Agilent Technologies
Modular Power System
Series N6700
User’s Guide
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A
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© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2003 - 2005
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Manual Editions
Manual Part Number: 5969-2908
Fifth Edition, January, 2005
Printed in Malaysia.
Reprints of this manual containing minor
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2 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Safety Notices
The following general safety precautions
must be observed during all phases of
operation of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with
specific warnings or instructions
elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards of design, manufacture, and
intended use of the instrument. Agilent
Technologies assumes no liability for the
customer's failure to comply with these
requirements.
General
Do not use this product in any manner
not specified by the manufacturer. The
protective features of this product may be
impaired if it is used in a manner not
specified in the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are
taken. Make all connections to the unit
before applying power. Note the
instrument's external markings described
under "Safety Symbols"
Ground the Instrument
This product is a Safety Class 1
instrument (provided with a protective
earth terminal). To minimize shock
hazard, the instrument chassis and cover
must be connected to an electrical
ground. The instrument must be
connected to the ac power mains through
a grounded power cable, with the ground
wire firmly connected to an electrical
ground (safety ground) at the power
outlet. Any interruption of the protective
(grounding) conductor or disconnection of
the protective earth terminal will cause a
potential shock hazard that could result in
personal injury.
Fuses
The instrument contains an internal fuse,
which is not customer accessible.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the
presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Remove the Instrument
Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personnel
who are aware of the hazards involved
should remove instrument covers. Always
disconnect the power cable and any
external circuits before removing the
instrument cover.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform
any unauthorized modification to the
product. Return the product to an Agilent
Sales and Service Office for service and
repair to ensure that safety features are
maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made inoperative and
secured against unintended operation
until they can be repaired by qualified
service personnel.
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice
until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or the
like that, if not correctly performed
or adhered to, could result in
personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING notice
until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
Safety Symbols
Direct current
Alternating current
Both direct and alternating
current
Three phase alternating
current
Earth (ground) terminal
Protective earth ground
terminal.
Frame or chassis
terminal
Terminal is at earth
potential.
Neutral conductor on
permanently installed
equipment
Line conductor on
permanently installed
equipment.
On supply
Off supply
Standby supply. Unit is not
completely disconnected
from ac mains when switch
is off
In position of a bi-stable
push switch
Out position of a bi-stable
push switch
Caution, risk of electric
shock
Caution, hot surface
Caution, refer to
accompanying
description
Series N6700 User’s Guide 3
In this Book
Specific chapters in this manual contain the following information:
Quick Reference – Chapter 1 is a quick reference section that
helps you quickly become familiar with your Agilent N6700
Modular Power System. It describes the differences between the
various modules in the power system.
Installation – Chapter 2 describes how to install your power
system. It describes how to connect various loads to the output. It
discusses remote sensing as well as parallel and series operation.
Getting Started – Chapter 3 describes how to set the voltage,
current, over-voltage protection, and turn on the output. It also
describes how to configure the remote interface.
Operating the Power System – Chapter 4 describes how to use
the advanced features of the power system using the front panel
menus and the corresponding SCPI commands.
Introduction to Programming – Chapter 5 gives a brief overview
of the SCPI command structure and basic programming concepts.
Language Dictionary – Chapter 6 describes all of the SCPI
programming commands.
NOTE
Programming Examples – Chapter 7 provides Visual Basic
example programs that illustrate some common applications.
Specifications – Appendix A describes specifications and
supplemental characteristics.
Verification and Calibration Procedures – Appendix B explains
the verification and calibration procedures.
Using the Digital Port – Appendix C describes how to configure
and use the digital port on the back of the instrument.
Service – Appendix D describes what to do if service is required.
Compatibility – Appendix E documents the compatibility
commands of the Agilent Series 662xA DC power supplies that
are supported by the Agilent N6700 Modular Power System.
You can contact Agilent Technologies at one of the following telephone
numbers for warranty, service, or technical support information.
In the United States: (800) 829-4444
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or use our Web link for information on contacting Agilent in your country or
specific location: www.agilent.com/find/assist
Or contact your Agilent Technologies Representative.
The web contains the most up to date version of the manual. Go to
http://www.agilent.com/find/N6700
to get the latest version of the manual.
4 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Contents
1 Quick Reference
The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance..........................8
The Front Panel - At a Glance......................................................................... 10
The Rear Panel – At a Glance.........................................................................10
Front Panel Display – At a Glance .................................................................11
Front Panel Keys – At a Glance...................................................................... 12
Front Panel Menu Reference ..........................................................................13
2 Installation
General Information.......................................................................................... 16
Inspecting the Unit ........................................................................................... 17
Installing the Unit..............................................................................................17
Connecting the Line Cord ................................................................................ 19
Connecting the Outputs................................................................................... 20
Remote Sense Connections............................................................................ 24
Parallel Connections.........................................................................................25
Series Connections........................................................................................... 26
3 Getting Started
Turning the Unit On .......................................................................................... 30
Selecting an Output Channel.......................................................................... 30
Entering an Output Voltage Setting............................................................... 30
Entering a Current Limit Setting..................................................................... 31
Enabling the Output.......................................................................................... 31
Using the Front Panel Menu........................................................................... 32
Connecting to the Interfaces ..........................................................................34
4 Operating the Power System
Programming the Output .................................................................................46
Synchronizing Output Steps............................................................................ 49
Making Measurements.................................................................................... 52
System Related Operations.............................................................................53
Programming High-Speed Test Extensions.................................................. 57
5 Introduction to Programming
SCPI Commands................................................................................................ 68
SCPI Messages..................................................................................................70
SCPI Conventions and Data Formats.............................................................72
SCPI Command Completion ............................................................................74
Series N6700 User’s Guide 5
6 Language Dictionary
SCPI Command Summary................................................................................ 76
Calibration Subsystem......................................................................................80
Display Subsystem............................................................................................ 82
Measurement Subsystem................................................................................83
Output Subsystem.............................................................................................86
Source Subsystem ............................................................................................89
Status Subsystem .............................................................................................96
System Commands ......................................................................................... 103
Trigger Subsystem.......................................................................................... 107
7 Programming Examples
Output Programming Example...................................................................... 110
List Programming Example............................................................................112
Digitizer Programming Example....................................................................114
Appendix A Specifications
Performance Specifications.......................................................................... 118
Supplemental Characteristics....................................................................... 121
Autoranging Characteristic............................................................................128
Outline Diagram...............................................................................................128
Appendix B Verification and Calibration
Verification.......................................................................................................130
Calibration ........................................................................................................151
Appendix C Using the Digital Port
Digital Control Port .........................................................................................162
Configuring the Digital Control Port.............................................................166
Appendix D Service
Returning an Instrument................................................................................170
Disassembly.....................................................................................................171
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................176
Parts List and Parts Location........................................................................ 183
Error Messages ...............................................................................................186
Appendix E Compatibility
Differences – In General................................................................................ 192
Compatibility Command Summary............................................................... 193
Differences in Earlier Agilent N6700A Mainframes..................................197
Index ...........................................................................................................................................................201
6 Series N6700 User’s Guide
1
Quick Reference
The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance.......................... 8
The Front Panel - At a Glance......................................................................... 10
The Rear Panel – At a Glance......................................................................... 10
Front Panel Display – At a Glance .................................................................11
Front Panel Keys – At a Glance...................................................................... 12
Front Panel Menu Reference.......................................................................... 13
NOTE
This chapter concisely describes the operation of the Agilent N6700
Modular Power System (MPS).
This chapter does not describe every operating feature in detail. It is
simply a quick reference guide to quickly become familiar with the
essential operating features of the power system.
A quick reference programming command chart is included in the
beginning of chapter 6.
Unless otherwise noted, the Agilent N6700 Modular Power System will also be
referred to as “MPS” and “power system” throughout this manual.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 7
1 Quick Reference
The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance
The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System is a configurable, 1U (rack
unit) high platform that lets you mix and match power modules to
create a power system optimized for your test system requirements.
Up to four power modules can be installed in each Agilent N6700A/B
MPS mainframe. Power modules come in power levels of 50 and 100
Watts, have various voltage and current combinations, and provide
the following output performance levels:
The N675xA High-Performance, Autoranging DC Power Modules
provide low noise, high accuracy, fast programming times, and
advanced programming and measurement capabilities to speed
test throughput.
The N676xA Precision DC Power Modules provide precise control
and measurements in the milli- and micro-ampere region with
the ability to simultaneously digitize voltage and current and
capture those measurements into an oscilloscope-like data buffer.
The N673xA/B and N674xA/B DC Power Modules provide
programmable voltage and current, measurement, and protection
features, making these economical modules suitable for powering
the device-under-test or system resources such as fixture
controls.
Output Features
Programmable
voltage and
current
Fast command
processing
Fast up/down
programming
Fast transient
response
Low output
noise
Autoranging
capability
Full programming capability is provided for the entire range of output voltage and
current. O
sources.
Command processing time of less than 1 millisecond per command.
1.5 millisecond response time from 10% to 90% of the output rating for autoranging
and precision power modules. Refer to Appendix A for details.
Transient response is less than 100 microseconds for autoranging and precision
power modules. Refer to Appendix A for details.
Output noise is typically 4 mV peak-to-peak for autoranging and precision power
modules, which is comparable to linear supplies. Refer to Appendix A for details.
Autoranging produces the maximum rated power over a wide and continuous range
of voltage and current settings for autoranging and precision power modules. Refer
to Appendix A for details.
The output and system features are described in the following
sections. Not all output features are available on every power
module. The “Model Differences” section describes the features that
apply only to specific power modules.
utputs can operate as either constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC)
Output On/Off
sequencing
8 Series N6700 User’s Guide
A turn-on/turn-off delay capability for each output allows output on/off sequencing.
Quick Reference 1
Remote voltage
sensing
Two remote sensing terminals are provided for each output. When shipped from the
factory, the remote sense jumpers are included in a separate bag. Refer to Chapter 2
for details.
Voltage
All power modules can measure their own output voltage and current.
and current
measurements
Voltage, current,
and temperature
protection
Each output has over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protection. Overvoltage and over-current protection are programmable. When activated, the
protection circuits cause the voltage to go to zero, the output to be disabled, and the
protection status to be reported.
System Features
SCPI language The instrument is compatible with the Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments (SCPI).
Choice of three
interfaces
Front panel I/O
setup
GPIB (IEEE-488), LAN, and USB (mini B) remote programming interfaces are
built in.
Menus let you set up GPIB and LAN parameters from the front panel. Refer to
Chapter 3 for details.
Built-in Web
server
Real-time status
information
Module
identification
A built-in Web server lets you control the instrument directly from an internet
browser on your computer. Refer to Chapter 3 for details.
The front panel indicates the status of each output. It also indicates when a
protection shut-down has occurred.
Each module has identifying data stored in non-volatile memory. Information
includes model number, serial number, and options. This information can be
displayed on the front panel.
Model Differences
Feature DC Power Modules (A+B) Autoranging Modules Precision Modules
N6731 -
N6736
Output power rating 50 W1 100 W2 50 W 100 W 50 W 100 W
Autoranging output capability NO NO YES YES YES YES
Precision output and measurement capability NO NO NO NO YES YES
Low voltage output and measurement range NO NO NO NO YES YES
Low current output and measurement range NO NO NO NO YES YES
Simultaneous voltage and current measurement NO NO NO NO YES YES
Output list capability (Test Extensions) NO NO Option Option YES YES
Array readback capability (Test Extensions) NO NO Option Option YES YES
Programmable sample rate (Test Extensions) NO NO Option Option YES YES
1
Model N6735A has a maximum output of 40 W.
2
Models N6742A and N6745A have a maximum output of 80 W.
N6741 N6746
N6751A N6752A N6761A N6762A
Series N6700 User’s Guide 9
1 Quick Reference
The Front Panel - At a Glance
Display
Turns off after 1 hour of
inactivity. Press any key to
restore the display.
N6700A Modular Power System
20.007V 4.004A
CV Set: 20.000V 5.500A
o -
1
On/Off switch and LED
LED indicates power is on.
Green = normal operation.
Amber = display is screen saver mode.
The Rear Panel – At a Glance
Navigation keys
Move the cursor to a menu item.
Select the highlighted menu item.
Menu
Meter
Channel
Help
Back
Error
On/Off
Voltage
Sel
Current
System keys
Toggle between meter mode and the
command menus.
Exit a menu and return to meter mode.
Select an output channel to display.
Output keys
Turn the outputs on or off.
Enter voltage or current.
987
456
2
1
3
E
0
.
Enter
+/-
Numeric entry keys
Enter values.
Increment or decrement
values.
+s + -s
+s + -s
4-pin output connector.
Includes +/−output and
+/− sense terminals.
WARNING
SHOCK HAZARD The power cord provides a chassis ground through a third
conductor. Be certain that your power outlet is of the three-conductor type
with the correct pin connected to earth ground.
GPIB connector
+s + -s +s + -s
8-pin digital control
connector
Connector function is
user-configurable.
(N6700A mainframes
use a 4-pin connector.)
Chassis ground
binding post
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
3-pin IEC 320 AC
input connector
Power cord requires
ground conductor.
USB connector LAN connector
10/100 Base-T
Left LED indicates
activity. Right LED
indicates link integrity.
10 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Front Panel Display – At a Glance
Single-channel View Voltage measurement Current measurement
Press the Meter key
to toggle between
views
Operating mode (CV =
constant voltage mode)
Multiple-channel View Voltage and Current measurements
Press the Meter key
to toggle between
views
Voltage and Current
settings
Quick Reference 1
Remote interface status
(ALL, SRQ, ERR, IO)
The highlighted channel is the active channel
Grouped-channel View Channels 2 through 4 are connected in parallel and have been
configured or grouped to act as a single, higher-power channel
Refer to Chapter 4,
under “System Related
Operations” for more
information
Grouped channels are addressed using the channel number of the
lowest channel in the group
Series N6700 User’s Guide 11
1 Quick Reference
Front Panel Keys – At a Glance
System Keys
Meter returns the display to metering mode.
Back
Sel
On/Off
Voltage
Current
Menu
Menu accesses the command menu.
Channel selects or highlights a channel to control.
Back backs out of a menu without activating any changes.
Help accesses information about the displayed menu control.
Error displays any error messages in the error queue.
The Arrow keys let you move around in the command menus.
The Select key lets you make a selection in the command menus.
It also lets you enter edit mode for numeric parameters.
On/Off controls the selected output (or all outputs when ALL is lit).
This key is only active in Single- channel or Multiple-channel view.
Voltage lets you change the voltage setting of the selected channel.
Current lets you change the current setting of the selected channel.
Meter
Channel
Help Error
Navigation Keys
Output Keys
Number Keys
45
2
1
.
0
987
6
3
E
+
/
-
The number keys let you enter digits from 0 to 9 and a decimal point.
The minus sign is selected by the +/− key.
The exponent must be added to the right of the E symbol.
The backspace key deletes digits as it backspaces over them.
© ª arrow keys increment or decrement the value in certain fields.
They are also used to select letters in alphabetic entry fields.
t
n
r
E
e
The Enter key enters a value. If you exit a field without pressing the
Enter key, the value is ignored.
12 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Front Panel Menu Reference
Quick Reference 1
NOTE
Menu commands that appear grayed-out on the display are either not available
for the power module that is being programmed, or are password protected.
Refer to appendix E for information about the front panel menu commands for
firmware revisions prior to B.00.00
Menu Command Control Description
Output Voltage Programs voltage setting and range.
Current Programs current setting and range.
Delay Programs Turn-on /Turn off delay.
Slew Programs voltage slew rate.
Measure Range Selects voltage and current measurement range.
Sweep Specifies measurement points, time interval, and trigger offset.
Window Selects measurement window: Rectangular, Hanning.
Control Lets you abort a measurement in progress.
Transient Mode Selects voltage or current transient mode: Fixed, Step, List.
Step Programs voltage and current step value. Enables step triggers.
List Pace Specifies Dwell or Trigger paced list.
Repeat Specifies number of list repetitions, or specifies continuous list.
Terminate Specifies list settings when the list terminates.
Config Configures list step voltage, current, dwell, and trigger signals.
Reset Aborts the list and resets all list parameters.
TrigSource Specify the trigger source: Bus, Tran 1-4, Pin 1-7.
Control Initiates, Triggers, or Aborts output triggers. Displays trigger state.
Protect OVP Configures over-voltage protection function.
OCP Configures over-current protection function.
Inhibit Configures the external inhibit signal: Off, Latching, Live
Coupling Disables ALL output channels when a protection fault occurs.
Clear Clears output protection. Displays output state.
States Reset Resets the instrument to its reset (*RST) state.
SaveRecall Saves or recalls an instrument state.
PowerOn Selects the power-on state.
System I/O LAN ActiveSettings Displays the LAN interface settings that are presently active.
Config IP Enables/disables DHCP and Auto IP. Also sets LAN addresses.
Name Configures the Dynamic DNS and NetBIOS naming service.
Domain Configures the Domain Name.
DNS Configures the DNS server.
TCP Configures the TCP keepalive function.
Reset Resets the LAN interface settings to the factory-shipped state.
USB Status USB connect string - the instrument’s unique USB identifier.
Identification Displays status, speed, packets received, and packets sent.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 13
1 Quick Reference
Menu Command Control Description
System I/O GPIB Selects the GPIB address.
DigPort Pin 1 Function Specifies the pin function: DigIO, TrigIn, TrigOut, DigIn, FaultOut.
Polarity Specifies the pin polarity.
Pin 2 Function Specifies the pin function: DigIO, TrigIn, TrigOut, DigIn.
Polarity Specifies the pin polarity.
Pin 3 Function Specifies the pin function: DigIO, TrigIn, TrigOut, DigIn, InhibitIn.
Polarity Specifies the pin polarity.
Pin 4 Function Specifies the pin function: DigIO, TrigIn, TrigOut, DigIn.
Polarity Specifies the pin polarity.
Pin 5 Function Specifies the pin function: DigIO, TrigIn, TrigOut, DigIn.
Polarity Specifies the pin polarity.
Pin 6 Function Specifies the pin function: DigIO, TrigIn, TrigOut, DigIn.
Polarity Specifies the pin polarity.
Pin 7 Function Specifies the pin function: DigIO, TrigIn, TrigOut, DigIn.
Polarity Specifies the pin polarity.
Data Sends/reads data from the digital I/O port function
Groups Defines groups of output channels that are connected in parallel.
Preferences Display Contrast Configures the display contrast.
Saver Configures the screen saver and wake-on I/O timer.
View Selects 1-channel or 4-channel view at turn-on
Keys Enables/disables key clicks and configures the On/Off key.
Lock Locks front panel keys. Enter a password to unlock the front panel.
Admin Login/Logout Enter a password to access the admin functions.
Cal Function VProg High Enters measured data for the High calibration point.
Low Enters measured data for the Low calibration point.
VMeas Enters measured data.
CMRR Calibrates common mode rejection ratio.
IProg High Enters measured data for the High calibration point.
Low Enters measured data for the Low calibration point.
IMeas Enters measured data.
DPRog Calibrates the downprogrammer.
IPeak Calibrates I peak.
Date Saves the calibration date for each channel.
Save Saves the calibration data.
LAN Enables/disables the LAN interface and the built-in Web server.
USB Enables/disables the USB interface.
Nvram Resets all non-volatile RAM settings to their factory defaults.
Password Changes the password for the admin functions.
About Frame Displays model, serial number, and firmware revisions.
Module Displays model, serial number, options, voltage, current, power.
14 Series N6700 User’s Guide
2
Installation
General Information.......................................................................................... 16
Inspecting the Unit ...........................................................................................17
Installing the Unit..............................................................................................17
Connecting the Line Cord ................................................................................19
Connecting the Outputs................................................................................... 20
Remote Sense Connections............................................................................ 24
Parallel Connections.........................................................................................25
Series Connections........................................................................................... 26
This chapter describes how to install your power system. It discusses
installation, rack mounting, and line cord connections.
This chapter discusses how to connect your load to the output
terminals. It discusses what you need to know about wire sizes and
how to compensate for voltage drops in the load leads. It also
discusses various loads configurations and how to connect the output
terminals in series and parallel.
Before installing the instrument, check the list under “Items
Supplied” and verify that you have received these items with your
instrument. If anything is missing, please contact your nearest
Agilent Sales and Support Office.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 15
2 Installation
General Information
Models
Agilent Model Description
N6700A / N6700B MPS Mainframe - without DC Power Modules
N6751A / N6752A 50 W / 100 W High-Performance Autoranging DC Power Module
N6761A / N6762A 50 W / 100 W Precision DC Power Module
N6731B / N6741B 50 W / 100 W 5 V DC Power Module
N6732B / N6742B 50 W / 100 W 8 V DC Power Module
N6733B / N6743B 50 W / 100 W 20 V DC Power Module
N6734B / N6744B 50 W / 100 W 35 V DC Power Module
N6735B / N6745B 50 W / 100 W 60 V DC Power Module
N6736B / N6746B 50 W / 100 W 100 V DC Power Module
N6731A 50 W 5 V DC Power Module
N6732A / N6742A 50 W / 80 W 8 V DC Power Module
N6733A / N6743A 50 W / 100 W 20 V DC Power Module
N6734A / N6744A 50 W / 100 W 35 V DC Power Module
N6735A / N6745A 40 W / 80 W 50 V DC Power Module
N6708A Filler Module Kit (includes 3 filler modules)
N6709A Rack Mount Kit (also available as Option 908)
Items Supplied
Item Description Agilent Part Number
Power Cord A power cord appropriate for your location. Call Agilent Sales & Support Office
Output Connector A 4-pin connector for connecting power and remote sense
leads.
Sense Jumpers Two jumpers per module for local sensing at the output
connector.
Digital Connector An 8-pin connector for connecting signal lines to the digital
port.
(N6700A mainframes use a 4-pin connector.)
Manual Set Contains User’s Guide and Product Reference CD-ROM. 5969-2916
Certificate of Calibration A certificate of calibration referenced to the serial number. N/A
Automation-Ready CD-ROM Contains Agilent IO Libraries Suite. E2094N
Filler Modules Provided if there are less than four power modules installed. N6708A
1253-5826 or
1253-6211 (model N6741B only)
8120-8821 or
0360-2935 (model N6741B only)
1253-6408 (8-pin) or
1253-5830 (4-pin)
Options
Option Description
054 High-speed Test Extensions. Includes digitized output measurements and output list capability.
Available for Agilent Models N6751A/N6752A. Included with Agilent Models N6761A/N6762A.
761 Output relays. Includes 2 - DPDT galvanic-disconnect relays. Disconnects both output and sense
terminals. Available for all Agilent Models.
908 Rack Mount Kit for mounting in a 19-inch EIA rack cabinet. Also available as Model N6709A.
16 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Inspecting the Unit
Installing the Unit
Safety Considerations
Installation 2
When you receive your power system, inspect it for any obvious
damage that may have occurred during shipment. If there is damage,
notify the shipping carrier and nearest Agilent Sales and Support
Office immediately. Refer to Appendix D for more information.
Until you have checked out the power system, save the shipping
carton and packing materials in case the unit has to be returned.
This power system is a Safety Class 1 instrument, which means it has
a protective earth terminal. That terminal must be connected to
earth ground through a power source equipped with a ground
receptacle.
Refer to the Safety Summary page at the beginning of this guide for
general safety information. Before installation or operation, check
the power system and review this guide for safety warnings and
instructions. Safety warnings for specific procedures are located at
appropriate places throughout this Guide.
Environment
WARNING
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gasses or fumes
The environmental conditions of the instrument are documented in
Appendix A. Basically, the instrument should only be operated
indoors in a controlled environment.
The dimensions of your instrument as well as an outline diagram are
given in Appendix A. A fan cools the power system by drawing air
through the sides and exhausting it out the side and back. The
instrument must be installed in a location that allows sufficient space
at the sides and back of the unit for adequate air circulation.
Rack Installation
Do not block the air intake and exhaust at the sides of the unit or
the exhaust at the rear of the unit. Refer to the outline diagram in
Appendix A.
CAUTION
You cannot use support rails for rack mounting your instrument as they would
block the airflow needed for cooling. Use the Rack Mount kit (Option 908) to
rack mount your instrument. The Rack Mount Kit is also available by ordering
part number N6709A.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 17
2 Installation
The Agilent N6700 MPS can be mounted in a 19-inch EIA rack
cabinet. It is designed to fit in one rack unit (1U) of space. Install the
rack mount kit as shown in the following figure.
Step 1. Install eight clip-nuts on the rack frame (2 in each corner) where
your instrument will be located
Step 2. Install the two front ears and the two rear extender supports on the
instrument as shown in the figure. Use six M3 x 8mm screws (a) for
the front ears and four M3 x 6mm screws (b) for the extender
supports. If the standard extender supports are either too short or
too long, use the longer supports (c). Cut the supports if required (d).
Step 3. Install the two rear ears on the back of the instrument rack as shown
in the figure. Use the four plain 10-32 screws to install the rear ears.
Step 4. Slide the instrument into the rack, making sure that the rear
extender supports are aligned inside the rear ears.
Step 5. Attach the front ears to the front of the instrument rack using the
four dress 10-32 screws provided.
Step 6. This is optional. Insert a plain 10-32 screw through the slot of the
rear ear and extender support. Attach it with a clip-nut. Note that
this will prevent the unit from being slid out of the front of the rack.
4
3
1
6
2b
2d
2c
2a
5
1
18 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Bench Installation
Do not block the air intake and exhaust at the sides, or the exhaust
at the rear of the unit. Refer to the outline diagram in Appendix A.
Minimum clearances for bench operation are 2 inches (51 mm) along
the sides and back.
Channel Number
The channel number of a power module is determined by the location
of that module in the mainframe. When viewed from the rear, the
module next to the GPIB connector is always output channel one.
Numbering continues sequentially to the left, from one to four.
If there are less than four modules, channel numbering corresponds
to the actual number of installed power modules. Unused channel
slots contain filler modules to ensure proper airflow for cooling.
Installation 2
NOTE
Cleaning
WARNING
Connecting the Line Cord
WARNING
Power modules that are connected in parallel and have been configured or
grouped to act as a single, higher-power channel, are addressed using the
channel number of the lowest channel in the group.
SHOCK HAZARD To prevent electric shock, unplug the unit before cleaning.
Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the
external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.
FIRE HAZARD Use only the power cord that was supplied with your
instrument. Using other types of power cords may cause overheating of the
power cord, resulting in fire.
SHOCK HAZARD The power cord provides a chassis ground through a third
conductor. Be certain that your power outlet is of the three-conductor type
with the correct pin connected to earth ground.
Connect the power cord to the IEC 320 connector on the rear of the
unit. If the wrong power cord was shipped with your unit, contact
your nearest Agilent Sales and Support Office.
The AC input on the back of your unit is a universal AC input. It
accepts nominal line voltages in the range of 100 VAC to 240 VAC.
The frequency can be 50 Hz, 60 Hz, or 400 Hz.
NOTE
Series N6700 User’s Guide 19
The detachable power cord may be used as an emergency disconnecting
device. Removing the power cord will disconnect ac input power to the unit.
2 Installation
400 Hz Operating Considerations
Connecting the Outputs
Power Factor
At 400 Hz operation, the unit’s power factor is affected as follows:
Under full load at 400 Hz, power factor drops from 0.99 (@120
VAC) to as low as 0.76 (@ 265 VAC)
Power factor degrades further under no load conditions.
Redundant Ground Requirement
At 400 Hz operation, the leakage current of the unit exceeds 3.5 mA.
This requires the installation of a permanent, redundant ground from
the instrument chassis to earth ground. This ensures that ground will
always be connected and that any leakage current will be diverted to
ground. Appendix D describes how to connect the redundant ground.
WARNING
SHOCK HAZARD Turn off AC power before making rear panel connections.
All wires and straps must be properly connected with the terminal block
screws securely tightened.
Disconnect the connector plug to make your wire connections. The
connector accepts wires sizes from AWG 12 to AWG 30. Note that
wire sizes smaller than AWG 20 are not recommended. Each
connector has four openings for attaching wires (see the figure
below). Load connections are made at the + and - terminals. Sense
connections are made on the +s and -s terminals. Securely fasten the
wires by tightening the screw terminals.
After your wires are securely connected, insert the connector plug
into the back of the unit and secure it by tightening the locking
screws. A chassis ground binding post is available next to the AC
input connector for your convenience.
TIGHTEN SCREWS
LOCKING SCREW
INSERT WIRES
CONNECTOR
PLUG SHOWN
+S + -S
SENSE JUMPERS
INSTALLED FOR
LOCAL SENSING
TWIST LEADS
+
LOAD
20 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Wire Size
Installation 2
WARNING
FIRE HAZARD Select a wire size large enough to carry short-circuit current
without overheating. To satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be
heavy enough not to overheat while carrying the short-circuit output current
of the unit (refer to the following chart).
Along with conductor temperature, you must also consider voltage
drop when selecting wire sizes. The following chart lists the
resistance for various wire sizes and the maximum lengths to limit
the voltage drop to 1.0 volts for various currents.
Wire size Current-carrying capacity (Amps) Resistance Max. Length to Limit Voltage to 1 V/Lead
for 5 A for 10 A for 20A
AWG 2 wires bundled 4 wires bundled ΩΩΩΩ/foot Wire length in feet
20 7.8 6.9 0.0102 20 10 5
18 14.5 12.8 0.0064 30 15 7.5
16 18.2 16.1 0.0040 50 25 12.5
14 29.3 25.9 0.0025 -- 40 20
12 37.6 33.2 0.0016 -- -- 30
Area in mm
0.5 7.8 6.9 0.0401 5 2.4 1.2
0.75 9.4 8.3 0.0267 7.4 3.8 1.8
1 12.7 11.2 0.0200 10 5 2.6
1.5 15.0 13.3 0.0137 14.6 7.2 3.6
2.5 23.5 20.8 0.0082 -- 12.2 6
Notes: 1. Capacity for AWG wires derived from MIL-W-5088B. Max. ambient temp: 55°C. Max. wire temp: 105°C.
2
2 wires bundled 4 wires bundled ΩΩΩΩ/meter Wire length in meters
2. Capacity for metric wires are derived from IE Publication 335-1.
3. Capacity of aluminum wire is approximately 84% of that listed for copper wire.
4. Because of wire inductance considerations, it is recommended that you keep your load leads twisted, tie
wrapped, or bundled together and less than 50 feet (14.7 meters) in length per lead.
Note that the minimum wire size required to prevent overheating as
shown in the above chart may not be large enough to prevent OV trip
and to maintain good regulation. Under most conditions, the load
wires should be heavy enough to limit the voltage drop to no more
than l.0 V per lead.
NOTE
To help prevent nuisance tripping of the over-voltage circuit, select a wire size
sufficient to handle the FULL output current of the unit no matter what the
intended load current or current limit setting
Load lead resistance is an important factor relating to the CV
stability of the instrument when remote sensing capacitive loads. If
high capacitance loads are expected, you should not use wire gauges
heavier than 12 to 14 AWG for long runs of load lead.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 21
2 Installation
Multiple Loads
If you are using local sensing and are connecting multiple loads to
one output, connect each load to the output terminals using separate
connecting wires (see the figure below). This minimizes mutual
coupling effects and takes full advantage of the power system's low
output impedance. Each pair of wires should be as short as possible
and twisted or bundled to reduce lead inductance and noise pickup.
If load considerations require the use of distribution terminals that
are located away from the instrument, connect the output terminals
to the remote distribution terminals by a pair of twisted or bundled
wires. Connect each load to the distribution terminals separately.
Remote voltage sensing is recommended under these circumstances.
Sense either at the remote distribution terminals or, if one load is
more sensitive than the others, directly at the critical load.
+S + -S
SENSE JUMPERS
INSTALLED FOR
LOCAL SENSING
TWIST LEADS
+ +
LOAD
LOAD
Positive and Negative Voltages
Either positive or negative voltages can be obtained from the output
by grounding (or "commoning") one of the output terminals. Always
use two wires to connect the load to the output regardless of where
or how the system is grounded. The instrument can be operated with
any output terminal ± 240 VDC including output voltage from ground.
Response Time with an External Capacitor
When programming with an external capacitor, voltage response time
may be longer than that specified in Appendix A. Use the following
formula to estimate the additional response time for up
programming:
Response Time = (Added Output Capacitor)X(Change in Vout)
Current Limit Setting
Note that programming into an external output capacitor may cause
the power system to briefly enter constant current or constant power
operating mode, which adds additional time to the estimation.
22 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Remote Voltage Sensing
Because of the unavoidable voltage drop developed in the load leads,
the terminal block strapping patterns discussed thus far do not
provide the best possible voltage regulation at the load. The remote
sensing connections shown in the figure below improve the voltage
regulation at the load by monitoring the voltage there instead of at
the output terminals. This allows the power system to automatically
compensate for the voltage drop in the load leads.
Remote sensing is especially useful for CV operation with load
impedances that vary or have significant lead resistance. It has no
effect during CC operation. Because sensing is independent of other
power system functions, remote sensing can be used regardless of
how the power system is programmed. Note that with remote
sensing, the voltage readback circuit monitors the load voltage
through the sense terminals.
Installation 2
NOTE
The OVP circuit senses at the main output terminals and not through the sense
terminals. Due to the voltage drop in the load leads, the voltage sensed by the
OVP circuit could be higher than the voltage being regulated at the load.
Therefore, you must take into account the additional voltage drop in the load
leads when setting the over-voltage trip point.
+S + -S
TWIST LEADS
TWIST PAIR
+
LOAD
Series N6700 User’s Guide 23
2 Installation
Remote Sense Connections
Remember to turn off the power system before making or changing
any connections on the rear panel terminal blocks. Connect the unit
for remote sensing by first disconnecting the straps between sense
and load terminals. Make your connections as shown in the previous
figure. Connect the sense leads as close to the load as possible. Refer
to the “Wire Size” section for information about selecting the proper
wire size. Best results are obtained by using the shortest load leads
practical. It is recommended that you keep your load leads under
14.7 meters (50 feet) per lead because of inductance effects.
The sense leads carry only a few milliamperes of current and
therefore, can be lighter gauge than the load leads. However, note
that any voltage drop in the sense leads can degrade the voltage
regulation of the instrument. Try to keep the sense lead resistance
less than about 0.5Ω per lead (this requires 20 AWG or heavier for a
50 foot length).
Open Sense Leads
The sense leads are part of the output's feedback path. Connect them
in such a way so that they do not inadvertently become open
circuited. The power system includes protection resistors that reduce
the effect of open sense leads during remote-sensing operation. If the
sense leads open during operation, the power system returns to the
local sensing mode, with the voltage at the output terminals
approximately 1% higher than the programmed value.
Output Noise Considerations
Any noise picked up on the sense leads will appear at the output
terminals and may adversely affect CV load regulation. Twist the
sense leads or use a ribbon cable to minimize the pickup of external
noise. In extremely noisy environments it may be necessary to shield
the sense leads. Ground the shield at the power system end only; do
not use the shield as one of the sensing conductors.
The noise specifications in Appendix A apply at the output terminals
when using local sensing. However, voltage transients may be
produced at the load by noise induced in the leads or by load current
transients acting on the inductance and resistance of the load lead. If
it is desirable to keep voltage transient levels to a minimum, place an
aluminum or a tantalum capacitor, with an approximate value of 10
µF per foot (30.5cm) of load lead, right across the load.
24 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Parallel Connections
Installation 2
CAUTION
Only connect outputs that have identical voltage and current ratings in parallel.
Connecting outputs in parallel provides a greater current capability
than can be obtained from a single output.
The following figures show how to connect two outputs in parallel.
The figure on the left illustrates local sensing. If voltage drop in the
load leads is a concern, the figure on the right shows how to connect
the sense leads directly at the load. Note that in both cases, the
remote sense terminals must be connected together.
OUTPUT 2 OUTPUT 1
+S + -S
TWIST LEADS
+
LOAD
+S + -S
SENSE
JUMPERS
INSTALLED
OUTPUT 2
+S + -S
OUTPUT 1
+S + - S
TWIST LEADS
+
LOAD
WITH LOCAL SENSING
Grouping the Outputs
Once outputs have been connected in parallel, they can be configured
or “grouped” to act as a single, higher-power channel. This applies
when programming via the front panel or using SCPI commands.
Information about how to group output channels that have been
connected in parallel is provided in Chapter 4 under “System Related
Operations” as well as Chapter 6 under ”System Commands”.
NOTE
The ability to group outputs is only available on Agilent N6700 MPS mainframes
with firmware revision B.00.00 and up. Almost all instrument functionality is
supported by grouped channels, including voltage and current programming,
measurements, status, step transients, and list transients.
To program paralleled outputs on units with earlier version
firmware, first program both outputs to the desired output voltage.
Then program the current limit point of each output. The current
limit of the paralleled outputs will be the sum of both individual
current limit points.
WITH REMOTE SENSING
Series N6700 User’s Guide 25
2 Installation
Effect on Specifications
Specifications for outputs operating in parallel can be obtained from
the specifications for single outputs. Most specifications are
expressed as a constant or as a percentage (or ppm) plus a constant.
For parallel operation, the percentage portion remains unchanged
while constant portions or any constants are changed as indicated
below. For current readback accuracy and temperature coefficient of
current readback, use the minus current specifications:
Current All parallel specifications referring to current are twice the single output
specification except for programming resolution, which is the same for both
single output and parallel output operation.
Voltage All parallel specifications referring to voltage are the same as for a single
output except for CV load effect, CV load cross regulation, CV source effect,
and CV short term drift. These are all twice the voltage programming accuracy
(including the percentage portion) at all operating points.
Load Transient
Recovery Time
Series Connections
WARNING
CAUTION
Load transient specifications are typically twice the single output.
SHOCK HAZARD Floating voltages must not exceed 240 VDC. No output
terminal may be more than 240 VDC from chassis ground.
Only connect outputs that have identical voltage and current ratings in series.
Each output has reverse voltage protection diodes across its output terminals.
The current conducted by this diode is not internally limited by the output.
Never connect an output in such a way that the diodes will conduct current in
excess of the rated current of the output since damage could result.
Connecting outputs in series provides a greater voltage capability
than can be obtained from a single output. Because the current is the
same through each element in a series circuit, outputs connected in
series must have equivalent current ratings.
The following figure shows an example of how to connect two
outputs in series to a single load with local sensing.. Connecting the +
S terminal of output 2 to the - S terminal of output 1 and removing
the sense jumper (between + S and + V) on output 2 compensates for
the IR drop in the load lead from output 2 to output 1.
If voltage drop in the load leads is a concern, connect the sense leads
of output 1 and output 2 for remote sensing as shown in the figure on
the right. Note that the + sense lead of output 2 must remain
connected to the -sense terminal of output 1. The outputs may be set
as previously described.
26 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Installation 2
OUTPUT 2
+S + -S
TWIST LEADS
+
LOAD
WITH LOCAL SENSING
Setting the Outputs
Outputs connected together in series cannot be grouped.
To program outputs connected in series, first program the current
limit of each output to the total desired current limit point. Then
program the voltage of each output so that the sum of both voltages
equals the total desired operating voltage. The simplest way to
accomplish this is to program each output to one half of the total
desired operating voltage.
OUTPUT 1
+S + -S
SENSE
JUMPERS
INSTALLED
OUTPUT 2
+S + -S
TWIST LEADS
+S + -S
+
LOAD
WITH REMOTE SENSING
OUTPUT 1
INSTALLED
SENSE
JUMPER
NOTE
The operating mode of each output channel is determined by the channel’s
programmed settings, operating point, and load condition. Because these
conditions may change during parallel operation, the status annunciators on the
front panel will reflect these changes. This is normal. Momentary status
changes are also normal.
Effect on Specifications
Specifications for outputs operating in series can be obtained from
the specifications for single outputs. Most specifications are
expressed as a constant or a percentage (or ppm) plus a constant.
For series operation, the percentage portion remains unchanged
while constant portions or any constants are changed as indicated.
Voltage All series specifications referring to voltage are twice the single output
specification except for programming resolution, which is the same as for a
single output.
Current All series specifications referring to current are the same as for a single
output except for CC load effect, CC load cross regulation, CC source effect,
and CC short term drift which are twice the current programming accuracy
(including the percentage portion).
Load Transient
Load transient specifications are typically twice the single output.
Recovery Time
Series N6700 User’s Guide 27
3
Getting Started
Turning the Unit On.......................................................................................... 30
Selecting an Output Channel ..........................................................................30
Entering an Output Voltage Setting ...............................................................30
Entering a Current Limit Setting..................................................................... 31
Enabling the Output.......................................................................................... 31
Using the Front Panel Menu ........................................................................... 32
Connecting to the Interfaces ..........................................................................34
NOTE
This chapter describes how to get started using your power system. It
discusses turning the unit on, using the front panel controls, and
navigating the front panel command menu. A map of the front panel
menu structure is found in chapter 1.
This chapter also contains information on how to configure the three
remote interfaces that are provided on the back of the instrument.
Detailed information on configuring the remote interfaces is included in the
Agilent Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces Connectivity Guide, which is
available on the Automation-Ready CD-ROM included with this product
.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 29
3 Getting Started
Turning the Unit On
After you have connected the line cord, turn the unit on with the
front panel power switch. The front panel display will light up after a
few seconds.
A power-on self-test occurs automatically when you turn the unit on.
This test assures you that the instrument is operational. If the selftest fails, the Err annunciator comes on. Press the Error key to
display the list of errors on the front panel. Refer to Appendix D for
further information.
When the front panel display appears, you can use the front panel
controls to enter voltage and current values.
Selecting an Output Channel
Channel
Press the Channel key to select the output channel that you wish to program.
Entering an Output Voltage Setting
Method 1 – Use the Navigation and Arrow Keys
Navigation Keys
Sel
Arrow Keys
© ª
Method 2 - Use the Voltage key to enter a value
Voltage
Use the left and right navigation keys to navigate to the setting that you wish
to change. In the display below, channel 1’s voltage setting is selected. Enter
a value using the numeric keypad. Then press Enter.
You can also use the arrow keys to adjust the value up or down. When the
output is on and the unit is operating in CV mode, the output voltage
changes immediately. Otherwise, the value will become effective when the
output is turned on.
Use the Voltage key to select the voltage entry field. In the display below,
channel 1’s voltage setting is selected. Enter the desired setting using the
numeric keypad. Then press Enter.
NOTE
30 Series N6700 User’s Guide
If you make a mistake, either use the § backspace key to delete the number,
press Back to back out of the menu, or press Meter to return to meter mode.
Entering a Current Limit Setting
Method 1 – Use the Navigation and Arrow Keys
Getting Started 3
Navigation Keys
Sel
Arrow Keys
©©©© ªªªª
Use the left and right navigation keys to navigate to the setting that you wish
to change. In the display below, channel 1’s current setting is selected. Enter
a value using the numeric keypad. Then press Enter.
You can also use the arrow keys to adjust the value up or down. When the
output is on and the unit is operating in CC mode, the output current changes
immediately. Otherwise, the value will become effective when the output is
turned on.
Method 2 - Use the Current key to enter a value
Current
Use the Current key to select the current entry field. In the display below,
channel 1’s voltage setting is selected. Enter the desired setting using the
numeric keypad. Then press Enter.
NOTE
Enabling the Output
Use the On/Off key to enable the output
On/Off
NOTE
If you make a mistake, either use the § backspace key to delete the number,
press Back to back out of the menu, or press Meter to return to meter mode.
If a load is connected to the output, the front panel display will indicate that
it is drawing current. Otherwise, the current reading will be zero. The status
indicator next to the channel number indicates the output’s status. In this
case, the output channel is in constant voltage mode.
For a complete description of the status indicators, refer to Chapter 6 under
“STATus:OPERation:EVENt?” and “STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt?”
Series N6700 User’s Guide 31
3 Getting Started
Using the Front Panel Menu
The front panel command menu lets you access most of the power
system’s functions. The actual function controls are located at the
lowest menu level. Briefly:
Press the Menu key to access the command menu.
Press the navigation keys to move across the menu commands.
Press the center (Sel) key to select a command and move down to
Press the Help key at the lowest menu level to display help
A map of the front panel command structure is found in chapter 1.
The following example shows you how to navigate the front panel
command menu to program the over-voltage protection function.
Set the Over-Voltage Protection
The over-voltage protection function turns off the affected output if
the output voltage reaches the programmed over-voltage limit.
Menu
Press the Menu key to access the front panel command menu.
The first line identifies the output channel that is being controlled followed
by the menu path. Since the top level is displayed, the path is empty.
The second line indicates the commands that are available at the present
menu level. In this case, the top-level menu commands are shown, with the
Output command highlighted.
The third line indicates which commands are available under the Output
command. The output command must be selected to access the next level.
the next level in the menu.
information about the function controls.
Press the right arrow f navigation key to traverse the menu until the Protect
Sel
command is highlighted. Press the Sel key to select the Protect command.
The menu path now shows that the commands shown on the second line are
Sel
located under the Protect command. The OVP command is highlighted. The
third line indicates which functions are located under the OVP command.
Press the Sel key to select the OVP command.
32 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Sel
Channel
Getting Started 3
The command menu is now at the function control level. This is the lowest
level in this path.
Use the navigation keys to highlight the OVP Level control as shown below.
Enter the desired over-voltage level using the numeric keypad. Then press
Enter.
Press the Channel key at any time to select a different output channel. This
can save time because you can directly access the OVP control of each
channel without having to navigate through the menu levels.
NOTE
If you program an over-voltage protection level that is lower than the present
output voltage, the over-voltage protection circuit will trip and turn the output
channel off. The status indicator will show OV.
Exiting the Command Menu
There are two ways to exit the command menu.
Meter
Back
Press the Meter key to immediately return to the metering screen. This is the
quickest way to return to metering mode.
Press the Back key to back up one level at a time in the command menu.
This method may be more convenient if there are other menu commands to
be given.
Detailed instructions on how to use the power system’s functions and
capabilities are found in the next chapter. Detailed information about
the SCPI programming commands are found in chapters 5 and 6.
In Case of Trouble
Press the Help key to obtain additional help about any function
control menu level. Press the Back key to exit the Help menu.
The Err annunciator comes on if the self-test fails, or if other
operating problems occur with your instrument. Press the Error key
to display the list of errors. Refer to Appendix D for further
information.
The SRQ annunciator comes on if the instrument is requesting
service. Refer to Chapter 6 under “Status Subsystem” for more
information about the conditions that can generate a service request.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 33
3 Getting Started
Connecting to the Interfaces
CAUTION
GPIB Interface
NOTE
Connect to GPIB Interface
Card installed in PC.
Electrostatic discharges greater than 1 kV near the interface connectors may
cause the unit to reset and require operator intervention.
The Agilent N6700 MPS supports GPIB, LAN, and USB interfaces. All
three interfaces are live at power-on. The IO annunciator on the front
panel comes on whenever there is activity on the remote interfaces.
For detailed information about GPIB interface connections, refer to the Agilent
Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces Connectivity Guide, located on the
Automation-Ready CD-ROM that is shipped with your product.
The following steps will help you quickly get started connecting your
instrument to the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB). The
following figure illustrates a typical GPIB interface system.
GPIB Cable
PC
Instrument
Connect to GPIB
port on instrument.
Instrument
1 If you have not already done so, install the Agilent IO Libraries
Suite from the Automation-Ready CD-ROM that is shipped with
your product.
2 If you do not have a GPIB interface card installed on your
computer, turn off your computer and install the GPIB card.
3 Connect your instrument to the GPIB interface card using a GPIB
interface cable.
4 Use the Connection Expert utility of the Agilent IO Libraries
Suite to configure the installed GPIB interface card’s parameters.
5 The power system is shipped with its GPIB address set to 5. Use
the front panel menu if you need to change the GPIB address.
a Press the Menu key, then use the navigation keys to select
System\I/O\GPIB.
b Use the numeric keys to enter a new value. Valid addresses
are from 0 to 30. Press the Enter key to enter the value. Press
the Meter key to exit the menu.
6 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to
communicate with your instrument, or you can program your
instrument using the various programming environments.
34 Series N6700 User’s Guide
USB Interface
Getting Started 3
NOTE
For detailed information about USB interface connections, refer to the Agilent
Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces Connectivity Guide, located on the
Automation-Ready CD-ROM that is shipped with your product.
The following steps will help you quickly get started connecting your
USB-enabled instrument to the Universal Serial Bus (USB). The
following figure illustrates a typical USB interface system.
USB Cable
PC
Connect to USB
port on PC.
Connect to
USB port on
instrument.
Instrument
1 If you have not already done so, install the Agilent IO Libraries
Suite from the Automation-Ready CD-ROM that is shipped with
your product.
2 Connect your instrument to the USB port on your computer.
3 With the Connection Expert utility of the Agilent IO Libraries
Suite running, the computer will automatically recognize the
instrument. This may take several seconds. When the instrument
is recognized, your computer will display the VISA alias, IDN
string, and VISA address. This information is located in the USB
folder.
LAN Interface
NOTE
4 Note that you can also view the instrument’s VISA address from
the front panel. Press the Menu key, then use the navigation keys
to select System\I/O\USB\Identification.
5 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to
communicate with your instrument, or you can program your
instrument using the various programming environments.
For detailed information about LAN interface connections, refer to the Agilent
Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces Connectivity Guide, located on the
Automation-Ready CD-ROM that is shipped with your product.
The following steps will help you quickly get started connecting and
configuring your instrument on a local area network (LAN). The two
types of local area networks connections that are discussed in this
section are site networks and private networks.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 35
3 Getting Started
Connecting to a Site LAN
A site LAN is a local area network in which LAN-enabled instruments
and computers are connected to the network through routers, hubs,
and/or switches. They are typically large, centrally-managed
networks with services such as DHCP and DNS servers.
To Network
Interface
Card (NIC)
To Site LAN
To LAN Port
NOTE
PC
Instrument
1 If you have not already done so, install the Agilent IO Libraries
Suite from the Automation-Ready CD-ROM that is shipped with
your product.
2 Connect the instrument to the site LAN. The factory-shipped
instrument LAN settings are configured to automatically obtain
an IP address from the network using a DHCP server (DHCP is
set On). This may take one or two minutes. The DHCP server will
register the instrument’s hostname with the dynamic DNS server.
The hostname as well as the IP address can then be used to
communicate with the instrument.
If you need to manually configure any instrument LAN settings, refer to
“Configuring the LAN Parameters” later in this chapter for information about
configuring the LAN settings from the front panel of the instrument.
3 Use the Connection Expert utility of the Agilent IO Libraries
Suite to add the N6700 power system and verify a connection. To
add the instrument, you can request the Connection Expert to
discover the instrument. If the instrument cannot be found, you
can add the instrument using the instrument’s hostname or IP
address.
NOTE
If this does not work, refer to the chapter on “Troubleshooting Guidelines” in
the Agilent Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces Connectivity Guide.
4 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to
communicate with your instrument, or you can program your
instrument using the various programming environments. You
can also use the Web browser on your computer to communicate
with the instrument as described under “Using the Web Server”
later in this chapter.
36 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Getting Started 3
Connecting to a Private LAN:
A private LAN is a network in which LAN-enabled instruments and
computers are directly connected, and not connected to a site LAN.
They are typically small, with no centrally-managed resources.
NOTE
To Network
Interface Card (NIC)
CAT5 Crossover Cable
PC
To LAN Port
Instrument
1 If you have not already done so, install the Agilent IO Libraries
Suite from the Automation-Ready CD-ROM that is shipped with
your product.
2 Connect the instrument to the computer using a LAN crossover
cable. Alternatively, connect the computer and the instrument to
a standalone hub or switch using regular LAN cables.
Make sure your computer is configured to obtain its address from DHCP and that
NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled. Note that if the computer had been connected to a
site LAN, it may still retain previous network settings from the site LAN. Wait one
minute after disconnecting it from the site LAN before connecting it to the private
LAN. This allows Windows to sense that it is on a different network and restart the
network configuration. If you are running Windows 98, you may need to manually
release the previous settings.
3 The factory-shipped instrument LAN settings are configured to
automatically obtain an IP address from a site network using a
DHCP server. You can leave these settings as they are. Most
Agilent products and most computers will automatically choose
an IP address using auto-IP if a DHCP server is not present. Each
assigns itself an IP address from the block 169.254.nnn. Note that
this may take up to three minutes.
NOTE
Turning off DHCP reduces the time required to fully configure a network connection
when the power system is turned on. To manually configure the instrument LAN
settings, refer to “Configuring the LAN Parameters” later in this chapter.
4 Use the Connection Expert utility of the Agilent IO Libraries
Suite to add the N6700 power system and verify a connection. To
add the instrument, you can request the Connection Expert to
discover the instrument. If the instrument cannot be found, you
can add the instrument using the instrument’s hostname or IP
address.
NOTE
If this does not work, refer to the chapter on “Troubleshooting Guidelines” in the
Agilent Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces Connectivity Guide.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 37
3 Getting Started
5 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to
communicate with your instrument, or you can program your
instrument using the various programming environments. You
can also use the Web browser on your computer to communicate
with the instrument as described under “Using the Web Server”
later in this chapter.
LAN Parameters
Viewing the Currently Active LAN Settings
To view the currently active LAN settings, press the Menu key, then
use the navigation keys to select: System\I/O\LAN\ ActiveSettings.
The currently active settings for the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and
Default Gateway may be different from the front panel configuration
menu settings - depending on the configuration of the network. If the
settings are different, it is because the network has automatically
assigned its own settings. The values entered in the configuration
menu will be used during reboot if DHCP is OFF or is unavailable.
NOTE
Configuring the LAN Parameters
The power system must be rebooted for any LAN parameter modifications to
take effect.
As shipped from the factory, the power system’s pre-configured
settings should work in most LAN environments. If you need to
manually configure these settings, press the Menu key, then use the
navigation keys to select: System\I/O\LAN\Config.
In the Config menu you can then select from the following items: IP,
Name, Domain, DNS, TCP, and Reset. Note that the Reset command
resets the LAN settings to the factory-shipped state.
Select IP to configure the addressing of the instrument. The
configurable parameters include:
Enable DHCP This parameter allows Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) to be enabled or disabled. DHCP is a
protocol for assigning dynamic addresses to devices on a
network. If DHCP is enabled (On), the instrument will try
to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. If a DHCP
server is found, the DHCP server will assign an IP
address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway to the
instrument. If DHCP is disabled (Off) or unavailable, the
instrument will try to obtain an IP address using AutoIP.
NOTE
38 Series N6700 User’s Guide
For improved performance when connected to a private LAN, turning off DHCP
will reduce the time that the power system requires when it is turned on to fully
configure a network connection. This normally takes several minutes.
Getting Started 3
Enable AutoIP This parameter allows automatic IP addressing to be
enabled or disabled. AutoIP automatically assigns
addresses on networks that do not have a DHCP server. If
AutoIP is enabled (On), an IP address, Subnet Mask and
Default Gateway will automatically be assigned
to the instrument. If AutoIP is disabled (Off), the
instrument uses the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default
Gateway specified in the following fields during power-on.
IP Address This value is the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the
instrument. An IP address is required for all IP and
TCP/IP communications with the instrument. An IP
Address consists of 4 decimal numbers separated by
periods. Each decimal number ranges from 0 through 255.
Subnet Mask This value is used to enable the instrument to determine
if a client IP address is on the same local subnet. When a
client IP address is on a different subnet, all packets must
be sent to the Default Gateway.
Default
Gateway
Select Name to configure the hostname of the instrument. If you want
to change the hostname, you should do so before you connect the
instrument to the network. Otherwise, the original hostname may be
cached in the network for up to several hours. The configurable
parameters include:
Hostname This field registers the supplied name with the selected
This value is the IP Address of the default gateway that
allows the instrument to communicate with systems that
are not on the local subnet, as determined by the subnet
mask setting. A value of 0.0.0.0 indicates that no default
gateway is defined.
naming service. If the field is left blank, then no name is
registered. A hostname may contain upper and lower
case letters, numbers and dashes(-). The maximum length
is 15 characters. Use the navigation keys to enter an
alpha character. Use the up/down navigation or arrow
keys to select a letter from the alphabetic choices as you
scroll through the selections. Use the number keys to
enter a number.
Each power system is shipped with a default hostname
with the format: A-modelnumber-serialnumber, where
modelnumber is the mainframe’s 6-character model
number (e.g. N6700B), and serialnumber is the last five
characters of the 10-character mainframe serial number
located on the label on the top of the unit (e.g. 45678 if
the serial number is MY12345678).
A-N6700B-45678 is an example of a hostname.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 39
3 Getting Started
Use Dynamic DNS
naming service
Use NetBIOS
naming service
Select Domain if your DNS server requires an instrument to register
not only the hostname, but also the domain name.
Domain name Registers the Internet domain for the instrument. The
Select DNS to configure the Domain Name System (DNS) setup of the
instrument. DNS is an internet service that translates domain names
into IP addresses. It is needed for the instrument to find and display
its hostname assigned by the network.
Obtain DNS server
from DHCP
Use the following
DNS server
Registers the hostname using the Dynamic DNS naming
system.
Registers the hostname using the RFC NetBIOS naming
protocol.
Domain must start with a letter and may contain upper
and lower case letters, numbers, dashes(-) and dots(.).
Use the navigation keys to enter an alpha character. Use
the up/down navigation or arrow keys to select a letter
from the alphabetic choices as you scroll through the
selections. Use the number keys to enter a number.
Select this item to obtain the DNS server address from
DHCP. You must have enabled DHCP in the IP menu.
Select this item if you are not using DHCP or need to
connect to a specific DNS server.
NOTE
DNS Server This value is the address of the DNS server. It is used if
you are not using DHCP or if you need to connect to a
specific DNS server.
For improved performance when connected to an isolated subnet, select Use
the following DNS server. However, leave the DNS server address field blank.
Select TCP to configure the TCP keepalive settings of the instrument
Enable TCP
Keepalive
TCP keepalive
timeout
Check the Enable box to enable the TCP keepalive
function. The instrument uses the TCP keepalive timer to
determine if a client is still reachable. If there has been
no activity on the connection after the specified time, the
instrument will send keepalive probes to the client to
determine if it is still alive. If not, the connection will be
marked as down or "dropped." The instrument will
release any resources that were allocated to that client.
This is the delay in seconds before TCP keepalive probes
will be sent to the client. It is recommended that the
largest value be used that still meets the application's
need for unreachable client detection. Smaller keepalive
timeout values will generate more keepalive probes
(network traffic), using more of the available network
bandwidth. Allowed values: 720 - 99999 seconds.
40 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Communicating over the LAN
The Agilent IO Libraries Suite along with instrument drivers for
specific programming environments can be used to communicate
with your power system. You can also communicate with your power
system using its built-in Web server, the Telnet utility, or sockets.
These latter methods are a convenient way to communicate with the
power system without using I/O libraries or drivers.
Using the Web Server
Your power system has a built-in Web server that lets you control it
directly from an internet browser on your computer. With the Web
server, you can access the front panel control functions including the
LAN configuration parameters.
Getting Started 3
NOTE
The built-in Web server only operates over the LAN interface. It requires Internet
Explorer 5+ or Netscape 6.2+. You also need the Java (Sun) plug-in. This is
included in the Java Runtime Environment. Refer to Sun Microsystem’s website.
The Web server is enabled when shipped. To launch the Web server:
1 Open the internet browser on your computer.
2 In the Tools menu, under Internet Options, select Connections,
then LAN Settings, and make sure that the Bypass proxy server
for local addresses box is checked.
3 Enter the instrument’s hostname or IP address into the browser’s
Address field to launch the Web server. The following home page
will appear:
Series N6700 User’s Guide 41
3 Getting Started
4 Click on the Browser Web Control button in the navigation bar
on the left to begin controlling your instrument.
5 For additional help about any of the pages, click on the Help with
this Page button.
Using Telnet
In an MS-DOS Command Prompt box type: telnet hostname 5024
where hostname is the N6700 hostname or IP address, and 5024 is
the instrument’s telnet port.
You should get a Telnet session box with a title indicating that you
are connected to the power system. Type the SCPI commands at the
prompt.
Using Sockets
Agilent instruments have standardized on using port 5025 for SCPI
socket services. A data socket on this port can be used to send and
receive ASCII/SCPI commands, queries, and query responses. All
commands must be terminated with a newline for the message to be
parsed. All query responses will also be terminated with a newline.
The power system allows any combination of up to three
simultaneous data socket and telnet connections to be made.
The socket programming interface also allows a control socket
connection. The control socket can be used by a client to send device
clear and to receive service requests. Unlike the data socket, which
uses a fixed port number, the port number for a control socket varies
and must be obtained by sending the following SCPI query to the data
socket: SYSTem:COMMunicate:TCPip:CONTrol?
After the control port number is obtained, a control socket
connection can be opened. As with the data socket, all commands to
the control socket must be terminated with a newline, and all query
responses returned on the control socket will be terminated with a
newline.
To send a device clear, send the string “DCL” to the control socket.
When the power system has finished performing the device clear it
echoes the string “DCL” back to the control socket.
Service requests are enabled for control sockets using the Service
Request Enable register. Once service requests have been enabled,
the client program listens on the control connection. When SRQ goes
true the instrument will send the string “SRQ +nn” to the client. The
“nn” is the status byte value, which the client can use to determine
the source of the service request.
42 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Securing the Interfaces
Enable/Disable the USB, LAN, and Web Server
The USB interface, LAN interface, and the Web server are enabled
when shipped.
To enable or disable the USB interface from the front panel, press the
Menu key and select System\Admin\USB.
Enable USB Check this box to enable the USB.
Uncheck this box to disable the USB.
To enable or disable the LAN interface or Web server, press the Menu
key and select the following menu commands: System\Admin\LAN.
Enable LAN Check this box to enable the LAN. Uncheck this box to disable the LAN.
Getting Started 3
Enable Web
Server
Check this box to enable the Web server. Uncheck this box to disable the
Web server. The LAN must be enabled in order to enable the Web server.
If you cannot access the Admin menu, it may be password protected.
Password-Protecting the Interfaces, Factory Settings, and Calibration
You can password-protect access to the LAN and USB interfaces as
well as the non-volatile RAM reset and the calibration functions. This
capability is available in the System\Admin menu.
As shipped from the factory, the Admin menu password is 0 (zero).
This means that you do not have to enter a password to access the
Admin menu. Simply select System\Admin\Login and press Enter.
To password-protect the Admin menu, select System\Admin\
Password. The password must be numeric, and up to 15 digits long.
When done, log out of the Admin menu to activate the password. You
can now only enter the Admin menu by providing the right password.
If the password is lost, access can be restored by setting an internal
switch to reset the password to 0. If the message “Locked out by
internal switch setting” or “Calibration is inhibited by switch setting”
appears, the internal switch is set to prevent the password from
being changed (Refer to Appendix D).
Non-volatile Factory Settings
Remote interface settings are stored in non-volatile memory. The
factory-shipped interface settings documented in the following table
are optimized for connecting your power system to a site network.
They should also work well for other network configurations.
These factory-shipped LAN settings can be restored by selecting the
Reset control in the System\I/O\LAN\Config\Reset menu.
All non-volatile settings including LAN, can be restored by selecting
the Reset control located in the System\Admin\Nvram menu.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 43
3 Getting Started
Factory-shipped non-volatile LAN settings
DHCP Enabled Hostname A-N6700B-xxxxx
AutoIP Enabled Use DNS naming service Enabled
IP Address 169.254.67.0 Use NetBIOS naming service Enabled
Subnet Mask 255.255.0.0 Domain Name Blank
Default Gateway 0.0.0.0 TCP keepalive Enabled
Obtain DNS server from DHCP Enabled TCP keepalive seconds 1800
DNS server Blank
Other factory-shipped non-volatile settings
Admin/Calibration password 0 (zero) On/Off key affects all channels Disabled
Calibration date March 5, 2003 Output Inhibit mode Off
Channel grouping No groups Saved states *RST command
Digital port function (all pins) Digital In Screen contrast 50%
Digital port polarity (all pins) Positive Screen saver Enabled
Front panel lockout Disabled Screen saver delay 60 minutes
Front panel meter view 1-channel USB interface Enabled
GPIB Address 5 Wake on I/O Enabled
Key clicks Enabled Web server Enabled
LAN interface Enabled
44 Series N6700 User’s Guide
4
Operating the Power System
Programming the Output ................................................................................. 46
Synchronizing Output Steps............................................................................ 49
Making Measurements.................................................................................... 52
System Related Operations............................................................................. 53
Programming High-Speed Test Extensions.................................................. 57
This chapter contains examples on how to operate your power
system from the front panel and over the remote interface using SCPI
commands. Refer to Chapters 5 and 6 for more information on
programming your power system using SCPI commands.
NOTE
The simple examples discussed in this chapter show you how to
program:
output voltage and current functions
protection functions
internal and external triggers
measurement functions
system functions
This chapter shows what front panel menu controls as well as what SCPI
commands are used to perform a particular function. Programming examples in
the Visual Basic programming environment are provided in chapter 7.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 45
4 Operating the Power System
Programming the Output
Select an Output Channel
Set the Output Voltage
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Press the Channel key to select an
output channel.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Press the Voltage key.
Enter a value and press Select.
For models with multiple ranges, you can select a lower range if you
need better output resolution.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Press the Voltage key.
Select Low range and press Select.
Enter the selected channel(s) in the
command’s parameter list. (@1,2)
To set output 1 to 5 V:
VOLT 5,(@1)
To set all outputs to 10 V:
VOLT 10,(@1:4)
To select the lower range, program a
value that falls within the range:
VOLT:RANG 5,(@1)
Set the Voltage Slew Rate
NOTE
The ability to program the voltage slew rate is only available on Agilent N6700
MPS mainframes with firmware revision B.00.00 and up.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Output\Slew
Enter a slew rate in the Voltage
Slew Rate field. Enter the value in
volts/second. Check MAX to
program the fastest slew rate.
When MAXimum or INFinity is selected, the slew rate will be limited
by the analog performance of the output circuit. Also, the slowest or
MINimum slew rate is a function of the full-scale voltage range. Refer
to Chapter 6 under “VOLTage:SLEW” for more information.
Set the Output Current
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Press the Current key.
Enter a value and press Select.
To set the slew rate to 5 V/s
VOLT:SLEW 5,(@1)
To set the fastest slew rate:
VOLT:SLEW MAX,(@1)
To set output 1 to 1 A:
CURR 1,(@1)
To set all outputs to 2 A:
CURR 2,(@1:4)
46 Series N6700 User’s Guide
For models with multiple ranges, you can select a lower range if you
need better output resolution.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Press the Current key.
Select Low range and press Select.
Enable the Output
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
To enable the selected output,
press the On/Off key.
To enable/disable ALL outputs with
the On/Off key, select
System\Preferences\Keys.
Check On/Off affects all channels.
The ON/Off key will now be active
on ALL output channels.
Operating the Power System 4
To select the lower range, program a
value that falls within the range:
CURR:RANG 1,(@1)
To enable only output 1:
OUTP ON,(@1)
To enable outputs 1-4:
OUTP ON,(@1:4)
Because of internal circuit start-up procedures and any installed
relay options, output on may take between 35 and 50 milliseconds to
complete its function. Conversely, output off may take between 20
and 25 milliseconds to complete its function.
To mitigate these built-in delays, you can program the output to zero
volts rather than using the output on/off function.
Sequence Multiple Outputs
You can specify a turn-on and turn-off delay to control the power-up
and power-down sequencing of the output channels in relation to
each other.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Press the Channel key to select an
output. Then select Output\Delay.
Select either Turn-on or Turn-off.
Enter a delay in seconds, then
press Select.
Select System\Preferences\Keys.
Check On/Off affects all channels.
To program a 50 millisecond turn-on
delay for output 1 and a 100
millisecond turn-on delay for output 2:
OUTP:DEL:RISE .05,(@1)
OUTP:DEL:RISE .1,(@2)
To program a 200 millisecond turn-off
delay for outputs 3 and 4:
OUTP:DEL:FALL .2,(@3,4)
Output channel turn-on and turn-off characteristics vary across the
three module types - DC Power, Autoranging, and Precision (Refer to
Chapter 1, “Model Differences”). When output channels of the same
module type are programmed on-to-off or off-to-on, output
sequencing is precisely determined by the programmed delays.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 47
4 Operating the Power System
Set the Over-Voltage Protection
However, when outputs of different module types are sequenced,
there may be an additional offset of a few milliseconds from one
output to another. This offset is the same for each module type and is
repeatable. Once you have characterized this offset, using an
oscilloscope for example, you can adjust the programmed delays to
compensate for the offset and give the desired output sequencing.
Outputs within the same module type can also have an offset if one
model has output relays (Option 761) and another does not. These
offsets are also repeatable and can be compensated for by adjusting
the programmed delay values.
The over-voltage protection function turns off the affected output if
the output voltage reaches the programmed over-voltage limit.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Protect\OVP.
Enter a value in the OVP level box
and press Select.
To set the OVP level for outputs 1 and
2 to 10 V:
VOLT:PROT 10,(@1,2)
Set the Over-Current Protection
When over-current protection is enabled, the power system will turn
off its output if the output current reaches the current limit setting.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Protect\OCP.
Check the OCP enable box and
press Select.
Clear Output Protection Functions
If an over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, inhibit signal, or a
power-fail condition occurs, the power system turns off the affected
output channel. The PROT annunciator on the front panel will be on.
To clear the protection function and restore normal operation, first
remove that condition that caused the protection fault.
Then, clear the protection function as follows:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Protect\Clear.
Select the Clear button.
To enable OCP for outputs1 and 2:
CURR:PROT:STAT 1,(@1,2)
To clear a protection fault on output1:
OUTP:PROT:CLE(@1)
48 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Synchronizing Output Steps
The transient system lets you step the output voltage and current up
or down in response to triggered events. To generate a triggered
output step you must:
1. Enable the output to respond to trigger commands.
2. Set the voltage or current trigger levels.
3. Select the transient trigger source.
4. Initiate the trigger system and provide a trigger signal.
Enable the Output to Respond to Trigger Commands
First, you must enable the output to respond to trigger commands.
Unless an output is enabled to respond to triggers, nothing will
happen even if you have programmed a trigger level and generated a
trigger for the output.
Use the following commands to enable an output to respond to
triggers:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\Mode.
For voltage step triggering, set the
Voltage mode to Step. For current
step triggering, set the Current mode
to Step. Then press Select.
Operating the Power System 4
To enable the voltage function on
output 1 to respond to triggers, use:
VOLT:MODE STEP,(@1)
To enable the current function on
output 1 to respond to triggers, use:
CURR:MODE STEP,(@1)
NOTE
In Step mode, the triggered value becomes the immediate value when the
trigger is received. In Fixed mode, trigger signals are ignored; the immediate
values remain in effect when a trigger is received.
Set the Voltage or Current Trigger Levels
Next, use the following commands to program an output trigger level.
The output will go to this level when the trigger is received.
If you have a model that has multiple ranges, the selected triggered
voltage and current settings must be within the same range that the
output channel is presently operating in.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\Step.
Select the Trig Voltage box to set
the voltage. Select the Trig Current
box to set the current. Enter a value
and press Select.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 49
To set a voltage and current trigger
level for output 1 use:
VOLT:TRIG 15,(@1)
CURR:TRIG 1,(@1)
4 Operating the Power System
Select the Transient Trigger Source
NOTE
Bus
Pin <number>
Transient
<channel>
An immediate trigger command either from the front panel or over the bus will
generate an immediate trigger regardless of the trigger source.
Unless you are using the front panel menu or a TRIG:TRAN command
to trigger the output, select a trigger source from the following:
Selects GPIB device trigger, *TRG, or <GET> (Group Execute Trigger).
Selects a pin on the external port connector as the trigger source. The
selected pin must be configured as a Trigger Input in order to be used as a
trigger source (see Appendix C)
Selects the output channel’s transient system as the trigger source.
<channel> specifies the channel.
When you select a channel, you must also set up that channel’s transient
system to generate a trigger out signal. Refer to “Generating a Transient
Trigger Signal”.
Use the following commands to select a trigger source:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
To select Bus triggers, select
Transient\TrigSource. Select Bus
To select Digital pin triggers, select
Transient\TrigSource. Then select
one of the digital port pins.
To select Transient output triggers,
select Transient\TrigSource. Then
select one of the output channels.
To select Bus triggers for output 1:
TRIG:TRAN:SOUR BUS,(@1)
.
To select Digital pin triggers:
TRIG:TRAN:SOUR PIN<n>,(@1)
where n is the pin number.
To select Transient output triggers:
TRIG:TRAN:SOUR TRAN<n>,(@1)
where n is the output channel that
will generate the trigger signal.
Initiate the Transient Trigger System
Next, you must initiate or enable the transient trigger system.
When the power system is turned on, the trigger system is in the idle
state. In this state, the trigger system is disabled, ignoring all triggers.
Initiating the trigger system moves it from the idle state to the
initiated state, which enables the power system to receive triggers. To
initiate the trigger system, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select the Transient\Control.
Scroll to Initiate and press Select.
After a trigger is received and the action completes, the trigger
system returns to the idle state. Thus, it will be necessary to enable
the system each time a triggered action is desired.
50 Series N6700 User’s Guide
To initiate the output trigger system
for all four outputs:
INIT:TRAN (@1:4)
Trigger the Output
The trigger system is waiting for a trigger signal in the initiated state.
You can immediately trigger the output as follows:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\Control.
Select Trigger to generate an
immediate trigger signal regardless
of the trigger source setting.
When a trigger is received, the triggered functions are set to their
programmed trigger levels. When the triggered actions are completed,
the trigger system returns to the idle state.
As previously discussed, a trigger can also be generated by another
output channel or by a trigger signal applied to an input pin on the
digital port connector. If any of these systems are configured as the
trigger source, the instrument will wait indefinitely for the trigger
signal. If the trigger does not occur, you must manually return the
trigger system to the idle state.
Operating the Power System 4
To generate an immediate trigger on
channel 1:
TRIG:TRAN (@1)
Alternatively, if the trigger source is
BUS, you can also program a *TRG or
an IEEE-488 <get> command
The following commands return the trigger system to the idle state:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select the Transient\Control.
Scroll to and select Abort.
Generating Trigger Out Signals
Each output channel can generate trigger signals that can be used by
other output channels, or routed to a pin on the digital port that has
been configured as a trigger output (TOUT). Use the following
commands to program transient trigger signals that are generated
when an output Step occurs:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Use the Channel key to select the
channel that is the trigger source.
Select Transient\Step.
Check Enable Trigger Output. Then
press Select.
ABOR:TRAN (@1)
To program channel 3’s step function
to generate a trigger signal, use
STEP:TOUT ON,(@3)
Series N6700 User’s Guide 51
4 Operating the Power System
Making Measurements
Simultaneous Voltage and Current Measurements
Each output channel has its own measurement capability. The output
voltage and current is measured by acquiring a number of samples at
the selected time interval, applying a window function to the
samples, and averaging the samples.
The power-on and *RST time interval and number of samples settings
yield a measurement time of 21 milliseconds per reading (1024 data
points at 20.48 µs intervals). The output windowing function is
Rectangular. Use the following commands to make a measurement:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select the Meter key. To measure the average output
voltage or current, use:
MEAS:VOLT?(@1:4)
MEAS:CURR?(@1:4)
Some models have simultaneous voltage and current measurement
capability (Refer to Chapter 1, “Model Differences”). In this case
BOTH voltage and current are acquired on any measurement,
regardless of the parameter that is being measured. To return both
values of a simultaneous measurement:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Not available. First, measure the output voltage (or
Measurement Ranges
Some models have two voltage and current measurement ranges.
(Refer to Chapter 1, “Model Differences”). Selecting a lower
measurement range provides greater measurement accuracy,
provided that the measurement does not exceed the range.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Measure\Range.
Select the desired voltage or
current range and press Select.
current):
MEAS:VOLT?(@1:4)
Then Fetch the other parameter:
FETC:CURR?(@1:4)
SENS:CURR:RANG 0.1, (@1)
SENS:VOLT:RANG 5, (@1)
The maximum current that can be measured is the maximum rating
of the range. Two examples of programming measurement ranges are:
0.1 A range To select, program values ≤ 0.1A.
3 A range To select, program values > 0.1A and ≤ 3A.
52 Series N6700 User’s Guide
System Related Operations
Self-Test
A power-on self-test occurs automatically when you turn on the power
system. This test assures you that the instrument is operational. If
the self-test is successful, the power system will continue to operate
normally. If the self-test fails, the Err annunciator comes on. Press
the Error key to display the list of errors on the front panel. Refer to
Appendix D for further information.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Cycle power.
Instrument Identification
For Agilent N6700 MPS mainframes, you can return the model
number, serial number, firmware revision, backup and active
firmware. For power modules, you can return the model number,
serial number, installed options, voltage, current and power rating.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\About\Frame.
or
Select System\About\Module.
Operating the Power System 4
*TST?
*IDN?
SYST:CHAN:MOD? (@1)
SYST:CHAN:OPT? (@1)
SYST:CHAN:SER? (@1)
Instrument State Storage
The power system has two storage locations in non-volatile memory
to store instrument states. The locations are numbered 0 and 1. Any
state previously stored in the same location will be overwritten.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select States\SaveRecall.
In the SaveRecall field, enter a
location from 0 to 1, and press
Select. Select Save to save the
state or Recall to recall a state.
When shipped from the factory, the power system is configured to
automatically recall the reset (*RST) settings at power-on. However,
you can configure the power system to use the settings stored in
memory location 0 at power-on.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select States\PowerOn.
Select Recall State 0, then press
Select.
To save a state:
*SAV <n>
To recall a state:
*RCL <n>
OUTP:PON:STAT RCL0
Series N6700 User’s Guide 53
4 Operating the Power System
Output Groups
NOTE
The ability to group outputs is only available on Agilent N6700 MPS mainframes
with firmware revision B.00.00 and up.
Output channels can be configured or “grouped” to create a single
output with higher current and power capability. Almost all
instrument functionality is supported by grouped channels, including
voltage and current programming, measurements, status, step
transients, and list transients. The following conditions apply when
channels are grouped:
Up to four output channels can be grouped per mainframe.
Output channels that are grouped must also be connected in
parallel as described in chapter 2.
Grouped channels do not have to be adjacent, but they must have
identical model numbers and options installed.
The maximum output current is the sum of the maximum of each
channel in the group.
Low current measurement ranges should not be used with
grouped channels, otherwise a measurement overload error will
occur. Low current output ranges, however, can be used.
Over-current protection delay has a slightly slower response time
(~10 ms) and slightly less resolution than an ungrouped channel.
When output channels have been grouped, they are addressed
using the channel number of the lowest channel in the group.
This is also referred to as the base channel.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\Groups.
In the matrix that appears, select
the channels you want to group.
Each row defines a separate group.
To configure a group of channels:
SYST:GRO:DEF (@2,3,4)
This groups channels 2 through 4. To
address the group, use channel 2.
To return grouped channels back to an ungrouped state, first remove
the parallel connections between channels and proceed as follows:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\Groups.
In the matrix, place each output
To ungroup all channels:
SYST:GRO:DEL:ALL
channel in its own separate group.
Reboot the unit for the grouping or ungrouping changes to take effect.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Cycle AC power.
SYST:REB
54 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Front Panel Keys
Lockout
Operating the Power System 4
NOTE
NOTE
The ability to lock the front panel from the front panel is only available on
Agilent N6700 MPS mainframes with firmware revision B.00.00 and up.
You can lock the front panel keys to prevent unwanted control of the
instrument from the front panel. This is the most secure way of
locking the front panel keys because you need a password to unlock
the front panel. The lockout setting is saved in non-volatile memory
so that the front panel remains locked even after AC power is cycled.
If the password is lost, a SCPI command is available to reset the front
panel lockout password. Refer to Chapter 6 under
“SYSTem:PASSword:FPANel:RESet” for more information.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\Preferences\Lock
In the dialog box, enter the password that
will be required to unlock the front panel.
Then select Lock.
The menu to unlock the front panel
appears every time a key is pressed. Enter
the password to unlock the front panel.
SCPI commands can also lock and unlock the front panel. The SCPI commands
are completely independent of the front panel lockout function. If you use SCPI
commands to lock the front panel, the front panel will be unlocked when AC
power is cycled. Refer to chapter 6 under “SYST:COMM:RLST RWLock”.
Not Available
Keys
You can enable or disable the front panel key clicks.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\Preferences\Keys
Check Enable key clicks to enable key
clicks. Uncheck to disable key clicks.
You can configure the On/Off key to enable or disable ALL outputs.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\Preferences\Keys.
Check On/Off key affects all channels.
The ON/Off key will now be active on ALL
output channels.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 55
Not Available
Not Available
4 Operating the Power System
Front Panel Display
Screen Saver
The power system has a front panel screen saver that significantly
increases the life of the LCD display by turning it off during periods
of inactivity. As shipped from the factory, the screen saver comes on
one hour after activity on the front panel or interface has ceased.
When the screen saver is active, the front panel display turns off, and
the LED next to the Line switch changes from green to amber.
To restore the front panel display, simply press one of the front panel
keys. The first action of the key turns the display on. Subsequently,
the key will revert to its normal function.
If the Wake on I/O function is selected, the display is restored
whenever there is activity on the remote interface. This also resets
the timer on the screen saver. As shipped, Wake on I/O is active.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\Preferences\Display\Saver
Enable or disable the screen saver by checking
or unchecking the Screen Saver checkbox.
Then Press Select.
Enter a value in minutes in the Saver Delay
field to specify the time when the screen saver
will activate.
Check Wake on I/O to activate the display with
I/O bus activity.
Not Available.
Contrast
You can set the contrast of the front panel display to compensate for
ambient lighting conditions. The contrast can be set from 0% to 100%
in increments of 1%. As-shipped, the contrast is set to 50%.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\Preferences\Display\Contrast
Enter a contrast value in the Contrast box.
Then Press Select.
Not available.
View
You can specify how the output channels are displayed at turn on.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select System\Preferences\Display\View
Check 1-channel to display channel one.
Check 4-channel to display all channels.
56 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Not available.
Programming High-Speed Test Extensions
Operating the Power System 4
NOTE
The High-Speed Test Extensions described in this section are not available on
all models (Refer to Chapter 1, “Model Differences”).
The List Function
Either output voltage or output current, or both together, may be listcontrolled. List mode lets you generate complex sequences of output
changes with rapid, precise timing, which may be synchronized with
internal or external signals. Lists can contain up to 512 individually
programmed steps and can be programmed to repeat themselves.
The voltage and current lists are paced by a separate list that defines
the duration or dwell of each step. Each of the up to 512 steps can
have an individual dwell time associated with it, which specifies the
time in seconds that the list will remain at that step before moving on
to the next step.
If you need an output list to closely follow external events, then a
trigger-paced list is more appropriate. In a trigger-paced list, the list
advances one step for each trigger received. As previously discussed,
a number of trigger sources can be selected to generate triggers. With
a trigger-paced list, you do not need to program a dwell time for each
step. If you do program a dwell time, triggers that are received during
the dwell period are ignored. The default dwell time is 0.001 seconds.
NOTE
Voltage and current lists can also be configured to generate trigger
signals at specified steps. This is accomplished by two additional
lists: a beginning-of-step (BOST) and an end-of-step (EOST) list.
These lists define which steps will generate a trigger signal and if the
trigger occurs at the beginning or end of the step. These trigger
signals can be used to synchronize other events with the list.
When either a voltage or current list is programmed, the associated
dwell, BOST, and EOST lists must all be set to the same number of
steps, otherwise an error will occur when the list is run. For
convenience, a list may be programmed with only one step or value.
In this case, a single-step list is treated as if it had the same number
of steps as the other lists, with all values being equal to the one value.
List data is not stored in non-volatile memory. This means that list data that is
sent to the instrument either from the front panel or over the bus will be lost
when the power system is turned off.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 57
4 Operating the Power System
Program an Output Pulse or Pulse Train
Step 1. Set the voltage or current function for which you want to generate a
Step 2. Set the amplitude and width of the pulse. For example, to generate a
The following procedure shows how to generate an output pulse train
using the List function.
Trigger
10
Pulse width
Off
time
List Count = 1+additional pulses
pulse to List mode. This example programs a voltage pulse.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\Volt\Mode.
Scroll to List and press Select.
To program output 1, use
VOLT:MODE LIST, (@1)
pulse with an amplitude of 15 V and a pulse width of 1 second, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Config.
Select List Step 0 and enter a
voltage value of 15. Press Select.
To program output 1, use
LIST:VOLT 15, (@1)
LIST:DWEL 1, (@1)
Enter a dwell value of 1 for List
Step 0 and Press Select.
Step 3. Set the list pacing to Auto, so that as each dwell time elapses, the
next step is immediately output.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Pace.
LIST:STEP AUTO, (@1)
Select Dwell and press Select.
If you only wish to program a single pulse, skip steps 4 and 5 and
go to step 6.
Step 4. If you want to generate a pulse train, you must specify the off time
between pulses. To do this you must program another step. For a
voltage list, you must specify an amplitude and an off time. For
example, to program an off time of 2 seconds with an amplitude of 0
V between pulses, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Config.
Select List Step 1 and enter a
voltage value of 0. Press Select.
To program output 1, use
LIST:VOLT 15,0, (@1)
LIST:DWEL 1,2, (@1)
Enter a dwell value of 2 for List
Step 1 and Press Select.
58 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Operating the Power System 4
Step 5. To generate a pulse train, you can simply repeat the pulse as needed.
For example, to program a pulse train of 50 pulses, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Repeat.
Enter the number of list repetitions
(50) and Press Select.
Step 6. Specify if you want the output pulse to generate a trigger signal that
can be used to trigger actions on other output channels or on any
external equipment connected to the digital port. For example, to
generate a trigger signal at the end of the pulse, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Config.
Select List Step 0 and check the
Tout Step box. Press Select.
To program output 1, use
LIST:COUN 50, (@1)
To program a trigger at the End of the
pulse for output 1, use
LIST:TOUT:EOST 1,0, (@1)
You must program a value of 0 (no
trigger) for step 1 as a placeholder.
Step 7. Specify the output state after the pulse has completed. For example,
to return the output to the state it was in before the pulse, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Terminate.
Select Return to Start. Press Select.
Step 8. Select the trigger source that will generate the pulse or pulse train.
For example, to select Bus triggers as the trigger source, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\TrigSource.
Select Bus and press Select.
Step 9. Initiate the output trigger system. To enable the trigger system for
one transient event or trigger use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select the Transient\Control.
Select Initiate and Press Select.
Step 10. Trigger the output pulse or pulse train.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\Control.
Select Trigger and Press Select.
To program the output 1, use
LIST:TERM 0, (@1)
To program output 1, use:
TRIG:SOUR BUS, (@1)
To program output 1, use
INIT:TRAN, (@1)
*TRG
Series N6700 User’s Guide 59
4 Operating the Power System
Program an Arbitrary List
Trigger
Step 1. Set the function, voltage or current, for which you want to generate a
Step 2. Program the list of values for the List function. The order in which
The following procedure shows how to generate the list of voltage
changes as illustrated in the following figure.
02 34 5
1
List Count = 1
List Count = 2
list to List mode. This example programs a voltage list.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\Mode\Volt.
Scroll to List and press Select.
To program output 1, use
VOLT:MODE LIST, (@1)
the values are entered determines the order in which the values will
be output. To generate the voltage list shown in the figure, a list may
include the following values: 9, 0, 6, 0, 3, 0
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Config.
Select the List Step number and
To program output 1, use
LIST:VOLT 9,0,6,0,3,0, (@1)
enter a voltage value. Press Select.
Repeat this for each step. Use the
© ª keys to select the next step.
Step 3. Determine the time interval, in seconds, that the output remains at
each step in the list before it advances to the next step. To specify the
six dwell intervals in the figure, a list may include the following
values: 2, 3, 5, 3, 7, 3
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Config.
Select the List Step number and
To program output 1, use
LIST:DWEL 2,3,5,3,7,3, (@1)
enter a dwell value. Press Select.
Repeat this for each step. Use the
© ª keys to select the next step.
NOTE
The number of dwell steps must equal the number of voltage steps. If a dwell
list has only one value, that value will be applied to all steps in the list.
Step 4. Determine how the list is paced. To pace the list by dwell time, set
the list pacing to Dwell-paced on the front panel menu. (Set the
LIST:STEP command to AUTO.) As each dwell time elapses, the next
step is immediately output.
60 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Operating the Power System 4
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Pace.
LIST:STEP AUTO, (@1)
Select Dwell-paced. Press Select.
In a trigger-paced list, the list advances one step for each trigger
received. To enable trigger-paced lists, select Trigger-paced on the
front panel menu. (Set the LIST:STEP command to ONCE.)
The dwell time associated with each step determines the minimum
time that the output remains at the step. If a trigger is received before
the dwell time completes, the trigger is ignored. To ensure that no
triggers are lost in a trigger-paced list, set the dwell time to zero.
Step 5. Specify if you want the list to generate trigger signals that can be
used to trigger actions on other output channels or on external
equipment connected to the digital port.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Config.
Select the List Step number.
To generate a trigger, enter a 1 in
the Tout Begin Step or Tout End
Step field. If a zero is entered, no
trigger is generated for the step.
Repeat this for each step. Use the
To program a trigger at the beginning
of step 4 for output 1, use
LIST:TOUT:BOST 0,0,0,0,1,0,
@(1)
To program a trigger at the end of
step 0, 2, and 4 for output 1, use
LIST:TOUT:EOST 1,0,1,0,1,0,
(@1)
© ª keys to select the next step.
1
02 34 5 1
Trigger at BOST
02 34 5
Trigger at EOST
Step 6. Specify how you want the list to terminate.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Transient\List\Terminate.
Select Stop Last Step. Press Select.
To program the output 1 list to remain
at the last list step when finished, use
LIST:TERM:LAST 1, (@1)
Step 7. If applicable, specify how many times you want the list to repeat.
Sending the INFinity parameter in the SCPI command makes the list
repeat indefinitely. At reset, the list count is set to 1.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select the Transient\List\Count.
Enter a value in the Count field and
press Select.
To program the output 1 list to repeat
2 times, use
LIST:COUN 2, (@1)
Step 8. Select a trigger source, initiate, and trigger the list. This is described
in detail under "Synchronizing Output Steps".
Series N6700 User’s Guide 61
4 Operating the Power System
The Digitizer Function
Programming the Digitizer
The digitizer function lets you access the enhanced voltage and
current measurement capabilities of the power system. These
include:
Adjusting the measurement sample rate - to a maximum of
50 kHz.
Adjusting measurement triggers to capture pre-trigger transients.
Selecting a measurement window that can attenuate ac noise.
Retrieving arrays that contain the digitized output current or
output voltage.
Synchronizing measurements with a Bus, Transient, or external
trigger.
Adjust the Measurement Sample Rate
The following figure illustrates the relationship between
measurement samples (or points), and the time interval between
samples in a typical measurement.
TRIGGER
OCCURS
MEASUREMENT
SAMPLE
TIME INTERVAL BETWEEN SAMPLES
ACQUISITION TIME
(TIME INTERVAL X #SAMPLES)
Ripple rejection is a function of the number of cycles of the ripple
frequency contained in the acquisition window. More cycles in the
acquisition window results in better ripple rejection. You can vary
the measurement data sampling rate using the following commands:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Measure\Sweep\Points.
Enter a value and press Select.
Then scroll to Time Interval, enter a
value and press Select again.
*The time interval is rounded to the nearest 20.48µs interval, which is 61.44µs.
For example, to set the time interval
to 60µs* with 4096 samples, use:
SENS:SWE:TINT 60E-6, (@1)
SENS:SWE:POIN 4096, (@1)
Acquire Pre-trigger Data
The measurement system lets you capture data before, after, or at the
trigger signal. As shown in the following figure, you can move the
block of data being read into the acquisition buffer with reference to
the trigger. This allows pre- or post-trigger data sampling.
62 Series N6700 User’s Guide
4096 DATA POINTS
OFFSET = -4095
4096 DATA POINTS
OFFSET = -2048
Operating the Power System 4
4096 DATA POINTS
OFFSET = 0
TIME
NOTE
OFFSET = 0 to 2
TRIGGER
9
4096 DATA POINTS
To offset the beginning of the acquisition buffer relative to the
acquisition trigger, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Measure\Sweep\Offset.
Enter an offset value and press
Select.
To offset the measurement on
channel 1 by 100 points use:
SENS:SWE:OFFS:POIN 100,(@1)
With a negative offset, values at the beginning of the buffer represent
samples taken prior to the trigger. When the value is 0, all values are
taken after the trigger. Values greater than 0 can be used to program
a delay time from the receipt of the trigger until the values entered
into the buffer are valid. (Delay time = offset x sample period).
If, during a pre-trigger data acquisition, a trigger occurs before the pre-trigger
data count is completed, the measurement system ignores this trigger. This will
prevent the completion of the measurement if another trigger is not generated.
Specify a Window Function
Windowing is a signal conditioning process that reduces the error in
average measurements made in the presence of periodic signals and
noise. Two window functions are available: Rectangular and
Hanning. At power-on, the measurement window is Rectangular.
The Rectangular window calculates average measurements without
any signal conditioning. However, in the presence of periodic signals
such ac line ripple, a Rectangular window can introduce errors when
calculating average measurements. This can occur when a nonintegral number of cycles of data has been acquired due to the last
partial cycle of acquired data.
One way of dealing with AC line ripple is to use a Hanning window.
The Hanning window applies a cos
when calculating average measurements. This attenuates the AC
noise in the measurement window. The best attenuation is achieved
when at least three or more waveform cycles are in the measurement.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 63
4
weighting function to the data
4 Operating the Power System
To select a window function, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Measure\Window.
Then select either Rectangular or
Hanning and press Select.
To set the sense window to Hanning
for output 1 use:
SENS:WIND HANN, (@1)
Retrieve Measurement Array Data
Array queries return all values in the voltage and current
measurement buffer. No averaging is applied, only raw data is
returned from the buffer. The following commands initiate and
trigger a measurement and return the measurement array:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Not Available
Once a measurement finishes, you may wish to retrieve the array
data without initiating a new measurement. Use FETCh queries to
return the array data from the last measurement.. Fetch queries do
not alter the data in the measurement buffer. The commands are:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Not Available
MEAS:ARR:VOLT?(@1:4)
MEAS:ARR:CURR?(@1:4)
FETC:ARR:VOLT?(@1:4)
FETC:ARR:CURR?(@1:4)
If a FETCh query is sent before the measurement is started or before
it is finished, the response will be delayed until the measurement
trigger occurs and the acquisition completes. This may tie up the
computer if the measurement trigger does not occur immediately.
Synchronizing Digitizer Measurements
Use the measurement trigger system to synchronize the acquisition of
measurements with a Bus, Transient, or an external trigger. Then
use FETCh commands to return voltage or current information from
the acquired data. Briefly, to make a triggered measurement:
1. Select the measurement function to trigger.
2. Select the trigger source.
3. Initiate the trigger system and generate a trigger.
4. Fetch the triggered measurements.
Select the Measurement Function to Trigger
Some models have two measurement converters, which allow
simultaneous voltage and current measurements (Refer to Chapter 1,
“Model Differences”). If a power model has only one converter and a
triggered measurement is initiated, the parameter that it measures
(either voltage or current) must be specified.
64 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Operating the Power System 4
To trigger measurements on models that do not have simultaneous
voltage and current measurement capability, select the measurement
function as follows.
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Not Available To select the measurement function:
1
SENS:FUNC ”VOLT”,(@1:4)
SENS:FUNC ”CURR”,(@1:4)
If a model has simultaneous voltage and current measurements
capability, then BOTH voltage and current are acquired on any
triggered measurement, regardless of the setting of the
SENSe:FUNCtion command.
Select the Measurement Trigger Source
NOTE
An immediate trigger command over the bus will generate an immediate trigger
regardless of the trigger source.
Unless you are using a TRIG:ACQ command to trigger the
measurement, select a trigger source from the following:
Bus Selects GPIB device trigger, *TRG, or <GET> (Group Execute Trigger).
Pin <number> Selects a pin on the external port connector as the trigger source. The
selected pin must be configured as a Trigger Input in order to be used as a
trigger source (see Appendix C)
Transient
<channel>
Selects the output channel’s transient system as the trigger source.
<channel> specifies the channel.
When you select a channel, you must also set up that channel’s transient
system to generate a trigger out signal. Refer to “Generating Trigger Out
Signals” and “Program an Arbitrary List” earlier in this chapter.
Use the following commands to select a trigger source:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Not Available To select Bus triggers for output 1:
TRIG:ACQ:SOUR BUS,(@1)
To select Digital pin triggers:
TRIG:ACQ:SOUR PIN<n>,(@1)
where n is the pin number.
To select Transient output triggers:
TRIG:ACQ:SOUR TRAN<n>,(@1)
where n is the output channel that
will generate the trigger signal.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 65
4 Operating the Power System
Initiate the Measurement Trigger System
Next, you must initiate or enable the measurement trigger system.
When the power system is turned on, the trigger system is in the idle
state. In this state, the trigger system is disabled, ignoring all triggers.
The INITiate commands enable the measurement system to receive
triggers. To initiate the measurement trigger system, use:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Not Available To initiate the measurement trigger
system for all four outputs:
INIT:ACQ (@1:4)
After a trigger is received and the data acquisition completes, the
trigger system will return to the idle state. Thus, it will be necessary
to initiate the measurement system each time a triggered
measurement is desired.
Trigger the Measurement
The trigger system is waiting for a trigger signal in the initiated state.
You can immediately trigger the measurement as follows:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Not Available To generate a measurement trigger
on output 1:
TRIG:ACQ (@1)
Alternatively, if the trigger source is
BUS, you can also program a *TRG or
an IEEE-488 <get> command.
As previously discussed, a trigger can also be generated by another
output channel or an input pin on the digital port connector. If any of
these systems are configured as the trigger source, the instrument
will wait indefinitely for the trigger signal. If the trigger does not
occur, you must manually return the trigger system to the idle state.
The following commands return the trigger system to the idle state:
Front Panel: SCPI Command:
Select Measure\Control.
Then select the Abort control.
66 Series N6700 User’s Guide
ABOR:ACQ (@1)
5
Introduction to Programming
SCPI Commands................................................................................................ 68
SCPI Messages..................................................................................................70
SCPI Conventions and Data Formats............................................................. 72
SCPI Command Completion ............................................................................ 74
This chapter contains a brief introduction to the SCPI Programming
language. SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)
is a programming language for controlling instrument functions over
the GPIB.
SCPI provides instrument control with a standardized command
syntax and style, as well as a standardized data interchange format
for various classes of instruments..
Series N6700 User’s Guide 67
5 Introduction to Programming
SCPI Commands
SCPI has two types of commands, common and subsystem.
Common commands generally control overall power system
functions, such as reset, status, and synchronization. All common
commands consist of a three-letter mnemonic preceded by an
asterisk: *RST *IDN? *SRE 8
Subsystem commands perform specific power system functions.
They are organized into an inverted tree structure with the "root"
at the top. The following figure shows a portion of a subsystem
command tree, from which you access the commands located
along the various paths.
ROOT
:OUTPut [:STATe]
:STATus
Multiple Commands in a Message
Multiple SCPI commands can be combined and sent as a single
message with one message terminator. There are two important
considerations when sending several commands within a single
message:
Use a semicolon to separate commands within a message.
There is an implied header path that affects how commands are
interpreted by the power system.
The header path can be thought of as a string that gets inserted
before each command within a message. For the first command in a
message, the header path is a null string. For each subsequent
command the header path is defined as the characters that make up
the headers of the previous command in the message up to and
including the last colon separator. An example of a message with two
commands is:
:DELay
:INHibit
:OPERation [:EVEN]?
:FALL
:RISE
:MODE
:CONDition?
OUTPut:STATe ON,(@1);PROTection:CLEar (@1)
which shows the use of the semicolon separating the two commands,
and also illustrates the header path concept. Note that with the
second command, the leading header "OUTPut" was omitted because
after the "OUTPut:STATe ON" command, the header path became
68 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Introduction to Programming 5
defined as "OUTPut" and thus the instrument interpreted the second
command as:
OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar (@1)
In fact, it would have been syntactically incorrect to include the
"OUTP" explicitly in the second command, since the result after
combining it with the header path would be:
OUTPut:OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar (@1)
which is incorrect.
Moving Among Subsystems
In order to combine commands from different subsystems, you need
to be able to reset the header path to a null string within a message.
You do this by beginning the command with a colon (:), which
discards any previous header path. For example, you could clear the
output protection and check the status of the Operation Condition
register in one message by using a root specifier as follows:
OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar (@1);:STATe:OPERation:CONDition? (@1)
The following message shows how to combine commands from
different subsystems as well as within the same subsystem:
VOLTage:LEVel 7.5,(@1);PROTection 10,(@1);:CURRent:LEVel 0.5,(@1)
Note the use of the optional header LEVel to maintain the correct
path within the subsystems, and the use of the root specifier to move
between subsystems.
Including Common Commands
You can combine common commands with system commands in the
same message. Treat the common command as a message unit by
separating it with a semicolon (the message unit separator). Common
commands do not affect the header path; you may insert them
anywhere in the message.
OUTPut OFF,(@1);*RCL 1;OUTPut ON,(@1)
Using Queries
Observe the following precautions with queries:
Add a blank space between the query indicator (?) and any
subsequent parameter such as a channel list.
Allocate the proper number of variables for the returned data.
Read back all the results of a query before sending another
command to the power system. Otherwise, a Query Interrupted
error will occur and the unreturned data will be lost.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 69
5 Introduction to Programming
Coupled Commands
When commands are coupled it means that the value sent by one
command is affected by the settings of another command. The
following commands are coupled:
[SOURce:]CURRent and [SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe.
[SOURce:]VOLTage and [SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe.
If a range command is sent that places an output on a range with a
lower maximum setting than the present level, an error is generated.
This also occurs if a level is programmed with a value too large for
the present range.
These types of errors can be avoided by sending the both level and
range commands as a set, in the same SCPI message. For example,
CURRent 10,(@1);:RANGe 10,(@1)<NL>
will always be correct because the commands are not executed until
the message terminator is received. Because the range and setting
information is received as a set, no range/setting conflict occurs.
SCPI Messages
There are two types of SCPI messages, program and response.
A program message consists of one or more properly formatted
SCPI commands sent from the controller to the power system.
The message, which may be sent at any time, requests the power
system to perform some action.
A response message consists of data in a specific SCPI format
sent from the power system to the controller. The power system
sends the message only when commanded by a program message
"query."
The following figure illustrates the SCPI message structure.
Keywords
Channel
Data
VOLT : LEV 10, (@1) ; PROT ON, (@1) ; : CURR? (@1) <NL>
Message Unit Query Indicator
Space
Keyword Separator
Message Unit Separators
Message Terminator
Root Specifier
70 Series N6700 User’s Guide
The Message Unit
The simplest SCPI command is a single message unit consisting of a
command header (or keyword) followed by a message terminator
such as a newline. The message unit may include a parameter after
the header. The parameter can be numeric or a string.
*RST<NL>
VOLTage 20,(@1)<NL>
Channel List Parameter
The channel parameter is required to address one or more channels.
It has the following syntax:
(@<channel> [,<channel>][,<channel>][,<channel>])
You can also specify a range of sequential channels as follows:
<start_channel>:<end_channel>
For example, (@2) specifies channel 2 and (@1:3) specifies channels 1
through 3. A maximum of 4 channels may be specified through a
combination of single channels and ranges. Query results are channel
list order-sensitive. Results are returned in the order they are
specified in the list.
Introduction to Programming 5
NOTE
Headers
Query Indicator
When adding a channel list parameter to a query, you must include a space
character between the query indicator (?) and the channel list parameter.
Otherwise error –103, Invalid separator will occur.
Headers, also referred to as keywords, are instructions recognized by
the power system. Headers may be in the long form or in the short
form. In the long form, the header is completely spelled out, such as
VOLTAGE, STATUS, and DELAY. In the short form, the header has
only the first three or four letters, such as VOLT, STAT, and DEL.
When the long form notation is used in this document, the capital
letters indicate the equivalent short form. For example, MEASure is
the long form, and MEAS indicates the short form equivalent.
Following a header with a question mark turns it into a query
(VOLTage?, VOLTage:TRIGgered?). The ? is the query indicator. If a
query contains a parameter, place the query indicator at the end of
the last header, before the parameter.
VOLTage:TRIGgered? MAX,(@1)
Series N6700 User’s Guide 71
5 Introduction to Programming
Message Unit Separator
Root Specifier
Message Terminator
When two or more message units are combined into a compound
message, separate the units with a semicolon.
STATus:OPERation?(@1);QUEStionable?(@1)
When it precedes the first header of a message unit, the colon
becomes the root specifier. It tells the command parser that this is
the root or the top node of the command tree.
A terminator informs SCPI that it has reached the end of a message.
The following messages terminators are permitted:
newline <NL>, which is ASCII decimal 10 or hex 0A.
end or identify <END> (EOI with ATN false)
both of the above <NL><END>
also <CR><NL>
In the examples of this guide, there is an assumed message
terminator at the end of each message.
SCPI Conventions and Data Formats
Conventions
The following SCPI conventions are used throughout this guide.
Angle brackets < > Items within angle brackets are parameter abbreviations. For example, <NR1>
indicates a specific form of numerical data.
Vertical bar | Vertical bars separate alternative parameters. For example, VOLT | CURR indicates
that either "VOLT" or "CURR" can be used as a parameter.
Square brackets [ ] Items within square brackets are optional. The representation [SOURce:]VOLTage
means that SOURce: may be omitted.
Braces { } Braces indicate parameters that may be repeated zero or more times. It is used
especially for showing arrays. The notation <A>{,<B>} shows that parameter "A"
must be entered, while parameter "B" may be omitted or may be entered one or
more times.
Parentheses ( ) Items within parentheses are used in place of the usual parameter types to specify
a channel list. The notation (@1:3) specifies a channel list that includes channels
1, 2, and 3. The notation (@1,3) specifies a channel list that includes only channels
1 and 3.
72 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Data Formats
Symbol Response Formats
<NR1> Digits with an implied decimal point assumed at the right of the least-
<NR2> Digits with an explicit decimal point. Example: .0273
<NR3> Digits with an explicit decimal point and an exponent. Example: 2.73E+2
Parameter Formats
<NRf> Extended format that includes <NR1>, <NR2> and <NR3>. Examples: 273
<NRf+> Expanded decimal format that includes <NRf> and MIN MAX. Examples:
<Bool> Boolean Data. They can be numeric (0, 1), or named (ON, OFF).
<SPD> String program data. String parameters enclosed in single or double quotes.
Introduction to Programming 5
Data programmed or queried from the power system is ASCII. The
data may be numerical or character string.
Numeric Data Formats
significant digit. Examples: 273
273. 2.73E2
273 273. 2.73E2 MAX.
MIN and MAX are the minimum and maximum limit values that are implicit in
the range specification for the parameter.
Suffixes and Multipliers
Class Suffix Unit Unit with Multiplier
Current A ampere MA (milliampere)
Amplitude V volt MV (millivolt)
Time S second MS (millisecond)
Common Multipliers
1E3 K kilo
1E-3 M milli
1E-6 U micro
Response Data Types
Symbol Response Formats
<CRD> Character Response Data. Permits the return of character
strings.
<AARD> Arbitrary ASCII Response Data. Permits the return of
undelimited 7-bit ASCII. This data type has an implied message
terminator.
<SRD> String Response Data. Returns string parameters enclosed in
single or double quotes.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 73
5 Introduction to Programming
SCPI Command Completion
SCPI commands sent to the power system are processed either
sequentially or in parallel. Sequential commands finish execution
before a subsequent command begins. Parallel commands allow other
commands to begin executing while the parallel command is still
executing.
The following is a list of parallel commands. You should use some
form of command synchronization as discussed in this section before
assuming that these commands have completed.
OUTPut:STATe INITiate
VOLTage OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar
CURRent FUNCtion:MODE
The *WAI, *OPC, and *OPC? common commands provide different
ways of indicating when all transmitted commands, including any
parallel ones, have completed their operations. Some practical
considerations for using these commands are as follows:
*WAI
*OPC?
*OPC
NOTE
Device Clear
This command prevents the power system from processing subsequent
commands until all pending operations are completed. For example,
the *WAI command can be used to make a current measurement after
an output on command has completed:
OUTPut ON,(@1);*WAI;:MEASure:CURRent? (@1)
This command places a 1 in the Output Queue when all pending
operations have completed. Because it requires your program to read
the returned value before executing the next program statement,
*OPC? can be used to cause the controller to wait for commands to
complete before proceeding with its program.
This command sets the OPC status bit when all pending operations
have completed. Since your program can read this status bit on an
interrupt basis, *OPC allows subsequent commands to be executed.
The trigger subsystem must be in the Idle state for the status OPC bit to be
true. As far as triggers are concerned, OPC is false whenever the trigger
subsystem is in the Initiated state.
You can send a Device Clear at any time to abort a SCPI command
that may be hanging up the GPIB interface. Device Clear clears the
input and output buffers of the power system and prepares the
power system to accept a new command string. The status registers,
error queue, and all configuration states are left unchanged by Device
Clear. The following statement shows how to send a device clear over
the GPIB interface using Agilent Basic:
CLEAR 705 IEEE-488 Device Clear
74 Series N6700 User’s Guide
6
Language Dictionary
SCPI Command Summary................................................................................ 76
Calibration Subsystem......................................................................................80
Display Subsystem............................................................................................ 82
Measurement Subsystem................................................................................ 83
Output Subsystem............................................................................................. 86
Source Subsystem ............................................................................................ 89
Status Subsystem ............................................................................................. 96
System Commands .........................................................................................103
Trigger Subsystem..........................................................................................107
This section gives the syntax and parameters for all the IEEE 488.2
SCPI commands and the Common commands used by the power
system. It is assumed that you are familiar with the material in
chapter 5, which explains the terms, symbols, and syntactical
structures used here and gives an introduction to programming. You
should also be familiar with chapter 4, in order to understand how
the power system functions.
Subsystem commands are specific to instrument functions. They can
be a single command or a group of commands. The groups are
comprised of commands that extend one or more levels below the
root. The subsystem commands are arranged alphabetically
according to the function they perform.
Common commands are defined by the IEEE 488.2 standard to
perform common interface functions. They begin with an * and
consist of three letters (command) or three letters and a ? (query).
Common commands are grouped along with the subsystem
commands according to the function they perform.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 75
6 Language Dictionary
SCPI Command Summary
Subsystem Commands
NOTE
Some [optional] commands have been included for clarity. All settings commands
have a corresponding query. Not all commands apply to all models.
SCPI Command Description
ABORt
:ACQuire (@chanlist) Resets the measurement trigger system to the Idle state
:TRANsient (@chanlist) Resets the transient trigger system to the Idle state
CALibrate
:CURRent
[:LEVel] <NRf>, (@channel) Calibrates the output current programming
:MEASure <NRf>, (@channel) Calibrates the current measurement
:PEAK (@channel) Calibrates the peak current limit (Agilent N6751A/52A/61A/62A)
:DATA <NRf> Enters the calibration value
:DATE <SPD>, (@channel) Sets the calibration date
:DPRog (@channel) Calibrates the current downprogrammer
:LEVel P1 | P2 | P3 Advances to the next calibration step
:PASSword <NRf> Sets the numeric calibration password
:SAVE Saves the new cal constants in non-volatile memory
:STATE <Bool> [,<NRf>] Enables/disables calibration mode
:VOLTage
[:LEVel] <NRf>, (@channel) Calibrates the output voltage programming
:CMRR (@channel) Calibrates common mode rejection ratio (N6751A/52A/61A/62A)
:MEASure <NRf>, (@channel) Calibrates the voltage measurement
DISPlay[:WINDow]:VIEW METER1 | METER4 Selects 1-channel or 4-channel meter view
FETCh (Note 1) | MEASure
[:SCALar]
:CURRent [:DC]? (@chanlist) Returns the average output current
:VOLTage [:DC]? (@chanlist) Returns the average output voltage
:ARRay (Array commands only on Agilent N6761A/62A and Option 054)
:CURRent [:DC]? (@chanlist) Returns the instantaneous output current
:VOLTage [:DC]? (@chanlist) Returns the instantaneous output voltage
INITiate
[:IMMediate] (Acquire command only on Agilent N6761A/62A and Option 054)
:ACQuire (@chanlist) Enables the measurement system to receive triggers
:TRANsient (@chanlist) Enables the output transient system to receive triggers
:CONTinuous
:TRANsient <Bool>, (@chanlist) Enables/disables continuous transient triggers
OUTPut
[:STATe] <Bool> [,NORelay], (@chanlist) Enables/disables the specified output channel(s)
:DELay
:FALL <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the output turn-off sequence delay
:RISE <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the output turn-on sequence delay
:INHibit
:MODE LATChing | LIVE | OFF Sets the remote inhibit input
76 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Language Dictionary 6
SCPI Command Description
OUTPut (continued)
:PON
:STATe RST | RCL0 Programs the power-on state
:PROTection
:CLEar (@chanlist) Resets latched protection
:COUPle <Bool> Enables/disables channel coupling for protection faults
:DELay <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets over-current protection programming delay
SENSe
:CURRent [:DC]
:RANGe [:UPPer] <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Selects the current measurement range (Agilent N6761A/62A)
:FUNCtion “VOLTage” | ”CURRent”, (@chanlist) Selects the measurement function
:SWEep (Sweep commands only on Agilent N6761A/62A and Option 054)
:OFFSet:POINts <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Defines the trigger offset in the measurement sweep
:POINts <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Defines the number of data points in the measurement
:TINTerval <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the measurement sample interval
:VOLTage [:DC]
:RANGe [:UPPer] <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Selects the voltage measurement range (Agilent N6761A/62A)
:WINDow [:TYPE] HANNing | RECTangular, (@chanlist) Selects the measurement window (N6761A/62A and Option 054)
[SOURce:]
CURRent
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the output current
:TRIGgered [:AMPLitude] <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the triggered output current
:MODE FIXed | STEP | LIST, (@chanlist) Sets the current trigger mode
:PROTection
:STATe <Bool>, (@chanlist) Enables/disables over-current protection on the selected output
:RANGe <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the output current range (Agilent N6761A/62A)
DIGital
:INPut:DATA? Reads the state of the digital port pins
:OUTPut:DATA <NRf> Sets the digital port
:PIN1 | :PIN2 | :PIN3 | :PIN4 | :PIN5 | :PIN6 | :PIN7
:FUNCtion DIO | DINP | TOUT | TINP | FAUL
:POLarity POSitive | NEGative Sets the selected pin’s polarity
LIST (List commands only on Agilent N6761A/62A and Option 054)
:COUNt <NRf+> | INFinity, (@chanlist) Sets the list repeat count
:CURRent [:LEVel] <NRf> {,<NRf>}, (@chanlist) Sets the current list
:POINts? (@chanlist) Returns the number of current list points
:DWELl <NRf> {,<NRf>}, (@chanlist) Sets the list of dwell times
:POINts? (@chanlist) Returns the number of dwell list points
:STEP ONCE | AUTO, (@chanlist) Specifies how the list responds to triggers
:TERMinate
:LAST <Bool>, (@chanlist) Sets the list termination mode
:TOUTput
:BOSTep[:DATA] <Bool> {,<Bool>}, (@chanlist) Sets the steps to generate triggers at the Begin Of Step
:POINts? (@chanlist) Returns the number of beginning of step list points
:EOSTep[:DATA] <Bool> {,<Bool>}, (@chanlist) Sets the steps to generate triggers at the End Of Step
:POINts? (@chanlist) Returns the number of end of step list points
:VOLTage[:LEVel] <NRf> {,<NRf>}, (@chanlist) Sets the voltage list
:POINts? (@chanlist) Returns the number of voltage level points
STEP
:TOUTput <Bool>, (@chanlist) Generate a trigger output on the voltage or current step transient
1
| INH2 Sets the selected pin’s function (1PIN1 only; 2PIN3 only)
Series N6700 User’s Guide 77
6 Language Dictionary
SCPI Command Description
[SOURce:] (continued)
VOLTage
[:LEVel]
[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the output voltage
:TRIGgered [:AMPLitude] <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the triggered output voltage
:MODE FIXed | STEP | LIST, (@chanlist) Sets the voltage trigger mode
:PROTection
[:LEVel] <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the over-voltage protection level
:RANGe <NRf+>, (@chanlist) Sets the output voltage range (Agilent N6761A/62A)
:SLEW <NRf+> | INFinity, (@chanlist) Sets the output voltage slew rate
STATus
:OPERation
[:EVENt]? (@chanlist) Returns the value of the operation event register
:CONDition? (@chanlist) Returns the value of the operation condition register
:ENABle <NRf>, (@chanlist) Enables specific bits in the Event register
:NTRansition <NRf>, (@chanlist) Sets the Negative transition filter
:PTRansition <NRf>, (@chanlist) Sets the Positive transition filter
:PRESet Presets all enable and transition registers to power-on
:QUEStionable
[:EVENt]? (@chanlist) Returns the value of the questionable event register
:CONDition? (@chanlist) Returns the value of the questionable condition register
:ENABle <NRf>, (@chanlist) Enables specific bits in the Event register
:NTRansition <NRf>, (@chanlist) Sets the Negative transition filter
:PTRansition <NRf>, (@chanlist) Sets the Positive transition filter
SYSTem
:CHANnel
[:COUNt]? Returns the number of output channels in a mainframe
:MODel? (@chanlist) Returns the model number of the selected channel
:OPTion? (@chanlist) Returns the option installed in the selected channel
:SERial? (@chanlist) Returns the serial number of the selected channel
:COMMunicate
:RLSTate LOCal | REMote | RWLock Specifies the Remote/Local state of the instrument
:TCPip:CONTrol? Returns the control connection port number
:ERRor? Returns the error number and error string
:GROup
:CATalog? Returns the groups that have been defined
:DEFine (@chanlist) Group multiple channels together to create a single output
:DELete (channel) Removes the specified channel from a group
:ALL Ungroups all channels
:PASSword:FPANel:RESet Resets the front panel lock password to zero
:REBoot Returns the unit to its power-on state
:VERSion? Returns the SCPI version number
TRIGger
:ACQuire (Acquire commands only on Agilent N6761A/62A and Option 054)
[:IMMediate] (@chanlist) Triggers the measurement immediately
:SOURce BUS | PIN<pin> | TRAN<chan>, (@chanlist) Sets the measurement trigger source
:TRANsient
[:IMMediate] (@chanlist) Triggers the output immediately
:SOURce BUS | PIN<pin> | TRAN<chan>, (@chanlist) Sets the output trigger source
78 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Language Dictionary 6
Common Commands
Command Description Command Description
*CLS Clear status *RDT? Return output channel descriptions
*ESE <NRf> Standard event status enable *RST Reset
*ESE? Return standard event status enable *SAV <NRf> Saves an instrument state
*ESR? Return event status register *SRE <NRf> Set service request enable register
*IDN? Return instrument identification *SRE? Return service request enable register
*OPC Enable "operation complete" bit in ESR *STB? Return status byte
*OPC? Return a "1" when operation complete *TRG Trigger
*OPT? Return option number *TST? Performs self-test, then returns result
*RCL <NRf> Recalls a saved instrument state *WAI Pauses additional command processing
until all device commands are done
*RST Settings
These settings are set by the *RST (Reset) command
Calibration Function (Note 1) Measurement (continued)
CAL:STAT OFF SENS:SWE:OFFS:POIN 0
Current Function SENS:SWE:TINT 20.48E−6
[SOUR:]CURR 80 mA SENS:VOLT:RANG MAX
[SOUR:]CURR:MODE FIX SENS:WIND RECT
[SOUR:]CURR:PROT:STAT OFF Output Function
[SOUR:]CURR:RANG MAX OUTP OFF
[SOUR:]CURR:TRIG MIN OUTP:DEL:FALL 0
Digital Function OUTP:DEL:RISE 0
[SOUR:]DIG:OUTP:DATA 0 OUTP:PROT:COUP OFF
Display Function OUTP:PROT:DEL 0.02
DISP:VIEW METER1 OUTP:REL OFF
List Function (Note 1) Step Function
[SOUR:]LIST:COUN 1 [SOUR:]STEP:TOUT FALSE
[SOUR:]LIST:CURR MIN Trigger Function
[SOUR:]LIST:DWEL 0.001 INIT:CONT:TRAN OFF
[SOUR:]LIST:STEP AUTO TRIG:ACQ:SOUR BUS
[SOUR:]LIST:TERM:LAST OFF TRIG:TRAN:SOUR BUS
[SOUR:]LIST:TOUT:BOST OFF Voltage Function
[SOUR:]LIST:TOUT:EOST OFF [SOUR:]VOLT MIN
[SOUR:]LIST:VOLT MIN [SOUR:]VOLT:MODE FIX
Measurement Function [SOUR:]VOLT:PROT:LEV MAX
SENS:CURR:RANG MAX [SOUR:]VOLT:RANG MAX
SENS:FUNC “VOLT” [SOUR:]VOLT:SLEW MAX
SENS:SWE:POIN 1024 [SOUR:]VOLT:TRIG MIN
Note 1
The calibration state and all list settings are not saved by the *SAV command.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 79
6 Language Dictionary
Calibration Subsystem
The calibration subsystem lets you calibrate the power system. Only
one channel can be calibrated at a time. Refer to Appendix B for
details.
NOTE
If calibration mode has not been enabled with CALibrate:STATe, the calibration
commands will generate an error. Use CALibrate:SAVE to save any changes,
otherwise all changes will be lost when you exit calibration mode.
CALibrate:CURRent[:LEVel] <value>, (@<channel>)
This command initiates calibration of the output current. The value
that you enter selects the range that is being calibrated.
CALibrate:CURRent:MEASure <value>, (@<channel>)
This command initiates calibration of the current measurement
range. The value that you enter selects the range that is being
calibrated.
CALibrate:CURRent:PEAK (@<channel>)
This command initiates calibration of the peak current limit.
CALibrate:DATA <value>
This command enters a calibration value that you obtain by reading
an external meter. You must first select a calibration level (with
CALibrate:LEVel) for the value being entered. Data values are
expressed in base units - either volts or amperes, depending on
which function is being calibrated.
CALibrate:DATE <”date”>, (@<channel>) CALibrate:DATE?
This command stores the date that the power module was last
calibrated. The calibration date is stored in nonvolatile memory.
Enter any ASCII string up to 16 characters. The query returns the
date.
NOTE
The firmware does not interpret the string format. The information is not used
by the firmware. The command is only provided to store the calibration date.
CALibrate:DPRog (@<channel>)
This command initiates calibration of the current downprogrammer.
80 Series N6700 User’s Guide
CALibrate:LEVel P1|P2|P3
This command is used to advance to the next level in the calibration.
P1 is the first calibration level; P2 is the second level; P3 is the third
level.
Language Dictionary 6
NOTE
Some calibration sequences may require some settling time after sending
CAL:LEV but before reading the data from the DVM and sending CAL:DATA.
CALibrate:PASSword <password>
This command lets you change the calibration password. A new
password is automatically stored in nonvolatile memory and does not
have to be stored with CALibrate:SAVE. If the password is set to 0,
password protection is removed and the ability to enter calibration
mode is unrestricted. The factory-default password 0 (zero).
CALibrate:SAVE
This command saves calibration constants in non-volatile memory
after the calibration procedure has been completed. If calibration
mode is exited by programming CALibration:STATe OFF without first
saving the new constants, the previous constants are restored.
CALibrate:STATe ON|OFF [,<password>] CALibrate:STATe?
This command enables or disables calibration mode. Calibration
mode must be enabled for the power system to accept any calibration
commands. The first parameter specifies the ON (1) or OFF (0) state.
The second parameter is the password.
A numeric password is required if calibration mode is being enabled
and the existing password is not 0. If the password is not entered or
is incorrect, an error is generated and the calibration mode remains
disabled. The query returns only the state, not the password.
The *RST value = OFF.
NOTE
When the calibration state is changed from enabled to disabled, new calibration
constants are lost unless they have already been stored with CALibrate:SAVE.
CALibrate:VOLTage[:LEVel] <value>, (@<channel>)
This command initiates calibration of the output voltage. The value
that you enter selects the range that is being calibrated.
CALibrate:VOLTage:CMRR (@<channel>)
This command initiates calibration of the voltage common mode
rejection ratio.
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6 Language Dictionary
CALibrate:VOLTage:MEASure <value>, (@<channel>)
This command initiates calibration of the voltage measurement
range. The value that you enter selects the range that is being
calibrated.
Display Subsystem
The display subsystem lets you control the front panel display.
DISPlay[:WINDow]:VIEW METER1|METER4 DISPlay[:WINDow]:VIEW?
This command selects the output channel view of the front panel
display. METER1 displays one output channel. METER4 displays all
output channels up to a maximum of four.
The *RST value = METER1.
82 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Measurement Subsystem
Language Dictionary 6
The measurement subsystem consists of Measure, Fetch, and Sense
commands.
Measure commands measure the output voltage or current. They
trigger the acquisition of new data before returning the reading.
Measurements are performed by digitizing the instantaneous output
voltage or current for a specified time interval, storing the results in
a buffer, and calculating the average value. Use Measure commands
when the measurement does not need to be synchronized with any
other event.
Fetch commands return a reading computed from previously
acquired data. If you take a voltage measurement, you can fetch only
voltage data. If you take a current measurement, you can fetch only
current data. Use Fetch commands when it is important that the
measurement be synchronized with a triggered event.
Sense commands control the current measurement range, the
bandwidth detector of the power system, and the data acquisition
sequence.
Agilent Models N6761A and N6762A have simultaneous voltage and
current measurement capability. In this case BOTH voltage and
current are acquired, regardless of the parameter that is being
measured. To return both values of a simultaneous measurement,
first use the MEASure command to measure either the output voltage
or current. Then use the FETCh command to return the other
parameter.
NOTE
The FETCh:ARRay, MEASure:ARRay, and SENSe commands do not apply to all
models (Refer to chapter 1, “Model Differences”).
FETCh:ARRay:CURRent[:DC]? (@<chanlist>) FETCh:ARRay:VOLTage[:DC]? (@<chanlist>)
MEASure:ARRay:CURRent[:DC]? (@<chanlist>) MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage[:DC]? (@<chanlist>)
These queries return an array containing the digitized output current
in amperes or output voltage in volts. The data returned by the
FETCh command is the result of the last measurement command or
acquisition trigger. The data is valid until the next MEASure or
INITiate command occurs.
The output voltage or current is digitized whenever a measurement
command is sent or an acquisition trigger occurs. The sampling rate
is set by SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval. The position of the trigger relative
to the beginning of the data buffer is determined by
SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet. The number of points returned is set by
SENSe:SWEep:POINts.
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6 Language Dictionary
FETCh[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]? (@<chanlist>) FETCh[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]? (@<chanlist>)
MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]? (@<chanlist>) MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]? (@<chanlist>)
These queries return the DC output current in amperes or output
voltage in volts. The data returned by the FETCh command is the
result of the last acquisition. The data is valid until the next
MEASure or INITiate command occurs.
The output voltage or current is digitized whenever a measurement
command is sent or an acquisition trigger occurs. The time interval is
set by SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval. The position of the trigger relative to
the beginning of the data buffer is determined by
SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet. The number of points returned is set by
SENSe:SWEep:POINts.
SENSe:CURRent[:DC]:RANGe[:UPPer] <value>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) SENSe:CURRent[:DC]:RANGe[:UPPer]? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command selects a DC current measurement range on models
that have multiple ranges. The value that you enter must be higher
than the maximum current that you expect to measure. Units are in
amperes. The instrument selects the range with the best resolution
for the value entered. When queried, the returned value is the
maximum DC current that can be measured on the range that is
presently set.
Refer to Appendix A for the available ranges for each model.
The *RST value = the highest available range.
SENSe:FUNCtion “VOLTage”|”CURRent”, (@<chanlist>) SENSe:FUNCtion? (@<chanlist>)
This command selects a measurement function on models that do not
have simultaneous voltage and current measurement capability. This
command is required so that the acquisition system knows which
measurement function to acquire when a measurement is triggered.
The *RST value = “VOLTage”.
SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet:POINts <points>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet:POINts? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command defines the offset in a data sweep when an acquire
trigger is used on models that have measurement controls.
Programmed values can range from -4095 through 2,000,000,000
(2E9). Negative values represent data samples taken prior to the
trigger. Positive values represent the delay after the trigger occurs
but before the samples are acquired.
The *RST value = 0.
84 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Language Dictionary 6
SENSe:SWEep:POINts <points>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) SENSe:SWEep:POINts? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command defines the number of points in a measurement on
models that have measurement controls. Programmed values can
range from 1 to 4096.
The *RST value = 1024.
SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval <interval>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command defines the time period between samples in seconds
on models that have measurement controls. Programmed values can
range from 0.00002048 to 40000 seconds. Values are rounded to the
nearest 20.48 microsecond increment.
The*RST value = 20.48 microseconds.
SENSe:VOLTage[:DC]:RANGe[:UPPer] <value>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) SENSe:VOLTage[:DC]:RANGe[:UPPer]? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command selects a DC voltage measurement range on models
that have multiple ranges. The programmed value must be the
maximum voltage that you expect to measure. Units are in volts. The
instrument selects the range with the best resolution for the value
entered. When queried, the returned value is the maximum DC
voltage that can be measured on the range that is presently set.
Refer to Appendix A for the available ranges for each model.
The *RST value = the highest available range.
SENSe:WINDow[:TYPE] HANNing|RECTangular, (@<chanlist>) SENSe:WINDow[:TYPE]? (@<chanlist>)
This command sets the window function used in DC measurement
calculations on models that have measurement controls. Select from:
HANNing A signal conditioning window that reduces errors in DC measurement
calculations in the presence of periodic signals such as AC line ripple. The
Hanning window multiplies each point in the sample by the function cosine
RECTangular A window that returns measurement calculations with no signal conditioning.
Note that neither window function alters the instantaneous voltage
or current data returned in the measurement array.
The *RST value = RECTangular.
4
.
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Output Subsystem
The Output subsystem controls the output, power-on, protection, and
relay functions.
OUTPut[:STATe] ON|OFF [,NORelay], (@<chanlist>) OUTPut[:STATe]? (@<chanlist>)
This command enables or disables the specified output channel(s).
The enabled state is ON (1); the disabled state is OFF (0). The state of
a disabled output is a condition of zero output voltage and a zero
source current. If output and sense relays are installed (Option 761),
they will open when the output is disabled and close when the output
is enabled. The query returns 0 if the output is off, and 1 if the output
is on.
The optional NORelay parameter lets you turn the output state on or
off and leave the state of the relays unchanged. When not specified,
the relays open and close as the output is turned off and on.
Separate delays can be programmed for the off-to-on and the on-tooff transition using OUTPut:DELay:RISE and OUTput:DELay:FALL.
The *RST value = OFF.
NOTE
Because of internal circuit start-up procedures and any installed relay options,
the output on command may take between 35 and 50 milliseconds to complete
its function. Conversely, the output off command may take between 20 and 25
milliseconds to complete its function. To mitigate this built-in delay, you can
program the output to zero volts rather than using the output on/off command.
OUTPut[:STATe]:DELay:FALL <delay>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) OUTPut[:STATe]:DELay:FALL? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command sets the delay in seconds that the instrument waits
before disabling the specified output. It affects on-to-off transitions
including changes in the OUTPut:STATe as well as transitions due to
changes in the voltage range or current range. It does NOT affect
transitions to off caused by protection functions. Delay times can
range from 0 to 1.023 seconds in increments of 1 millisecond.
This command allows multiple output channels to turn off in
sequence. Each output will not turn off until its delay time has
elapsed.
The *RST value = 0.
NOTE
86 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Output channel turn-on and turn-off characteristics vary across the three
module types - DC Power, Autoranging, and Precision (Refer to chapter 1,
“Model Differences”). When several channels of the same module type are
programmed by this command, output sequencing is precisely determined by
the programmed delays.
Language Dictionary 6
However, when outputs of different module types are sequenced using this
command, there may be an additional offset of a few milliseconds from one
output to another. This offset is the same for each module type and is
repeatable. Once you have characterized this offset, using an oscilloscope for
example, you can adjust the programmed delays to compensate for the offset
and give the desired output sequencing.
Outputs within the same module type can also have an offset if one model has
output relays (Option 761) and another does not. These offsets are also
repeatable and can be compensated for by adjusting the programmed delay
values.
OUTPut[:STATe]:DELay:RISE <delay>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>)
OUTPut[:STATe]:DELay:RISE? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command sets the delay in seconds that the instrument waits
before enabling the specified output. It affects all off-to-on transitions
including changes in the OUTPut:STATe as well as transitions due to
OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar. Delay times can range from 0 to 1.023
seconds in increments of 1 millisecond.
This command allows multiple output channels to turn on in
sequence. Each output will not turn on until its delay time has
elapsed.
The *RST value = 0.
NOTE
Refer to the note under OUTPut:DELay:FALL, which also applies to
OUTPut:DELay:RISE.
OUTPut:INHibit:MODE LATChing|LIVE|OFF
OUTPut:INHibit:MODE?
This command selects the mode of operation of the Inhibit input
(INH). The inhibit function shuts down ALL output channels in
response to an external signal on the Inhibit input. If an output
channel has been turned off by OUTPut:STATe, the inhibit function
does not affect the output channel while it is in the OFF state. The
Inhibit mode setting is stored in non-volatile memory.
The following modes can be selected:
LATChing Causes a logic-true transition on the Inhibit input to disable all outputs. The
outputs remain disabled until the Inhibit input is returned to logic-false and the
latched INH status bit is cleared by sending the OUTP:PROT:CLE command or a
protection clear command from the front panel.
LIVE Allows the enabled outputs to follow the state of the Inhibit input. When the
Inhibit input is true, the outputs are disabled. When the Inhibit input is false,
the outputs are re-enabled.
OFF The Inhibit input is ignored.
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OUTPut:PON:STATe RST|RCL0 OUTPut:PON:STATe?
This command determines if the power-on state is set to the *RST
(RST) state or the instrument state stored in memory location 0
(RCL0). The parameter is saved in non-volatile memory. Instrument
states can be stored using the *SAV command.
Refer to *RST and *RCL under “System Commands” for more
information.
OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar (@<chanlist>)
This command clears the latched protection status that disables the
output when an over-voltage, over-temperature, over-current, powerfail, or Inhibit status condition is detected. All conditions that
generate the fault must be removed before the latched status can be
cleared. The output is restored to the state it was in before the fault
condition occurred.
NOTE
If a protection shutdown occurs during an output list, the list continues running
even though the output is disabled. When the protection status is cleared and
the output becomes enabled again, the output will be set to the values of the
step that the list is presently at.
OUTPut:PROTection:COUPle ON|OFF OUTPut:PROTection:COUPle?
This command enables/disables output coupling for protection faults.
When enabled, ALL output channels are disabled when a protection
fault occurs on any output channel. The enabled state is On (1); the
disabled state is Off (0). When disabled, only the affected output
channel is disabled when a protection fault is triggered.
The *RST value = OFF.
OUTPut:PROTection:DELay <delay>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) OUTPut:PROTection:DELay? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command sets the over-current protection programming delay.
This prevents momentary changes in status that can occur during
reprogramming from triggering the over-current protection function.
Programmed values can range from 0 to 255 milliseconds.
The *RST value = 20 ms.
88 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Source Subsystem
Language Dictionary 6
The Source subsystem programs the current, digital, list, step, and
voltage functions.
NOTE
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <value>|MIN|MAX (@<chanlist>)
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] <value>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>)
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX,]
The SOURce:CURRent:RANge, SOURce:VOLTage:RANge, and SOURce:LIST
commands do not apply to all models (Refer to Chapter 1, “Model Differences”).
(@<chanlist>)
These commands set the immediate and the triggered current level of
the output channel. The values are programmed in amperes. The
immediate level is the output current setting. The triggered level is a
stored value that is transferred to the output when a Step transient is
triggered. This command is coupled with [SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe.
The *RST value = MIN.
[SOURce:]CURRent:MODE FIXed|STEP|LIST, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]CURRent:MODE? (@<chanlist>)
These commands determine what happens to the output current
when the transient system is initiated and triggered.
FIXed The output voltage remains at the immediate value.
STEP The output goes to the triggered level when a trigger occurs.
LIST The output follows the programmed step value when a trigger occurs.
This function does not apply to all models (see
The *RST value = FIXed.
Chapter 1, “Model Differences”).
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe ON|OFF, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe? (@<chanlist>)
This command enables or disables the over-current protection (OCP)
function. The enabled state is On (1); the disabled state is Off (0). If
the over-current protection function is enabled and the output goes
into constant current operation, the output is disabled and the
Questionable Condition status register OCP bit is set.
The current limit setting determines when the output channel goes
into constant current operation. An over-current condition can be
cleared with OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar after the cause of the
condition is removed.
The *RST value = OFF.
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6 Language Dictionary
[SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe <value>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command only applies to models that have programmable
ranges. Refer to Appendix A for the available ranges for each model.
This command sets the output current range. Units are in amperes.
The instrument selects the range with the best resolution for the
value entered. When queried, the returned value is the maximum DC
current that can be output on the range that is presently set.
This command is coupled with the [SOURce:]CURRent command.
This means that if a range command is sent that places an output on
a range with a lower maximum current than the present current
level, an error is generated. This also occurs if a current level is
programmed with a value too large for the present range.
These types of errors can be avoided by sending the both level and
range commands in the same SCPI message. When the range and
setting information is received as a set, no range/setting conflict
occurs.
The *RST value = the highest available range.
NOTE
If programming a range value causes a range change to occur while the output
is enabled, the output will be temporarily disabled while the range switch
occurs. The transition from on-to-off and then from off-to-on will also be
delayed by the settings of OUTPut:DELay:FALL and OUTPut:DELay:RISE.
[SOURce:]DIGital:INPut:DATA?
This query reads the state of the digital control port. The query
returns the state of pins 1 through 7 in bits 0 through 6 respectively.
[SOURce:]DIGital:OUTPut:DATA <value> [SOURce:]DIGital:OUTPut:DATA?
This command sets the output data on the digital control port when
that port is configured for Digital I/O operation. The port has seven
signal pins and a digital ground pin. In the binary-weighted value
that is written to the port, the pins are controlled according to the
following bit assignments.
Pin Bit Pin Bit
1 0 4 3
2 1 5 4
3 2 6 5
7 6
The query returns the last programmed value of the bits. To read the
actual state of the pin, use [SOURce:]DIGital:INPut:DATA?
90 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Language Dictionary 6
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN1:FUNCtion DIO|DINPut|TOUTput|TINPut|FAULt
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN2:FUNCtion DIO|DINPut|TOUTput|TINPut
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN3:FUNCtion DIO|DINPut|TOUTput|TINPut|INHibit
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN4:FUNCtion DIO|DINPut|TOUTput|TINPut
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN5:FUNCtion DIO|DINPut|TOUTput|TINPut
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN6:FUNCtion DIO|DINPut|TOUTput|TINPut
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN7:FUNCtion DIO|DINPut|TOUTput|TINPut
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN<1-7>:FUNCtion?
These commands set the functions of the digital port pins. The pin
functions are saved in non-volatile memory.
DIO The pin is a general-purpose ground-referenced digital input/output. The output
can be set with
DINPut The pin is in digital input-only mode. The digital output data of the
corresponding pin is ignored.
TOUTput The pin is configured as a trigger output. When configured as a trigger output,
the pin will only generate output triggers if the Step or List transient system has
been configured to generated trigger signals.
[SOURce:]DIGital:OUTPut:DATA <value>.
TINPut The pin is configured as a trigger input. When configured as a trigger input, the
pin can be selected as a source of measurement and transient trigger signals.
FAULt Applies only to pin 1. Setting FAULt means that pin 1 functions as an isolated
fault output. The fault signal is true when any output is in a protected state
(from OCP, OVP, OT, PF, or INH). Note also that Pin 2 serves as the isolated
common for pin 1. When pin 1 is set to the FAULt function, the instrument
ignores any commands to program pin 2. Queries of pin 2 will return FAULt.
If pin 1 is changed from FAULt to another function, pin 2 is set to DINPut.
INHibit Applies only to pin 3. When pin 3 is configured as an inhibit input, a true signal
at the pin will disable all output channels.
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN1:POLarity POSitive|NEGative
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN2:POLarity POSitive|NEGative
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN3:POLarity POSitive|NEGative
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN4:POLarity POSitive|NEGative
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN5:POLarity POSitive|NEGative
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN6:POLarity POSitive|NEGative
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN7:POLarity POSitive|NEGative
[SOURce:]DIGital:PIN<1-7>:POLarity?
These commands set the polarity of the digital port pins. The pin
polarities are saved in non-volatile memory.
Setting a polarity to POSitive means that a logical true signal is a
voltage high at the pin. Setting the polarity NEGative means that a
logical true signal is a voltage low at the pin. For trigger inputs and
outputs, POSitive means a rising edge; NEGative means a falling edge.
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[SOURce:]LIST:COUNt <count>|MIN|MAX|INF, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]LIST:COUNt? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command sets the number of times that the list is executed
before it is completed. Applies only to models with list capability.
The range is 1 through 256. Use INFinity to execute a list indefinitely.
In this case, use ABORt:TRANsient to stop the list.
The *RST value = 1.
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent[:LEVel] <curr> {,<curr>}, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]LIST:CURRent[:LEVel]? (@<chanlist>)
This command specifies the current setting for each list step in
amperes. Applies only to models with list capability. A commadelimited list of up to 512 steps may be programmed.
The *RST value = 1 step with a value of MIN.
[SOURce:]LIST:CURRent:POINts? (@<chanlist>)
This query returns the number of points (steps) programmed in the
current list. Applies only to models with list capability.
[SOURce:]LIST:DWELl <time> {,<time>}, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]LIST:DWELl? (@<chanlist>)
This command specifies the dwell time for each list step. Applies only
to models with list capability. A comma-delimited list of up to 512
steps may be programmed. Dwell time is the time that the output will
remain at a specific step. Dwell times can be programmed from 0 to
262.143 seconds with the following resolution:
Range in seconds Resolution
0 to 0.262143 1 microsecond
0 to 2.62143 10 microseconds
0 to 26.2143 100 microseconds
0 to 262.143 1 millisecond
At the end of the dwell time, the output state of the unit depends
upon the LIST:STEP program settings. See LIST:STEP
The order in which the values are entered determines the sequence
when the list executes.
The *RST value = 1 step with a value of 0.001.
[SOURce:]LIST:DWELl:POINts? (@<chanlist>)
This query returns the number of points (steps) in the dwell list.
Applies only to models with list capability.
92 Series N6700 User’s Guide
[SOURce:]LIST:STEP ONCE|AUTO, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]LIST:STEP? (@<chanlist>)
This command specifies how the list responds to triggers. Applies
only to models with list capability.
ONCE Causes the output to remain at the present step until a trigger advances it to
the next step. Triggers that arrive during the dwell time are ignored.
AUTO Causes the output to automatically advance to each step, after the receipt of an
initial starting trigger. The steps are paced by the dwell list. As each dwell time
elapses, the next step is immediately output.
The *RST value = AUTO.
[SOURce:]LIST:TERMinate:LAST ON|OFF, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]LIST:TERMinate:LAST? (@<chanlist>)
This command determines the output value when the list terminates.
Applies only to models with list capability. The state is either ON (1)
or OFF (0). When ON, the output voltage or current remains at the
value of the last list step. The value of the last voltage or current list
step becomes the IMMediate value when the list completes. When
OFF, and also when the list is aborted, the output returns to the
settings it was at before the list started.
Language Dictionary 6
The *RST value = OFF.
[SOURce:]LIST:TOUTput:BOSTep[:DATA] ON|OFF {,ON|OFF}, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]LIST:TOUTput:BOSTep[:DATA]? (@<chanlist>)
This command specifies which list steps generate a trigger out signal
at the beginning of the list step (BOSTep). Applies only to models
with list capability. A comma-delimited list of up to 512 steps may be
programmed. The state is either ON (1) or OFF (0). A trigger is only
generated when the state is set to ON.
The *RST value = 1 step with a value of OFF.
[SOURce:]LIST:TOUTput:EOSTep[:DATA] ON|OFF {,ON|OFF}, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]LIST:TOUTput:EOSTep[:DATA]? (@<chanlist>)
This command specifies which list steps generate a trigger out signal
at the end of the list step’s (EOSTep) dwell time. Applies only to
models with list capability. A comma-delimited list of up to 512 steps
may be programmed. The state is either ON (1) or OFF (0). A trigger
is only generated when the state is set to ON.
The *RST value = 1 step with a value of OFF.
[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage[:LEVel] <volt> {,<volt>}, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage[:LEVel]? (@<chanlist>)
This command specifies the voltage setting for each list step in volts.
Applies only to models with list capability. Up to 512 steps may be
programmed. The values are separated by commas.
The *RST value = 1 step with a value of MIN.
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[SOURce:]LIST:VOLTage:POINts? (@<chanlist>)
This query returns the number of points (steps) in the voltage list,
not the point values. Applies only to models with list capability.
[SOURce:]STEP:TOUTput ON|OFF, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]STEP:TOUTput? (@<chanlist>)
This command specifies whether an output trigger signal is generated
when a transient voltage or current step occurs. The state is either
ON (1) or OFF (0). A trigger is generated when the state is True.
The *RST value = OFF.
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <value>|MIN|MAX,(@<chanlist>)
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] <value>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>)
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
These commands set the immediate and the triggered voltage level of
the output channel. The values are programmed in volts. The
immediate level is the output voltage setting. The triggered level is a
stored value that is transferred to the output when a Step transient is
triggered. This command is coupled with [SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe.
The *RST value = MIN.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE FIXed|STEP|LIST, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE? (@<chanlist>)
These commands determine what happens to the output voltage
when the transient system is initiated and triggered.
FIXed The output voltage remains at the immediate value.
STEP The output goes to the triggered level when a trigger occurs.
LIST The output follows the programmed list step value when a trigger occurs.
This function does not apply to all models (see
The *RST value = FIXed.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection:LEVel <value>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection:LEVel? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command sets the over-voltage protection (OVP) level of the
output channel. The values are programmed in volts. If the output
voltage exceeds the OVP level, the output is disabled and the
Questionable Condition status register OV bit is set. An over-voltage
condition can be cleared with the Output Protection Clear command
after the condition that caused the OVP trip is removed.
Chapter 1, “Model Differences”).
The *RST value = MAX.
94 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Language Dictionary 6
[SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe <value>|MIN|MAX, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command only applies to models that have programmable
ranges. Refer to Appendix A for the available ranges for each model.
This command sets the output voltage range. Units are in volts. The
instrument selects the range with the best resolution for the value
that is entered. When queried, the returned value is the maximum
voltage that can be output on the range that is presently set.
This command is coupled with the [SOURce:]VOLTage command.
This means that if a range command is sent that places an output on
range with a lower maximum voltage than the present voltage level,
an error is generated. This also occurs if a voltage level is
programmed with a value too large for the present range.
These types of errors can be avoided by sending the both level and
range commands in the same SCPI message. When the range and
setting information is received as a set, no range/setting conflict
occurs.
The *RST value = the highest available range.
NOTE
If programming a range value causes a range change to occur while the output
is enabled, the output will be temporarily disabled while the range switch
occurs. The transition from on-to-off and then from off-to-on will also be
delayed by the settings of OUTPut:DELay:FALL and OUTPut:DELay:RISE.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW[:IMMediate] <value>|MIN|MAX|INF, (@<chanlist>) [SOURce:]VOLTage:SLEW[:IMMediate]? [MIN|MAX,] (@<chanlist>)
This command sets the voltage slew rate in volts per second. The slew
rate setting affects all programmed voltage changes, including those
due to the output state turning on or off. The slew rate can be set to
any value between 0 and 9.9E37. For very large values, the slew rate
will be limited by the analog performance of the output circuit. The
keywords MAXimum or INFinity set the slew rate to maximum.
Internally, the slew rate is controlled by a 24-bit register. The slowest
or minimum slew rate is a function of the full-scale voltage range. For
a model with a 50 V range, the minimum slew rate is about 4.76 V/s.
For other voltage ranges the minimum slew rate is proportional to
this value, so for a model with a 5 V range the minimum slew rate is
about 0.476 V/s. The unit accepts slew rates as low as 0 V/s, but
values sent to the 24-bit register will be limited at 1 count.
The query returns the value that was sent, unless the value was less
than the minimum slew rate, in which case the minimum value is
returned. The LSB weight of the 24-bit register can be queried using
VOLT:SLEW? MIN. The exact value varies slightly according to the
voltage calibration.
The *RST value = 9.9E37.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 95
6 Language Dictionary
Status Subsystem
Status register programming lets you determine the operating
condition of the power system at any time. The power system has
three groups of status registers; Operation, Questionable, and
Standard Event. The Operation and Questionable status groups each
consist of the Condition, Enable, and Event registers as well as NTR
and PTR filters.
The Standard Event status group is also programmed using Common
commands. Common commands control additional status functions
such as the Service Request Enable and the Status Byte registers.
Operation Status Group
The Operation Status registers record signals that occur during
normal operation. As shown below, the group consists of a
Condition, PTR/NTR, Event, and Enable register. The outputs of the
Operation Status register group are logically-ORed into the
OPERation summary bit (7) of the Status Byte register.
Questionable Status Group
The Questionable Status registers record signals that indicate
abnormal operation. As shown below, the group consists of the same
register types as the Status Operation group. The outputs of the
Questionable Status group are logically-ORed into the QUEStionable
summary bit (3) of the Status Byte register.
Standard Event Status Group
The Standard Event registers are programmed by Common
commands. The Standard Event event register latches events relating
to communication status. It is a read-only register that is cleared
when read. The Standard Event enable register functions similarly to
the enable registers of the Operation and Questionable status groups.
Status Byte Register
This register summarizes the information from all other status
groups as defined in the IEEE 488.2 Standard Digital Interface for
Programmable Instrumentation.
MSS and RQS Bits
MSS is a real-time (unlatched) summary of all Status Byte register
bits that are enabled by the Service Request Enable register. MSS is
set whenever the power system has one or more reasons for
requesting service. *STB? reads the MSS in bit position 6 of the
response but does not clear any of the bits in the Status Byte register.
The RQS bit is a latched version of the MSS bit. Whenever the power
system requests service, it sets the SRQ interrupt line true and
latches RQS into bit 6 of the Status Byte register. When the controller
96 Series N6700 User’s Guide
CONDITION
0
OV
1
OC
2
PF
3
CP+
4
OT
5
CP -
INH9512
10
UNR
1024
11
PROT
2048
STAT:QUES:COND?
does a serial poll, RQS is cleared inside the register and returned in
bit position 6 of the response. The remaining bits of the Status Byte
register are not disturbed.
MAV Bit and Output Queue
The Output Queue is a first-in, first-out (FIFO) data register that
stores power system-to-controller messages until the controller reads
them. Whenever the queue holds one or more bytes, it sets the MAV
bit (4) of the Status Byte register.
QUESTIONABLE STATUS
(IDENTICAL REGISTERS FOR EACH CHANNEL)
PTR/NTR
1
2
44
8888
16
32 323232
STAT:Q UES:PT R |:NTR <n>
STAT:Q UES:PT R |:NTR ?
1
16
512
1024
2048
EVENT ENABLE
2
STAT:QUES:EVEN?
1
22
4
16
512
1024
2048
1
4
16
512
1024
2048
STAT:QUES:ENAB <n>
STAT:QUES:ENAB?
LOGICAL
OR
SAME
AS
CHAN 1
CHAN 1
CHAN 2
CHAN 3
CHAN 4
QSUM
QSUM
QSUM
QSUM
Language Dictionary 6
LOGICAL
OR
0
OPC
2
QYE
3
DDE
4
EXE
5
CME
7
PON
*ESR?
(IDENTICAL REGISTERS FOR EACH CHANNEL )
CONDITION
0
1
CV
1
2
CC
2
4
OFF
3
WTG
8
meas
4
WTG
16
trans
STAT:OPER:COND?
STAT:OPER:PTR |:NTR <n>
STAT:OPER:PTR |:NTR ?
STANDARD EVENT
STATUS
EVENT ENABLE
1
4
8
16
32
128
1
4
8
16
32
128
*ESE<n>
*ESE?
OPERATION STATUS
PTR/NTR EVENT
1
2
4
8
16
STAT:OPER:EVEN?
LOGICAL
OR
ENABLE
1
2
4
8
16
16
STAT:OPER:ENAB <n>
STAT:OPER:ENAB?
ERROR QUEUE
SYST:ERR?
OUTPUT QUEUE
1
2
4
8
Error
Error
Error
Data
Data
Data
LOGICAL
OR
QUEUE
NOT
EMPTY
QUEUE
NOT
EMPTY
SAME
AS
CHAN 1
CHAN 1
CHAN 2
CHAN 3
CHAN 4
OSUM
OSUM
OSUM
OSUM
ERR
QUES
MAV
ESB
MSS
OPER
LOGICAL
OR
STATUS BYTE
2
3
8
4
16
5
32
6
7
RQS
64
128
*STB? *SRE<n>
SERVICE
REQUEST
GENERATION
SERVICE
REQUEST
ENABLE
44
8
16
32
128
*SRE?
LOGICAL
OR
Series N6700 User’s Guide 97
6 Language Dictionary
STATus:PRESet
This command sets all defined bits in the Status system’s PTR
registers and clears all bits in the NTR and Enable registers.
Operation Register Questionable Register Preset Settings
STAT:OPER:ENAB STAT:QUES:ENAB 0 all bits disabled
STAT:OPER:NTR STAT:QUES:NTR 0 all bits disabled
STAT:OPER:PTR 31 all defined bits enabled
STAT:QUES:PTR 3647 all defined bits enabled
STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]? (@<chanlist>)
This query returns the value of the Operation Event register. The
Event register is a read-only register, which stores (latches) all
events that are passed by the Operation NTR and/or PTR filter.
Reading the Operation Event register clears it. The bit configuration
of the Operation status registers is as follows:
Bit Position 15-5 4 3 2 1 0
Bit Value
Bit Name
WTG-tran = The transient system is waiting for a trigger.
WTG-meas = The measurement system is waiting for
a trigger
−
−
16 8 4 2 1
WTG-tran WTG-meas OFF CC CV
OFF = The output is programmed off
CC = The output is in constant current
CV = The output is in constant voltage
STATus:OPERation:CONDition? (@<chanlist>)
This query returns the value of the Operation Condition register.
That is a read-only register, which holds the live (unlatched)
operational status of the power system.
STATus:OPERation:ENABle <value>, (@<chanlist>) STATus:OPERation:ENABle? (@<chanlist>)
This command and its query set and read the value of the
Operational Enable register. This register is a mask for enabling
specific bits from the Operation Event register to set the operation
summary bit (OPER) of the Status Byte register. This bit (bit 7) is the
logical OR of all the Operational Event register bits that are enabled
by the Status Operation Enable register.
98 Series N6700 User’s Guide
STATus:OPERation:NTRansition <value>, (@<chanlist>) STATus:OPERation:PTRansition <value>, (@<chanlist>) STATus:OPERation:NTRansition? (@<chanlist>) STATus:OPERation:PTRansition? (@<chanlist>)
These commands set and read the value of the Operation NTR
(Negative-Transition) and PTR (Positive-Transition) registers. These
registers serve as polarity filters between the Operation Condition
and Operation Event registers to cause the following actions:
When a bit in the Operation NTR register is set to 1, then a 1-to-0
transition of the corresponding bit in the Operation Condition
register causes that bit in the Operation Event register to be set.
When a bit of the Operation PTR register is set to 1, then a 0-to-1
transition of the corresponding bit in the Operation Condition
register causes that bit in the Operation Event register to be set.
If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 1, then
any transition of that bit at the Operation Condition register sets
the corresponding bit in the Operation Event register.
If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 0, then
no transition of that bit at the Operation Condition register can
set the corresponding bit in the Operation Event register.
Language Dictionary 6
STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? (@<chanlist>)
This query returns the value of the Questionable Event register. The
Event register is a read-only register, which stores (latches) all events
that are passed by the Questionable NTR and/or PTR filter. Reading
the Questionable Event register clears it. The bit configuration of the
Questionable status registers is as follows:
Bit Position 15-12 11 10 9 8-6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Bit Value
Bit Name
PROT = The output has been disabled because it is
coupled to a protection condition that occurred on
another channel.
UNR = The output is unregulated
INH = The output is inhibited by an external signal
CP– = The output is limited by the negative power limit
−
−
2048 1024 512
PROT UNR INH
−
−
OT = The over-temperature protection has tripped
CP+ = The output is limited by the positive power limit
PF = The output is disabled by the power-fail - which may be
caused by a low-line or brownout condition on the AC line
OC = The output is disabled by the over-current protection
OV = The output is disabled by the over-voltage protection
32 16 8 4 2 1
CP −
OT CP+ PF OC OV
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? (@<chanlist>)
This query returns the value of the Questionable Condition register.
That is a read-only register, which holds the real-time (unlatched)
questionable status of the power system.
Series N6700 User’s Guide 99
6 Language Dictionary
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <value>, (@<chanlist>) STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle? (@<chanlist>)
This command and its query set and read the value of the
Questionable Enable register. This register is a mask for enabling
specific bits from the Questionable Event register to set the
questionable summary bit (QUES) of the Status Byte register. This bit
(bit 3) is the logical OR of all the Questionable Event register bits that
are enabled by the Questionable Status Enable register.
STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansiton <value>, (@<chanlist>) STATus:QUEStionable:PTRansiton <value>, (@<chanlist>) STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansition? (@<chanlist>) STATus:QUEStionable:PTRansition? (@<chanlist>)
These commands set or read the value of the Questionable NTR
(Negative-Transition) and PTR (Positive-Transition) registers. These
registers serve as polarity filters between the Questionable Condition
and Questionable Event registers to cause the following actions:
When a bit of the Questionable NTR register is set to 1, then a 1-
to-0 transition of the corresponding bit of the Questionable
Condition register causes that bit in the Questionable Event
register to be set.
*CLS
When a bit of the Questionable PTR register is set to 1, then a 0-
to-1 transition of the corresponding bit in the Questionable
Condition register causes that bit in the Questionable Event
register to be set.
If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 1, then
any transition of that bit at the Questionable Condition register
sets the corresponding bit in the Questionable Event register.
If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 0, then
no transition of that bit at the Questionable Condition register
can set the corresponding bit in the Questionable Event register.
This command causes the following actions on the status system:
Clears the Standard Event Status, Operation Status Event, and
Questionable Status Event registers
Clears the Status Byte and the Error Queue
If *CLS immediately follows a program message terminator
(<NL>), then the output queue and the MAV bit are also cleared.
100 Series N6700 User’s Guide
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