Agilent E3631A User guide

User’s Guide

Part Number: E3631-90002
October 2007.

For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory information,
see the pages behind the Index.

© Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2000-2007
All Rights Reserved.

Agilent E3631A
Triple Output
DC Power Supply

The Agilent E3631A is a high performance 80 watt-triple output DC power
supply with GPIB and RS- 232 interfaces. The combinatio n of bench-top and
system features in this power supply provides versatile solutions for your
design and test requirements.

Convenient bench-top features

•

Triple output

•

Easy-to-us e knob control for voltage and current settings

•

Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent display for voltage and current meters

•

Tracking operation for ±25V outputs

•

Excellent load and line regulation and low rip ple and noise

•

Operating states storage

•

Portable, ruggedized case with non-sk id feet

Flexible system features

•

GPIB (IEEE-488) and RS-232 interfaces are standard

•

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility

•

I/O setup easily done from front-panel

Agilent E3631A
Triple Output
DC Power Supply

The Front Panel at a Glanc e

1 Meter and adjust selection keys
2 Tracking enable/disable key
3 Display limit key
4 Recall operating state key
5 Store operating state/Local key
6 Error/Calibrate key

2

7 I/O Configuration / Secure key
8 Output On/Off key
9 Control knob
10 Resolution selection keys
11 Voltage/current adjust selection key

1 Meter and adjust selection keys Select the output voltage and current of any one

supply (+6V, +25V, or -25V output) to be monitored on the display and allow knob
adjustment of that supply.

2 Tracking enable / disable key Enables / disables the track mode of ±25V supplies.

3 Display limit key Shows the voltage and current limit values on the display and

allows knob adjustment for setting limit values.

4 Recall operating state key Recalls a previously stored operating state from

location “1”, “2”, or “3”.

5 Store operating state / Local key

or “3” / or returns the power supply to local mode from remote interface mode.

6 Error / Calibrate key

and calibration / or enables calibration mode (the power supply must be unsecured
before performing calibration).

2

Displays error codes generated during operations, self-test

7 I/O Configuration / Secure key

interfaces / or secure and unsecure the power supply for calibration.

1

Stores an operating state in location “1”, “2”,

3

Configures the power supply for remote

8 Output On/Off key Enables or disables all three power supply outputs. This key

toggles between two states.

9 Control knob Increases or decreases the value of the blinking digit by turning

clockwise or counter clockwise.

10 Resolution selection keys Move the flashing digit to the right or left.

11 Voltage/current adjust selection key Selects the knob function to voltage control or

current control.

1

The key can be used as the “Local” key when the power supply is in the remote

interface m ode.

2

You can enable the “calibration mode” by holding down this key when you

turn on the power supply.

3

You can use it as the “Secure” or “Unsecure” key when the power supply is

in the calibration mode.

3

Front-Pan el Vo ltag e and Current Limi t Set tin gs

You can set the voltage and current limit values from the front panel
using the following method.

Use the voltage/current adjust selection key, the resolution selection keys, and
the control knob to change the monitoring or limiting value of voltage or current

.

Note

1 Press the key after turning on the power supply.

Display Limit

2 Set the knob to the voltage control mode or current control mode using the

voltage/current adjust selection key.

3 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution selection keys.

4 Change the blinking digit to the desired value using the control knob.

5 Press the key to enable the output. After about 5 seconds, the

display will go to the output monitor mode automatically to display the voltage
and current at the output.

Output On/Off

All front panel keys and controls can be disabled with remote interface
commands. The Agilent E3631A must be in “Local” mode for the front panel
keys and controls to function.

4

Display Annunciators

Adrs Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.

Rmt Power supply is in remote interface mode.

+6V Displays the output voltage and current for +6V supply. Knob is active for

+6V supply.

+25V Displays the output voltage and current for +25V supply. Knob is active for

+25V supply.

-25V Displays the output voltage and current for -25V supply. Knob is active for

-25V supply.

CAL power supply is in calibration mode.

Track The outputs of +25V and -25V supplies are in track mode.

Limit The display shows the voltage and current limit value of a selected supply.

ERROR Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected and also the

error bit has not been.

OFF The three ouputs of the power supply are disabled.

Unreg The displayed output is unregulated (output is neither CV nor CC).

CV The displayed output is in constant-voltage mode.

CC The displayed output is in constant-current mode.

To review the display annunciators, hold down key as you

Display Limit

turn on the power supply.

5

The Rear Panel at a Glance

1 Power-line voltage setting
2 Power-line fuse-holder assembly
3 AC inlet

Use the front-panel key to:

•

Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see chapter 3).

•

Set the GPIB bus address (see chapter 3).

•

Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see chapter 3).

I/O Config

4 Power-line module
5 GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector
6 RS-232 interface connector

6

In This Book

General Information

power supply. This chapter also provides instructions for checking your
power supply, connecting to ac power, and selecting power-line voltage.

Initial Operation

rated outputs and properly responds to operation from the front panel.

Front-Panel Operation

front-panel keys and how they are used to operate the power supply from
the front panel. This chapter also shows how to configure the power supply
for the remote interface and gives a brief introduction to the calibration
features.

Remote Interface Reference

to help you program the power supply over the remote interface. This
chapter also explains how to program for status reporting.

Error Messages

are working with the power supply. Each listing contains i n formation to help
you diagnose and solve the problem.

Application Programs

applications to help you develop programs for your application.

Tutorial

gives specific details on the operation and use of the Agilent E3631A power
supplies.

Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linear power supplies and

Chapter 1 contains a general description of your

Chapter 2 ensures that the power supply develops its

Chapter 3 describes in detail the use of

Chapter 4 contains reference information

Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear as you

Chapter 6 contains some remote interface

Specifications

If you have questions re la ting to the operation of the power suppl y, call

1-800-829-4444

Technologies Sales Office.

Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications .

in the United States, or contac t your ne are st A gile nt

7

8

Contents

Chapter 1 General Information

Safety Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15

Safety and EMC Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15

Options and Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16

Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16

Accessories- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16
Description - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19

Initial Inspection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19

Cooling and Location- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
Input Power Requirements- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22

Power-Line Cord - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22

Power-Line Voltage Selection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22

Chapter 2 Initial Operation

Preliminary Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27
Power-On Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Output Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29

Voltage Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29

Current Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31

Contents

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation

Front-Panel Operation Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Constant Voltage Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36
Constant Current Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 38
Tracking Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40
Storing and Recalling Operating States - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 41
Disabling the Outputs- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 43
Knob Locking - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 43
System-Related Operations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 44

Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 44

Error Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45

Display Control - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46

Firmware Revision Query - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47

SCPI Language Version - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47

9

Contents

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation (continued)

Remote Interface Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48

Remote Interface Selection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48
GPIB Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Baud Rate Selection (RS-232) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Parity Selection (RS-232) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
To Set the GPIB Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50

To Set the Baud Rate and Parity (RS-232)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 51
GPIB Interface Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 53
RS-232 Interface Configuration- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 54

RS-232 Configuration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 54

RS-232 Data Frame Format - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 54

Connection to a Computer or Terminal- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55

DTR/DSR Handshake Protocol - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56

RS-232 Troubleshooting - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57
Calibration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58

Calibration Security - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58

Calibration Count - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62

Calibration Message - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 65
Simplifi ed Program mi ng Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 70

Using the

Using the Low-Level Comm ands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 70

Reading a Query Response- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 71

Selecting a Trigger Source - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 71

Programming Ranges and Output Identifiers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 72
Using the APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 73
Output Setting and Operation Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74

Output Selection Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74

Measurement Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 76

Output On/Off and Tracking Operation Commands - - - - - - - - - 77

Output Setting Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77
Triggering Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79

Trigger Source Choices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79

Triggering Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 81

10

APPLy

Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 70

Contents

Chapter

System-Related Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82
Calibration Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 85
RS-232 Interface Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 87
The SCPI Status Registers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 88

What is an
What is an
What is a
SCPI Status System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 90
The Questionable Status Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 91
The Standard Event Register- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93
The Status Byte Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 94
Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL - - - - - - - - - - - - - 95
Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 96
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 96
To Interrupt Your Bus Controll er Usi ng SRQ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 96
To Determine When a Command Sequence is Com pl eted- - - - 97

Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer - - - - 97
Status Reporting Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
An Introduction to the SCPI Language - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 102

Command Format Used in This Manual - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103

Command Separators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104

Using the

Querying Parameter Settings- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105

SCPI Command Terminators- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105

IEEE-488.2 Common Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105

SCPI Parameter Types- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
Halting an Output in Progress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 107
SCPI Conformance Information- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 108
IEEE-488 Conformance information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 111

4

Remote Interface Reference (continued)

Event

Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 88

Enable

Multiple

MIN

Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 88

Logical Output?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 88

and MAX parameters- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104

Contents

Chapter 5 Error Messages

Execution Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 115
Self-Test Errors- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 120
Calibration Errors- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 121

11

Contents

Chapter 6 Application Programs

Agilent BASIC Programs- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 124
C and QuickBASIC Language Programs- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 124
Using the APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 125
Using the Low-Level Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 129
Using the Status Registers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 133
RS-232 Operation Using QuickBA SIC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 135

Chapter 7 Tutorial

Overview of Agilent E3631A Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 139
Output Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 141

Unregulated State- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143
Unwanted Signals- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143

Connecting the Load - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 145

Output Isolation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 145
Multiple Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 145
Load Consideration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 146

Extending the Voltage- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 148

Series Connections- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 148
Remote Programming- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 149
Reliability- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 151

Chapter 8 Specifications

Performance Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 155
Supplemental Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 157

Index - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -161

12

1

1

General Information

General Information

This chapter provides a general description of your power supply. This
chapter also contains instructions for initial inspection, location and cooling
for bench and rack operation, selecting the power-line voltage, and
connecting your power supply to ac power.

14

Chapter 1 General Information

Safety Considerations

Safety Considerat ion s

This power supply is a Safety Class I instrument, which means that it has a
protective earth terminal. That terminal must be connected to earth ground
through a power source with a 3-wire ground receptacle.

Before installation or operation , check the power supply and review this
manual for safety markings and instructions. Safety information for specific
procedures is located at the appropriate places in this manual. See also

“

Safety” at the beginning of this manual for general safety information.

Safety and EMC Requirements

This power supply is designed to comply with the following safety and EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) requirements:

• IEC 1010-1(1990)/EN 61010-1(1993): Safety Requirements for Electrical
Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use

• CSA C22.2 No.1010.1-92: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment
for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use

• UL 1244: Electrical and Electronic Measuring and Testin g Equipm ent

• EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: Council Directive entitled Approximation of
the Laws of the Member States relating to Electromagnetic Compatibility

• EN 55011(1991) Group 1, Class A/CISPR 11(1991): Limits and Methods of
Radio Interference Characteristics of Industrial, Scientific, and Medical
(ISM) Radio - Frequency Equipment

• EN 50082-1(1992) /

IEC 801-2(1991): Electrostatic Discharge Requirements
IEC 801-3(1984): Radiated Electromagnetic Fi eld Requi rements
IEC 801-4(1988): Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Requirements

• ICES/NMB-001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

1

15

Chapter 1 General Information

Options and Accessories

Options and Accessories

Options

Options 0EM, 0E3, and 0E9 determine which power-line voltage is selected at
the factory. The standard unit is configured for 115 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input
voltage. For more information about changing the power-line voltage setting,
see ‘‘

Power-Line Voltage Selection

Option Description
0EM
0E3

0E9

100 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage

1CM
0L2

115 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
230 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage

Rack mount kit (Agilent part number 5062-3957)
Extra English manual set (local language manual files are included

on the CD-ROM, A gilent part number 5964-8251.)

’’, starting on page 22 in this c h a pt e r.

Accessories

The accessories listed below may be ordered from your local
Agilent Technologies Sales Office either with the power supply or separately.

Agilent No. Description
10833A

10833B
34398A

34399A

16

GPIB cable, 1 m (3.3 ft.)
GPIB cable, 2 m (6.6 ft.)
RS-232, 9 pin (f) to 9 pin (f), 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) cable; plus 9 pin (m)

to 25 pin (f) adapter
RS-232 adapter kit (contains 4 adapters):
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with PC or printer
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (f) for use with PC or printer
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with modem
9 pin (m) to 9 pin (m) for use with modem

Chapter 1 General Information

Description

Description

The Agilent E3631A power supply features a combination of programming
capabilities and linear power supply performance that makes it ideal for
power systems applications. The triple power supply delivers 0 to ± 25 V
outputs rated at 0 to 1 A and 0 to +6 V output rated at 0 to 5 A. The ± 25V
supplies also provide 0 to ± 25 V tracking output to power operational
amplifiers and circuits requiring symmetrically balanced voltages. The 0 to
± 25V outputs track each other within ±(0.2% output + 20 mV) in the track
mode. The ± 25V outputs can also be used in series as a single 0 to 50 V/1 A
supply.

The voltage and current of each supply can be adjusted independently from
the front panel or programmed over the GPIB or RS-232 interface. Using the
front panel keys and the control knob, you can adjust the voltage and
current of a selected output; enable or disable track mode; store and recall
operating states; enable or disable three outputs; calibrate the power supply
including changing the calibration security; return the power supply to local
operating mode; and configure the power supply for remote interface
operation.

From the front-panel VFD (vacuum-fl uores cent displ ay), you can monitor
actual values of output voltage and current (
current limit values (
supply from the annunciators, and check the type of error from the
displayed error codes (messages).

When operated over the remote interface, the power supply can be both a
listener and a talker. Using an external controller, you can instruct the
power supply to set outputs and to send the status data back over the GPIB or
RS-232. Readback capabilities includ e reading back output voltage and
current; present and stored status; and error messages. The following
functions are implemented over the GPIB or RS-232:

limit mode

), check the operating status of the power

meter mode

) or voltage and

1

• Voltage and current programming

• Voltage and current readback

• Enable or disable track mode

• Present and stored status readback

• Programming syntax error detection

• Voltage and current calibration

• Output on or off

• Self-test

17

Chapter 1 General Information

Description

The front panel includes a VFD for displaying the output voltage and
current. Two 4-digit voltage and current meters accurately show the actual
or limit values of a selected supply simultaneously. Three meter selection
keys choose the voltage and current of any one output to be monitored on
the display.

Connections to the power supply's output and to chassis ground are made to
binding posts on the front panel. The +25V and -25V supply's outputs share a
common output terminal which is isolated from chassis ground. The positive
and negative terminals of each output can be grounded, or each output can
be kept within ±240 Vdc from the chassis ground. The power supply is
shipped with a detachable, 3-wire grounding type power cord. The ac line
fuse is an extractor type on the rear panel.

The power supply can be calibrated from the front panel directly or with a
controller over the GPIB or RS-232 interface using calibration commands.
Co r r e c t io n fact o rs are st o red i n
output programming. Calibration from the front panel or a controller
eliminates the need to remove the top cover or even the need to remove the
power supply from your system cabinet. You can guard against unauthorized
calibration by using the “Secured” calibration protection function.

non-volatile

memory and are used during

18

Chapter 1 General Information

Installation

Installation

Initial Inspection

When you receive your power supply, inspect it for any obvious damage that
may have occurred during shipment. If any damage is found, notify the
carrier and the nearest Agilent Sales Office immediately. Warranty information
is shown in the front of this manual.

Keep the original packing materials in case the power supply has to be
returned to Agilent Technologies in the future. If you return the power supply
for service, attach a tag identifying the owner and model number. Also include
a brief description of the problem.

Mechanical Check

This check confirms that there are no broken keys or knob, that the cabinet
and panel surfaces are free of dents and scratches, and that the display is not
scratched or cracked.

Electrical Check

Chapter 2 describes an initial operation procedure which, when successfully
completed, verifies to a high level of confidence that the power supply is
operating in accordance with its specifications. Detailed electrical
verification procedures are included in the

Service Gu ide

.

1

Cooling and Location

Cooling

The power supply can operate without loss of performance within the
temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C, and with derated output current from
40 °C to 55 °C. A fan cools the power supply by drawing air through the rear
panel and exhausting it out the sides. Using an Agilent rack mount will not
impede the flow of air.

Bench Operation

Your power supply must be installed in a location that allows sufficient
space at the sides and rear of the power supply for adequate air circulation.
The rubber bumpers must be removed for rack mounting.

19

Chapter 1 General Information

Installation

Rack Mounting

The power supply can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using
one of three optional kits available. A rack-mounting kit for a single
instrument is availabl e as Option 1CM (P /N 5063-9243). Installatio n
instructions and hardware are included with each rack-mounting kit. Any
Agilent System II instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside the
Agilent E3631A power supply.

Remove the fron t and rear bum per s before rac k-mou ntin g the power
supply.

Front Rear (bottom view)

To remove the rubber bumper, stretch a corner and then slide it off.

To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9243.

20

Chapter 1 General Information

Installation

To rack mount two instruments of the same depth side-by-side, order
lock-link kit 5061-9694 and flange kit 5063-9214.

1

To install two instruments in a sliding support shelf, order support shelf
5063-9256, and slide kit 1494-0015.

21

Chapter 1 General Information

Input Power Requirements

Input Power Requirements

You can operate your power supply from a nominal 100 V, 115 V, or 230 V
single phase ac power source at 47 to 63 Hz. An indication on the rear panel
shows the nominal inp ut voltage set for the power supply at the factory. If
necessary, you can change the power-line voltage setting according to the
instructions on the next page.

Power-Line Cord

The power supply is shipped from the factory with a power-line cord that
has a plug appropriate for your location. Contact the nearest Agilent Sales and
Service Office if the wrong power-line cord is included with your power
supply. Your power supply is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type power
cord; the third conductor being the ground. The power supply is grounded
only when the power-line cord is plugged into an appropriate receptacle. Do
not operate your power supply without adequate cabinet ground connection.

Power-Line Voltage Selection

Power-line voltage selection is accomplished by adjusting two components:
power-line voltage selector and power-line fuse on the power-line module of
the rear panel. To change the power-line voltage, proceed as follows:

22

Chapter 1 General Information

Input Power Requirements

1

1 Remove the power cord.

fuse-holder assembly with a flat-blade
screwdriver from the rear panel.

3

Rotate the power-line voltage selector until

the correct voltage appears.

Remove the

2 Install the correct line fuse. Remove the

power-line voltage selector from the
power-line module.

4

Replace the power-line voltage selector and

the fuse-holder assemb ly in the rear panel.

23

24

2

2

Initial Operation

Initial Operation

There are three basic tests in this chapter. The automatic power-on test
includes a self-test that checks the internal microprocessors and allows the
user visually to check the display. The output check ensures that the power
supply develops its rated outputs and properly responds to operation from
the front panel. For complete performance and/or verification tests, refer to
the

Service Guid e

This chapter is intended for both the experienced and the inexperienced
user because it calls attention to certain checks that should be made prior to
operation.

Throughout this chapter the key to be pressed is shown in the left margin.

.

26

Chapter 2 Initial Operation

Preliminary Checkout

Preliminary Checkout

The following steps help you verify that the power supply is ready for use.

1 Verify the power-line voltage setting on the rear panel.

The power-line voltage is set to the proper value for your country when the
power supply is shipped from the factory. Change the voltage setting if it is
not correct. The settings are: 100, 115, or 230 Vac.

2 Verify that the correct power-line fuse is installed.

The correct fuse is installed for your country when the power supply is
shipped from the factory. For 100 or 115 Vac operation, you must use a

2.5 AT fuse. For 230 Vac operation, you must use a 2.0 AT fuse.

3 Connect the power-line cord and turn on your power supply.

The front-panel display will light up and a power-on self-test occurs
automatically when you turn on the power supply.

See “Power-Line Voltage Selection ”, star ting on page 22 in ch apter 1 if you
need to change the power-line voltage or the powe r-line fuse .

To replace the 2.5 AT fuse, order A gile nt part nu m ber 2110-0913.
To replace the 2 AT fuse, order Agilent part number 2110-0982.

2

27

Chapter 2 Initial Operation

Power-On Checkout

Power-On Checkout

The power-on test includes an automatic self-test that checks the internal
microprocesso rs and allow s the user visuall y to check the display. You will
observe the following sequence on the display after pressing the front panel
power switch to on.

Output On/Off

1 All segments of the display including all annunciators will turn on

for about one second.

To review the annunciators , hold down the key as you

Display Limit

turn on the power supply.

2 The GPIB address or RS-232 message will then be displayed for

about one second.

ADDR 5 (or RS-232)

The GPIB address is set to “5” when the power supply is shipped from the
factory for remote interface configuration. If this is not the first time the
power supply is turned on, a different interface (RS-232) or a different GPIB
address may appear.

See ‘‘Remote Interface Configuration’’, for more information starting on
page 48 in chapter 3 if you ne ed to ch ange t he remot e inte rface co nfig urati on.

3The “OFF” and “+6V” annunciators are on. All others are off.

The power supply will go into the
disabled (the
supply (the +

OFF

annunciator turns on); the display is selected for the +6V

6V

annunciator turns on); and the knob is selected for

power-on / reset

state; all outputs are

voltage

control.

4 Enable th e outputs.

Note

Press the

Output On/Off

annunciator turns off and the

blinking

digit can be adjusted by turning the knob. Notice that the

key to enable the outputs. The

+6V

and CV annunciators are lit. The

OFF

display is in the meter mode. “Meter mode” means that the display
shows the actual output voltage and current.

If the power supply detects an error during power-on self-test, the
annunciator will turn on.

See “Err or Me ss ages ”, for m ore inform ation

starting on page 113 in chapter 5

28

ERROR

Chapter 2 Initial Operation

Output Checkout

Output Check out

Power

Output On/Off

The following procedures check to ensure that the power supply develops
its rated outputs and properly responds to operation from the front panel.
For complete performance and verification tests, refer to the

For each step, use the keys shown on the left margins.

Service Guid e

Voltage Output Checkout

The following steps verify basic voltage functions with no load.

1 Turn on the power supply.

The power supply will go into the
disabled (the
supply (the
control.

2 Enable th e outputs.

The

OFF

blinking

in the meter mode. “Meter mode” means that the display shows the actual
output voltage and current.

3 Check that the front-panel voltmeter properly responds to knob

control for the +6V supply.

Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise to check that the voltmeter
responds to knob control and the ammeter indicates nearly zero.

OFF

annunciator turns on); the display is selected for the +6V

+6V

annunciator turns on); and the knob is selected for

annunciator turns off and the

digit can be adjusted by turning the knob. Notice that the display is

power-on / reset

+6V

and

CV

state; all outputs are

voltage

annunciators are lit. The

2

.

4 Ensure that the voltage can be adjusted from zero to the maximum

rated value.

Adjust the knob until the voltmeter indicates 0 volts and then adjust the
knob until the voltmeter indicates 6.0 volts.

1

You can use the resolution selection keys to move the blinking digit to the right or

left when setting the voltage.

1

29