NOTE: Refer to page 23 for a brief description of the model differences.
Agilent Part No. 5964-8125
Microfiche No. 5964-8126
Printed in USA: June 2000
Warranty Information
CERTIFICATION
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at time of shipment from the factory.
Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National
Bureau of Standards, to the extent allowed by the Bureau’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members.
WARRANT Y
This Agilent Technologies hardware product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period
of three years from date of delivery. Agilent Technologies software and firmware products, which are designated by
Agilent Technologies for use with a hardware product and when properly installed on that hardware product, are
warranted not to fail to execute their programming instructions due to defects in material and workmanship for a
period of 90 days from date of delivery. During the warranty period Agilent Technologies will, at its option, either
repair or replace products which prove to be defective. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation for
the software firmware, or hardware shall be uninterrupted or error free.
For warranty service, with the exception of warranty options, this product must be returned to a service facility
designated by Agilent Technologies. Customer shall prepay shipping charges by (and shall pay all duty and taxes)
for products returned to Agilent Technologies for warranty service. Except for products returned to Customer from
another country, Agilent Technologies shall pay for return of products to Customer.
Warranty services outside the country of initial purchase are included in Agilent Technologies’ product price, only if
Customer pays Agilent Technologies international prices (defined as destination local currency price, or U.S. or
Geneva Export price).
If Agilent Technologies is unable, within a reasonable time to repair or replace any product to condition as warranted,
the Customer shall be entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon return of the product to Agilent Technologies.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the
Customer, Customer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the
environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation and maintenance. NO OTHER
WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE THE CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. AGILENT
TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
ASSISTANCE
The above statements apply only to the standard product warranty. Warranty options, extended support contacts,
product maintenance agreements and customer assistance agreements are also available. Contact your nearest
Agilent Technologies Sales and Service office for further information on Agilent Technologies’ full line of Support
Programs.
2
Safety Summary
y
y
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 elsewhere in this manual violates safet
standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liabilit
for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
GENERAL
This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth terminal). The protective features of
this product may be impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.
Any LEDs used in this product are Class 1 LEDs as per IEC 825-1.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
This instrument is intended for indoor use in an installation category II, pollution degree 2 environment. It is
designed to operate at a maximum relative humidity of 95% and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. Refer to the
specifications tables for the ac mains voltage requirements and ambient operating temperature range.
BEFORE APPLYING POWER
Verify that the product is set to match the available line voltage, the correct fuse is installed, and all safety
precautions are taken. Note the instrument’s external markings described under "Safety Symbols".
GROUND THE INSTRUMENT
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.
ATTENTION: Un circuit de terre continu est essentiel en vue du fonctionnement sécuritaire de l’appareil.
Ne jamais mettre l'appareil en marche lorsque le conducteur de mise … la terre est d‚branch‚.
FUSES
Only fuses with the required rated current, voltage, and specified type (normal blow, time delay, etc.) should be
used. Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuseholders. To do so could cause a shock or fire hazard.
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
Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be
made only by qualified service personnel.
Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended
operation until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.
3
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. Used for measurement and control circuits designed to be
operated with one terminal at earth potential.
Terminal for Neutral conductor on permanently installed equipment
WARNING
Caution
Terminal for Line conductor on permanently installed equipment
On (supply)
Off (supply)
Standby (supply). Units with this symbol are not completely disconnected from ac mains when
this switch is off. To completely disconnect the unit from ac mains, either disconnect the power
cord or have a qualified electrician install an external switch.
In position of a bi-stable push control
Out position of a bi-stable push control
Caution, risk of electric shock
Caution, hot surface
Caution (refer to accompanying documents)
The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or the like,
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, or the like,
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part
or all of the product. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
4
Declaration Page
Manufacturer’s Name:Agilent Technologies
Manufacturer’s Address:140 Green Pond Road
declares that the Product
Product Name:a) Dynamic Measurement DC Source
Model Number:a) Agilent 66311A, 66311B, 66312A, 66111A
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Rockaway, New Jersey 07866
U.S.A.
b) System DC Power Supply
c) Remote Front Panel
b) Agilent 6612B, 6611C, 6612C, 6613C, 6614C
c) Agilent 14575A
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
Safety:IEC 1010-1:1990+A1(1992)/EN61010-1:1993
EMC:CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991 - Group 1 Class B
IEC 801-2:1991 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 4 kV CD, 8 kV AD
IEC 801-3:1984 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 3 V / m
IEC 801-4:1988 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 0.5 kV Signal Lines
1 kV Power Lines
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC//93/68/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and carries the CE-marking accordingly.
New Jersey December 1, 1998 ______
Location Date Bruce Krueger / Quality Manager
European Contact: Your local Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office or Agilent Technologies GmbH,
Department TRE, Herrenberger Strasse 130, D-71034 Boeblingen (FAX:+49-7031-14-3143)
5
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Manufacturer’s Name:Agilent Technologies
Manufacturer’s Address:140 Green Pond Road
Rockaway, New Jersey 07866
U.S.A.
declares that the Product
Product Name:a) Mobile Communication DC Source-Dual Output
Model Number:a) Agilent 66309B, 66309D
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
Safety:IEC 1010-1:1990+A1(1992)/EN61010-1:1993
EMC:CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991 - Group 1 Class B
IEC 801-2:1991 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 4 kV CD, 8 kV AD
IEC 801-3:1984 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 3 V / m
IEC 801-4:1988 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 0.5 kV Signal Lines
1 kV Power Lines
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC//93/68/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and carries the CE-marking accordingly.
New Jersey February, 1999 ______
Location Date Bruce Krueger / Quality Manager
European Contact: Your local Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office or Agilent Technologies GmbH,
Department TRE, Herrenberger Strasse 130, D-71034 Boeblingen (FAX:+49-7031-14-3143)
6
Acoustic Noise Information
Herstellerbescheinigung
Diese Information steht im Zusammenhang mit den Anforderungen der
Maschinenläminformationsverordnung vom 18 Januar 1991.
* Schalldruckpegel Lp <70 dB(A)
* Am Arbeitsplatz
* Normaler Betrieb
* Nach EN 27779 (Typprüfung).
Manufacturer’s Declaration
This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of the German Sound Emission Directive,
from 18 January 1991.
* Sound Pressure Lp <70 dB(A)
* At Operator Position
* Normal Operation
* According to EN 27779 (Type Test).
Printing History
The edition and current revision of this manual are indicated below. Reprints of this manual containing
minor corrections and updates may have the same printing date. Revised editions are identified by a new
printing date. A revised edition incorporates all new or corrected material since the previous printing
date.
Changes to the manual occurring between revisions are covered by change sheets shipped with the
manual. In some cases, the manual change applies only to specific instruments. Instructions provided on
the change sheet will indicate if a particular change applies only to certain instruments.
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part
of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without the prior
consent of Agilent Technologies. The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice.
The Front Panel - At a Glance15
The Rear Panel - At a Glance16
Instrument Configuration16
Front Panel Number Entry17
Front Panel Annunciators18
Immediate Action Keys18
Front Panel Menus - At a Glance19
SCPI Programming Commands - At a Glance20
2 - GENERAL INFORMATION21
Document Orientation21
Safety Considerations22
Options and Accessories22
Description and Model Differences23
Common Capabilities24
Front Panel Controls24
Remote Programming24
Output 1 Characteristic25
Output 2 Characteristic26
Option 521 Description (Agilent 66309B/D only)27
3 - INSTALLATION29
Installation and Operation Checklist29
Inspection30
Output 132
Output 232
Current Ratings32
Voltage Drops and Lead Resistance32
Remote Sense Connections33
Load Regulation and Voltage Drop in the Remote Sense Leads35
Maintaining Stability while Remote Sensing35
Open Sense Lead Protection36
Local Sensing37
Output Compensation38
OVP Considerations39
8
DVM Connections39
Measuring Circuits that are Not Powered by the Main Output40
Measuring Circuits that are Floating with Respect to the Main Output41
External Protection Connections42
Digital I/O Connections43
Computer Connections43
GPIB Interface43
RS-232 Interface44
4 - TURN-ON CHECKOUT45
Checkout Procedure45
In Case of Trouble47
Selftest Error Messages47
Runtime Error Messages48
Line Fuse48
5 - FRONT PANEL OPERATION49
Introduction49
Front Panel Description49
System Keys51
Function Keys52
Immediate Action Keys52
Scrolling Keys52
Metering Keys53
Output Control Keys54
Entry Keys55
Examples of Front Panel Programming56
1 - Using the Front Panel Display56
2 - Setting the Output Voltage, Current, Compensation, and Relay Mode57
3 - Setting the Output 2 Voltage and Current (Agilent 66309B/D only)58
4 - Querying and Clearing Output Protection and Errors59
5 – Making Basic Front Panel Measurements60
6 – Making Enhanced Front Panel Measurements61
7 – Making DVM Measurements (Agilent 66311D/66309D only)62
8 - Programming External Protection and the Digital Port Functions63
9 - Setting the GPIB Address and Programming Language63
10 - Storing and Recalling Instrument States64
6 - INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING65
External References65
GPIB References65
SCPI References65
VXIplug&play Power Products Instrument Drivers66
Supported Applications66
System Requirements66
Downloading and Installing the Driver66
Accessing Online Help67
GPIB Capabilities of the DC Source67
GPIB Address67
RS-232 Capabilities of the DC Source67
RS-232 Data Format67
RS-232 Flow Control68
Introduction to SCPI68
Conventions Used in This Guide69
Types of SCPI Commands69
Multiple Commands in a Message70
Moving Among Subsystems70
9
Including Common Commands70
Using Queries71
Types of SCPI Messages71
The Message Unit71
Headers71
Query Indicator72
Message Unit Separator72
Root Specifier72
Message Terminator72
SCPI Data Formats72
Numerical Data Formats72
Suffixes and Multipliers73
Response Data Types73
SCPI Command Completion73
Using Device Clear74
SCPI Conformance Information74
SCPI Conformed Co mmands74
Non-SCPI Commands74
7 - PROGRAMMING THE DC SOURCE75
Introduction75
Programming the Output75
Power-on Initialization75
Enabling the Output75
Output Voltage76
Output Current76
Triggering Output Changes77
SCPI Triggeri ng N omenclature77
Output Trigger Model77
Setting the Voltage or Current Transient Levels77
Enabling the Output Trigger System78
Selecting the Output Trigger Source7 8
Generating Triggers78
Making Basic Measurements79
Average Measurements79
Controlling Measurement Samples79
Window Functions80
Measuring Output 2 Voltage and Current (Agilent 66309B/D only)80
Making Enhanced Measurements80
Current Ranges and Measurement Detector81
RMS Measurements81
Pulse Measurements82
Returning All Measurement Data From the Data Buffer83
Making DVM Measurements83
Average Measurements83
RMS Measurements83
Triggered Measurements84
SCPI Triggeri ng N omenclature84
Measurement Trigger Model84
Enabling the Measurement Trigger System85
Selecting the Measurement Trigger Source85
Selecting the Sensing Function85
Generating Measurement Triggers86
Pre-trigger and Post-trigger Data Acquisition88
Programming the Status Registers88
Power-On Conditions89
Operation Status Group90
10
Questionable Status Group91
Standard Event Status Group91
Status Byte Register91
Determining the Cause of a Service Interrupt92
Servicing Operation Status and Questionable Status Events92
Monitoring Both Phases of a Status Transition93
Inhibit/Fault Indicator93
Remote Inhibit (RI)93
Discrete Fault Indicator (DFI)94
Using the Inhibit/Fault Port as a Digital I/O94
8 - LANGUAGE DICTIONARY95
Introduction95
Subsystem Commands95
Common Comma nds99
Programming Parameters99
Turn-On Checkout148
Voltage Programming and Measurement Accuracy149
Current Programming and Measurement Accuracy149
DVM Measurement Accuracy151
Performing the Calibration Procedure154
Front Panel Calibration Menu154
Front Panel Calibration Procedure155
Calibration Error Messages159
Changing the Calibration Password159
Calibration Over the GPIB159
13
C - ERROR MESSAGES161
Error Number List161
D - EXAMPLE PROGRAMS165
Introduction165
Assigning the GPIB Address in Programs165
National Instruments GPIB Driver165
BASIC168
Pulse Measurements169
DFI Programming Example173
E - LINE VOLTAGE CONVERSION175
Open the Unit175
Configure the Power Transformer175
Install the Correct Line Fuse175
Close the Unit175
F - COMPATIBILITY LANGUAGE177
Introduction177
INDEX183
14
Quick Reference
The Front Panel - At a Glance
1
1 A 14-character display
shows output measurements
and programmed values.
123
66309D DUAL OUTPUT
Mobile Communications DC Source
Unr DisOCP
SYSTEMFUNCTION
Error
Address
2
Recall
6
LINE
CV CC
Channel
Local
1
Off
On
2 Annunciators indicate
operating modes and status
conditions.
Cal Shift Rmt Addr Err SRQ
Prot
Input
Meter
345
Protect
7
89
Voltage
Current
3 Rotary control sets voltage,
current, and menu parameters.
Use and
to set the resolution; then adjust
the value with the knob.
ENTRY
Res
Output
.
CalOCPProt CirSave
Output
On/Off
0
Cir EntryOV
Enter
-
Number
Enter
Backspace
ÇÆ
456
4 Turns the dc
source on and off.
5 System keys:
♦return to Local mode
♦select output channel
♦set GPIB address
♦set RS-232 interface
♦display SCPI error
codes
♦save and recall
instrument states
♦display firmware
revision and serial
number.
6 Function keys:
♦enable/disable the
output
♦select metering
functions
♦program voltage and
current
♦set and clear protection
functions
♦ and
ó
scroll through the front
panel menu commands.
7
7 Entry keys:
♦enter values
♦increment or
decrement values
♦ and
É
select front panel
menu parameters.
ÆÇ
♦ and
select a digit in
the numeric entry
field.
È
15
1 - Quick Reference
The Rear Panel - At a Glance
1 DVM inputs.
Connector plug is
removable.
WARNING:
WARNING:
2 GPIB (IEEE-488)
interface connector.
1
NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTSREFER SERVICING TO SERVICE TRAINED
FOR CONTINUED FIRE PROTECTION, USE SPECIFIED LINE
3 Remote front panel
display connector.
RS-232 interface for
Agilent 66111A,
66311B/D only.
234
+-
!
DVM
OUTPUT 2
0 - 12V / 0 - 1.5A
-S
-+
+S
-S
OUTPUT 1
0 - 15V / 0 - 3A
+S
+-
4 INH/FLT (remote
INHibit / internal FauLT)
connector. Connector plug
is removable.
INHFLT
+-+
5 Output 2 connector
(Agilent 66309B/D only).
Connector plug is removable.
56
6 Output 1 connector.
Connector plug is removable.
IMPORTANT: Install this connector with
7
its supplied sense jumpers before applying
power to the unit.
Instrument Configuration
Use the front panel Address key to configure the interface
Refer to “Front Panel Menus - At a Glance”
♦Select either the GPIB or RS-232 interface.
♦Enter the GPIB bus address.
♦Configure the RS-232 baud rate, parity, and flow control.
♦Select either the SCPI or COMPatibility programming language.
♦Enable the optional Agilent 14575A remote front panel.
7 Power cord
connector (IEC 320)
16
Quick Reference - 1
Front Panel Number Entry
Enter numbers from the front panel using one the following methods:
Use the arrow keys and knob to change voltage or current settings
NOTE:The output must be ON to see the displayed values change in Meter mode. With the
output enabled, this method changes the output voltage or current immediately.
Use the Function keys and knob to change the displayed settings
Use the arrow keys to edit individual digits in the displayed setting
Increments the flashing digit
Decrements the flashing digit
Moves the flashing digit to the right
Moves the flashing digit to the left
Enters the value when editing is complete
Use the Function keys and Entry keys to enter a new value
NOTE:If you make a mistake, use the Backspace key to delete the number, or press the Meter
key to return to meter mode.
17
1 - Quick Reference
On/Off
Front Panel Annunciators
CV
CC
Unr
Dis
OCP
Prot
Cal
Shift
Rmt
Addr
Err
Output 1 or output 2 is operating in constant voltage mode.
Output 1 or output 2 is operating in constant current mode.
Output 1 or output 2 is unregulated.
The output is OFF. Press the Output On/Off key to turn the output on.
The over-current protection state is ON. Press the OCP key to turn over-current
protection off.
Indicates that the output has been disabled by one of the protection features.
Press the Prot Clear key to clear the protection condition.
Calibration mode is ON. Scroll to the Cal Off command and press the Enter key
to exit the calibration mode.
The Shift key has been pressed.
The remote programming interface (GPIB or RS-232) is active. Press the Local
key to return the unit to front panel control.
The interface is addressed to talk or listen.
There is an error in the SCPI error queue. Press the Error key to view the error
code.
SRQ
The interface is requesting service.
Immediate Action Keys
Output
Local
Shift
18
Prot ClrShift
OCP
Toggles the output of the selected output between the ON and OFF states.
When coupled, turns both output channels ON or OFF.
Activates front panel control when the unit is in remote mode (unless a Lockout
command is in effect).
Resets the protection circuit and allows the unit to return to its last programmed
state.
A toggle switch that enables or disables overcurrent protection.
Front Panel Menus - At a Glance
Address
Recall
Save
Shift
Error
Shift
Meter
Channel
Shift
Voltage
Protect
Current
Output
ResOVShift
Shift
Shift
Input
Cal
Shift
Quick Reference - 1
ADDRESS 7Sets the GPIB Address
óóóóóóóó
INTF GPIBSelects an interface (GPIB | RS232)
BAUDRATE 300Selects baud rate (300 | 600 | 1200 | 2400 | 4800 | 9600)
PARITY NONESelects message parity (NONE | EVEN | ODD | MARK | SPACE)
FLOW NONESelects flow control (XON-XOFF | RTS-CTS | DTR-DSR | NONE)
LANG SCPISelects language (SCPI | COMP)
REMOTE FP OFFEnables or disables Agilent 14575A remote front panel (ON | OFF)
ROM: A.00.00Displays the firmware revision of the instrument
SN: US12345678Displays the serial number of the instrument
1
1
*RCL 0Recalls the instrument state
*SAV 0Saves the present instrument state
ERROR 0Displays the number of errors in the SCPI error queue
2
5.000V 0.104AToggles the display between output 1 and output 2 (output 2 shown)
1
12.000V 1 0.204AMeasures the output voltage and current (output 1 shown)
óóóóóóóóóóóó
1
12.500V MAXMeasures the peak output voltage
1
1.000V MINMeasures the minimum output voltage
1
12.330V HIGHMeasures the high level of a voltage pulse waveform
1
0.080V LOWMeasures the low level of a voltage pulse waveform
1
12.000V RMSMeasures the rms voltage
1
0.350A MAXMeasures the peak output current
1
0.050A MINMeasures the minimum output current
1
0.400A HIGHMeasures the high level of a current pulse waveform
1
0.012A LOWMeasures the low level of a current pulse waveform
1
0.210A RMSMeasures the rms current
1
12.000V DC:DVMMeasures the dc voltage on the DVM input
1
12.000V RMS:DVMMeasures the rms voltage on the DVM input
1
VOLT 12.000
2
VOLT 2.000
1
CURR 2.000
2
CURR 1.000
Sets the voltage of output 1 on all models
Sets the voltage of output 2
Sets the current limit of output 1 on all models
Sets the current limit of output 2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
4
Not available
OVERCURRENTProtection status (example shows overcurrent tripped)
*RSTPlaces the dc source in the factory-default state
óóóóóóóóóóó
COUPLING ALLCouples or decouples output 1 and output 2 (NONE or ALL)
TYPE:CAP LOWSets the output capacitance compensation (HIGH, H2, or LOW)
PON:STATE RSTSelect the power-on state command (RST or RCL0)
PROT:DLY 0.08Sets the output protection delay in seconds
RI LATCHINGSets the remote inhibit mode (LATCHING, LIVE, or OFF)
DFI OFFSets the discrete fault indicator state (ON or OFF)
DFI:SOUR OFFSelects the DFI source (QUES, OPER, ESB, RQS, or OFF)
PORT RIDFISets the output port functions (RIDFI or DIGIO)
DIGIO 7Sets and reads the I/O port value (0 through 7)
SENSE:PROT OFFEnables or disables the open sense lead detect circuit (ON or OFF)
1
REL:MODE DDSets the relay mode for Option 521 units (DD, HD, DH, or HH) (output 1 shown)
VOLT:PROT 22Sets the overvoltage protection level
ó
óóó
PROT:STAT ONEnables or disables overvoltage protection (ON or OFF)
CURR:RANG HIGHSets the current range (HIGH, LOW, or AUTO)
2
CURR:DET ACDCSets the cur rent measurement detector (ACDC or DC)
TINT 46.8Sets the time interval for a front panel measurement in seconds
POINT 2048Sets the buffer size for a front panel measurement
CAL ONAccesses calibration menu (See Appendix B).
Use and to select parameters (table shows factory defaults). Use to exit any menu.
1
Not valid for Agilent Model 66309B
3
Only valid for Agilent Model 66309B/D
ÈÉ
2
Not valid for Agilent Model 66111A
4
Only valid for Agilent Model 66311D/66309D
Meter
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
2
19
1 - Quick Reference
SCPI Programming Commands - At a Glance
NOTE:Some [optional] commands have been included for clarity. Refer to chapter 8 for a
<bool>:SOURce BUS | INTernal
:DFI <bool>[:SEQuence1| :TRANsient][:IMMediate]
:SOURce QUES | OPER | ESB | RQS | OFF :SOURce BUS
:PON :STATe RST | RCL0:SEQuence1 :DEFine TRANsient
:PROTection :CLEar:SEQuence2 :DEFine ACQuire
:DELay <n>
:RELay :MODE DD | HD | DH | HH
2
:RI :MODE LATCHing | LIVE | OFF
:TYPE [:CAPacitance] HIGH | H2 | LOW
1
Not valid for Agilent 66111A
2
Only valid for Agilent 66309B/D
3
Only valid for Agilent 66311D/66309D
1
1
2
2
2
2
:CONDition?
:NTRansition <n>
:PTRansition <n>
:COUNt :CURRent <n>
:DVM <n>
3
:VOLTage <n>
:HYSTeresis:CURRent <n>
:DVM <n>
:LEVel :CURRent <n>
:DVM <n>
3
3
:VOLTage <n>
:SLOPe :CURRent POS | NEG | EITH
:DVM POS | NEG | EITH
3
20
2
General Information
Document Orientation
This manual describes the operation of the Agilent Model 66111A Fast Transient, the Agilent Model
66311B/D Mobile Communications, and the Agilent Model 66309B/D Dual Output DC Source. Agilent
Models 66311D and 66309D have an additional DVM measurement input on the rear panel. Unless
otherwise noted, these models will be referred to by the description "dc source" throughout this manual.
The following Getting Started Map will help you find the information you need to complete the specific
task that you want to accomplish. Refer to the table of contents or index of each guide for a complete list
of the information contained within.
Getting Started Map
TaskWhere to find information
Quick Reference Section
General information
Model differences
Capabilities and characteristics
Installing the unit
Line connections
Computer connections
Load connections
Checking out the unit
Verifying proper operation
Using the front panel
Calibrating the unit
Using the front panel
Front panel keys
Front panel examples
Using the programming interface
GPIB interface
RS-232 interface
Programming the unit using SCPI (and
COMPatibility) commands
SCPI commands
SCPI programming examples
SCPI language dictionary
Installing the VXIplug&play instrument driver
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapters 7 and 8 for SCPI commands.
Appendix D for SCPI examples
Appendix F for COMPatibility commands
Chapter 6
NOTE: The driver must be installed on your pc to access
the on-line information. Drivers are available on the web
at www.agilent.com/find/drivers.
21
2 - General Informat ion
Safety Considerations
This dc source 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 dc source and review this guide for safety warnings and instructions.
Safety warnings for specific procedures are located at appropriate places in the guide.
8ZJDelete instrument feet option
004Output compensation is factory set to High mode for best transient response.
(Refer to chapter 3, under "Output Compensation" for more information)
1
AXS
Rack mount kit for two side-by-side units of equal depth. Consists of:
Lock-link kit (p/n 5061-9694) and Flange kit (p/n 5062-3974)
1
1CM
Rack mount kit for one unit (p/n 5062-3972)
521Solid state relays to connect and disconnect the output (Models 66309B/D only)
052Device characterization software for current measurements and display
(available for Agilent Model 66311B only)
1
Support rails are required when rack mounting units. Use E3663A support rails for Agilent rack cabinets. If you are
using non-Agilent rack cabinets, contact the rack manufacturer to obtain support rails for your cabinet.
Table 2-2. Accessories
ItemPart Number
GPIB cables 1.0 meter (3.3 ft)Agilent 10833A
2.0 meters (6.6 ft)Agilent 10833B
4.0 meters (13.2 ft)Agilent 10833C
0.5 meters (1.6 ft)Agilent 10833D
Rack mount with slide - for two side-by-side units of different depths5062-3996; 1494-0015
Rack mount - for two side by side units of different depths5062-3996
Rack mount with slide - for one unit5062-3996; 1494-0015;
5062-4022
Remote Front Panel - for viewing up to six units that are installed in a
Agilent 14575A
remote location where the front panels is not visible.
Includes an ac/dc adapter for powering up to 3
remote panels
22
General Information - 2
Description and Model Differences
The Agilent 66111A Fast Transient DC Source is a high performance dc power source that provides peak
current sourcing and rapid, basic measurements in a compact, half-rack box. It is designed to simplify the
testing of digital wireless communications products. Excellent voltage transient response characteristics
prevent test interruptions due to triggering of low voltage phone shutdown. The 15 volt source and 5A
peak current capability provides compatibility with a number of communications standards, including:
GSM, CDMA, TDMA, PCS, DECT, TERA, PHS, NADC, PHS, and others. Figure 2-1 describes the
output characteristic of the dc source.
The Agilent 66311B Mobile Communications DC Source is a high performance dc power source that
provides all of the capabilities of the Agilent 66111A plus fast dynamic measurement and analysis of
voltage and current waveforms. Dynamic measurement and analysis of current waveforms combined with
precision current measurement let you characterize cellular phone current requirements under all
operating conditions.
The Agilent 66309B Mobile Communications DC Source includes all of the capabilities of the Agilent
66311B with the addition of a second, electrically-isolated output. Figure 2-2 describes output
characteristic of this second output, which is primarily used to provide voltage or current for a charger
input on the device under test. The second output has all of the basic programmable features as the main
output, with the exception of the waveform measurement capability, the open sense lead detect
capability, overvoltage protection, and low current range.
The Agilent 66311D and 66309D Mobile Communications DC Sources also contain an auxiliary DVM,
with input terminals located on the rear panel. This provides limited, low voltage dc and ac measurement
capability, which can be used to monitor test point voltages on the unit under test as well as on the test
fixture. The common mode voltage range is from −4.5 Vdc to +25 Vdc relative to the minus terminal of
output 1. The DVM is programmable from the front panel of the instrument as well as remotely using
SCPI programming commands.
Table 2-3. Model Differences
ItemAgilent
66111A
Waveform measurementsNOYESYESYES
Low range current
NOYESYESYES
Agilent
66311B
Agilent
66311D
Agilent
66309B
1
1
Agilent
66309D
1
YES
1
YES
measurements
ACDC measurement
NOYESYESYES
1
YES
1
detector
Output compensationYESYESYESYES
Open sense lead protectionYESYESYESYES
Auxiliary output (output
♦Voltage and current control with 12-bit programming resolution on output 1.
ê 3 ampere current source capability (up to 5 amperes for 7 milliseconds)
♦Extensive measurement capability on output 1
ê dc voltage and current.
ê rms and peak voltage and current.
ê Current measurement capability up to approximately 7.0 amperes
ê 16-bit measurement resolution.
ê Triggered acquisition of digitized current and voltage waveforms (all models except
Agilent 66111A)
♦Front panel control with 14-character vacuum fluorescent display, keypad, and rotary control for
voltage and current settings.
♦Built-in GPIB interface programming with SCPI command language.
♦Non-volatile state storage and recall with SCPI command language.
♦Over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, and RI/DFI protection features.
♦Extensive selftest, status reporting, and software calibration.
Front Panel Controls
The front panel has both rotary and keypad controls for setting the output voltage and current. The panel
display provides digital readouts of a number of output measurements. Annunciators display the
operating status of the dc source. System keys let you perform system functions such as setting the GPIB
address and recalling operating states. Front panel Function keys access the dc source function menus.
Front panel Entry keys let you select and enter parameter values. Refer to chapter 5 for a complete
description of the front panel controls.
Remote Programming
NOTE:When shipped, all dc sources are set to the SCPI programming language.
On Agilent 66111A and Agilent 66311B/D units you can change the programming
language from SCPI to COMPatibility language. Press the front panel
ó
to scroll to the LANG command, press
É
to select COMP, then press Enter. The
language setting is saved in non-volatile memory.
The dc source may be remotely programmed via the GPIB bus, and on Agilent 66111A and 66311B/D
units, from an RS-232 serial port. GPIB programming is with SCPI commands (Standard Commands for
Programmable Instruments), which make dc source programs compatible with those of other GPIB
instruments. Dc source status registers allow remote monitoring of a wide variety of dc source operating
conditions. A Compatibility language mode is also included on Agilent 66311A and 66311B/D units to
make the dc source compatible with the Agilent 6632A, 6633A, and 6634A Series dc power supplies
(refer to appendix E). Note that the compatibility features of this unit are limited to the features that were
originally available on Agilent 6632A, 6633A, and 6634A units.
Address key, use
24
General Information - 2
Output 1 Characteristic
The dc source’s main output (output 1) characteristic is shown in the following figure. The main output of
the dc source may be adjusted to any value within the boundaries shown.
Output
Voltage
ISET
15V
-1.2A
1
VSET
ne
i
l
oad
l
e
v
-2.8A
i
t
s
i
es
r
V
C
s
e
r
C
C
0
a
o
l
e
v
i
t
s
i
2
ne
i
l
d
Peak Current
capability for up
to 7 ms shown
by dotted lines
3A
5A
+-
Output
Current
Figure 2-1. Dc Source Output 1 Characteristic
The dc source is capable of providing a constant dc output of 15 volts with up to 3 amperes of current. It
is capable of sourcing peak currents of up to 5 amperes -- provided the peak current pulse does not
exceed 7 milliseconds, and the average current requirement does not exceed 3 amperes. If the unit
attempts to draw current for longer than seven milliseconds, the current limit amplifier will limit the
current to a maximum of 3.0712 amps. The peak current capability is illustrated by the dotted line in
Figure 2-1.
NOTE:To source up to 5 amperes of current for up to 7 milliseconds, the current limit must
be programmed for greater than 3 amperes (up to a maximum of 3.0712 A).
The dc source can operate in either constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) over the rated output
voltage and current. Although the dc source can operate in either mode, it is designed as a constantvoltage source. This means that the unit turns on in constant voltage mode with the output voltage rising
to its Vset value. There is no command for constant current operation. The only way to turn the unit on in
constant current mode is by placing a short across the output and then enabling or turning the output on.
Note that the dc source cannot be programmed to operate in a specific mode. After inital turn-on, the
operating mode of the unit will be determined by the voltage setting, current setting, and the load
resistance. In figure 2-1, operating point 1 is defined by the load line traversing the positive operating
quadrant in the constant voltage region. Operating point 2 is defined by the load line traversing the
positive operating quadrant in the constant current region.
25
2 - General Informat ion
Figure 2-1 also shows a single range − two quadrant capability. This means that the dc source is capable
of sourcing as well as sinking current over the output voltage range from zero volts to the rated voltage.
This negative current sinking capability provides fast downprogramming of the output of the dc source. It
can also be used to sink current from a battery charger, thus providing battery charger test capability. The
negative current is not programmable, and varies linearly from approximately 1.2 amperes at the full
rated voltage, to approximately 2.8 amperes at zero output voltage.
NOTE:If you attempt to operate the dc source beyond its output ratings, the output of the unit
may become unregulated. This is indicated by the UNR annunciator on the front panel.
The output may also become unregulated if the ac line voltage drops below the minimum
rating specified in Appendix A.
Output 2 Characteristic
As shown in the following figure, Agilent 66309B/D units have a second output rated at 12 V and 1.5A.
The second output has all of the primary programmable features as the main output, with the exception of
the waveform measurement capability, the open sense lead detect capability, overvoltage protection, and
low current range.
Output
Voltage
+12V
Peak Current
capability for up
to 1 ms shown
by dotted lines
3.0A
+
Output
Current
0
Figure 2-2. Output 2 Characteristic
1.5A
Tables A-1 through A-3 document the specifications and supplemental characteristics of the Agilent dc
sources documented in this manual.
26
General Information - 2
Option 521 Description (Agilent 66309B/D only)
Option 521 consists of the following enhancements to the output capabilities of Agilent models
66309B/66309D:
♦Solid-state relays to connect and disconnect the output of the dc source.
The relays are available on the output and sense terminals of outputs 1 and 2. When the solid state
relays are open, the output impedance is effectively raised to about 500k ohms for output 1, and
about 200k ohms for output 2. Note that the relays open only in response to an Output OFF
command.
♦The ability to either Hot switch or Dry switch the solid state relays.
With Hot switching, the relays control the on/off characteristics of the voltage at the output
terminals. With Dry switching, the power mesh controls the on/off characteristics of the voltage at
the output terminals. In general, Hot switching activates the relays when current is flowing through
them. Dry switching activates the relays when no current is flowing through them. You can specify
different relay options for the Output ON and Output OFF commands. The following table describes
the actions that occur based on the relay mode selection in response to the ON or OFF commands.
Table 2-5. Option 521 Relay Modes
Relay ModeOutput ONOutput OFF
Dry (D)
Hot (H)
1. Closes the output relay
2. Closes the sense relay
3. Programs the output
1. Programs the power mesh
2. Closes the output relay
3. Closes the sense relay
1. Downprograms the output
2. Opens the sense relay
3. Opens the output relay
1. Opens the sense relay
2. Opens the output relay
3. Downprograms the power mesh
The relay modes are stored in non-volatile memory. The last selected mode will be restored when the
unit is turned on. When shipped from the factory, the relay mode for both output 1 and output 2 is set
to Output ON Hot, Output OFF Hot (HH). The *RST command has no effect on the relay mode.
NOTES:Even with open sense lead detection enabled, the dc source does not check for open
sense leads when output 1 is enabled if the Output ON relay mode is set to Hot.
On output 1 and output 2, with the Output OFF relay mode set to Hot, any external
output capacitors will not be downprogrammed or discharged. This is because the output
relay opens prior to the downprogramming of the power mesh.
With either output 1 or output 2 disabled, the output voltage readback will not be correct.
This is because the sense relay is open, effectively breaking the readback path. The
voltage readback will be a small negative number.
Check that the output compensation of the dc source is appropriate for your application. Refer to
“Output Compensation” in this chapter.
High mode provides the best transient response and can be used with phones having input capacitances
from 5 to 12000µF. Note that if the last two digits on the front panel display are fluctuating when the
phone is in standby, you may want to set the output compensation to Low mode.
Low mode is used when testing phones having input capacitances from 0 to 12000µF. Standard dc
sources are factory-set to Low mode.
Check the Phone Connections
If you ARE remote sensing, are the + and − sense leads connected ONLY at the test fixture and
within 20 inches of the phone contacts? For best performance, the distance from sense lead termination
to the phone contacts should be as short as possible. Refer to “Lead Resistance” in this chapter. If your
unit has a remote sense switch on the back, make sure it is set to the Remote position (out).
If you are NOT remote sensing, are the sense jumpers installed in the output connector? Ensure
that the output connector plug is installed in the unit with its supplied sense jumpers in place. Without
sense jumpers, the unit goes into a protect state with the output disabled. If your unit has a remote sense
switch on the back, you don't need sense jumpers. Make sure the switch is set to the Local position (in).
Check the Operating Settings and Conditions
Are you able to communicate remotely with the dc source? If not, check that the address is set
correctly. Refer to “GPIB Address” in the User’s Guide. If your unit has both SCPI and COMP language
settings, check that the programming language is set correctly. Refer to “Language setting” in chapter 5.
Is the Prot or Err annunciator on the front panel on? If yes, clear the fault condition before
continuing. Refer to “Clearing Protection” in chapter 5.
Is the Overvoltage circuit shutting the unit down? If yes, you can disable the overvoltage circuit.
Refer to “Clearing Protection” in chapter 5.
Are the front panel readings unstable? If yes, check that the front panel sampling rate is correct.
Also check the setting of the output compensation. Refer to “Front Panel Measurements” in chapter 5
and “Output Compensation” in this chapter.
Are you measuring dynamic output currents? If yes, check that the current detector is set to
ACDC. Refer to “Front Panel Measurements” in chapter 5.
Are you measuring output currents under 20 mA? If yes, check that the current range is set to
LOW. Refer to “Front Panel Measurements” in chapter 5.
29
3 - Installation
Inspection
Damage
When you receive your dc source, inspect it for any obvious damage that may have occurred during
shipment. If there is damage, notify the shipping carrier and the nearest Agilent Sales and Support Office
immediately. The list of Agilent Sales and Support Offices is at the back of this guide. Warranty
information is printed in the front of this guide.
Packaging Material
Until you have checked out the dc source, save the shipping carton and packing materials in case the unit
has to be returned. If you return the dc source for service, attach a tag identifying the model number and
the owner. Also include a brief description of the problem.
Items Supplied
The following user-replaceable items are included with your dc source. Some of these items are installed
in the unit.
Table 3-1. Items Supplied
ItemPart NumberDescription
Power Cordcontact the nearest Agilent
Sales and Support Office
Digital I/O
connector
Output connector 0360-26045-terminal output plug for connecting load and sense
DVM connector1252-86703-terminal plug for DVM connections (66309B/D)
Sense jumpers8120-8821Jumpers that insert into output connector for local
Line Fuse2110-0638
Feet5041-8801feet for bench mounting
User’s Guide5964-8125This manual. Contains installation, checkout, front
1252-14884-terminal digital plug for connecting digital I/O
2110-0773
A power cord appropriate for your location.
leads. The connector installs in the back of the unit.
leads. This connector installs in the back of the unit.
sensing. Connect +s to +, and −s to −.
3.15 AT (time delay) for 100/120 Vac operation
1.6 AT (time delay) for 220/230 Vac operation
panel, and programming information.
Cleaning
Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to
clean internally.
WARNING: To prevent electric shock, unplug the unit before cleaning.
Location
Figure 3-1 gives the dimensions of your dc source. The dc source must be installed in a location that
allows sufficient space at the sides and back of the unit for adequate air circulation (see Bench
Operation).
30
Installation - 3
NOTE:This dc source generates magnetic fields that may affect the operation of other
instruments. If your instrument is susceptible to operating magnetic fields, do not locate
it in the immediate vicinity of the dc source. Typically, at three inches from the dc
source, the electromagnetic field is less than 5 gauss. Many CRT’s, such as those used in
computer displays, are susceptible to magnetic fields much lower than 5 gauss. Check
susceptibility before mounting any display near the dc source.
Bench Operation
Do not block the fan exhaust at the rear of the unit.
A fan cools the dc source by drawing air in through the sides and exhausting it out the back. Minimum
clearances for bench operation are 1 inch (25 mm) along the sides.
Rack Mounting
The dc source can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack panel or cabinet. Table 2-1 documents the part
numbers for the various rack mounting options that are available for the dc source. Installation
instructions are included with each rack mount option.
NOTE:Support rails or an instrument shelf is required when rack mounting units.
Figure 3-1. Outline Diagram
Input Connections
Connect the Power Cord
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 to obtain the correct cord
(refer to the list at the back of this guide).
Check the line voltage rating label on the back of the unit to make sure that it agrees with your ac mains
voltage. Refer to appendix E if the voltage at your site is different from the voltage indicated on the unit.
31
3 - Installation
Output Connections
Turn the unit off before connecting any wires.
Output 1
The main output connector (output 1) has a termination for the + and − output, the + and − sense
terminals, and an earth ground terminal. The 5-pin connector is removable and accepts wires sizes from
AWG 22 to AWG 12. Disconnect the mating plug from the unit by pulling it straight back.
IMPORTANT: You must connect the sense terminals on Output 1 for the unit to operate properly. Refer
to the section on "Open Sense Lead Protection" in this chapter. Install the connector plug
with its supplied sense jumpers before applying power to the unit.
Output 2
Agilent 66309B/D units have a second output connector (output 2). It has the same configuration as the
main output connector. It has a termination for the + and − output, the + and − sense terminals, and an
earth ground terminal. The 5-pin connector is removable and accepts wires sizes from AWG 22 to AWG
12. Disconnect the mating plug from the unit by pulling it straight back. You must connect the sense
terminals on Output 2 for the unit to meet its published specifications.
Current Ratings
Fire HazardTo satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be large enough not to overheat when
carrying the maximum short-circuit current of the dc source.
The following table lists the characteristics of AWG (American Wire Gage) copper wire.
Table 3-2. Ampacity and Resistance of Stranded Copper Conductors
To optimize the performance and transient response in your test system, please observe the following
guidelines:
♦Twist the load leads together and keep them short. The shorter the leads, the better the performance.
♦When remote sensing, twist the sense leads together but do not bundle them in with the load leads.
♦For best performance, keep the total cable length to the load to 20 ft or less when remote sensing.
(Note that the unit has been tested with cable lengths of up to 40 feet.)
The load wires must also be of a diameter large enough to avoid excessive voltage drops due to the
impedance of the wires. In general, if the wires are heavy enough to carry the maximum short circuit
current without overheating, excessive voltage drops will not be a problem.
32
Installation - 3
The maximum allowable value of load lead resistance is 4 ohms total (2 ohms per side). This may be
further limited to a lower value, based on peak current loading, by the maximum allowable dc voltage
drop of 8 volts total (4 volts per side) as specified for remote sense operation. To illustrate, for up to 2
amps peak, the maximum allowable resistance is 4 ohms total, resulting in a maximum voltage drop of up
to 8 volts. For 4 amps peak the maximum allowable resistance is 2 ohms total, again resulting in a
maximum allowable voltage drop of up to 8 volts.
In addition to keeping dc resistance low, you also need to minimize the total impedance. For higher slew
rate currents (0.2 amps/µs) and long wiring lengths (10 to 20 ft.) the inductance can have as much effect
as the resistance. To minimize inductance, twist the load leads. The inductance will be on the order of
0.25 µH/ft if twisted, and 0.4 µH/ft if untwisted. In addition to lowering the inductance, twisting the
leads will reduce noise pick up. If you are using remote sense leads, connect these as a second twisted
pair. Do not twist or bundle them with the load leads.
NOTE:The use of relays between the dc source and the phone also increases impedance. Low
resistance relays will improve system performance.
Remote Sense Connections
NOTE:You must use remote sensing on both Output 1 and Output 2 for the unit to operate
properly and meet its published specifications. If you are not using output 1 and the open
sense protection feature is turned ON, you must jumper the + output 1 pin to its + sense
pin, and jumper the - output 1 pin to its - sense pin. Otherwise, the unit will go into a
protected state and disable the output (unless open sense protection is turned OFF).
Testing has verified stable performance with up to 20 inches of lead length between the sense lead
termination and the phone connection (see figure 3-4). However, for optimum performance, connect the
sense leads as close as possible to the phone under test. To minimize inductance, connect the sense leads
and load leads as separate twisted pairs (see Figure 3-2).
OUTPUT 1/OUTPUT 2
CONNECTOR
-S - + +S
TWIST LEADS
TWIST PAIR
+
_
WIRE RESISTANCE
LOAD
Figure 3-2. Remote Sense Connections
33
3 - Installation
The sense leads are part of the dc source’s feedback path and must be kept at a low resistance (less than
several ohms) to maintain optimal performance. Connect the sense leads carefully so that they do not
become open-circuited. If the sense leads are left unconnected or become open during operation, the dc
source will not regulate the output voltage. See "Open Sense Lead Protection".
Connect the remote sense leads only to the remote sense connections at the output connector and at the
location on the test fixture where you want to sense the output voltage. There must be not be any
continuity from the sense leads to earth ground or from the sense leads to the output leads other than at
the test fixture. The open sense detect circuit will check for continuity in the sense leads when the output
turned on (from disabled to enabled).
Figure 3-3 shows how to connect remote sense leads and load leads when external disconnect relays are
included in the load path.
NOTE:In this arrangement, the output of the unit should be programmed OFF before the relays
are switched. This is because if the load leads are opened before the sense leads, the
overvoltage protection circuit will trip if it is enabled.
OUTPUT 1/OUTPUT 2
CONNECTOR
-S - + +S
TWIST LEADS
TWIST PAIR
+
LOAD
WIRE RESISTANCE
_
DISCONNECT RELAYS
Figure 3-3. Remote Sense Connections with External Relays
Figure 3-4 shows how to connect remote sense leads when using a removable test fixture. Note that in
this configuration, the wires in the part of the test fixture where the phone is located must be less than 20
inches in length. This is for stability as well as for the fact that the remote sense leads cannot compensate
for the voltage drop in this part of the test fixture.
The overvoltage protection circuit senses voltage at the output terminals, not at the load. Therefore, due
to the load lead voltage drop, the voltage measured by the OVP circuit can be significantly higher than
the actual voltage at the load. When using remote sensing, you must program the OVP trip voltage high
enough to compensate for the voltage drop between the output terminals and the load. Also, if the sum of
the programmed voltage and the load-lead drop exceeds the maximum voltage rating of the dc source,
this may also trip the OV protection circuit. Refer to OVP considerations for more information.
34
OUTPUT 1/OUTPUT 2
CONNECTOR
-S - + +S
Installation - 3
TWIST LEADS
TWIST PAIR
WIRE RESISTANCE
LENGTH
MUST BE
UNDER 20
INCHES
+
_
FIXTURE
CONNECTIONS
LOAD
Figure 3-4. Remote Sense Connections with Test Fixture
Load Regulation and Voltage Drop in the Remote Sense Leads
The sense leads are part of the dc source’s feedback path and must be kept at a low resistance to maintain
optimal performance. One way to accomplish this is to use larger diameter wires for the sense leads (see
Table 3-2).
If this is impractical, you can account for the voltage regulation and readback error that will occur when
using higher resistance remote sense leads. The voltage load regulation and readback error can be
calculated using the following formula:
∆V =
R
V
LD+
(
S+
RS+ + 251
)
+ V
LD-
(
RS- + 184
R
S-
)
where:V
Minimizing the load lead resistance reduces voltage drops V
by decreasing the resistance of the sense leads (R
and V
LD+
R
and RS- are the resistances of the + and − sense leads.
S+
are the voltage drops in the + and − load leads.
LD-
and RS-) as much as possible.
S+
LD+
and V
. ∆V can be further minimized
LD-
Maintaining Stability while Remote Sensing
The remote sense bandwidth and slew rate of standard dc power sources are adequate for compensating
for load lead voltage drop for slow to moderate rates of load changes. However, the high pulsed current
draw of digital cellular phones presents a challenge to standard dc power sources operating in remote
sense mode. Their bandwidth and slew rate are not adequate for dealing with the 0.05 to 0.2 amp/µs slew
rates imposed by these devices. A large voltage transient occurs at the load, due to the inability of the dc
source to keep up with the rate of load change.
The dc source effectively compensates for load lead voltage drops resulting from very high slew rate load
current transitions. This keeps the remotely sensed output voltage at a relatively constant level. For 0.05
amp/µs to 0.2 amp/µs slew rate loading in typical test applications, the transient voltage is reduced more
than an order of magnitude over that of other standard dc sources.
35
3 - Installation
Open Sense Lead Protection
The main output (output 1) of the dc source has built-in open sense protection circuitry that detects if
there is an open in either the positive or the negative remote sense lead or load lead path. For battery
powered devices, undetected open sense connections can cause incorrect battery charger calibration,
incorrect test results due to erroneous voltage settings, and low voltage phone shutdown due to a large
transient voltage drop.
To enable open sense lead detection from the front panel, press the
É
SENS:PROT, press
to select ON, then press Enter. To have the unit turn on with open sense detection
Output key , use
p
to scroll to
enabled, save this state in location 0 and set the power-on state to RCL 0.
When this circuit is enabled, the sense and load leads are checked every time the output transitions from
disabled to enabled (off to on). If a lead opens while the output is enabled, this will not be detected
immediately by the open sense circuit. However, the output voltage will increase or decrease, depending
on which one of the leads is open. Figure 3-5 illustrates the actual output voltage change that occurs with
no load lead drop if a lead opens. Turning the output off, then on again, will cause the unit to check the
output sense and load leads and determine if a sense lead is open.
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
Values will increase by about
+0.3 V under load conditions
D
NS
E LE
DS CONNECTE
A
N
S OPE
+
11
10
9
8
ACTUAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
123456789101112131415
Values will decrease by about
E
P
O
S
D
A
E
L
N
E
E
S
P
N
E
O
S
S
-
-
D
N
A
+
H
T
O
B
-0.1 V under load conditions
PROGRAMMED VOLTAGE
BOTH SE
N
Figure 3-5. Output Voltage vs. Programmed Voltage with Open Sense Condition
36
Installation - 3
If the open sense lead protection circuit detects an open sense lead, the Prot annunciator on the front
panel turns on and the output turns off. Bit 5 in the Questionable Status Registers is also set (see chapter
7 under "Programming the Status Registers"). On the front panel, press the Prot key, and one of the
following error messages will be reported on the front panel:
MessageDescription
+ sense open
- sense open
+/- sense open
sense open
Positive sense or load lead is open
Negative sense or load lead is open
Both positive and negative sense or load leads are open
Incorrect resistance reading on the sense or load leads. This may be caused by an
external power source paralleled with the output, or in rare instances, by the voltage
being out of calibration.
The default setting for the open sense lead protection circuit is disabled or OFF. This is because
applications that apply an external voltage to the output or that use external disconnect relays may
interfere with the operation of the open sense detect circuit. If you are using external voltages or relays,
you can enable the open sense detect at the beginning of the test procedure. Make sure that the external
voltage is disabled and that any relays are in the closed position. Perform the remote sense check by
cycling the output off, then on. Then disable the open sense detect circuit and continue using the unit.
Local Sensing
Local sensing is not recommended for optimal performance. You must use the remote sense connections
on both the main output (output 1) and on output 2 for the unit to operate properly and meet its published
specifications. If you are not using remote sensing and the open sense protection feature is ON, you must
jumper the + output 1 pin to its + sense pin, and jumper the - output 1 pin to its - sense pin. Otherwise,
the unit will go into a protected state with the output disabled.
♦Keep load leads as short as possible. Load leads cannot exceed 18 inches (per side) when local
sensing.
♦Bundle or twist the leads tightly together to minimize inductance.
♦Jumper the + output 1 pin to its + sense pin, and the - output 1 pin to its - sense pin.
OUTPUT 1/OUTPUT 2
CONNECTOR
-S - + +S
JUMPER
TWIST LEADS
EACH LEAD MUST
BE LESS THAN 20
INCHES IN LENGTH
WIRE RESISTANCE
Figure 3-6. Local Sensing
+
_
LOAD
37
3 - Installation
Output Compensation
High bandwidth performance and stability are achieved by using a software-switchable output
compensation circuit. This compensation circuit has two bandwidth positions to optimize the response
for two different ranges of phone capacitance. The compensation function is set using either the front
panel TYPE:CAP command located in the Output menu (see chapter 5), or the
OUTput:TYPE[:CAPacitance] SCPI command as explained in chapter 8. The circuit covers the
following capacitance ranges:
♦Low Mode: 0 to 12,000 µF
♦High Mode: 5 µF to 12,000 µF
♦H2 Mode: keeps the unit in High mode at all times
The dc source is shipped from the factory with the output compensation set to Low Mode. If you do not
know the input capacitance of the phone that you are testing, leave the input capacitance set to Low
Mode initially. This is because in Low Mode, the output of the dc source will be stable when testing
cellular phones that have virtually any input capacitance (from 0 µF to 12,000 µF). Low mode however,
has a slower transient response (see appendix A).
The High Mode output compensation setting provides faster transient response performance for phones
with input capacitances greater than 5µF. (Most phones have input capacitances greater than 5 µF.) In
High mode, operation of the dc source may be momentarily unstable with phones that have input
capacitances less than 5 µF, or if the output sense leads are not connected. Note that if the dc source
senses that there is no load on the output, it will automatically switch from High compensation mode to
Low compensation mode.
H2 Mode is an additional compensation mode that guarantees that the dc source stays in High
compensation mode at all times. This mode may be the optimal setting in cases where a large capacitor is
connected across the phone input and output 1 is sinking current. (H2 mode is not available in earlier dc
source units.)
Use the output sense detect circuit to first determine that the sense and load leads are properly connected
to the device under test. Then, if you are testing phones in High Mode and want to determine if the input
capacitance of your phone is less than 5 µF, perform the following test.
NOTE:It is important that this test is done with the dc source installed in the test system where it
will be used, since system stability is also dependent on wiring and the phone
impedance.
1. Connect the phone to the dc source and place it in standby mode.
2. Check the last two digits of the voltage reading on the front panel of the dc source.
3. If the last two digits are fluctuating, it is an indication that the phone capacitance may be less than
5 µF and the dc source is momentarily unstable.
4. Place the output compensation of the dc source in Low Mode.
5. If the last two digits of the voltage reading are now stable, your phone has an input capacitance less
than 5 µF.
38
Installation - 3
Test Fixture
y
connector for
internal phone
OVP Considerations
CAUTION:Disabling the OVP protection circuit may cause excessive output voltages, such as can
occur if the remote sense leads are shorted, to damage the equipment under test.
The dc source is shipped from the factory with its overvoltage protection circuit enabled. You can disable
the OVP circuit using either the front panel VOLT PROT command located in the OV menu, or the
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe SCPI command as explained in chapter 8.
The OVP circuit contains a crowbar SCR, which effectively shorts the output of the dc source whenever
the OVP trips. However, if an external current source such as a battery is connected across the output and
the OVP is inadvertently triggered, the SCR will continuously sink a large current from the battery,
possibly damaging the dc source.
To avoid this, either disable the OVP circuit or program it to its maximum value to prevent it from
inadvertently tripping. Additionally, you can connect an external protection diode in series with the
output of the dc source. Connect the anode of the diode to the + output terminal.
The OVP circuit’s SCR crowbar has also been designed to discharge capacitances up to a specific limit,
which is 50,000 µF. If your load capacitance approaches this limit, it is recommended that you do not
intentionally trip the OVP and discharge the capacitance through the SCR as part of your normal testing
procedure, as this may lead to long-term failure of some components.
DVM Connections
CAUTION:The DVM may be damaged if voltages at the input terminals exceed ±50 Vdc to ground.
The DVM connector has three pins: plus, minus, and earth ground. The 3-pin connector is removable and
accepts wires sizes from AWG 22 to AWG 14. Disconnect the mating plug by pulling it straight back.
The DVM is designed as an auxiliary measurement input that can measure voltages on circuits that are
powered by the main output (output 1). Voltage measurements can be made on test points inside the
phone under test, or on test points located on the test fixture that is connected to the main output. Figure
3-7 illustrates a common measurement application for the DVM. This example is only provided for
illustration; your specific application will vary depending on the type of test and type of phone.
Agilent 66309D
Agilent 66311D
OUTPUT 1
Minus
terminal
lead resistance
load
+
current
lead resistance
−
V common mode
batter
connector
+
_
circuits
LOAD
DVM INPUT
-4Vdc < (V comon mode) < +25Vdc
Figure 3-7. DVM Measurement Example
39
3 - Installation
g
(
y)
mode voltage range is from
voltages outside this range will
result in erroneous readings.
NOTE:The DVM is not designed to measure voltages that are greater than +25 Vdc or less than
−4.5 Vdc with respect to the negative terminal of the main output. The following sections
discuss restrictions that apply when using the DVM to measure voltages on circuits that are
not powered by the main output, or that are floating with respect to the main output.
Measuring Circuits that are Not Powered by the Main Output
To obtain correct voltage measurements, keep the common mode voltage within the specified limits.
Common mode voltage is defined as the voltage between either DVM input terminal and the negative
terminal of the main output (output 1). The common mode voltage range is from −4.5 Vdc to +25 Vdc.
Attempting to measure voltages outside this range may result in incorrect readings due to clipping by the
internal DVM measurement circuits.
NOTE:Do not confuse the common mode voltage with the DVM voltage readback. The DVM
voltage readback is a differential measurement from one input lead to the other input lead.
This quantity may be as high as ±25 Vdc, depending on the orientation of the input leads.
Because the measurement circuits of the DVM are internally referenced to the minus terminal of the
main output, you must observe the following restrictions in order to guarantee accurate DVM
measurements (refer to figure 3-8).
Agilent 66309D
ilent 66311D
A
DVM INPUT
OUTPUT
Minus
terminal
+
−
load
current
lead resistance
V
+
−
lead resistance
Test Fixture
DVM
DVM
LOAD
DVM
DVM
for illustration onl
1
R1
12V
2
R2
12V
3
R3
12V
4
R4
2V
5
R5
2V
6
R6
2V
Node # V Common Mode
1
36 V + V
24 V + V
2
12 V + V
3
V
4
- 2 V + V
5
- 4 V + V
36V
DC
6V
DC
6
- 6 V + V
7
NOTE: The DVM common
-4.5Vdc to +25Vdc.
40
7
Figure 3-8. Measuring Circuits Not Powered by the Main Output
Installation - 3
g
6 V Bias
Transformer
winding capacitance
winding capacitance
j
♦You cannot measure voltages greater than +25 Vdc with respect to the negative terminal of the main
output. A situation where this could occur is illustrated by R1 in figure 3-8, which has only a 12 Vdc
drop across it but is 36 Vdc + Vlead with respect to the negative terminal of the main output.
♦You cannot measure voltages less than −4.5 Vdc with respect to the negative terminal of the main
output. A situation where this could occur is illustrated by R6 in figure 3-8, which has only a −2 Vdc
drop across it but is −6 Vdc + Vlead with respect to the negative terminal of the main output.
♦When calculating the common mode voltage between the point that you wish to measure and the
negative terminal of the main output, you must also include any voltage drop in the negative load
lead. For example, in figure 3-8, if the voltage drop in the negative load lead is 2 V, you would not be
able to correctly measure the 12 Vdc drop across R2. This is because when the voltage drop in the
load lead is added to the voltage drops across R2 and R3, the resultant voltage is 26 Vdc, which
exceeds the +25 Vdc common mode rating of the DVM.
Measuring Circuits that are Floating with Respect to the Main Output
In the example shown in figure 3-9, the common mode voltage between the DVM inputs and the minus
terminal of the main output (output 1) includes an undefined floating voltage that may result in incorrect
readings due to clipping by the internal DVM measurement circuits. This will occur when the −4.5 Vdc
to + 25 Vdc common mode voltage range is exceeded.
The solution to this problem would be to provide a known or controlled common mode voltage by
connecting a jumper wire from the floating voltage to be measured to the main output. In this example,
the main output is set to 5V, the ac voltage to be measured is approximately 6 Vac (±8.5 Vpeak), and a
jumper wire connects one side of the bias transformer to the + main output terminal. This stabilizes the
common mode voltage and offsets it by the output voltage value (5 V). The peak common mode voltage
is now:
+8.5V + 5 V = +13.5 V on the positive side, and
−8.5V + 5 V = −3.5 V on the negative side;
with both voltages now being within the common mode range of the DVM.
Agilent 66309D
A
ilent 66311D
DVM INPUT
OUTPUT 1
+
+ 5 V
−
umper wire
TO
DVM
6 Vac;
8.5 Vpk
stray
capacitance
AC
ACC
Typically, low vol t age with respect to
GND due to internal bypass capac i tors.
Figure 3-9. Measuring Circuits Floating with Respect to the Main Output
GND
GNDGND
Undefined float voltage with respect to
GND due to capacitive current s.
Could be tens of volts ac or m ore.
41
3 - Installation
External Protection Connections
This rear panel connector, has a fault output port and an inhibit input port. The fault (FLT) output, also
referred to as the DFI (discrete fault indicator) signal in the front panel and SCPI commands, is an open
collector circuit that pulls the positive output low with respect to the negative (chassis-referenced)
common. The high impedance inhibit (INH) input, also referred to as the RI (remote inhibit) signal in the
front panel and SCPI commands, is used to shut down the dc source output whenever the INH + is pulled
low with respect to the INH (chassis-referenced) common.
The connector accepts wires sizes from AWG 22 to AWG 12. Disconnect the mating plug to make your
wire connections.
NOTE:It is good engineering practice to twist and shield all signal wires to and from the digital
connectors. If shielded wire is used, connect only one end of the shield to chassis ground
to prevent ground loops.
Figure 3-10 shows how you can connect the FLT/INH circuits of the dc source.
In example A, the INH input connects to a switch that shorts the Inhibit pin (+) to common whenever it
is necessary to disable output of the unit. This activates the remote inhibit (RI) circuit, which turns off
the dc output. The front panel Prot annunciator comes on and the RI bit is set in the Questionable Status
Event register. To re-enable the unit, first open the connection between pins INH + and common and then
clear the protection circuit. This can be done either from the front panel or over the GPIB.
In example B, the FLT output of one unit is connected to the INH input of another unit. A fault
condition in one of the units will disable all of them without intervention either by the controller or
external circuitry. The computer can be notified of the fault via a service request (SRQ) generated by the
Questionable Status summary bit. Note that the FLT output can also be used to drive an external relay
circuit or signal other devices whenever a user-definable fault occurs.
NOTE: Connectors
are removable
INH FLT
INH FLT
. . . .
+ - +
INH Input
INH Common
Switch
(Normally
Open)
. . . .
+ - +
INH
Input
INH
Input
FLT
Output
FLT
Output
42
A) INH Example with One Unit
Figure 3-10. FLT/INH Examples
B) FLT Example with Multiple Units
Installation - 3
Digital I/O Connections
As shown in Table 3-3 and Figure 3-11, the FLT/INH connector can also be configured as a digital I/O
port. Information on programming the digital I/O port is found in chapter 5 and under
[SOURce:]DIGital:DATA and [SOURce:]DIGital:FUNCtion commands in chapter 8. The electrical
characteristics of the digital connector are described in appendix A.
The dc source can be controlled through an GPIB interface. Agilent 66111A and 66311B/D units can
also be controlled through an RS-232 interface.
GPIB Interface
Follow the GPIB card manufacturer’s directions for card installation and software driver setup.
Each dc source has its own GPIB bus address, which can be set using the front panel
described in chapter 5. GPIB address data is stored in non-volatile memory. The dc source is shipped
with its GPIB address set to 5.
Address key as
43
3 - Installation
Dc sources may be connected to the GPIB interface in series configuration, star configuration, or a
combination of the two, provided the following rules are observed:
♦The total number of devices including the GPIB interface card is no more than 15.
♦The total length of all cables used is no more than 2 meters times the number of devices connected
together, up to a maximum of 20 meters. (Refer to table 2-2 for a list of GPIB cables available from
Agilent Technologies.)
♦Do not stack more than three connector blocks together on any GPIB connector.
♦Make sure all connectors are fully seated and the lock screws are firmly finger-tightened.
RS-232 Interface
Agilent 66111A and 66311B/D dc sources have an RS-232 programming interface, which is activated by
commands located in the front panel
are available through RS-232 programming. When the RS-232 interface is selected, the GPIB interface is
disabled.
The RS-232 connector is a DB-9, male connector. Adapters are available to connect the dc source to any
computer or terminal with a properly configured DB-25 connector (see Table 2-2).
Address menu. All applicable SCPI and COMPatibility commands
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
Figure 3-12. RS-232 Connector
PinInput/OutputDescription
1-no connection
2InputReceive Data (RxD)
3OutputTransmit Data (TxD)
4OutputData Terminal Ready (DTR)
5CommonSignal ground
6InputData Set Ready (DSR)
7OutputRequest to Send (RQS)
8InputClear to Send (CTS)
9-no connection
44
4
Turn-On Checkout
Checkout Procedure
Successful tests in this chapter provide a high degree of confidence that your unit is operating properly.
For verification tests, see appendix B. Complete performance tests are given in the Service Guide.
NOTE:To perform the checkout procedure, you will need a wire for shorting the output
terminals together.
The following procedure assumes that the unit turns on in the factory-default state. If you need more
information about the factory default state, refer to the *RST command in chapter 8. Note that the values
shown in the Display column may not exactly match the values that appear on the front panel of the unit.
If you have not already done so, connect the power cord to the unit and plug it in. Connect the output
connector to the back of the unit with the sense jumpers installed.
Procedure DisplayExplanation
1.Turn the unit on. The dc
source undergoes a self-test
when you first turn it on.
**********
ADDRESS 5
0.000V 0.0001A
During selftest, all display segments are briefly lit,
followed by the GPIB Address.
The display then goes into meter mode with the Dis
annunciator on, and all others off. In Meter mode the
n.nnnV
.nnnnA
flashing digit on the display indicates the digit that
will be affected if changes are made to the displayed
values using the rotary control or the È and É keys.
You will only see the changes if the output is ON.
digits indicate the output voltage and the
digits indicate the output current. The
NOTE:Press the Meter key to exit a menu at any time and return to meter mode. If the Err
annunciator on the display is on, press the Shift key followed by the Error key to see the
error number. See table 4-1 at the end of this chapter.
2.Check that the fan is on.You should be able to hear the fan and feel the air
coming from the back of the unit.
3.Unplug the output connector
from the back of the unit.
4
Press Output, scroll to
SENSE:PROT and select
ON. Press Enter
5.
Press Output On/Off
-0.224V 0.0000AThe output voltage indicates approximately -0.2 volts
because the output sense connections have opened.
SENSE:PROT ONEnables the open sense detect circuit.
-0.224V 0.0000AThe open sense detect circuit disables the output. The
Dis annunciator is off, but the Prot annunciator is on.
6.
Press Protect
+/- SENSE OPENDisplay indicates the protection condition.
45
4 - Turn-On Checkout
Procedure DisplayExplanation
7.Plug the output connector
back into the unit.
8.
Press Shift, Prot Clear
9.
Press Voltage
10.
Press Enter Number,
<15>, Enter
11.
Press Shift, OV
12.
Press Enter Number,
<8>, Enter
13.
Press Shift, OV,
Enter Number,
<22>, Enter
14.
Press Shift, Prot Clear
Restores the output sense connections. The Prot
annunciator is still on.
NO FAULT
VOLT 0.000Display shows the output voltage setting of the unit.
VOLT <15>
15.003V 0.0001A
PROT:LEV 22.00Display shows the overvoltage protection trip voltage
PROT:LEV <8>
0.000V 0.0001A
PROT:LEV <22>Programs the OVP to a value greater than the output
15.003V 0.0001AClears the protection condition, thus restoring the
Clears the protection condition. Prot is off; CV is on.
Programs the main output to 15 volts. After the value
is entered, the display returns to Meter mode.
Because the output is enabled, the meter will indicate
the actual output voltage.
of the unit.
Programs the OVP to 8 volts, which is less than the
previously set output voltage.
Because the OVP voltage entered was less than the
output voltage, the OVP circuit tripped. The output
dropped to zero, CV turned off, and Prot turned on.
voltage setting of the unit. This prevents the OV
circuit from tripping again when the protection
condition is cleared.
output of the unit. Prot turns off and CV turns on.
15.
Press Output On/Off
16.Connect a jumper wire
across the + and - output
terminals.
17.
Press Output On/Off.
18.
Press Current,
Enter Number,
<1>, Enter.
19.
Press Shift, OCP
20.
Press Shift, OCP
21.
Press Shift, Prot Clear
22.Turn the unit off and remove
the shorting wire from the
output terminals.
0.000V 0.0000ATurn the output off.
Shorts the output of the unit.
0.004V 3.0712A
CURR <1>Programs the output current to 1 ampere.
0.001V 0.0003AYou enabled the overcurrent protection circuit. The
0.001V 0.0003AYou have disabled the overcurrent protection circuit.
0.004V 0.998A
The CC annunciator is on, indicating that the unit is
in constant current mode. The unit is sourcing output
current at the maximum rating, which is the default
output current limit setting.
circuit then tripped because the unit was operating in
constant current mode. The CC annunciator turns off,
and the OCP and Prot annunciators turn on.
The OCP annunciator turns off.
Restores the output. The Prot annunciator turns off.
The CC annunciator turns on.
The next time the unit turns on it will be restored to
the *RST or factory default state.
46
Turn-On Checkout - 4
Only perform steps 23 to 33 if you are verifying an Agilent 66309B or 66309D unit.
Procedure DisplayExplanation
23.Turn the unit on. Wait for
selftest to complete and
press Shift, Channel.
24.
Press Voltage,
Enter Number,
<12>, Enter.
25.
Press Output On/Off
26.
Press Output On/Off
2
0.025V 0.0002A
Shift Channel toggles between channel 1 and channel
2. The left-most digit of the display identifies the
output channel that is presently being controlled. It will
indicate a "1" for channel 1, or "2" for channel 2.
2
VOLT <12>Programs the output 2 voltage to 12 volts.
2
12.005V 0.0002A
Turns the main output and output 2 on. The Dis
annunciator is off, but the CV a nnunc iator is on.
2
0.000V 0.0000ATurn all outputs off.
27.Connect a jumper wire
across the + and terminals of output 2.
28.
Press Output On/Off.
29.
Press Current,
Enter Number,
<1>, Enter.
30.
Press Shift, OCP
31.
Press Shift, OCP
32.
Press Shift, Prot Clear
33.T urn the unit o ff and
remove the shorting wire
from the output terminals.
Shorts output 2 of the unit.
2
0.004V 1.520A
The CC annunciator is on, indicating that output 2 is in
constant current mode. Output 2 is sourcing current at
its maximum rating, which is the default current limit
setting.
2
CURR <1>Programs the output 2 current to 1 ampere.
2
0.001V 0.0003AYou enabled the overcurrent protection circuit. The
circuit then tripped because output 2 was operating in
constant current mode. The CC annunciator turns off,
and the OCP and Prot annunciators turn on.
2
0.001V 0.0003AYou have disabled the overcurrent protection circuit.
The OCP annunciator turns off.
2
0.004V 0.998A
Restores output 2. The Prot annunciator turns off. The
CC annunciator turns on.
The next time the unit turns on it will be restored to the
*RST or factory default state.
In Case of Trouble
Dc source failure may occur during power-on selftest or during operation. In either case, the display may
show an error message that indicates the reason for the failure.
Selftest Error Messages
Pressing the Shift, Error keys will show the error number. Selftest error messages appear as: ERROR
<n> where "n" is a number listed in the following table. If this occurs, turn the power off and then back
on to see if the error persists. If the error message persists, the dc source requires service.
Appendix C lists other error messages that may appear at runtime. Some of these messages will also
appear on the front panel when the Prot key is pressed. To clear the error, you must remove the condition
that caused the error and then press the Prot Clear key.
Table 4-2. Runtime Error Messages
ErrorDescription
Overvoltagean overvoltage condition has occurred
Overcurrentan overcurrent condition has occurred
Overtemperaturean overtemperature condition has occurred
Remote inhibita remote inhibit signal has been applied to the RI input
+ sense opena po sitive sense o r load lead is open
- sense opena negative sense or load lead is open
+/- sense opena positive and negative sense or load lead is open
sense openincorrect voltage reading on the sense leads, the unit may need to be recalibrated
If the front panel display shows OVLD , this indicates that the output voltage or current is beyond the
range of the meter readback circuit. If this is the case, check that the setting of the output compensation is
correct for the phone you are testing. If the front panel display indicates -- -- -- -- -- , an GPIB
measurement is in progress.
Line Fuse
If the dc source appears "dead" with a blank display and the fan not running, check your ac mains to be
certain line voltage is being supplied to the dc source. If the ac mains is normal, the fuse may be
defective.
Refer to Appendix E and follow the procedure described in the appendix for accessing and replacing the
line fuse located inside the unit. Do not change any of the line voltage connections.
NOTE:If the dc source has a defective fuse, replace it only once. If it fails again, the dc source
requires service.
48
Front panel Operation
Introduction
Here is what you will find in this chapter:
♦a complete description of the front panel controls
♦front panel programming examples
NOTE:The dc source must be in set to Local mode to use the front panel controls. Press the
Local key on the front panel to put the unit in local mode.
Front Panel Description
123
5
LINE
66309D DUAL OUTPUT
Mobile Communications DC Source
CV CC
Channel
Local
1
Off
On
Unr DisOCP
SYSTEMFUNCTION
Error
Address
2
Recall
6
Input
Meter
345
Protect
7
456
Figure 5-1. Front Panel, Overall View
Cal Shift Rmt Addr Err SRQ
Prot
Voltage
89
Current
ENTRY
Res
Output
.
CalOCPProt CirSave
Output
On/Off
0
Cir EntryOV
Enter
-
Number
Enter
Backspace
7
49
5 – Front Panel Operation
j Display
k Annunciators
l Rotary Control
m Line
n System Keys
14-character vacuum fluorescent display for showing output measurements and
programmed values.
Annunciators light to indicate operating modes and status conditions:
CV The dc source output is in constant-voltage mode.
CC The dc source output is in constant-current mode.
Unr The dc source output is in an unregulated state.
Dis The dc source output is disabled (off).
OCP The overcurrent protection state is enabled.
Prot One of the dc source’s output protection features is activated.
Cal The dc source is in calibration mode.
Shift The Shift key is pressed to access an alternate key function.
Rmt The GPIB interface is in a remote state.
Addr The interface is addressed to talk or to listen.
Err There is a message in the SCPI error queue.
SRQ The interface is requesting service from the controller.
The rotary control lets you set the output voltage or current as well as menu
parameters. Press
the knob.
This turns the dc source on or off.
The system keys let you:
Return to Local mode (front panel control)
Set the dc source GPIB address
Selects the remote programming interface
Sets the RS-232 interface communications parameters
Select the output channel on units with more than one output
Display SCPI error codes and clear the error queue
Save and recall up to 4 instrument operating configurations
Select the programming language
Enable/disable the remote front panel interface
Æ
and Ç to select the resolution, then adjust the value with
o Function Keys
p Entry Keys
50
Function access command menus that let you:
Enable or disable the output
Select metering functions
Program output voltage and current
Display the protection status state
Set and clear protection functions
Set the output state at power-on
Calibrate the dc source
Select the output compensation
p
and q scroll through the front panel menu commands
Entry keys let you:
Enter programming values
Increment or decrement programming values
È
and É select the front panel menu parameters
Front Panel Operation - 5
System Keys
Refer to the examples later in this chapter for more details on the use of these keys.
SYSTEM
Channel
Local
Figure 5-2. System Keys
Error
Address
Save
Recall
Local
Address
Recall
ShiftChannel
Shift
Error
SaveShift
Notes:
This is the blue, unlabeled key, which is also shown as in this guide.
Shift
Pressing this key accesses the alternate or shifted function of a key (such as
ERROR ). Release the key after you press it. The Shift annunciator is lit,
indicating that the shifted keys are active.
Press to change the dc source’s selected interface from remote operation to local
(front panel) operation. Pressing the key will have no effect if the interface state
is already Local, Local-with-Lockout, or Remote-with-Lockout.
Press to access the address menu. All entries are stored in non-volatile memory.
DisplayCommand Function
ADDRESS <value>Sets the GPIB Address
INTF <char>Selects an interface (GPIB or RS-232
BAUDRATE <char>Selects baudrate (300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600)
PARITY <char>Message parity (NONE | EVEN | ODD | MARK | SPACE)
FLOW <char>Flow control (XON-XOFF | RTS-CTS | DTR-DSR | NONE)
LANG <char>Selects language (SCPI or COMP1)
REMOTE FP <char>Enable/disable Agilent14575A front panel interface (ON or
OFF)
ROM <char>Firmware revision number
SN: <char>Unit serial number
1
)
1
1
1
Press to place the dc source into a previously stored state. You can recall up to 4
previously stored states (0 through 3).
Pressing these keys toggles the display between output 1 and output 2.
DisplayMeasurement
1
<reading>V <reading>AMeasures output channel 1
2
<reading>V <reading>AMeasures output channel 2
Press to display the system error codes stored in the SCPI error queue. This
action also clears the queue. If there is no error in the queue, 0 is displayed.
Press to store an existing dc source state in non-volatile memory. The
parameters saved are listed under *SAV as described in chapter 8. You can save
up to 4 states (0 through 3).
1
Not valid for Agilent 66309B/D
value = a numeric value char = a character string parameter
Use and to scroll through the command list.
ÈÉ
Use and to scroll through the parameter list.
qp
51
5 – Front Panel Operation
Function Keys
Refer to the examples later in this chapter for more details on the use of these keys.
FUNCTION
Input
OV
Res
Meter
Prot Cir
Protect
Voltage
OCP
Current
Output
Cal
Output
On/Off
Figure 5-3. Function Keys
Immediate Action Keys
Immediate action keys immediately execute their corresponding function when pressed. Other function
keys have commands underneath them that are accessed when the key is pressed.
Output
On/Off
Shift
Prot ClrShift
OCP
This key toggles the output of the dc source between the on and off states.
When coupled, the key affects both output channels. It immediately executes its
function as soon as you press it. When off, the dc source output is disabled and
the Dis annunciator is on.
Press this key to reset the protection circuit and allow the unit to return to its
last programmed state. The condition that caused the protection circuit to
become active must be removed prior to pressing this key, or the unit will shut
down again and display the Prot annunciator again.
Press this key to toggle between OCP enabled and disabled. If OCP is enabled
the output will become disabled if the output mode changes from CV to CC
mode. The OCP annunciator indicates the state of OCP.
Scrolling Keys
Scrolling keys let you move through the commands in the presently selected function menu.
ó
52
Press to bring up the next command in the list. Press to go back
to the previous command in the list. Function menus are circular; you can
return to the starting position by continuously pressing either key. The
following example shows the commands in the Input function menu:
q
q
CURR:RANGE <char>
CURR:DET <char>
pq
Front Panel Operation - 5
Metering Keys
Metering keys control the metering functions of the dc source. As set from the factory, all front panel
measurements from the main output (output 1), are calculated from a total of 2048 readings taken at a
46.8 microsecond sampling rate. Therefore, the factory default acquisition time for a single front panel
measurement is about 100 milliseconds. Refer to “Making Front Panel Measurements” for more
information about changing the front panel sampling rate and the number of measurement points.
All front panel measurements from the DVM and from output2 are fixed at 2048 measurement readings
taken at a 15.6 microsecond sampling rate.
NOTE:The front panel sample rate and data point settings are separate and independent of the
sample rate and data point settings that are programmed over the GPIB interface. When
an GPIB measurement is in progress, the front panel display temporarily indicates
-- -- -- -- --. Front panel measurements resume when the GPIB measurement completes.
Meter
ShiftInput
Press this key to access the meter menu list. Also use this key to exit a
menu at any time and return to meter mode.
DisplayMeasurement
<reading>V <reading>AMeasures output dc voltage and current
<reading>V MAXMeasures peak output voltage
<reading>V MINMeasur es minimum output voltage
<reading>V HIGHMeasures the high level of a volta ge waveform
<reading>V LOWMeasures the low level of a voltage waveform
<reading>V RMSMeasures rms voltage
1
<reading>A MAXMeasures peak output current
<reading>A MINMeasures minimum output current
<reading>A HIGHMeasures the high level of a current waveform
<reading>A LOWMeasures the low level of a current waveform
<reading>A RMSMeasures rms current
1
<reading>V DC:DVMMeasures dc voltage on DVM input
<reading>V RMS:DVMMeasures rms voltage on DVM input
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
Press this key to access the following metering functions.
DisplayCommand Function
CURR:RANGE <char>Select current range (AUTO | LOW | HIGH1)
CURR:DET <char>Select current measurement bandwidth
TINT <value>Sets the front panel measurement interval in seconds
(15.6 µs to 1 second)
POINTS <char>Sets the # of points in front panel measurement buffer
only valid for Agilent 66311D/66309D
reading = the returned measurement
value = a numeric value
char = a character string parameter
Use and to scroll thr ough the menu commands.
Use and to scroll through the menu parameters.
ÈÉ
Use and to select a digit in a numeric entry field.
ÆÇ
qp
53
5 – Front Panel Operation
Output Control Keys
Output control keys control the output functions of the dc source.
Voltage
Current
Shift
Output
Protect
Res
Press this key to access the voltage menu.
DisplayCommand Function
1
VOLT <value>Sets the voltage of output 1 (the main output of all models)
2
VOLT <value>Sets the voltage of output 2
Press this key to access the current menu.
DisplayCommand Function
1
CURR <value>Sets the current of output 1 (the main output of all models)
2
CURR <value>Sets the current of output 2
Not available
Press this key to access the output menu list.
DisplayCommand Function
*RSTPlaces the dc source in the factory-default state
COUPLING <char>Couples or decouples output 1 and output 2 (NONE or ALL)
TYPE:CAP <char>Sets the output compensation (HIGH | H2 | LOW)
PON:STATE <char>Select the power-on state command (RST | RCL0)
PROT:DLY <value>Sets the output protection de lay in seconds
RI <char>Sets the remote inhibit mode (LATCHING | LIVE | OFF)
DFI <char>Sets the discrete fault indicator state (ON | OFF)
DFI:SOUR <char>Selects the DFI source (QUES | OPER | ESB | RQS | OFF)
PORT <char>Sets the output port functions (RIDFI or DIGIO)
DIGIO <char>Sets and reads the I/O port value (0 through 7)
SENSE:PROT<char>Enables or disables the open sense lead detect circuit (ON | OFF)
1
REL:MODE <char>
Sets the relay mode for Option 521units
(applies to both outputs; output 1 shown)
Press this key to display protection status.
DisplayCommand Function
OVER CURRENTStatus of the protection features (example shows overcurrent)
NO FAULTStatus of the protection features (example shows none tripped)
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
2
(DD, HD, DH, or HH)
Shift
Notes:
54
OVShift
Cal
Press this key to access the overvoltage protection menu.
DisplayCommand Function
PROT:STAT <char>Enables or disables overvoltage protection (ON | OFF)
PROT:LEV <value>Sets the overvoltage protection level
This key accesses the calibration menu (Refer to Appendix B for details).
1
only valid for Agilent 66309B/D units with firmware revision A.02.04 and up
2
These parameters are stored in non-volatile system memory
3
These status summary bits are explained in chapter 7
4
These parameters are stored in non-volatile state memory
value = a numeric value
char = a character string parameter
Use and to scroll thr ough the menu commands.
ÈÉ
Use and to scroll through the menu parameters.
ÆÇ
Use and to select a digit in a numeric entry field.
qp
4
Front Panel Operation - 5
Entry Keys
Refer to the examples later in this chapter for more details on the use of these keys.
Cir Entry
Enter
-
1
Enter Number
,
.
Back space
Shift
Clear Entry
Enter
2
6
3
7
45
89
.
0
Figure 5-4. Entry Keys
ÉÈ
These keys let you scroll through choices in a parameter list that apply to a
specific command. Parameter lists are circular; you can return to the starting
position by continuously pressing either key. If the command has a numeric range,
these keys increment or decrement the existing value. In meter mode, these keys
can be used to adjust the magnitude of the output voltage or current. Only the
flashing digit is changed by these keys. Use the
Æ
and Ç keys to move the flashing
digit.
ÇÆ
These keys move the flashing digit in a numeric entry field to the right or left. This
lets you increment or decrement a specific digit in the entry field using the
É
keys or the RPG knob.
Used only to access a third level key function - the numeric entry keys. These third
level function keys are labeled in green.
90
−
0 through 9 are used for entering numeric values. . is the decimal point. − is the
minus sign. For example, to enter 33.6 press:
Enter Number, 3, 3, . , 6, Enter.
The backspace key deletes the last digit entered from the keypad. This key lets you
correct one or more wrong digits before they are entered.
This key aborts a keypad entry by clearing the value. This key is convenient for
correcting a wrong value or aborting a value entry. The display then returns to the
previously set function.
This key executes the entered value or parameter of the presently accessed
command. Until you press this key, the parameters you enter with the other Entry
keys are displayed but not entered into the dc source. Before pressing
can change or abort anything previously entered into the display. After
pressed, the dc source returns to Meter mode.
Number
Enter
ENTRY
Backspace
Enter, you
Enter is
È
and
55
5 – Front Panel Operation
Examples of Front Panel Programming
You will find these examples on the following pages:
1Using the front panel display
2Setting the output voltage, current, and compensation
3Setting the output 2 voltage and current
4Querying and clearing output protection
5Making basic front panel measurements
6Making enhanced front panel measurements
7Making DVM measurements
8Programming the digital port
9Setting the GPIB address and Programming Language
10 Storing and recalling instrument states
1 - Using the Front Panel Display
Selecting an output on Agilent 66309B/D units
ActionDisplay
Press Meter to return the display to Meter mode. Press Shift Channel to toggle
between channel 1 and channel 2. The left-most digit of the front panel display
identifies the output channel that is presently being controlled by the front panel. It
will indicate either a "1" for channel 1, or "2" for channel 2 .
You can only select an output when the unit is in metering mode. Once an output
has been selected, only the menu commands that apply to that output will appear
on the display. Output -specific menu commands are identified by a 1 or a 2. Also,
the CV, CC, and UNR annunciators apply to the selected channel.
2
7.003V 0.004A
Selecting the DVM on Agilent 66311D/66309D units
ActionDisplay
1
You must select output 1 to use the DVM. If output 1 is not selected, the DVM’s
measurement menu is not displayed.
On the Function keypad pre ss Meter and press q repeatedly to access the DVM
measurement commands. DVM measurement commands are identified by the
"DVM" string segment. When accessed, DVM measurement functions are
automatically active. Refer to example 3 for more information.
8.013V 0.003A
1
<reading>V DC:DVM
Independently Controlling Output 1 and Output 2 on Agilent 66309B/D units
(this feature only applies to units that are identified by firmware revision A.02.04 and up)
ActionDisplay
On the Function keypad, pr ess OUTPUT. Scroll to the COUPLING command.
To uncouple the outputs, use the numeric key to select NONE, then pressEnter.
É
COUPLING NONE
56
Front Panel Operation - 5
2 - Setting the Output Voltage, Current, Compensation, and Relay Mode
This example shows you how to set the output voltage and current. It also shows you how to set the
compensation circuit for either high or low capacitance cellular phones. Relay mode only applies to
Agilent models 66309B/D units that have Option 521 installed. Note that no front panel changes affect
the output of the unit unless it has been enabled.
Set the output voltage
ActionDisplay
1.To enter an approximate value without using the voltage menu: On the Entry keypad,
press Æ or Ç to select the 1’s digit in the voltage field. Then rotate the front panel
RPG knob to obtain 7 V.
If the unit is in CC mode, you won’t see the output voltage change until the voltage
setting is low enough to cause the unit to go into CV mode.
2.
The easiest way to enter an accurate value: On the Function keypad, press Voltage.
On the Entry keypad, press Enter Number,7, Enter.
3.
To make minor changes to an e xisting value: On the Function keypad, p ress Voltage.
On the Entry keypad, press Æ or Ç to select the digit in the numeric field that you
wish to change. For example, move the flashing digit to the ones column to change a
value in this column. Then, press È to scroll from 7.000 to 8.000. Then press Enter.
7.003V 0.004A
VOLT 7.000
VOLT 8.000
Set the output current limit
ActionDisplay
1.To enter an approximate value without using the current menu: On the Entry keypad,
press Æ or Ç to select the tenths digit in the current field. Rotate the front panel
RPG knob to obtain 0.4A.
If the unit is in CV mode, you will not see the output current change until the current
setting is low enough to cause the unit to go into CC mode.
2.
The easiest way to enter an accurate value: On the Function keypad, press Current.
On the Entry keypad, press Enter Number, .4, Enter.
3.
To make minor changes to an e xisting value: On the Function keypad, p ress Current.
On the Entry keypad, press Æ or Ç to select the digit in the numeric field that you
wish to change. For example, move the flashing digit to the tenths column to change a
value in this column. Then, press È to scroll from 0.400 to 0.500. Then press Enter.
8.003V 0.400A
CURR 0.400
CURR 0.500
NOTE:To output currents pulses greater than 3 A and up to 5 A peak, you must set the output
current limit to greater than 3 amperes (3.0712 amperes max).
Set the output compensation
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Output. Then press q until you obtain the
TYPE:CAP command. Use the É key and select either LOW, HIGH, or H2. Then
press Enter. Use
phones with input capacitances greater than 5 µF, which applies for most phones. In
High mode, operation of the dc source may be momentarily unstable when testing
phones that have input capacitances under 5 µF. Use LOW compensation if this
occurs.
switch from High compensation mode to Low compensation mode.
H2 is an additional compensation mode that guarantees that the dc source stays in
High compensation mode at all times.
If the dc source senses that there is no load on the output, it will automatically
HIGH compensation for faster transient response when testing
TYPE:CAP HIGH
57
5 – Front Panel Operation
Setting the relay mode (Agilent 66309B/D with Option 521 only)
ActionDisplay
1.
Use Output ON/OFF to make sure that the output of the selected channel is off.
The output must be turned off before any relay settings take effect. If the Dis
annunciator is lit, the output is off.
2.
Press Meter to return the display to Meter mode.
3.
Press Shift Channel to select either output channel 1 or output channel 2.
4.
On the Function keypad, pr ess OUTPUT. Then scroll to the REL:MODE comman d.
Use the É key to select one of the relay modes (DD, DH, HD, or HH) then press Enter.
The Output ON mode is specified first, followed by the Output OFF mode.
Relay
settings cannot be coupled; they must be set separately for each output.
Enable the output
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Output On/Off to enable the output. The Dis
annunciator will go off, indica ting that the voltage is now applied to the output
terminals. The A display indicates the actual output current. Note that when the outputs
are coupled, this command also enables or disables output 2.
1
3.6V 2.04A
2
7.5V 1.04A
2
REL:MODE HH
8.003V 0.500A
3 - Setting the Output 2 Voltage and Current (Agilent 66309B/D only)
This example shows you how to set the voltage and current for output 2. Selecting an output was
discussed in the previous example. Note that no front panel changes affect the output of the unit unless it
has been enabled.
Set the output 2 voltage
ActionDisplay
1.
Press Meter, then Shift, Channel to select output 2. On the Entry keypad, press Æ orÇ to select the 1’s digit in the voltage field. Then rotate the front panel RPG knob to
obtain 7 V.
If the unit is in CC mode, you won’t see the output voltage change until the voltage
setting is low enough to cause the unit to go into CV mode.
2.
An alternate way to enter a value: On the Function keypad, press Voltage. On the Entry
keypad, press Enter Number,7, Enter.
3.
To make minor changes to an e xisting value: On the Function keypad, p ress Voltage.
On the Entry keypad, press Æ or Ç to select the digit in the numeric field that you wish
to change. For example, move the flashing digit to the ones column to change a value in
this column. Then, press È on the Entry keypad to scroll from 7.000 to 8.000. Then
press Enter.
Set the output 2 current limit
2
7.003V 0.004A
2
VOLT 7.000
2
VOLT 8.000
ActionDisplay
1.Select output 2 as described in example 1. On the Entry keypad, press Æ or Ç to select
the tenths digit in the current field. Rotate the front panel RPG knob to o btain 0.4A.
If the unit is in CV mode, you will not see the output current change until the current
setting is low enough to cause the unit to go into CC mode.
2.
An alternate way to enter a value: On the Function keypad, press Current. On the Entry
keypad, press Enter Number, .4, Enter.
58
2
8.003V 0.400A
2
CURR 0.400
Front Panel Operation - 5
3.
To make minor changes to an e xisting value: On the Function keypad, p ress Current.
On the Entry keypad, press Æ or Ç to select the digit in the numeric field that you wish
to change. For example, move the flashing digit to the tenths column to change a value
in this column. Then press È to scroll from 0.400 to 0.500. Then press Enter.
2
CURR 0.500
NOTE:To draw current pulses greater than 1.5 A and up to 2.5 A peak on output 2, set the
output current limit higher than 1.5 amperes (1.52 amperes max). Do not enable OCP, or
else make sure that the protection delay setting is longer than the expected current pulse.
Enable the output
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Output On/Off to enable output 2. The Dis
annunciator will go off, indica ting that the voltage is now applied to the output
terminals. The display indicates the actual output values. Note that when the outputs
are coupled, this command also enables or disables output 1.
2
8.003V 0.500A
4 - Querying and Clearing Output Protection and Errors
If an overvoltage, overcurrent, overtemperature or remote inhibit condition occurs, the Prot annunciator
on the front panel will be on and the dc source will disable its output. If necessary, you can disable the
overcurrent or overvoltage protection circuit if its operation interferes with the proper operation of your
phone test. Note that if you disable the overvoltage protection, the equipment under test will not be
protected from output voltage overshoot conditions. You can also disable the broken sense lead detect
circuit if you have an application where an external voltage applied to the output may interfere with the
broken sense lead detect circuitry.
Error messages can occur at any time during the operation of the unit. When the Err annunciator on the
front panel is on it means that either an error has occurred on the GPIB bus, or a selftest error has
occurred. Appendix C lists error numbers and descriptions.
Query and clear the dc source overcurrent protection as follows:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Protect. In this example, an over current condition has
occurred. Refer to Table 4-2 for other protection indicators.
2.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Current. This displays the present current limit.CURR 3.0712
3.To restore normal operation after the cause of the overcurrent condition has beenremoved, press Shift, Prot Clr. The Prot annuncia tor then will go off.
4.
To disable overcurrent protection, press Shift, OCP. This key toggles between OCP
enabled and disa bled. The OCP annunciator is off when OCP is disabled.
OVERCURRENT
Disable Overvoltage Protection as follows:
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Shift, OV. Then press q to obtain the PROT:STAT
command. Use the É key and select OFF to disable the overvoltage protection
function. Then pre ss En ter. To recall this state when the unit turns on, save this state
in location 0 and set the power-on state to RCL 0 (see example #10).
PROT:STAT OFF
Query and Clear Errors as follows:
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Shift, Error. This displays and clears the error in the
error queue. Repeatedly press these keys to clear all errors in the queue. If errors
persist, your unit may require service.
ERROR 0
59
5 – Front Panel Operation
5 – Making Basic Front Panel Measurements
As shipped from the factory, front panel measurements for the main output (output 1) are calculated from
a total of 2048 readings taken at a 46.8 microsecond sampling rate. The unit alternates between voltage
and current measurements. Therefore, the data acquisition time for a single front panel voltage or current
measurement is about 100 milliseconds. This sampling rate and data acquisition time combined with a
built-in windowing function, reduces errors due to sampling a non-integral number of cycles of a
waveform for frequencies of 25 Hz or greater. Note that the windowing function is less accurate when
measuring output waveforms for frequencies less than 25 Hz, causing the front panel meter to jitter.
There are no trigger controls for front panel measurements. However, you can program both the sampling
rate and the number of data points in each front panel measurement using commands in the Input menu.
With this flexibility, measurement accuracy can be improved for waveforms with frequencies as low as
several Hertz. The sample buffer size may be varied from 1 to 2048 data points in discrete binary values.
The sampling rate may be varied from 15.6 microseconds to 1 second. Values are rounded to the nearest
15.6 microsecond interval. Note that the front panel sample interval and buffer size settings are
independent of the sample interval and buffer size that you program over the GPIB. This is because you
can qualify measurement triggers over the GPIB, which makes the GPIB measurements independent of
the front panel measurements. Refer to chapter 8 for more information about GPIB measurements.
To have the unit turn on with the reconfigured buffer size and sampling rate, save this state in location 0
and set the power-on state to RCL 0. Note that front panel measurements parameters for output 2 are not
programmable. They are fixed at 2048 data points with a 15.6 microsecond sampling rate.
NOTE:If the front panel display indicates OVLD, the output has exceeded the measurement
capability of the instrument. If the front panel display indicates -- -- -- -- -- -- , an GPIB
measurement is in progress.
Use the Meter menu for making front panel measurements:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad pre ss Meter to access the following measurement
parameters: dc voltage and current
2.To change the front panel time interval and buffer size for output waveform
measurements, press Shift, Input. Then press q until you obtain the TINT
command. Use the Entry keys to enter a value from 15.6 microseconds to 1
second in seconds. Then press Enter.
3.
Continue by pressing Shift, Input and q until you obtain the POINT command.
Press É to select a different buffer size. The choices are: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64,
128, 256, 512, 1024, and 2048. Then press Enter.
One reason to change the front panel time interval and data points is if the
waveform being measured has a period shorter than 3 times the present front
panel acquisition time.
<reading>V <reading>A
TINT 0.002
POINT 1024
60
Front Panel Operation - 5
6 – Making Enhanced Front Panel Measurements
The following figure illustrates the enhanced measurement capabilities of Agilent Models 66311B/D and
66309B/D for measuring output waveforms. These include peak (max), minimum, high level, and low
level measurements as illustrated in the following figure. Rms and dc voltages are calculated from the
number of points in the measurement window.
V or A MAX
V or A HIGH
V or A LOW
V or A MIN
100 millisecond
acquisition time
46.8 microsecond
sampling rate
NOTE:
Measurement samples may not
coincide with the actual maximum
or minimum point of the waveform.
Figure 5-5. Default Front Panel Measurement Parameters
All models except the Agilent 66111A have two current measurement ranges that can be selected in the
Input menu. A high current range is available for measuring output currents of up to 7 amperes. A low
current range is available for improved resolution when measuring output currents below 20
milliamperes. The low current measurement range is accurate to 0.1% of the reading ±2.5 microamperes.
When the current Range is set to AUTO, the unit automatically selects the range with the best
measurement resolution.
NOTE:In the LOW current measurement range, the current detector is fixed at DC. With the
current detector in dc, accurate current measurements cannot be made on waveforms
with frequency contents over 1 kilohertz.
Use the Meter menu for making front panel measurements:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad pre ss Meter and press q repeatedly
to access the following measurement parameters:
♦dc voltage and current
♦peak voltage
♦minimum voltage
1
1
♦high level of a voltage pulse waveform
♦low level of a voltage pulse waveform
♦rms voltage
♦peak current
♦minimum current
1
1
1
♦high level of a current pulse waveform
♦low level of a current pulse waveform
♦rms current
1
Not available on Agilent Model 66111A
1
1
1
1
1
<reading>V <reading>A
<reading>V MAX
<reading>V MIN
<reading>V HIGH
<reading>V LOW
<reading>V RMS
<reading>A MAX
<reading>A MIN
<reading>A HIGH
<reading>A LOW
<reading>A RMS
61
5 – Front Panel Operation
2.To change the front panel time interval and buffer size for output waveform
measurements, press Shift, Input. Then press q until you obtain the TINT
command. Use the Entry keys to enter a value from 15.6 microseconds to 1
second in seconds. Then press Enter.
3.
Continue by pressing Shift, Input and q until you obtain the POINT command.
Press É to select a different buffer size. The choices are: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64,
128, 256, 512, 1024, and 2048. Then press Enter.
One reason to change the front panel time interval and data points is if the
waveform being measured has a period shorter than 3 times the present front
panel acquisition time.
4.
For current measurements, press Shift, Input. Then press É until you obtain the
CURR:RANG AUTO command. Press Enter to activate autoranging. Two other
selections are also available. Select the HIGH range when measuring currents
above 20 mA. Select the LOW range for improved resolution when measuring
currents below 20 mA. Note that the LOW range is only appropriate for making
dc measurements.
5.
For output waveform measurements, press Shift, Input. Then press q until you
obtain the CURR:DET command. Check to make sure that the ACDC current
detector is selected. This provides the best accuracy for waveform measurements.
Only select the DC current detector if you are making dc current measurements
and you require a dc measurement offset better than 2mA on the High current
measurement range. Press Enter to activate any changes.
TINT 0.002
POINT 1024
CURR:RANG AUTO
CURR:DET ACDC
1
7 – Making DVM Measurements (Agilent 66311D/66309D only)
The front panel DVM measurement function is only active when Output 1 is selected.
As shipped from the factory, DVM measurements are calculated from a total of 2048 readings taken at a
15.6 microsecond sampling rate. These parameters are fixed. Therefore, the data acquisition time for a
single measurement is about 30 milliseconds. This sampling rate and data acquisition time combined
with a built-in windowing function reduces errors due to sampling a non-integral number of cycles of a
waveform for frequencies of 47 Hz or greater.
NOTE:If the front panel display indicates OVLD, the output has exceeded the measurement
capability of the instrument. If the front panel display indicates -- -- -- -- -- -- , a front
panel or an GPIB measurement is in progress.
Check that the DVM measurement points are within the DVM measurement capabilities:
The common mode voltage range of the DVM input is −4.5 V to +25 V from either DVM input with
respect to the negative output terminal of output 1. The maximum isolation voltage to ground is ±50 Vdc.
Refer to chapter 3 under "DVM Connection" for more information on how this affects the DVM’s
measurement capability.
Use the Meter menu for making DVM measurements:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad pre ss Meter and press q repeatedly
to access the following DVM measurement parameters:
♦dc voltage
♦rms voltage (ac + dc rms)
62
1
<reading>V DC:DVM
1
<reading>V RMS:DVM
Front Panel Operation - 5
8 - Programming External Protection and the Digital Port Functions
Your dc source is shipped with the output port function set to RIDFI mode. In this mode the port
functions as a remote inhibit input with a discrete fault indicator output signal. You can also configure
the port to act as a Digital Input/Output device.
To configure the RIDFI mode of the port, proceed as follows:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Output.
2.Scroll through the Output menu by pressing q. The PORT command lets you select
either the RIDFI or the DIGIO function. Press Enter when done.
3.Scroll to the RI command to configure the Remote INHibit indicator. Use the È and
É keys to select either LIVE or LATCHING, either of which enable the RI indicator.
Then press Enter. With RI enabled, a low-true on the INH input will disable the
output of the unit. LIVE causes the output of the unit to track the state of the INH
input. LATCHING latches the output of the unit off in response to the inhibit signal.
4.Access the Output menu again and scr oll through the menu. The DFI command lets
you enable the Discrete Fault Indicator. Use the É key and select ON to enable the
FLT output. Then press Enter. With the FLT output enabled, the open-collector logic
signal can be used to signal external devices when a fault condition is detected.
5.Scroll to the DFI:SOUR command to select the internal source that drives this signal.
Use the É key to select from the RQS or ESB bits, or the Operation or Questionable
status registers. Then press Enter. Status summary bits are explained in chapter 7.
To configure the DIGIO mode of the port, proceed as follows:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Output.
2.Scroll through the Output menu by pressing q. The PORT command lets you select
either the RIDFI or the DIGIO function. Press Enter when done.
3.Scroll to the DIGIO command to set and read the Digital Input/Output Port. Press
Enter Number and enter a number from 0 to 7 to program the three bits (0
programs all bits low; 7 programs all bits high). Press Enter when done.
DIGIO 5
9 - Setting the GPIB Address and Programming Language
Your dc source is shipped with the GPIB address set to 5. This address can only be changed from the
front panel using the Address menu located under the
programming language.
Set the GPIB address as follows:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the System keypad, press Address.
2.
Enter the new address. For example, Press Enter Number, 7, Enter.
Address key. This menu is also used to select the
ADDRESS 5
ADDRESS 7
63
5 – Front Panel Operation
Set the Language as follows: (not valid for Agilent 66309B/D)
ActionDisplay
1.
On the System keypad, press Address.
2.Scroll through the Addr ess menu by pressing q. The LANG command lets you
access the programming language.
3.The È and É keys let you select the language. You can select either SCPI or
COMPatibility. Press Enter when done. The la nguage setting is saved in non-volatile
memory.
ADDRESS 5
LANG:SCPI
10 - Storing and Recalling Instrument States
You can save up to 4 states (from location 0 to location 3) in non-volatile memory and recall them from
the front panel. All programmable settings are saved. This capability is only available when the unit is set
to the SCPI programming language.
NOTE:You can program the unit to automatically power-on according to the instrument state
that is saved in state 0 as shown in the third example.
Save an instrument state in location 0 as follows:
ActionDisplay
1.Set the instrument to the state that you want to save.
2.
Save this state to location 0. Press Save, Enter Number, 0, Enter.
*SAV 0
Recall a saved state as follows:
ActionDisplay
1.
Recall the state saved in location 0 by pressing Recall, Enter Number, 0, Enter
*RCL 0
Select the power-on state of the dc source as follows:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Output, and scroll through the Outp ut menu until you
get to the PON state command.
2.Use the È and É keys to select either RST or RCL0. RST sets the power-on state of
the unit as defined by the *RST command. RCL0 sets the power-on state of the unit to
the state saved in *RCL location 0. Press Enter when done.
PON:STATE RST
Clear the non-volatile memory of the dc source as follows:
ActionDisplay
1.
On the Function keypad, pr ess Output, Enter. This returns the unit to the factorydefault settings.
2.
Save these settings to location 0. Press Save, Enter Number, 0, Enter.
3.Re peat step #2 for memory locations 1 through 3.*SAV 1
*RST
*SAV 0
*SAV 2
*SAV 3
64
Introduction to Programming
External References
GPIB References
The most important GPIB documents are your controller programming manuals - BASIC, GPIB
Command Library for MS DOS, etc. Refer to these for all non-SCPI commands (for example: Local
Lockout).
The following are two formal documents concerning the GPIB interface:
♦ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation.
Defines the technical details of the GPIB interface. While much of the information is beyond the
need of most programmers, it can serve to clarify terms used in this guide and in related documents.
♦ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.2-1987 IEEE Standard Codes, Formats, Protocols, and Common Commands.
Recommended as a reference only if you intend to do fairly sophisticated programming. Helpful for
finding precise definitions of certain types of SCPI message formats, data types, or common
commands.
6
The above two documents are available from the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers),
345 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, USA. The WEB address is www.ieee.org.
SCPI References
The following documents will assist you with programming in SCPI:
♦ Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments Volume 1, Syntax and Style
♦ Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments Volume 2, Command References
♦ Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments Volume 3, Data Interchange Format
♦ Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments Volume 4, Instrument Classes
To obtain a copy of the above documents, contact: Fred Bode, Executive Director, SCPI Consortium,
8380 Hercules Drive, Suite P3, Ls Mesa, CA 91942, USA
65
6 - Introduction to Programming
VXI
plug&play
VXIplug&play instrument drivers for Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT are now available on
the Web at http://www.agilent.com/find/drivers. These instrument drivers provide a high-level
programming interface to your Agilent Technologies instrument. VXIplug&play instrument drivers are
an alternative to programming your instrument with SCPI command strings. Because the instrument
driver’s function calls work together on top of the VISA I/O library, a single instrument driver can be
used with multiple application environments.
The VXIplug&play Power Products instrument driver complies with the following:
ðMicrosoft Windows 95
ðMicrosoft Windows NT 4.0
ðHP VISA revision F.01.02
ðNational Instruments VISA 1.1
Downloading and Installing the Driver
NOTE: Before installing the VXIplug&play instrument driver, make sure that you have one of
the supported applications installed and running on your computer.
1. Access Agilent Technologies’ Web site at http://www.agilent.com/find/drivers.
2. Select the instrument for which you need the driver.
3. Click on the driver, either Windows 95 or Windows NT, and download the executable file to your pc.
4. Locate the file that you downloaded from the Web. From the Start menu select Run
<path>:\agxxxx.exe - where <path> is the directory path where the file is located, and agxxxx is the
instrument driver that you downloaded .
5. Follow the directions on the screen to install the software. The default installation selections will
work in most cases. The readme.txt file contains product updates or corrections that are not
documented in the on-line help. If you decide to install this file, use any text editor to open and read
it.
6. To use the VXIplug&play instrument driver, follow the directions in the VXIplug&play online help
under “Introduction to Programming”.
66
Introduction to Programming - 6
Accessing Online Help
A comprehensive online programming reference is provided with the driver. It describes how to get
started using the instrument driver with Agilent VEE, LabVIEW, and LabWindows. It includes
complete descriptions of all function calls as well as example programs in C/C++ and Visual BASIC.
ðTo access the online help when you have chosen the default Vxipnp start folder, click on the Start
button and select Programs | Vxipnp | Agxxxx Help (32-bit).
- where agxxxx is the instrument driver.
GPIB Capabilities of the DC Source
All dc source functions except for setting the GPIB address are programmable over the GPIB. The IEEE
488.2 capabilities of the dc source are listed in the Specifications Table in Appendix A.
GPIB Address
The dc source operates from an GPIB address that is set from the front panel. To set the GPIB address,
press the Address key on the front panel and enter the address using the Entry keys. The address can be
set from 0 to 30. The GPIB address is stored in non-volatile memory.
ADDRESS <value>Enter a value to set the GPIB Address
RS-232 Capabilities of the DC Source
Agilent 66111A and 66311B/D dc sources provide an RS-232 programming interface, which is activated
by commands located under the front panel Address key. All SCPI and COMPatibility commands are
available through RS-232 programming. When the RS-232 interface is selected, the GPIB interface is
disabled.
The EIA RS-232 Standard defines the interconnections between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and
Data Communications Equipment (DCE). The dc source is designed to be a DTE. It can be connected to
another DTE such as a PC COM port through a null modem cable.
NOTE:The RS-232 settings in your program must match the settings specified in the front panel
Address menu. Press the front panel Address key if you need to change the settings.
RS-232 Data Format
The RS-232 data is a 10-bit word with one start bit and one stop bit. The number of start and stop bits is
not programmable. However, the following parity options are selectable using the front panel Address
key:
EVENSeven data bits with even parity
ODDSeven data bits with odd parity
MARKSeven data bits with mark parity (parity is always true)
67
6 - Introduction to Programming
SPACESeven data bits with space parity (parity is always false)
NONEEight data bits without parity
Parity options are stored in non-volatile memory.
Baud Rate
The front panel Address key lets you select one of the following baud rates, which is stored in nonvolatile memory:
300 600 1200 2400 4800 9600
RS-232 Flow Control
The RS-232 interface supports several flow control options that are selected using the front panel
Address key. For each case, the dc source will send a maximum of five characters after holdoff is
asserted by the controller. The dc source is capable of receiving as many as fifteen additional characters
after it asserts holdoff.
XON-XOFFA software handshake that uses the ASCII control code DC3 (decimal code
19) to assert hold-off, and control code DC1 (decimal code 17) to release
hold-off.
RTS-CTSThe dc source asserts its Request to Send (RTS) line to signal hold-off
when its input buffer is almost full, and it interprets its Clear to Send (CTS)
line as a hold-off signal from the controller.
DTR-DSRThe dc source asserts its Data Terminal Ready (DTR) line to signal hold-
off when its input buffer is almost full, and it interprets its Data Set Ready
(DSR) line as a hold-off signal from the controller.
NONEThere is no flow control.
Flow control options are stored in non-volatile memory.
Introduction to SCPI
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is a programming language for controlling
instrument functions over the GPIB. SCPI is layered on top of the hardware-portion of IEEE 488.2. The
same SCPI commands and parameters control the same functions in different classes of instruments. For
example, you would use the same DISPlay command to control the dc source display and the display of a
SCPI-compatible multimeter.
68
Introduction to Programming - 6
[
]
y
[
]
[
]
Conventions Used in 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, NORM |
TEXT indicates that either "TEXT" or "NORM" 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.
Boldface font
Boldface font is used to emphasize syntax in command definitions.
Computer fontComputer font is used to show program lines in text.
TRIGger:COUNt:CURRent 10 shows a program line.
Types of SCPI Commands
SCPI has two types of commands, common and subsystem.
♦ Common commands generally are not related to specific operation but to controlling overall dc
source 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 dc source 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. You can see the complete
tree in Table 8-1.
ROOT
:OUTPut
:STATe
:DFI
:STATe
:SOURce
:PON
:PROTection
:STATus
:OPERation
:STATe
:CLEar
:DELa
?
:EVEN
:CONDition?
Figure 6-1. Partial Command Tree
69
6 - Introduction to Programming
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 dc source.
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:
OUTP:STAT ON;PROT:DEL 2
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 "OUTP" was omitted because after the
"OUTP:STAT ON" command, the header path was became defined as "OUTP" and thus the instrument
interpreted the second command as:
OUTP:PROT:DEL 2
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:
OUTP:OUTP:PROT:DEL 2
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;:STATus:OPERation:CONDition?The following message shows how to combine commands from different subsystems as well as within
the same subsystem:
VOLTage:LEVel 20;PROTection 28;:CURRent:LEVel 3;PROTection:STATe ONNote the use of the optional header LEVel to maintain the correct path within the voltage and current
subsystems, and the use of the root specifier to move between subsystems.
Including Common CommandsYou 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.
VOLTage:TRIGgered 17.5;:INITialize;*TRGOUTPut OFF;*RCL 2;OUTPut ON
70
Introduction to Programming - 6
y
y
g
g
y
Message Terminator
Root Specifier
CURR?
Using Queries
Observe the following precautions with queries:
♦ Set up the proper number of variables for the returned data.
♦ Read back all the results of a query before sending another command to the dc source. Otherwise a
Query Interrupted error will occur and the unreturned data will be lost.
Types of 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 dc source. The message, which may be sent at any time, requests the dc source to
perform some action.
♦ A response message consists of data in a specific SCPI format sent from the dc source to the
controller. The dc source sends the message only when commanded by a program message "query."
The following figure illustrates SCPI message structure:
Data
words
Ke
VOLT
word Separator
Ke
Messa
: LEV 20
e Unit Separators
Messa
e Unit
PROT 21;;:
Quer
Indicato r
<NL>
),**$/
Figure 6-2. Command Message Structure
The Message Unit
The simplest SCPI command is a single message unit consisting of a command header (or keyword)
followed by a message terminator. The message unit may include a parameter after the header. The
parameter can be numeric or a string.
ABORt<NL>VOLTage 20<NL>
Headers
Headers, also referred to as keywords, are instructions recognized by the dc source. Headers may be
either in the long form or 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.
71
6 - Introduction to Programming
Query Indicator
Following a header with a question mark turns it into a query (VOLTage?, VOLTage:PROTection?). If a
query contains a parameter, place the query indicator at the end of the last header.
VOLTage:PROTection? MAX
Message Unit Separator
When two or more message units are combined into a compound message, separate the units with a
semicolon.
STATus:OPERation?;QUEStionable?
Root Specifier
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.
Message Terminator
A terminator informs SCPI that it has reached the end of a message. Three permitted messages
terminators are:
♦ newline (<NL>), which is ASCII decimal 10 or hex 0A.
♦ end or identify (<END>)
♦ both of the above (<NL><END>).
In the examples of this guide, there is an assumed message terminator at the end of each message.
SCPI Data Formats
All data programmed to or returned from the dc source is ASCII. The data may be numerical or character
string.
Numerical Data Formats
Symbol Response Formats
<NR1>Digits with an implied decimal point assumed at the right of the least-significant digit.
Examples: 273
<NR2><NR3>
<Nrf><Nrf+>
Digits with an explicit decimal point. Example: .0273Digits with an explicit decimal point and an exponent. Example: 2.73E+2
Parameter Formats
Extended format that includes <NR1>, <NR2> and <NR3>. Examples: 273 273. 2.73E2Expanded decimal format that includes <NRf> and MIN MAX. Examples: 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.
<Bool>
Boolean Data. Example: 0 | 1 or ON | OFF
72
Introduction to Programming - 6
Suffixes and Multipliers
Class Suffix Unit Unit with Multiplier
CurrentAampereMA (milliampere)
AmplitudeVvoltMV (millivolt)
TimeSsecondMS (millisecond)
Common Multipliers
1E3Kkilo1E-3Mmilli1E-6Umicro
Response Data Types
Character strings returned by query statements may take either of the following forms, depending on the
length of the returned string:
<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 double quotes.
SCPI Command Completion
SCPI commands sent to the dc source 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. Commands that affect
trigger actions are among the parallel commands.
The *WAI, *OPC, and *OPC? common commands provide different ways of indicating when all
transmitted commands, including any parallel ones, have completed their operations. The syntax and
parameters for these commands are described in chapter 8. Some practical considerations for using these
commands are as follows:
*WAI
This prevents the dc source from processing subsequent commands until all pending
operations are completed.
*OPC?
This 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.
*OPC
This 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.
NOTE: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.
73
6 - Introduction to Programming
Using Device Clear
You can send a device clear at any time abort a SCPI command that may be hanging up the GPIB
interface. The status registers, the error queue, and all configuration states are left unchanged when a
device clear message is received. Device clear performs the following actions:
♦ The input and output buffers of the dc source are cleared.
♦ The dc source is prepared to accept a new command string.
The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB interface using Agilent BASIC:
CLEAR 705IEEE-488 Device Clear
The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB interface using the GPIB
command library for C or QuickBASIC:
IOCLEAR (705)
SCPI Conformance Information
SCPI Conformed Commands
The Agilent 66111A, 66311B/D, and 66309B/D conform to SCPI Version 1995.0.
This chapter contains examples on how to program your dc source. Simple examples show you how to
program:
u output functions such as voltage and current
u internal and external triggers
u measurement functions
u the status and protection functions
NOTE:The examples in this chapter show which commands are used to perform a particular
function, but do not show the commands being used in any particular programming
environment. Refer to Appendix D for some examples of SCPI commands in a specific
programming environment.
7
Programming the Output
Power-on Initialization
When the dc source is first turned on, it wakes up with the output state set OFF. In this state the output
voltage is set to 0. The following commands are given implicitly at power-on:
*RST
*CLS
STAT:PRES
*SRE 0
*ESE 0
*RST is a convenient way to program all parameters to a known state. Refer to the *RST command in
chapter 8 to see how each programmable parameter is set by *RST. Refer to the *PSC command in
chapter 8 for more information on the power-on initialization of the *ESE and the *SRE registers.
Enabling the Output
To enable the output, use the command:
OUTP ON
Note that this command enables both outputs on Agilent 66309B/66309D units.
75
7 - Programming the DC Source
Output Voltage
The output voltage is controlled with the VOLTage command. To set the output voltage to 5 volts, use:
VOLT 5or
VOLT2 5 for models that have a second output
Maximum Voltage
The maximum output voltage that can be programmed can be queried with:
VOLT? MAX
Overvoltage Protection
The dc source can be programmed to turn off its output if the output voltage exceeds a preset peak
voltage limit. As explained in chapter 8, this protection feature is implemented with the following
command:
VOLT:PROT <n>where <n> is the voltage protection level.
NOTE:Use the VOLTage:PROTection:STATe 0 command to disable the overvoltage protection
circuit if its operation interferes with the proper operation of your phone test.
Output Current
All models have a programmable current function. The command to program the current is:
CURR <n> or
CURR2 <n> for models that have a second output
where <n> is the current limit in amperes.
If the load attempts to draw more current than the programmed limit, the output voltage is reduced to
keep the current within the limit.
Maximum Current
The maximum output current that can be programmed can be queried with:
CURR? MAX
Overcurrent Protection
The dc source can also be programmed to turn off its output if the current limit is reached. As explained
in chapter 8, this protection feature is implemented the following command:
CURR:PROT:STAT ON | OFF
NOTE:Use the OUTPut:PROTection:DELay command to prevent momentary current limit
conditions caused by programmed output changes from tripping the overcurrent
protection.
76
Programming the DC Source - 7
IDLE STATE
TRIGGER RECEIVED
INITiate[:IMMediate]
CHANGE
OUTPUT
Triggering Output Changes
The dc source has two independent trigger systems. One is used for synchronizing output changes, and
the other is used for synchronizing measurements. This section describes the output trigger system. The
measurement trigger system is described under "Triggering Measurements".
SCPI Triggering Nomenclature
In SCPI terms, trigger systems are called sequences. When more than one trigger system exists, they are
differentiated by naming them SEQuence1 and SEQuence2. SEQuence1 is the transient trigger system
and SEQuence2 is the measurement trigger system. The dc source uses aliases with more descriptive
names for these sequences. These aliases can be used instead of the sequence forms.
Sequence FormAlias
SEQuence1TRANsient
SEQuence2ACQuire
Output Trigger Model
Figure 7-1 is a model of the output trigger system. The rectangular boxes represent states. Arrows show
the transitions between states. These are labeled with the input or event that causes the transition to
occur.
ABORt
INITiate:CONTinuous OFF
INITiate:CONTinuous ON
Figure 7-1. Model of Output Trigger System
INITIATED STATE
LEVEL
*RST
*RCL
Setting the Voltage or Current Transient Levels
To program output trigger levels, you must first specify a voltage or current trigger level that the output
will go to once a trigger signal is received. Use the following commands to set the output trigger level:
VOLT:TRIG <n>
VOLT2:TRIG <n> for models that have a second output
CURR:TRIG <n>
CURR2:TRIG <n> for models that have a second output
NOTE:Until they are programmed, trigger levels will be the same as the corresponding voltage
or current levels. For example, if a dc source is powered up and the voltage is
programmed to 6, the trigger level is also set to 6. Once you program a trigger level, it
will stay at that value until the output is changed by a transient trigger or reprogrammed.
77
7 - Programming the DC Source
Enabling the Output Trigger System
When the dc source is turned on, the trigger subsystem is in the idle state. In this state, the trigger
subsystem is disabled, ignoring all triggers. Sending the following commands at any time returns the
trigger system to the idle state:
ABOR
*RST
*RCL
The INITiate commands move the trigger system from the idle state to the initiated state. This enables
the dc source to receive triggers. To initiate for a single triggered action, use:
INIT:SEQ1 or
INIT:NAME TRAN
After a trigger is received and the action completes, the trigger system will return to the idle state. Thus it
will be necessary to enable the system each time a triggered action is desired.
To keep the transient trigger system initiated for multiple triggers without having to send an initiate
command for each trigger, use:
INIT:CONT:SEQ1 ON or
INIT:CONT:NAME TRAN, ON
Selecting the Output Trigger Source
The only trigger source for output triggers is a command from the bus. Since BUS is the only trigger
source, the following command is provided for completeness only:
TRIG:SOUR BUS
Generating Triggers
Single Trigger
After you have specified the appropriate trigger source, you can generate triggers by sending one of the
following commands over the GPIB:
TRIG:IMM
*TRG
an IEEE-488 Group Execute Trigger bus command
When the trigger system enters the Output Change state upon receipt of a trigger (see figure 7-1), the
triggered functions are set to their programmed trigger levels. When the triggered actions are completed,
the trigger system returns to the idle state.
Multiple Triggers
When you have programmed INITiate:CONTinuous:SEQuence1 ON as previously discussed, the trigger
system does not need to be initiated for each trigger; it responds to the next trigger as soon as it is
received. When each triggered action completes, the trigger system returns to the initiated state to wait
for the next trigger. INITiate:CONTinuous:SEQuence1 OFF returns the system to single trigger mode.
78
Programming the DC Source - 7
Making Basic Measurements
All dc sources have excellent output voltage and current measurement capability.
NOTE:There is only one measurement system in the dc source. Therefore, you can perform only
one measurement function (voltage, current, or DVM) at a time.
All measurements are performed by digitizing the instantaneous output voltage or current for a defined
number of samples and sample interval, storing the results in a buffer, and then calculating the measured
result. For the main output (output 1), many parameters of the measurement are programmable. These
include the number of samples, the time interval between samples, and the method of triggering. Note
that there is a tradeoff between these parameters and the speed, accuracy, and stability of the
measurement in the presence of noise.
Average Measurements
To measure the average output voltage or current for the main output (output 1), use:MEAS:VOLT?
MEAS:CURR?
Average voltage and current is measured by acquiring a number of readings at the selected time interval,
applying the Hanning window function to the readings, and averaging the readings. Windowing is a
signal conditioning process that reduces the error in average measurements made in the presence of
periodic signals such as pulse current waveforms, which are generated when TDMA cellular phones are
transmitting. The power-on and *RST sample interval and sweep size settings yield a data acquisition
time of 32 milliseconds per measurement.
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. If you increase the data
acquisition time for each measurement to 45 microseconds for example, this results in 5.53 cycles in the
acquisition window at 60 Hz, for a ripple rejection of about 70 dB.
Controlling Measurement Samples
You can vary both the number of data points in a measurement sample, as well as the time between
samples. This is illustrated in Figure 7-2.
<
p
Figure 7-2. Commands that Control Measurement Time
79
7 - Programming the DC Source
When the instrument is turned on and at *RST, the output voltage or current sampling rate is 15.6
microseconds, and the sweep size is set to 2048 data points. This means that it takes about 32
milliseconds to fill up 2048 data points in the data buffer. Adding a command processing overhead of
about 20 milliseconds results in a total measurement time of about 50 milliseconds per measurement.
You can vary this data sampling rate with:
For example, to set the time interval to 46.8 microseconds per measurement with 1500 samples, useSENS:SWE:TINT 46.8E-6;POIN 1500.
Note that reducing the number of sample points increases the speed of the measurement; however, the
tradeoff is greater measurement uncertainty in the presence of noise..
Window Functions
The dc source lets you select from two measurement window functions: Hanning and Rectangular. To
select a window function, use:
SENS:WIND: HANN | RECT
As shipped from the factory, the dc source measurement functions use a Hanning window. The Hanning
window applies a cos
4
weighting function to the data in the measurement buffer when computing average
and rms measurements. This returns accurate data even if an integral number of waveform cycles are not
captured, provided that at least three or more waveform cycles are in the measurement buffer. If there are
only one or two waveform cycles, the Hanning window will not give accurate results.
With a Rectangular window, no weighting function is applied to the data in the measurement buffer.
However, to use the Rectangular window function to return accurate data for one or more waveform
cycles, an integral number of waveform cycles must be captured in the measurement buffer. This means
that you must accurately know the waveform period beforehand. In this way you can chose the sample
interval and the number of data points so that an integral number of waveform cycles will end up in the
measurement buffer.
Measuring Output 2 Voltage and Current (Agilent 66309B/D only)
The measurement parameters for output 2 are not programmable. They are fixed at 2048 data points with
a 15.6 microsecond sampling rate using a Hanning window. To measure the average output voltage or
current for output 2, use:
MEAS:VOLT2?
MEAS:CURR2?
Making Enhanced Measurements
Agilent Models 66311B, 66311D, 66309B, and 66309D have the ability to make several types of voltage
or current waveform measurements. These expanded measurement capabilities are particularly useful for
loads that draw current in pulses. The SCPI language MEASure and FETCh queries are used to return the
various measurement parameters of voltage and current waveforms.
80
Programming the DC Source - 7
There are two ways to make enhanced measurements:
♦ Use the MEASure queries to immediately start acquiring new voltage or current data, and return
measurement calculations from this data as soon as the buffer is full. This is the easiest way to make
measurements, since it requires no explicit trigger programming. Additional calculations may be
obtained from the acquired data using FETCh queries.
♦ Use a triggered measurement when the measurement must be synchronized to a signal condition as
discussed under “Triggering Measurements”. Then use the FETCh queries to return calculations
from the data that was retrieved by the acquisition trigger. This method gives you the flexibility to
synchronize the data acquisition with a transition in the output voltage or current. FETCh queries do
not trigger the acquisition of new measurement data, but they can be used to return many different
calculations from the data that was retrieved by the acquisition trigger. Note that if you acquired
voltage data, you can fetch only voltage calculations.
NOTE:For each MEASure query, there exists a corresponding FETCh query. FETCh queries
perform the same calculation as MEASure queries, but do not acquire new data.
Current Ranges and Measurement Detector
The dc source has two current measurement ranges. The command that controls the ranges is:SENS:CURR:RANG MIN | MAX
When the range is set to MIN, the maximum current that can be measured is 20 milliamperes. The
crossover value of the high and low ranges is 20 milliamperes.
The dc source also has two measurement detectors. Check that the current detector is set to ACDC when
measuring current pulses or other waveforms with a frequency content greater than a few kilohertz.
SENS:CURR:DET ACDC
Select DC as the measurement detector if you are making only DC current measurements and you require
a measurement offset better than 2mA on the High current measurement range. Note that this selection
gives inaccurate results on current waveforms that have ac content.
SENS:CURR:DET DC
RMS Measurements
To read the rms content of a voltage or current waveform, use:MEAS:VOLT:ACDC? or
MEAS:CURR:ACDC?This returns the ac+dc rms measurement.
Making rms or average measurements on ac waveforms for which a non-integral number of cycles of data
has been acquired may result in measurement errors due to the last partial cycle of acquired data. The
instrument reduces this error by using a Hanning window function when making the measurement. If the
measurement readings vary from sample to sample, try increasing the data acquisition time to reduce
measurement error.
81
7 - Programming the DC Source
Pulse Measurements
After pulse data has been acquired, use FETCh queries to return measurement data in the shortest time.
FETCh queries do not trigger the acquisition of new measurement data, but return different calculations
from the data that was acquired. If you acquired voltage data, you can fetch only voltage measurements;
if you acquired current data you can fetch only current measurements, otherwise an error will occur.
The dc source has several measurement queries that return key parameters of pulse waveforms as shown
in Figure 7-3.
FETC:CURR:MAX?
FETC:VOLT:MAX?
FETC:CURR:HIGH?
FETC:VOLT:HIGH?
FETC:CURR:LOW?
DATA POINTS
Figure 7-3. Measurement Commands Used to Return Pulse Data
FETC:VOLT:LOW?
FETC:CURR:MIN?
FETC:VOLT:MIN?
Minimum and Maximum Measurements
To return the maximum or minimum value of a pulse or ac waveform use:FETC:VOLT:MAX? or
FETC:VOLT:MIN?FETC:CURR:MAX? orFETC:CURR:MIN?
High/Low Measurements
The value of the high level or low level of a pulse can also be measured. High and low level
measurements are defined as follows: The instrument first measures the minimum and maximum data
points of the pulse waveform. It then generates a histogram of the pulse waveform using 16 bins between
the maximum and minimum data points. The bin containing the most data points above the 50% point is
the high bin. The bin containing the most data points below the 50% point is the low bin. The average of
all the data points in the high bin is returned as the High level. The average of all the data points in the
low bin is returned as the Low level. If no high or low bin contains more than 1.25% of the total number
of acquired points, then the maximum or minimum value is returned by these queries.
To return the average value of the high bin, use:FETC:CURR:HIGH? or
FETC:VOLT:HIGH?
To return the average value of the low bin, use:FETC:CURR:LOW? or
FETC:VOLT:LOW?
82
Programming the DC Source - 7
Returning All Measurement Data From the Data Buffer
The MEASure:ARRay and FETCh:ARRay queries return all data values of the instantaneous voltage or
current buffer. No weighting function is applied, returning only raw data from the buffer. The commands
are:
MEAS:ARR:CURR?MEAS:ARR:VOLT?
Making DVM Measurements
Agilent Models 66311D and 66309D have a DVM input on the rear panel for making independent
voltage measurements. The common mode voltage range of the DVM is −4.5 V to +25 V from either
DVM input with respect to the negative output terminal of output 1. To protect the DVM from damage,
keep the maximum isolation voltage to ground at less than ±50 Vdc. To obtain correct voltage
measurements, keep the common mode voltage within the specified limits. Refer to chapter 3 under
"DVM Connection" for more information.
The DVM can only measure average and rms voltage. Its measurement parameters are not programmable.
They are fixed at 2048 data points with a 15.6 microsecond sampling rate using a Hanning window. Use
the SCPI language MEASure and FETCh queries to return measurements. Note that all triggered
measurement functions discussed the next section also apply to DVM measurements.
NOTE:There is only one measurement system in the dc source. Therefore, you can perform only
one measurement function (voltage, current, or DVM) at a time.
Average Measurements
To measure the average voltage, use:MEAS:DVM:DC?
Average voltage measured by acquiring a number of readings at the selected time interval, applying a
Hanning window function to the readings, and averaging the readings. Windowing is a signal
conditioning process that reduces the error in average measurements made in the presence of periodic
signals. The DVM sampling rate and sweep size result in a data acquisition time of 32 milliseconds per
measurement. Adding a command processing overhead of about 20 milliseconds results in a total
measurement time of about 50 milliseconds per measurement.
RMS Measurements
To measure rms voltage, use:MEAS:DVM:ACDC?
This returns the total rms measurement. If ac and dc are present, the DVM measures the total rms of
ac+dc.
Making rms or average measurements on ac waveforms for which a non-integral number of cycles of data
has been acquired may result in measurement errors due to the last partial cycle of acquired data. This
error is reduced by using a Hanning window function when making the measurement.
83
7 - Programming the DC Source
[
]
Triggered Measurements
Use the measurement trigger system to synchronize the acquisition of measurements with either a BUS or
internal trigger. You can trigger voltage and current measurements on the main output (output 1) and on
the DVM. An internal trigger synchronizes the acquisition to a signal condition. Use FETCh commands
to return different calculations from the data acquired by the measurement system. Briefly, to make a
triggered measurement:
1Select a sweep interval and sample size
2Set up the trigger levels
3Setting the output 2 voltage and current
4Select the trigger source
5Enable the trigger system
6Fetch the triggered measurements
SCPI Triggering Nomenclature
The dc source uses the following sequence name and alias for the measurement trigger system. The alias
can be used instead of the sequence form.
Sequence FormAliasSEQuence2ACQuire
Measurement Trigger Model
Figure 7-4 is a model of the measurement trigger system. The rectangular boxes represent states. The
arrows show the transitions between states. These are labeled with the input or event that causes the
transition to occur.
IDLE STATE
:IMMediate
INITIATED STATE
SENSe:SWEep:POINts
ACQUIRED
NO
TRIGger:COUNt
COMPLETE?
YES
INITiate
TRIGGER RECEIVED
ABORt
*RST
*RCL
Figure 7-4. Model of Measurement Trigger System
84
Programming the DC Source - 7
Enabling the Measurement Trigger SystemWhen the dc source is turned on, the trigger system is in the idle state. In this state, the trigger system is
disabled and it ignores all triggers. Sending the following commands at any time returns the trigger
system to the idle state:
ABORt*RST*RCL
The INITiate commands move the trigger system from the idle state to the initiated state. This enables
the measurement system to receive triggers. To initiate the measurement trigger system, use:
INIT:SEQ2 orINIT:NAME ACQ
After a trigger is received and the data acquisition completes, the trigger system will return to the idle
state (unless multiple triggers are desired). Thus it will be necessary to initiate the system each time a
triggered measurement is desired.
NOTE:The measurement trigger system cannot be initiated continuously. However, it can be
repeated for a limited number of times as explained under "Multiple triggers".
Selecting the Measurement Trigger SourceThe trigger system is waiting for a trigger signal in the initiated state. Before you generate a trigger, you
must select a trigger source. The following measurement trigger sources can be selected:
BUS -
Selects GPIB bus triggers. This synchronizes the measurement to the bus
trigger command
INTernal -
Selects the signal as the measurement trigger. This synchronizes the
measurement to the signal condition present at either the main output
(output1) terminals or the DVM inputs.
To select GPIB bus triggers, use:TRIG:SEQ2:SOUR BUS or
TRIG:ACQ:SOUR BUSTo select internal triggers use:
TRIG:SEQ2:SOUR INT orTRIG:ACQ:SOUR INT
Selecting the Sensing FunctionThere is only one measurement system in the dc source. The measurement system supports voltage
measurements at the main output, current measurements at the main output, and DVM input
measurements. Before you generate a measurement trigger, you must specify one of the following
measurement functions:
SENS:FUNC "CURR" orSENS:FUNC "VOLT" or
SENS:FUNC "DVM"
85
7 - Programming the DC Source
when signal crosses negative
Generating Measurement Triggers
Single Triggers
After you specify the appropriate trigger source and sensing function, generate triggers as follows:GPIB Triggers
Internal Triggers
Trigger occurs on rising edge
when signal crosses positive
hysteresis band limit
TRIG:ACQ:LEV:CURR <level>
TRIG:ACQ:LEV:VOLT <level>
TRIG:ACQ:SLOP:CURR POS
TRIG:ACQ:SLOP:VOLT NEG
Send one of the following commands over the GPIB:
TRIG:IMM (not affected by the trigger source setting)
*TRG
an IEEE-488 Group Execute Trigger bus command
To trigger off of the output signal, you must specify the output level that
generates the trigger, the rising or falling edge of the slope, and a hysteresis to
qualify trigger conditions. This is illustrated in figure 7-5 for current triggers.
To specify a hysteresis band to qualify the positive- or negative-going signal use:TRIG:SEQ2:HYST:CURR <value> or
TRIG:ACQ:HYST:CURR <value>
NOTE:When using internal triggers, do not INITiate the measurement until after you have
specified the slope, level, and hysteresis.
When the acquisition finishes, any of the FETCh queries can be used to return the results. Once the
measurement trigger is initiated, if a FETCh query is sent before the data acquisition is triggered or
before it is finished, the response data will be delayed until the trigger occurs and the acquisition
completes. This may tie up the computer if the trigger condition does not occur immediately.
86
Programming the DC Source - 7
One way to wait for results without tying up the computer is to use the SCPI command completion
commands. For example, you can send the *OPC command after INITialize, then occasionally poll the
OPC status bit in the standard event status register for status completion while doing other tasks. You can
also set up an SRQ condition on the OPC status bit going true and do other tasks until the SRQ interrupts.
Multiple Triggers
As shown in Figure 7-6, the dc source also has the ability to set up several measurements in succession.
This is accomplished by specifying a trigger count.
NOTE:Multiple triggers can only be programmed for voltage and current measurements on the
main output (output 1). Multiple triggers cannot be programmed for DVM
measurements.
trigger 1trigger 2trigger 3
trigger level
Measurement
(Measurement = time interval X # of points)
Measurement
TRIG:ACQ:COUN:VOLT 3 or
TRIG:ACQ:COUN:CURR 3
Measurement
Figure 7-6. Multiple Measurements
To set up the trigger system for a number of sequential acquisitions use:
With this setup, the instrument performs each acquisition sequentially, storing the digitized readings in
the internal measurement buffer. It is only necessary to initialize the measurement once at the start; after
each completed acquisition the instrument will wait for the next valid trigger condition to start another.
When all measurements complete, use FETCh commands to return the data.
By varying the measurement parameters, you can accurately measure specific portions of an output pulse.
For example, if you set the measurement time to match the pulse width, you can measure just the high
level of a specific number of output pulses. If you increase the measurement time to include the entire
waveform, you will return measurement data based on the entire waveform. To calculate the correct time
interval for your measurement, simply divide the desired measurement time by the number of points or
samples in the measurement.
NOTE:The total number of data points cannot exceed 4096. This means that the count
multiplied by the points in each measurement cannot exceed 4096; otherwise an error
will occur.
87
7 - Programming the DC Source
Pre-trigger and Post-trigger Data Acquisition
The measurement system lets you capture data before, after, or at the trigger signal. When a measurement
is initiated, the dc source continuously samples the instantaneous signal level of the sensing function. As
shown in figure 7-7, you can move the block of data being read into the acquisition buffer with reference
to the acquisition trigger. This permits pre-trigger or post-trigger data sampling.
=-
=-
=
=
Figure 7-7. Pre-trigger and Post-trigger Acquisition
To offset the beginning of the acquisition buffer relative to the acquisition trigger, use:
SENS:SWE:OFFS:POIN <offset>
The range for the offset is -4096 to 2,000,000,000 points. As shown in the figure, when the offset is
negative, the values at the beginning of the data record represent samples taken prior to the trigger. When
the value is 0, all of the values are taken after the trigger. Values greater than zero can be used to
program a delay time from the receipt of the trigger until the data points that are entered into the buffer
are valid. (Delay time = offset x sample period).
NOTE: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.
Programming the Status Registers
Status register programming lets you determine the operating condition of the dc source at any time. For
example, you may program the dc source to generate an interrupt (SRQ) when an event such as a current
limit occurs. When the interrupt occurs, your program can act on the event in the appropriate fashion.
Figure 7-8 shows the status register structure of the dc source. Table 7-1 defines the status bits. The
Standard Event, Status Byte, and Service Request Enable registers and the Output Queue perform
standard GPIB functions as defined in the IEEE 488.2 Standard Digital Interface for ProgrammableInstrumentation. The Operation Status and Questionable Status registers implement functions that are
specific to the dc source.
88
Programming the DC Source - 7
Power-On Conditions
Refer to the *RST command description in chapter 8 for the power-on conditions of the status registers.
QUESTIONABLE STATUS
UNR2
OVLD
OV
OC
N.U.
FP
OT
OS
N.U.
UNR
N.U.
OC2
N.U.
N.U.
OPC
N.U.
QYE
DDE
EXE
CME
N.U.
PON
CAL
N.U.
WTG
N.U.
CV
CV2
CC+
CCCC2
N.U.
CONDITION
0
1
1
2
2
3
8888
4
16
5
32
6-7
8
9
RI
512
10
1024
11
12
4096
13
14
15
STANDARD EVENT STATUS
EVENTENABLE
0
1
1
2
4
3
8
4
16
5
32
6
7
128
CONDITION
0
1
1-4
5
32
6,7
8
256
9
512
10
1024
11
2048
12
4096409640964096
13-15
PTR/NTR
2
16
323232
256256256256
512
1024
409640964096
16384163841638416384
16
32
128
EVENT
1
1
4
8
1
2
16
512
1024
LOGICAL
OR
OPERATION STATUS
PTR/NTR
512
1024
2048
256
EVENT
1
32
1
32
256
512
1024
2048
ENABLE
1
2
16
512
1024
OUTPUT QUEUE
DATA
DATA
DATA
ENABLE
1
32
256
512
1024
2048
LOGICAL
OR
LOGICAL
OR
QUEUE
NOT
EMPTY
OFF
N.U.
QUES
MAV
ESB
MSS
OPER
OUTPut:DFI
:SOURce
STATUS BYTE
0-2
3
4
5
6
7
128
8
16
32
64
RQS
SERVICE
REQUEST
GENERATION
SERVICE
REQUEST
ENABLE
8
16
32
128
LOGICAL
OR
FIG4-6.GAL
FLT
Figure 7-8. DC Source Status Model
89
7 - Programming the DC Source
Table 7-1. Bit Configurations of Status Registers
BitSignalMeaning0
589101112
0134589101214
023457
3456
7
CALWTGCVCV2CC+CC-CC2
OVOCPFPOTOSUNR2RIUNROC2MeasOvld
OPCQYEDDEEXECMEPON
QUESMAVESBMSSRQSOPER
Operation Status GroupThe dc source is computing new calibration constantsThe dc source is waiting for a triggerThe dc source is in constant voltage mode
Output 2 is operating in constant voltage mode
The dc source is in constant current modeThe dc source is in negative constant current modeOutput 2 is operating in co nstant current modeQuestionable Status GroupThe overvoltage protection has trippedThe overcurrent protection has trippedA front panel key has been depressed while in local modeThe overtemperature protection has trippedAn open sense lead has been detectedOutput 2 is unregulatedThe remote inhibit state is activeThe output is unregulatedOutput 2 overcurrent protection has trippedCurrent measurement exceeded capability of low rangeStandard Event Status GroupOperation completeQuery errorDevice-dependent errorExecution errorCommand errorPower-onStatus Byte and Service Request Enable RegistersQuestionable status summary bitMessage Available summary bitEvent Status Summary bitMaster Status Summary bitRequest Service bitOperation status summary bit
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.
A register that holds real-time status of the circuits being monitored. It is a
read-only register.
A positive transition filter that functions as described under
STAT:OPER:NTR|PTR commands in chapter 8. It is a read/write register.
A negative transition filter that functions as described under
STAT:OPER:NTR|PTR commands in chapter 8. It is a read/write register.
A register that latches any condition that is passed through the PTR or NTR
filters. It is a read-only register that is cleared when read.
A register that functions as a mask for enabling specific bits from the Event
register. It is a read/write register.
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Programming the DC Source - 7
Questionable Status Group
The Questionable Status registers record signals that indicate abnormal operation of the dc source. As
shown in figure 7-7, the group consists of the same type of registers 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.
RegisterCommandDescription
ConditionPTR Filter
NTR Filter
EventEnable
Standard Event Status Group
STAT:QUES:COND?STAT:QUES:PTR <n>
STAT:QUES:NTR <n>
STAT:QUES:EVEN?STAT:QUES:ENAB <n>
A register that holds real-time status of the circuits being monitored. It is a
read-only register.
A positive transition filter that functions as described under
STAT:QUES:NTR|PTR commands in chapter 8. It is a read/write register.
A negative transition filter that functions as described under
STAT:QUES:NTR|PTR commands in chapter 8. It is a read/write
register.
A register that latches any condition that is passed through the PTR or NTR
filters. It is a read-only register that is cleared when read.
A register that functions as a mask for enabling specific bits from the Event
register. It is a read/write register..
This group consists of an Event register and an Enable register that are programmed by Common
commands. The Standard Event event register latches events relating to instrument communication status
(see figure 7-7). 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.
CommandAction*ESE
*PSC ON*ESR?
The PON (Power On) Bit
The PON bit in the Standard Event event register is set whenever the dc source is turned on. The most
programs specific bits in the Standard Event enable register.clears the Standard Event enable register at power-on.reads and clears the Standard Event event register.
common use for PON is to generate an SRQ at power-on following an unexpected loss of power. To do
this, bit 7 of the Standard Event enable register must be set so that a power-on event registers in the ESB
(Standard Event Summary Bit), bit 5 of the Service Request Enable register must be set to permit an SRQ
to be generated, and *PSC OFF must be sent. The commands to accomplish these conditions are:
*PSC OFF
*ESE 128
*SRE 32
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. See Table 7-1 for the bit configuration.
CommandAction*STB?reads the data in the register but does not clear it (returns MSS in bit 6)serial pollclears RQS inside the register and returns it in bit position 6 of the response.
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7 - Programming the DC Source
The MSS Bit
This 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 dc source 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
The RQS bit is a latched version of the MSS bit. Whenever the dc source requests service, it sets the
SRQ interrupt line true and latches RQS into bit 6 of the Status Byte register. When the controller 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.
The MAV Bit and Output Queue
The Output Queue is a first-in, first-out (FIFO) data register that stores dc source-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.
Determining the Cause of a Service Interrupt
You can determine the reason for an SRQ by the following actions:
Step 1 Determine which summary bits are active. Use:
*STB? or serial poll
Step 2
Read the corresponding Event register for each summary bit to determine which events
caused the summary bit to be set. Use:
STAT:QUES:EVEN?STAT:OPER:EVEN?ESR?
When an Event register is read, it is cleared. This also clears the corresponding
summary bit.
Step 3 Remove the specific condition that caused the event. If this is not possible, the event
may be disabled by programming the corresponding bit of the status group Enable
register or NTR|PTR filter. A faster way to prevent the interrupt is to disable the
service request by programming the appropriate bit of the Service Request Enable
register
Servicing Operation Status and Questionable Status Events
This example assumes you want a service request generated whenever the dc source switches to the CC
(constant current) operating mode, or whenever the dc source’s overvoltage, overcurrent, or
overtemperature circuits have tripped. From figure 7-7, note the required path for a condition at bit 10
(CC) of the Operation Status register to set bit 6 (RQS) of the Status Byte register. Also note the
required path for Questionable Status conditions at bits 0, 1, and 4 to generate a service request (RQS) at
the Status Byte register. The required register programming is as follows:
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Programming the DC Source - 7
Step 1 Program the Operation Status PTR register to allow a positive transition at bit 10 to
be latched into the Operation Status Event register, and allow the latched event to be
summed into the Operation summary bit. Use:
STAT:OPER:PTR 1024;ENAB 1024
Step 2
Program the Questionable Status PTR register to allow a positive transition at bits 0,
1, or 4 to be latched into the Questionable Status Event register, and allow the latched
event to be summed into the Questionable summary bit. Use:
STAT:QUES:PTR 19;ENAB 19 (1 + 2 + 16 = 19)
Step 3
Step 4
Program the Service Request Enable register to allow both the Operation and the
Questionable summary bits from the Status Byte register to generate RQS. Use:
*SRE 136 (8 + 128 = 136)
When you service the request, read the event registers to determine which Operation
Status and Questionable Status Event register bits are set, and clear the registers for
the next event. Use:
STAT:OPER:EVEN;QUES:EVEN?
Monitoring Both Phases of a Status Transition
You can monitor a status signal for both its positive and negative transitions. For example, to generate
RQS when the dc source either enters the CC+ (constant current) condition or leaves that condition,
program the Operational Status PTR/NTR filter as follows:
The PTR filter will cause the OPERational summary bit to set RQS when CC+ occurs. When the
controller subsequently reads the event register with STATus:OPERational:EVENt?, the register is
cleared. When CC+ subsequently goes false, the NTR filter causes the OPERational summary bit to
again set RQS.
Inhibit/Fault Indicator
The remote inhibit(INH) and discrete fault(FLT) indicators are implemented through the respective INH
and FLT connections on the rear panel. Refer to Table A-2 for the electrical parameters. Refer to
Appendix E for a programming example.
Remote Inhibit (RI)
Remote inhibit is an external, chassis-referenced logic signal routed through the rear panel INH
connection, which allows an external device to disable the dc source output. To select an operating
modes for the remote inhibit signal, use:
OUTP:RI:MODE LATC | LIVE | OFF
93
7 - Programming the DC Source
Discrete Fault Indicator (DFI)
The discrete fault indicator is an open-collector logic signal connected to the rear panel FLT connection
that can be used to signal external devices when a fault condition is detected. To select the internal fault
source that drives this signal, use:
OUTPut:DFI:SOURce QUEStionable | OPERation | ESB | RQS | OFF
To enable or disable the DFI output, use:OUTPut:DFI:STATe ON | OFF
Using the Inhibit/Fault Port as a Digital I/O
You can configure the inhibit/fault port to provide a digital input/output to be used with custom digital
interface circuits or relay circuits. As shipped from the factory, the port is shipped for inhibit/fault
operation. You can change the configuration of the port to operate as a general-purpose digital input
output port with the following command:
[SOURce:]DIGital:FUNCtion RIDFi | DIGio
The following table shows the pin assignments of the mating plug when used in RI/DFI mode as well as
Digital I/O mode. Refer to Table A-2 for the electrical characteristics of the port.
To program the digital I/O port use:[SOURce:]DIGital:DATA <data>
where the data is an integer from 0 to 7 that sets pins 1 to 3 according to their binary weight. Refer to the
DIGital:DATA command for more information.
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8
Language Dictionary
Introduction
This section gives the syntax and parameters for all the IEEE 488.2 SCPI commands and the Common
commands used by the dc source. It is assumed that you are familiar with the material in chapter 6, which
explains the terms, symbols, and syntactical structures used here and gives an introduction to
programming. You should also be familiar with chapter 5, in order to understand how the dc source
functions.
The programming examples are simple applications of SCPI commands. Because the SCPI syntax
remains the same for all programming languages, the examples given for each command are generic.
Syntax Forms
Syntax definitions use the long form, but only short form headers (or "keywords")
appear in the examples. Use the long form to help make your program selfdocumenting.
Parameters
Most commands require a parameter and all queries will return a parameter. The
range for a parameter may vary according to the model of dc source. When this is the
case, refer to the Specifications table in the Appendix A.
Related
Commands
Where appropriate, related commands or queries are included. These are listed
because they are either directly related by function, or because reading about them
will clarify or enhance your understanding of the original command or query.
Order of
Presentation
The dictionary is organized according to the following functions: calibration, display,
measurement, output, status, system, trigger, and common commands. Both the
subsystem commands and the common commands that follow are arranged in
alphabetical order under each heading.
Subsystem Commands
Subsystem commands are specific to 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 command groups are arranged according to function: Calibration, Display, Measurement,
Output, Status, System, and Trigger. Commands under each function are grouped alphabetically.
Commands followed by a question mark (?) take only the query form. When commands take both the
command and query form, this is noted in the syntax descriptions. Table 8-1 lists all of the subsystem
commands in alphabetical order.
Calibrate positive output current and high current measurement range
Calibrate low current measurement rangeCalibrate ac current measurement circuits
Calibrate output2 current
Sets and reads the calibration dateCalibrate DVM voltage readbackAdvance to next calibration step (P1 | P2)Set calibration passwordSave new cal constants in non-volatile memoryEnable or disable calibration modeCalibrate output voltage and voltage readbackBegin voltage protection calibration sequence
Calibrate output2 voltage
Enable/disable front panel displaySelect the output that is displayed ( 1 | 2)Set display mode (NORM | TEXT)Sets the text that is displayed
Specifies data type and length for all array queriesSpecifies byte order for all array queries
Enable the numbered trigger system sequence (1 | 2)Enable the named trigger system sequence (TRAN | ACQ)
Couples or decouples output 1 and output 2 (NONE or ALL)
Returns the output 2 current measurementReturns the output 2 voltage measurement
Returns the digitized instantaneous currentReturns the digitized instantaneous voltage
Returns dc currentReturns the total rms current (ac+dc)Returns the HIGH level of a current pulseReturns the LOW level of a current pulseRetu rns maximum curre ntRetu rns minimum current
Selects the high current measurement rangeSelects the current measurement detector (ACDC | DC)Configures the measurement sensor ("VOLT" | "CURR" | "DVM")
Enables/disables open sense lead detection
Defines the pre/post data capture in the measurementDefine the number of data points in the measurementSets the digitizer sample spacingSets the measurement window function (HANN | RECT)
Sets the output current limitSets the triggered output current limit
Enables/disables current limit protection
Sets the output2 current levelSets the triggered output2 current level
Sets and reads the digital control portConfigures digital control port (RIDF | DIG)
Sets the output voltage levelSets the triggered output voltage level
Sets the overvoltage protection thresholdEnables/disables overvoltage protection
Sets the output2 voltage levelSets the triggered output2 voltage level
Presets all enable and transition registers to power-onReturns the value of the event register
Returns the value of the condition registerEnables specific bits in the Event registerSets the Negative transition filterSets the Positive transition filter
Returns the value of the event registerReturns the value of the condition registerEnables specific bits in the Event registerSets the Negative transition filterSets the Positive transition filter
Returns the error number and error stringSets the programming language (SCP I | COMP)Returns the SCPI version number
Triggers the measurement immediatelySets the number of sweeps per current measurement
Sets the number of sweeps per DVM measurementSets the number of sweeps per voltage measurement
Qualifies the trigger when measuring currentQualifies the trigger when making DVM measurementsQualifies the trigger when measuring voltage
Sets the trigger level for measuring currentSets the trigger level when making DVM measurementsSets the trigger level for measuring voltage
Sets the triggered current slope (POS | NEG | EITH)Sets the triggered DVM measurement slope (POS | NEG | EITH)Sets the triggered voltage slope (POS | NEG | EITH)Sets the trigger source (BUS | INT)
Triggers the output immediatelySets the trigger source (BUS)
Sets or queries the SEQ1 nameSets or queries the SEQ2 name
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Language Dictionary - 8
Common Commands
Common commands begin with an * and consist of three letters (command) or three letters and a ?
(query). They are defined by the IEEE 488.2 standard to perform common interface functions. Common
commands and queries are categorized under System, Status, or Trigger functions and are listed at the
end of the chapter. The dc source responds to the following common commands:
Clear statusStandard event status enableReturn standard event status enableReturn event status registerReturn instrument identificationEnable "operation complete" bit in ESRReturn a "1" when operation completeReturn option numberPower-on status clear state set/resetReturn power-on status clear stateRecall instrument stateResetSave instrument stateSet service request enable registerReturn service request enable registerReturn status byteTriggerPerform selftest, then return resultHold off bus until all device commands done
Programming Parameters
The following table lists the output programming parameters.
Table 8-3. Output Programming Parameters
ParameterValue
[SOUR:]CURR[:LEV][:IMM] MAX and
[SOUR:]CURR[:LEV]:TRIG MAX
[SOUR:]CURR2[:LEV][:IMM] MAX and
[SOUR:]CURR2[:LEV]:TRIG M AX
*RST Current Value10% of MAX value[SOUR:]VOLT[:LEV][:IMM]MAX and
[SOUR:]VOLT[:LEV]:TRIG MAX
[SOUR:]VOLT2[:LEV][:IMM]MAX and
[SOUR:]VOLT2[:LEV]:TRIG MAX
*RST Voltage Value0 V[SOUR:]VOLT:PROT[:LEV] MAX22 V*RST OVP ValueMAXOUTP:PROT:DEL MAX2,147,483.647*RST Protection Delay Value0.08 secondsSENS:CURR:RANG (not valid for Agilent
66111A)
*RST Current RangeValue MAX
3.0712 A
1.52 A
15.535 V
12.25 V
Low range = 0 − 20 mA
High Range = 20 mA − MAX
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8 – Language Dictionary
Calibration Commands
Calibration commands let you enable and disable the calibration mode, change the calibration password,
calibrate current and voltage programming, and store new calibration constants in nonvolatile memory.
NOTE:If calibration mode has not been enabled with CALibrate:STATe, programming the
calibration commands will generate an error. You must also save any changes that you made
using CALibrate:SAVE, otherwise all changes will be lost when you exit calibration mode.
CALibrate:CURRent
This command initiates the calibration of the positive dc output current as well as the high-range current