Agilent Technologies E3632A User Manual

User’s Guide

Part Number: E3632-90001 October 2007.

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

Agilent E3632A DC Power Supply

The Agilent E3632A is a high performance 120 watt-dual range DC power supply with GPIB and RS- 232 interfaces. The combinatio n of bench-top and system features in this power supply provides versatile solutions for your design and test requirements.

Convenient bench-top features

• Dual range

• Easy-to-us e knob control settings

• Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent display meters

• High accuracy and high resolution

• Remote voltage sensing

• Overvoltage and overcurrent protection

• Output on/off

• Excellent load and line regulation and low rip ple and noise

• Operating states storage

• Portable, ruggedized case with non-sk id feet

Flexible system features

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

• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility

• I/O setup easily done from front-panel

• Software calibration, no internal adjustments required

Agilent E3632A DC Power Supply

The Front Panel at a Glance

1 15V/7A range selection key 2 30V/4A range selection key 3 Overvoltage protection key 4 Overcurrent protection key 5 Display limit key 6 Recall operating state key 7 Store operating state/Local key

8 Error/Calibrate key 9 I/O Configuration/Secure key

10 Output On/Off key 11 Control knob 12 Resolution selection keys 13 Voltage/current adjust selection key

1 15V/7A range selection key Selects the 15V/7A range and allows the full rated output

to 15V/7A.

2 30V/4A range selection key Selects the 30V/4A range and allows the full rated output

to 30V/4A.

3 Overvoltage protection key Enables or disables the overvoltage protection function,

sets trip voltage level, and clears the overvoltage condition.

4 Overcurrent protection key Enables or disables the overcurrent protection function,

sets trip current level, and clears the overcurrent condition.

5 Display limit key Shows voltage and current limit values on the display and allows

knob adjustment for setting limit values.

6 Recall operating state key Recalls a previously stored operating state from location

‘‘1’’, ‘‘2’’, or ‘‘3’’.

7 Store operating state / Local key1 Stores an operating state in location ‘‘1’’, ‘‘2’’, or

‘‘3’’ / or returns the power supply to local mode from remote interface mode.

8 Error / Calibrate key2 Displays error codes generated during operation, self-test and

calibration / or enables calibration mode (the power supply must be unsecured before performing calibration). See Service Guide for more details on calibration.

9 I/O Configuration / Secure key3 Configures the power supply for remote interfaces

/ or secure or unsecure the power supply for calibration. See Service Guide for more details on how to secure or unsecure the power supply.

10 Output On/Off key Enables or disables the power supply output. This key toggles

between on and off.

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

clockwise or counter clockwise.

12 Resolution selection keys Move the blinking digit to the right or left.

13 Voltage/current adjust selection key Selects the knob control function for voltage

or current adjustment.

The key can be used as the ‘‘Local’’ key when the power supply is in the remote

interfac e mode.

You can enable the ‘‘calibration mode’’ by holding down this key when you turn on

the power supply.

You can use it as the ‘‘Secure’’ or ‘‘Unsecure’’ key when the power supply is in the

calibration mode.

Front-Panel Voltage and Current Limit Settings

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

Use the voltage/current adjust selection key, the resolution selection keys, and the control knob to change the voltage and current limit values.

1 Select the desired range using the range selection keys after turning on the power

supply.

2 Press the key to show the limit values on the display.

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

and change the blinking digit value to the desired voltage limit by turning the control knob. If the display limit times out, press the

4 Set the knob to current control mode using the voltage/current adjust selection key.

5 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution selection keys

and change the blinking digit value to the desired current limit by turning the control knob.

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

display will go to output monitoring mode automatically to display the voltage and current at the output or the display will go to output monitoring mode immediately by pressing the

Display Limit

Output On/Off

key again.

Display Limit

key again.

Note

All front panel keys and controls can be disabled with remote interface commands. The Agilent E3632A must be in "Local" mode for the front panel keys and controls to function.

Display Annunciators

Adrs Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface. Rmt Power supply is in remote interface mode. 15V Shows the 15V/7A range is selected. 30V Shows the 30V/4A range is selected. OVP The overvoltage protection function is enabled when the annunciator

OCP The overcurrent protection function is enabled when the annunciator

CAL The power supply is in calibration mode. Limit The display shows the limit values of voltage and current. ERROR Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected and the error

OFF The output of the power supply is disabled (See page 52 for more

Unreg The output of the power supply is unregulated (output is neither CV

CV The power supply is in constant voltage mode. CC The power supply is in constant current mode.

turns on or the overvoltage protection circuit has caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.

turns on or the overcurrent protection circuit has caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.

bit has not been cleared.

information).

nor CC).

To review the display annunciators, hold down key as you

Display Limit

turn on the power supply.

The Rear Panel at a Glance

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

Use the front-panel key to:

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

• Set the GPIB bus address (see chapter 3).

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

I/O Config

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

In This Book

General Information

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

Initial Operation

outputs and properly responds to operation from the front panel.

Front-Panel Operation

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

Remote Interface Reference

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

Error Messages

working with the power supply. Each listing contains information to help you diagnose and solve the problem.

Application Programs

to help you develop programs for your application.

Tut or ia l

gives specific details on the operation and use of the A gilent E3632A power supply.

Specifications

Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linear power supplies and

Chapter 1 contains a general description of your power

Chapter 2 ensures that the power supply develops its rated

Chapter 3 describes in detail the use of front-panel

Chapter 4 contains reference information to help

Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear as you are

Chapter 6 contains some remote interface applications

Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.

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

1-800-829-4444

Technologies Sales Office.

If your Agilen t E3632 A fail s withi n one ye ar of purc has e, A gilen t will repair or re pl ace it free of charge . C all 1 -800-258-5165 ("Ex press Exchan ge") in the United States , or con tact your near es t Agil ent Technologies Sales Office.

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

Chapter 1 Gen e ral In form a tio n

Safety Considerations 14

Safety and EMC Requirements 14

Options and Accessories 15

Options 15

Accessories 15 Description 16 Installation 19

Initial Inspection 19

Cooling and Location 19 Input Power Requirements 22

Power-Line Cord 22

Power-Line Voltage Selection 22

Chapter 2 Initial Operation

Preliminary Checkout 27 Power-On Checkout 28 Output Checkout 29

Voltage Output Checkout 29

Current Output Checkout 30

Chapter 3 Fron t- Pa n el Ope rat ion

Front-Panel Operation Overview 35 Constant Voltage Operation 36 Constant Current Operation 38 Storing and Recalling Operating States 40 Programming Overvoltage Protection 42

Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit 42

Checking OVP Operation 43

Clearing the Overvoltage Condition 43 Programming Overcurrent Protection 45

Setting the OCP Level and Enable the OCP Circuit 45

Checking OCP Operation 46

Clearing the Overcurrent Condition 46 Remote Voltage Sensing 48

CV Regulation 48

Output Rating 48

Output Noise 48

Stability 49

Remote Voltage Sensing Connections 49

Contents

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation (continued)

Disabling the Output 50 Disablin g the Output Using an External Relay 51 Knob Locking 51 System-Rel ated Operations 52

Self-Test 52 Error Conditions 53 Display Control 54 Firmw are Revisi on Query 55 SCPI Language Version 55

Remote Interface Configuration 56

Remote Interface Selection 56 GPIB Address 57 Baud Rate Selection (RS-232) 57 Parity Selection (RS-232) 57 To Set the GPIB Address 58

To Set the Baud Rate and Parity (RS-232) 59 GPIB Interface Configuration 61 RS-232 Interface Configuration 62

RS-232 Configurati on Overview 62

RS-232 Data Frame Format 62

Connection to a Computer or Terminal 63

DTR / DSR Handshake Protocol 64

RS-232 Troubles hooti ng 65 Calibration Overview 66

Calibration Security 66

Calibration Count 70

Calibration Message 70

Contents

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary 73 Simplified Programming Overview 78

Using the APPLy Command 78 Using the Low-Level Commands 78 Reading a Query Response 79 Selecting a Trigger Source 79

Power Supply Programm ing Ranges 80 Using the APPLy Command 81 Output Setting and Operation Commands 82 Triggering Comm ands 89

Trigger Source Choices 89

Triggering Comm ands 91 System-Related Commands 92 Calibration Commands 96 RS-232 Interface Commands 99 The SCPI Status Registers 100

What is an

SCPI Status System 101

The Questionable Status Register 102

The Standard Event Register 103

The Status Byte Register 104

Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL 105

Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte 106

Using the Message Available Bit (MAV) 106

To Interrupt Your Bus Controll er Usi ng SRQ 106

To Determine When a Command Sequence is Com pl eted 107

Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer 107 Status Reporting Commands 108 An Introduction to the SCPI Language 111

Command Format Used in This Manual 112

Command Separators 113

Using the

Querying Parameter Settings 114

SCPI Command Terminators 114

IEEE-488.2 Co mm on Co mm ands 114

SCPI Parameter Types 115 Halting an Output in Progress 116 SCPI Conformance Information 117 IEEE-488 Conformance Information 120

Event

Enable

MIN

and

MAX

Parameters 113

Contents

Chapter 5 Error Messages

Execution Errors 123 Self-Test Errors 128 Calibration Errors 129

Chapte r 6 Applic a tio n Pro gra m s

C++ Example for GPIB(IEEE 488) 133 Excel 5.0 Example for Windows 3.1 and GPIB 135

Chapter 7 Tutorial

Overview of Agilent E3632A Operation 141 Output Characteristics 143

Unregulated State 145 Unwanted Signals 145

Connecting the Load 147

Output Isolation 147 Multiple Loads 147 Remote Voltage Sensing 148 Load Consideration 149

Extending the Voltage and Current Range 151

Series Connections 151

Parallel Connections 151 Remote Programming 152 Reliability 154

Chapter 8 Specifications

Performance Specifications 157 Supplemental Ch aracteristi cs 159

Index

163

General Information

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

Safety Considerations

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

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

Safety

’’ at the beginning of this manual for general safety information.

Safety and EMC Requirements

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

• IEC 1010-1(1990)/EN 61010-1(1993) + A2 (1995): Safety Requirements for

Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use

• CSA C22.2 No.1010.1-92: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for

Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use

• UL 1244: Electrical and Electric Measuring and Testing Equipment

• EMC Directive 89/336/EEC

• Low Voltage Directive: 73/23/EEC

• EN 55011(1991) Group I, Class A/CISPR II(1990): Limits and Methods of

Radio Interface Characteristics of Industrial, Scientific, and Medical(ISM) Radio-Frequency Equipment.

• EN50082-1(1992):

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

• ICES/NMB-001

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

Chapter 1 General Information

Options and Accessories

Options

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

Power-Line Voltage Selection

Option Description 0EM 115

0E3 0E9 1CM 0L2

Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage 230 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage 100 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage Rack mount kit (Agilent part number 5063-9243) Extra English manual set (local language manual fil es are included on the CD-ROM, Agi lent part number 5964-8251)

Accessories

’’, starting on page 22 in this chapter.

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

Agilent No. Description

10833A 10833B 34398A

34399A

GPIB cable, 1 m (3.3 ft.) GPIB cable, 2 m (6.6 ft.) RS-232, 9 pin (f) to 9 pin (f), 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) cable; plus 9 pin (m) to 25 pin (f) adapter

RS-232 adapter kit (contains 4 adapters):

9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with PC or printer 9 pin (m) to 25 pin (f) for use with PC or printer 9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with modem 9 pin (m) to 9 pin (m) for use with modem

Chapter 1 General Information

Description

The Agilent E3632A DC power supply feature a combination of programming capabilities and linear power supply performance that makes it ideal for power systems applications. The power supply is programmable locally from the front panel or remotely over the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. This power supply has two ranges, allowing more voltage at a lower current. The desired output range is selected from the front panel or over the remote interfaces.

Operational features include:

• Dual range of 15V/7A or 30V/4A

• Constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) operation

• Overvoltage protection (OVP) and overcurrent protection (OCP)

• Three storage locations (1 to 3) for user-defined operating states

• Automatic turn-on self-test

• Remote sensing for load voltage

• User calibration from the front panel or over the remote interfaces

The front panel operation permits:

• Easy-to-use of knob control

• Output range selection

• Enabling or disabling OVP and OCP features

• Setting the OVP and OCP trip levels

• Clearing OVP and OCP conditions

• Setting and displaying the voltage and current limit values

• Saving and recalling operating states

• Returning the power supply to local mode from remote interface mode

• Displaying remote interface error message

• Calibrating the power supply, includ ing changing the calibration secure code

• Configuring the power supply for remote interfaces

• Enabling or disabling the output

Chapter 1 General Information

Description

When operated over the remote interface, the power supply can be both a listener and a talker. Using an external controller, you can instruct the power supply to set the output and to send the status data back over the GPIB or RS-

232. Capabilities include the following features:

• Voltage and current programming

• Voltage and current readback

• Present and stored status readback

• Programming syntax error detection

• Complete self-test

The front-panel VFD (Vacuum-Fluorescent Display) incl udes :

• Displaying actual values of output voltage and current (

• Or displaying the limit values of voltage and current (

• Checking the operating status from the annunciators

• Checking the type of error from the error codes (messages)

Connections to the power supply’s output and to chassis ground are made to binding posts on the front panel

Warning Floating the power supply output more than ±60 Vdc from the chassis presents an

electric shock hazard to the operator. Do not float the outputs more than ±60 Vdc when metal shorting bars without insulation are used to connect the (+) output to the (+) sense and the (-) output to the (-) sense terminals.

meter mode

limit mode

)

Chapter 1 General Information

Description

Warning Outputs can be floated to maximum of ±240 Vdc provided that the metal shorting bars

without insulation are either replaced with insulated conductors or they are removed from the terminals so there is no operator access to the output conductors without insulation. All field wiring insulation must be adequate for the voltage present.

The power supply is shipped with a detachable, 3-wire grounding type power cord. The ac line fuse is an extractor type on the rear panel. The power supply can be calibrated from the front panel directly or with a controller over the GPIB or RS-232 interface using calibration commands. Correction factors are stored in Calibration from the front panel or a controller eliminate the need to remove the top cover or even the need to remove the power supply from your system cabinet. Y ou can guard against unauthorized calibration by using the “Secured” calibration protection function.

non-volatile

memory and are used during output programming.

Chapter 1 General Information

Installation

Initial Inspection

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

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

Mechanical Check

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

Electrical Check

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

Service Guide

Cooling and Location

Cooling

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

Bench Operation

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

Chapter 1 General Information

Installation

Rack Mounting

The power supply can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using one of three optional kits available. A rack-mounting kit for a single instrument is available as Option 1CM (P/N 5063-9243). Installation instructions and hardware are included with each rack-mounting kit. Any Agilent System II instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside the Agilent E3632A power supply.

Remove the front and rear bumpers before rack-mounting the power supply.

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

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

Chapter 1 General Information

Installation

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

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

Chapter 1 General Information

Input Power Requirements

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

Power-Line Cord

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

Power-Line Voltage Selection

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

Chapter 1 General Information

Input Power Requirements

1 Remove the power cord. Remove the fuse-holder assembly with a flat-blad screwdriver from the rear panel.

3 Rotate the power-line voltage selector until the correct voltage appears.

2 Install the correct line fuse. Remove the power-line voltage selector from the power-line module.

100 or 115 Vac, 4 AT fuse 230 Vac, 2.5 AT fuse

4 Replace the power-line voltage selector

and the fuse-holder assembly in the rear panel.

100, 115, or 230 Vac

Chapter 1 General Information

Input Power Requirements

Chapter 1 General Information

Input Power Requirements

Initial Operation

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

Service Guide

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

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

Chapter 2 Initial Operation

Preliminary Checkout

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

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

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

Verify that the correct power-line fuse is installed.

The correct fuse is installed for your country when the power supply is shipped from the factory. For 100 or 115 Vac operation, you must use a 4 AT fuse. For 230 Vac operation, you must use a 2.5 AT fuse.

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

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

See "Power-Line Voltage Selection", starting on page 22 in chapter 1 if you need to change the power-line voltage or the powe r-line fuse .

To replace the 4 AT fuse, order Agilent part number 2110-0996. To replace the 2.5 AT fuse, order A gile nt part nu m ber 2110-0999.

Chapter 2 Initial Operation

Power-On Checkout

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

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

second.

To review the annunciators, hold down key as you turn on the power suppl y

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

second.

ADDR 05 (or RS-232)

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

See "Remote Interface Configuration" in chapter 3 starting on page 56 if you need to change the remote interface configuration.

Display Limit

Output On/Off

Note

3The “15V”, “OVP”, “OCP” and “OFF” annunciators are on. All others are off.

The power supply will go into the (the

OFF

annunciator turns on); the 15V/7A range is selected (the

annunciator turns on); and the knob is selected for

OVP

and

OCP

the

annunciator also turn on.

power-on / reset

state; the output is disabled

15V

voltage

control. Notice that

4 Enable the outputs.

Press the key to enable the output. The off and the

Output On/Off

15V, OVP, OCP

OFF

, and CV annunciators are lit. The

annunciator turns

blinking

digit can be adjusted by turning the knob. Notice that the display is in the meter mode. ‘‘Meter mode’’ means that the display shows the actual output voltage and current.

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

See "Error Messages" for more information

ERROR

starting on page 121 in chapter 5

+ 142 hidden pages