Höcherl & Hackl PL Series Programming Manual

Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Industriestr. 13
D-94357 Konzell
Tel.:
(+49) 9963 94301 - 0
Fax:
(+49) 9963 94301 - 84
eMail:
[email protected]
Internet: http://www.hoecherl-hackl.com
Manual Version: PL 08 0808-21 E
Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming
Contents
0
General Information ................................................................
.......................................................................................
....................................................... 3
1
IEEE 488 Interface
Interface ................................................................
..........................................................................................
.......................................................... 3
1.1
Setting the IEEE 488 device address .............................................................. 3
1.2
Data format for IEEE 488 ............................................................................. 3
2
RS 232 Interface ................................................................
.............................................................................................
............................................................. 4
2.1
Setting the RS232 Interface........................................................................... 4
2.2
Data format for RS232................................................................................. 5
3
H&H System Bus ................................................................
.............................................................................................
............................................................. 6
4
Sub Addresses................................
Addresses ................................................................
................................................................................................
................................................................ 6
5
SCPI Syntax................................
Syntax................................................................
................................................................................................
....................................................................
.................................... 8
5.1
Common Commands .................................................................................. 8
5.2
Device Dependent Commands ..................................................................... 8
5.2.1
Header............................................................................................... 8
5.2.1.1
5.2.1.2
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.5
5.2.5.1
5.2.5.2
5.2.5.3
5.2.5.4
5.2.5.5
5.2.6
5.2.7
Indention ..........................................................................................................8
Aliases..............................................................................................................8
White Space........................................................................................ 9
Long and Short Format, Upper and Lower Case .................................... 9
Optional Keywords.............................................................................. 9
Parameter........................................................................................... 9
Numeric Values <NRf> ....................................................................................9
Units and Multipliers .......................................................................................10
Numerical Values and Extreme Values <num>................................................10
Boolean Parameter .........................................................................................10
Text ................................................................................................................11
The Semicolon .................................................................................. 11
Queries ............................................................................................ 12
6
Command Overview ................................................................
......................................................................................
......................................................13
...................... 13
6.1
Common Commands ................................................................................ 13
6.2
Device Dependent Commands of the Series PL ............................................ 14
7
Commands – Detailled Description ................................................................
.................................................................
................................. 17
7.1
Common Commands ................................................................................ 17
7.2
Device Dependent Commands ................................................................... 19
7.2.1
First Steps ......................................................................................... 19
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7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
7.2.6
7.2.7
7.2.8
7.2.9
7.2.10
7.2.11
7.2.12
7.2.13
7.2.13.1
7.2.13.2
7.2.13.3
7.2.13.4
7.2.14
7.2.15
7.2.16
7.2.17
Programming Manual
Subsystem CALibration ...................................................................... 20
Sub System CHANnel|INSTrument...................................................... 21
Subsystem CURRent........................................................................... 23
Subsystem GTL.................................................................................. 26
Subsystem INPut|OUTPut................................................................... 27
Subsystem MEASure .......................................................................... 28
Subsystem MODE|FUNCtion ............................................................. 29
Subsystem PCYCle............................................................................. 31
Subsystem POWer ............................................................................. 36
Subsystem RESistance ........................................................................ 38
Subsystem SETup............................................................................... 41
Subsystem STATus ............................................................................. 43
Questionable Status ........................................................................................45
Operation Status.............................................................................................46
Standard Event Status......................................................................................47
Status Byte ......................................................................................................48
Subsystem
Subsystem
Subsystem
Subsystem
SYSTem ............................................................................ 49
TRANsient......................................................................... 52
TRIGger............................................................................ 58
VOLTage .......................................................................... 59
8
Remote Calibration ................................................................
........................................................................................
........................................................60
........................ 60
8.1
Calibration of Current Setting and Current Measurement.............................. 62
8.2
Resistance Setting Calibration ..................................................................... 63
8.3
Voltage Measurement Calibration............................................................... 65
8.4
Calibration Verification .............................................................................. 66
9
The Software Tools of Series PL ................................................................
........................................................................
........................................67
........ 67
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0
Programming Manual
General Informa
Information
To set a particular address, the switch
setting has to be determined according
the combination of this values.
Activation and Deactivation
About 5s after the activation the device
is ready to receive data from the IEEE
488- or RS 232 interface. Data sent
before this wait, is not guaranteed to be
recognized.
Example: Address 10
Switches A4 and A2 are ON
After the delivery the IEEE 488 address is
set to "7".
After deactivating the device, another
wait of about 5 s has to take place, until
the device can be reactivated.
1
1.2
IEEE 488 Interface
Using the IEEE 4888 interface any ASCII
codes may be sent to the device.
Setting the Interface Parameters
The IEEE488/RS232 Interface Adapter is
set using the DIP switches at the back of
the device.
Receiving data, the IEEE 488 interface
expects one of the following combinations:
The switch for setting the IEEE 488
device address is located near the IEEE
488 interface connector.
1.1
DB
EOI
IEEE 488
A1
1
12
A2 A4 CR EOI
A3 A5 LF
ERR SRQ
TA
LI
In this configuration the device sends
required measuring values in the following format:
REM
ON
Switch
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
DB+LF
EOI
Apart from the 5 address switches there
are three other switches (CR, LF, EOI) to
set the termination characters, that the
device will use for sending (Talk).
Before the delivery all end signals are
activated (ON).
For the Setting of the IEEE 488 device
address the binary system is used.
24
DB+LF
DB = Data Byte, LF = Line Feed, EOI =
End or Identify
Setting the IEEE 488 device
address
13
Data format for IEEE 488
SD.DDDDDDESDD<CR><LF>
EOI
S:
Sign, + or D:
Numerical Data
E:
Exponent
<CR> Carriage Return (13 dec.)
<LF>
Line Feed (10 dec.)
<EOI> End Or Identify Line
Value
1
2
4
8
16
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Programming Manual
With the last activated end signal (CR or
LF) the line will be set to EOI, if the
switch "EOI" is "ON".
If no termination character is activated
and EOI is "ON", the EOI line will be set
to the last data byte.
If no termination character and no EOI
are activated, the reading from the
device must be terminated depending
on the number of the expected data (not
recommended).
2
2.1
RS 232 Interface
Setting the RS232 Inter
Interface
The switches for the configuration of the
RS323 interface is seated diagonal
underneath the Sub-D-Port labelled "RS
232".
RS 232
5
1
The following LEDs signalize the state of
the IEEE 488 interface:
6
Name
REM
LI
TA
SRQ
ERR
Description
Remote
Listen
Talk
Service Request
Error
9
B2 S O/E
B1 DL P
ON
Ex-works the device's RS232 interface
has got the following settings:
Function
Remote
Listen
Talk
Service Request
Error
Description
Interface is remote
controlled
Interface
receives
data
Interface sends data
The user has to
intervene
Error
9600 Baud, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No
Parity
Note:
These settings must be made at all
devices when they are controlled using
the system bus.
The switches B1 to B2 determine the
baud rate:
Baud Rate
B2
B1
1200
On
On
2400
Off
On
4800
On
Off
9600
Off
Off
Note:
When several devices are controlled by
the system bus the RS232 default settings (see below) must be made at all
devices even when the data transmission
to the PC happens by IEEE488 bus.
The switch DL determines the data
length.
Data Length
DL
7 data bits
On
8 data bits
Off
Note:
If the device has got an IEEE488 interface the system bus input may not be
connected.
H&H therefore prevents connecting the
system bus input in this case.
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Programming Manual
The switch S determines how many stop
bits are used:
Stop Bits
S
1
On
2
Off
2.2
The switch P determines, whether the
parity is tested:
Parity
P
Parity on
Off
Parity off
On
For the measuring data query via RS232
the termination character <LF> is sent.
Data format for RS232
The RS232 interface expects the code
<LF> (ASCII: 10dec.) as termination
character.
The switch O/E determines, how the
parity bit is interpreted:
Parity
O/E
odd
On
even
Off
Note:
The PL series loads do not support Odd
Parity! That means the O/E switch must
be kept in off position (even).
For the RS232 communication the
RS232 connectors have to be
be set as
shown in the following figure:
K-SRS 9-9:
Nine conductor cable, 1:1 wiring, with
SUB-D female connectors.
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3
Programming Manual
H&H System Bus
4
The following sections describe the data
transmission via the H&H system bus.
Single Addressing
To distinguish the devices for the programming, every device is assigned a
sub address.
This aspect is only relevant for controlling several devices via DS system bus.
For a single device this aspect is irrelevant for the understanding of the device
functions. Skip to chapter 5.
Beginning with number 1 upto 999,
maximal 999 devices can be connected
to the H&H system bus.
Using the H&H system bus, upto 999
devices can be controlled via one common IEEE488/RS232 interface.
To program a particular device, the
corresponding sub address has to be
used as prefix.
To tell the device, that this is a sub
address the strings "CHANnel" or
"INSTrument" are used as prefix for the
number.
#999
....
PL312
PL612
....
#3
#2
#1
Example for activating the device input:
PL924
IEEE 488
CHAN 3;INP ON
The device with the sub
address 3 is activated
CHAN 22;INP ON
The device with the sub
address 22 is activated
PL306
RS 232
Sub Addresses
H&H
System Bus
Note:
When several devices are controlled by
the system bus the RS232 default settings (see above) must be made at all
devices even when the data transmission
to the PC happens by IEEE488 bus.
If several commands will be sent to one
device, the sub address has to be specified only once at the beginning of the
command string.
Example for the current programming of
the load current 1 A when activating the
device input:
The
data
that
are
sent
via
IEEE488/RS232 interface from the
controlling computer will be transformed
within the interface into the format of the
H&H system bus and sent serially
through all devices.
CHAN 3;CURR 1;INP ON or
CHAN 3;:CURR 1;:INP ON
The device with the sub address 3 sets
1A and activates the input.
Measuring values that originate at the
devices and are received at the DS
system bus are transferred via IEEE488
or RS232 interface to the controlling
computer.
A string mustn’t be longer than 256
characters.
Within the string the sub address from
further devices may be contained.
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Programming Manual
Example:
CHAN 1;:INP ON;:CHAN 2;INP OFF
Device #1 Input on
Device #2 Input off
CHAN 20:50;INP OFF
Device 20 to Device 50 Input off
If a device has been addressed and
accepted its own sub address, this state
is preserved until the next device will be
addressed.
Attention!
The sub addresses have to be used in
ascending order.
Commands are executed on the addressed device, until the addressing of
the first device is cancelled through the
addressing of another device.
Wrong:
Right:
CHAN 8:3
CHAN 3:8
Analog to the single addressing the
addressing state is preserved for a
group, until single devices or other
groups are re-addressed.
Example:
CHAN 3;INP ON
Device #3 Input on
#3 is addressed
CURR 1.2
Device #3 1.2 A
INP OFF Device #3 Input off
CHAN 7;INP ON
Device #7 Input on
#3 is de-addressed
#7 is addressed
CURR 0.15
Device #7 0.15 A
The group addressing is not allowed for
commands querying an answer of the
device (for example measuring functions), because the measuring data can
collide. For queries with group addressing no data are sent from the devices.
System Addressing
Addressing
To address all connected devices, the
system address 0 is provided.
If the system address is specified for a
command, this command will be executed by all devices connected to the
H&H system bus.
This is especially useful, if all devices
have to be reset.
Group Addressing
When using several devices it’s usual
that some devices have to get the same
settings.
Programming all devices using the
single addressing is very elaborate.
Example:
CHAN 0;*RST
The group addressing is a comfortable
method to have a specified group of
devices executing the same commands.
System Reset
The group addressing is not allowed for
commands querying an answer of the
device (for example measuring functions), because the measuring data can
collide. For queries with group addressing no data are sent from the devices.
Example:
CHAN 3:15;INP ON
Device 3 to Device 15 Input on
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5
Programming Manual
5.2.1.1
SCPI Syntax
The levels of the command hierarchy
are identified by indention to the right.
The deeper the level, the more it is
indented to the right.
The SCPI Standard (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)
includes a standardized command set
for programming devices, independent
of device type and manufacturer. In this
way the device dependent commands
are unified.
5.1
Example: Command System CURRent :
CURRent
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate] <num>
[:IMMediate]?
:TRIGgered <num>
:TRIGgered?
:RANGe <num>
:AUTO <Boolean>
:RANGe?
Common Commands
Common Commands are device independent commands, that are defined in
the standard IEEE488.2. They include an
asterisk (*) and three letters with optional
parameter.
Query commands are built by postfixing
a question mark.
To set a triggered current of 10A, the
following string has to be sent to a
device:
CURR:TRIG 10
Examples:
*RST
Reset
*ESE 9
Set Bits 0 and 3 in ESE
*IDN?
Read identification string
5.2
5.2.1
Indention
5.2.1.2
Aliases
For some commands there are several
keywords with identical effect. These
keywords are shown in the command
syntax within one line, separated
through a vertical bar (|).
Device Dependent ComCommands
In a command string only one of the
alternative keywords may be specified.
The result of the command is not dependent of using a particular alternative.
Header
The device dependent commands are
hierarchically structured.
A command contains a so called
Header as well as one or more parameters, separated by a white space from
the header.
Example: Command System INPut:
INPut|OUTPut
[:STATe]
[:STATe]? <Boolean>
The command
INPut ON
has the same result as
OUTP ON
or
OUTP 1
The header contains one or more keywords, that are separated by a colon (:).
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Programming Manual
In the parameter field of the syntax the
vertical bar (|) describes allowed parameters.
For shortest possible execution times you
should use the short form.
5.2.2
5.2.4
White Space
"White Space" includes all characters
with ASCII code from 0 to 9 dec. and
from 11 to 32 dec.
The character LineFeed (10dec) is no
white space. It determines the end of the
string.
In some command systems it is possible
to use certain keywords optionally in the
header, to guarantee SCPI conformity.
These words are marked using brackets
([]).
Pay attention to the fact, that the command string can be considerably shortened by omitting the optional keywords.
White Space is used to separate the
parameters from the header. Several
white space characters may be combined.
When splitting the header in the single
keywords, white spaces before and after
the separating colon (:) are ignored.
Example: Load Current 10A
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate] 10
can be reduced to:
CURR 10
5.2.5
5.2.3
Optional Keywords
Long and Short Format,
Upper and Lower Case
Parameter
For most commands parameters have to
be appended to the header (separated
through white space).
Depending on the recognized header
the device expects a certain parameter
type: Numeric, Boolean, String
Keywords are provided in long and short
format (if the word contains more than
four characters).
Both formats are allowed. All other
abbreviations are not supported and
result in a syntax error.
If a command needs several parameters, they are separated by comma (,).
This manual shows the short form in
upper case, to allow a distinction. The
remaining string, that builds in combination with the short form the long form,
is appended to the short form.
Example:
TRANsient:MODE PULSe,5
5.2.5.1
The device doesn’t distinguish between
upper case and lower case letters.
Numeric Values <NRf>
Numeric values may be provided in
every common decimal format: as
integer, float or engineering format.
In the syntax the dummy <NRf> is used
for numerical values.
To program a triggered current of 5A
there are several methods:
CURRENT:TRIG 5
curr:triggered 5
Curr:TRig 5
Example (Resistance 0.558 Ohm):
RESistance 55.8E-2
RES .558
but not: CURR:TRIGGER 5
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5.2.5.2
Programming Manual
Units and Multipli
Multipliers
MIN describes the smallest possible
value for a parameter (mostly 0).
For the most numerical values the unit
can be specified (suffix).
MAX describes the highest possible
value for a parameter.
In front of the unit a multiplier can be
set.
Common multiplier for electronic loads
are:
Mnemonic
M
K
MA
Definition
Milli
Kilo
Mega
As dummy for a numeric parameter,
that can contain MIN and MAX, the
syntax uses <num>.
Multiplier
10-3
103
106
Example: Set maximal current:
CURRent MAX
MIN and MAX must not be followed by a
suffix.
For the physical dimension the following
units are supported for electronic loads:
Dimension
Unit
Description
Current
A
Ampere
MA
Milliampere
Resistance
OHM
Ohm
KOHM
Kiloohm
MOHM
Megohm (!) *)
Power
W
Watt
MW
Milliwatt
KW
Kilowatt
Voltage
V
Volt
MV
Millivolt
Time
S
Second
MS
Millisecond
The minimal and maximal value of a
numeric parameter can be determined
by query. To do so, a white space as
well as MIN or MAX are appended after
the question mark.
Example: Determine the maximal load
current:
CURR? MAX
results for PL312:
+2.047500E+01
5.2.5.4
For some commands a boolean parameter has to be provided, for example
to switch the device input:
INPut ON
*)
To distinguish between the multipliers "Milli"(10-3)
and "Mega" (106), the abbreviations "M" for Milli and
"MA" for Mega are used.
One exception is the resistance unit. There is no unit
for "Milliohm". The unit "MOHM" always means
MagaOhm!
Boolean parameters can take two logic
values. The logic value "TRUE" is represented by the parameter ON or the
numeric value 1. The state "FALSE" is
represented by the parameter OFF or 0.
Example (Load Current 520mA):
CURRENT 520MA
CURRENT:IMM 0.52
5.2.5.3
Boolean Parameter
For programming a boolean parameter
it doesn’t matter, whether the numeric
form or the text form is used:
Numerical Values
Values and
Extreme Values <num>
For the most commands that use a
numeric value as parameter, the values
MIN and MAX can be specified.
The command
INPut ON
has the same result as
INPut 1
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For the query of boolean states always
the boolean numeric values are returned.
The beginning of the hierarchy (root
level) is reached by appending a colon
to the semicolon (;:).
Example:
INPut?
Example:
CURR:LEV:IMM 15;TRIG 10;:INP ON
5.2.5.5
(Result: 1)
If the first command has got only one
hierarchical level, the colon behind the
semicolon can be omitted, because one
semicolon switches back to the root level
in such a case.
Text
Text parameter obey the syntax rules for
keywords and provide a short and a
long form. The separation from the
header is realized by white spaces.
Example:
CURR 15;:INP ON has the same result
as
CURR 15;INP ON
For
MODE:RES;:INP ON
the characters ;: have to be specified.
When the end of a character string is
reached, an automatic change to the
root level happens.
The string end is recognized in one of
the following cases:
Example:
TRANsient:MODE CONTinuous
For the query of text parameters the
short form is returned.
Example:
TRANsient:MODE?
5.2.6
Result (ex.):
CONT
The Semicolon
Operating Mode IEEE488 (see 1.2):
• Character <CR> (13dec.)
• Character <LF> (10dec.)
• EOI
Operating Mode RS232:
• Character <LF> (10dec.)
There are several possibilities to combine commands in one command string.
A semicolon (;) at the end of the first
command returns to the last colon (:),
and another command of the same
hierarchical level of a command system
can be appended.
Some Examples:
Example:
The two single commands
CURRent:IMMediate 15
and
CURRent:TRIGgered 10
can be combined to one string:
CURRent:IMMediate 15;TRIGgered 10
CURR:LEV:IMM 10<LF>
TRAN:RTIME 2.0;
FTIME 0.5;
Using the semicolon only one level of
the hierarchical system can be rolled
back.
STAT ON;:
INPUT ON<LF>
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5.2.7
Programming Manual
Queries
Query Commands for the Operat
Operating
Mode RS232
For most commands there is a corresponding query, that determines the
actual setting. For the query a question
mark (?) is appended to the header.
For the data transmission over the serial
interface RS232 the wait time between
the sending of the query command and
the reading of the data has to amount at
least to
200ms.
200ms
Example: Determine the actual set point
for the load current:
CURRent?
Result (example)
+1.000000E+01
The numeric value that is sent from the
device is presented in the exponential
format with sign, one digit before the
comma, as default six digits after the
comma, exponent, sign, two exponent
digits.
The number of digits after the comma
can be changed (see Subsystem SETUP).
The device never sends units appended
to the numeric values.
To determine the minimum and maximum numeric value the question mark is
followed by a white space and MIN or
MAX. The result is a numeric value
without unit.
Example: Determine the maximum
current
CURRent? MAX
Result for PL312:
+2.047500E+01
A command string may only include one
query.
The result for this query must be read
before the next query can be sent to the
device.
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6
6.1
Command Overview
Common Commands
Com
Command
*CLS
*ESE
*ESE?
*ESR?
*IDN?
*OPC
*OPC?
*RST
*SRE
*SRE?
*STB?
*TRG
*TST?
*WAI
Programming Manual
Parameter
<NRf>
<NRf>
Description
Clear Status
Set Bits in Std Event Status Enable Register
Read Std Event Status Enable Register
Read Std Event Status Register
Identify Device
Returns: "Manufacturer, Model, Serial Number, Firmware"
Operation Complete Event Bit Command
Operation Complete Query
Device Reset
Set Bits in Service Request Enable Register
Read Service Request Enable Register
Read Status Byte
Trigger Command
Selftest Query
Wait until all commands have been executed
13
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Electronic Loads Series PL
6.2
Programming Manual
Device Dependent Commands of the Series PL
Command
CALibration?
CHANnel|INSTrument
[:NSELect|SELect]
:STATE
CHANnel|INSTrument?
CURRent
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate]
[:IMMediate]?
:TRIGgered
:TRIGgered?
:PROTection
[:LEVel]
:TRIPped?
:RANGe
:AUTO
:RANGe?
GTL
INPut|OUTPut
[:STATe]
[:STATe]?
MEASure
:CURRent
[:DC]?
:POWer
[:DC]?
:VOLTage
[:DC]?
MODE|FUNCtion
:CURRent
[:DC]
:RESistance
[:DC]
:POWer
[:DC]
MODE|FUNCtion?
PCYCle
:CURRent
Parame
Parameter
Unit (1)
<NRf>[:<NRf>]
<Boolean>
Dura
Duration
Sub/Group Address
Device Response enable/
disable
Query Sub address
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
[A|MA]
<NRf>
[A|MA]
<num>
<Boolean>
[MIN|MAX]
[A|MA]
[A|MA]
<Boolean>
<row>,<NRf>
[A|MA]
:RESistance
<row>,<NRf>
:TIME
<row>,<NRf>
[OHM|
KOHM|
MOHM]
[S|MS]
:MODE
CONTinuous|
PULSe,<NRf>
:MODE?
:STATe
:STATe?
Description
Query calibration state
<Boolean>
14
Set Load Current
Query Set Point Load Current
Triggered Load Current
Query Load Current Trig. Val.
62ms
120ms
Current Protection for P-Mode
Query Current Protection Activity
Fixed Current Range
Autorange on|off
Query Current Range
Change to manual control
110ms
120ms
Load Input on|off
Query the state of the load input
36ms
Query current measuring value
54ms
Query power measuring value
52ms
Query voltage measuring value
84ms
Op. Mode Constant Current
75ms
Op. Mode Constant Resistance
42ms
Op. Mode Constant Power
Query actual Operating Mode
Programmable Curve
Fill table row (Par1) with current
value (Par2).
Fill table row (Par1) with resistance value (Par2)
47ms
46ms
Fill table row (Par1) with time
value (Par2)
Continuous waveform or fixed
number of cycles
Query waveform mode
Output waveform on|off
Query the state of the waveform
output
70ms
Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
POWer
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate]
[:IMMediate]?
:RANGe
:AUTO
:RANGe?
RESistance
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate]
[:IMMediate] ?
:TRIGgered
<num>
Programming Manual
[MW|W|
KW]
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
<Boolean>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
[OHM|
KOHM|
MOHM]
[OHM|
KOHM|
MOHM]
Set Constant Power
140ms
Query Set Point Power
Fixed Power Range
Autorange on|off
Query Power Range
120ms
Set Constant Resistance
Query Set Point Resistance
Triggered Resistance
:TRIGgered?
:RANGe
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
:AUTO
:RANGe?
SETup
:ADDRess
:DIGits
:SAVE
STATus
:OPERation
[:EVENt]?
:CONDition?
:ENABle
:ENABle?
:QUEStionable
[:EVENt]?
:CONDition?
:ENABle
:ENABle?
:PRESet
SYSTem
:ERRor?
:PROTection
[:LEVel]
[:LEVel]?
:STATe
:TRIPped?
:VERSion?
<Boolean>
[MIN|MAX]
Autorange On|Off
Query Resistance Range
<NRf>
<NRf>
New Device Subaddress
Number digits after comma
Save new settings
[OHM|
KOHM|
MOHM]
Query Ques. Event Reg.
Query Ques. Condition Reg.
Set Ques. Enable Bits
Query Ques. Enable Register
Status Reset
<NRf>
Read last Error Message
<NRf>
[S|MS]
<Boolean>
15
75ms
110ms
Query Value Resistance Trigger
Fixed Resistance Range
Query Operation Event Reg.
Query Op. Condition Reg.
Set Operation Enable Bits
Query Op. Enable Register
<NRf>
70ms
Set SW-Watchdog Time
Query SW-Watchdog Time
Software-Watchdog on|off
Query Watchdog State
Query SCPI Version
58ms
Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
TRANsient
:XCURrent
:XCURrent?
:YCURrent
:YCURrent?
:XTIMe
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
:XTIMe?
[MIN|MAX]
:YTIMe
<num>
:YTIMe?
[MIN|MAX]
:RTIMe
:RTIMe?
:FTIMe
:FTIMe?
:MODE
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
CONTinuous |
PULSe,<NRf> |
TOGGle
:MODE?
:STATe
:STATe?
TRIGger
[:SEQuence]
:SOURce
:SOURce?
VOLTage
:RANGe?
Programming Manual
[A|MA]
[A|MA]
[S|MS]
[S|MS]
[S|MS]
[S|MS]
Set first load current
Query first load current
Set second load current
Query second load current
Set setting duration for the first
load current
Query setting duration for the
first load current
Set setting duration for the
second load current
Query setting duration for the
second load current
Set Rise Time
Query Rise Time
Set Fall Time
Query Fall Time
continuous change, specified
number or single change
Query dyn. operating range
dyn. load change on|off
Query state dyn. operating
mode
<Boolean>
BUS|EXTernal
Set Trigger Source
Query Trigger Source
[MIN|MAX]
Query Voltage Range
75ms
Comment (1):
To distinguish between the multipliers "Milli"(10-3) and "Mega" (106), the abbreviations "M" for Milli and "MA" for Mega
are used.
One exception is the resistance unit. There is no unit for "Milliohm". The unit "MOHM" always means MagaOhm!
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7
Programming Manual
*OPC
Commands –
Detailed
tailed Description
7.1
Operation Complete sets bit 0 in the
Event Status Register, if all commands
ahead have been executed.
(Comment: Bit 0 in the Event Status
Register is always high for electronic
loads, because the commands aren’t
executed in the overlapped mode, but
always sequential.)
Common Commands
Commands
*CLS
Clear Status deletes the contents of the
following status registers:
Questionable Status Event, Operation
Status Event, Standard Event, Statusbyte
Register.
All other status registers (Condition,
Enable) remain unchanged.
The output buffer is deleted.
*OPC?
Operation Complete Query writes the
message '1' into the output buffer, if all
commands ahead have been executed.
(Comment: The command execution of
the electronic loads from H&H happens
sequentially. The response is always '1'.)
*ESE 0...255
Event Status Enable sets the standard
register Event Status Enable Register to
the specified value (see chapter 11).
*RST
Reset resets the device to its standard
settings.
For the electronic loads of the series PL
these are:
*ESE?
Reads the contents of the standard
register Event Status Enable back as
decimal integer (see chapter 11).
CHANnel:STATe ON
CURRent 0
CURRent:TRIGgered 0
INPut OFF
MODE:CURRent
PCYCle:CURRent <row>,0
PCYCle:MODE CONTinuous
PCYCle:STATe OFF
PCYCle:TIME <row>,0
(<row>: 0...255)
POWer 0
POWer:TRIGgered 0
RESistance MAX
RESistance:TRIGgered MAX
SYSTem:PROTection:STATe OFF
SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVel] 60s
TRANsient:FTIMe 0
TRANsient:MODE CONTinuous
TRANsient:RTIMe 0
TRANsient:STATe OFF
TRANsient:XCURrent 0
TRANsient:XTIMe 0
TRANsient:YCURrent 0
TRANsient:YTIMe 0
*ESR?
Reads the contents of the standard
register Event Status Registers back as
decimal integer and deletes it.
*IDN?
Identification Query queries the device
identification and reads a string with the
following contents back: Manufacturer,
Device Name, Serial Number, Firmware
Version.
If no serial number is provided, 0 is
used.
The response of an electronic load of
the series PL could be:
HOECHERL&HACKL,PL312,0,PL_1
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Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming Manual
TRIGger:SOURce BUS
*SRE 0...255
0...255
Sets the register Service Request Enable
to the specified value.
*SRE?
Reads the contents of the register Service
Request Enable back als decimal integer.
*STB?
Reads the contents of the Status Byte
back als decimal integer.
*TRG
Trigger triggers actions, that are waiting
for a trigger event, if TRIGer:SOURce is
set to BUS.
*TST?
Selftest Query triggers the selftest of the
device and returns a decimal integer. A
return value of non 0 identifies an error.
*WAI
Wait to Continue allows the execution of
following commands, after all commands ahead have been executed.
(Comment: The command execution in
the electronic loads from H&H happens
sequential. This command has been
implemented for SCPI conformity.)
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2
7.2.1
Programming Manual
SD.DDDDDDESDD
Sign, 1 digit before the comma, decimal
separator, 6 digits after the comma, 'E',
sign, 2 digits for the exponent.
Device Dependent ComCommands
First Steps
Comment:
In the operating mode RS232 a wait of
about 200ms has to be added between
sending a query and reading of the
return value.
The main command systems for the
programming of the electronic loads of
series PL are
- CURRent
- INPut
- MEASure
- MODE
- RESistance
The following sections describe the
command systems in alphabetic order.
The default settings after a Reset of the
device
are
MODE:CURRent;:INPut
OFF;:CURRent 0;:RESistance MAX.
To set a particular load (for example
12.5 A) in the operating mode constant
current, specify the load current and
activate the device input:
CURR 12.5;:INP ON
To set a particular load in the operating
mode resistance (for example 1Ω),
specify the desired resistance value and
change into the operating mode resistance (assumption: the input is activated):
RES 1;:MODE:RES
If you change back to the operating
mode constant current using
MODE:CURR
the last valid current value is set, in our
example 12.5A.
The measuring values for current, voltage and power are queried using the
following commands:
MEAS:CURR?
MEAS:VOLT?
MEAS:POW?
The device provides the required measuring value in exponential format:
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.2
Programming Manual
Subsystem CALibra
CALibration
Command
CALibration?
Parameter
Unit
Comment
Query Calibration State
Return value <Boolean>:
1 (calibration error)
0 (calibration ok)
CALibration?
Query of the calibration state of the
device.
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.3
Programming Manual
Sub System CHA
CHAN
HANnel|INSTrument
Command
CHANnel|INSTrument
[:NSELect|SELect]
:STATE
Parameter
Unit
<NRf>[:<NRf>]
<Boolean>
Comment
Sub/Group Address
Device Response enable/
disable
Query Subaddress
CHANnel|INSTrument?
The sub system CHANnel is provided to
distinguish between the devices when
operating several devices with common
IEEE488 address or via the RS232
interface (see chapters 3 and 4).
Example:
CHANnel 5
addresses a device with the sub address
5.
The parameter 0 addresses all devices
connected to the DS system bus.
Before the delivery of a device of the
series PL the sub address is set to 0. That
means, it acts as single device, that
needs not to be addressed with the
command CHANnel <NRf>.
Example:
CHAN 0;*RST
System Reset
If the first parameter is followed by a
colon and a further numeric parameter,
all devices are addressed, where the
subaddress is greater/equal the first
parameter and smaller/equal the second parameter.
If one or more devices have been ordered as system (i.e. at least one device
has got a system bus input), the sub
addresses are assigned beginning with
1 (if not specified otherwise) and are
also specified at the front panel.
Example:
CHAN 6:10;:INP ON
The devices 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 activate
the load input
If a device is used as single device
(standard), the sub system CHANnel is
not relevant.
Comment:
For group and system addressing measuring and query commands are not
allowed. No device sends data back, if it
has been addressed using system or
group addressing.
Instead of the keyword CHANnel the
keyword INSTrument may be used.
CHANnel[:NSELect|SELect]
<0...999>[:1...999]
<0...999>[:1...999]
One exception is the query command
CHANnel|INSTrument? (see following
sections).
Addresses a device via the H&H system
bus.
If only one numeric parameter follows
the header, the sub address stored in
the device has to match exactly with the
parameter, so that following commands
can be executed.
CHANnel:STATe ON|1|OFF|0
Prevents that the actual addressed
device answers to query commands.
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Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming Manual
nel:STATe OFF to answer to a read
command.
This command can be useful to determine an unknown sub address (see next
example).
- Deactivate devices with known sub
address (group addressing is useful!), so
that only the unknown device is enabled,
for example:
CHAN 1:5;CHAN:STAT OFF;:CHAN 7;
CHAN:STAT OFF
CHANnel?
Queries the sub address of the actual
addressed device.
This command is useful to determine an
unknown device address. There are two
possibilities:
- Send command
CHAN 0;CHAN?, read the address
(Returns for example 6).
Example 1: Determine the unknown
subaddress of a device:
- Activate all other devices using the
command
CHAN:STAT ON
or just shut off and on.
All devices except the one with the
unknown address are disconnected from
the system bus, so that only the corresponding device is connected to the bus.
Comment:
A read command is not possible in
combination with group or system addressing. The only exception is determining the device address.
If not all devices except one have been
deactivated with CHAN:STAT OFF before
executing CHAN?, a data collision in the
interface and a break down of the
system interface can result.
Send query command
CHAN 0;CHAN?
and read address. (For RS232 there has
to be a wait of 200ms between reading
and writing.)
This practice may be not possible because of the wiring. In this case the
command CHANnel:STATe can be used:
Example 2: Determine the unknown sub
address of a device:
How to change the subaddress of a
device is described with the subsystem
SETup.
The devices with known address are
prevented using the command CHAN-
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.4
Programming Manual
Subsystem CURRent
Command
CURRent
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate]
[:IMMediate]?
:TRIGgered
:TRIGgered?
:MODE
:MODE?
:PROTection
[:LEVel]
:TRIPped?
:RANGe
:AUTO
:RANGe?
Parameter
Unit
Comment
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
[A|MA]
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
FIXed|PCYCle|
TRANsient
[A|MA]
Set Load Current
Query Set Point for the Load
Current
Triggered Load Current
Query Load Current Trigger Value
Set static trigger current or start
PCYC or TRAN function
Query current mode
<NRf>
[A|MA]
<num>
<Boolean>
[MIN|MAX]
[A|MA]
Current Protection for P Mode
Query Current Protection Activity
Fixed Current Range
Autorange on|off
Query Current Range
into the operating mode current (using
MODE:CURRent).
As parameters all numeric values within
the current range of the particular model
are allowed.
The specific numeric parameters MIN
and MAX are allowed.
The command system CURRent is used
for the setting and querying the load
current set point.
The devices of the series PL provide only
one setting range in all operating
modes. The command CURRent:RANGe
<num> is implemented for conformity
reasons.
Examples:
CURR:LEV 15.23
CURRent:IMM 0
CURR MAX
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]
<num>
num>
As decimal separator the device expects
a point (.), no comma!
Sets a new load current. If the device is
in the operating mode current, the new
value will be set immediately, if it is
within the valid range.
The setting range is specified in the
technical data of the particular device
type.
When exceeding the allowed scope a
"Data out of range"-Error is triggered,
that is read using SYSTem:ERRor?. In this
case the last valid setting value is kept.
CURRent[:LEVel][IMMediate]?
Queries the actual set point in the operating mode current.
A numeric value in exponential format is
returned:
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
If the device is not in the operating
mode constant current, the new setting
value is saved and set when changing
The highest or smallest possible setting
value is queried appending a white
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Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming Manual
space and the parameter MIN or MAX to
the question mark.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
Examples:
CURR? (Response
for
example:
+1.850000E+01)
CURR? MAX
(Answer from PL312: +2.047500E+01)
The highest or lowest possible value is
queried by appending a question mark
and the parameters MIN or MAX.
Examples:
CURR:TRIG?
(Ret. after *RST:
+0.000000E+00)
CURR:LEVEL:TRIG? MAX
(Response of PL312: +2.047500E+01)
CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered
<num>
Sets a new value for the triggered load
current.
When exceeding the allowed value
range the error "Data out of range" is
triggered, that can be read with SYSTem:ERRor? In this case the last valid
setting is kept.
CURRent:MODE
FIXed|PCYCle|TRANsient
(Firmware Rev. PL_13 or higher!)
Determines if the static trigger current
(CURRent:TRIGger) or a programmed
current
waveform
(PCYCLE
or
TRANSIENT) shall be set when a trigger
event occurs.
After power-on CURRent:MODE FIXed is
set.
The trigger event is defined using the
command TRIGger:SOURce.
If the trigger event takes place and the
operating mode constant current is set,
the device sets the programmed trigger
load current.
Example:
CURR:MODE FIX
Allowed parameters are all numeric
values within the current range of the
particular device type.
The special numeric values MIN and
MAX are allowed.
See also Subsystems PCYCle, TRANsient
and TRIGger.
CURRent:MODE?
Query current trigger mode.
The return value is the short form of the
corresponding parameters (FIX, PCYC,
TRAN).
Examples: Set 0A at Trigger
CURR:TRIG 0.0
CURRent:LEVEL:TRIGGERED 0
CURR:TRIG MIN
Example:
CURR:MODE?
The device expects a point (.) as decimal
separator, no comma!
(Response after
power-on: FIX)
CURRent[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?
Queries the triggerable set point for
operating mode current.
The return value is a numeric value in
exponential form:
CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]
<NRf>
Sets current protection for the softwarecontrolled operation mode POWer
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Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming Manual
(available with firmware version PL_6 or
higher).
This function is also software-controlled
and therefore limited in speed.
CURRent:RANGe <num>
Sets the setting range for the operating
mode current. The devices of the series
PL support only one setting range and
this command is implemented for conformity reasons. It’s not required.
When a current limitation is set using the
command CURR:PROT <NRf> and the
device is working in constant power
operation, the device won’t exceed the
programmed current even when the
input voltage falls as much so that the
programmed power setting can not be
realized.
The numeric parameter has to be within
the current range of the particular device
type (technical data). The special numeric parameters MIN and MAX are
allowed.
Example: Current limitation 12A
CURR:PROT 12
Examples:
CURR:RANG 10
CURRENT:RANGE MAX
The command CURR:PROT:TRIP? queries if the device is limiting the current at
the moment (see below).
CURRent:RANGe:AUTO
ON|1|OFF|0
Is implemented only for conformity
reasons and is not required. The setting
range of the series PL is fixed.
The current limitation function is only
available for constant power mode, not
for constant resistance mode since this is
done by hardware in PL series devices.
Example:
CURR:RANG:AUTO ON
If no current limitation shall be done
anymore just set the maximum value as
current limitation parameter or reset the
device (*RST).
The parameters MIN and MAX are not
available for this command.
CURRent:RANGe?
Queries the current range. The return
value is a numeric value in exponential
form.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?
This command queries if the device
currently is limiting the load current
(available with firmware version PL_6 or
higher).
The highest or lowest possible value is
queried by appending a white space
and the parameters MIN or MAX to the
question mark (for the series PL the
values for MIN and MAX are identical,
because only one range is used.)
Gives as answer 1 (active, current is
limited) or 0 (inactive, nominal
power/current setting).
Examples:
CURR:RANG?
(Response of PL312: +2.000000E+01)
CURR:RANGE? MAX
(Response of PL312: +2.000000E+01)
Example: Query after Reset
CURR:PROT:TRIP? (Response: 0)
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.5
Programming Manual
Subsystem GTL
Command
GTL
Parameter
Unit
GTL
Goto Local. Changes into the manual
operating mode. The LED "Remote" goes
out. When a new command arrives in
the device, it changes back to the remote controlled mode.
26
Comment
Change to manual operating mode.
Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.6
Programming Manual
Subsystem INPut|OUTPut
Command
INPut|OUTPut
[:STATe]
[:STATe]?
Parameter
Unit
<Boolean>
Comment
Load Input on| off
Query the state of the load
input
The subsystem INPut|OUTPut activates
and deactivates the load input of the
electronic load.
The deactivation switches the input
without delay high resistive (>50 kΩ).
The voltage be measured also for deactivated load input.
INPut|OUTPut[:STATe]
ON|1|OFF|0
Load Input on|off.
INPut[:STATe]?
Example:
INP ON Activate load
INP OFF Deactivate load
Queries the state of the load input. The
return value is 1, if the input is activated.
The return value is 0, if the input is
deactivated.
The load is activated using a limited rise
time with smooth switch-on.
After max. 200 ms the set point is
reached.
Example:
INP?
(Response for activated input:
1)
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.7
Programming Manual
Subsystem MEASure
Command
MEASure
:CURRent
[:DC]?
:POWer
[:DC]?
:VOLTage
[:DC]?
Parameter
Unit
Comment
Query current measuring
value
Query power measuring
value
Query voltage measuring
value
Measure actual load current.
Apart from the settings for the different
load states the device offers the possibility to measure voltage, current and
power as well as an external signal, and
to pass the measuring values to a controlling computer.
The measurement is independent of the
setting circuit and takes place via a 13
Bit A-D converter.
Example:
MEAS:CURR?
(answer for example
+1.550700E+01)
MEASure:POWer[:DC]?
Measure actual power.
Example:
MEAS:POW?
Using the commands for the measurings
the device can be caused to provide a
measurement value for output.
(answer for example
+1.155000E+02)
The device needs about 300 ms to
prepare the data.
MEASure:VOLTage[:DC]?
MEASure:VOLTage[:DC]?
The command string may only include
one query command.
The answer for this query command has
to be read before the next query command can be sent to the device.
Example:
MEAS:VOLT?
Measure actual input voltage.
The return value is a numeric value
without unit in exponential form:
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
MEASure:CURRent[:DC]?
28
(answer for example
1.155000E+02)
Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.8
Programming Manual
Subsystem MODE|FUNCtion
Command
MODE|FUNCtion
:CURRent
[:DC]
:RESistance
[:DC]
Parameter
Unit
Comment
Operating Mode Constant
Current
Operating Mode Constant
Resistance
Operating Mode Constant
Power
Query actual operating
mode
:POWer
[:DC]
MODE|FUNCtion?
The devices of the series PL can be
operated in the modes constant current
and constant resistance.
MODE:POWer[:DC]
Changes to the operating mode constant power and set the last programmed value.
A remote controlling for constant power
is possible, because the device controls
the load current depending of the input
voltage.
Example:
MODE:POW
MODE:RESistance[:DC]
The operating mode is changed by
sending the corresponding commands
and the programmed value for this
mode is set.
Change to the operating mode constant
resistance and set the last programmed
value.
Example:
MODE:RES
If nothing has been programmed for this
operating mode, the default value is set.
Comment:
For system variants (front panel only
with LEDs, without control elements) the
device switches from the operating
mode resistance apparently into the
operating mode current. This is hardware dependent. It happens for RES
settings, that exceed a value of about
Umax/Imax
In this case the LED CC at the front
panel is highlighted, not CR, if the
operating mode resistance is set.
If the RESinstance value is under the limit
Umax/Imax the LED CR is highlighted.
If you are not sure, query the actual
operating mode using the command
MODE?
The default mode after activation is
CURRent.
MODE:CURRent[:DC]
Change to operating mode constant
current and set the last programmed
value.
Example:
MODE:CURR
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Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming Manual
MODE?
Queries the actual operating mode.
The return value is a abbreviation for the
particular operating mode
Example:
MODE?
(Response for
ample: RES)
ex-
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.9
Programming Manual
Subsystem PCYCle
Command
PCYCle
:CURRent
Parameter
Unit
<NRf>,<num>
[A|MA]
:RESistance
<NRf>,<num>
[OHM|KOhm
|MOHM]
:TIME
<NRf>,<num>
[S|MS]
:MODE
CONTinuous|
PULSe,<NRf>
:MODE?
:STATe
Command
programmable waveform
Set table row (Par1) to current value (Par2)
Set table row (Par1) to resistance value (Par2)
Set table row (Par1) to time
value (Par2)
Continuous waveform
or fixed number of cycles
Query waveform mode
Output of the waveform
on|off
Query the output state
<Boolean>
:STATe?
The devices of the series PL can be
programmed with any waveform (programmable load cycle) by setting the
particular times to the corresponding
values in tabular form.
At the activation all table values are
preset to 0.
PCYCle:RESistance <0...255>,
<num>
This function is valid in the operating
modes current (CURR) and resistance
(RES).
PCYCle:TIME <0...255>,<num>
Sets the resistance setting value <num>
at a specified position <NRf>.
There are the same rules for the setting
values as in the command system RESistance.
Sets the setting time <num> at a specified position <NRf>.
The device recognizes the end of the
table as soon as the time value = 0 is
read.
If the curve shall be started by a trigger
event you have to define on one hand
the trigger source (see TRIGger:SOURce)
and on the other hand you must set the
mode of the respective operating mode
to PCYCle, e.g.:
CURR:MODE PCYC
(see subsystems CURR, RES)
Example: Programming of a step function as shown in the following figure:
PCYCle:CURRent
PCYCle:CURRent <0...255>,
<num>
Sets the current setting value <num> at
a specified position <NRf>.
There are the same rules for the setting
the values as in the command system
CURRent.
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PCYCle:MODE
CONTinuous|PULSe,<
CONTinuous|PULSe,< 0..65535>
0..65535>
This command allows to select between
a continuous repetition of the programmed load cycle (CONTinuous) or a
fixed number of cycles (PULS,0...65535).
Example follows.
PCYCle:STATe ON|1|OFF|0
The parameter ON activates the output
of the programmed curve. Depending
on the set MODE the curve will be
repeated continuously or the defined
number of cycles is executed.
PCYCle:STATe ON
The table for this function looks like that:
Time in sec.
Setting value (in A)
1
1
2
2
0.5
6.5
1.5
5.5
Commands to PL:
PCYC:CURR 0,1
PCYC:TIME 0,1
PCYC:CURR 1,2
PCYC:TIME 1,2
PCYC:CURR 2,6.5
PCYC:TIME 2,0.5
PCYC:CURR 3,5.5
PCYC:TIME 3,1.5
A curve that has been started in the
continuous mode, is stopped with the
parameter OFF:
PCYCle:STATe OFF
Example 1:
The programmed curve form shall be
executed continuously, until the command for stop is sent. Afterwards the last
programmed static setting is automatically set.
or:
PCYC:CURR 0,1;TIME 0,1;
CURR 1,2;TIME 1,2;
CURR 2,6.5;TIME 2,0.5;
CURR 3,5.5;TIME 3,1.5
PCYC:STAT ON
CURR
Cycle 1
PCYC:STAT OFF
Cycle 2
...
Cycle n
t
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Example 2:
The programmed load current course
shall be executed two times and then
stop automatically. After the cyclus end
the last static setting value is used.
The started waveform can be stopped
with PCYCle:STATe OFF before its normal end.
PCYC:MODE PULS,2
PCYC:STAT ON
CURR
Cycle 1
Cycle 2
Cstat
Cstat
t
MODE:CURR
CURR 5
CURR:MODE PCYC
PCYC:CURR 0,15.0
PCYC:CURR 1,0
PCYC:TIME 0,1.0
PCYC:TIME 1,2.0
PCYC:MODE CONT
TRIG:SOUR EXT
INP ON
Example 3: External triggered waveform
A pre-defined PCycle can also be started
by an external trigger signal. To do this,
the trigger source must be defined and
the mode of the concerning operating
mode must be set to PCYCLE. Rectangular current 15A/1s, 0A/2s triggered by
external TTL signal:
The command PCYC:STAT OFF stops
waveform generating.
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PCYCle:MODE?
• Selected Mode
When starting the waveform the device
does not change automatically into the
right mode.
That is, if you have programmed a
RESistance curve, you have to change
into the RES mode, before you execute
the command PCYCle:STATe ON (and
keep it). Otherwise the device sets wrong
values.
Queries the actual output mode of the
programmable waveform.
Supplies as answer the abbreviation of
the corresponding parameter, i.e. CONT
or PULS.
Example:
PCYC:MODE?
Response for example:CONT
Example:
Command suite for a square-wave
function in the operating mode resistance (1s 10Ω, 1s 1Ω) with statical value
of 5Ω:
PCYCle:STATe?
Queries the actual output mode of the
programmable curve form.
MODE:RES
Supplies as answer the numeric value of
the parameter, i.e. 0 (for not active) or 1
(for "curve active").
Example:
PCYC:STAT?
INP ON
RES 5
PCYC:TIME
0,1;TIME 1,1
PCYC:RES
0,10;RES 1,1
PCYC:STAT ON
Answer for example:
0
Attention:
.
.
PCYC:STAT OFF
For the programming of a waveform the
following aspects have to be observed:
• Setting interval for time values
The times are programmed in seconds,
if the suffix MS (Millisecond) is not appended to the numeric value.
The resolution of the time interval
amounts to 5ms.
5ms
The longest setting time amounts to
21474830s.
21474830s
Operating
Mode
Resistance
Input on
5Ω
1s for each setting
first value 10Ω,
second value 1Ω
Starting the squarewave function
Stopping the squarewave function, the
static value 5Ω is
reset.
• Measuring deactivated:
While outputting a waveform the device
is busy calculating the times and settings.
The input of measuring values is deactivated. No measuring values can be
required from the device, while the
programmed waveforms are output
from the device.
• First value in the table
The row numbering in the table begins
with 0 (not with 1!).
If there are no table values for row 1,
the curve will not be executed for the
command "PCYC:STAT ON".
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.10
Programming Manual
Subsystem POWer
Command
POWer
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate]
[:IMMediate]?
:RANGe
:AUTO
:RANGe?
Parameter
Unit
Comment
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
<Boolean>
[MIN|MAX]
[MW|W|KW]
Set Constant Power
Query Power Set Point
Fixed Power Range
Autorange on|off
Query Power Range
The command system POWer sets and
queries the power set point.
The loads of the series PL don’t support
the operating mode constant power as
hardware facility, but using this remote
controlling it can be realized. The device
determines the input voltage and sets
the current corresponding to the power.
and can be read with SYSTem:ERRor?. In
this case the last valid setting is kept.
If the device doesn’t operate with constant power the new setting is saved and
set when changing into the operating
mode power (using MODE:POWer).
Allowed parameters are all numeric
values within the power range of the
particular device type.
The special numeric parameters MIN
and MAX are allowed.
In this mode a current protection can be
set which is software controlled (Firmware version PL_6 or higher is required).
Have a look at the command
CURR:PROT in CURR sub system.
Examples:
POW:LEV 150.23
POWer:IMM 0
POW MAX
The subsystem POWer is almost identical with the subsystem CURRent, with the
exception, that power values can’t be
triggered.
The device expects a point (.) as decimal
separator, no comma!
The devices of the series PL provide only
one setting range in all operating
modes. The command POWer:RANGe
<num> has been implemented only
because of conformity reasons.
POWer[:LEVel][IMMediate]?
Queries the actual set point of the operating mode power.
The return value is a numerical value in
exponent form:
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate] <num>
num>
Sets a new power value. If the device
operates in the mode power, the new
value will be set immediately, provided
that it is contained in the valid scope.
The setting range is specified in the
technical data of the particular device
type.
When exceeding the allowed scope the
error "Data out of range" is triggered
The highest or lowest possible setting is
determined appending a white space
and the parameters MIN or MAX to the
question mark.
Examples:
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Programming Manual
The highest or lowest possible setting is
determined appending a white space
and the parameters MIN or MAX to the
question mark (for the series PL the
values MIN and MAX are identical,
because only one range is supported).
POW?
(Response
for
example:
+1.850000E+01)
POW? MAX
(Response
from
PL312: +3.071250E+02)
POWer:RANGe <num>
Sets the setting range in the operating
mode power. The devices of the series
PL support only one setting range, but
this command is implemented for conformity reasons, though it is not required.
Examples:
POW:RANG?
(Response
from
PL312: +3.000000E+02)
POW:RANGE? MAX
(Response from
PL312: +3.000000E+02)
The numeric parameter has to be contained in the power range of the particular device type (technical data).
The special numeric parameters MIN
and MAX are allowed.
Examples:
POWer:RANG 100
POW:RANGE MAX
POWer:RANGe:AUTO
ON|1|OFF|0
Is only implemented for conformity
reasons and is not required. The series
PL supports a fixed setting range.
Example:
POW:RANG:AUTO ON
POWer:RANGe?
Queries the power range. A numeric
value in exponent form is returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
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7.2.11
Programming Manual
Subsystem RESistance
Command
RESistance
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate]
[:IMMediate] ?
:TRIGgered
Parameter
Unit
Comment
<num>
[OHM|KOHM
| MOHM]
Set constant resistance
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
:TRIGgered?
:MODE
[MIN|MAX]
FIXed|PCYCle
:MODE?
:RANGe
<num>
:AUTO
:RANGe?
<Boolean>
[MIN|MAX]
[OHM|KOHM
| MOHM]
[OHM|KOHM
| MOHM]
Query resistance set point
Triggered Resistance
Query trigger value resistance
Set fixed trigger resistance or
start waveform at trigger
Query resistance mode
Fixed resistance range
Autorange on|off
Query resistance range
changing into the operating mode
resistance (using MODE:RESistance).
All numeric values within the resistance
range of the particular device type are
allowed as parameters.
The special numeric parameters MIN
and MAX are allowed.
The command system RESistance sets
and queries the resistance set point.
The devices of the series PL support only
one setting range in all operating
modes.
The
command
RESistance:RANGe <num> is implemented
for conformity reasons.
Examples:
RES:LEV 15.23
RESistance:IMM 0
RES MAX
RESistance[:LEVel][:IMMediate]
<num>
num>
Sets a new resistance. If the device
operates in the mode resistance, the
new value will be set immediately,
provided that it is contained in the valid
scope.
The setting range is specified in the
technical data of the particular device
type.
When exceeding the valid scope the
error "Data out of range" is triggered
and can be read with SYSTem:ERRor? In
this case the last valid setting value is
kept.
The device expects a point (.) as decimal
separator, no comma!
Comment:
For system variants (front panel only
with LEDs, without control elements) the
device switches from the operating
mode resistance apparently into the
operating mode current. This is hardware dependent. It happens for RES
settings, that exceed a value of about
Umax/Imax
In this case the LED CC at the front
panel is highlighted, not CR, if the
operating mode resistance is set.
If the device doesn’t operate in the
mode constant resistance, the new
setting value is saved and set when
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All numeric values within the resistance
range of the particular device type are
allowed as parameters.
The special numeric parameters MIN
and MAX are allowed.
If the RESinstance value is under the limit
Umax/Imax the LED CR is highlighted.
If the RESistance value is smaller than
the limit Umax/Imax, the LED CR at the
front panel is highlighted.
If you’re not sure the actual operating
mode can be queried using the command MODE?.
Examples: set for trigger 10Ω
RES:TRIG 10.0
RESistance:LEVEL:TRIGGERED 1.0E1
The device expects a point (.) as decimal
separator, no comma!
RESis
RESistance[:LEVel][IMMediate]?
Queries the actual set point in the operating mode resistance.
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned:
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
RESis
RESistance[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?
Queries the triggerable set point in the
operating mode resistance.
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned:
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
The highest or lowest possible setting is
determined appending a white space
and the parameters MIN or MAX to the
question mark.
The highest or lowest possible setting is
determined appending a white space
and the parameters MIN or MAX to the
question mark.
Examples:
RES?
(Response
for
example:
+1.850000E+01)
RES? MAX
(Response: +9.900000E+37)
Examples:
RESistance:TRIG?
(Response
after
*RST:
+9.900000E+37)
RES:LEVEL:TRIG? MIN
RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered
<num>
RESistance:MODE FIXed|PCYCle
Sets a new value for the triggered resistance.
When exceeding the allowed scope the
error "Data out of range" is triggered
and can be read with SYSTem:ERRor? In
this case the last valid setting is kept.
(Firmware Rev. PL_13 or higher!)
Determines if the static trigger resistance
(RESistance:TRIGger) or a programmed
waveform (PCYCle:RESistance) shall be
set when a trigger event occurs.
After power-on RESistance:MODE FIXed
is set.
The trigger event is defined using the
command TRIGger:SOURce.
If the trigger event happens and the
operating mode constant resistance is
set, the device sets the programmed
trigger resistance.
Example:
RES:MODE PCYC
See also Subsystems PCYCle and TRIGger.
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Example:
RES:RANG:AUTO ON
RESistance:MODE?
Query resistance trigger mode.
The return value is the short form of the
corresponding parameters (FIX, PCYC).
RESistance:RANGe?
Example:
RES:MODE?
Queries the resistance range.
In contrast to the operating mode current the range will be determined by the
smallest possible value, because the
resistance range is open, i.e. it is infinite.
(Response after
power-on: FIX)
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
RESistance:RANGe <num>
Sets the setting range in the operating
mode resistance. The devices of the
series PL support only one setting range,
but the command is provided for conformity reasons. The command is not
required.
The highest or lowest possible setting is
determined appending a white space
and the parameters MIN or MAX to the
question mark (for the series PL MIN
and MAX are identical, because only
one range is provided.)
The numeric parameter has to be contained in the resistance range of the
particular device type (technical data).
The special numeric parameters MIN
and MAX are allowed.
Examples:
RESistance:RANG 10
RES:RANGE MAX
Examples:
RES:RANG?
RES:RANGE? MAX
RESistance:RANGe:AUTO
RESistance:RANGe:AUTO
ON|1|OFF|0
Is implemented only for conformity
reasons and is not required. The setting
range of the series PL is fixed.
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7.2.12
Programming Manual
Subsystem SETup
Command
SETup
:ADDRess
:DIGits
Parameter
Unit
Unit
<NRf>
<NRf>
Comment
New device sub address
Number of digits after the
decimal point
Save new settings
:SAVE
Example 2:
Three single devices with sub address 0
shall be connected to a system with sub
addresses 1, 2, and 3.
The subsystem SETup modifies device
dependent settings.
SETup:ADDRess <0...999>
Connect a device with IEEE488/RS232
interface to the control computer. Connect the SysBus output from this device
to the SysBus input of the next device
and the SysBus output of the second to
the SysBus input of the third device.
Defines a new subaddress (see chapters
3 and 4).
Before the delivery of a device of the
series PL the sub address 0 is set. That
means, it is a single device, that hasn’t
to be addressed using the command
CHANnel <NRf>.
Set all three devices to sub address 3:
CHAN 0;SET:ADDR 3;SAVE
If one or more devices have been ordered as system (i.e. at least one device
has got a system bus input) the subaddresses are assigned beginning with 1 (if
not specified otherwise), and are also
specified at the front panel.
Disconnect the third device from the
SysBus.
Set the two remaining devices to sub
address 2:
CHAN 0;SET:ADDR 2;SAVE
Disconnect the second device from the
SysBus.
Set the remaining device to sub address
1:
CHAN 0;SET:ADDR 1;SAVE
This subaddress is changed using the
command SETup:ADDRess <NRf>.
How to determine the subaddress of a
device is described in the section about
the subsystem CHANnel.
Example 1:
Change sub address from 1 to 2
CHAN 1;:SET:ADDR 2
SETup:DIGits <0...9>
Determines the new number of digits
after the decimal point for transitions
from the device to the controlling computer (for example measuring values).
The new sub address has to be saved in
the EEPROM of the device (see following
sections).
The default setting for the digits after the
comma is 6.
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Example: 4 digits after the comma
SET:DIG 4
SETup:SAVE
Saves the new settings in the EEPROM.
After deactivation and reactivation of the
device the changed values are valid.
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7.2.13
Programming Manual
Subsystem STATus
Command
STATus
:OPERation
[:EVENt]?
:CONDition?
:ENABle
:ENABle?
:QUEStionable
[:EVENt]?
:CONDition?
:ENABle
:ENABle?
:PRESet
Parameter
Unit
Query Operation Event Reg.
Query Op. Condition Reg.
Set Operation Enable Bits
Query Op. Enable Register
<NRf>
Query Ques. Event Reg.
Query Ques. Condition Reg.
Set Ques. Enable Bits
Query Ques. Enable Register
Status Reset
<NRf>
The subsystem STATus determines special states in the devices and sets the
relevant values for the status byte.
• Condition Register
Represents the state of particular signals.
The bit state of a Condition Register is
not changed by reading it. A state/error
is active, if the corresponding bit is
TRUE. If the condition is no longer valid,
the bit in the corresponding Condition
Register is set to 0.
The contents of a status register is represented by a decimal number that is built
using the weights of the set bits:
Bit
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Weight
1
2
4
8
16
32
64
128
Bit
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Comment
Weight
256
512
1024
2048
4096
8192
16384
32768
• Event Register
Saves information about particular
states. Every bit of an Event Register
corresponds to a bit in the Condition
Register (for Questionable Status and
Operation Status) or directly to special
events (Standard Event Status).
An event, i.e. a bit in the Event Register,
is set to TRUE, when the corresponding
condition has changed from FALSE to
TRUE.
The event is set until the corresponding
Event Register has been read. After
reading all bits in the Event Registers are
reset.
After the activation of the device all bits
of all status registers are FALSE - except
in the Standard Event Register (see
following sections).
The status model of the series PL contains the following groups:
- Questionable Status
- Operation Status
- Standard Event Status
- Status Byte
• Enable Register
Determines which bits of the corresponding Event Registers are combined
to a total bit using OR.
Moreover one distinguishes:
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The Enable Register acts as filter for the
corresponding Event Register.
OPERATION STATUS
Condition
0
n.u. 1
n.u. 2
n.u. 3
n.u. 4
5
TRG
n.u. 6
n.u. 7
PCYC
8
TRAN
9
10
11
12
n.u. 13
n.u. 14
n.u. 15
CAL
Event
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Enable
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
QUES
Error Queue
Queue
not empty
STAT:OPER
Enable
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
:COND?
:EVEN?
:ENAB <NRF>
:ENAB?
OPER
Output Queue
MAV
Data
Queue
not empty
Status Byte SRQ Enable
0
0
1
1
ERR
2
2
QUES
3
3
4 MAV 4
ESB
5
5
MSS 6
6 OPER
7
7
OPC
QYE
DDE
EXE
CME
PON
*ESR?
log. OR
*STB?
STANDARD EVENT STATUS
Event
Enable
0
0
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
SYST:ERR?
ERR
Data
*ESE <NRf>
*ESE?
44
ESB
*SRE <NRf>
*SRE?
log. OR
Event
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
log. OR
Condition
0
1
2
POW
3
TEMP
4
n.u. 5
n.u. 6
7
8
WD
9
10
11
12
n.u. 13
n.u. 14
n.u. 15
VOLT
CURR
STAT:QUES
:COND?
:EVEN?
:ENAB <NRF>
:ENAB?
log. OR
QUESTIONABLE STATUS
The bit state of an Enable Register is not
changed by reading it.
MSS
Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming Manual
7.2.13.1
Questionable Status
The Questionable Status Register inform
about particular error or overload states.
Bit
VOLT
CURR
POW
TEMP
WD
Example: The overload signal from the
power unit sets the bits 0, 1, 3 and 4.
Decimal value: 1+2+8+16=27.
Value Meaning
1
Input voltage error. Is set in the operating mode POWer, if a programmed power can’t be set or if the power unit provides an overload
signal.
2
Current Error. Is set in the operating mode POWer, if the programmed
power can’t be set or if the power unit provides an overload signal.
8
Power Error. Is set in the operating mode POWer, if the programmed
power can’t be set or if the power unit provides an overload signal.
16
Over Temperature. Is set, if the power unit provides an overload signal.
512
Watchdog. Is set, if an activated software watchdog has shut down the
load input.
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
Queries the contents of the Questionable Status Condition Register.
Return value is an integer decimal value
that describes the actual state of the
protection facilities.
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle
<0...65535>
The decimal value is coded corresponding to the table.
Determines, which bits from the Questionable Event Register are relevant for
the interpretation of the QUES sum bit.
Example:
STAT:QUES:COND?
Sets the bit pattern for the Questionable
Status Enable Register, that is determined by the decimal parameter.
Response:
27
Example: Set bits TEMP and WD
STAT:QUES:ENAB 528
STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
Queries the contents of the Questionable Status Event Register.
Return value is an integer decimal value
that determines, whether a Questionable
Status has been active since the last
reading of the Event Register. A bit in the
Event Register is not automatically deleted, if the event is no more valid, but
stays TRUE, until the Event Register is
read.
After reading the Event Register the bit is
reset to 0.
Example:
STAT:QUES?
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?
Queries the contents of the Questionable Status Enable Register.
Returned is the decimal value, that has
been programmed.
Example:
STAT:QUES:ENAB?
Response:
528
If no value has been programmed for
the Enable Register, the device returns 0.
Response: 27
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7.2.13.2
Operation Status
The Operation Status Registers provide
information about the operating state of
the electronic load.
Bit
CAL
TRG
PCYC
TRAN
Value Meaning
1
Calibration. Is set, if the device is in the calibration mode. This mode is
reserved and not possible in the normal operating of the load.
32
Trigger (reserved).
256
Programmable Cycles. Is set, if the device executes a programmed waveform.
512
Transient Mode. Is set, if the device executes a programmed dynamic
function with defined rise and fall times.
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
Queries the contents of the Operation
Status Condition Register.
Return value is an integer decimal value
that describes the actual state of the
electronic load.
STATus:OPERation:ENABle
<0...65535>
Sets the bit pattern for the Parameter
Operation Status Enable Register, that is
determined by the decimal parameter.
The decimal value can be coded corresponding the table.
Determines which bits from the Operation Event Register are relevant for the
interpretation of the OPER sum bit.
Example:
STAT:OPER:COND?
Example: Set Bits PCYC and TRAN
STAT:QUES:ENAB 528
Response:
256
STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
Queries the contents of the Operation
Status Event Register.
Return value is an integer decimal value
that determines, whether an Operation
Status has been active since the last
reading of the Event Register. A bit in the
Event Register is not automatically deleted if the event is no more valid, but
stays TRUE until the Event Register is
read.
After reading the Event Register the bit is
reset to 0.
Example:
STAT:OPER?
STATus:OPERation:ENABle?
Queries the contents of the Operation
Status Enable Register.
Returned is the decimal value (as integer), that has been programmed.
Example:
STAT:QUES:ENAB?
Response:
528
If no value has been programmed for
the Enable Register, the device returns 0.
Response: 256
STATus:PRESet
Resets the Questionable Status Enable
and the Operation Status Enable Register to 0.
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7.2.13.3
Programming Manual
Standard Event Status
The Standard Event Status Register
contains information about the standard
events, that are defined in the standard
IEEE 488.2.
Bit
OPC
QYE
DDE
EXE
CME
PON
Value Meaning
1
Operation Complete. The device has executed all pending commands.
For the devices of the series PL this bit is always TRUE, because the commands are executed serially and not in overlapped mode.
4
Query Error. Errors in the range from –400 to –499 can set this bit.
8
Device Dependent Error. Errors in the range from –399 to –300 can set
this bit.
16
Execution Error. Errors in the range from –299 to –200 can set this bit.
32
Command Error. Errors in the range from –199 to –100 can set this bit.
128
Power On. Shows, that a read has taken place since the last change from
OFF → ON.
For reading the Standard Event Status
Register the common command *ESR?
is used.
The command
*ESE <0...255>
sets the bit pattern in the Standard Event
Status Enable Registerthat is determined
by the decimal parameter.
Determines which bits from the Standard
Event Register are relevant for the interpretation of the ESB sum bit.
Example: Set Bit CME
*ESE 32
*ESE?
queries the contents of the Standard
Event Status Enable Registers.
The decimal value (as integer) that has
been programmed is returned.
Example:
*ESE?
Response: 32
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Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.13.4
Programming Manual
Status Byte
In the Status Byte Register the Status
Events of all Status Registers are combined.
The status byte is read using the command
*STB?
Bit
ERR
Value Meaning
4
Error. An error in the
range –499 to –100 has
happened.
QUES 8
Questionable. An enabled
Questionable
Event has happened.
MAV
16
Message Available.
ESB
32
Event Status Bit. An
enabled Standard Event
has happened.
MSS
64
Master Summary Status.
Reserved.
OPER 128
Operation. An enabled
Operation Event has
happened.
The status byte is reset to 0 after the
reading.
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7.2.14
Programming Manual
Subsystem SYSTem
Command
SYSTem
:ERRor?
:PROTection
[:LEVel]
[:LEVel]?
:STATe
:TRIPped?
:VERSion?
Parameter
Unit
Comment
Read last error message
<NRf>
[S|MS]
<Boolean>
saved in the queue. The new error is
written to the beginning of the queue
and the oldest error is deleted from the
queue. This is determined by the error
code –350.
SYSTem:ERRor?
Queries the last error message.
The device saves an error, until it has
been read from the Error Queue. After
reading the error it is deleted from the
queue.
If there are several errors without reading the queue, the error messages are
Message
"0, No error"
"102, Syntax Error"
"103, Invalid separator"
"-110, Command header error"
"-200, Execution error"
"-220, Parameter error"
"-221, Settings conflict"
"-222, Data out of range"
"-223, Too much data"
"-224, Illegal parameter value"
"-300, Device specific error"
"-340, Calibration failed"
"-350, Queue overflow"
Set SW-Watchdog time
Query SW-Watchdog time
Software-Watchdog on|off
Query Watchdog state
Query SCPI version
The series PL supports the following
error messages:
Meaning
All commands could be executed correctly.
In a command string was an unknown error.
A separator hasn’t been recognized, for example a ':'
between two keywords was expected, but a ';' was
provided.
Invalid keyword.
Execution error. Is used, if none of the codes from
–201 to –294 offers a useful error description.
Invalid parameter, for example a number, was expected, but not provided as parameter.
A command/parameter was correct, but couldn’t be
executed because of the actual device state.
A parameter is not contained in a valid range, for
example "RES 0".
The device has received more data than can be proceeded.
For some commands only special parameters can be
used. None of this parameters has been recognized,
for example
"TRAN:MODE CONT|PULS,<NRf>|TOGG".
A device state has been recognized, that can’t be set.
Reserved.
There have been more errors than can’t be saved in
the error queue. The "oldest" errors have been deleted
from the queue and can’t no longer be read.
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Electronic Loads Series PL
"-360, Communication error"
"-363, Input buffer overrun"
Programming Manual
Data transmission error, for example Framing Error
(Start/Stopbits faulty), Parity Error
There have been sent more characters to the device,
than can be contained in the command data buffer.
SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVEL]
<0...3275>
<0...3275>
SYSTem:PROTection:STATe
ON|1|OFF|0
Sets the device intern timer to the specified value, provided in seconds (resolution: 50 ms).
Activates/deactivates
watchdog.
the
software
If the watchdog is activated (SYST:STAT
ON) and the programmed time has
been expired without a command being
received from the controlling computer,
the electronic load deactivates the load
input and the watchdog gets deactivated. All other settings of the device are
kept.
This state can be queried from the
Questionable Status Register.
The devices of the series PL provide a
watchdog-like software function, that
sets the electronic load in a secure
operating mode, if the controlling computer breaks down or if the controlling
software is not correctly handled.
Secure operating mode means:
If the device didn’t receive a command
from the controlling computer for a
longer time (default value or programmed value), it deactivates the load
input.
The load input as well as the watchdog
can be reactivated.
The command
SYST:PROT:STAT OFF
deactivates the watching of the programmed time, i.e. the load keeps the
activated device input in its state, despite
the programmed seconds have expired.
The watched time is defined using the
command
SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVel] <NRf>
The parameter specifies the watched
time interval, represented in seconds.
Example
The input shall be deactivated, if there
was no data for 15 minutes:
SYST:PROT 900;PROT:STAT ON
Example see following sections.
SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVel]?
Queries the programmed watchdog
time in seconds.
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
Attention!
An activated watchdog gets deactivated,
if you start a modulation (subsystem
TRAN). The watchdog has to be reactivated after executing the modulation.
A continuous free programmed waveform (subsystem PCYC) doesn’t affect
the software watchdog.
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Programming Manual
SYSTem:PROTection:TRIPped?
SYSTem:VERSion?
Queries the trigger state of the software
watchdog.
Queries the SCPI version, that the device
conforms.
Return value is a boolean number (0 or
1):
0: Watchdog has not been triggered
1: Watchdog has deactivated the load
input.
Example:
SYST:VERS?
Example:
SYST:PROT:TRIP?
Response: 0
51
Response: 1995.0
Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
7.2.15
Programming Manual
Subsystem TRAN
TRANsient
Command
TRANsient
:XCURrent
:XCURrent?
:YCURrent
:YCURrent?
:XTIMe
Parameter
Unit
Comment
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
[A|MA]
Set first load current
Query first load current
Set second load current
Query second load current
Determine the setting time for the
first load current
Query the setting time for the first
load current
Determine the setting time for the
second load current
Query the setting time for the
second load current
Set rise time
Query rise time
Set fall time
Query fall time
Continuous change
defined number or
single change
Query dyn. operating mode
dyn. load change on|off
Query state of the dyn. operating
mode
:XTIMe?
[MIN|MAX]
:YTIMe
<num>
:YTIMe?
[MIN|MAX]
:RTIMe
:RTIMe?
:FTIMe
:FTIMe?
:MODE
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
<num>
[MIN|MAX]
CONTinuous |
PULSe,<NRf> |
TOGGle
:MODE?
:STATe
:STATe?
[A|MA]
[S|MS]
[S|MS]
[S|MS]
[S|MS]
<Boolean>
The electronic loads of the series PL are
able to execute dynamic load changes
with settable rise and fall times.
the highest to the lowest load value
If rise and fall time shall be programmed, the two levels XCUR and
YCUR must have been programmed.
If an other value for XCUR and/or YCUR
is set, the rise time (RTIM) and fall time
(FTIM) have to be set again.
A dynamic check is only possible in the
operating mode constant current.
For the programming of a dynamic load
change the following inputs are required
(the order is required!):
If the curve shall be started by a trigger
event you have to define on one hand
the trigger source (see TRIGger:SOURce)
and on the other hand you must set the
mode of the respective operating mode
to TRANsient, e.g.:
CURR:MODE TRAN
(see subsystem CURR)
1. First load value XCURrent (is set
at the beginning of the load change)
2. Setting time XTIMe (in seconds) for
the first load value XCUR
3. Second load value YCURrent
4. Setting time YTIMe (in seconds) for
the second load value YCUR
5. Rise time RTIMe (in seconds) from
the lowest to the highest load value
6. Fall time FTIMe (in seconds) from
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Programming Manual
TRANsient:XCURrent <NRf>
TRAN:XTIM 500MS
Determines the first load value for the
dynamic function.
For the setting value <NRf> the same
rules are valid as for constant current
values (CURRent <NRf>).
TRANsient:XTIMe? [MIN|MAX]
Queries the first load time.
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign(),
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
Example: first load value 20A
TRAN:XCUR 20
TRANsient:XCURrent? [MIN|MAX]
Queries the first load set point.
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign(),
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
TRANsient:YTIMe <0.006...130>
<0.006...130>
Determines the duration of the second
load value for the dynamic function,
specified in seconds (resolution: 2ms).
Example: the second load value shall be
kept for 100ms
TRAN:XTIM 0.1
or
TRAN:XTIM 100MS
TRANsient:YCURrent <NRf>
Determines the second load value for
the dynamic function.
For the setting value <NRf> the same
rules are valid as for constant current
values (CURRent <NRf>).
TRANsient:YTIMe? [MIN|MAX]
Queries the second load time.
Example: second load value 0A
TRAN:XCUR MIN
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
TRANsient:YCURrent? [MIN|MAX]
Queries the second load set point.
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
TRANsient:RTIMe <0...20>
Determines the rise time for the dynamic
function, specified in seconds (resolution: 2ms).
Example: Rise time 20ms
TRAN:RTIM 20E-3 or
TRAN:RTIM 20MS
TRANsient:XTIMe <0.006...130>
Determines the duration of the first load
value for the dynamic function, specified
in seconds (resolution: 2ms).
TRANsient:RTIMe? [MIN|MAX]
Queries the rise time.
Example: first load value shall be kept
for 500ms
TRAN:XTIM 0.5
or
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
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Programming Manual
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
Queries the dynamic operating mode.
The return value is an abbreviation of
the set parameters: CONT, PULS or
TOGG.
TRANsient:FTIMe <0...20>
Determines the fall time for the dynamic
function, specified in seconds (resolution: 2ms).
Example:
TRAN:MODE?
Example: Rise time 20ms
TRAN:RTIM 20E-3 or
TRAN:RTIM 20MS
TRANsient:STATe ON|1|OFF|0
ON|1|OFF|0
TRANsient:FTIMe? [MIN|MAX]
Example: Start
TRAN:STAT ON
Response: CONT
Starts or stops the dynamic operating
mode.
Queries the fall time.
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
At the beginning of the load change CX
is always executed. This is valid for a
continuous, defined number of and
single load changes.
TRANsient:STATe?
TRANsient:MODE CONTi
CONTinuous
|PULSe,<0...65535>|TOGGle
Queries the operating state of the dynamic operating mode.
Defines the output mode for the modulation curve and has to be set before
starting (default: CONTinuous).
Return value is a boolean number (0 or
1):
0: dynamic operating mode not active
1: dynamic operating mode active
Allowed parameters:
TRAN:MODE CONT
(the started curve is executed until a stop
command is received)
TRAN:MODE PULS,n
(the started curve is executed n times
(n=[0...65535]); afterwards the last
static value is set)
TRAN:MODE TOGG
(after starting only a rise or a fall is
executed. The setting value remains
XCUR or YCUR until the next start – that
means another change – or until the
stop command has been received)
Example:
TRAN:STAT?
Response: 0
Example 7.13.1
Programming of a continuous load
change course with the following characteristics:
first load value: 6A, time: 50ms
second load value: 2A, time: 20ms
rise time: 70ms, fall time: 30ms
Command string for PL:
MODE:CURR;:INP ON;
:TRAN:XCUR 6;YCUR 2;XTIM .05;YTIM
.02;RTIM .07;FTIM .03;MODE CONT;
TRANsient:MODE?
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Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming Manual
STAT ON
is started and the following current
course results:
After the device has calculated the
setting values and times the modulation
C
TRAN:STAT OFF
TRAN:STAT ON
XCUR
Cstat
Cstat
YCUR
RTIM
XTIM
FTIM
t
YTIM
TRANsient:MODE CONTinuous
Example 7.13.2
A dynamic curve shall be executed two
times. We program the curve from
example 7.13.1 with exchanged X and Y
current.
Starting from the static load current Cstat
the rising current edge is set upto the
first load value XCURrent. It rests until
XTIMe is expired.
Afterwards the current gets linear reduced to the value YCURent within the
fall time FTIMe and rests, until YTIMe is
expired.
Command string for PL:
MODE:CURR;:INP ON;
:TRAN:XCUR 2;YCUR 6;XTIM .05;YTIM
.02;RTIM .07;FTIM .03;MODE PULS,2;
STAT ON
This process is repeated, until it is
stopped by the command
TRANsient:STATe OFF
The static current Cstat is reset.
C
After the device has calculated the
setting values and times the modulation
is started and the following current
course results:
TRAN:STAT ON
Cycle 1
Cycle 2
YCUR
Cstat
Cstat
XCUR
FTIM XTIM
RTIM
t
YTIM
TRANsient:MODE PULSe,2
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Programming Manual
After the given number of load changes
is executed, the last programmed static
current is set.
The execution of a particular pulse
number can be stopped using the command
TRAN:STAT OFF
sponding rise and fall times shall be
alternated.
Command String for PL:
TRAN:XCUR 6;YCUR 2;XTIM .05;YTIM
.02
;RTIM .07;FTIM .03;MODE TOGG;STAT
ON
Example 7.13.3
Using the parameters from example
7.13.1 the two load levels with corre-
As soon as the command TRAN:STAT
ON is received, the device executes the
rising or falling change to the first load
level XCURrent and rests there:
C
TRAN:STAT ON
TRAN:STAT ON
XCUR
Cstat
YCUR
RTIM
FTIM
t
TRANsient:MODE
TRANsient:MODE TOGGle
At the next start of TRANsient:STATe ON
The command TRANsient:STATe OFF
the change is executed for the other
sets the last static current.
load value, YCURrent.
After the next start follows a change to
XCURrent etc.
______________________________________________________________________________
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Electronic Loads Series PL
Attention:
For the programming of dynamic load
changes the following aspects have to
be observed:
Programming Manual
Commands, that arrive while this process at the device, will be executed after
the calculations.
• Setting interval for times
The times are specified as seconds,
except when the suffix MS (Milliseconds)
is appended to the numeric value.
The resolution of the dynamic times
amounts to 2ms.
2ms
• Selected Mode
When starting the waveform the device
doesn’t switch automatically to the
operating mode current.
That means: The device must be in the
operating mode current, before you can
execute the command TRANsient:STATe
ON (and keep it). Otherwise the device
sets wrong values.
• Measuring deactivated:
While outputting a waveform the device
is busy calculating the times and settings.
The input of measuring values is deactivated. No measuring values can be
required from the device, while the
programmed waveforms are output.
In the dynamic operating mode the
communication with the device should
be reduced as far as possible, because
this could mean a delay of the setting
times.
• Programming of long edge times
Values for rise and fall time, that lie in
the range of several seconds, the device
has to calculate very much setting values. This process can take several seconds, depending on the programmed
time.
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7.2.16
Programming Manual
Subsystem TRIGger
Command
TRIGger
[:SEQuence]
:SOURce
:SOURce?
Parameter
BUS|EXTernal
The subsystem TRIGger defines and
queries the actual trigger resource.
That means, an event is determined, for
which the command
CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered <NRf> or
RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered <NRf>
activates a programmed trigger value or
a dynamic action is started, respectively.
Unit
Comment
Set Trigger Resource
Query Trigger Resource
As external trigger a TTL signal has to be
set at pin 3 (/TRG_IN) against pin 1
(GND_EXT) of the Analog I/O Port.
The external trigger event is activated by
a changing trigger signal from low to
high, i.e. the rising edge.
TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce?
At the activation of the device, the trigger resource BUS is set.
Query the active trigger resource.
The return value is the abbreviation of
the corresponding parameter.
TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce
BUS|EXTernal
Sets the trigger resource for triggered
setting values in the operating modes
current and resistance.
Example:
TRIG:SOUR?
TRIG:SOUR EXT
TRIG:SOUR?
Response: BUS
Response: EXT
Using
TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce BUS
the electronic load waits for a trigger
signal from the controlling bus.
The trigger signal is produced by
• the Common Command *TRG
(for IEEE 488 and RS232)
• the IEEE 488 multi channel message
GET
(Group Execute Trigger, only for IEEE
488)
Using
TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce EXTernal
the electronic load waits for a trigger
signal from the Analog I/O Port at the
back panel.
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7.2.17
Programming Manual
Subsystem VOLTage
Command
VOLTage
:RANGe?
Parameter
[MIN|MAX]
Unit
Comment
Query voltage range
The subsystem VOLTage for the series PL
queries only the input voltage range,
because there is no operating mode
"constant voltage".
VOLTage:RANGe?
Queries the voltage range.
A numeric value in exponent form is
returned.
SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,
D: Digit,
E: Exponent
The highest or lowest possible setting is
determined appending a white space
and the parameters MIN or MAX to the
question mark (for the series PL MIN
and MAX are identical, because only
one range is provided).
Examples:
VOLT:RANG?
(Response from PL312:
+1.200000E+02)
VOLT:RANGE? MAX
(Response from PL312:
+1.200000E+02)
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8
Programming Manual
Remote Calibration
The following sections describe the
calibration using the interface mode.
We recommend to copy the following
pages and enter the values when calibrating, to produce a calibration log.
The tools for the calibration (voltmeter,
measuring shunt) must have an accuracy of at least 0.1%.
Conventions:
Bold Face
Face
Command to electronic load PLxxx
Checkbox
______________
enter a value
Italics
Comment
ATTENTION:
Before the remote calibration the calibration process described in the hardware part of this manual (chapter “Service”) has to be executed!
The remote calibration can be executed
separately for every operating mode
(8.1, 8.2 and 8.3), but has to be completed in every operating mode, for
example from "CAL:CSTAT ON" to
"CAL:CSTAT OFF".
After finishing SET:SAVE has to be executed.
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Electronic Loads Series PL
Programming Manual
Operration
Calibration Log for Electronic Loads PL in Remote Ope
Device Type
Serial Number
Date of Calibration
Inspector
Organisation
Used Measurement Tools
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Höcherl & Hackl GmbH
Electronic Loads Series PL
8.1
Programming Manual
Calibration of Current Set
Setting and Current Measurement
Set Operating Mode C:
Set Current 0:
Input on:
Start Current Calibration Process:
MODE:CURR
CURR 0
INP ON
CAL:CSTAT ON
Connect input voltage. Connect the oscilloscope at GATE against GNDA.
Set the measured voltage at the printed circuit board 2224-4
using P1 to the changeover point.
2
2
5
1
2
2
4
4
Printed Circuit Board
224-4,
P1 in centre
Front Panel
Now the device determines automatically the offset for the current measuring.
Set maximum current:
Measure real current (Ireal).
Program real value:
CURR MAX
CAL:VAL <Ireal>
(<Ireal> is the measured
numeric value)
Set maximum current again:
CURR MAX
Now the corrected current has been set. The device determines automatically the correcting
factor for the current measurement.
Check the current setting by external measurement.
Measured Current:__________________________
Finish current calibration:
Save correcting factor in the EEPROM:
CAL:CSTAT OFF
SET:SAVE
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Electronic Loads Series PL
8.2
Programming Manual
Resistance Setting Calibration
Set Operating Mode R:
Input on:
MODE:RES
INP ON
Activate RES Calibration Mode:
CAL:RSTAT ON
Device Type
PL 306
PL 312
PL 324
PL 340
PL 606
PL 612
PL 624
PL 640
PL 906
PL 912
PL 924
PL 940
Rset1
0.1
0.35
1
2.7
0.1
0.16
0.5
2
0.07
0.1
0.35
1
Rset2
2.5
11
25
100
1
5
20
50
0.8
2.8
15
30
a) Set "low" resistance (use a value for <Rset1> from the table):
RES <Rset1>
Calculate the real resistance value using voltage (Ureal) and current (Ireal):
Rreal = Ureal / Ireal
Program the real resistance value:
CAL:VAL <Rreal> (<Rreal> is calculated real numeric value)
Now the device calculates the correcting factor for the setting in operating mode R using
R<Umax/Imax.
Set the same resistance again:
RES <Rset1>
Now the corrected resistance must have been set.
Check the setting of the resistance by measuring voltage and current.
Measured Voltage:
____________________
Measured Current:
____________________
Calculated Resistance:
____________________
Allowed tolerance: ±5% of set value, ±0.5% of current range
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Programming Manual
b) Set "high" resistance (take the value for <Rset2> from the table):
RES <Rset2>
Calculate the real resistance from current and voltage:
Rreal = Ureal / Ireal
Program real resistance value:
CAL:VAL <Rreal> (<Rreal> is the calculated real
numeric value)
Now the device calculates the correcting factor for the setting in the operating mode R for
the high resistance range.
Set the same resistance again:
RES <Rset2>
Now the corrected resistance must have been set.
Check the resistance setting by measuring voltage and current.
Measured Voltage:
__________________
Measured Current:
__________________
Calculated Resistance:
__________________
Allowed Tolerance: ±5% of setting value, ±0.5% of current range
Finish RES calibration process: CAL:RSTAT OFF
Save the correcting factors in the EEPROM: SET:SAVE
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8.3
Programming Manual
Voltage Measurement Calibration
!!!!!!! Pay attention to right order !!!!!!!
Set current mode:
Reset current value to 0:
Activate voltage calibration mode:
Change to "voltage mode":
MODE:CURR
CURR 0
CAL:VSTAT ON
MODE:VOLT
Make a short circuit between the input terminals.
Program voltage=0:
VOLT 0
The device now determines the offset for the voltage measurement.
First,
First program maximum input voltage:
VOLT MAX
Then
Then remove short circuit from input terminals and connect exact nominal voltage.
Device Type
Unom
PL 306
60V
PL 312
120V
PL 324
240V
PL 340
400V
PL 606
60V
PL 612
120V
PL 624
240V
PL 640
400V
PL 906
60V
PL 912
120V
PL 924
240V
PL 940
400V
The device now determines the correcting factor for the voltage measurement.
Finish voltage calibration procedure:
CAL:VSTAT OFF
Save correcting factors in EEPROM:
SET:SAVE
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Electronic Loads Series PL
8.4
Programming Manual
Calibration Verification
Verification
Switch device off, wait a few seconds, switch device on again.
Input on:
INP ON
Program several current settings, measure current external and verify the setting:
CURR <xxx>
(<xxx> is numeric value)
verify corresponding measurement data:
MEAS:CURR?
MEAS:VOLT?
Change to R-mode:
MODE:RES
Program several resistance settings and verify current and voltage:
RES <xxx>
(<xxx> is numeric value)
MEAS:CURR?
MEAS:VOLT?
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Electronic Loads Series PL
9
Programming Manual
The Software Tools of Series PL
This manual includes a CD ROM on which several programs for remote control of electronic H&H loads are stored.
Please read the readme file.
The software documentation is found in the corresponding directory DOCUMENTATION.
The most actual software versions are available for download in our internet sites
http://www.hoecherl-hackl.com
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Programming Manual
Your distributor:
68