User's Guide | Agilent Technologies E3632A User`s guide

Agilent E3632A
DC Power Supply
User’s Guide
Agilent Technologies
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1997–2013
Warranty
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
The material contained in this document is
provided “as is,” and is subject to change,
without notice, in future editions. Further,
to the maximum extent permitted by the
applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with
regard to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not limited
to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for
incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, use, or
performance of this document or of any
information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written
agreement with warranty terms covering
the material in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty terms in
the separate agreement shall control.
Manual Part Number
E3632-90001
Edition
Sixth Edition, October 3, 2013
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
5301, Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA
Technology Licenses
The hardware and or software described in
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
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the federal government include only those
rights customarily provided to end user customers. Agilent provides this customary
commercial license in Software and technical data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical
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for the Department of Defense, DFARS
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Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in
Commercial Computer Software or Computer Software Documentation).
II
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the likes
of that, if not correctly performed
or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
WA R N I N G
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the likes of that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood
and met.
E3632A User’s Guide
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation
indicate precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of
the instrument.
Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual
for specific Warning or Caution information)
In position of a bi-stable push control
DC (Direct current or voltage)
Terminal is at earth potential. Used for
measurement and control circuits designed to
be operated with one terminal at earth
potential.
AC (Alternating current or voltage)
Positive binding post
Protective conductor terminal
Negative binding post
Out position of a bi-stable push control
Earth (ground) terminal
E3632A User’s Guide
III
Safety Considerations
Read the information below before using this instrument.
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all
phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this
manual violates safety standards for design, manufacture, and intended
use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the
customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
CAUTION
• Use the device with the cables provided with the shipment.
• If the device is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the device protection may be impaired.
• Always use a dry cloth to clean the device. Do not use ethyl alcohol
or any other volatile liquid to clean the device.
• Do not permit any blockage of the ventilation holes of the device.
IV
E3632A User’s Guide
WA R N I N G
• Do not use MAINS supply cords by inadequately RATED cord.
Always use the MAINS supply cord provided by the manufacturer.
• Do not use the device if it appears damaged or defective. REMOVE
POWER and do not use the device until safe operation is verified
by service-trained personnel. If necessary, return the device to
Agilent for service and repair to ensure that the safety features
are maintained.
• Do not operate the device around flammable gases or fumes,
vapor, or wet environments.
• Observe all markings on the device before connecting any wiring
to the device.
• Turn off the output of the power supply before connecting to the
output terminals.
• When servicing the device, use only the specified replacement
parts.
• Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized
modification to the device. Return the device to Agilent for service
and repair to ensure that the safety features are maintained.
• Do not operate the device with the cover removed or loosened.
This power supply is a Safety Class I instrument, which means that it has a
protective earth terminal. This terminal must be connected to earth ground
through a power source with a 3-wire ground receptacle.
Before installation or operation, check the power supply and review this
manual for safety markings and instructions. Safety information for
specific procedures is located at the appropriate places in this manual.
E3632A User’s Guide
V
Safety and EMC Requirements
This power supply is designed to comply with the following safety and
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements:
• IEC61326-1:2005/EN61326-1:2006
• Canada: ICES/NMB-001: Issue 4, June 2006
• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11:2004
• IEC 61010-1:2001/EN 61010-1:2001
• Canada: CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04
• USA: ANSI/UL 61010-1:2004
Environmental Conditions
This instrument is designed for indoor use and in an area with low
condensation. The table below shows the general environmental
requirements for this instrument.
VI
Environmental condition
Requirements
Temperature
Operating condition
• 0 °C to 40 °C (full rated output)
Storage condition
• –20 °C to 70 °C
Humidity
Up to 80% RH
Altitude
Up to 2000 m
Installation category
II (for indoor use)
Pollution degree
2
E3632A User’s Guide
Regulatory Markings
The CE mark is a registered trademark
of the European Community. This CE
mark shows that the product complies
with all the relevant European Legal
Directives.
The C-tick mark is a registered
trademark of the Spectrum
Management Agency of Australia. This
signifies compliance with
the Australia EMC Framework
regulations under the terms of the
Radio Communication Act of 1992.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM
device complies with the Canadian
ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est confomre a la
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
This instrument complies with the
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label
indicates that you must not discard
this electrical or electronic product in
domestic household waste.
The CSA mark is a registered
trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.
This symbol indicates the time period
during which no hazardous or toxic
substance elements are expected to
leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Forty years is the expected useful life
of the product.
This symbol is a South Korean Class A
EMC Declaration. This is a Class A
instrument suitable for professional
use and in electromagnetic
environment outside of the home.
E3632A User’s Guide
VII
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard
this electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category:
With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is as shown below.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Agilent Service
Center, or visit
www.agilent.com/environment/product
for more information.
VIII
E3632A User’s Guide
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Agilent Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or
description at the Web address below.
http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm
NOTE
E3632A User’s Guide
If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, contact your local
Agilent representative.
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E3632A User’s Guide
Table of Contents
1
Getting Started
Introduction
2
Standard Shipped Items
Options 7
Accessories 8
7
Preparing the Power Supply 9
Preliminary checkout 9
Power-on checkout 10
Checking the output 11
Input power requirements 13
Rack-mount the power supply 16
Product at a Glance 18
Front panel 18
Rear panel 21
Display annunciators 22
Operating the Power Supply
Cooling 24
Bench operation 24
Cleaning 24
2
24
Operation and Features
Overview
26
Constant Voltage Operation 28
Front panel operation 28
Remote interface operation 30
Constant Current Operation 30
Front panel operation 30
Remote interface operation 32
E3632A User’s Guide
XI
Storing and Recalling Operating States
Front panel operation 33
Remote interface operation 35
33
Programming the Overvoltage Protection
Front panel operation 35
Remote interface operation 37
35
Programming the Overcurrent Protection
Front panel operation 38
Remote interface operation 40
38
Remote Voltage Sensing 41
CV regulation 41
Output rating 42
Output noise 42
Stability 42
Remote voltage sensing connections
43
Disabling the Output 44
Front panel operation 44
Remote interface operation 44
Disconnecting the output using an external relay
Knob locking 45
45
System-Related Operations 46
Self-test 46
Error conditions 47
Display control 48
Firmware revision query 49
SCPI language version 49
Remote Interface Configuration 51
Remote interface selection 51
GPIB address 52
Baud rate selection (RS-232) 52
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E3632A User’s Guide
Parity selection (RS-232) 53
To set the GPIB address 53
To set the baud rate and parity (RS-232)
GPIB Interface Configuration
54
56
RS-232 Interface Configuration 57
RS-232 configuration overview 57
RS-232 data frame format 58
Connection to a computer or terminal
DTR/DSR handshake protocol 60
RS-232 troubleshooting 62
58
Calibration 63
Calibration security 63
To unsecure for calibration 64
To secure against calibration 65
To change the security code 66
Calibration count 67
Calibration message 68
3
Remote Interface Reference
SCPI Command Summary
70
Introduction to the SCPI Language 74
Command format used in this manual 75
Command separators 76
Using the MIN and MAX parameters 77
Querying parameter settings 77
SCPI command terminators 78
IEEE-488.2 common commands 78
SCPI parameter types 78
Simplified Programming Overview 80
Using the APPLy command 80
Using the low-level commands 80
E3632A User’s Guide
XIII
Reading a query response 81
Selecting a trigger source 81
Power supply programming ranges
82
Using the APPLy Command 83
APPLy {<voltage>| DEF | MIN | MAX}[,{<current>| DEF | MIN
| MAX}] 83
APPLy? 84
Output Settings and Operation Commands
85
Triggering Commands 93
Trigger source choices 93
Triggering commands 95
System-Related Commands
Calibration Commands
96
102
RS-232 Interface Commands
106
SCPI Status Registers 107
What is an event register? 107
What is an enable register? 107
SCPI status system 108
The Questionable Status register 109
The Standard Event register 110
The Status Byte register 112
Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL 113
Using *STB? to read the Status Byte 114
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV) 114
To interrupt your bus controller using SRQ 115
To determine when a command sequence is completed 115
Using *OPC to signal when data is in the output buffer 116
Status Reporting Commands
Halting an Output in Progress
XIV
117
121
E3632A User’s Guide
SCPI Conformance Information
SCPI confirmed commands
Device-specific commands
122
122
124
IEEE-488 Conformance Information 125
Dedicated hardware lines 125
Addressed commands 125
IEEE-488.2 common commands 126
4
Error Messages
Overview 128
Front panel operation 128
Remote interface operation 129
Execution Error Messages
Self-Test Error Messages
130
135
Calibration Error Messages
5
137
Application Programs
Overview
140
Example Program for C++ (GPIB IEEE 488)
141
Example Program for Excel 5.0 (Windows 3.1 and GPIB)
6
144
Tutorial
Overview of the Power Supply Operation
150
Output Characteristics 152
Unregulated state 154
Unwanted signals 154
Connecting the Load 157
Output isolation 157
Multiple loads 157
E3632A User’s Guide
XV
Remote voltage sensing 158
Load consideration 159
Extending the Voltage Range and Current Range
Series connections 162
Parallel connections 163
Remote Programming
Reliability
7
164
166
Characteristics and Specifications
Physical Characteristics
168
Environmental Characteristics
Electrical Specifications
169
169
Supplemental Characteristics
XVI
162
171
E3632A User’s Guide
List of Figures
Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2
Figure 1-3
Figure 1-4
Figure 1-5
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-2
Figure 2-3
Figure 2-4
Figure 2-5
Figure 3-1
Figure 6-1
Figure 6-2
Figure 6-3
Figure 6-4
Figure 6-5
Figure 6-6
Figure 6-7
Figure 6-8
Figure 6-9
Figure 7-1
E3632A User’s Guide
Shorting conductors without insulation 5
Front panel 18
Voltage and current limit settings 20
Rear panel 21
Display annunciators 22
Recommended protection circuit for battery
charging 38
Remote voltage sensing connections 43
RS-232 data frame format 58
DB-9 serial connection 59
DB-25 serial connection 60
SCPI status system 108
Diagram of a simple series power supply with tap
selection 150
Block diagram of the power supply showing the remote
interface isolation 151
Ideal constant voltage power supply 152
Ideal constant current power supply 152
Output characteristics 153
Simplified diagram of the common mode and normal
mode sources of noise 156
Regulated power supply with remote sensing 159
Speed of response — programming up (full load) 164
Speed of response — programming down 165
E3632A dimensions 168
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E3632A User’s Guide
List of Tables
Table 1-1
Table 1-2
Table 1-3
Table 1-4
Table 1-5
Table 3-1
Table 3-2
Table 3-3
Table 3-4
Table 3-5
Table 3-6
Table 3-7
Table 3-8
Table 4-1
Table 4-2
Table 4-3
Table 6-1
Table 6-2
Table 7-1
Table 7-2
Table 7-3
E3632A User’s Guide
E3632A options 7
E3632A accessories 8
Front panel overview 18
Rear panel overview 21
Display annunciators overview 22
SCPI command summary 71
Agilent E3632A programming ranges 82
Power supply state 99
Bit definitions — Questionable Status register 109
Bit definitions — Standard Event register 110
Bit definitions — Status Byte summary register 112
SCPI confirmed commands 122
Non-SCPI commands 124
Execution error messages 130
Self-test error messages 135
Calibration error messages 137
Wire rating 158
Slew rate 160
Physical characteristics 168
Electrical specifications 169
Supplemental characteristics 171
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E3632A User’s Guide
E3632A DC Power Supply
User’s Guide
1
Getting Started
Introduction 2
Standard Shipped Items 7
Preparing the Power Supply 9
Product at a Glance 18
Operating the Power Supply 24
This chapter guides you to set up your power supply for the
first time. An introduction to all the features of the power
supply is also given.
Agilent Technologies
1
1
Getting Started
Introduction
Introduction
The Agilent E3632A is a high performance 120 W dual range
DC power supply with GPIB and RS- 232 interfaces. The
combination of bench- top and system features in this power
supply provides versatile solutions for your design and test
requirements.
Convenient bench-top features
• Dual range
• Easy- to- use knob control settings
• Highly visible vacuum- fluorescent display meters
• High accuracy and high resolution
• Remote voltage sensing
• Overvoltage and overcurrent protection
• Output on/off
• Excellent load and line regulation and low ripple and
noise
• Operating states storage
• Portable, ruggedized case with non- skid feet
Flexible system features
• GPIB (IEEE- 488) and RS- 232 interfaces are standard
• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments) compatibility
• I/O setup easily done from front- panel
• Software calibration, no internal adjustments required
2
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Introduction
1
The E3632A DC power supply features a combination of
programming capabilities and linear power supply
performance that makes it ideal for power systems
applications. The power supply is programmable locally from
the front panel or remotely over the GPIB and RS- 232
interfaces. This power supply has two ranges, allowing more
voltage at a lower current. The desired output range is
selected from the front panel or over the remote interfaces.
Operational features
• Dual range of 15 V/7 A or 30 V/4 A
• Constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) operation
• Overvoltage protection (OVP) and overcurrent protection
(OCP)
• Three storage locations (1 to 3) for user- defined operating
states
• Automatic power- on self- test
• Remote sensing for load voltage
• User calibration from the front panel or via the remote
interfaces
Front panel operations
• Easy- to- use knob control
• Output range selection
• Enabling or disabling OVP and OCP features
• Setting the OVP and OCP trip levels
• Clearing OVP and OCP conditions
• Setting and displaying the voltage and current limit values
• Saving and recalling operating states
• Returning the power supply to local mode from remote
interface mode
• Displaying remote interface error message
• Calibrating the power supply, including changing the
calibration security code
E3632A User’s Guide
3
1
Getting Started
Introduction
• Configuring the power supply for remote interfaces
• Enabling or disabling the output
When operated over the remote interface, the power supply
can be both a listener and a talker. Using an external
controller, you can instruct the power supply to set the
output and to send the status data back over the GPIB or
RS- 232 interfaces. Capabilities include the following features:
• Voltage and current programming
• Voltage and current readback
• Present and stored status readback
• Programming syntax error detection
• Complete self- test
The front- panel Vacuum- Fluorescent Display (VFD) includes:
• Displaying actual values of output voltage and current
(meter mode)
• Or displaying the limit values of voltage and current (limit
mode)
• Checking the operating status from the annunciators
• Checking the type of error from the error codes
(messages)
Connections to the power supply’s output and to chassis
ground are made to binding posts on the front panel.
WA R N I N G
4
Floating the power supply output more than ±60 Vdc from the
chassis presents an electric shock hazard to the operator. Do not
float the outputs more than ±60 Vdc when metal shorting bars
without insulation are used to connect the (+) output to the (+)
sense and the (–) output to the (–) sense terminals.
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Introduction
1
Figure 1-1 Shorting conductors without insulation
WA R N I N G
E3632A User’s Guide
Outputs can be floated to maximum of ±240 Vdc provided that the
metal shorting bars without insulation are either replaced with
insulated conductors or they are removed from the terminals so
there is no operator access to the output conductors without
insulation. All field wiring insulation must be adequate for the
voltage present.
5
1
Getting Started
Introduction
The power supply is shipped with a detachable, 3- wire
grounding type power cord. The AC line fuse is an extractor
type on the rear panel. The power supply can be calibrated
from the front panel directly or with a controller over the
GPIB or RS- 232 interface using calibration commands.
Correction factors are stored in non- volatile memory and
are used during output programming. Calibration from the
front panel or a controller eliminates the need to remove the
top cover or even the need to remove the power supply from
your system cabinet. You can guard against unauthorized
calibration by using the “Secured” calibration protection
function.
6
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Standard Shipped Items
1
Standard Shipped Items
Verify that you have received the following items in the
shipment of your power supply. If anything is missing or
damaged, contact your nearest Agilent Sales Office.
✔ Power cord
✔ Certificate of Calibration
✔ E3632A User’s Guide (this manual)
✔ E3632A Service Guide (E3632- 90010)
Options
Options 0EM, 0E3, and 0E9 determine which power- line
voltage is selected at the factory. The standard unit is
configured for 115 Vac ±10%, 47 Hz to 63 Hz input voltage.
For more information about changing the power- line voltage
setting, refer to “Power- line voltage selection” on page 14.
Table 1-1 E3632A options
Option
Description
OEM
115 Vac ±10%, 47 Hz to 63 Hz input voltage
OE3
230 Vac ±10%, 47 Hz to 63 Hz input voltage
OE9
100 Vac ±10%, 47 Hz to 63 Hz input voltage
1CM
Rack-mount kit (Agilent part number 5063-9243)
OL2
Extra English manual set (local language manual files are included in the
CD-ROM, Agilent part number 5964-8251)
E3632A User’s Guide
7
1
Getting Started
Standard Shipped Items
Accessories
The accessories listed below may be ordered from your local
Agilent Sales Office either with the power supply or
separately.
Table 1-2 E3632A accessories
Part number
Description
10833A
GPIB cable, 1 m (3.3 ft.)
10833B
GPIB cable, 2 m (6.6 ft.)
34398A
• RS-232, 9 pin (f) to 9 pin (f), 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) cable
• 9 pin (f) to 25 pin (m) adapter
8
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
1
Preparing the Power Supply
Preliminary checkout
1 Verify the power- line voltage setting on the rear panel.
The power- line voltage is set to the proper value for your
country when the power supply is shipped from the
factory. Change the voltage setting if it is not correct. The
settings are 100 Vac, 115 Vac, or 230 Vac.
2 Verify that the correct power- line fuse is installed.
The correct fuse is installed for your country when the
power supply is shipped from the factory. For 100 Vac or
115 Vac operation, you must use a 4 AT fuse. For 230 Vac
operation, you must use a 2.5 AT fuse.
3 Connect the power- line cord and turn on your power
supply.
The front- panel display will light up and a power- on
self- test occurs automatically when you turn on the power
supply.
NOTE
• Refer to “Power-line voltage selection” on page 14 if you need to
change the power-line voltage or the power-line fuse.
• To replace the 4 AT fuse, order Agilent part number 2110-0996.
• To replace the 2.5 AT fuse, order Agilent part number 2110-0999.
E3632A User’s Guide
9
1
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
Power-on checkout
The power- on test includes an automatic self- test that
checks the internal microprocessors and allows the user
visually check the display. You will observe the following
sequence on the display after pressing the front panel power
switch to on.
1 All segments of the display including all annunciators will
turn on for about one second.
To review the annunciators, hold down Display Limit as
you turn on the power supply.
2 The GPIB address or RS- 232 message will then be displayed
for about one second.
ADDR 5 (or RS-232)
The GPIB address is set to “5” when the power supply is
shipped from the factory for remote interface
configuration. If this is not the first time the power
supply is turned on, a different interface (RS- 232) or a
different GPIB address may appear.
NOTE
Refer to Chapter 3, “Remote Interface Reference” if you need to change
the remote interface configuration.
3 The 15V, OVP, OCP, and OFF annunciators are on. All others
are off.
The power supply will go into the power- on/reset state,
the output is disabled (the OFF annunciator turns on),
the 15 V/7 A range is selected (the 15V annunciator turns
on), and the knob is selected for voltage control. Notice
that the OVP and OCP annunciator also turn on.
Output On/Off
4 Enable the outputs.
Press Output On/Off to enable the output. The OFF
annunciator turns off and the 15V, OVP, OCP, and CV
annunciators are lit. The blinking digit can be adjusted by
turning the knob. Notice that the display is in the meter
mode. Meter mode means that the display shows the
actual output voltage and current.
10
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
NOTE
1
If the power supply detects an error during power-on self-test, the ERROR
annunciator will turn on. Refer to Chapter 4, “Error Messages”.
Checking the output
The following procedures check to ensure that the power
supply develops its rated outputs and properly responds to
operation from the front panel. For complete performance
and verification tests, refer to the Service Guide
(E3632- 90010).
NOTE
For each step, use the keys shown on the left margins.
Voltage output check
The following steps verify the basic voltage functions with
no load.
Power
1 Turn on the power supply.
The power supply will go into the power- on/reset state,
the output is disabled (the OFF annunciator turns on),
the 15 V/7 A range is selected (the 15V annunciator turns
on), and the knob is selected for voltage control.
Output On/Off
2 Enable the outputs.
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 15V, OVP, OCP, and
CV annunciators are lit. The blinking digit can be adjusted
by turning the knob. Notice that the display is in the
meter mode. Meter mode means that the display shows
the actual output voltage and current.
E3632A User’s Guide
11
1
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
3 Check that the front- panel voltmeter properly responds to
knob control for the 15 V/7 A range.
Turn the knob clockwise or counter- clockwise to check
that the voltmeter responds to knob control and the
ammeter indicates nearly zero.
4 Ensure that the voltage can be adjusted from zero to the full
rated value .[1]
Adjust the knob until the voltmeter indicates 0 V, and
then adjust the knob until the voltmeter indicates 15.0 V.
Current output check
The following steps check the basic current functions with a
short across the power supply’s output.
Power
1 Turn on the power supply.
The power supply will go into the power- on/reset state,
the output is disabled (the OFF annunciator turns on), the
15 V/7 A range is selected (the 15V annunciator turns on),
and the knob is selected for voltage control.
2 Connect a short across the (+) and (–) output terminals with
an insulated test lead.
Output On/Off
3 Enable the output.
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 15V, OVP, and OCP
annunciators are lit. The CV or CC annunciator turns on
depending on the resistance of the test lead. The blinking
digit can be adjusted by turning the knob. Notice that the
display is in the meter mode. Meter mode means that the
display shows the actual output voltage and current.
Display Limit
4 Adjust the voltage limit value to 1.0 V.
Set the display to the limit mode (the Limit annunciator
will be flashing). Adjust the voltage limit to 1.0 V to
assure CC operation. The CC annunciator will turn on.
[1] You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the right
or left when setting the voltage.
12
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
Volt/Curr
1
5 Check that the front- panel ammeter properly responds to
knob control for the 15 V/7 A range.
Set the knob to the current control, and turn the knob
clockwise or counter- clockwise when the display is in the
meter mode (the Limit annunciator is off). Check that the
ammeter responds to knob control and the voltmeter
indicates nearly zero (the voltmeter will show the voltage
drop caused by the test lead).
6 Ensure that the current can be adjusted from zero to the full
rated value.[1]
NOTE
If an error has been detected during the output checkout procedures, the ERROR annunciator will turn
on. See "Error Messages" for more information starting on page 121 in chapter 5.
If an error has been detected during the output checkout procedures, the
ERROR annunciator will turn on. Refer to Chapter 4, “Error Messages”.
Input power requirements
You can operate your power supply from a nominal 100 V,
115 V, or 230 V single phase AC power source at 47 Hz to
63 Hz. An indication on the rear panel shows the nominal
input voltage set for the power supply at the factory. If
necessary, you can change the power- line voltage setting
according to the instructions as shown in “Power- line voltage
selection” on page 14.
Power-line cord
The power supply is shipped from the factory with a
power- line cord that has a plug appropriate for your
location. Contact the nearest Agilent Sales and Service Office
if the wrong power- line cord is included with your power
supply. Your power supply is equipped with a 3- wire
grounding type power cord where the third conductor is the
ground. The power supply is grounded only when the
power- line cord is plugged into an appropriate receptacle.
Do not operate your power supply without adequate cabinet
ground connection.
[1] You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the right
or left when setting the current.
E3632A User’s Guide
13
1
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
Power-line voltage selection
Power- line voltage selection is accomplished by adjusting two
components — power- line voltage selector and power- line
fuse on the power- line module of the rear panel. To change
the power- line voltage, proceed as follows:
1 Remove the power cord.
Remove the fuse- holder assembly with a flat- blade
screwdriver from the rear panel.
2 Install the correct line fuse.
Remove the power- line voltage selector from the
power- line module.
Power-line voltage selector
100 Vac or 115 Vac, 4 AT fuse
230 Vac, 2.5 AT fuse
14
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
1
3 Rotate the power- line voltage selector until the correct
voltage appears.
100 Vac, 115 Vac, or 230 Vac
4 Replace the power- line voltage selector and the
fuse- holder assembly in the rear panel.
NOTE
E3632A User’s Guide
Verify that the correct line voltage is selected and the power-line fuse
is good.
15
1
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
Rack-mount the power supply
The power supply can be mounted in a standard 19- inch
rack cabinet using one of three optional kits available. A
rack- mounting kit for a single instrument is available as
Option 1CM (5063- 9243). Installation instructions and
hardware are included with each rack- mounting kit. Any
Agilent System II instrument of the same size can be
rack- mounted beside the Agilent E3632A power supply.
1 Remove the front and rear bumpers before rack- mounting
the power supply.
Front
Rear (bottom view)
2 To rack- mount a single instrument, order the adapter kit
(5063- 9243).
16
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Preparing the Power Supply
1
3 To rack- mount two instruments of the same depth
side- by- side, order the lock- link kit (5061- 9694) and
rack- mount kit (5063- 9212).
4 To install two instruments in a sliding support shelf,
order the support shelf (5063- 9256) and the slide kit
(1494- 0015).
E3632A User’s Guide
17
1
Getting Started
Product at a Glance
Product at a Glance
Front panel
Figure 1-2 Front panel
Table 1-3 Front panel overview
No
Item
Description
1
15 V/7 A range selection key
Select the 15 V/7 A range and allow the full rated output to 15 V/7 A.
2
30 V/4 A range selection key
Select the 30 V/4 A range and allow the full rated output to 30 V/4 A.
18
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Product at a Glance
1
Table 1-3 Front panel overview (continued)
No
Item
Description
3
Overvoltage protection key
Enable or disable the overvoltage protection function, set the trip
voltage level, and clear the overvoltage condition.
4
Overcurrent protection key
Enable or disable the overcurrent protection function, set the trip
current level, and clear the overcurrent condition.
5
Display limit key
Display the voltage and current limit values on the display and allow
the knob adjustment for setting the limit values.
6
Recall operating state key
Recall a previously stored operating state from location 1, 2, or 3.
[1]
7
Store operating state/Local key
Store an operating state in location 1, 2, or 3 or return the power
supply to the local mode from the remote interface mode.
8
Error/Calibrate key[2]
Display the error codes generated during operation, self-test, and
calibration or enable the calibration mode (the power supply must be
unsecured before performing calibration). Refer to the Service Guide
(E3632-90010) for more details on calibration.
9
I/O Configuration/Secure key[3]
Configure the power supply for remote interfaces, or secure or
unsecure the power supply for calibration. Refer to the Service Guide
(E3632-90010) for more details on how to secure or unsecure the
power supply.
10
Output On/Off key
Enable or disable the power supply output. This key toggles between
on and off.
11
Control knob
Increase or decrease the value of the flashing digit by turning
clockwise or counter-clockwise.
12
Resolution selection keys
Move the flashing digit to the right or left.
13
Voltage/Current adjust selection key
Select the knob control function for voltage or current adjustment.
[1] The key can be used as the Local key when the power supply is in the remote interface mode.
[2] You can enable the calibration mode by holding down this key when you turn on the power supply.
[3] You can use it as the Secure or Unsecure key when the power supply is in the calibration mode.
E3632A User’s Guide
19
1
Getting Started
Product at a Glance
Voltage and current limit settings
You can set the voltage and current limit values from the
front panel using the following method.
Figure 1-3 Voltage and current limit settings
1 Select the desired range using the range selection keys
after turning on the power supply.
2 Press Display Limit to show the limit values on the
display.
3 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using
the resolution selection keys and change the blinking digit
value to the desired voltage limit by turning the control
knob. If the display limit times out, press Display Limit
again.
4 Set the knob to current control mode using the
voltage/current adjust selection key.
5 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using
the resolution selection keys and change the blinking digit
value to the desired current limit by turning the control
knob.
6 Press Output On/Off to enable the output. After about
five seconds, the display will go to output monitoring
mode automatically to display the voltage and current at
the output or the display will go to output monitoring
mode immediately by pressing Display Limit again.
NOTE
20
All the front panel keys and controls can be disabled with the remote
interface commands. The power supply must be in the Local mode for the
front panel keys and controls to function.
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Product at a Glance
1
Rear panel
Figure 1-4 Rear panel
Table 1-4 Rear panel overview
E3632A User’s Guide
No
Description
1
Power-line voltage setting
2
Power-line fuse-holder assembly
3
AC inlet
4
Power-line module
5
GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector
6
RS-232 interface connector
21
1
Getting Started
Product at a Glance
NOTE
Use the front-panel I/O Config key to:
• Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see Chapter 2).
• Set the GPIB bus address (see Chapter 2).
• Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see Chapter 2).
Display annunciators
Figure 1-5 Display annunciators
Table 1-5 Display annunciators overview
Item
Description
Adrs
The power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.
Rmt
The power supply is in the remote interface mode.
15 V
Shows the 15 V/7 A range is selected.
30 V
Shows the 30 V/4 A range is selected.
OVP
The overvoltage protection function is enabled when the annunciator turns on or the overvoltage
protection circuit has caused the power supply to shut down when the annunciator flashes.
OCP
The overcurrent protection function is enabled when the annunciator turns on or the overcurrent
protection circuit has caused the power supply to shut down when the annunciator flashes.
CAL
The power supply is in the calibration mode.
Limit
The display shows the limit values of the voltage and current.
22
E3632A User’s Guide
Getting Started
Product at a Glance
1
Table 1-5 Display annunciators overview (continued)
Item
Description
ERROR
Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected and the error bit has not been cleared.
OFF
The output of the power supply is disabled. Refer to “System-Related Operations” on page 46 for more
information.
Unreg
The output of the power supply is unregulated (output is neither CV nor CC).
CV
The power supply is in the constant voltage mode.
CC
The power supply is in the constant current mode.
NOTE
E3632A User’s Guide
To review the display annunciators, hold down Display Limit as you
turn on the power supply.
23
1
Getting Started
Operating the Power Supply
Operating the Power Supply
Cooling
The power supply can operate at the rated specifications
within the temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C. A fan cools
the power supply by drawing air through the sides and
exhausting it out the back. Using an Agilent rack- mount will
not impede the flow of air.
Bench operation
Your power supply must be installed in a location that
allows sufficient space at the sides and rear of the power
supply for adequate air circulation. The rubber bumpers
must be removed for rack- mounting.
Cleaning
No cleaning is required for this product. If you wish to
remove dust from the enclosure, use a dry cloth.
24
E3632A User’s Guide
E3632A DC Power Supply
User’s Guide
2
Operation and Features
Overview 26
Constant Voltage Operation 28
Constant Current Operation 30
Storing and Recalling Operating States 33
Programming the Overvoltage Protection 35
Programming the Overcurrent Protection 38
Remote Voltage Sensing 41
Disabling the Output 44
System-Related Operations 46
Remote Interface Configuration 51
GPIB Interface Configuration 56
RS-232 Interface Configuration 57
Calibration 63
This chapter describes the operations and features for the
E3632A DC power supply.
Agilent Technologies
25
2
Operation and Features
Overview
Overview
The following section describes an overview of the front
panel keys before operating your power supply.
• The power supply is shipped from the factory configured
in the front panel operation mode. At power- on, the
power supply is automatically set to operate in the front
panel operation mode. When in this mode, the front panel
keys can be used. When the power supply is in remote
operation mode, you can return to front panel operation
mode at any time by pressing Local if you did not
previously send the front panel lockout command. A
change between front panel and remote operation modes
will not result in a change in the output parameters.
• The power supply has two output ranges of 15 V/7 A or
30 V/4 A. This feature allows more voltage at a lower
current or more current at a lower voltage. The desired
output range is selected from the front panel or over the
remote interfaces. The 15V or 30V annunciator indicates
the presently selected range.
• When you press Display Limit (the Limit annunciator
flashes), the display of the power supply goes to the limit
mode and the present limit values will be displayed. In
this mode, you can also observe the change of the limit
values when adjusting the knob. If you press
Display Limit again or let the display time- out after
several seconds, the power supply will return the display
to the meter mode (the Limit annunciator turns off). In
this mode, the actual output voltage and current will be
displayed.
• The output of the power supply can be enabled or
disabled from the front panel using Output On/Off . When
the output is off, the OFF annunciator turns on and the
output is disabled.
26
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Overview
2
• The display provides the present operating status of the
power supply with annunciators and also informs the user
of error codes. For example, the power supply is
operating in CV mode in the 15 V/7 A range and
controlled from the front panel, then the CV and 15V
annunciators will turn on. If, however, the power supply
is remotely controlled, the Rmt annunciator will also turn
on, and when the power supply is being addressed over
GPIB interface, the Adrs annunciator will turn on. Refer to
“Display annunciators” on page 22 for more information.
E3632A User’s Guide
27
2
Operation and Features
Constant Voltage Operation
Constant Voltage Operation
To set up the power supply for constant voltage (CV)
operation, proceed as follows.
Front panel operation
1 Connect a load to the output terminals.
With power- off, connect a load to the (+) and (–) output
terminals.
Power
2 Turn on the power supply.
The power supply will go into the power- on/reset state,
the output is disabled (the OFF annunciator turns on), the
15 V/7 A range is selected (the 15V annunciator turns on),
and the knob is selected for voltage control.
To operate the power supply in the 30 V/4 A range, press
30V,4A before proceeding to the next step. The 30V
annunciator turns on.
Display Limit
3 Set the display to the limit mode.
Notice that the Limit annunciator flashes, indicating that
the display is in the limit mode. When the display is in
the limit mode, you can see the voltage and current limit
values of the power supply.
NOTE
28
In the constant voltage mode, the voltage values between the meter and
limit modes are the same, but the current values are not. Moreover, if the
display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the change of current limit
value when adjusting the knob. We recommend that you should set the
display to the limit mode to see the change of current limit value in the
constant voltage mode whenever adjusting the knob.
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Constant Voltage Operation
Volt/Curr
2
4 Adjust the knob for the desired current limit.[1]
Check that the Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob
for current control. The first digit of the ammeter will be
flashing. The flashing digit can be changed using the
resolution selection keys and the flashing digit can be
adjusted by turning the knob. Adjust the knob to the
desired current limit.
Volt/Curr
5 Adjust the knob for the desired output voltage.[2]
Check that the Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob
for voltage control. The second digit of the voltmeter will
be flashing. Change the flashing digit using the resolution
selection keys and adjust the knob for the desired output
voltage.
Display Limit
6 Return to the meter mode.
Press Display Limit or let the display time- out after
several seconds to return to the meter mode. Notice that
the Limit annunciator turns off and the display shows the
OUTPUT OFF message.
Output On/Off
7 Enable the output.
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 15V or 30V, OVP,
OCP, and CV annunciators are lit. Notice that the display is
in the meter mode. In the meter mode, the display shows
the actual output voltage and current.
Refer to “Programming the Overvoltage Protection” on
page 35 and “Programming the Overcurrent Protection” on
page 38 for more information on the OVP and OCP
annunciators.
8 Verify that the power supply is in the constant
voltage mode.
If you operate the power supply in the constant voltage
(CV) mode, verify that the CV annunciator is lit. If the CC
annunciator is lit, choose a higher current limit.
[1] You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the right
or left when setting current.
[2] You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the right
or left when setting voltage.
E3632A User’s Guide
29
2
Operation and Features
Constant Current Operation
NOTE
During actual CV operation, if a load change causes the current limit to be
exceeded, the power supply will automatically cross over to the constant
current mode at the preset current limit and the output voltage will drop
proportionately.
Remote interface operation
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX}
Set the current.
VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
Set the voltage.
OUTPut ON
Enable the output.
Constant Current Operation
To set up the power supply for constant current (CC)
operation, proceed as follows.
Front panel operation
1 Connect a load to the output terminals.
With power- off, connect a load to the (+) and (–) output
terminals.
Power
2 Turn on the power supply.
The power supply will go into the power- on/reset state,
the output is disabled (the OFF annunciator turns on), the
15 V/7 A range is selected (the 15V annunciator turns on)
and the knob is selected for voltage control.
To operate the power supply in the 30 V/4 A range, press
30V,4A before proceeding to the next step. The 30V
annunciator turns on.
30
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Constant Current Operation
Display Limit
2
3 Set the display to the limit mode.
Notice that the Limit annunciator flashes, indicating that
the display is in the limit mode. When the display is in
the limit mode, you can see the voltage and current limit
values of the selected supply.
NOTE
In constant current mode, the current values between the meter mode and
limit mode are the same, but the voltage values are not. Moreover, if the
display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the change of voltage limit
value when adjusting the knob. We recommend that you should set the
display to the limit mode to see the change of voltage limit value in the
constant current mode whenever adjusting the knob.
4 Adjust the knob for the desired voltage limit.[1]
Check that the Limit annunciator still flashes and the
second digit of voltmeter flashes to indicate the knob is
selected for voltage control. The flashing digit can be
changed using the resolution keys and the flashing digit
can be adjusted by turning the knob. Adjust the knob for
the desired voltage limit.
Volt/Curr
5 Adjust the knob for the desired output current[1]
Check that the Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob
for current control. The first digit of the ammeter will be
flashing. Change the flashing digit using the resolution
selection keys and adjust the knob to the desired output
current.
Display Limit
6 Return to the meter mode.
Press Display Limit or let the display time- out after
several seconds to return to the meter mode. Notice that
the Limit annunciator turns off and the display shows the
OUTPUT OFF message.
[1] You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the right
or left when setting the voltage.
E3632A User’s Guide
31
2
Operation and Features
Constant Current Operation
Output On/Off
7 Enable the output.
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 15V or 30V, OVP,
OCP, and CC annunciators are lit. Notice that the display is
in the meter mode. In the meter mode, the display shows
the actual output voltage and current.
Refer to “Programming the Overvoltage Protection” on
page 35 and “Programming the Overcurrent Protection” on
page 38 for more information on the OVP and OCP
annunciators.
8 Verify that the power supply is in the constant
current mode.
If you operate the power supply in the constant current
(CC) mode, verify that the CC annunciator is lit. If the CV
annunciator is lit, choose a higher voltage limit.
NOTE
During actual CC operation, if a load change causes the voltage limit to be
exceeded, the power supply will automatically cross over to constant
voltage mode at the preset voltage limit and the output current will drop
proportionately.
Remote interface operation
32
VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
Set the voltage.
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX}
Set the current.
OUTPut ON
Enable the output.
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Storing and Recalling Operating States
2
Storing and Recalling Operating States
You can store up to three different operating states in
non- volatile memory. This also enables you to recall the
entire instrument configuration with just a few key presses
from the front panel.
The memory locations are supplied with the reset states
from the factory for front- panel operation. Refer to the
description of “*RST” on page 99 for more information. The
following steps show you how to store and recall an
operating state.
Front panel operation
Storing the operating state
1 Set up the power supply for the desired operating state.
The storage feature “remembers” output range selection,
the limit value settings of voltage and current, output
on/off state, OVP and OCP on/off state, and OVP and OCP
trip levels.
Store
2 Turn on the storage mode.
Three memory locations (numbered 1, 2, and 3) are
available to store the operating states. The operating
states are stored in non- volatile memory and are
remembered when being recalled.
STORE 1
This message appears on the display for approximately
three seconds.
3 Select the storage location.
Turn the knob to the right to specify the memory
location 3.
STORE 3
E3632A User’s Guide
33
2
Operation and Features
Storing and Recalling Operating States
To cancel the store operation, let the display time- out
after about three seconds or press any other function key
except Store . The power supply returns to the normal
operating mode and to the function pressed.
Store
4 Save the operating state.
The operating state is now stored.
DONE
This message appears on the display for approximately 1
second.
Recalling a stored state
Recall
1 Turn on the recall mode.
Memory location 1 will be displayed in the recall mode.
RECALL 1
This message appears on the display for approximately
three seconds.
2 Recall the stored operating state.
Turn the knob to the right to change the displayed
storage location to 3.
RECALL 3
If this setting is not followed within three seconds with
Recall , the power supply returns to normal operating
mode and will not recall the instrument state 3 from
memory.
Recall
3 Restore the operating state.
DONE
This message appears on the display for approximately 1
second.
34
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Programming the Overvoltage Protection
2
Remote interface operation
Use the following commands to store and recall the power
supply state.
*SAV {1|2|3}
Store an operating state to a
specified location
*RCL {1|2|3}
Recall a previously stored state from
a specified location
Programming the Overvoltage Protection
Overvoltage protection guards the load against output
voltages that reach a specified value greater than the
programmed protection level. It is accomplished by shorting
the output via an internal SCR when the trip level is set to
equal or greater than 3 V, or by progamming the output to
1 V when the trip level is set to less than 3 V.
The following steps show how to set the OVP trip level, how
to check OVP operation, and how to clear overvoltage
condition.
Front panel operation
Setting the OVP level and enable the OVP circuit
Power
1 Turn on the power supply.
The power supply will go into the power- on/reset state,
the output is disabled (the OFF annunciator turns on), the
15 V/7 A range is selected (the 15V annunciator turns on);
and the knob is selected for voltage control.
Output On/Off
2 Enable the output.
The OFF annunciator turns off and the display will go to
the meter mode.
E3632A User’s Guide
35
2
Operation and Features
Programming the Overvoltage Protection
Over Voltage
3 Enter the OVP menu and set the desired trip level.
LEVEL 32.0 V
You will see the above message on the display when you
enter the OVP menu. Adjust the control knob for the
desired OVP trip level. Note that you cannot set the trip
levels to lower than 1.0 V.
Over Voltage
4 Enable the OVP circuit.
OVP ON
You will see the above message after pressing
Over Voltage .
Over Voltage
5 Exit the OVP menu.
CHANGED
The CHANGED message is highlighted for a second to show
that the new OVP trip level is now in effect. If the OVP
settings are not changed, NO CHANGE will be displayed.
The power supply will exit the OVP menu and the display
will return to the meter mode. Check that the OVP
annunciator turns on.
Checking the OVP operation
To check OVP operation, raise the output voltage to near the
trip point. Then very gradually increase the output by
turning the knob until the OVP circuit trips. This will cause
the power supply output to drop to near zero, the OVP
annunciator to flash, and the CC annunciator to turn on. The
OVP TRIPPED message also appears on the display.
Clearing the overvoltage condition
When the OVP condition occurs (the OVP TRIPPED message is
shown on the display), the OVP annunciator flashes. When it
was caused by external voltage source such as a battery,
disconnect it first. The following steps show how to clear the
overvoltage conditions and get back to normal mode
operation. In the following steps, the display will go back to
OVP TRIPPED if you let the display time- out after about
several seconds.
36
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Programming the Overvoltage Protection
Over Voltage
or
Display Limit
2
1 Readjust the OVP trip level or the output voltage level.
Lower the output voltage level below the OVP trip point
after pressing Display Limit or raise the OVP trip level
by using the knob after pressing Over Voltage .
2 Move to the clear mode.
Over Voltage
OVP ON
You will see the above message after pressing
Over Voltage . If you changed the output voltage level,
press the Over Voltage twice. Turn the knob to the right
until the OVP CLEAR message appears on the display.
Over Voltage
3 Clear the overvoltage condition and exit this menu.
Now, when you press Over Voltage again, the DONE
message is displayed for a second and the OVP
annunciator will not flash any more. The output will
return to meter mode.
Remote interface operation
NOTE
E3632A User’s Guide
VOLT:PROT {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
Set the OVP level.
VOLT:PROT:STAT {OFF|ON)
Disable or enable the
OVP circuit.
VOLT:PROT:CLE
Clear the tripped
OVP circuit.
The power supply’s OVP circuit contains a crowbar SCR, which effectively
shorts the output of the power supply whenever the overvoltage condition
occurs. If external voltage source such as a battery is connected across
the output, and the overvoltage condition inadvertently occurs, the SCR
will continuously sink a large current from the source and possibly damage
the power supply. To avoid this a diode must be connected in series with
the output as shown in Figure 2-1.
37
2
Operation and Features
Programming the Overcurrent Protection
Figure 2-1 Recommended protection circuit for battery charging
Programming the Overcurrent Protection
Overcurrent protection guards the load against output
currents that reach a specified value greater than the
programmed protection level. It is accomplished by
programming the output current to zero.
The following steps show how to set the overcurrent
protection trip level, how to check OCP operation and how
to clear overcurrent condition.
Front panel operation
Setting the OCP level and enable the OCP circuit
Power
1 Turn on the power supply.
The power supply will go into the power- on/reset state,
the output is disabled (the OFF annunciator turns on), the
15 V/7 A range is selected (the 15V annunciator turns on);
and the knob is selected for voltage control.
38
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Programming the Overcurrent Protection
Output On/Off
2
2 Enable the output.
The OFF annunciator turns off and the display will go to
the meter mode.
Over Current
3 Enter the OCP menu and set the desired trip level.
LEVEL 7.5 A
You will see the above message on the display when you
enter the OCP menu. Adjust the knob for the desired OCP
trip level.
Over Current
4 Enable the OCP circuit.
OCP ON
You will see the above message after pressing
Over Current .
Over Current
5 Exit the OCP menu.
CHANGED
The CHANGED message is displayed for a second to show
that the new OCP trip level is now in effect. If the OCP
settings are not changed, NO CHANGE will be displayed.
The power supply will exit the OCP menu and the display
will return to the meter mode. Check that the OCP
annunciator turns on.
Checking the OCP operation
To check OCP operation, raise the output current to near
the trip point. Then very gradually increase the output by
turning the knob until the OCP circuit trips. This will cause
the power supply’s output current to drop to zero and the
OCP annunciator to flash. The OCP TRIPPED message also
appears on the display.
E3632A User’s Guide
39
2
Operation and Features
Programming the Overcurrent Protection
Clearing the overcurrent condition
When the OCP condition occurs (the OCP TRIPPED message is
shown on the display), the OCP annunciator flashes. When it
was caused by external voltage source such as a battery,
disconnect it first. The following steps show how to clear the
overcurrent conditions and get back to normal mode
operation. In the following steps, the display will go back to
OCP TRIPPED if you let the display time- out after about
several seconds.
Over Current
or
Display Limit
1 Readjust the OCP trip level or the output current level.
Lower the output current level below the OCP trip point
after pressing Display Limit or raise the OCP trip level
by using the knob after pressing Over Current .
2 Move to the clear mode.
Over Current
OCP ON
You will see the above message after pressing
Over Current . If you changed the output voltage level,
press the Over Current twice. Turn the knob to the right
until the OCP CLEAR message appears on the display.
Over Current
3 Clear the overcoltage condition and exit this menu.
Now, when you press Over Current again, the DONE
message is displayed for a second and the OCP
annunciator will not flash any more. The output will
return to meter mode.
Remote interface operation
40
CURR:PROT {<current>|MIN|MAX}
Set the OCP level.
CURR:PROT:STAT {OFF|ON)
Disable or enable the
OCP circuit.
CURR:PROT:CLE
Clear the tripped
OCP circuit.
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Remote Voltage Sensing
2
Remote Voltage Sensing
Remote voltage sensing is used to maintain regulation at the
load and reduce the degradation of regulation that would
occur due to the voltage drop in the leads between the
power supply and the load.
By connecting the power supply for remote voltage sensing,
voltage is sensed at the load rather than at the power
supply’s output terminals. This will allow the power supply
to automatically compensate for the voltage drop in
applications with long lead lengths as well as to accurately
read back the voltage directly across the load.
When the power supply is connected for remote sensing, the
OVP circuit senses the voltage at the sensing points (load)
and not the output terminals.
CV regulation
The voltage load regulation specification in Chapter 7
applies at the output terminals of the power supply. When
remote sensing, add 5 mV to this specification for each 1 V
drop between the positive sensing point and (+) output
terminal due to the change in load current. Because the
sense leads are part of the power supply’s feedback path,
keep the resistance of the sense leads at or below 0.5 Ω per
lead to maintain the above specified performance.
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Operation and Features
Remote Voltage Sensing
Output rating
The rated output voltage and current specifications in
Chapter 7 apply at the output terminals of the power
supply. With remote sensing, any voltage dropped in the
load leads must be added to the load voltage to calculate
maximum output voltage. The performance specifications are
not guaranteed when the maximum output voltage is
exceeded. If the excessive demand on the power supply
forces the power supply to lose regulation, the Unreg
annunciator will turn on to indicate that the output is
unregulated.
Output noise
Any noise picked up on the sense leads also appears at the
output of the power supply and may adversely affect the
voltage load regulation. Twist the sense leads to minimize
external noise pickup and run them parallel and close to the
load leads. In noisy environments it may be necessary to
shield the sense leads. Ground the shield at the power
supply end only. Do not use the shield as one of the sense
conductors.
Stability
Using remote sensing under certain combinations of load
lead lengths and large load capacitances may cause your
application to form a filter, which becomes part of the
voltage feedback loop. The extra phase shift created by this
filter can degrade the power supply’s stability, resulting in
poor transient response or loop instability. In severe cases,
it may cause oscillations. To minimize this possibility, keep
the load leads as short as possible and twist them together.
As the sense leads are part of the power supply’s
programming feedback loop, accidental open- connections of
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Operation and Features
Remote Voltage Sensing
2
sense or load leads during remote sensing operation have
various unwanted effects. Provide secure and permanent
connections.
Remote voltage sensing connections
Remote voltage sensing requires connecting the load leads
from output terminals to the load and connecting the sense
leads from sense terminals to the load as shown in
Figure 2- 2. Observe polarity when connecting the sensing
leads to the load.
Notice that the metal shorting bars should be removed from
the output and sense terminals for remote voltage sensing
connections.
NOTE
• For local voltage sensing connections, the sense leads must be
connected to the output terminals.
• During remote sensing setup, it is strongly recommended to power off
(by presssing the power ON/OFF button) the power supply to avoid
undesirable damage to the load or the power supply.
Figure 2-2 Remote voltage sensing connections
E3632A User’s Guide
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2
Operation and Features
Disabling the Output
Disabling the Output
The output of the power supply can be disabled or enabled
from the front panel.
• When the power supply is in the Off state, the OFF
annunciator turns on and the output is disabled. The OFF
annunciator turns off when the power supply returns to
the On state. When the output is disabled, the voltage
value is 0 V and the current value is 0.02 A.
• The output state is stored in volatile memory; the output
is always disabled when power has been off or after a
remote interface reset.
NOTE
While the output is disabled, the range selection keys, the control knob,
resolution selection keys, and adjust selection key are still working. If the
display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the changes of output voltage
and current settings on the display when turning the knob. To see or check
the changes when the outputs are disabled, the display should be in the
limit mode.
Front panel operation
You can disable the output by pressing Output On/Off . This
key toggles between output Off and On states.
Remote interface operation
OUTP {OFF|ON}
44
Disable or enable the output.
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Disabling the Output
2
Disconnecting the output using an external relay
When the output of the E3632A is turned off, it is
implemented by setting the output to 0 V and 0.02 A. This
gives a zero output voltage without actually disconnecting
the output. To disconnect the output an external relay must
be connected between the output and the load. A TTL signal
of either low true or high true is provided to control an
external relay. This signal can only be controlled with the
remote command OUTPut:RELay {OFF|ON}. The TTL
output is available on the RS- 232 connection pin 1 and
pin 9.
When the OUTPut:RELay state is ON, the TTL output of pin
1 is high (4.5 V) and pin 9 is low (0.5 V). The levels are
reversed when the OUTPut:RELay state is OFF.
NOTE
• TTL output of pin 1 or pin 9 of the RS-232 connector is available only
after installing two jumpers inside the power supply. Refer to the
Service Guide (E3632-90010) for more information.
• Do not use the RS-232 interface if you have configured the power
supply to output relay control signals. Internal components on the
RS-232 circuitry may be damaged.
Knob locking
The knob locking function can be used to disable the knob,
thereby preventing any unwanted changes during an
experiment, or when you leave the power supply unattended.
To disable the knob, press the resolution selection key until
the blinking digit disappears.
Notice that the knob and front panel keys are disabled when
in the remote interface mode.
E3632A User’s Guide
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2
Operation and Features
System-Related Operations
System-Related Operations
This section gives information on topics such as self- test,
error conditions, and front- panel display control. This
information is not directly related to setting up the power
supply but is an important part of operating the power
supply.
Self-test
A power- on self- test occurs automatically when you turn on
the power supply. This test assures you that the power
supply is operational. This test does not perform the
extensive set of tests that are included as part of the
complete self- test described below. If the power- on self- test
fails, the ERROR annunciator turns on.
A complete self- test performs a series of tests and takes
approximately two seconds to execute. If all tests pass, you
can have a high confidence that the power supply is
operational.
If the complete self- test is successful, PASS is displayed on
the front panel. If the self- test fails, FAIL is displayed and
the ERROR annunciator turns on. See the Service Guide
(E3632- 90010) for instructions on returning the power
supply to Agilent for service.
Front panel operation
The complete self- test is enabled by pressing Recall
(actually any front panel keys except Error ) and the
power- line switch simultaneously and then continuing to
press Recall for five seconds. The complete self- test will be
finished in two seconds.
Remote interface operation
“*TST?”
Returns 0 if the complete self- test passes or 1 if it fails.
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Operation and Features
System-Related Operations
2
Error conditions
When the front- panel ERROR annunciator turns on, one or
more command syntax or hardware errors have been
detected. A record of up to 20 errors can be stored in the
power supply’s error queue. Refer to Chapter 4, “Error
Messages” for more information.
• Errors are retrieved in first- in- first- out (FIFO) order. The
first error returned is the first error that was stored.
When you have read all errors from the queue, the
ERROR annunciator turns off. The power supply beeps
once each time an error is generated.
• If more than 20 errors have occurred when you operate
the power supply over the remote interface, the last error
stored in the queue (the most recent error) is replaced
with - 350, “Queue overflow”. No additional errors are
stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no
errors have occurred when you read the error queue, the
power supply responds with +0, “No error” over the
remote interface or NO ERRORS from the front panel.
• The error queue is cleared when power has been off or
after a *CLS (clear status) command has been executed.
The *RST (reset) command does not clear the error
queue.
Front panel operation
If the ERROR annunciator is on, press Error repeatedly to
read the errors stored in the queue. All errors are cleared
when you read all errors.
ERROR -113
Remote interface operation
SYST:ERR?
Reads an error from the error queue
Errors have the following format (the error string may
contain up to 80 characters).
- 113, “Undefined header”
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Operation and Features
System-Related Operations
Display control
For security reasons, you may want to turn off the
front- panel display. From the remote interface, you can
display a 12- character message on the front panel.
The display can be enabled/disabled from the remote
interface only.
• When the display is turned off, outputs are not sent to
the display and all annunciators are disabled except the
ERROR annunciator. Front- panel operation is otherwise
unaffected by turning off the display.
• The display state is stored in volatile memory; the display
is always enabled when power has been off, after a
remote interface reset, or after returning to local from
remote.
• You can display a message on the front panel by sending
a command from the remote interface. The power supply
can display up to 12 characters of the message on the
front panel; any additional characters are truncated.
Commas, periods, and semicolons share a display space
with the preceding character, and are not considered
individual characters. When a message is displayed,
outputs are not sent to the display.
• Sending a message to the display from the remote
interface overrides the display state; this means that you
can display a message even if the display is turned off.
The display state is automatically turned on when you
return to the local (front panel) operation. Press Local
to return to the local state from the remote interface.
Remote interface operation:
48
DISP {OFF|ON}
Disable/enable the display.
DISP:TEXT <quoted string>
Display the string enclosed in quotes
DISP:TEXT:CLE
Clear the displayed message
E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
System-Related Operations
2
The following statement shows how to display a message on
the front panel from an Agilent controller.
DISP:TEXT ‘HELLO’
Firmware revision query
The power supply has three microprocessors for control of
various internal systems. You can query the power supply to
determine which revision of firmware is installed for each
microprocessor.
You can query the firmware revision from the remote
interface only.
The power supply returns four fields separated by commas
and the fourth field is a revision code which contains three
numbers. The first number is the firmware revision number
for the main processor, the second is for the input/output
processor, and the third is for the front- panel processor.
Remote interface operation
*IDN?
The above command returns a string in the form:
HEWLETT-PACKARD,E3632A,0,X.X-X.X-X.X
Be sure to dimension a string variable with at least
40 characters.
SCPI language version
The power supply complies with the rules and regulations of
the present version of Standard Commands for
Programmable Instruments (SCPI). You can determine the
SCPI version with which the power supply is in compliance
by sending a command from the remote interface.
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Operation and Features
System-Related Operations
You can query the SCPI version from the remote interface
only.
Remote interface operation
SYST:VERS?
Query the SCPI version
Returns a string in the form of YYYY.V where the Y
represents the year of the version, and the V represents the
version number for that year (for example, 1995.0).
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E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Remote Interface Configuration
2
Remote Interface Configuration
Before you can operate the power supply over the remote
interface, you must configure the power supply for the
remote interface. This section gives information on
configuring the remote interface. For additional information
on programming the power supply over the remote interface,
Refer to Chapter 3, “Remote Interface Reference”.
Remote interface selection
The power supply is shipped with both a GPIB (IEEE- 488)
interface and an RS- 232 interface on the rear panel. Only
one interface can be enabled at a time. The GPIB interface
is selected when the power supply is shipped from the
factory.
The remote interface can be selected from the front- panel
only.
• The interface selection is stored in non- volatile memory,
and does not change when power has been off or after a
remote interface reset.
• If you select the GPIB interface, you must select a unique
address for the power supply. The current address is
displayed momentarily on the front panel when you turn
on the power supply.[1]
• Your GPIB bus controller has its own address. Be sure to
avoid using the bus controller’s address for any
instrument on the interface bus. Agilent controllers
generally use address 21.
• If you enable the RS- 232 interface, you must select the
baud rate and parity to be used. RS-232 is displayed
momentarily on the front panel when you turn on the
power supply if you have selected this interface.[2]
[1] Refer to “GPIB Interface Configuration” on page 56 for more information on
connecting the power supply to a computer over the GPIB interface.
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2
Operation and Features
Remote Interface Configuration
GPIB address
Each device on the GPIB (IEEE- 488) interface must have a
unique address. You can set the power supply’s address to
any value between 0 and 30. The current address is
displayed momentarily on the front panel when you turn on
the power supply. The address is set to 05 when the power
supply is shipped from the factory.
The GPIB address can be set from the front- panel only.
• The address is stored in non- volatile memory, and does
not change when power has been off or after a remote
interface reset.
• Your GPIB bus controller has its own address. Be sure to
avoid the bus controller’s address for any instrument on
the interface bus. Agilent controllers generally use address
21.
Baud rate selection (RS-232)
You can select one of six baud rates for RS- 232 operation.
The rate is set to 9600 baud when the power supply is
shipped from the factory.
The baud rate can be set from the front- panel only.
• Select one of the following: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800,
9600 baud. The factory- setting is 9600 baud.
• The baud rate selection is stored in non- volatile memory,
and does not change when power has been off or after a
remote interface reset.
[2] Refer to “RS-232 Interface Configuration” on page 57 for more information on
connecting the power supply to a computer over the RS-232 interface.
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E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
Remote Interface Configuration
2
Parity selection (RS-232)
You can select the parity for RS- 232 operation. The power
supply is configured for no parity and 8 data bits when
shipped from the factory.
The parity can be set from the front- panel only.
• Select one of the following: None (8 data bits), Even (7
data bits), or Odd (7 data bits). When you set the parity,
you are indirectly setting the number of data bits.
• The parity selection is stored in non- volatile memory, and
does not change when power has been off or after a
remote interface reset.
To set the GPIB address
To configure the power supply for the GPIB interface,
proceed as follows:
I/O Config
1 Turn on the remote configuration mode.
HPIB/488
You will see the above message on the front- panel display
if the power supply has not been changed from the
factory- setting. If RS-232 appears, choose HPIB/488 by
turning the knob to the right.
I/O Config
2 Move to the GPIB address setting mode.
ADDR 05
The address is set to 05 when the power supply is
shipped from the factory. Notice that a different GPIB
address may appear if the power supply has been changed
from the factory- setting.
3 Turn the knob to change the GPIB address.
The displayed address is changed when turning the knob
to the right or left.
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Operation and Features
Remote Interface Configuration
I/O Config
4 Save the change and turn off the I/O configuration mode.
CHANGE SAVED
The address is stored in non- volatile memory, and does
not change when power has been off or after a remote
interface reset. The power supply displays a message to
show that the change is now in effect. If the GPIB address
is not changed, NO CHANGE will be displayed for one
second.
NOTE
To exit the I/O configuration mode without any further changes, press
I/O Config until the NO CHANGE message is displayed.
To set the baud rate and parity (RS-232)
To configure the power supply for the RS- 232 interface,
proceed as follows:
I/O Config
1 Turn on the remote configuration mode.
HPIB/488
You will see the above message on the display if the
power supply has not been changed from the
factory- setting.
Notice that if you changed the remote interface selection
to RS- 232 before, RS-232 message will be displayed.
2 Choose the RS- 232 interface.
RS-232
You can choose the RS- 232 interface by turning the knob
to the left.
I/O Config
3 Move to the RS- 232 interface setting mode and select the
baud rate.
9600 BAUD
The rate is set to 9600 baud when the power supply is
shipped from the factory. Choose from one of the
following by turning the knob to the right or left: 300,
600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 baud.
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Remote Interface Configuration
I/O Config
2
4 Save the change and choose the parity.
NONE 8 BITS
The power supply is configured for 8 data bits with no
parity when shipped from the factory. Choose from one of
the following by turning the knob to the right or left:
None 8 Bits, Odd 7 Bits, or Even 7 Bits. When you set
parity, you are indirectly setting the number of the data
bits.
I/O Config
5 Save the change and turn off the I/O configuration mode.
CHANGE SAVED
The RS- 232 baud rate and parity selections are stored in
non- volatile memory, and does not change when power
has been off or after a remote interface reset. The power
supply displays a message to show that the change is now
in effect. If the baud rate and the parity are not changed,
NO CHANGE will be displayed for one second.
NOTE
E3632A User’s Guide
To exit the I/O configuration mode without any further changes, press
I/O Config until the NO CHANGE message is displayed.
55
2
Operation and Features
GPIB Interface Configuration
GPIB Interface Configuration
The GPIB connector on the rear panel connects your power
supply to the computer and other GPIB devices. Chapter 1,
“Getting Started” lists the cables that are available from
Agilent Technologies. A GPIB system can be connected
together in any configuration (star, linear, or both) as long
as the following rules are observed:
• The total number of devices including the computer is not
more than 15.
• The total length of all the cables used is not more than
2 m times the number of devices connected together, up
to a maximum of 20 m.
NOTE
IEEE-488 states that you should exercise caution if your individual cable
lengths exceed 4 m.
Do not stack more than three connector blocks together on
any GPIB connector. Make sure that all connectors are fully
seated and that the lock screws are firmly finger tightened.
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E3632A User’s Guide
Operation and Features
RS-232 Interface Configuration
2
RS-232 Interface Configuration
You connect the power supply to the RS- 232 interface using
the 9- pin (DB- 9) serial connector on the rear panel. The
power supply is configured as a DTE (Data Terminal
Equipment) device. For all communications over the RS- 232
interface, the power supply uses two handshake lines: DTR
(Data Terminal Ready, on pin 4) and DSR (Data Set Ready,
on pin 6).
The following sections contain information to help you use
the power supply over the RS- 232 interface. The
programming commands for RS- 232 are explained in
“RS- 232 Interface Commands” on page 106.
RS-232 configuration overview
Configure the RS- 232 interface using the parameters shown
below. Use I/O Config at the front- panel to select the baud
rate, parity, and number of data bits (refer to “To set the
baud rate and parity (RS- 232)” on page 54 for more
information to configure from the front panel).
Baud rate:
• 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 baud (factory- setting)
Parity and data bits:
• None/8 data bits (factory- setting), even/7 data bits, or
odd/7 data bits
Number of start bits:
• 1 bit (fixed)
Number of stop bits:
• 2 bits (fixed)
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Operation and Features
RS-232 Interface Configuration
RS-232 data frame format
A character frame consists of all the transmitted bits that
make up a single character. The frame is defined as the
characters from the start bit to the last stop bit, inclusively.
Within the frame, you can select the baud rate, number of
data bits, and parity type. The power supply uses the
following frame formats for seven and eight data bits.
Figure 2-3 RS-232 data frame format
Connection to a computer or terminal
To connect the power supply to a computer or terminal, you
must have the proper interface cable. Most computers and
terminals are DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) devices. Since
the power supply is also a DTE device, you must use a
DTE- to- DTE interface cable. These cables are also called
null- modem, modem- eliminator, or crossover cables.
The interface cable must also have the proper connector on
each end and the internal wiring must be correct.
Connectors typically have nine pins (DB- 9 connector) or 25
pins (DB- 25 connector) with a “male” or “female” pin
configuration. A male connector has pins inside the
connector shell and a female connector has holes inside the
connector shell.
If you cannot find the correct cable for your configuration,
you may have to use a wiring adapter. If you are using a
DTE- to- DTE cable, make sure the adapter is a
“straight- through” type. Typical adapters include gender
changers, null- modem adapters, and DB- 9 to DB- 25
adapters.
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Operation and Features
RS-232 Interface Configuration
2
The cable and adapter diagrams shown below can be used to
connect the power supply to most computers or terminals.
DB-9 serial connection
If your computer or terminal has a 9- pin serial port with a
male connector, use the null- modem cable included with the
Agilent 34398A Cable Kit. This cable has a 9- pin female
connector on each end. The cable pin diagram is shown in
Figure 2- 4.
5182-4794
Cable
Instrument
PC
DCD
RX
TX
DTR
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
DCD
RX
TX
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
5
6
7
8
9
5
6
7
8
9
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
DB9
Male
DB9
Female
DB9
Female
DB9
Male
Figure 2-4 DB-9 serial connection
DB-25 serial connection
If your computer or terminal has a 25- pin serial port with a
male connector, use the null- modem cable and 25- pin
adapter included with the Agilent 34398A Cable Kit. The
cable and adapter pin diagram are shown in Figure 2- 5.
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Operation and Features
RS-232 Interface Configuration
DCD
RX
TX
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
DB9
Male
5181-6641
Adapter
5182-4794
Cable
Instrument
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
DB9
Female
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
DB9
DB9
Female Male
PC
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20
TX
RX
RTS
CTS
DSR
GND
DCD
DTR
DB25 DB25
Female Male
Figure 2-5 DB-25 serial connection
DTR/DSR handshake protocol
The power supply is configured as a DTE (Data Terminal
Equipment) device and uses the DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
and DSR (Data Set Ready) lines of the RS- 232 interface to
handshake. The power supply uses the DTR line to send a
hold- off signal. The DTR line must be TRUE before the
power supply will accept data from the interface. When the
power supply sets the DTR line FALSE, the data must cease
within 10 characters.
To disable the DTR/DSR handshake, do not connect the DTR
line and tie the DSR line to logic TRUE. If you disable the
DTR/DSR handshake, also select a slower baud rate to
ensure that the data is transmitted correctly.
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RS-232 Interface Configuration
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The power supply sets the DTR line FALSE in the following
cases:
1 When the power supply’s input buffer is full (when
approximately 100 characters have been received), it sets
the DTR line FALSE (pin 4 on the RS- 232 connector).
When enough characters have been removed to make
space in the input buffer, the power supply sets the DTR
line TRUE, unless the second case (see next) prevents
this.
2 When the power supply wants to “talk” over the interface
(which means that it has processed a query) and has
received a <new line> message terminator, it will set the
DTR line FALSE. This implies that once a query has been
sent to the power supply, the bus controller should read
the response before attempting to send more data. It also
means that a <new line> must terminate the command
string. After the response has been output, the power
supply sets the DTR line TRUE again, unless the first case
(see above) prevents this.
The power supply monitors the DSR line to determine when
the bus controller is ready to accept data over the interface.
The power supply monitors the DSR line (pin 6 on the
RS- 232 connector) before each character is sent. The output
is suspended if the DSR line is FALSE. When the DSR line
goes TRUE, transmission will resume.
The power supply holds the DTR line FALSE while output is
suspended. A form of interface deadlock exists until the bus
controller asserts the DSR line TRUE to allow the power
supply to complete the transmission. You can break the
interface deadlock by sending the <Ctrl- C> character, which
clears the operation in progress and discards pending output
(this is equivalent to the IEEE- 488 device clear action).
NOTE
E3632A User’s Guide
For the <Ctrl-C> character to be recognized reliably by the power supply
while it holds DTR FALSE, the bus controller must first set DSR FALSE.
61
2
Operation and Features
RS-232 Interface Configuration
RS-232 troubleshooting
Here are a few things to check if you are having problems
communicating over the RS- 232 interface. If you need
additional help, refer to the documentation that came with
your computer.
• Verify that the power supply and your computer are
configured for the same baud rate, parity, and number of
data bits. Make sure that your computer is set up for one
start bit and two stop bits (these values are fixed on the
power supply).
• Make sure to execute the SYSTem:REMote command to
place the power supply in the remote mode.
• Verify that you have connected the correct interface cable
and adapters. Even if the cable has the proper connectors
for your system, the internal wiring may be incorrect. The
Agilent 34398A Cable Kit can be used to connect the
power supply to most computers or terminals.
• Verify that you have connected the interface cable to the
correct serial port on your computer (COM1, COM2, etc).
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Operation and Features
Calibration
2
Calibration
This section gives an overview of the calibration features of
the power supply. For more detailed discussion of the
calibration procedures, refer to the Service Guide
(E3632- 90010).
Calibration security
This feature allows you to enter a security code to prevent
accidental or unauthorized calibrations of the power supply.
When you first receive your power supply, it is secured.
Before you can calibrate the power supply, you must
unsecure it by entering the correct security code.
• The security code is set to “HP003632” when the power
supply is shipped from the factory. The security code is
stored in non- volatile memory, and does not change when
power has been off or after a remote interface reset.
• To secure the power supply from the remote interface, the
security code may contain up to 12 alphanumeric
characters as shown below. The first character must be a
letter, but the remaining characters can be letters or
numbers. You do not have to use all 12 characters but the
first character must always be a letter.
A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(12 characters)
• To secure the power supply from the remote interface so
that it can be unsecured from the front panel, use the
eight- character format shown below. The first two
characters must be “H P” and the remaining characters
must be numbers. Only the last six characters are
recognized from the front panel, but all eight characters
are required. To unsecure the power supply from the front
panel, omit the “H P” and enter the remaining numbers as
shown on the following pages.
H P
E3632A User’s Guide
_ _ _ _ _ _
(8 characters)
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2
Operation and Features
Calibration
NOTE
If you forget your security code, you can disable the security feature by
adding a jumper inside the power supply, and then entering a new code.
Refer to the Service Guide (E3632-90010) for more information.
To unsecure for calibration
You can unsecure the power supply either from the front
panel or over the remote interface. The power supply is
secured when shipped from the factory, and the security
code is set to “HP003632”.
Front panel operation
1 Select the calibration mode.
SECURED
If the power supply is secured, you will see the above
message for one second by holding Calibrate for five
seconds when you turn on the power supply.
2 Enter the security code.
000000 CODE
To unsecure the power supply, press Secure after the
CAL MODE message is displayed in the calibration mode,
enter the security code using the knob and resolution
selection keys, and then press Secure .
3 Save the change and exit the menu.
UNSECURED
When you press Secure to save the change, you will see
the message above for one second if the security code is
correct. The unsecured setting is stored in non- volatile
memory, and does not change when power has been off or
after a remote interface reset. To exit the calibration
mode, turn the power off and on.
Notice that if you enter the wrong security code, INVALID
is displayed and the code entering mode is displayed for
you to enter the correct code.
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Remote interface operation
CAL:SEC:STAT {OFF|ON},<code>
Secure or unsecure
the power supply.
To unsecure the power supply, send the above command
with the same code used to secure. For example:
CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, HP003632
To secure against calibration
You can secure the power supply against calibration either
from the front panel or over the remote interface. The power
supply is secured when shipped from the factory, and the
security code is set to “HP003632”.
Read the security code rules at “Calibration security” on
page 63 before attempting to secure the power supply.
Front panel operation
1 Select the calibration mode.
UNSECURED
If the power supply is unsecured, you will see the above
message for one second by holding Calibrate for five
seconds when you turn on the power supply.
2 Enter the security code.
000000 CODE
To secure the power supply, press Secure after the CAL
MODE message is displayed in the calibration mode, enter
the security code using the knob and resolution selection
keys, and then press Secure .
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Calibration
3 Save the change and exit the menu.
SECURED
When you press Secure to save the change, you will see
the message below. The secured setting is stored in
non- volatile memory, and does not change when power
has been off or after a remote interface reset. To exit the
calibration mode, turn the power off and on.
Remote interface operation
CAL:SEC:STAT {OFF|ON},<code>
Secure or unsecure
the power supply.
To secure the power supply, send the above command with
the same code as used to unsecure. For example,
CAL:SEC:STAT ON, HP003632
To change the security code
To change the security code, you must first unsecure the
power supply, and then enter a new code. Read the security
code rules at “Calibration security” on page 63 before
attempting to secure the power supply.
Front panel operation
To change the security code, first make sure that the power
supply is unsecured. Press Secure after the CAL MODE
message is displayed in the calibration mode, enter the new
security code using the knob and resolution selection keys,
then press Secure .
Changing the code from the front panel also changes the
code as seen from the remote interface.
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2
Remote interface operation
CAL:SEC:CODE <new code>
Change the security
code.
To change the security code, first unsecure the power supply
using the old security code. Then, enter the new code as
shown below.
CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, HP003632
Unsecure with the
old code.
CAL:SEC:CODE ZZ001443
Enter the new code.
CAL:SEC:STAT ON, ZZ001443
Secure with the new
code.
Calibration count
You can determine the number of times that your power
supply has been calibrated. Your power supply was
calibrated before it left the factory. When you receive your
power supply, read the count to determine its initial value.
The calibration count feature can be performed from the
remote interface only.
• The calibration count is stored in non- volatile memory,
and does not change when power has been turned off or
after a remote interface reset.
• The calibration count increments up to a maximum of
32767 after which it wraps- around to 0. Since the value
increments by one for each calibration point, a complete
calibration will increase the value by five counts.
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Calibration
Remote interface operation
CAL:COUN?
Query the number of times of calibration
Calibration message
You can use the calibration message feature to record
calibration information about your power supply. For
example, you can store such information as the last
calibration date, the next calibration due date, the power
supply’s serial number, or even the name and phone number
of the person to contact for a new calibration.
You can record and read information in the calibration
message from the remote interface only.
• The power supply should be unsecured before sending a
calibration message.
• The calibration message may contain up to 40 characters.
• The calibration message is stored in non- volatile memory,
and does not change when power has been off or after a
remote interface reset.
Remote interface operation
CAL:STR <quoted string>
Store the cal message.
To store the calibration message, send the following
command.
CAL:STR ‘CAL 12-05-99’
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SCPI Command Summary 70
Introduction to the SCPI Language 74
Simplified Programming Overview 80
Using the APPLy Command 83
Output Settings and Operation Commands 85
Triggering Commands 93
System-Related Commands 96
Calibration Commands 102
RS-232 Interface Commands 106
SCPI Status Registers 107
Status Reporting Commands 117
Halting an Output in Progress 121
SCPI Conformance Information 122
IEEE-488 Conformance Information 125
This chapter lists the SCPI commands.
Agilent Technologies
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SCPI Command Summary
SCPI Command Summary
NOTE
If you are a first-time user of the SCPI language, refer to “Introduction to
the SCPI Language” and “Simplified Programming Overview” to familiarize
with the SCPI language before attempting to program the power supply.
This section summarizes the Standard Commands for
Programmable Instruments (SCPI) available to program the
power supply over the remote interface. Refer to the
respective sections in this chapter for more details on each
command.
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used
for the SCPI command syntax.
• Square brackets ([]) indicate optional keywords or
parameters.
• Braces ({}) enclose parameters within a command string.
• Triangle brackets (<>) indicate that you must substitute a
value or a code for the enclosed parameter.
• A vertical bar (|) separates one of two or more
alternative parameters.
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Table 3-1 SCPI command summary
Output Settings and Operation Commands
APPLy {<voltage>|DEF|MIN|MAX}[,{<current>|DEF|MIN|MAX}]
APPLy?
[SOURce:]
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]{<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement] {<numeric value> |DEFault}
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}
CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX}
CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel] {<current>|MIN|MAX}
CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}
CURRent:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}
CURRent:PROTection:STATe?
CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?
CURRent:PROTection:CLEar
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]{<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement] {<numeric value>|DEFault}
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}
VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?
VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?
VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar
VOLTage:RANGe {P15V|P30V|LOW|HIGH}
VOLTage:RANGe?
MEASure
:CURRent[:DC]?
[:VOLTage][:DC]?
Triggering Commands
INITiate[:IMMediate]
TRIGger[:SEQuence]
:DELay {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}
:DELay?
:SOURce {BUS|IMM}
:SOURce?
*TRG
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Table 3-1 SCPI command summary (continued)
System-Related Commands
DISPlay[:WINDow]
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
[:STATe]?
:TEXT[:DATA] <quoted string>
:TEXT[:DATA]?
:TEXT:CLEar
SYSTem
:BEEPer[:IMMediate]
:ERRor?
:VERSion?
OUTPut
:RELay[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
:RELay[:STATe]?
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
[:STATe]?
*IDN?
*RST
*TST?
*SAV {1|2|3}
*RCL {1|2|3}
Calibration Commands
CALibration
:COUNt?
:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>
:CURRent:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}
:CURRent:PROTection
:DAC:ERRor
:SECure:CODE <new code>
:SECure:STATe {OFF|ON},<code>
:SECure:STATe?
:STRing <quoted string>
:STRing?
:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>
:VOLTage:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}
:VOLTage:PROTection
RS-232 Interface Commands
SYSTem
:LOCal
:REMote
:RWLock
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Table 3-1 SCPI command summary (continued)
Status Reporting Commands
STATus:QUEStionable
:CONDition?
[:EVENt]?
:ENABle <enable value>
:ENABle?
SYSTem:ERRor?
*CLS
*ESE <enable value>
*ESE?
*ESR?
*OPC
*OPC?
*PSC {0|1}
*PSC?
*SRE <enable value>
*SRE?
*STB?
*WAI
IEEE-488 Conformance Information
*CLS
*ESE <enable value>
*ESE?
*ESR?
*IDN?
*OPC
*OPC?
*PSC {0|1}
*PSC?
*RST
*SAV {1|2|3}
*RCL {1|2|3}
*SRE <enable value>
*SRE?
*STB?
*TRG
*TST?
*WAI
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Introduction to the SCPI Language
Introduction to the SCPI Language
Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI)
is an ASCII- based instrument command language designed
for test and measurement instruments. Refer to “Simplified
Programming Overview” for an introduction to the basic
techniques used to program the power supply over the
remote interface.
SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical structure, also
known as a tree system. In this system, associated
commands are grouped together under a common node or
root, thus forming subsystems. A portion of the SOURce
subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system.
[SOURce:]
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
CURRent? [MIN|MAX]
CURRent:
TRIGgered {<current>|MIN|MAX}
TRIGgered? {MIN|MAX}
VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
VOLTage? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage:
TRIGgered {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
TRIGgered? {MIN|MAX}
SOURce is the root keyword of the command, CURRent and
VOLTage are second- level keywords, and TRIGgered is the
third- level keyword. A colon (:) separates a command
keyword from a lower- level keyword.
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Command format used in this manual
The format used to show commands in this manual is shown
below:
CURRent {<current>|MINimum|MAXimum|UP|DOWN}
The command syntax shows most commands (and some
parameters) as a mixture of upper- case and lower- case
letters. The upper- case letters indicate the abbreviated
spelling for the command. For shorter program lines, send
the abbreviated form. For better program readability, send
the long form.
For example, in the above syntax statement, CURR and
CURRENT are both acceptable forms. You can use upper- case
or lower- case letters. Therefore, CURRENT, curr, and Curr
are all acceptable. Other forms, such as CUR and CURREN,
will generate an error.
Braces ({}) enclose the parameter choices for a given
command string. The braces are not sent with the command
string.
A vertical bar (|) separates multiple parameter choices for a
given command string.
Triangle brackets (<>) indicate that you must specify a value
for the enclosed parameter. For example, the above syntax
statement shows the current parameter enclosed in triangle
brackets. The brackets are not sent with the command
string. You must specify a value for the parameter (such as
CURR 0.1).
Some parameters are enclosed in square brackets ([]). The
brackets indicate that the parameter is optional and can be
omitted. The brackets are not sent with the command string.
If you do not specify a value for an optional parameter, the
power supply chooses a default value.
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Some portions of commands are enclosed in square brackets
([]). The brackets indicate that this portion of the command
is optional. Most optional portions of the command are not
shown in the command description. For the full command
showing all the options, refer to Table 3- 1.
A colon (:) separates a command keyword from a
lower- level keyword. You must insert a blank space to
separate a parameter from a command keyword. If a
command requires more than one parameter, you must
separate adjacent parameters using a comma as shown
below:
SOURce:CURRent:TRIGgered
APPLy 3.5,1.5
Command separators
A colon (:) is used to separate a command keyword from a
lower- level keyword as shown below:
SOURce:CURRent:TRIGgered
A semicolon (;) is used to separate two commands within
the same subsystem, and can also minimize typing. For
example, sending the following command string,
SOUR:VOLT MIN;CURR MAX
is the same as sending the following two commands:
SOUR:VOLT MIN
SOUR:CURR MAX
Use a colon and a semicolon to link commands from
different subsystems. For example, in the following command
string, an error is generated if you do not use the colon and
semicolon:
DISP:TEXT:CLE;:SOUR:CURR MIN
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Using the MIN and MAX parameters
You can substitute MINimum or MAXimum in place of a
parameter for many commands. For example, consider the
following command:
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX}
Instead of selecting a specific current, you can substitute
MINimum to set the current to its minimum value or
MAXimum to set the current to its maximum value.
Querying parameter settings
You can query the value of most parameters by adding a
question mark (?) to the command. For example, the
following command sets the output current to 5 A:
CURR 5
You can query the value by executing:
CURR?
You can also query the maximum or minimum value allowed
with the present function as follows:
CURR? MAX
CURR? MIN
CAUTION
E3632A User’s Guide
If you send two query commands without reading the response from
the first, and then attempt to read the second response, you may
receive some data from the first response followed by the complete
second response. To avoid this, do not send a query command without
reading the response. When you cannot avoid this situation, send a
device clear before sending the second query command.
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SCPI command terminators
A command string sent to the power supply must terminate
with a <new line> character. The IEEE- 488 EOI
(end- or- identify) message is interpreted as a <new line>
character and can be used to terminate a command string in
place of a <new line> character. A <carriage return>
followed by a <new line> is also accepted. Command string
termination will always reset the current SCPI command
path to the root level. The <new line> character has the
ASCII decimal code of 10.
IEEE-488.2 common commands
The IEEE- 488.2 standard defines a set of common
commands that perform functions like reset, self- test, and
status operations. Common commands always begin with an
asterisk (*), are four to five characters in length, and may
include one or more parameters. The command keyword is
separated from the first parameter by a blank space. Use a
semicolon (;) to separate multiple commands as shown
below:
*RST; *CLS; *ESE 32; *OPC?
SCPI parameter types
The SCPI language defines several different data formats to
be used in program messages and response messages.
Numeric parameters
Commands that require numeric parameters will accept all
commonly used decimal representations of numbers
including optional signs, decimal points, and scientific
notation. Special values for numeric parameters like
MINimum, MAXimum, and DEFault are also accepted.
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You can also send engineering unit suffixes (V, A, or SEC)
with numeric parameters. If only specific numeric values are
accepted, the power supply will automatically round the
input numeric parameters. The following command uses a
numeric parameter:
CURR {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
Discrete parameters
Discrete parameters are used to program settings that have a
limited number of values such as BUS and IMM. Query
responses will always return the short form in all
upper- case letters. The following command uses discrete
parameters:
TRIG:SOUR {BUS|IMM}
Boolean parameters
Boolean parameters represent a single binary condition that
is either true or false. For a false condition, the power
supply will accept OFF or 0. For a true condition, the power
supply will accept ON or 1. When you query a boolean
setting, the power supply will always return 0 or 1. The
following command uses a boolean parameter:
DISP {OFF|ON}
String parameters
String parameters can contain virtually any set of ASCII
characters. A string must begin and end with matching
quotes; either with a single quote or with a double quote.
You can include the quote delimiter as part of the string by
typing it twice without any characters in between. The
following command uses a string parameter:
DISP:TEXT <quoted string>
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Simplified Programming Overview
Simplified Programming Overview
This section gives an overview of the basic techniques used
to program the power supply over the remote interface. This
section is only an overview and does not give all of the
details you will need to write your own application
programs. Refer to the remainder of this chapter and also
Chapter 5, “Application Programs” for more details and
examples. Also refer to the programming reference manual
that came with your computer for details on outputting
command strings and entering data.
Using the APPLy command
The APPLy command provides the most straightforward
method to program the power supply over the remote
interface. For example, the following statement executed
from your computer will set the power supply to an output
of 3 V rated at 1 A:
APPL 3.0, 1.0
Using the low-level commands
Although the APPLy command provides the most
straightforward method to program the power supply, the
low- level commands give you more flexibility to change
individual parameters. For example, the following statements
executed from your computer will set the power supply to
an output of 3 V rated at 1 A:
80
VOLT 3.0
Set the output voltage to 3.0 V.
CURR 1.0
Set the output current to 1.0 A.
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Simplified Programming Overview
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Reading a query response
Only the query commands (commands that end with “?”)
will instruct the power supply to send a response message.
Queries return either output values or internal instrument
settings. For example, the following statements executed
from your computer will read the power supply’s error
queue and print the most recent error:
dimension statement
Dimension string array (80
elements).
SYST:ERR?
Read the error queue.
bus enter statement
Enter the error string into the
computer.
print statement
Print the error string.
Selecting a trigger source
The power supply will accept a bus (software) trigger or an
immediate internal trigger as a trigger source. By default,
the BUS trigger source is selected. If you want the power
supply to use an immediate internal trigger, you must select
IMMediate. For example, the following statements executed
from your computer will set to an output of 3 V/1 A
immediately:
E3632A User’s Guide
VOLT:TRIG 3.0
Set the triggered voltage level to 3.0 V.
CURR:TRIG 1.0
Set the triggered current level to 1.0 A.
TRIG:SOUR IMM
Select the immediate trigger as a source.
INIT
Cause the trigger system to initiate.
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Power supply programming ranges
The SOURce subsystem requires parameters for programming
values. The available programming value for a parameter
varies according to the desired output range of the power
supply. Table 3- 2 lists the programming values available and
the MINimum, MAXimum, DEFault, and reset values of your
power supply.
Refer to Table 3- 2 to identify the programming values when
programming the power supply.
Table 3-2 Agilent E3632A programming ranges
Voltage
Programming range
MAX value
Current
0 to 15 V /7 A range
0 to 30 V /4 A range
0 V to 15.45 V
0 V to 30.90 V
15.45 V
30.90 V
MIN value
0V
DEFault value
0V
*RST value
0V
Programming range
MAX value
0 A to 7.21 A
0 A to 4.12 A
7.21 A
4.12 A
MIN value
DEFault value
*RST value
82
0A
7A
4A
7A
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Using the APPLy Command
3
Using the APPLy Command
The APPLy command provides the most straightforward
method to program the power supply over the remote
interface. You can select the output voltage and current in
one command.
APPLy {<voltage>| DEF | MIN | MAX}[,{<current>| DEF |
MIN | MAX}]
This command is a combination of VOLTage and CURRent
commands. As long as the newly programmed values are
within the presently selected range, the output voltage and
current are changed as soon as the command is executed.
The APPLy command changes the power supply’s output to
the newly programmed values only if the programmed values
are valid within the presently selected range. An execution
error will occur if the programmed values are not valid
within the selected range.
You can substitute MINimum, MAXimum, or DEFault in place
of a specific value for the voltage and current parameters.
MIN selects the lowest values of 0 V and 0 A. MAX selects
the highest values allowed for the selected range.
The default values of voltage and current are 0 V and 7 A
regardless of the presently selected range. For more details
of parameters, refer to Table 3- 2 for each model.
If you specify only one parameter of the APPLy command,
the power supply regards it as the voltage setting value.
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Using the APPLy Command
APPLy?
This command queries the power supply’s present voltage
and current setting values and returns a quoted string. The
voltage and current are returned in sequence as shown in
the sample string below (the quotation marks are returned
as part of the string).
“15.00000, 4.00000”
In the above string, the first number 15.00000 is the voltage
setting value and the second number 4.00000 is the current
setting value.
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Output Settings and Operation Commands
This section describes low- level commands used to program
the power supply. Although the APPLy command provides
the most straightforward method to program the power
supply, the low- level output setting commands give you more
flexibility to change the individual parameters.
CURRent {<current>|MINimum|MAXimum|UP|DOWN}
This command programs the immediate current level of the
power supply. The immediate level is the current value of
the output terminals.
The CURRent command changes the output of the power
supply to the newly programmed value regardless of the
output range presently selected.
You can substitute MINimum or MAXimum in place of a
specific value for the current parameter. MIN selects the
lowest current values of 0 A. MAX selects the highest current
values allowed for the selected range.
This command also increases or decreases the immediate
current level using the UP or DOWN parameter by a
predetermined amount. The command CURRent:STEP sets
the amount of increment and decrement. Notice that a new
increment setting will cause an execution error - 222 (Data
out of range) when the maximum or the minimum rated
current is exceeded.
CURRent? [MINimum|MAXimum]
This query returns the presently programmed current level
of the power supply. CURR? MAX and CURR? MIN return the
highest and lowest programmable current levels for the
selected range.
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CURRent:STEP {<numeric value>|DEFault}
Set the step size for current programming with the CURRent
UP and CURRent DOWN commands. See the example as
shown in “Example” on page 86.
To set the step size to the minimum resolution, set the step
size to DEFault. The minimum resolution of the step size is
approximately 0.12 mA. The CURR:STEP? DEF returns the
minimum resolution of your instrument. The immediate
current level increases or decreases by the value of the step
size. For example, the output current will increase or
decrease 10 mA if the step size is 0.01.
This command is useful when you program the power supply
to the allowed minimum resolution. At *RST, the step size is
the value of the minimum resolution.
CURRent:STEP? [DEFault]
This query returns the value of the step size currently
specified. The returned parameter is a numeric value.
DEFault gives the minimum resolution of the step size in
unit of amps.
Example
The following program segments show how to use the CURR
UP or CURR DOWN command to increase or decrease the
output current with the CURR:STEP command.
86
CURR:STEP 0.01
Set the step size to 0.01 A.
CURR UP
Increase the output current.
CURR:STEP 0.02
Set the step size to 0.02 A.
CURR DOWN
Decrease the output current.
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CURRent:TRIGgered
{<current>|MINimum|MAXimum}
This command programs the pending triggered current level.
The pending triggered current level is a stored value that is
transferred to the output terminals when a trigger occurs. A
pending triggered level is not affected by subsequent
CURRent commands.
CURRent:TRIGgered? [MINimum|MAXimum]
This query returns the triggered current level presently
programmed. If no triggered level is programmed, the
CURRent level is returned. CURR:TRIG? MAX and
CURR:TRIG? MIN return the highest and lowest
programmable triggered current levels.
CURRent:PROTection
{<current>|MINimum|MAXimum}
This command sets the current level at which the
overcurrent protection (OCP) circuit will trip. If the peak
output current exceeds the OCP level, then the output
current is programmed to zero. The Questionable Status
register “OC” bit is set (refer to “SCPI status system” on
page 108). An overcurrent condition can be cleared with the
CURR:PROT:CLE command after the condition that caused
the OCP trip is removed.
CURRent:PROTection? {MINimum|MAXimum}
This query returns the overcurrent protection trip level
presently programmed. CURR:PROT? MAX and CURR:PROT?
MIN return the maximum and minimum programmable
overcurrent trip levels.
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CURRent:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}
This command enables or disables the overcurrent protection
function of the power supply. An overcurrent condition can
be cleared with the CURR:PROT:CLE command after the
condition that caused the OCP trip is removed. At *RST, this
value is set to ON.
CURRent:PROTection:STATe?
This query returns the state of the overcurrent protection
function. The returned parameter is 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON).
CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?
This query returns a 1 if the overcurrent protection circuit
is tripped and not cleared or a 0 if not tripped.
CURRent:PROTection:CLEar
This command causes the overcurrent protection circuit to
be cleared. After this command, the output current is
restored to the state it was in before the current protection
tripped and the OCP trip level remains unchanged to the
value presently programmed. Before sending this command,
lower the output current below the trip OCP point, or raise
the OCP trip level above the output setting.
VOLTage {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum|UP|DOWN}
This command programs the immediate voltage level of the
power supply. The immediate level is the voltage value of the
output terminals.
The VOLTage command changes the output of the power
supply to the newly programmed value regardless of the
output range presently selected.
You can substitute MINimum or MAXimum in place of a
specific value for the voltage parameter. MIN selects the
lowest voltage values of 0 V. MAX selects the highest voltage
values allowed for the selected range.
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This command also increases or decreases the immediate
voltage level using the UP or DOWN parameter by a
predetermined amount. The command VOLTage:STEP sets
the amount of increment and decrement. Notice that a new
increment setting will cause an execution error - 222 (Data
out of range) when the maximum or the minimum rated
voltage is exceeded.
VOLTage? [MINimum|MAXimum]
This query returns the presently programmed voltage level of
the power supply. VOLT? MAX and VOLT? MIN return the
highest and lowest programmable voltage levels for the
selected range.
VOLTage:STEP {<numeric value>|DEFault}
This command sets the step size for voltage programming
with the VOLT UP and VOLT DOWN commands.
To set the step size to the minimum resolution, set the step
size to DEFault. The minimum resolution of the step size is
approximately 0.55 mV. The VOLT:STEP? DEF returns the
minimum resolution of your instrument. The immediate
voltage level increases or decreases by the value of the step
size. For example, the output voltage will increase or
decrease 10 mV if the step size is 0.01.
This command is useful when you program the power supply
to the allowed minimum resolution. At *RST, the step size is
the value of the minimum resolution.
VOLTage:STEP? [DEFault]
This query returns the value of the step size currently
specified. The returned parameter is a numeric value.
DEFault gives the minimum resolution step size in unit of
volts.
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Example
The following program segments show how to use the VOLT
UP or VOLT DOWN command to increase or decrease the
output voltage with the VOLT:STEP command.
VOLT:STEP 0.01
Set the step size to 0.01 V.
VOLT UP
Increase the output voltage.
VOLT:STEP 0.02
Set the step size to 0.02 V.
VOLT DOWN
Decrease the output voltage.
VOLTage:TRIGgered
{<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}
This command programs the pending triggered voltage level.
The pending triggered voltage level is a stored value that is
transferred to the output terminals when a trigger occurs. A
pending triggered level is not affected by subsequent
VOLTage commands.
VOLTage:TRIGgered? [MINimum|MAXimum]
This query returns the triggered voltage level presently
programmed. If no triggered level is programmed, the VOLT
level is returned. VOLT:TRIG? MAX and VOLT:TRIG? MIN
return the highest and lowest programmable triggered
voltage levels.
VOLTage:PROTection
{<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}
This command sets the voltage level at which the overvoltage
protection (OVP) circuit will trip. If the peak output voltage
exceeds the OVP level, then the power supply output is
shorted by an internal SCR. The Questionable Status register
“OV” bit is set (refer to “SCPI status system” on page 108).
An overvoltage condition can be cleared with the
VOLT:PROT:CLE command after the condition that caused
the OVP trip is removed.
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VOLTage:PROTection? [MINimum|MAXimum]
This query returns the overvoltage protection trip level
presently programmed. VOLT:PROT? MAX and VOLT:PROT?
MIN return the maximum and minimum programmable
overvoltage trip levels.
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}
This command enables or disables the overvoltage protection
function. An overvoltage condition can be cleared with the
VOLT:PROT:CLE command after the condition that caused
the OVP trip is removed. At *RST, this value is set to ON.
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?
This query returns the state of the overvoltage protection
function. The returned parameter is 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON).
VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?
This query returns a 1 if the overvoltage protection circuit is
tripped and not cleared or a 0 if not tripped.
VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar
This command causes the overvoltage protection circuit to be
cleared. After this command, the output voltage is restored
to the state it was in before the protection feature occurred
and the OVP trip level remains unchanged to the value
presently programmed. Before sending this command, lower
the output voltage below the OVP trip point, or raise the
OVP trip level above the output setting.
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VOLTage:RANGe {P15V|P30V||LOW|HIGH}
This command selects an output range to be programmed by
the identifier. When 15 V/7 A range is selected, the
maximum programmable voltage and current are limited to
15.45 V and 7.21 A. When 30 V/4 A range is selected, the
maximum programmable voltage and current are limited to
30.90 V and 4.12 A. P30V or HIGH is the identifier for the
0 V/4 A range and P15V or LOW is for the 15 V/7 A range.
At *RST, the 15 V/7 A range is selected.
VOLTage:RANGe?
This query returns the currently selected range. The
returned parameter is P30V (HIGH) or P15V (LOW).
MEASure:CURRent?
This query returns the current measured across the current
sense resistor inside the power supply.
MEASure[:VOLTage]?
This query returns the voltage measured at the sense
terminals of the power supply.
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Triggering Commands
The power supply’s triggering system allows a change in
voltage and current when receiving a trigger, to select a
trigger source, and to insert a trigger. Triggering the power
supply is a multi- step process.
• First, you must specify the source from which the power
supply will accept the trigger. The power supply will
accept a bus (software) trigger or an immediate trigger
from the remote interface.
• Then, you can set the time delay between the detection of
the trigger on the specified trigger source and the start of
any corresponding output change. Notice that the time
delay is valid for only the bus trigger source.
• Finally, you must provide an INITiate command. If the
IMMediate source is selected, the selected output is set
to the triggered level immediately. But if the trigger
source is the bus, the power supply is set to the triggered
level after receiving the Group Execute Trigger (GET) or
*TRG command.
Trigger source choices
You must specify the source from which the power supply
will accept a trigger. The trigger is stored in volatile
memory; the source is set to bus when the power supply has
been turned off or after a remote interface reset.
Bus (software) triggering
• To select the bus trigger source, send the following
command.
TRIG:SOUR BUS
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• To trigger the power supply from the remote interface
(GPIB or RS- 232) after selecting the bus source, send the
*TRG (trigger) command. When the *TRG command is
sent, the trigger action starts after the specified time
delay if any delay is given.
• You can also trigger the power supply from the GPIB
interface by sending the IEEE- 488 Group Execute Trigger
(GET) message. The following statement shows how to
send a GET from a Hewlett- Packard controller.
TRIGGER 705 (group execute trigger)
• To ensure synchronization when the bus source is
selected, send the *WAI (wait) command. When the *WAI
command is executed, the power supply waits for all
pending operations to complete before executing any
additional commands. For example, the following
command string guarantees that the first trigger is
accepted and is executed before the second trigger is
recognized.
TRIG:SOUR BUS;*TRG;*WAI;*TRG;*WAI
• You can use the *OPC? (operation complete query)
command or the *OPC (operation complete) command to
signal when the operation is complete. The *OPC?
command returns 1 to the output buffer when the
operation is complete. The *OPC command sets the OPC
bit (bit 0) in the Standard Event register when the
operation is complete.
Immediate triggering
• To select the immediate trigger source, send the following
command.
TRIG:SOUR IMM
• When IMMediate is selected as a trigger source, an
INITiate command immediately transfers the
VOLT:TRIG or CURR:TRIG value to the VOLT or CURR
value. Any delay is ignored.
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Triggering commands
INITiate
Cause the trigger system to initiate. This command
completes one full trigger cycle when the trigger source is an
immediate and initiates the trigger subsystem when the
trigger source is bus.
TRIGger:DELay {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum}
Set the time delay between the detection of an event on the
specified trigger source and the start of any corresponding
trigger action on the power supply output. Select from 0 to
3600 seconds. MIN = 0 seconds. MAX = 3600 seconds. At
*RST, this value is set to 0 seconds.
TRIGger:DELay? [MINimum|MAXimum]
This query returns the trigger delay.
TRIGger:SOURce {BUS|IMMediate}
Select the source from which the power supply will accept a
trigger. The power supply will accept a bus (software) trigger
or an internal immediate trigger. At *RST, the bus trigger
source is selected.
TRIGger:SOURce?
This query returns the present trigger source. Returns BUS
or IMM.
*TRG
Generate a trigger to the trigger subsystem that has selected
a bus (software) trigger as its source (TRIG:SOUR BUS). The
command has the same effect as the Group Execute Trigger
(GET) command. For RS- 232 operation, make sure the power
supply is in the remote interface mode by sending the
SYST:REM command first.
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System-Related Commands
DISPlay {OFF|ON}
Turn the front- panel display off or on. When the display is
turned off, outputs are not sent to the display and all
annunciators are disabled except the ERROR annunciator.
The display state is automatically turned on when you
return to the local mode. Press Local to return to the local
state from the remote interface.
DISPlay?
This query returns the front- panel display setting. Returns 0
(OFF) or 1 (ON).
DISPlay:TEXT <quoted string>
Display a message on the front panel. The power supply will
display up to 12 characters in a message; any additional
characters are truncated. Commas, periods, and semicolons
share a display space with the preceding character, and are
not considered individual characters.
DISPlay:TEXT?
This query returns the message sent to the front panel and
returns a quoted string.
DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar
Clear the message displayed on the front panel.
OUTPut {OFF|ON}
Enable or disable the outputs of the power supply. When the
output is disabled, the voltage value is 0 V and the current
value is 20 mA. At *RST, the output state is OFF.
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OUTPut?
This query returns the output state of the power supply. The
returned value is 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON).
OUTPut:RELay {OFF|ON}
This command sets the state of two TTL signals on the
RS- 232 connector. These signals are intended for use with
an external relay and relay driver. The TTL output is
available on the RS- 232 connector pin 1 and pin 9. When
the OUTPut:RELay state is ON, the TTL output of pin 1 is
high (4.5 V) and pin 9 is low (0.5 V). The levels are reversed
when the OUTPut:RELay state is OFF. At *RST, the
OUTPut:RELay state is OFF.
TTL output of pin 1 or pin 9 of the RS- 232 connector is
available only after installing two jumpers inside the power
supply. Refer to the Service Guide for more information.
NOTE
Do not use the RS-232 interface if you have configured the power supply to
output relay control signals. Internal components on the RS-232 circuitry
may be damaged.
OUTPut:RELay?
This command returns the state of the TTL relay logic
signals. See also OUTP:REL command.
SYSTem:BEEPer
Issue a single beep immediately.
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SYSTem:ERRor?
This command queries the power supply’s error queue. When
the front- panel ERROR annunciator turns on, one or more
command syntax or hardware errors have been detected. Up
to 20 errors can be stored in the error queue. See
Chapter 4, “Error Messages” for more details.
• Errors are retrieved in the first- in- first- out (FIFO) order.
The first error returned is the first error that was stored.
When you have read all errors from the queue, the ERROR
annunciator turns off. The power supply beeps once each
time an error is generated.
• If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error
stored in the queue (the most recent error) is replaced
with - 350, “Queue overflow”. No additional errors are
stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no
errors have occurred when you read the error queue, the
power supply responds with +0, “No error”.
• The error queue is cleared when power has been off or
after a *CLS (clear status) command has been executed.
The *RST (reset) command does not clear the error
queue.
SYSTem:VERSion?
This query returns the power supply to determine the
present SCPI version. The returned value is a string in the
form of YYYY.V where the Y represents the year of the
version, and the V represents a version number for that year
(for example, 1995.0).
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*IDN?
This query command reads the power supply’s identification
string. The power supply returns four fields separated by
commas. The first field is the manufacturer’s name, the
second field is the model number, the third field is not used
(always 0), and the fourth field is a revision code which
contains three numbers. The first number is the firmware
revision number for the main power supply processor; the
second is for the input/output processor; and the third is for
the front- panel processor.
The command returns a string with the following format (be
sure to dimension a string variable with at least 40
characters):
HEWLETT-PACKARD,E3632A,0,X.X-X.X-X.X
*RST
This command resets the power supply to its power- on state
as follows:
Table 3-3 Power supply state
E3632A User’s Guide
Command
State
CURR
7A
CURR:STEP
0.12 mA (typical value)
CURR:TRIG
7A
CURR:PROT
7.5 A
CURR:PROT:STAT
ON
DISP
ON
OUTP
OFF
OUTP:REL
OFF
TRIG:DEL
0
TRIG:SOUR
BUS
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Table 3-3 Power supply state (continued)
Command
State
VOLT
0V
VOLT:STEP
0.55 mV (typical value)
VOLT:TRIG
0V
VOLT:PROT
32 V
VOLT:PROT:STAT
ON
VOLT:RANG
P15V (Low)
*TST?
This query performs a complete self- test of the power
supply. Returns 0 if the self- test passes or 1 or any
non- zero value if it fails. If the self- test fails, an error
message is also generated with additional information on
why the test has failed.
*SAV {1|2|3}
This command stores the present state of the power supply
to the specified location in non- volatile memory. Three
memory locations (numbered 1, 2, and 3) are available to
store operating states of the power supply. The state storage
feature “remembers” the states or values of the following
commands:
CURR, CURR:STEP, CURR:TRIG, CURR:PROT,
CURR:PROT:STAT, DISP, OUTP, OUTP:REL, TRIG:DEL,
TRIG:SOUR, VOLT, VOLT:STEP, VOLT:TRIG,
VOLT:PROT, VOLT:PROT:STAT, and VOLT:RANG
To recall a stored state, you must use the same memory
location used previously to store the state.
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*RCL {1|2|3}
This command recalls a previously stored state. To recall a
stored state, you must use the same memory location used
previously to store the state.
NOTE
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only. Going to local mode automatically sets the display state to ON.
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Calibration Commands
Refer to “Calibration” on page 63 for an overview of the
calibration features of the power supply. For more detailed
discussion on the calibration procedures, refer to the Service
Guide.
NOTE
When you calibrate the power supply, you should not set the OVP to the
ON state in order to prevent OVP from tripping.
CALibration:COUNt?
This command queries the power supply to determine the
number of times it has been calibrated. Your power supply
was calibrated before it left the factory. When you receive
your power supply, read the count to determine its initial
value. Since the value increments by one for each calibration
point, a complete calibration will increase the value by five
counts.
CALibration:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>
This command can only be used after calibration is
unsecured and the output state is ON. It enters a current
value that you obtained by reading an external meter. You
must first select the minimum calibration level
(CAL:CURR:LEV MIN) for the value being entered. You must
then select the middle and maximum calibration levels
(CAL:CURR:LEV MID and CAL:CURR:LEV MAX) for the value
being entered. Three successive values must be selected and
entered. The power supply then computes new calibration
constants. These constants are then stored in non- volatile
memory.
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CALibration:CURRent:LEVel
{MINimum|MIDdle|MAXimum}
This command can only be used after calibration is
unsecured and the output state is ON. It sets the power
supply to a calibration point that is entered with the
CAL:CURR command. During calibration, three points must
be entered and the low- end point (MIN) must be selected
and entered first.
CALibration:CURRent:PROTection
This command calibrates the overcurrent protection circuit
of the power supply. It takes about seven seconds to execute
the command. The calibration must be unsecured and the
output shorted before calibrating the overcurrent protection.
The power supply automatically performs the calibration and
stores the new overcurrent constant in non- volatile memory.
Notice that current calibration precedes before sending this
command.
CALibration:DAC:ERRor
This command corrects the differential nonlinearity error of
the internal DAC without an external meter. You must send
this command before calibrating the voltage. It takes about
30 seconds to execute the command.
CALibration:SECure:CODE <new code>
This command enters a new security code. To change the
security code, first unsecure the power supply using the old
security code. Then, enter the new code. The calibration
code may contain up to 12 characters over the remote
interface but the first character must always be a letter.
CALibration:SECure:STATe {OFF|ON},<code>
This command unsecures or secures the power supply for
calibration. The calibration code may contain up to 12
characters over the remote interface.
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CALibration:SECure:STATe?
Query the secured state for calibration of the power supply.
The returned parameter is 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON).
CALibration:STRing <quoted string>
This command records calibration information about your
power supply. For example, you can store such information
as the last calibration date, the next calibration due date, or
the power supply’s serial number. The calibration message
may contain up to 40 characters. The power supply should
be unsecured before sending a calibration message.
CALibration:STRing?
This command queries the calibration message and returns a
quoted string.
CALibration:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>
This command can only be used after calibration is
unsecured and the output state is ON. It enters a voltage
value that you obtained by reading an external meter. You
must first select the minimum calibration level
(CAL:VOLT:LEV MIN) for the value being entered. You must
then select the middle and maximum calibration levels
(CAL:VOLT:LEV MID and CAL:VOLT:LEV MAX) for the value
being entered. Three successive values must be selected and
entered. The power supply then computes new voltage
calibration constants. These constants are then stored in
non- volatile memory.
CALibration:VOLTage:LEVel
{MINimum|MIDdle|MAXimum}
This command can only be used after calibration is
unsecured and the output state is ON. It sets the power
supply to a calibration point that is entered with the
CAL:VOLT command. During calibration, three points must
be entered and the low- end point (MIN) must be selected
and entered first.
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CALibration:VOLTage:PROTection
This command calibrates the overvoltage protection circuit of
the power supply. It takes about seven seconds to execute
the command. The calibration must be unsecured and the
output be opened before calibrating the overvoltage
protection circuit. The power supply automatically performs
the calibration and stores the new overvoltage constant in
non- volatile memory. Notice that voltage calibration precedes
before sending this command.
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RS-232 Interface Commands
Use the front- panel I/O Config key to select the baud rate,
parity, and the number of data bits (see “Remote Interface
Configuration” on page 51).
SYSTem:LOCal
This command places the power supply in the local mode
during RS- 232 operation. All keys on the front panel are
fully functional.
SYSTem:REMote
This command places the power supply in the remote mode
for RS- 232 operation. All keys on the front panel, except the
Local key, are disabled.
NOTE
It is very important that you send the SYST:REM command to place the
power supply in the remote mode. Sending or receiving data over the
RS-232 interface when not configured for remote operation can cause
unpredictable results.
SYSTem:RWLock
This command places the power supply in the remote mode
for RS- 232 operation. This command is the same as the
SYST:REM command except that all keys on the front panel
are disabled, including the Local key.
Ctrl-C
This command clears the operation in progress over the
RS- 232 interface and discards any pending output data. This
is equivalent to the IEEE- 488 device clear action over the
GPIB interface.
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SCPI Status Registers
All SCPI instruments implement status registers in the same
way. The status system records various instrument
conditions in three register groups: the Status Byte register,
the Standard Event register, and the Questionable Status
register groups. The Status Byte register records high- level
summary information reported in the other register groups.
The diagram on the subsequent pages illustrates the SCPI
status system used by the power supply.
What is an event register?
An event register is a read- only register that reports defined
conditions within the power supply. Bits in an event register
are latched. Once an event bit is set, subsequent state
changes are ignored. Bits in an event register are
automatically cleared by a query of that register (such as
*ESR? or STAT:QUES:EVEN?) or by sending the *CLS (clear
status) command. A reset (*RST) or device clear will not
clear bits in event registers. Querying an event register
returns a decimal value which corresponds to the
binary- weighted sum of all bits set in the register.
What is an enable register?
An enable register defines which bits in the corresponding
event register are logically ORed together to form a single
summary bit. Enable registers are both readable and
writable. Querying an enable register will not clear it. The
*CLS (clear status) command does not clear enable registers
but it does clear the bits in the event registers. To enable
bits in an enable register, you must write a decimal value
which corresponds to the binary- weighted sum of the bits
you wish to enable in the register.
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SCPI status system
20 = 1
21 = 2
22 = 4
23 = 8
24 = 16
25 = 32
26 = 64
27 = 128
28 = 256
29 = 512
210 = 1024
211 = 2048
212 = 4096
213 = 8192
214 = 16384
215 = 32768
Figure 3-1 SCPI status system
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The Questionable Status register
The Questionable Status register provides information about
voltage and current regulation. Bit 0 is set when the voltage
becomes unregulated, and bit 1 is set if the current becomes
unregulated. For example if the power supply momentarily
goes to the constant current mode when the power supply is
operating as a voltage source (constant voltage mode), bit 0
is set to indicate that the voltage output is not regulated.
The Questionable Status register also provides information
that the power supply has an overtemperature condition and
that the overvoltage and overcurrent protection circuits have
tripped. Bit 4 reports an overtemperature condition of the
fan, bit 9 reports that the overvoltage protection circuit has
tripped, and bit 10 reports that the overcurrent protection
circuit has tripped. To read the register, send
STATus:QUEStionable?.
Table 3-4 Bit definitions — Questionable Status register
Bit
Decimal value
Definition
0
Voltage
1
The power supply is/was in the constant current mode.
1
Current
2
The power supply is/was in the constant voltage mode.
2–3
Not used
0
Always set to 0.
4
Over temperature
16
The fan has a fault condition.
5–8
Not used
0
Always set to 0.
9
Over voltage
512
The overvoltage protection circuit has tripped.
10
Over current
1024
The overcurrent protection circuit has tripped.
11–15
Not used
0
Always set to 0.
The Questionable Status event register is cleared when:
• you execute the *CLS (clear status) command.
• you query the event register using STAT:QUES? (status
questionable event register) command.
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For example, 16 is returned when you have queried the
status of the questionable event register, the temperature
condition is questionable.
The Questionable Status Enable register is cleared when you
execute the STAT:QUES:ENAB 0 command.
The Standard Event register
The Standard Event register reports the following types of
instrument events: power- on detected, command syntax
errors, command execution errors, self- test or calibration
errors, query errors, or when an *OPC command is executed.
Any or all of these conditions can be reported in the
Standard Event summary bit (ESB, bit 5) of the Status Byte
register through the enable register. To set the enable
register mask, you write a decimal value to the register
using the *ESE (Event Status Enable) command.
An error condition (Standard Event register bit 2, 3, 4, or 5) will always
record one or more errors in the power supply’s error queue. Read the error
queue using the SYST:ERR? command.
NOTE
Table 3-5 Bit definitions — Standard Event register
Bit
Decimal value
Definition
0
OPC
1
Operation complete. All commands prior to and including an *OPC
command have been executed.
1
Not Used
0
Always set to 0.
2
QYE
4
Query Error. The power supply tried to read the output buffer but it was
empty. Or, a new command line was received before a previous query
had been read. Or, both the input and output buffers are full.
3
DDE
8
Device Error. A self-test or calibration error occurred (refer to error
messages 601 to 755 in “Self-Test Error Messages” on page 135 and
“Calibration Error Messages” on page 137).
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Table 3-5 Bit definitions — Standard Event register (continued)
Bit
Decimal value
Definition
4
EXE
16
Execution Error. An execution error occurred (refer to error messages
-211 to -223 in “Execution Error Messages” on page 130).
5
CME
32
Command Error. A command syntax error occurred (refer to error
messages -104 to -178 in “Execution Error Messages” on page 130).
6
Not Used
0
Always set to 0.
7
PON
128
Power On. Power has been turned off and on since the last time the
event register was read or cleared.
The Standard Event register is cleared when:
• you execute the *CLS (clear status) command.
• you query the event register using the *ESR? (Event
Status register) command.
For example, 28 (4 + 8 + 16) is returned when you have
queried the status of the Standard Event register, QYE,
DDE, and EXE conditions have occurred.
The Standard Event Enable register is cleared when:
• you execute the *ESE 0 command.
• you turn on the power and have previously configured the
power supply using the *PSC 1 command.
The enable register will not be cleared at power- on if you
have previously configured the power supply using the *PSC
0 command.
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The Status Byte register
The Status Byte summary register reports conditions from
the other status registers. Query data that is waiting in the
power supply’s output buffer is immediately reported
through the “Message Available” bit (bit 4) of the Status Byte
register. Bits in the summary register are not latched.
Clearing an event register will clear the corresponding bits
in the Status Byte summary register. Reading all messages in
the output buffer, including any pending queries, will clear
the message available bit.
Table 3-6 Bit definitions — Status Byte summary register
Bit
Decimal value
Definition
0–2
Not Used
0
Always set to 0.
3
QUES
8
One or more bits are set in the Questionable Status register (bits must
be enabled in the enable register).
4
MAV
16
Data is available in the power supply output buffer.
5
ESB
32
One or more bits are set in the Standard Event register (bits must be
enabled in the enable register).
6
RQS
64
The power supply is requesting service (serial poll).
7
Not Used
0
Always set to 0.
The Status Byte summary register is cleared when you
execute the *CLS (clear status) command.
Querying the Standard Event register (*ESR? command) will
clear only bit 5 in the Status Byte summary register.
For example, 24 (8 + 16) is returned when you have queried
the status of the Status Byte register, QUES and MAV
conditions have occurred.
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The Status Byte Enable register (request service) is cleared
when:
• you execute the *SRE 0 command.
• you turn on the power and have previously configured the
power supply using the *PSC 1 command.
The enable register will not be cleared at power- on if you
have previously configured the power supply using *PSC 0.
Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL
You must configure your bus controller to respond to the
IEEE- 488 service request (SRQ) interrupt to use this
capability. Use the Status Byte Enable register (*SRE
command) to select which summary bits will set the
low- level IEEE- 488 service request signal. When bit 6
(request service) is set in the Status Byte, an IEEE- 488
service request interrupt message is automatically sent to
the bus controller. The bus controller may then poll the
instruments on the bus to identify which one requested
service (the instrument with bit 6 set in its Status Byte).
NOTE
The request service bit is cleared only by reading the Status Byte using an
IEEE-488 serial poll or by reading the event register whose summary bit is
causing the service request.
To read the Status Byte summary register, send the
IEEE- 488 serial poll message. Querying the summary register
will return a decimal value which corresponds to the
binary- weighted sum of the bits set in the register. Serial
poll will automatically clear the request service bit in the
Status Byte summary register. No other bits are affected.
Performing a serial poll will not affect instrument
throughput.
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CAUTION
The IEEE-488 standard does not ensure synchronization between your
bus controller program and the instrument. Use the *OPC? command
to guarantee that commands previously sent to the instrument have
completed. Executing a serial poll before a *RST, *CLS or other
commands have completed can cause previous conditions to be
reported.
Using *STB? to read the Status Byte
The *STB? (Status Byte query) command is similar to a
serial poll but it is processed like any other instrument
commands. The *STB? command returns the same result as
a serial poll but the request service bit (bit 6) is not cleared.
The *STB? command is not handled automatically by the
IEEE- 488 bus interface hardware and will be executed only
after previous commands have completed. Polling is not
possible using the *STB? command. Executing the *STB?
command does not clear the Status Byte summary register.
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV)
You can use the Status Byte “Message Available” bit (bit 4)
to determine when data is available to read into your bus
controller. The power supply subsequently clears bit 4 only
after all messages have been read from the output buffer.
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To interrupt your bus controller using SRQ
1 Send a device clear message to clear the power supply’s
output buffer (for example, CLEAR 705).
2 Clear the event registers with the *CLS (clear status)
command.
3 Set up the enable register masks. Execute the *ESE
command to set up the Standard Event register and the
*SRE command for the Status Byte.
4 Send the *OPC? (operation complete query) command and
enter the result to ensure synchronization.
5 Enable your bus controller’s IEEE- 488 SRQ interrupt.
To determine when a command sequence is completed
1 Send a device clear message to clear the power supply’s
output buffer (for example, CLEAR 705).
2 Clear the event registers with the *CLS (clear status)
command.
3 Enable the “Operation Complete” bit (bit 0) in the
Standard Event register by executing the *ESE 1
command.
4 Send the *OPC? (operation complete query) command and
enter the result to ensure synchronization.
5 Execute your command string to program the desired
configuration, and then execute the *OPC (operation
complete) command as the last command. When the
command sequence is completed, the “Operation
Complete” bit (bit 0) is set in the Standard Event register.
6 Use a serial poll to check when bit 5 (Standard Event) is
set in the Status Byte summary register. You could also
configure the power supply for an SRQ interrupt by
sending *SRE 32 (Status Byte Enable register, bit 5).
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Using *OPC to signal when data is in the output buffer
Generally, it is best to use the “Operation Complete” bit
(bit 0) in the Standard Event register to signal when a
command sequence is completed. This bit is set in the
register after an *OPC command has been executed. If you
send *OPC after a command which loads a message in the
power supply’s output buffer (query data), you can use the
“Operation Complete” bit to determine when the message is
available. However, if too many messages are generated
before the *OPC command executes (sequentially), the output
buffer will overload and the power supply will stop
processing commands.
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Status Reporting Commands
3
Status Reporting Commands
NOTE
Refer to “SCPI status system” on page 108 for detailed information of the
status register structure of the power supply.
SYSTem:ERRor?
This query command reads one error from the error queue.
When the front- panel ERROR annunciator turns on, one or
more command syntax or hardware errors have been
detected. A record of up to 20 errors can be stored in the
power supply’s error queue. Refer to Chapter 4, “Error
Messages” for more details.
• Errors are retrieved in the first- in- first- out (FIFO) order.
The first error returned is the first error that was stored.
When you have read all errors from the queue, the ERROR
annunciator turns off. The power supply beeps once each
time an error is generated.
• If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error
stored in the queue (the most recent error) is replaced
with - 350, “Queue overflow”. No additional errors are
stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no
errors have occurred when you read the error queue, the
power supply responds with +0, “No error”.
• The error queue is cleared when power has been off or
after a *CLS (clear status) command has been executed.
The *RST (reset) command does not clear the error
queue.
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Status Reporting Commands
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
This command queries the Questionable Status condition
register to check CV or CC mode of the power supply. The
power supply returns a decimal value which corresponds to
the binary- weighted sum of all bits in the register. These
bits are not latched. If 0 is returned, the power supply is in
output off or unregulated state. If 1 is returned, the power
supply is in the CC operating mode and if 2 is returned, the
power supply is in the CV operating mode. If 3 is returned,
the power supply is in failure.
STATus:QUEStionable?
This command queries the Questionable Status event
register. The power supply returns a decimal value which
corresponds to the binary- weighted sum of all bits in the
register. These bits are latched. Reading the event register
clears it.
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value>
This command enables bits in the Questionable Status
Enable register. The selected bits are then reported to the
Status Byte.
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?
This command queries the Questionable Status Enable
register. The power supply returns a binary- weighted
decimal representing the bits set in the enable register.
*CLS
This command clears all event registers and Status Byte
register.
*ESE <enable value>
This command enables bits in the Standard Event Enable
register. The selected bits are then reported to the Status
Byte.
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*ESE?
This command queries the Standard Event Enable register.
The power supply returns a decimal value which
corresponds to the binary- weighted sum of all bits in the
register.
*ESR?
This command queries the Standard Event register. The
power supply returns a decimal value which corresponds to
the binary- weighted sum of all bits in the register.
*OPC
This command sets the “Operation Complete” bit (bit 0) of
the Standard Event register after the command is executed.
*OPC?
This command returns 1 to the output buffer after the
command is executed.
*PSC {0|1}
(Power- on status clear.) This command clears the Status
Byte and the Standard Event register enable masks when
power is turned on (*PSC 1). When *PSC 0 is in effect, the
Status Byte and Standard Event register enable masks are
not cleared when power is turned on.
*PSC?
This command queries the power- on status clear setting. The
returned parameter is 0 (*PSC 0) or 1 (*PSC 1).
*SRE <enable value>
This command enables bits in the Status Byte Enable
register.
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*SRE?
This command queries the Status Byte Enable register. The
power supply returns a decimal value which corresponds to
the binary- weighted sum of all bits set in the enable
register.
*STB?
This command queries the Status Byte summary register.
The *STB? command is similar to a serial poll but it is
processed like any other instrument command. The *STB?
command returns the same result as a serial poll but the
Request Service bit (bit 6) is not cleared if a serial poll has
occurred.
*WAI
This command instructs the power supply to wait for all
pending operations to complete before executing any
additional commands over the interface. Used only in the
triggered mode.
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Halting an Output in Progress
3
Halting an Output in Progress
You can send a device clear at any time to stop an output in
progress over the GPIB interface. The status registers, the
error queue, and all configuration states are left unchanged
when a device clear message is received. Device clear
performs the following actions.
• The power supply’s input and output buffers are cleared.
• The power supply is prepared to accept a new command
string.
• The following statement shows how to send a device clear
over the GPIB interface using Agilent BASIC.
CLEAR 705 IEEE- 488 device clear
• The following statement shows how to send a device clear
over the GPIB interface using the GPIB Command Library
for C or QuickBASIC.
IOCLEAR (705)
NOTE
For RS-232 operation, sending the <Ctrl-C> character will perform the
same operation as the IEEE-488 device clear message. The power supply’s
DTR (data terminal ready) handshake line is set true following a device
clear message. Refer to “DTR/DSR handshake protocol” on page 60 for
more information.
NOTE
All remote interface configurations can be entered only from the front
panel. Refer to “Storing and Recalling Operating States” on page 33 to
configure for GPIB or RS-232 interface before operating the power supply
remotely.
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SCPI Conformance Information
SCPI Conformance Information
The power supply conforms to the 1995.0 version of the
SCPI standard. Many of the commands required by the
standard are accepted by the power supply but are not
described in this manual for simplicity or clarity. Most of
these non- documented commands duplicate the functionality
of a command already described in this manual.
SCPI confirmed commands
Table 3- 7 lists the SCPI- confirmed commands that are used
by the power supply.
Table 3-7 SCPI confirmed commands
DISPlay
[:WINDow][:STATe] {OFF|ON}
[:WINDow][:STATe]?
[:WINDow]:TEXT[:DATA] <quoted string>
[:WINDow]:TEXT[:DATA]?
[:WINDow]:TEXT:CLEar
INITiate[:IMMediate]
MEASure
:CURRent[:DC]?
[:VOLTage][:DC]?
OUTPut
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
[:STATE]?
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Table 3-7 SCPI confirmed commands (continued)
[SOURce]
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement] {<numeric value>|DEFault}
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}
:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX}
:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]
:CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel] {<current>|MIN|MAX}
:CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}
:CURRent:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}
:CURRent:PROTection:STATe?
:CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?
:CURRent:PROTection:CLEar
[SOURce]
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement] {<numeric value>|DEFault}
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}
:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]
:VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
:VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}
:VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}
:VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?
:VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?
:VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar
:VOLTage:RANGe {P15V|P30V|LOW|HIGH}
:VOLTage:RANGe?
STATus
:QUEStionable:CONDition?
:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value>
:QUEStionable:ENABle?
SYSTem
:BEEPer[:IMMediate]
:ERRor?
:VERSion
TRIGger
[:SEQuence]:DELay {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}
[:SEQuence]:DELay?
[:SEQuence]:SOURce{BUS|IMM}
[:SEQuence]:SOURce?
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Device-specific commands
The following commands are device- specific to your power
supply. They are not included in the 1995.0 version of the
SCPI standard. However, these commands are designed with
the SCPI standard in mind, and they follow all of the
command syntax rules defined by the standard.
Table 3-8 Non-SCPI commands
APPLy {<voltage>|DEF|MIN|MAX>}[,{<current>|DEF|MIN|MAX}]
APPLy?
CALibration
:COUNt?
:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>
:CURRent:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}
:CURRent:PROTection
:DAC:ERRor
:SECure:CODE <new code>
:SECure:STATe {OFF|ON},<code>
:SECure:STATe?
:STRing <quoted string>
:STRing?
:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>
:VOLTage:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}
:VOLTage:PROTection
OUTPut
:RELay[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
:RELay[:STATE]?
SYSTem
:LOCal
:REMote
:RWLock
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IEEE-488 Conformance Information
3
IEEE-488 Conformance Information
Dedicated hardware lines
ATN
Attention
IFC
Interface Clear
REN
Remote Enable
SRQ
Service Request Enable
Addressed commands
E3632A User’s Guide
DCL
Device Clear
EOI
End or Identify
GET
Group Execute Trigger
GTL
Go to Local
LLO
Local Lockout
SDC
Selected Device Clear
SPD
Serial Poll Disable
SPE
Serial Poll Enable
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IEEE-488.2 common commands
*CLS
*ESE <enable value>
*ESE?
*ESR?
*IDN?
*OPC
*OPC?
*PSC {0|1}
*PSC?
*RST
*SAV {1|2|3|4|5}
*RCL {1|2|3|4|5}
*SRE <enable value>
*SRE?
*STB?
*TRG
*TST?
*WAI
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Error Messages
Overview 128
Execution Error Messages 130
Self-Test Error Messages 135
Calibration Error Messages 137
This chapter lists the error messages that may appear as you
are working with the power supply.
Agilent Technologies
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Error Messages
Overview
Overview
When the front- panel ERROR annunciator turns on, one or
more command syntax or hardware errors have been
detected. A record of up to 20 errors is stored in the power
supply’s error queue. The power supply beeps once each
time an error is generated.
• Errors are retrieved in first- in- first- out (FIFO) order. The
first error returned is the first error that was stored.
When you have read all errors from the queue, the ERROR
annunciator turns off.
• If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error
stored in the queue (the most recent error) is replaced
with - 350, “Queue overflow”. No additional errors are
stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no erros
have occurred when you read the error queue, the supply
responds with +0, “No error” over the remote interface or
“NO ERRORS” from the front panel.
• The error queue is cleared when power has been off or
after a *CLS (clear status) command has been executed.
The *RST (reset command) command does not clear the
error queue.
Front panel operation
If the ERROR annunciator is on, press Error repeatedly to
read the errors stored in the queue. The error queue is
cleared when you read all errors.
ERROR -113
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Overview
4
Remote interface operation
SYSTem:ERRor?
Reads one error from the error queue.
Errors have the following format (the error string may
contain up to 80 characters).
-113, “Undefined header”
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Error Messages
Execution Error Messages
Execution Error Messages
Table 4-1 Execution error messages
-101
Invalid character
An invalid character was found in the command string. You may have inserted a character such as #, $,
or % in the command keyword or within a parameter.
Example: OUTP:STAT #ON
-102
Syntax error
Invalid syntax was found in the command string. You may have inserted a blank space before or after a
colon in the command header, or before a comma.
Example: VOLT:LEV, 1
-103
Invalid separator
An invalid separator was found in the command string. You may have used a comma instead of a colon,
semicolon, or blank space, or you may have used a blank space instead of a comma.
Example: TRIG:SOUR,BUS or APPL 1.0 1.0
-104
Data type error
The wrong parameter type was found in the command string. You may have specified a number where a
string was expected, or vice versa.
-105
GET not allowed
A Group Execute Trigger (GET) is not allowed within a command string.
-108
Parameter not allowed
More parameters were received than expected for the command. You may have entered an extra
parameter, or added a parameter to a command that does not accept a parameter.
Example: APPL? 10
-109
Missing parameter
Fewer parameters were received than expected for the command. You omitted one or more parameters
that are required for this command.
Example: APPL
-112
Program mnemonic too long
A command header was received which contained more than the maximum 12 characters allowed.
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Execution Error Messages
4
Table 4-1 Execution error messages (continued)
-113
Undefined header
A command was received that is not valid for this power supply. You may have misspelled the command
or it may not be a valid command. If you are using the short form of the command, remember that it may
contain up to four letters.
Example: TRIGG:DEL 3
[1]
-114
Header suffix out of range
The numeric suffix attached to a command header is not one of the allowable values.
Example: OUTP2 ON
-120[1]
Numeric data error
An invalid number was specified for a numeric parameter.
Example: APPL 1.0E+320000
-121
Invalid character in number
An invalid character was found in the number specified for a parameter value.
Example: *ESE #B01010102
-123
Numeric overflow
A numeric parameter was found whose exponent was larger than 32000.
-124
Too many digits
A numeric parameter was found whose mantissa contained more than 255 digits, excluding leading
zeros.
-128
Numeric data not allowed
A numeric parameter was received but a character string was expected.
Example: DISP:TEXT 123
-130[1]
Suffix error
A suffix was incorrectly specified for a numeric parameter. You may have misspelled the suffix or the
numeric parameter does not accept a suffix.
Example: TRIG:DEL 0.5 SECS
-131
Invalid suffix
A suffix was incorrectly specified for a numeric parameter. You may have misspelled the suffix.
Example: TRIG:DEL 0.5 SECS
-134
Suffix too long
A suffix for a numeric parameter contained too many characters.
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Error Messages
Execution Error Messages
Table 4-1 Execution error messages (continued)
-138
Suffix not allowed
A suffix was received following a numeric parameter which does not accept a suffix.
Example: STAT:QUES:ENAB 18 SEC (SEC is not a valid suffix.)
-141
Invalid character data
Either the character data element contained an invalid character or the particular element received was
not valid for the header.
-144
Character data too long
The character data element contained too many characters.
-148
Character data not allowed
A discrete parameter was received but a character string or a numeric parameter was expected. Check
the list of parameters to verify that you have used a valid parameter type.
Example: DISP:TEXT ON
-151
Invalid string data
An invalid character string was received. Check to see if you have enclosed the character string in single
or double quotes.
Example: DISP:TEXT ’ON
-158
String data not allowed
A character string was received but is not allowed for the command. Check the list of parameters to
verify that you have used a valid parameter type.
Example: TRIG:DEL ‘zero’
-160 to -168
Block data errors
The power supply does not accept block data.
-170 to -178
Expression errors
The power supply does not accept mathematical expressions.
-211
Trigger ignored
A Group Execute Trigger (GET) or *TRG was received but the trigger was ignored. The trigger source
should be selected to the bus and the trigger subsystem should be initiated by the INIT[:IMM]
command.
-213
Init ignored
An INITiate command was received but could not be executed because a measurement was already
in progress. Send a device clear to halt a measurement in progress and place the power supply in the
“idle” state.
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Execution Error Messages
4
Table 4-1 Execution error messages (continued)
-221
Settings conflict
Indicates that a legal program data element was parsed but could not be executed due to the current
device state.
-222
Data out of range
A numeric parameter value is outside the valid range for the command.
Example: TRIG:DEL -3
-223
Too much data
A character string was received but could not be executed because the string length was more than 40
characters. This error can be generated by the CALibration:STRing command.
-224
Illegal parameter value
A discrete parameter was received which was not a valid choice for the command. You may have used
an invalid parameter choice.
Example: DISP:STAT XYZ (XYZ is not a valid choice.)
-330
Self-test failed
The power supply’s complete self-test failed from the remote interface (*TST? command). In addition
to this error, more specific self-test errors are also reported. See also “Self-Test Error Messages” on
page 135.
-350
Queue overflow
The error queue is full because more than 20 errors have occurred. No additional errors are stored until
you remove errors from the queue. The error queue is cleared when power has been turned off, or after
a *CLS (clear status) command has been executed.
-410
Query INTERRUPTED
A command was received which sends data to the output buffer, but the output buffer contained data
from a previous command (the previous data is not overwritten). The output buffer is cleared when
power has been turned off, or after a *RST (reset) command has been executed.
-420
Query UNTERMINATED
The power supply was addressed to talk (i.e., to send data over the interface) but a command has not
been received which sends data to the output buffer. For example, you may have executed an APPLy
command (which does not generate data) and then attempted an ENTER statement to read data from
the remote interface.
-430
Query DEADLOCKED
A command was received which generates too much data to fit in the output buffer and the input buffer
is also full. Command execution continues but all data is lost.
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Error Messages
Execution Error Messages
Table 4-1 Execution error messages (continued)
-440
Query UNTERMINATED after indefinite response
The *IDN? command must be the last query command within a command string.
Example: *IDN?;:SYST:VERS?
501
Isolator UART framing error
502
Isolator UART overrun error
503[1]
SPI data error
Data error was detected during the communication between the main controller U10 and the I/O
controller U752.
511
RS-232 framing error
512
RS-232 overrun error
513
RS-232 parity error
514
Command allowed only with RS-232
There are three commands which are only allowed with the RS-232 interface: SYSTem:LOCal,
SYSTem:REMote, and SYSTem:RWLock.
521
Input buffer overflow
522
Output buffer overflow
550
Command not allowed in local
You should always execute the SYSTem:REMote command before sending other commands over the
RS-232 interface.
[1] This error message is only applicable for serial MY53xx6xxx.
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Error Messages
Self-Test Error Messages
4
Self-Test Error Messages
The following errors indicate failures that may occur during
a self- test. Refer to the Service Guide for more information.
Table 4-2 Self-test error messages
601
Front panel does not respond
The main controller U17 (U10 for serial MY53xx6xxx) attempts to establish serial communications with
the front panel controller U7 (U602 for serial MY53xx6xxx) on the front panel board. During this test, the
U7 (U602 for serial MY53xx6xxx) turns on all display segments. Communication must function in both
directions for this test to pass. If this error is detected during power-on self-test, the power supply will
beep twice. This error is only readable from the remote interface.
602
RAM read/write failed
This test writes and reads a 55h and AAh checker board pattern to each address of RAM U14. Any
incorrect readback will cause a test failure. This error is only readable from the remote interface.
603
A/D sync stuck
The main controller issues an A/D sync pulse to U17 and U18 to latch the value in the ADC slope
counters. A failure is detected when a sync interrupt is not recognized and subsequent time-out occurs.
604
A/D slope convergence failed
The input amplifier is configured to the measure zero (MZ) state in the 10 V range. This test checks
whether the ADC integrator produces nominally the same number of positive and negative slope
decisions (±10%) during a 20 ms interval.
605
Cannot calibrate rundown gain
This test checks the nominal gain between integrating ADC and the U17 on-chip ADC. This error is
reported if the procedure can not run to completion due to a hardware failure.
606
Rundown gain out of range
This test checks the nominal gain between the integrating ADC and the U17 on-chip ADC. The nominal
gain is checked to ±10% tolerance.
607
Rundown too noisy
This test checks the gain repeatability between the integrating ADC and the U17 on-chip ADC. The gain
test (606) is performed eight times. Gain noise must be less than ±64 LSB of the U17 on-chip ADC.
608
Serial configuration readback failed
This test re-sends the last 3 bytes of serial configuration data to all the serial paths (SERDAT, SERBCK,
SERCLK). The data is then clocked back into U18 and compared against the original 3 bytes sent. A
failure occurs if the data do not match. This tests checks the serial data path through U22.
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4
Error Messages
Self-Test Error Messages
Table 4-2 Self-test error messages (continued)
609[1]
624
This test checks if the ADC hardware is functional. The main controller U10 establishes communication
with the ADC and checks if there are any error bits set for the ADC's status reporting.
Unable to sense line frequency
This test checks that the LSENSE logic input U17 is toggling. If no logic input is detected, the power
supply will assume a 50 Hz line operation for all future measurements.
625
I/O processor does not respond
This test checks that communications can be established between U17 (U10 for serial MY53xx6xxx) and
U4 (U752 for serial MY53xx6xxx) through the isolated (U6 and U7) (U751 for serial MY53xx6xxx) serial
data link. Failure to establish communication in either direction will generate an error. If this condition is
detected at power-on self-test, the power supply will beep and the error annunciator will be turned on.
626
I/O processor failed self-test
This test causes the earth referenced processor U4 (U752 for serial MY53xx6xxx) to execute an internal
ram test. Failure will generate an error.
630
Fan test failed
This test checks if the fan current is flowing. If the current is not detected at power-on self-test, the
power supply will beep and the error annunciator will be turned on. Fan test failure could likely induce
overtemperature condition in the power supply.
631
System DAC test failed
This test checks if the DAC hardware is functional. The main controller U17 (U10 for serial MY53xx6xxx)
sends a reference voltage data to DAC and converts the DAC output to digital data to see if the digital
data is within a valid range.
632
Hardware test failed
This test checks the status of voltage and current error amplifiers for the power circuit of output1. If
both amplifiers are not operational, the power supply will beep and the error annunciator will be turned
on.
[1] This error message is only applicable for serial MY53xx6xxx.
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Error Messages
Calibration Error Messages
4
Calibration Error Messages
The following errors indicate failures that may occur during
a calibration. Refer to the Service Guide for more
information.
Table 4-3 Calibration error messages
701
Cal security disabled by jumper
The calibration security feature has been disabled with a jumper inside the power supply. When
applicable, this error will occur at power-on to warn you that the power supply is unsecured.
702
Cal secured
The power supply is secured against calibration.
703
Invalid secure code
An invalid calibration security code was received when attempting to unsecure or secure the power
supply. You must use the same security code to unsecure the power supply as was used to secure it,
and vice versa. The security code may contain up to 12 alphanumeric characters. The first character
must be a letter.
704
Secure code too long
A security code was received which contained more than 12 characters.
705
Cal aborted
A calibration in progress is aborted when you press any front-panel key, send a device clear, or change
the local/remote state of the instrument.
708
Cal output disabled
Calibration is aborted by sending the OUTP OFF command during an output calibration.
712
Bad DAC cal data
The specified DAC calibration values (CAL:VOLT or CAL:CURR) are out of range. Note that the new
calibration constants are not stored in the non-volatile memory.
713
Bad readback cal data
The specified readback calibration values (CAL:VOLT or CAL:CURR) are out of range. Note that the
new calibration constants are not stored in the non-volatile memory.
714
Bad OVP cal data
The overvoltage protection calibration constant is out of range. Note that the new calibration constants
are not stored in the non-volatile memory.
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Error Messages
Calibration Error Messages
Table 4-3 Calibration error messages (continued)
715
Bad OCP cal data
The overcurrent protection calibration constant is out of range. Note that the new calibration constants
are not stored in the non-volatile memory.
716
Bad DAC DNL error correction data
Invalid data measured during the calibration for DAC differential nonlinearity error correction.
717
Cal OVP or OCP status enabled
Overvoltage protection status or overcurrent protection status is enabled. You must set both overvoltage
and overcurrent protection status to OFF before and during the calibration.
740
Cal checksum failed, secure state
741
Cal checksum failed, string data
742
Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 0
743
Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 1
744
Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 2
745
Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 3
746
Cal checksum failed, DAC cal constants
747
Cal checksum failed, readback cal constants
748
Cal checksum failed, GPIB address
749
Cal checksum failed, internal data
750
Cal checksum failed, DAC DNL error correction data
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E3632A DC Power Supply
User’s Guide
5
Application Programs
Overview 140
Example Program for C++ (GPIB IEEE 488) 141
Example Program for Excel 5.0 (Windows 3.1 and GPIB) 144
This chapter contains two application programs that utilize
the remote interface.
Agilent Technologies
139
5
Application Programs
Overview
Overview
This chapter contains two application programs over the
remote interface to help you develop programs for your own
application. Chapter 3, “Remote Interface Reference” lists the
syntax for the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments) commands available to program the power
supply.
All program examples have been tested on a PC with
Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups. Both examples are
for use with GPIB (IEEE 488). These examples require a
VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) driver with
your GPIB PC card. You should have the “visa.dll” in your
windows/system directory for the GPIB examples to work.
All program examples perform the same task. They step
through voltages and make corresponding current readings
to characterize a power diode.
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Example Program for C++ (GPIB IEEE 488)
5
Example Program for C++ (GPIB IEEE 488)
This following C programming example shows sending and
receiving formatted I/O. Refer to the VISA User’s Guide for
non- formatted I/O. This example program is intended to
show the use of SCPI commands and VISA functionality and
does not include error trapping. Error trapping, however, is
good programming practice and is recommended in your
application. Refer to the VISA User’s Guide for more
information about error trapping.
The example program was written in Microsoft Visual C++
ver 1.52, project type “QuickWin application”, using the large
memory model. Be sure to move the “visa.lib” and “visa.h”
file to the lib and include development directory. These are
usually found at c:\vxipnp\win\lib\msc\ and
c:\vxipnp\win\include.
Diode.c
/*Diode.C
This example program steps the E3632A DC Power Supply through 10 voltages and measures the
current response. It prints the voltage step and the current response as a table. Note that
the GPIB address is the default address from the factory for the E3632A.*/
#include
#include
#include
#include
<visa.h>
<stdio.h>
<string.h>
<time.h>
/* Provides a delay of the specified time wait in milliseconds*/
void delay( clock_t wait );
void main ()
{
ViSession defaultRM;
ViSession power_supply;
char reply_string [256];
char GPIB_address [3];
char Visa_address[40];
double voltage;
double current;
E3632A User’s Guide
/*
/*
/*
/*
/*
/*
/*
resource manager id
session id to an instrument
string returned from instrument
GPIB address of instrument
Complete VISA address send to card
value of voltage sent to power supply
value of current output of power supply
*/
*/
*/
*/
*/
*/
*/
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Application Programs
Example Program for C++ (GPIB IEEE 488)
/* build the address needed to open communication with GPIB card */
/* address format looks like this; GPIB0::5::INSTR */
/*
*/
strcpy(GPIB_address, "5"); /******
strcpy(Visa_address, "GPIB0::");
Change GPIB address here *****/
strcat(Visa_address, GPIB_address);
/* Open communication (session) with power supply */
viOpenDefaultRM (&defaultRM);
viOpen (defaultRM, Visa_address, 0,0, &power_supply);
/* Query the power supply id, read response and print */
viPrintf (power_supply, "*IDN?\n");
viScanf (power_supply, "%s", &reply_string);
printf ("Instrument identification string:\n
%s\n\n", reply_string);
/* Initialize Power Supply */
viPrintf (power_supply, "*RST\n");
viPrintf (power_supply, "Current 2\n");
viPrintf (power_supply, "Output on\n");
/* Set power on condition
/* Set Current limit to 2A
/* Turn output on
*/
*/
*/
printf("Voltage
/* Print heading
*/
Current\n\n");
/* Step from 0.6v to 0.8 volt in .02volt steps */
for(voltage =.6;voltage <<=.8001;voltage +=.02)
{
viPrintf (power_supply, "Volt %f\n",voltage);
/*set voltage
*/
printf("%.3f",voltage);
/* print power supply setting */
delay(500);
/* allow output to settle for 500 msec */
viPrintf(power_supply,"Measure:Current?\n");
/*measure output current
*/
viScanf (power_supply, "%lf",&current);
/* retrieve reading
*/
printf("
%.3lf\n",current);
/* print reading
*/
}
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Example Program for C++ (GPIB IEEE 488)
viPrintf (power_supply, "Output Off\n");
/* turn off
output
5
*/
/* Close communication session */
viClose (power_supply);
viClose (defaultRM);
}
/* Pauses for a specified number of milliseconds. */
void delay( clock_t wait )
{
clock_t goal;
clock_t delay;
wait = wait/1000;
delay = (clock_t)wait * CLOCKS_PER_SEC;
goal = delay + clock();
while( goal > clock() );
}
End of program
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Application Programs
Example Program for Excel 5.0 (Windows 3.1 and GPIB)
Example Program for Excel 5.0 (Windows 3.1 and GPIB)
Excel VB Macros may be used to control your Agilent
E3632A. With Excel you can take the value of a cell in a
spread sheet, send it to the power supply, and then record
the response on the worksheet. The example on the
following pages characterizes a component across the Agilent
E3632A terminals. This example reads 11 voltages from a
worksheet, programs the Agilent E3632A to that voltage, and
then reads the current. The value of current is recorded
next to the voltage on the spread sheet. The example is for
Excel 5.0 in Windows 3.1.
To write macros and control the power supply in Excel first
open a module in Excel. From the Insert menu choose Macro
and then Module. Name the module created this way Diode
bas (click the right mouse button on the tab). Create one
more module named GPIB bas. The module GPIB bas will
set up all the overhead needed to talk to the GPIB port. This
module will subroutines that allow the communication in a
simple form. The macro called Diode is an example that
tests a diode using the other module.
To try the example for characterizing a diode, type in both
modules. Once the modules are completed, go to a
worksheet. In cell A4 type Volts, in cell B4 type Current.
In cells A5 type 0.6. Fill in the cells A4 to A15 in 0.02
increments so that cell A15 contains 0.8.
Now while the cursor is still in the worksheet, select Tools,
Macro from the menu. Double click on the Diode macro in
the Macro dialog box. The power supply will reset to power
on condition and then step through the voltages in the
worksheet. After each step the current is measured, and
recorded in the worksheet.
Make any changes to suit your needs in the Diode bas
module. Change the GPIB address in the routine
OpenPort( ) contained in the GPIB bas module. If there is a
system error when trying to run the macro, you may have to
reboot the PC for the GPIB port to work.
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Example Program for Excel 5.0 (Windows 3.1 and GPIB)
5
Diode bas Macro
Option Explicit
'"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
' This is the subroutine first executed. Modify this routine
' to suit your needs. To change the GPIB address, go to the module GPIB,
' Sub OpenPort(), and change the variable VISAaddr = "5" to the
' required GPIB address
'"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Sub Diode()
Range("B5:B15").ClearContents
Dim I As Integer
OpenPort
SendSCPI "*RST"
'Reset E3632A to power on condition
SendSCPI "Output ON"
'Turn on the output
For I = 5 To 15
' Convert the worksheet value to a string, add to SCPI command
SendSCPI "Volt" & Str$(Cells(I, 1))
' Request a current measurement, put response in worksheet
Cells(I, 2) = Val(SendSCPI("meas:current?"))
Next I
SendSCPI "Output OFF"
'Turn off the output
ClosePort
End Sub
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Application Programs
Example Program for Excel 5.0 (Windows 3.1 and GPIB)
GPIB bas Macro
Option Explicit
' - Declarations for VISA.DLL, additional declarations are usually in the
' directory c:\vxipnp\win\include in file visa.bas, also see the VISA manual
Declare Function viOpenDefaultRM Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#141" (sesn As Long) As Long
Declare Function viOpen Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#131" (ByVal sesn As Long, _
ByVal desc As String, ByVal mode As Long, ByVal TimeOut As Long, vi As Long) As Long
Declare Function viClose Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#132" (ByVal vi As Long) As Long
Declare Function viRead Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#256" (ByVal vi As Long, _
ByVal Buffer As String, ByVal Count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long
Declare Function viWrite Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#257" (ByVal vi As Long, _
ByVal Buffer As String, ByVal Count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long
' Error Codes and other global variables
Global Const VI_SUCCESS = &h0&
Global videfaultRM As Long
' resource manager id for VISA GPIB
Global vi As Long
' stores the session for VISA
Dim errorStatus As Long
' VTL error code
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
' This routine requires the file VISA.dll. It typically resides under
' the directory c:\windows\system. This routine uses the VTL Library to
' send commands to an instrument. A description of these and additional
' VTL commands are contained in the Hewlett Packard Visa Transition
' Library book Agilent PN E2094-90002.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Function SendSCPI(SCPICmd As String) As String
' This function will send a SCPI command string to the
' GPIB port. If the command contains a question mark,
' the response is read, and returned.
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
readbuf As String * 512
crlfpos As Integer
cmdString As String
ReturnString As String
actual As Long
'
'
'
'
'
buffer used for returned string
location of CR's and LF's in readbuf
command passed to instrument
string returned from instrument
number of characters send/returned
'Set up an error handler within this subroutine that will get
'called if an error occurs.
On Error GoTo VIerrorHandler
'Write the command to the instrument terminated by a linefeed.
cmdstring = SCPICmd & Chr$(10)
errorStatus = viWrite(vi, ByVal commandstr, Len(commandstr), actual)
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Example Program for Excel 5.0 (Windows 3.1 and GPIB)
5
If InStr(SCPICmd, "?") Then
'If a query read the response string
errorStatus = viRead(vi, ByVal readbuf, 512, actual)
ReturnString = readbuf
'Strip out any nul's from the response string.
crlfpos = InStr(ReturnString, Chr$(0))
If crlfpos Then
ReturnString = Left(ReturnString, crlfpos - 1)
End If
SendSCPI = ReturnString
'return the remaining string
End If
' end of query to instrument for a response
Exit Function
VIerrorHandler:
'Display the error message in the txtResponse TextBox
MsgBox " I/O Error: " & Error$()
'Close the device session
errorStatus = viClose(vi)
Exit Function
End Function
Sub OpenPort()
Dim VISAaddr As String
'****************************
'Change the GPIB address here
'****************************
VISAaddr = "5"
errorStatus = viOpenDefaultRM(videfaultRM)
'open the visa session
'Open communication to instrument
errorStatus = viOpen(videfaultRM, "GPIB0::" & VISAaddr & "::INSTR",0, 1000, vi)
If errorStatus < VI_SUCCESS Then
' on error give message
Cells(1, 1) = "Unable to Open port"
End If
End Sub
Sub ClosePort()
errorStatus = viClose(vi)
'close the session
errorStatus = viClose(videfaultRM)
End Sub
End of program
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Application Programs
Example Program for Excel 5.0 (Windows 3.1 and GPIB)
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
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E3632A DC Power Supply
User’s Guide
6
Tutorial
Overview of the Power Supply Operation 150
Output Characteristics 152
Connecting the Load 157
Extending the Voltage Range and Current Range 162
Remote Programming 164
Reliability 166
This chapter describes the basic operation of a linear power
supply and gives specific details on the operation and use of
the E3632A DC power supply.
Agilent Technologies
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Tutorial
Overview of the Power Supply Operation
Overview of the Power Supply Operation
Series regulated power supplies were introduced many years
ago and are still used extensively today. The basic design
technique, which has not changed over the years, consists of
placing a control element in series with the rectifier and
load device. Figure 6- 1 shows a simplified schematic of a
series regulated supply with the series element depicted as a
variable resistor. Feedback control circuits continuously
monitor the output and adjust the series resistance to
maintain a constant output voltage. Because the variable
resistance of Figure 6- 1 is actually one or more power
transistor operating in the linear (class A) mode, supplies
with this type of regulator are often called linear power
supplies. Linear power supplies have many advantages and
usually provide the simplest most effective means of
satisfying high performance and low power requirements.
Figure 6-1 Diagram of a simple series power supply with tap selection
To keep the voltage across the series resistance low, some
supplies use preregulation before the rectifier bridge.
Figure 6- 1 shows a controlled transformer tap as used in
the Agilent E3632A. This is one of several techniques using
semiconductors for preregulation to reduce the power
dissipated across the series element.
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Overview of the Power Supply Operation
6
In terms of performance, a linear regulated supply has a
very precise regulating properties and responds quickly to
variations of the line and load. Hence, its line and load
regulation and transient recovery time are superior to
supplies using other regulation techniques. The power supply
also exhibits low ripple and noise, is tolerant of ambient
temperature changes, and with its circuit simplicity, has a
high reliability.
The Agilent E3632A contains a linear regulated power
supply. It is controlled by a control circuit that provides
voltages to program the outputs. The power supply sends
back to the control circuits a voltage representing the output
at the terminals. The control circuits receive information
from the front panel and send information to the display.
Similarly the control circuits “talk” to the remote interface
for input and output with the GPIB and RS- 232 interfaces.
The remote interface is at earth ground and isolated from
the control circuit and the power supply.
Figure 6-2 Block diagram of the power supply showing the remote
interface isolation
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Tutorial
Output Characteristics
Output Characteristics
An ideal constant- voltage power supply would have a zero
output impedance at all frequencies. Thus, as shown in
Figure 6- 3, the voltage would remain perfectly constant in
spite of any changes in output current demanded by the
load.
Figure 6-3 Ideal constant voltage power supply
Figure 6-4 Ideal constant current power supply
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Output Characteristics
6
The ideal constant current power supply exhibits an infinite
output impedance at all frequencies. Thus as Figure 6- 4
indicates, the ideal constant current power supply would
accommodate a load resistance change by altering its output
voltage by just the amount necessary to maintain its output
current at a constant value.
The output of the E3632A power supply can operate in
either constant- voltage (CV) mode or constant current (CC)
mode. Under certain fault conditions, the power supply can
not operate in either CV or CC mode and becomes
unregulated.
Figure 6- 5 shows the operating modes of the output of the
Agilent E3632A power supply. The operating point of one
supply will be either above or below the line RL = RC. This
line represents a load where the output voltage and the
output current are equal to the voltage and current setting.
When the load RL is greater than RC, the output voltage will
dominate since the current will be less then the current
setting. The power supply is said to be in constant voltage
mode. The load at point 1 has a relatively high resistance
value (compared to RC), the output voltage is at the voltage
setting, and the output current is less than the current
setting. In this case the power supply is in the constant
voltage mode and the current setting acts as a current limit.
Figure 6-5 Output characteristics
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Tutorial
Output Characteristics
When the load RL is less than RC, the output current will
dominate since the voltage will be less than the set voltage.
The power supply is said to be in constant current mode.
The load at point 2 has a relatively low resistance, the
output voltage is less than the voltage setting, the output
current is at the current setting. The supply is in constant
current mode and the voltage setting acts as a voltage limit.
Unregulated state
If the power supply should goes into a mode of operation
that is neither CV or CC, the power supply is unregulated.
In this mode the output is not predictable. The unregulated
condition may be the result of the AC line voltage below the
specifications. The unregulated condition may occur
momentarily. For example when the output is programmed
for a large voltage step, the output capacitor or a large
capacitive load will charge up at the current limit setting.
During the ramp up of the output voltage the power supply
will be in the unregulated mode. During the transition from
CV to CC as when the output is shorted, the unregulated
state may occur briefly during the transition.
Unwanted signals
An ideal power supply has a perfect DC output with no
signals across the terminals or from the terminals to earth
ground. The actual power supply has finite noise across the
output terminals, and a finite current will flow through any
impedance connected from either terminal to the earth
ground or terminals from the earth ground. The first is
called normal mode voltage noise and the second common
mode current noise.
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Output Characteristics
6
Normal mode voltage noise is in the form of ripple related
to the line frequency plus some random noise. Both of these
are of very low value in the Agilent E3632A. Careful lead
layout and keeping the power supply circuitry away from
power devices and other noise sources will keep these values
low.
Common mode noise can be a problem for very sensitive
circuitry that is referenced to earth ground. When a circuit
is referenced to earth ground, a low level line — related AC
current will flow from the output terminals to earth ground.
Any impedance to earth ground will create a voltage drop
equal to the current flow multiplied by the impedance. To
minimize this effect, the output terminal can be grounded at
the output terminal. Alternatively, any impedances to earth
ground should have a complementary impedance to earth
ground to cancel any generated voltages. If the circuit is not
referenced to earth ground, common mode power line noise
is typically not a problem.
The output will also change due to changes in the load. As
the load increases the output current will cause a small drop
in the output voltage of the power supply due to the output
impedance R. Any resistance in the connecting wire will add
to this resistance and increase the voltage drop. Using the
largest possible hook- up wire will minimize the voltage drop.
Using the remote sense leads at the load will compensate for
lead resistance in the load leads.
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Output Characteristics
Figure 6-6 Simplified diagram of the common mode and normal mode
sources of noise
When the load changes very rapidly, as when a relay contact
is closed, the inductance in the hook- up wire and in the
power supply output will cause a spike to appear at the
load. The spike is a function of the rate of change of the
load current. When very rapid changes in load are expected,
a capacitor with a low series resistance, in parallel with the
power supply, and close to the load is the best way to
minimize these voltage spikes.
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Connecting the Load
6
Connecting the Load
Output isolation
The output of the power supply is isolated from chassis
ground. Any output terminal may be grounded, or an
external voltage source may be connected between any
terminal output and ground. However, output terminals must
be kept within ±60 Vdc when metal shorting bars without
insulation are used to connect the (+) output to the (+)
sense and the (–) output and the (–) sense terminals or
±240 Vdc of ground when metal shorting bars without
insulation are either replaced with insulated conductors or
they are removed from the terminals so there is no operator
access to the output conductors without insulation. A
chassis ground terminal is provided on the front panel for
convenience.
Multiple loads
When connecting multiple loads to the power supply, each
load should be connected to the output terminals using
separate connecting wires. This minimizes mutual coupling
effects between loads and takes full advantage of the low
output impedance of the power supply. Each pair of the
wires should be as short as possible and twisted or shielded
to reduce lead inductance and noise pick- up. If a shield is
used, connect one end to the power supply ground terminal
and leave the other end disconnected.
If cabling considerations require the use of distribution
terminals that are located remotely from the power supply,
connect output terminals to the distribution terminals by a
pair of twisted or shielded wires. Connect each load to the
distribution terminals separately.
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Connecting the Load
Table 6-1 Wire rating
AWG
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
Suggested
maximum
Current(amps)[1]
40
25
20
13
10
7
5
3.5
2.5
1.7
mΩ/ft
1.00
1.59
2.53
4.02
6.39
10.2
16.1
25.7
40.8
64.9
mΩ/m
3.3
5.2
8.3
13.2
21.0
33.5
52.8
84.3
133.9
212.9
[1] Single conductor in gree air at 30 °C with insulation
WA R N I N G
To satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be heavy enough not
to overheat while carrying the short-circuit output current of the
power supply.
Remote voltage sensing
Normally, a power supply operating in the constant voltage
mode achieves its optimum line and load regulations, its
lowest output impedance, drift, and ripple and noise, and its
fastest transient recovery performance at the power supply
output terminals. If the load is separated from the output
terminals by any lead length, some of these performance
characteristics will be degraded at the load terminals —
usually by an amount proportional to the impedance of the
load leads compared with the output impedance of the
power supply.
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Connecting the Load
6
With remote voltage sensing, a feature included in the
Agilent E3632A power supply, it is possible to connect the
input of the voltage feedback amplifier directly to the load
terminals so that the regulator performs its function with
respect to the load terminals rather than with respect to the
power supply output terminals. Thus, the voltage at the
power supply output terminals shifts by whatever amount is
necessary to compensate for the voltage drop in the load
leads, thereby maintaining the voltage at the load terminals
constant.
Figure 6-7 Regulated power supply with remote sensing
Load consideration
Capacitive loading
In most cases, the power supply will be stable for almost
any size load capacitance. Large load capacitors may cause
ringing in the power supply’s transient response. It is
possible that certain combinations of load capacitance,
equivalent series resistance, and load lead inductance will
result in instability. If this occurs, the problem may often be
solved by either increasing or decreasing the total load
capacitance.
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Tutorial
Connecting the Load
A large load capacitor may cause the power supply to cross
into CC or unregulated mode momentarily when the output
voltage is reprogrammed. The slew rate of the output
voltage will be limited to the current setting divided by the
total load capacitance (internal and external).
Table 6-2 Slew rate
Internal
capacitance
Internal bleed
resistor
Slew rate at no load and
full scale current setting
470 μF
5 KΩ
1.5 V/ms
Inductive loading
Inductive loads present no loop stability problems in
constant voltage mode. In constant current mode, inductive
loads form a parallel resonance with the power supply’s
output capacitor. Generally this will not affect the stability
of the power supply, but it may cause ringing of the current
in the load.
Pulse loading
In some applications the load current varies periodically
from a minimum to a maximum value. The constant current
circuit limits the output current. Some peak loading
exceeding the current limit can be obtained due to the
output capacitor. To stay within the specifications for the
output, the current limit should be set greater than the peak
current expected or the supply may go into CC mode or
unregulated mode for brief periods.
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Connecting the Load
6
Reverse current loading
An active load connected to the supply may actually deliver
a reverse current to the supply during a portion of its
operating cycle. An external source can not be allowed to
pump current into the supply without risking loss of
regulation and possible damage. These effects can be avoided
by preloading the output with a dummy load resistor. The
dummy load resistor should draw at least the same amount
of current from the supply as the active load may deliver to
the supply. The value of the current for the dummy load
plus the value of the current the load draws from the supply
must be less than the maximum current of the supply.
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Tutorial
Extending the Voltage Range and Current Range
Extending the Voltage Range and Current Range
The power supply may be able to provide voltages and
currents greater than its rated maximum outputs if the
power- line voltage is at or above its nominal value.
Operation can be extended up to 3% over the rated output
without damage to the power supply, but performance can
not be guaranteed to meet specifications in this region. If
the power- line voltage is maintained in the upper end of the
input voltage range, the power supply will probably operate
within its specifications. The power supply is more likely to
stay within specifications if only one of the voltage or
current outputs is exceeded.
Series connections
Series operation of two or more power supplies can be
accomplished up to the output isolation rating of any one
supply to obtain a higher voltage than that available from a
single supply. Series connected power supplies can be
operated with one load across both power supplies or with a
separate load for each power supply. The power supply has
a reverse polarity diode connected across the output
terminals so that if operated in series with other power
supplies, damage will not occur if the load is short- circuited
or if one power supply is turned on separately from its
series partners.
When series connection is used, the output voltage is the
sum of the voltages of the individual power supplies. The
current is the current of any one power supply. Each of the
individual power supplies must be adjusted in order to
obtain the total output voltage.
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Extending the Voltage Range and Current Range
6
Parallel connections
Two or more power supplies being capable of CV/CC
automatic crossover operation can be connected in parallel
to obtain a total output current greater than that available
from one power supply. The total output current is the sum
of the output currents of the individual power supplies. The
output of each power supply can be set separately. The
output voltage controls of one power supply should be set to
the desired output voltage; the other power supply should be
set for a slightly higher output voltage. The supply with the
higher output voltage setting will deliver its constant current
output, and drop its output voltage until it equals the output
of the other supply, and the other supply will remain in
constant voltage operation and only deliver that fraction of
its rated output current which is necessary to fulfill the
total load demand.
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Tutorial
Remote Programming
Remote Programming
During remote programming
power supply is called upon
rapidly. The most important
output voltage change is the
resistor.
a constant- voltage regulated
to change its output voltage
factor limiting the speed of
output capacitor and load
Figure 6-8 Speed of response — programming up (full load)
The equivalent circuit and the nature of the output voltage
waveform when the supply is being programmed upward are
shown in Figure 6- 8. When the new output is programmed,
the power supply regulator circuit senses that the output is
less than desired and turns on the series regulator to its
maximum value IL, the current limit or constant current
setting.
This constant current IL charges the output capacitor CO
and load resistor RL parallel. The output therefore rises
exponentially with a time constant RLCL towards voltage
level ILRL , a value higher than the new output voltage being
programmed.
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Remote Programming
6
When this exponential rise reaches the newly programmed
voltage level, the constant voltage amplifier resumes its
normal regulating action and holds the output constant.
Thus, the rise time can be determined approximately using
the formula shown in Figure 6- 8.
If no load resistor is attached to the power supply output
terminal, then the output voltage will rise linearly at a rate
of CO/IL when programmed upward, and
TR = CO(E2 – E1)/IL, the shortest possible up- programming
time.
Figure 6-9 Speed of response — programming down
Figure 6- 9 shows that when the power supply is
programmed down, the regulator senses that the output
voltage is higher than desired and turns off the series
transistors entirely. Since the control circuit can in no way
cause the series regulator transistors to conduct backwards,
the output capacitor can only be discharged through the load
resistor and internal current source (IS).
The output voltage decays linearly with slope of IS/CO with
no load and stops falling when it reaches the new output
voltage which has been demanded. If full load is connected,
the output voltage will fall exponentially faster.
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Tutorial
Reliability
Since up- programming speed is aided by the conduction of
the series regulating transistor, while down programming
normally has no active element aiding in the discharge of
the output capacitor, laboratory power supplies normally
program upward more rapidly than downward.
Reliability
Reliability of electronic semiconductor equipment depends
heavily on the temperature of the components. The lower the
temperature of the components, the better the reliability. The
Agilent E3632A incorporate circuitry to reduce the internal
power dissipation of the power supply and therefore reduce
the internal heat of the power supply. Maximum internal
power dissipation occurs at maximum current. The internal
power dissipation further increases as the output voltage is
lowered. A fan internal to the Agilent E3632A is essential to
keep internal temperatures low. To assist in cooling the
Agilent E3632A, the sides and rear of the Agilent E3632A
should be kept clear.
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E3632A DC Power Supply
User’s Guide
7
Characteristics and Specifications
Physical Characteristics 168
Environmental Characteristics 169
Electrical Specifications 169
Supplemental Characteristics 171
This chapter lists the characteristics and specifications of
the E3632A DC power supply.
NOTE
Specifications are warranted in the temperature range of 0 to 40 °C with a
resistive load. Supplemental characteristics, which are not warranted but
are descriptions of performance determined either by design or testing.
Agilent Technologies
167
7
Characteristics and Specifications
Physical Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
Table 7-1 Physical characteristics
Dimensions (W × H × D)
Weight
212.6 mm × 132.6 mm × 348.2 mm
Net
9.5 kg
Shipping
12 kg
Fan cooled
Cooling
Figure 7-1 E3632A dimensions
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Characteristics and Specifications
Environmental Characteristics
7
Environmental Characteristics
Refer to “Environmental Conditions” on page VI
Electrical Specifications
Table 7-2 Electrical specifications
Voltage output (V)
Low range
0 V to +15 V
(at 0 °C to 40 °C)
High range
0 V to +30 V
Current output (A)
Low range
0 A to 7 A
(at 0 °C to 40 °C)
High range
0 A to 4 A
Programming accuracy[1]
Voltage
0.05% + 10 mV
12 months (at 25 °C ±5 °C,
±(% of output + offset)
Current
0.2% + 10 mA
Readback accuracy[1]
Voltage
0.05% + 5 mV
12 months (over GPIB and RS-232
or front panel with respect to the
actual output at 25 °C ±5 °C), ±(%
of output + offset)
Current
0.15% + 5 mA
Ripple and noise
Normal mode
voltage
<0.35 mVrms and 2 mVpp
Normal mode
current
<2 mArms
Common mode
current
<1.5 μArms
Voltage
<0.01% + 2 mV
Current
<0.01% + 250 μA
(with outputs ungrounded, or with
either output terminal grounded,
20 Hz to 20 MHz)
Load regulation
±(% of output + offset)
(Change in output voltage or
current for any load change within
ratings with remote sensing
connected)
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7
Characteristics and Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Table 7-2 Electrical specifications (continued)
Line regulation
±(% of output + offset)
(Change in output voltage and
current for any line change within
ratings)
Programming resolution
Readback resolution
Front panel resolution
Voltage
<0.01% + 2 mV
Current
<0.01% + 250 μA
Voltage
1 mV
Current
0.5 mA
Voltage
0.5 mV
Current
0.1 mA
Voltage
1 mV
Current
1 mA
Transient response time
<50 μs for the output to recover to within 15 mV following a change in
the output current from full load to half load, or vice versa.
Command processing time
Average time for the output voltage to begin to change after receiving
the digital data when the power supply is connected directly to the
GPIB or RS-232 is less than 100 ms
OVP and OCP accuracy
±(% of output + offset)
Activation time
(Average time for the output to
start to drop after OVP or OCP
condition occurs)
Overvoltage
protection (OVP)
0.5% +0.5 V
Overcurrent
protection (OCP)
0.5% +0.5 A
OVP
• <1.5 ms when the trip voltage is equal or greater than 3 V
• <10 ms when the trip voltage is less than 3 V
OCP
<10 ms
[1] Accuracy specifications after a 1-hour warm-up period with no load and calibration at 25 °C.
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Supplemental Characteristics
7
Supplemental Characteristics
Table 7-3 Supplemental characteristics
Output programming range
Low range
0 V to 15.45 V
0 V to 7.21 A
(maximum programmable values)
High range
0 V to +20.6 V
0 V to 1.545 A
OVP
1 V to 32 V
OCP
0 A to 7.5 A
Voltage drop
Up to 1 V per each lead
Load regulation
Add 5 mV to specification for each 1 V change in the + output
lead due to load current changes.
Load voltage
Subtract the voltage drop in the load leads from the specified
output voltage rating.
Temperature coefficient[1]
Voltage
<0.01% + 3 mV
±(% of output + offset)
Current
<0.02% + 3 mA
Stability[2]
Voltage
<0.02% + 1 mV
±(% of output + offset)
Current
<0.1% + 1 mA
Voltage programming speed[3]
Up
• 50 ms (full load)
• 20 ms (no load)
Down
• 45 ms (full load)
• 400 ms (no load)
Remote sensing capability
Output terminal isolation
(maximum, from chassis ground)
AC input ratings
(selectable via rear panel selector)
E3632A User’s Guide
• ±60 Vdc when connecting shorting conductors without
insulation between the (+) output and the (+) sense
terminals and between the (–) output and the (–) sense
terminals.
• ±240 Vdc when connecting insulated shorting conductors
between the (+) output and the (+) sense terminals and
between the (–) output and the (–) sense terminals.
• 115 Vac ±10%, 47 Hz to 63 Hz (standard)
• 230 Vac ±10%. 47 Hz to 63 Hz (option 0E3)
• 100 Vac ±10%, 47 Hz to 63 Hz (option 0E9)
171
7
Characteristics and Specifications
Supplemental Characteristics
Table 7-3 Supplemental characteristics (continued)
Maximum input power
500 VA with full load
Output voltage overshoot[4]
<1 V
Programming language
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)
State storage memory
Three user-configurable stored states
Recommended calibration interval
1 year
[1] Maximum change in the output or readback per °C after a 30-minute warm-up.
[2] Following a 30-minute warm-up, with the output in the ON state according to the operating mode (CC with load or CV), and
with a change in the output over 8 hours under constant load, line, and ambient temperature.
[3] Maximum time required for output voltage to settle within 1% of its total excursion (for resistive load). Excludes command
processing time.
[4] During turn-on or turn-off of the AC power, if the output control is set to less than 1 V. If the output control is set to 1 V or
higher, there is no overshoot.
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© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1997–2013
Sixth Edition, October 3, 2013
E3632-90001
Agilent Technologies