 1501: 22 lbs / 10 kg.
2U Unit Weight AST 1503/2253: 39 lbs / 17.7 kg; AST 3003: 48 lbs / 21.8 kg.
4U Unit Weight AST 6003, 104 lbs / 47.2 kg; AST 4503, 87 lbs / 39.5 kg;
14U Unit weight AST 12K3, 270 lb / 123 kg; AST 18K3, 400 lb / 182 kg;
1U Shipping Weight AST 501/751: 29 lbs / 13.2 kg; AST 1501: 32 lbs / 14.6 kg.
AST 1503, 43 lbs / 19.5 kg; AST 2253: 45 lbs / 20.5 kg; AST 3001: 48 lb / 21.8 kg; AST
2U Shipping Weight
3003: 54 lbs / 24.5 kg.
4U Shipping Weight AST 6003, 104 lbs/ 47.2 kg; AST 4503, 93 lbs / 42.2 kg;

Regulatory Compliance
Parameter Specification
CE marked for EMC Directive 89/336/EEC per EN61326-1:2013, Class-A for emissions and
EMC
immunity as required for the EU CE Mark.
Safety CE Marked for LVD compliance 2014/35/EU to EN 61010-1, Edition 3.1
CE Mark LVD Categories Installation Overvoltage Category: ΙΙ; Pollution Degree: 2; Class II equipment; indoor use only.
CE marked for compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU for Restriction of Hazardous
RoHS Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Interface Options
Option Description
GPIB Adds IEEE-488.2 GPIB communication interface
CSW Adds CSW Series SCPI code emulation
GPIB & CSW Bundled IEEE-488.2 and CSW emulation options

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Asterion AC 500-36000VA Series Product Data Sheet

Firmware/Software Options
Firmware / Software Options

Option [1] Description

B787 Avionics Electrical Power Quality Test Software; Boeing 787B3-0147 A/B/C (B787).
AMD Avionics Electrical Power Quality Test Software; Airbus AMD24 C (A400M).
B787 & AMD Includes both B787 and AMD options.
Avionics Electrical Power Quality Test Software Package; includes 160 (RTCA/DO160 E/F/G),
AVSTD 704 (MIL-STD 704 A/B/C/D/E/F), ABD (Airbus ADB100.1.8 D/E), A350 (Airbus ADB100.1.8.1
B/C).
AVALL Avionics Electrical Power Quality Test Software Package; includes AVSTD, B787, AMD.
1399 MIL-STD-1399-300B shipboard power test software.
411 IEC 61000-4-11 voltage dips and interruptions EMC test software (pre-compliance).
413 IEC 61000-4-13 harmonics and Inter-harmonics EMC test hardware and software.
411 & 413 Includes both 411 and 413 options.
MC Options are installed in all chassis of a multi-chassis (MC) configuration.
[1]
For Avionics options, reference the Avionics Software Manual (P/N 4994-972) for test details. All options require the use of the
Asterion Virtual Panels, graphical user interface Windows application software downloadable at www.programmablepower.com.

Warranty Statement:
AMETEK Programmable Power Inc. warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship.
The warranty period is from the date of original shipment of the product to the original purchaser (see website
for warranty periods by product). As of 10/1/19, all Asterion AC units come with an industry-leading five (5)
year warranty. Extended warranties are available and an enhanced Warranty+ option on new purchases is
also available. Consult with your local sales representative to learn more.

Options & Order Information

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