Agilent Technologies E3640-90001 User Manual

User’s Guide

Part Number: E3640-90001 January 2000.

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

Agilent E364xA Single Output DC Power Supplies

The Agilent Technologies E3640A/E3641A (30 watt), E3642A/E3643A (50 watt), and E3644A/E3645A (80 watt) are high performance single-output dual range programmable DC power supplies with GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. The combination of bench-top and system features in these power supplies provides versatile solutions for your design and test requirements.

Convenient bench-top features

• Single-output dual range

• Output on/off

• High accuracy and high resolution

• Excellent load and line regulation

• Low ripple and noise

• Overvoltage protection

• Five Operating states storage

• Easy-to-use controls

• Remote voltage sensing

• Front and Rear output terminals

• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet

• Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent displays

• Error messages available on the display

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 physical adjustments

Agilent Technologies E364xA Single Output DC Power Supplies

The Front Panel at a Glance

1 Low voltage range selection Key 2 High voltage range selection Key 3 Overvoltage protection Key 4 Display limit Key 5 Voltage/Current adjust selection Key 6 Stored state Recall/Reset Menu

7 State storage menu/Local Key 8 View menu/Calibrate Key 9 I/O Configuration menu/Secure Key

10 Output On/Off Key 11 Resolution selection Keys 12 Knob

Front-Panel Menu/Key Reference

This section gives an overview of the front-panel keys/menus. The menus are designed to automatically guide you through all parameters required to configure a particular function or operation.

1 Low voltage range selection key Selects the low voltage range and allows

its full rated output to the output terminals.

2 High voltage range selection key Selects the high voltage range and allows

its full rated output to the output terminals.

3 Overvoltage protection key Enables or disables the overvoltage protection

function, sets trip voltage level, and clears the overvoltage condition.

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

allows the knob adjustment for setting limit values.

5 Voltage/Current adjust selection key Selects the knob control function for

voltage or current adjustment.

6 Stored state recall menu Recalls a stored operating state from location ‘‘1’’

through ‘‘5’’ and resets the power supply to the power-on state (*RST command) from the front panel by selecting the ‘‘RESET’’ from this menu.

7 State storage menu / Local key

non-volatile memory and assigns a name to each of the storage locations / or returns the power supply to local mode from remote interface mode.

8 View menu / Calibrate key

message, calibration string, and system firmware revision / or enables calibration mode.

9 I/O Configuration / Secure key

interfaces / or secures or unsecures the power supply for calibration.

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

toggles between on and off.

11 Resolution selection keys Move the flashing digit to the right or left and

adjust the scrolling speed of the text being displayed in the View menu.

12 Knob Increases or decreases the value of the flashing digit by turning

clockwise or counter clockwise.

Stores up to five power supply’s states in

Views the error codes and the text of the error

Configures the power supply for remote

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

interface 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.

Low

High

1 Select the desired voltage range using the voltage range selection keys after

turning on the power supply.

2 Press 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 key again.

4 Set the knob to current control mode by pressing 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

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

Display

key to show the limit values on the display.

Limit

Display

Vol ta ge

Current

Output

key to enable the output. After about 5 seconds, the display will

On/Off

Limit

Note All front panel keys and controls can be disabled with remote interface commands.

The power supply 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. 8V* Shows the low voltage range is selected. 20V* Shows the high voltage range is selected. 35V** Shows the low voltage range is selected. 60V** Shows the high voltage range is selected. OVP The overvoltage protection function is enabled when the

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

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 bit has not been cleared.

OFF The output of the power supply is disabled (See page 54 for more

information).

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

nor CC).

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

To review the display annunciators, hold down key as you turn on

Display

Limit

the power supply.

*For E3640A/42A/44A model. **For E3641A/43A/45A model.

The Rear Panel at a Glance

Note: The supplier code of the C-Tick for the E3643A/45A is N10149.

1 AC inlet 2 Power-line fuse-holder assembly 3 Power-line module

Use the front-panel key to:

I/O

Config

4 RS-232 interface connector 5 GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector 6 Rear output terminals

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

• Set the GPIB address (see chapter 3).

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

In This Book

Quick Start Chapter 1 helps you get familiar with a few of the power supply’s the front panel feature.

General Information Chapter 2 contains a general description of your power supply. This chapter also provides instructions for installation of your power supply and the output connections.

Front-Panel Operation Chapter 3 describes in de tail the use of front-panel keys and how they are used to operate the power supply from the front panel. This chapter also shows how to configure the power supply for the remote interface and gives a brief introduction to the calibration features.

Remote Interface Reference Chapter 4 contains reference information to help you program the power supply over the remote interface. This chapter also explains how to program for status reporting.

Error Messages Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear as you are working with the power supply. Each listing contains information to help you diagnose and solve the problem.

Application Programs Chapter 6 contains some remote interface applications to help you develop programs for your application.

Tutorial Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linear power supplies and gives specific details on the operation and use of your power supply.

Specifications Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.

Service Information Contains guidelines to return your power supply to

Agilent Technologies for servicing, procedures for verification & calibration, and replaceable parts list and component locator diagram & schematics.

If you have questions relating to the operation of the power supply, call 1-800-452-4844 in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office.

If your power supply fails within three years of purchase, Agilent will repair or replace it free of charge. Call 1-800-258-5165 ("Express Exchange") in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office.

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Preliminary Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 Output Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18

Voltage Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18

Current Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20 Line Voltage Conversion- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21 To Adjust the Carrying Handle- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23 To Rack Mount the Instrument - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24

Chapter 2 General Information

Safety Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29

Safety and EMC Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Options and Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30

Options- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30

Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Description - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33

Initial Inspection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33

Cooling and Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33 Output Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34

Current Ratings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34

Voltage Drops - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35

Load Consideration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35

Remote Voltage Sensing Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36

Multiple Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 38

Contents

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Front-Panel Operation Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 41 Constant Voltage Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 42 Constant Current Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 44 Configuring the Remote Interface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46

GPIB Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46

RS-232 Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47 Storing and Recalling Operating States - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48 Programming Overvoltage Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50

Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit - - - - - - - - 50

Checking OVP Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 51

Clearing the Overvoltage Condition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 51 Disabling the Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 54

Disconnecting the Output Using an External Relay - - - - - - - 54

Contents

System-Related Operations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55

State Storage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55 Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Error Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Firmware Revision Query - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57

SCPI Language Version - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 GPIB Interface Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58 RS-232 Interface Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59

RS-232 Configuration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59

RS-232 Data Frame Format - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59

Connection to a Computer or Terminal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 60

RS-232 Troubleshooting- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61 Calibration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62

Calibration Security - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62

To Unsecure for Calibration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 63

To Secure Against Calibration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 64

Calibration Count- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 65

Calibration Message- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 66

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 69 Simplified Programming Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74

Using the

Using the Low-Level Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74

Reading a Query Response - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 75

Selecting a Trigger Source- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 75

Power Supply Programming Ranges- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 76 Using the Output Setting and Operation Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 78 Triggering- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82

Trigger Source Choices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82

Triggering Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 84 System-Related Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 85 State Storage Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 88 Calibration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 89 Interface Configuration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 92 The SCPI Status Registers- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93

What is an Event Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93

What is an Enable Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93

SCPI Status System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 94

The Questionable Status Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 95

The Standard Event Register- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 96

APPLy

Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74

Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77

Contents

The Status Byte Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 97 Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL - - - - - - - - - - - 98 Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 99 Using the Message Available Bit (MAV) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 99 To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ - - - - - - - - - - - - 99 To Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed - 100

Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer - - 100 Status Reporting Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 101 An Introduction to the SCPI Language - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103

Command Format Used in This Manual- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104

Command Separators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105

Using the MIN and MAX Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105

Querying Parameter Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106

SCPI Command Terminators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106

IEEE-488.2 Common Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106

SCPI Parameter Types - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 107 Halting an Output in Progress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 108 SCPI Conformance Information- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 109 IEEE-488 Conformance Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 112

Chapter 5 Error Messages

Contents

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

Chapter 6 Application Programs

Example Program for C and C++- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 125 Example Program for Excel 97 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 129

Chapter 7 Tutorial

Overview of this Power Supply Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 137 Output Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 139

Unregulated State - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 141

Unwanted Signals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 141 Extending the Voltage and Current Range - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143

Series Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143

Parallel Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143 Remote Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 144

Chapter 8 Specifications

Performance Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 149 Supplemental Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 151

Contents

Appendix Service Information

Operating Checklist - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 157

Is the Power Supply Inoperative? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 157 Does the Power Supply Fail Self-Test? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 157

Types of Service Available - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 158

Standard Repair Service (worldwide)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 158

Express Exchange (U.S.A. only) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 158 Repacking for Shipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 159 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 160 Surface Mount Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 160 To Replace the Power-Line Fuse - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 160 Troubleshooting Hints- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161

Unit Reports Errors 740 to 750 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161

Unit Fails Self-Test- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161

Bias Supplies Problems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161 Self-Test Procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 162

Power-On Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 162

Complete Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 162 General Disassembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 164 Recommended Test Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 165 Test Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 166 Operation Verification and Performance Tests - - - - - - - - - - - - - 166 Measurement Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167

Setup for Most Tests - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167

Current-Monitoring Resistor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167

General Measurement Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168

Electronic Load - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168

Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168 Constant Voltage (CV) Verifications- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 169

Constant Voltage Test Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 169

Voltage Programming and Readback Accuracy - - - - - - - - - - 169

CV Load Effect (Load Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 170

CV Source effect (Line Regulation)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171

CV PARD (Ripple and Noise) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171

Load Transient Response Time - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 173 Constant Current (CC) Verifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 174

Constant Current Test Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 174

Current Programming and Readback Accuracy - - - - - - - - - - 174

CC Load Effect (Load Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 175

CC Source Effect (Line Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 176

CC PARD (Ripple and Noise) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 177 Common Mode Current Noise - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 178

Contents

Performance Test Record for Your Power Supply - - - - - - - - - - 179

CV Performance Test Record - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 179 CC Performance Test Record - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 180

Calibration Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 181

Agilent Technologies Calibration Services- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 181 Calibration Interval - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 181 To Unsecure the Power Supply Without the Security Code 181

General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 182

Front Panel Voltage and Current Calibration- - - - - - - - - - - - 183 Calibration Record for Your Power Supply - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 187 Calibration Error Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 188 Replaceable Parts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 189

To Order Replaceable Parts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 189

Schematics and Diagrams - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 189

E3640A/41A/42A/43A/44A/45A Power Supply Assembly - - - 190

Manufacturer’s List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 191

Contents

Quick Start

One of the first things you will want to do with your power supply is to become acquainted with the front panel. The exercises in this chapter prepare the power supply for use and help you get familiar with some of its front-panel operations.

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 1 Quick Start

Preliminary Checkout

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

1 Check the list of supplied items.

Verify that you have received the following items with your power supply. If anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office.

One power cord for your location. This User’s Guide. Quick Reference Guide. Certificate of Calibration.

2 Connect the power cord and turn on the power supply.

The front-panel display will light up briefly while the power supply performs its power-on self-test. The GPIB address is also displayed. To review the power- on display with all annunciators turned on, hold down as you turn on the power supply. If the power supply does not turn on properly, see page 20.

Display

Limit

3 Perform a complete self-test.

The complete self-test performs a more extensive set of tests than those performed at power-on. Hold down as you turn on the power supply and

Display

Limit

hold down the key until you hear a long beep. The self-test will begin when you release the key following the beep.

If the self-test fails, see the Service Information for instructions on returning the power supply to Agilent Technologies for service.

Note The power supply is shipped from the factory with a power-line cord that has a plug

appropriate for your location. 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

Output

On/Off

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Output Checkout

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

Note: If an error has been detected during the output checkout procedures,

ERROR annunciator will turn on. See "Error Messages" starting on page

the 113 in chapter 5 for more information.

Voltage Output Checkout

The following steps verify basic voltage functions with no load.

1 Turn on the power supply.

The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled

OFF annunciator turns on); its low voltage range is selected, and the OVP

(the annunciator and low voltage range indication annunciator turn on (for example, selected for voltage control.

2 Enable the outputs.

8V annunciator turns on for the E3640A model); and the knob is

OFF annunciator turns off and the CV annunciator turns on. Notice that

The the display is in the meter mode. ‘‘Meter mode’’ means that the display shows the actual output voltage and current.

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

control for both low and high voltage range.

Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise to check that the voltmeter responds to knob control and the ammeter indicates nearly zero. The flashing digit can be adjusted by turning the knob.

4 Ensure that the voltage can be adjusted from zero to the full rated

value by adjusting the knob.

You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the

right or left when setting the voltage.

Power

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Output Checkout

Current Output Checkout

The following steps check basic current functions with a short across the power supply’s output.

1 Turn on the power supply.

Make sure that the output is disabled. The

2 Connect a short across (+) and (-) output terminals with an insulated

test lead.

OFF annunciator is on

Output

On/Off

Display

Limit

Vol ta ge

Curren t

Us e a wire size suffic ient to handle th e max i mum current (See "

" on page 34 in chapter 2).

Rating

Table 2-1 Wire

3 Enable the output.

CV or CC annunciator turns on depending on the resistance of the test

The lead. Notice that the display is in the meter mode.

4 Adjust the voltage limit value to 1.0 volt.

Set the display to the limit mode (the Ad jus t the vol tage limit to 1.0 volt to assure CC ope rati on. The will turn on. To go back to normal mode, press the key again or let the

Limit annunciator will be flashing).

Display

Limit

CC annunciator

display time out after several seconds.

5 Set the knob to the current control to check that the front-panel

ammeter properly responds to knob control.

Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise when the display is in the meter mode (the

Limit annunciator is off). Check that the ammeter responds to knob

control and the voltmeter indicates nearly zero (the voltmeter will show the voltage drop caused by the test lead). The flashing digit can be adjusted by turning the knob.

6 Ensure that the current can be adjusted from zero to the full rated

value.

7 Turn off the power supply and remove the short from the output

terminals.

You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the

right or left when setting the current.

Chapter 1 Quick Start

If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On

Use the following steps to help solve problems you might encounter when turning on the instrument. If you need more help, refer to chapter 5 for instructions on returning the instrument to Agilent Technologies for service.

1 Verify that there is ac power to the power supply.

First, verify that the power cord is firmly plugged into the power receptacle on the rear panel of the power supply. You should also make sure that the power source you plugged the power supply into is energized. Then, verify that the power supply is turned on.

2 Verify the power-line voltage setting.

The 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’s not correct. The settings are: 100, 115, or 230 Vac.

3 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. See the table below to replace the fuse for your power supply.

Model Agilent Part Number Part Description

E3640A/41A 2110-1069 Fuse 1.5A T 125V for 100 and 115 Vac

E3640A/41A 2110-0457 Fuse 1A T 250V for 230 Vac

E3642A/43A 2110-1070 Fuse 2.5A T 125V for 100 and 115 Vac

E3642A/43A 2110-0457 Fuse 1A T 250V for 230 Vac

E3644A/45A 2110-1071 Fuse 3.15A T 125V for 100 and 115 Vac

E3644A/45A 2110-1068 Fuse 2A T 250V for 230 Vac

See the next page if you need to change the line voltage setting and the powerline fuse.

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Line Voltage Conversion

Warning

Shock Hazard Operating personnel must not remove power supply covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by qualified service personnel.

Line voltage conversion is accomplished by adjusting two components: the line voltage selection switch and the power-line fuse on the rear panel.

1 Remove AC line power. 2 Remove the cover (Refer to General Disassembly on page 164). 3 Set two sections of the line voltage selector switch on the PC board for the

desired line voltage (See Figure 1-1 below).

4 See the next page to check the rating of the power-line fuse and replace with

the correct one if necessary.

5 Replace the cover and mark the power supply clearly with a tag or label

indicating the correct line voltage and fuse that is in use.

(TOP VIEW)

Figure 1-1. Line Voltage Selector (set for 115Vac)

100V

115V

230V

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Line Voltage Conversion

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

3 Replace with the correct fuse.

2 Remove the fuse-holder from the assembly.

4 Replace the fuse-holder assembly in rear panel.

Verify that the correct line voltage is selected and the power-line fuse is good.

Chapter 1 Quick Start

To Adjust the Carrying Handle

To adjust the position, grasp the handle by the sides and pull outward. Then, rotate the handle to the desired position.

Bench-top viewing positions Carrying position

Chapter 1 Quick Start

To Rack Mount the Instrument

You can mount the power supply in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using one of three optional kits available. Instructions and mounting hardware are included with each rack-mounting kit. Any Agilent Technologies System II instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside the Agilent E3640A, E3641A, E3642A, E3643A, E3644A, or E3645A.

Note: Remove the carrying handle, and the front and rear rubber bumpers, before rack-mounting the instrument.

To remove the handle, rotate it to the vertical position and pull the ends outward.

Front Rear (bottom view)

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

Chapter 1 Quick Start

To Rack Mount the Instrument

To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9240.

To rack mount two instruments side-by-side, order lock-link kit 5061-9694 and flange kit 5063-9212. Be sure to use the support rails inside the rack cabinet.

To install one or two instruments in a sliding support shelf, order shelf 5063-9255, and slide kit 1494-0015 (for a single instrument, also order filler panel 5002-3999).

Chapter 1 Quick Start

To Rack Mount the Instrument

General Information

This manual describes the operation of the Agilent Technologies Model E3640A, E3641A, E3642A, E3643A, E3644A and E3645A DC power supplies.

This chapter contains a general description of your power supply. This chapter also provides instructions for installation of your power supply and the output connections. Unless otherwise stated, the information in this manual applies to all the six models. This chapter is divided into the following sections:

• Safety Considerations‚ on page 29

• Options and Accessories‚ on page 30

• Description‚ starting on page 31

• Installation‚ on page 33

• Output Connections‚ on page 34

Chapter 2 General Information

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

• EN61326-1(1997):

EN 61000-4-2(1995): Electrostatic Discharge Requirements EN 61000-4-3(1996): Radiated Electromagnetic Field Requirements EN 61000-4-4(1995): Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Requirements EN61000-4-5(1995): Surge Requirements EN61000-4-6(1996): Conducted Radio Frequency Immunity Requirements EN61000-4-8(1993): Magnetic Field Requirements EN61000-4-11(1994): Voltage dips, short, interruption and var Requirement

EN 55011(1991) Group 1, Class A/CISPR 11(1990): Limits and Methods of Radio Interference Characteristics of Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Radio - Frequency Equipment

• Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC

• EMC Directive 89/336/EEC

Chapter 2 General Information

Options and Accessories

Options

Option ‘‘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 Line Voltage Conversion on page 21.

Option Description

0E3 0E9 1CM 910

Accessories

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

Agilent No. Description

10833A 10833B 34398A

34399A

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

230 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage 100 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage Rack mount kit (Agilent part number 5063-9240) Extra manual (same language as the selected language manual when you order the power supply)*

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 (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

*To order an extra English User’s guide, order Agilent part number E3640-90001.

Chapter 2 General Information

Description

This power supply features a combination of programming capabilities and linear power supply performance that makes it ideal for power systems applications. The power supply may be programmed 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 or more current at a lower voltage. The output range is selected from the front panel or over the remote interfaces.

Operational features include:

• Single-output dual range

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

• Overvoltage protection (OVP)

• Five storage locations (1 to 5) for user-defined operating states

• Automatic turn-on self-test

• Remote sense at rear panel terminals

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

The front panel operation permits:

• Easy-to-use control features

• Output range selection

• Enabling or disabling OVP

• Setting the OVP trip levels

• Clearing OVP conditions

• Setting and displaying the voltage and current limit values

• Operating state storage/recall

• Resetting the power supply to power-on state

• Returning the power supply to local mode from remote mode

• Retrieving/Scrolling error messages on the display

• Reading calibration message or system firmware revision

• Calibrating the power supply, including changing the calibration secure code

• Enabling the remote interfaces

• Enabling or disabling the output

Chapter 2 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 hardback

• Programming syntax error detection

• Complete self-test

The front-panel VFD (Vacuum-Fluorescent Display) includes:

• Displaying actual values of output voltage and current (meter mode)

• Or displaying the limit values of voltage and current (limit mode)

• Checking the operating status from the annunciators

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

Front panel binding posts are available to connect load wires for bench operation. Connections to the power supply’s output and to chassis ground are made to the rear output terminals.

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 uninsulated sense wires are used to connect the (+) output to the (+) sense and the (-) output to the (-) sense terminals on the back of the unit.

1. Float voltage +/-60 Vdc Max to (  (shorting conductors without insulation)

2. Float voltage +/-240 Vdc Max to (  (Insulated shorting conductors)

(Rear Output Terminals)

Chapter 2 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 Technologies 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 Tecnologies 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 terminals or knob and that the cabinet and panel surfaces are free of dents and scratches. Verify that the display is not scratched or cracked.

Electrical Check

Chapter 1 describes quick operation procedure that verifies to a high level of confidence that the power supply is operating in accordance with its specifications. More complete verification procedures are included in the Service Information.

Cooling and Location

Cooling

The power supply can operate at rated specifications within the temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C, Power supply loading is derated from 40 °C to 55 °C. A fan cools the power supply by drawing air through the sides and exhausting it out the back. Using an Agilent rack mount will not impede the flow of air.

Bench Operation

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

Cleaning

No cleaning is required for this product. If you wish to remove dust from the enclosure, use a dry cloth.

Chapter 2 General Information

Output Connections

Warning Before attempting to connect wires to the rear output terminals, make sure to turn

off the power supply first to avoid damage to the circuits being connected.

Front panel binding posts are available to connect load wires for bench operation and are paralleled with the rear panel (+) and (-) connections. Both front and rear panel terminals are optimized for noise, regulation, and transient response as documented in chapter 8.

Available connections on the rear output terminals include the (+) and (-) output, the (+) and (-) sense terminals, and an earth ground terminal. The rear output terminals accept wire sizes from AWG 24 to AWG 14.

Note: For the E3644A/45A models, when making load connections from the rear output terminals, four load wires should be used to keep good CV load regulation if carrying full-rated current of the power supply.

Current Ratings

The following table lists the characteristics of AWG (American Wire Gage) copper wire.

Table 2-1 Wire Rating

AWG 10 121416182022242628

Suggested maximum Current(amps)*

W/ft 1.00 1.59 2.53 4.02 6.39 10.2 16.1 25.7 40.8 64.9

W/m 3.3 5.2 8.3 13.2 21.0 33.5 52.8 84.3 133.9 212.9

*Single conductor in free air at 30

40 25 20 13 10 7 5 3.5 2.5 1.7

°C with insulation

Warning To satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be heavy enough not to overheat when

carrying the maximum short-circuit output current of the power supply. If there is more than one load, then any pair of load wires must be capable of safety carrying the full-rated current of the power supply.

Chapter 2 General Information

Output Connections

Voltage Drops

The load wires must also be large enough to avoid excessive voltage drops due to th e im pe d a n ce of th e wir e s. I n ge ne ra l , if th e wi r e s a r e he a v y en o ug h to ca r r y the maximum short circuit current without overheating, excessive voltage drops will not be a problem. The voltage drops across the load wires should be limited to less than two volts. Refer to Table 2-1 to calculate the voltage drop for some commonly used AWG copper wire.

Load Consideration

Capacitive Loading

The power supply will be stable for almost any size load capacitance. However, large load capacitors may cause transient response ringing. Certain combinations of load capacitance, equivalent series resistance, and load lead inductance may result in instability (oscillation). If this occurs, the problem may often be solved by either increasing or decreasing the size of the capacitive load.

A large load capacitor may cause the power supply to cross into CC or unregulated mode momentarily when the output voltage is reprogrammed. The slew rate of the output voltage will be limited to the current setting divided by the total load capacitance (internal and external).

Inductive loading

Inductive loads present no loop stability problems in constant voltage mode. In constant current mode, inductive loads form a parallel resonance with the power supply’s output capacitor. Generally this will not affect the stability of the power supply, but it may cause ringing of the current in the load.

Pulse Loading

In some applications the load current varies periodically from a minimum to a maximum value. The constant current circuit limits the output current. Some peak loading exceeding the current limit can be obtained due to the output capacitor. To stay within the specifications for the output, the current limit should be set greater than the peak current expected or the supply may go into CC mode or unregulated mode for brief periods.

Chapter 2 General Information

Output Connections

Reverse Current Loading

An active load connected to the power supply may actually deliver a reverse current to the supply during a portion of its operating cycle. An external source can not be allowed to pump current into the supply without risking loss of regulation and possible damage. These effects can be avoided by pre-loading the output with a dummy load resistor. The dummy load resistor should draw at least the same amount of current from the supply as the active load may deliver to the supply. The value of the current for the dummy load plus the value of the current the load draws from the supply must be less than the maximum current of the supply.

Remote Voltage Sensing Connections

Remote voltage sensing is used to maintain regulation at the load and reduce the degradation of regulation that would occur due to the voltage drop in the leads between the power supply and the load.

When the power supply is connected for remote sensing, the OVP circuit senses the voltage at the sensing points (load) and not the output terminals.

Connections between the power supply sensing and output terminals should be removed, and using shielded two-wire cable, the power supply sensing terminals should be connected to the load as shown in Figure 2-1. Do not use

the shield as one of the sensing conductors and the other end should be left unconnected. Connect one end of the sensing lead shield to the chassis ground

( ) only. Opening a sensing lead causes the power supply output voltage to decrease at the load leads. Observe polarity when connecting the sensing leads to the load.

Figure 2-1. Remote Voltage Sensing Connections

Figure 2-2. Local Sensing Connections

Chapter 2 General Information

Output Connections

Stability

Using remote sensing under certain combinations of load lead lengths and large load capacitances may cause your application to form a filter, which becomes part of the voltage feedback loop. The extra phase shift created by this filter can degrade the power supply’s stability, resulting in poor transient response or loop instability. In severe cases, it may cause oscillations. To minimize this possibility, keep the load leads as short as possible and twist them together. As the sense leads are part of the power supply’s programming feedback loop, accidental open-connections of sense or load leads during remote sensing operation have various unwanted effects. Provide secure and permanent connections.

CV Regulation

The voltage load regulation specification in chapter 8 applies at the output terminals of the power supply. When remote sensing, add 5 mV to this specification for each 1 V drop between the positive sensing point and (+) output terminal due to the change in load current. Because the sense leads are part of the power supply’s feedback path, keep the resistance of the sense leads at or below 0.5  per lead to maintain the above specified performance.

Output Rating

The rated output voltage and current specifications in chapter 8 apply at the output terminals of the power supply. With remote sensing, any voltage dropped in the load leads must be added to the load voltage to calculate maximum output voltage. The performance specifications are not guaranteed when the maximum output voltage is exceeded. If the excessive demand on the power supply forces the power supply to lose regulation, the annunciator will turn on to indicate that the output is unregulated.

Output Noise

Any noise picked up on the sense leads also appears at the output of the power supply and may adversely affect the voltage load regulation. Twist the sense leads to minimize external noise pickup and run them parallel and close to the loa d l ea ds . I n n oi sy en vir on me nt s i t m ay be ne ce ss ary to sh ie ld th e s en se le ad s. Ground the shield at the power supply end only. Do not use the shield as one of the sense conductors.

Unreg

Chapter 2 General Information

Output Connections

Multiple Loads

When connecting multiple loads to the power supply, each load should be connected to the output terminals using separate connecting wires. This minimizes mutual coupling effects between loads and takes full advantage of the low output impedance of the power supply. Each pair of wires should be as short as possible and twisted or bundled to reduce lead inductance and noise pick-up. If a shield is used, connect one end to the power supply ground terminal and leave the other end disconnected.

If cabling considerations require the use of distribution terminals that are located remotely from the power supply, connect output terminals to the distribution terminals by a pair of twisted or shielded wires. Connect each load to the distribution terminals separately.

Front-Panel Operation and Features

So far you have learned how to install your power supply and do quick start. During the quick start, you were briefly introduced to operating from the front panel as you learned how to check basic voltage and current functions. This chapter describes in detail the use of the front-panel keys and shows how they are used to accomplish power supply operation.

This chapter is divided into the following sections:

• Front-Panel Operation Overview‚ on page 41

• Constant Voltage Operation‚ starting on page 42

• Constant Current Operation‚ starting on page 44

• Configuring the Remote Interface‚ starting on page 46

• Storing and Recalling Operating States‚ starting on page 48

• Programming Overvoltage Protection‚ starting on page 50

• Disabling the Output‚ on page 54

• System-Related Operations‚ starting on page 55

• GPIB Interface Reference‚ on page 58

• RS-232 Interface Reference‚ starting on page 59

• Calibration Overview‚ starting on page 62

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

Note See ‘‘Error Messages’’, starting on page 113 in chapter 5 if you encounter any errors

during front-panel operation.

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Front-Panel Operation Overview

The following section describes an overview of the front-panel keys before operating your power supply.

• The power supply is shipped from the factory configured in the front-panel operation mode. At power-on, the power supply is automatically set to operate in the front-panel operation mode. When in this mode, the frontpanel keys can be used.

• When the power supply is in remote operation mode, you can return to frontpanel operation mode at any time by pressing the did not previously send the front-panel lockout command. A change between front-panel and remote operation modes will not result in a change in the output parameters.

• When you press key (the

Display

Limit

Limit annunciator flashes), the display of

the power supply goes to the limit mode and the present limit values will be displayed. In this mode, you can also observe the change of the limit values when adjusting the knob. If you press the key again or let the display time-out after several seconds, the power supply will return the display to the meter mode (the

Limit annunciator turns off). In this mode,

the actual output voltage and current will be displayed.

• The output of the power supply can be enabled or disabled from the front panel by pressing key. When the output is off, the

Output

On/Off

turns on and the output is disabled.

• The display provides the present operating status of the power supply with annunciators and also informs the user of error codes. For example, the power supply is operating in CV mode in the 8V/3A range and controlled from the front panel, then the

CV and 8V annunciators will turn on. If,

however, the power supply is remotely controlled, the also turn on, and when the power supply is being addressed over GPIB interface, the

Adrs annunciator will turn on. See ‘‘Display Annunciators’’,

starting on page 5 for more information.

• The display provides the present operating status of the power supply with annunciators and also informs the user of error codes.

Store

(Local) key if you

Local

Display

Limit

OFF annunciator

Rmt annunciator will

Power

Display

Limit

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Constant Voltage Operation

To set up the power supply for constant voltage (CV) operation, proceed as follows.

• Front-panel operation:

1 Connect a load to the output terminals.

With power-off, connect a load to the (+) and (-) output terminals.

2 Turn on the power supply.

The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled

OFF annunciator turns on); its low voltage range is selected (annunciator

(the for the range presently selected turns on, for example, the on for the E3640A model); and the knob is selected for voltage control.

Press to operate the power supply in the high voltage range before proceeding to the next step. The

High

20V or 60V annunciator turns on depending

on which power supply you are using.

3 Set the display to the limit mode.

Notice that the

Limit annunciator flashes, indicating that the display is in the

limit mode. When the display is in the limit mode, you can see the voltage and current limit values of the power supply.

8V annunciator turns

Vol ta ge

Current

In constant voltage mode, the voltage values between the meter and limit modes are the same, but the current values are not. Moreover, if the display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the change of current limit value when adjusting the knob. We recommend that you should set the display to “limit” mode to see the change of current limit value in the constant voltage mode whenever adjusting the knob.

4 Adjust the knob for the desired current limit.

Check that the

Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob for current control.

The flashing digit can be changed using the resolution selection keys and the flashing digit can be adjusted by turning the knob. Adjust the knob to the desired current limit.

You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the

right or left when setting current.

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Constant Voltage Operation

Vol ta ge

Curren t

5 Adjust the knob for the desired output voltage.

Check that the

Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob for voltage control .

Change the flashing digit using the resolution selection keys and adjust the knob for the desired output voltage.

Display

Limit

Output

On/Off

6 Return to the meter mode.

Press or let the display time-out after several seconds to return to the meter mode. Notice that the “

Display

Limit

OUTPUT OFF

Limit annunciator turns off and the display shows

” message.

7 Enable the output.

OFF annunciator turns off and the CV annunciator turns on. Notice that

The the display is in the meter mode.

8 Verify that the power supply is in the constant voltage mode.

If you operate the power supply in the constant voltage (CV) mode, verify that

CV annunciator is lit. If the CC annunciator is lit, choose a higher current

the limit.

Note During actual CV operation, if a load change causes the current limit to be exceeded,

the power supply will automatically crossover to the constant current mode at the preset current limit and the output voltage will drop proportionately.

• Remote interface operation:

CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX} Set the current

VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX} Set the voltage

OUTPut ON Enable the output

You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the

right or left when setting voltage.

Power

Display

Limit

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Constant Current Operation

To set up the power supply for constant current (CC) operation, proceed as follows.

• Front-panel operation:

1 Connect a load to the output terminals.

With power-off, connect a load to the (+) and (-) output terminals.

2 Turn on the power supply.

The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled

OFF annunciator turns on); its low voltage range is selected (annunciator

(the for the range presently selected turns on, for example, the on for the E3640A model); and the knob is selected for voltage control.

Press to operate the power supply in the high voltage range before proceeding to the next step. The

High

20V or 60V annunciator turns on depending

on which power supply you are using.

3 Set the display to the limit mode.

Notice that the

Limit annunciator flashes, indicating that the display is in the

limit mode. When the display is in the limit mode, you can see the voltage and current limit values of the selected supply.

8V annunciator turns

In constant current mode, the current values between the meter mode and limit mode are the same, but the voltage values are not. Moreover, if the display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the change of voltage limit value when adjusting the knob. We recommend that you should set the display to “limit” mode to see the change of voltage limit value in the constant current mode whenever adjusting the knob.

4 Adjust the knob for the desired voltage limit.

Check that the

Limit annunciator still flashes and the knob is selected for

voltage control. The flashing digit can be changed using the resolution keys and the flashing digit can be adjusted by turning the knob. Adjust the knob for the desired voltage limit.

You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the

right or left when setting the voltage.

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Constant Current Operation

Vol ta ge

Curren t

5 Adjust the knob for the desired output current.

Check that the

Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob for current control.

Change the flashing digit using the resolution selection keys and adjust the knob to the desired output current.

Display

Limit

Output

On/Off

6 Return to the meter mode.

Press or let the display time-out after several seconds to return to the meter mode. Notice that the “

Display

Limit

OUTPUT OFF

Limit annunciator turns off and the display shows

” message.

7 Enable the output.

OFF annunciator turns off and the CC annunciator turns on. Notice that

The the display is in the meter mode.

8 Verify that the power supply is in the constant current mode.

If you operate the power supply in the constant current (CC) mode, verify that

CC annunciator is lit. If the CV annunciator is lit, choose a higher voltage

the limit.

Note During actual CC operation, if a load change causes the voltage limit to be exceeded,

the power supply will automatically crossover to constant voltage mode at the preset voltage limit and the output current will drop proportionately.

• Remote interface operation:

VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX} Set the voltage

CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX} Set the current

OUTPut ON Enable the output

You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the

right or left when setting the current.

I/O

Config

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Configuring the Remote Interface

This power supply is shipped with both a GPIB (IEEE-4888) interface and an RS-232 interface. The GPIB interface is selected when the power supply is shipped from the factory. Only one interface can be enabled at a time. To exit the I/O configuration mode without any changes, press key until the ‘‘

CHANGE

’’ message is displayed.

• You can set the GPIB address, parity, and baud rate from the front panel only.

• The current selection is highlighted for emphasis. All other choices are dimmed.

• The interface selection is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a power-on reset ( command).

GPIB Configuration

1 Turn on the remote configuration mode.

I/O

Config

*RST

I/O

Config

I/O

Config

Note

GPIB / 488

If “

RS-232

2 Select the GPIB address.

” appears, select “

GPIB / 488

” by turning the knob.

ADDR 05

You can set the power supply’s address to any value between 0 and 30. The factory setting is address ‘‘5’’.

3 Save the change and exit the menu.

SAVED

Your computer's GPIB interface card has its own address. Be sure to avoid using the computer's address for any instrument on the interface bus. Agilent Technologies GPIB interface cards generally use address ‘‘21’’.

I/O

Config

I/O

Config

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Configuring the Remote Interface

RS-232 Configuration

1 Turn on the remote configuration mode.

GPIB / 488

Notice that if you changed the remote interface selection to RS-232 before, “

RS-232

2 Choose the RS-232 interface.

” message is displayed.

RS-232

You can choose the RS-232 interface by turning the knob.

3 Select the baud rate

Select one of the following: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 (factory setting) baud.

I/O

Config

I/O

Config

9600 BAUD

4 Select the parity and number of stop bits.

Select one of the following: None (8 data bits, factory setting), Odd (7 data bits), or Even (7 data bits). When you set the parity, you are also indirectly setting the number of the data bits.

NONE 8 BITS

5 Save the change and exit the menu.

SAVED

Store

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Storing and Recalling Operating States

You can store up to five different operating state in non-volatile storage locations. When shipped from the factory, storage locations ‘‘1’’ through ‘‘5’’ are empty. You can name a location from the front panel or over the remote interface but you can only recall a named state from the front panel.

The following steps show you how to store and recall an operating state. To cancel the store/recall operation, select the ‘‘

knob then press the key pressed or let the display time-out.

• Front-panel operation:

Storing Operating State

1 Set up the power supply for the desired operating state.

The storage feature “remembers” output voltage range selection, the limit value settings of voltage and current, output on/off state, OVP on/off state, and OVP trip levels.

2 Turn on the storage mode.

EXIT’’ menu by turning the

Store

STORE STATE

From the front panel, you can assign names (up to 10 characters) to each of the five stored states. Turn the knob until the ‘‘ press to select the locations, then press to name the locations.

Store Store

NAME STATE

’’ appears and

Name STATE

1:p15v_test

3 Select the storage location.

Turn the knob to the right to specify the memory location 2.

2: STatE2

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Storing and Recalling Operating States

Store

Recall

4 Save the operating state

DONE

Recalling a Stored State

1 Turn on the recall mode.

Memory location “1” will be displayed in the recall mode.

1: p15v_test

2 Select the stored operating state.

2: state2

reset

You can select the above on state without turning power off/on or without using ‘‘ the remote interface. See page 87 for more details on ‘‘

3 Recall the stored operating state.

RESET mode to reset the power supply to the power-

’’ command over

*RST

’’ command.

*RST

done

• Remote interface operation:

Use the following commands to store and recall power supply state.

*SAV {1|2|3|4|5} Store an operating state to a specified location

*RCL {1|2|3|4|5} Recall a previously stored state from a specified

location

‘‘

MEM:STATE:NAME 1, ‘P15V_TEST

Name the storage location 1 as ‘‘P15V_TEST’’.

’’’

Power

Over

Vol ta ge

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Programming Overvoltage Protection

Overvoltage protection guards the load against output voltages reaching values greater than the programmed protection level. It is accomplished by shorting the output via an internal SCR when the trip level is set to equal or greater than 3 volts, or by programming the output to 1 volt when the trip level is set to less than 3 volts.

The following steps show how to set the OVP trip level, how to check OVP operation, and how to clear overvoltage condition.

• Front-panel operation:

Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit

1 Turn on the power supply.

2 Enter the OVP menu and set the desired trip level.

Over

Vol ta ge

Over

Vol ta ge

LEVEL 22222.0V (E3640A)

Use the knob and the resolution selection key or to set the desired trip level. Note that you cannot set the trip levels to lower than 1.0 volt.

3 Enable the OVP circuit.

< >

OVP ON

4 Exit the OVP menu.

CHANGED

If the OVP settings are not changed, “

NO CHANGE

power supply will exit the OVP menu and the display will return to the meter mode. Check that the

OVP annunciator turns on.

” will be displayed. The

Display

Vol ta ge

Limit

Over

Vol ta ge

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Programming Overvoltage Protection

Checking OVP Operation

To check OVP operation, raise the output voltage to near the trip point. Then very gradually increase the output by turning the knob until the OVP circuit trips. This will cause the power supply output to drop to near zero, the annunciator to flash, and the

CC annunciator to turn on. The “

OVP TRIPPED

OVP

”

message also appears on the display.

Clearing the Overvoltage Condition

When the OVP condition occurs, the OVP annunciator flashes. When it was caused by an external voltage source such as a battery, disconnect it first. Clear the overvoltage condition by adjusting output voltage level or by adjusting OVP trip level.

The following steps show you how to clear the overvoltage condition and get back to normal mode operation. In the following steps, the display will go back to “

OVP TRIPPED

By Adjusting output voltage level

1 Lower the output voltage level below the OVP trip point.

OVP and Limit annunciators are flashing after key is pressed.

The

” if you let the display time out after about several seconds.

Display

Limit

2 Check that you lowered the voltage level below the OVP trip point.

The OVP trip point is displayed. Do not adjust the trip point at this step.

3 Select the OVP CLEAR mode by turning the knob.

Over

Vol ta ge

OVP

OVP ON

OVPOVP

OVP

OVP CLEAR

OVPOVP

ONON

4 Clear the overvoltage condition and exit this menu.

done

donedone

OVP annunciator will not flash any more. The output will return to meter

The mode.

Over

Vol ta ge

Over

Vol ta ge

Over

Vol ta ge

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Programming Overvoltage Protection

By Adjusting OVP trip level

1 Raise the OVP trip level higher than the level tripped.

2 Select the OVP CLEAR mode by turning the knob.

OVP

OVP ON

OVPOVP

OVP

OVP CLEAR

OVPOVP

ONON

3 Clear the overvoltage condition and exit this menu.

done

donedone

The

OVP annunciator will not flash any more. The output will return to the

meter mode.

• Remote interface operation:

VOLT:PROT {<voltage>|MIN|MAX} Set the OVP level

VOLT:PROT:STAT {OFF|ON) Disable or enable the OVP circuit

VOLT:PROT:CLE Clear the tripped OVP circuit

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Programming Overvoltage Protection

Note The power supply’s OVP circuit contains a crowbar SCR, which effectively shorts the

output of the power supply whenever the overvoltage condition occurs. If external voltage source such as a battery is connected across the output, and the overvoltage condition inadvertently occurs, the SCR will continuously sink a large current from the source; possibly damaging the power supply. To avoid this a diode must be connected in series with the output as shown in Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1. Recommended Protection Circuit for Battery Charging

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Disabling the Output

The output of the power supply can be disabled or enabled from the front panel.

• When the power supply is in the “Off” state, the and the output is disabled. The

OFF annunciator turns off when the power

supply returns to the “On” state. When the output is disabled, the voltage value is 0 volts and the current value is 0.02 amps. This gives a zero output voltage without actually disconnecting the output.

• The output state is stored in volatile memory; the output is always disabled when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.

• While the output is disabled, the control knob is locked to prevent from any unwanted changes occurring. But the other front panel keys are working.

• To lock the control knob, move the flashing digit to the right or left using

< >

or resolution selection keys until the flashing digit disappears.

To see or check the changes while the output is disabled, press before returning to meter mode.

• Front-panel operation:

OFF annunciator turns on

Display

Limit

Output

output Off

On/Off

• Remote interface operation:

OUTP {OFF|ON}

Disconnecting the Output Using an External Relay

To disconnect the output, an external relay must be connected between the output and the load. A TTL signal of either low true or high true is provided to control an external relay. This signal can only be controlled with the remote command

OUTPut:RELay {OFF|ON}

232 connection pin 1 and pin 0. When the

OUTPut:RELay

state is “ON”, the TTL output of pin 1 is high

(4.5 V) and pin 9 is low (0.5 V). The levels are reversed when the

OUTPut:RELay

state is “OFF”. The TTL output of pin 1 or pin 9 of the RS-232 connector is available only after installing two jumpers (JP102 and JP103) inside the power supply. See the Service Information to locate them.

Note Do not use the RS-232 interface if you have configured the power supply to output

relay control signals. Internal components on the RS-232 circuitry may be damaged.

. The TTL output is available on the RS-

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

System-Related Operations

This section gives information on system-related topics such as storing power supply states, reading errors, running a self-test, displaying messages on the front panel, and reading firmware revisions.

State Storage

The power supply has five storage locations in non-volatile memory to store power supply states. The locations are numbered 1 through 5. You can assign a name to each of the locations for use from the front panel.

• You can store the power supply state in any of the five locations. However, you can only recall a state from a location that contains a previously stored state.

• The power supply stores the following: the state of output range selection, flashing digit position on the display, the limit value settings of voltage and current, output on/off state, OVP on/off state and trip levels.

• When shipped from the factory, storage locations ‘‘1’’ through ‘‘5’’ are empty.

• You can assign a name to the storage locations. You can name a location from the front panel or over the remote interface but you can only recall a named state from the front panel. From the remote interface, you can only recall a stored state using a number (1 through 5).

• The name can contain up to 9 characters. A letter (A-Z) or numbers (0-9) can be used for the first character to name a state. The underscore character (‘‘_ ’’) can be used for the remaining 8 characters. Blank spaces are not allowed. An error is generated if you specify a name with more than 10 characters.

•A power-on reset ( stored in memory. Once a state is stored, it remains until it is overwritten.

command) does not affect the configurations

*RST

• Front-Panel Operation:

Store

To reset the power supply to the power-on reset state without using the

command or turning power off/on, select the ‘‘

*RST

following.

Recall

STORE STATE, NAME STATE, EXIT

5 states, RESET, exit

RESET

’’ from the

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

System-Related Operations

• Remote Interface Operation:

Use the following commands to store and recall power supply state.

*SAV {1|2|3|4|5}

*RCL {1|2|3|4|5}

To assign a name to a stored state to be recalled from the front panel, send the following command. From the remote interface, you can only recall a stored state using a number (1 through 5).

‘‘

MEM:STATE:NAME 1, ‘P15V_TEST

’’’

Self-Test

A power-on self-test occurs automatically when you turn on the power supply. This test assures you that the power supply is operational. This test does not perform the extensive set of tests that are included as part of the complete selftest described below. If the power-on self-test fails, the turns on.

A complete self-test performs a series of tests and takes approximately 2 seconds to execute. If all tests pass, you can have a high confidence that the power supply is operational.

If the complete self-test is successful, “ If the self-test fails, ‘‘

’’ is displayed and the

FAIL

” is displayed on the front panel.

PASS

ERROR annunciator turns on.

See the Service Information for instructions on returning the power supply to Agilent Technologies for service.

ERROR annunciator

• Front-panel operation:

To perform the complete front panel self-test, hold down the key as

Display

Limit

you turn on the power supply and hold down the key until you hear a long beep. The self-test will begin when you release the key following the beep.

• Remote interface operation:

‘‘

*TST?

’’

Returns “0” if the complete self-test passes or “1” if it fails.

Error Conditions

When the front-panel ERROR annunciator turns on, one or more command syntax or hardware errors have been detected. A record of up to 20 errors can be stored in the power supply’s error queue. See ‘‘Error Messages’’ for more information starting on page 113 in chapter 5.

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

System-Related Operations

Firmware Revision Query

The power supply has three microprocessors for control of various internal systems. You can query the power supply to determine which revision of firmware is installed for each microprocessor.

• The power supply returns three revision numbers. The first number is the firmware revision number for the main processor; the second is for the input/output processor; and the third is for the front-panel processor.

• Front-Panel Operation:

View

Press

• Remote interface operation:

*IDN?

The above command returns a string in the form:

‘‘

Agilent Technologies,E3640A,0,X.X-Y.Y-Z.Z’’

Be sure to dimension a string variable with at least 40 characters.

REV X.X-Y.Y-Z.Z

View

twice to read the system firmware revision numbers.

(E3640A)

SCPI Language Version

This power supply complies with the rules and regulations of the present version of SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments). You can determine the SCPI version with which the power supply is in compliance by sending a command from the remote interface.

You can query the SCPI version from the remote interface only.

• Remote interface operation:

‘‘

SYST:VERS?

Returns a string in the form “YYYY.V” where the “Y’s” represent the year of the version, and the “V” represents a version number for that year (for example, 1997.0).

’’

Query the SCPI version

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

GPIB Interface Reference

The GPIB connector on the rear panel connects your power supply to the compu ter and other GPIB devices. Chapter 2 lists the cables that are available from Agilent Technologies. A GPIB system can be connected together in any configuration (star, linear, or both) as long as the following rules are observed:

Each device on the GPIB (IEEE-488) interface must have a unique address. You can set the power supply’s address to any value between 0 and 30. The address is set to ‘‘5’’ when the power supply is shipped from the factory. The GPIB address is displayed at power-on.

You can set the GPIB address from the front panel only.

• The address is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a power-on reset (

• Your computer's GPIB interface card has its own address. Be sure to avoid using the computer's address for any instrument on the interface bus. Agilent Technologies GPIB interface cards generally use address ‘‘21’’.

• The total number of devices including the computer is no more than 15.

• The total length of all the cables used is no more than 2 meter times the number of devices connected together, up to a maximum of 20 meters.

• Do not stack more than three connector blocks together on any GPIB connector. Make sure that all connectors are fully seated and that the lock screws are firmly finger tightened.

See page 46 for more information on configuring the power supply for remote interface from the front panel.

*RST

command).

Note

IEEE-488 states that you should exercise caution if your individual cable lengths exceed 4 meters.

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

RS-232 Interface Reference

The power supply can be connected to the RS-232 interface using the 9-pin (DB-9) serial connector on the rear panel. The power supply is configured as a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) device. For all communications over the RS-232 interface, the power supply uses two handshake lines: DTR (Data Terminal Ready, on pin 4) and DSR (Data Set Ready, on pin 6).

The following sections contain information to help you use the power supply over the RS-232 interface. The programming commands for RS-232 are explained on page 92.

RS-232 Configuration Overview

Configure the RS-232 interface using the parameters shown below. Use the front-panel key to select the baud rate, parity, and number of data bits (See page 46 for more information).

• Baud Rate: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 (factory setting)

• Parity and Data Bits: None / 8 data bits (factory setting)

• Number of Start Bits: 1 bit (fixed)

• Number of Stop Bits: 2 bits (fixed)

I/O

Config

Even / 7 data bits, or Odd / 7 data bits

RS-232 Data Frame Format

A character frame consists of all the transmitted bits that make up a single character. The frame is defined as the characters from the start bit to the last stop bit, inclusively. Within the frame, you can select the baud rate, number of data bits, and parity type. The power supply uses the following frame formats for seven and eight data bits.

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

RS-232 Interface Reference

Connection to a Computer or Terminal

To connect the power supply to a computer or terminal, you must have the proper interface cable. Most computers and terminals are DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) devices. Since the power supply is also a DTE device, you must use a DTE-to-DTE interface cable. These cables are also called null-modem, modem-eliminator, or crossover cables.

The interface cable must also have the proper connector on each end and the internal wiring must be correct. Connectors typically have 9 pins (DB-9 connector) or 25 pins (DB-25 connector) with a “male” or “female” pin configuration. A male connector has pins inside the connector shell and a female connector has holes inside the connector shell.

If you cannot find the correct cable for your configuration, you may have to use a wiring adapter. If you are using a DTE-to-DTE cable, make sure the adapter is a “straight-through” type. Typical adapters include gender changers, null-modem adapters, and DB-9 to DB-25 adapters.

The cable and adapter diagrams shown below can be used to connect the power supply to most computers or terminals. If your configuration is different than those described, order the Agilent 34399A Adapter Kit. This kit contains adapters for connection to other computers, terminals, and modems. Instructions and pin diagrams are included with the adapter kit.

DB-9 Serial Connection If your computer or terminal has a 9-pin serial port with a male connector, use the null-modem cable included with the Agilent 34398A Cable Kit. This cable has a 9-pin female connector on each end. The cable pin diagram is shown below.

5182-4794

Instrument

DCD RX TX DTR

GND DSR RTS CTS RI

DB9 Male

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9

DB9 Female

Cable

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9

DB9 Female

DCD RX TX DTR

GND DSR RTS CTS RI

DB9 Male

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

RS-232 Interface Reference

DB-25 Serial Connection If your computer or terminal has a 25-pin serial port with a male connector, use the null-modem cable and 25-pin adapter included with the Agilent 34398A Cable Kit. The cable and adapter pin diagram are shown below.

5182-4794

Instrument PC

DCD

DTR

GND

DSR

RTS

CTS

DB9

Female

Male

Cable

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9

DB9 Female

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9

DB9 Male

5181-6641

Adapter

2 3 4 5

6 7 8 20

DB25 Female

TX RX RTS CTS

DSR GND DCD DTR

DB25 Male

RS-232 Troubleshooting

Here are a few things to ch eck if you ar e having pr o b l ems commu n i c a t i n g over the RS-232 interface. If you need additional help, refer to the documentation that came with your computer.

• Verify that the power supply and your computer are configured for the same baud rate, parity, and number of data bits. Make sure that your computer is set up for 1 start bit and 2 stop bits (these values are fixed on the power supply).

• Make sure to execute the

SYSTem:REMote

supply in the remote mode.

• Verify that you have connected the correct interface cable and adapters. Even if the cable has the proper connectors for your system, the internal wiring may be incorrect. The Agilent 34398A Cable Kit can be used to connect the power supply to most computers or terminals.

• Verify that you have connected the interface cable to the correct serial port on your computer (COM1, COM2, etc.).

command to place the power

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Calibration Overview

This section gives an overview of the calibration features of the power supply. For more detailed discussion of the calibration procedures, see the Service Information.

Calibration Security

This feature allows you to enter a security code to prevent accidental or unauthorized calibrations of the power supply. When you first receive your power supply, it is secured. Before you can calibrate the power supply, you must unsecure it by entering the correct security code.

• The table 3-1 below shows the security code for each model when the power supply is shipped from the factory. The security code is stored in non- volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a power-on reset (

• The security code may contain up to 11 alphanumeric characters or underscore character (‘‘_’’). A letter (A-Z) or number (0-9) can be used for the first character. You do not have to use all 11 characters.

*RST

command).

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (11 characters)

• When you secure the power supply from the remote interface, use maximum 8 alphanumeric characters to unsecure the power supply from the front panel also. For example,

e3640A (less than 9 characters)

If you forget your security code, you can disable the security feature by adding a jumper inside the power supply, and then entering a new code. See the Service Information for more information.

Table 3-1. Factory setting security codes

Model Security

Code

E3640A 003640 E3641A 003641 E3642A 003642

E3643A 003643 E3644A 003644 E3645A 003645

Model Security

Code

Model Security

Code

Power

Calibrate

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Calibration Overview

To Unsecure for Calibration

You can unsecure the power supply either from the front panel or over the remote interface. The power supply is secured when shipped from the factory. See the table 3-1 for the factory setting secure code for your power supply.

View

1 Select the calibration mode.

SECURED

I/O

Config

Secure

I/O

Config

Secure

Power

If the power supply is secured, the above message is displayed as you turn on the power supply by holding down ( key until you hear a long beep. And a message ‘‘

View

Calibrate) key and hold down the

Calibrate

CAL MODE

’’ is displayed.

2 Enter the security code.

000000

Enter the security code using the control knob and resolution selection keys.

3 Save the change and exit the menu.

UNSECURED

You will see the above message if the security code is correct. And a message ‘‘

CAL MODE

and on.

Notice that if you enter the wrong secure code, “ the code entering mode is displayed for you to enter the correct code.

• Remote Interface Operation:

CAL:SEC:STAT {OFF|ON},<code> Secure or unsecure the power supply

To unsecure the power supply, send the above command with the same code used to secure. For example,

‘‘

CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, ‘003640

’’ is displayed. To exit the calibration mode, turn the power off

INVALID

” is displayed and

’’’ (E3640A model)

Power

Calibrate

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Calibration Overview

To Secure Against Calibration

You can secure the power supply against calibration either from the front panel or over the remote interface. The power supply is secured when shipped from the factory.

Be sure to read the security code rules on page 62 before attempting to secure the power supply.

• Front-Panel Operation:

View

1 Select the calibration mode.

UNSECURED

I/O

Config

Secure

I/O

Config

Secure

Power

If the power supply is unsecured, the above message is displayed as you turn on the power supply by holding down ( key until you hear a long beep. And a message ‘‘

View

Calibrate) key and hold down the

Calibrate

CAL MODE

’’ is displayed.

2 Enter the security code.

000000

Enter the desired security code using the control knob and resolution selection keys.

3 Save the change and exit the menu.

secured

The secured setting is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a power-on reset (

• Remote Interface Operation:

CAL:SEC:STAT {OFF|ON},<code> Secure or unsecure the power supply

To secure the power supply, send the above command with the same code as used to unsecure. For example,

‘‘

CAL:SEC:STAT ON, ‘003640

’’’ (E3640A model)

*RST

command).

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Calibration Overview

To Change the Security Code To change the security code, you must first unsecure the power supply, and then enter a new code. Be sure to read the security code rules on page 62 before attempting to secure the power supply.

• Front-Panel Operation:

To change the security code, first make sure that the power supply is unsecured. Go to the security code entry, press ( “

CAL MODE

” message is displayed, enter the new security code using the

control knob and resolution selection keys, then press (

I/O

Config

Secure) key after the

Secure

I/O

Config

Secure) key.

Secure

Changing the code from the front panel also changes the code as seen from the remote interface.

• Remote Interface Operation:

CAL:SEC:CODE <new code> Change the security code

To change the security code, first unsecure the power supply using the old security code. Then, enter the new code as shown below.

‘‘

CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, ‘003640

‘‘

CAL:SEC:CODE ‘ZZ001443

‘‘

CAL:SEC:STAT ON, ‘ZZ001443

’’’

Unsecure with old code

Enter new code

’’’

Secure with new code

Calibration Count

You can determine the number of times that your power supply has been calibrated. Your power supply was calibrated before it left the factory. When you receive your power supply, read the count to determine its initial value.

The calibration count feature can be performed from the remote interface only.

• The calibration count is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.

• The calibration count increments up to a maximum of 32,767 after which it wraps-around to 0. Since the value increments by one for each calibration point, a complete calibration will increase the value by 3 counts.

• Remote Interface Operation:

CAL:COUN? Query the number of times of calibration

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Calibration Overview

Calibration Message

The power supply allows you to store one message in calibration memory in the mainframe. For example, you can store such information as the date when the last calibration was performed, the date when the next calibration is due, the power supply’s serial number, or even the name and phone number of the person to contact for a new calibration.

• You can record a calibration message only from the remote interface and only when the power supply is unsecured. You can read the message from either the front-panel or over the remote interface. You can read the calibration message whether the powers supply is secured or unsecured.

• The calibration message may contain up to 40 characters. From the front panel, you can view 11 characters of the message at a time.

• Storing a calibration message will overwrite any message previously stored in memory.

• The calibration message is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.

• Front-Panel Operation:

To read calibr ation message from the front panel, press and turn the knob until ‘‘

CAL STRING

text of the message. Press to increase the scrolling speed.

’’ is displayed. Press to scroll through the

View

View View

CAL STRING

• Remote Interface Operation:

To store the calibration message, send

‘‘

CAL:STR ‘CAL 06-01-99

’’’

the following command.

Remote Interface Reference

• SCPI Command Summary‚ starting on page 69

SCPI

• Simplified Programming Overview‚ starting on page 74

• Using the

• Output Setting and Operation Commands‚ starting on page 78

• Triggering‚ starting on page 82

• System-Related Commands‚ starting on page 85

• State Storage Commands‚ on page 88

• Calibration Commands‚ starting on page 89

• Interface Configuration Commands‚ on page 92

• The SCPI Status Registers‚ starting on page 93

• Status Reporting Commands‚ starting on page 101

SCPI

• An Introduction to the SCPI Language‚ starting on page 103

• Halting an Output in Progress‚ on page 108

• SCPI Conformance Information‚ starting on page 109

• IEEE-488 Conformance Information‚ on page 112

APPLy

Command‚ on page 77

SCPI

If you are a first-time user of the SCPI language, you may want to refer to these sections to become familiar with the language before attempting to program the power supply.

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary

This section summarizes the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) commands available to program the power supply over the

remote interfa ce. Refer to the later sections in this chapter for more complete details on each command.

Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used for SCPI command syntax.

• Square brackets ([ ]) indicate optional keywords or parameters.

• Braces ({ }) enclose parameters within a command string.

• Triangle brackets (< >) indicate that you must substitute a value or a code for the enclosed parameter.

• A vertical bar ( | ) separates one of two or more alternative parameters.

SCPI

First-time SCPI users, see page 103.

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary

Output Setting and Measurement Commands

(see page 78 for more information)

APPLy {<voltage>|DEF|MIN|MAX}[,{<current>|DEF|MIN|MAX}]

APPLy?

[SOURce:]

CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]{

CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]

CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]

{<numeric value> |DEFault}

CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? [DEFault] CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX}

CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]

VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]

{<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}

VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]

VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]

{<numeric value>|DEFault}

VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? [DEFault] VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}

VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX] VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}

VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]? [MIN|MAX]

VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}

VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?

VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?

VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar

VOLTage:RANGe {P8V*|P20V*|P35V**|P60V**|LOW|HIGH}

VOLTage:RANGe?

MEASure [:SCALar]

:CURRent[:DC]?

[:VOLTage][:DC]?

<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}

*For Agilent E3640A/42/44A Models **For Agilent E3641A/43A/45A Models

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary

Triggering Commands

(see page 82 for more information)

INITiate[:IMMediate]

TRIGger[:SEQuence] :DELay {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}

:DELay?[MIN|MAX]

:SOURce {BUS|IMM}

:SOURce?

*TRG

System-Related Commands

(see page 85 for more information)

DISPlay[:WINDow]

[:STATe] {OFF|ON}

[:STATe]?

:TEXT[:DATA] <quoted string>

:TEXT[:DATA]?

:TEXT:CLEar

SYSTem

:BEEPer[:IMMediate]

:ERRor?

:VERSion?

:COMMunicate:GPIB:RDEVice:ADDRess <numeric value>

:COMMunicate:GPIB:RDEVice:ADDRess?

OUTPut

:RELay[:STATe] {OFF|ON}

:RELay[:STATe]?

[:STATe] {OFF|ON}

[:STATe]?

*IDN?

*RST

*TST?

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary

Calibration Commands

(see page 89 for more information)

CALibration

:COUNt? :CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>

:CURRent:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX} :SECure:CODE <new code> :SECure:STATe {OFF|ON},<quoted code>

:SECure:STATe? :STRing <quoted string>

:STRing? :VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>

:VOLTage:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}

:VOLTage:PROTection

Status Reporting Commands

(see page 101 for more information)

STATus:QUEStionable

:CONDition?

[:EVENt]? :ENABle <enable value>

:ENABle?

SYSTem:ERRor?

*CLS *ESE <enable value>

*ESE?

*ESR?

*OPC

*OPC?

*PSC {0|1}

*PSC? *SRE <enable value>

*SRE?

*STB?

*WAI

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary

Interface Configuration Commands

(see page 92 for more information)

SYSTem

:INTerface {GPIB|RS232}

:LOCal

:REMote

:RWLock

State Storage Commands

(see page 88 for more information)

*SAV {1|2|3|4|5}

*RCL {1|2|3|4|5}

MEMory:STATe :NAME {1|2|3|4|5} ,<quoted name>

:NAME? {1|2|3|4|5}

IEEE-488.2 Common Commands

(see page 112 for more information)

*CLS

*ESR? *ESE <enable value>

*ESE?

*IDN?

*OPC

*OPC?

*PSC {0|1}

*PSC?

*RST

*SAV {1|2|3|4|5}

*RCL {1|2|3|4|5}

*STB? *SRE <enable value>

*SRE?

*TRG

*TST?

*WAI

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Simplified Programming Overview

This section gives an overview of the basic techniques used to program the power supply over the remote interface. This section is only an overview and does not give all of the details you will need to write your own application programs. Refer to the remainder of this chapter and also chapter 6, ‘‘Application Programs’’, for more details and examples. Also refer to the programming reference manual that came with your computer for details on outputting command strings and entering data.

Using the APPLy Command

The the power supply over the remote interface. For example, the following statement executed from your computer will set the power supply to an output of 3 V rated at 1 A:

‘‘APPL 3.0, 1.0

command provides the most straightforward method to program

APPLy

’’

Using the Low-Level Commands

Although the program the power supply, the low-level commands give you more flexibility to change individual parameters. For example, the following statements executed from your computer will set the power supply to an output of 3 V rated at 1 A:

‘‘VOLT 3.0

‘‘CURR 1.0

APPLy

command provides the most straightforward method to

’’

Set output voltage to 3.0 V

Set output current to 1.0 A

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Simplified Programming Overview

Reading a Query Response

Only the query commands (commands that end with “ ? ”) will instruct the power supply to send a response message. Queries return either output values or internal instrument settings. For example, the following statements executed from your computer will read the power supply’s error queue and print the most recent error:

dimension statement

‘‘SYST:ERR?

bus enter statement Enter error string into computer

print statement Print error string

’’

Dimension string array (80 elements)

Read error queue

Selecting a Trigger Source

The power supply will accept a ‘‘bus’’ (software) trigger or an immediate internal trigger as a trigger source. By default, the ‘‘BUS’’ trigger source is selected. If you want the power supply to use an immediate internal trigger, you must select ‘‘ executed from your computer will set to an output of 3 V/1 A immediately:

‘‘VOLT:TRIG 3.0

‘‘CURR:TRIG 1.0

‘‘TRIG:SOUR IMM

‘‘INIT

IMMediate

’’

’’. For example, the following statements

’’

Set the triggered voltage level to 3.0 V

Set the triggered current level to 1.0 A

Select the immediate trigger as a source

Cause the trigger system to initiate

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Simplified Programming Overview

Power Supply Programming Ranges

The available programming value for a parameter varies according to the desired output range of the power supply. The following table lists the programming values available and power supply.

Refer to this table to identify programming values when programming the power supply.

able 4-1. Agilent E3640A/42A/44A Programming Ranges

Voltage Programming

Current Programming

Range

MAX Value 8.24 V 20.60 V 8.24 V 20.60 V 8.24 V 20.60 V

MIN Value 0 V 0 V 0 V

DEFault Value 0 V 0 V 0 V

*RST Value 0 V 0 V 0 V

Range

MAX Value 3.09 A 1.545 A 5.15 A 2.575 A 8.24 A 4.12 A

MIN Value 0 A 0 A 0 A

DEFault Value 3 A 1.5 A 5 A 2.5 A 8 A 4 A

*RST Value 3.00 A 5.00 A 8.00 A

SOURce

subsystem requires parameters for programming values. The

MINimum, MAXimum, DEFault

E3640A E3642A E3644A

0 - 8V/3A

Range

0 V to 8.24V 0 V to 20.60 V 0 V to 8.24V 0 V to 20.60 V 0 V to 8.24V 0 V to 20.60 V

0 A to 3.09 A 0 A to 1.545 A 0 A to 5.15 A 0 A to 2.575 A 0 A to 8.24 A 0 A to 4.12 A

0 - 20V/1.5A

Range

0 - 8V/5A

Range

0 - 20V/2.5A

and reset values of your

Range

0 - 8V/8A

Range

0 - 20V/4A

Range

Table 4-2. Agilent E3641A/43A/45A Programming Ranges

Voltage Programming

Current Programming

Range

MAX Value 36.05 V 61.8 V 36.05 V 61.8 V 36.05 V 61.8 V

MIN Value 0 V 0 V 0 V

DEFault Value 0 V 0 V 0 V

*RST Value 0 V 0 V 0 V

Range

MAX Value 0.824 A 0.515 A 1.442 A 0.824 A 2.266 A 1.339 A

MIN Value 0 A 0 A 0 A

DEFault Value 0.8 A 0.5 A 1.4 A 0.8 A 2.2 A 1.3 A

*RST Value 0.8 A 1.4 A 2.2 A

E3641A E3643A E3645A

0 - 35V/0.8A

Range

0 V to 36.05V 0 V to 61.8 V 0 V to 36.05V 0 V to 61.8 V 0 V to 36.05V 0 V to 61.8 V

0 A to 0.824 A 0 A to 0.515 A 0 A to 1.442 A 0 A to 0.824 A 0 A to 2.266 A 0 A to 1.339 A

0 - 60V/0.5A

Range

0 - 35V/1.4A

Range

0 - 60V/0.8A

Range

0 - 35V/2.2A

Range

0 - 60V/1.3A

Range

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Using the APPLy Command

The the power supply over the remote interface. You can select the output voltage and current in one command.

APPLy {<voltage>| DEF | MIN | MAX}[,{<current>| DEF | MIN | MAX}]

This command is combination of The

programmed values only if the programmed values are valid within the presently selected range. An execution error will occur if the programmed values are not valid within the selected range.

You can substitute ‘‘ specific value for the voltage and current parameters. For more details of parameters, see Table 4-1 through Table 4-2 for each model.

If you specify only one parameter of the regards it as voltage setting value.

APPLy?

Query the power supply’s present voltage and current setting values and returns a quoted string. The voltage and current are returned in sequence as shown in the sample string below (the quotation marks are returned as part of the string).

‘‘8.00000,3.00000’’ (E3640A model)

command provides the most straightforward method to program

APPLy

VOLTage

command changes the power supply’s output to the newly

APPLy

MINimum

’’, ‘‘

MAXimum

and

CURRent

’’, or ‘‘

DEFault

command, the power supply

APPLy

commands.

’’ in place of a

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Output Setting and Operation Commands

This section describes low-level commands used to program the power supply. Although the program the power supply, the low-level output setting commands give you more flexibility to change the individual parameters.

CURRent{<current>| MINimum | MAXimum | UP | DOWN}

Program the immediate current level of the power supply. The immediate level is the current value of the output terminals.

The

CURRent

programmed value regardless of the output range presently selected. You can substitute ‘‘

the current parameter. selects the highest current values allowed for the selected range.

This command also increases or decreases the immediate current level using the ‘‘UP’’ or ‘‘

CURRent:STEP

increment setting will cause an execution error -222 (Data out of range) when the maximum or the minimum rated current is exceeded.

APPLy

DOWN

command provides the most straightforward method to

command changes the output of the power supply to the newly

MINimum

MIN

’’ parameter by a predetermined amount. The command

sets the amount of increase or decrease. Notice that a new

’’ or ‘‘

MAXimum

selects the lowest current values of ‘‘0’’ amps.

’’ in place of a specific value for

MAX

CURRent? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Return the presently programmed current level of the power supply.

CURR? MAX

current levels for the selected range.

CURRent:STEP {<numeric value>| DEFault}

Set the step size for current programming with the

DOWN

To set the st e p size t o the min imum reso lution, set th e step size to ‘‘ The minimum resolution of the step size is approximately 0.052 mA (E3640A),

0.015 mA (E3641A), 0.095 mA (E3642A), 0.026 mA (E3643A), 0.152 mA (E3644A), and 0.042 mA (E3645A), respectively. The returns the minimum resolution of your instrument. The immediate current level increases or decreases by the value of the step size. For example, the output current will increase or decrease 10 mA if the step size is 0.01. At the step size is the value of the minimum resolution.

and

CURR? MIN

commands. See the example in the next page.

return the highest and lowest programmable

CURRent UP

CURR:STEP? DEF

and

CURRent

DEFault

*RST

’’.

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Output Setting and Operation Commands

CURRent:STEP? [DEFault]

Return the value of the step size currently specified. The returned parameter is a numeric value. ‘‘ in unit of amps.

CURRent:TRIGgered {<current>| MINimum | MAXimum}

Program the pending triggered current level. The pending triggered current level is a stored value that is transferred to the output terminals when a trigger occurs. A pending triggered level is not affected by subsequent commands.

CURRent:TRIGgered? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the triggered current level presently programmed. If no triggered level is programmed, the

DEFault

CURRent

’’ gives the minimum resolution of the step size

CURRent

level is returned.

Example

The following program segments show how to use the command to increase or decrease the output current with the command.

‘‘

CURR:STEP 0.01

‘‘

CURR UP

‘‘

CURR:STEP 0.02

‘‘

CURR DOWN

VOLTage {<voltage>| MINimum | MAXimum | UP | DOWN}

Program the immediate voltage level of the power supply. The immediate level is the voltage value of the output terminals.

The

VOLTage

programmed value regardless of the output range presently selected. This command also increases or decreases the immediate voltage level using

the ‘‘UP’’ or ‘‘

VOLTage:STEP

increment setting will cause an execution error -222 (Data out of range) when the maximum or the minimum rated voltage is exceeded.

VOLTage? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the presently programmed voltage level of the power supply.

’’

command changes the output of the power supply to the newly

DOWN

’’

’’ parameter by a predetermined amount. The command

sets the amount of increase or decrease. Notice that a new

Set the step size to 0.01 A

Increase the output current

Set the step size to 0.02 A

Decrease the output current

CURR UP

CURR DOWN

CURR:STEP

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Output Setting and Operation Commands

VOLTage:STEP {<numeric value> | DEFault}

Set the step size for voltage programming with the commands. See the example below.

To set the step size to the minimum resolution, set the step size to ‘‘ The minimum resolution of the step size is approximately 0.35 mV (E3640A),

1.14 mV (E3641A), 0.38 mV (E3642A), 1.14 mV (E3643A), 0.35 mV (E3644A), and 1.14mV (E3645A), respectively. The immediate voltage level increases or decreases by the value of the step size. For example, the output voltage will increase or decrease 10 mV if the step size is 0.01. At value of the minimum resolution.

VOLTage:STEP? [DEFault]

Return the value of the step size currently specified. The returned parameter is a numeric value. ‘‘ of volts.

DEFault

’’ gives the minimum resolution step size in unit

VOLT UP

*RST

and

VOLT DOWN

DEFault

, the step size is the

’’.

Example

The following program segments show how to use the command to increase or decrease the output voltage with the command.

‘‘

VOLT:STEP 0.01

‘‘

VOLT UP

‘‘

VOLT:STEP 0.02

‘‘

VOLT DOWN

VOLTage:TRIGgered {<voltage>| MINimum | MAXimum}

Program the pending triggered voltage level. The pending triggered voltage level is a stored value that is transferred to the output terminals when a trigger occurs. A pending triggered level is not affected by subsequent commands.

VOLTage:TRIGgered? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the triggered voltage level presently programmed. If no triggered level is programmed, the

VOLTage:PROTection {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}

Set the voltage level at which the overvoltage protection (OVP) circuit will trip. If the peak output voltage exceeds the OVP level, then the power supply output is shorted by an internal SCR. An overvoltage condition can be cleared with the

VOLT:PROT:CLE

is removed.

’’

level is returned.

VOLT

command after the condition that caused the OVP trip

Set the step size to 0.01 V

Increase the output voltage

Set the step size to 0.02 V

Decrease the output voltage

VOLT UP

o r

VOLT DOWN

VOLT:STEP

VOLTage

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Output Setting and Operation Commands

VOLTage:PROTection? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the overvoltage protection trip level presently programmed.

VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0 | 1 | OFF | ON}

Enable or disable the overvoltage protection function. At set to ‘‘ON’’.

VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?

Query the state of the overvoltage protection function. The returned parameter is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).

VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?

Return a ‘‘1’’ if the overvoltage protection circuit is tripped and not cleared or a ‘‘0’’ if not tripped.

VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar

Cause the overvoltage protection circuit to be cleared. After this command, the output voltage is restored to the state it was in before the protection feature occurred and the OVP trip level remains unchanged to the value presently programmed. Before sending this command, lower the output voltage below the trip OVP point, or raise the OVP trip level above the output setting. Note

that the overvoltage condition caused by an external source must be removed first before proceeding this command.

, this value is

*RST

VOLTage:RANGe {P8V* | P20V* | P35V** | P60V** | LOW | HIGH}

Select an output range to be programmed by the identifier. For example, ‘‘P20V’’ or ‘‘HIGH’’ is the identifier for the 20V/1.5A range and ‘‘P8V’’ or ‘‘LOW’’ is for the 8V/3A range (for E3640A model). At selected.

VOLTage:RANGe?

Query the currently selected range. The returned parameter is ‘‘P8V’’ or ‘‘P35V’’ for low voltage range, or ‘‘P20V’’ or ‘‘P60V’’ for high voltage range.

MEASure:CURRent?

Query the current measured across the current sense resistor inside the power supply.

MEASure[:VOLTage]?

Query the voltage measured at the sense terminals of the power supply.

* For E3640A/42A/44A models **For E3641A/43A/45A models

, low voltage range is

*RST

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Triggering

The power supply’s triggering system allows a change in voltage and current when receiving a trigger, to select a trigger source, and to insert a trigger. Triggering the power supply is a multi-step process.

• First, you must specify the source from which the power supply will accept the trigger. The power supply will accept a bus (software) trigger or an immediate trigger from the remote interface.

• Then, you can set the time delay between the detection of the trigger on the specified trigger source and the start of any corresponding output change.

Notice that the time delay is valid for only the bus trigger source.

• Finally, you must provide an source is selected, the selected output is set to the triggered level immediately. But if the trigger source is the bus, the power supply is set to the triggered level after receiving the Group Execute Trigger (GET) or command.

INITiate

command. If the

IMMediate

*TRG

Trigger Source Choices

You must specify the source from which the power supply will accept a trigger. T he tr i gg e r is st or e d i n v ol a t il e me m o ry ; t he s ou r c e i s se t t o b u s wh e n th e p o we r supply has been off or after a remote interface reset.

Bus (Software) Triggering

• To select the bus trigger source, send the following command.

‘‘TRIG:SOUR BUS

• To trigger the power supply from the remote interface (GPIB or RS-232) after selecting the bus source, send the

is sent, the trigger action starts after the specified time delay if any

*TRG

delay is given.

• You can also trigger the power supply from the GPIB interface by sending the IEEE-488 Group Execute Trigger (GET) message. The following statement shows how to send a GET from a Hewlett-Packard controller.

‘‘TRIGGER 705

’’

*TRG

’’ (group execute trigger)

(trigger) command. When the

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Triggering

• To ensure synchronization when the bus source is selected, send the (wait) command. When the waits for all pending operations to complete before executing any additional commands. For example, the following command string guarantees that the first trigger is accepted and is executed before the second trigger is recognized.

‘‘TRIG:SOUR BUS;*TRG;*WAI;*TRG;*WAI

• You can use the (operation complete) command to signal when the operation is complete. The

*OPC?

is complete. The Event register when the operation is complete.

Immediate Triggering

• To select the immediate trigger source, send the following command.

command returns ‘‘1’’ to the output buffer when the operation

‘‘TRIG:SOUR IMM

• When the command immediately transfers the

VOLT

IMMediate

CURR

value. Any delay is ignored.

(operation complete query) command or the

*OPC?

command sets the ‘‘OPC’’ bit (bit 0) in the Standard

*OPC

’’

is selected as a trigger source, an

command is executed, the power supply

*WAI

’’

INITiate

VOLT:TRIG

CURR:TRIG

value to

*WAI

*OPC

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Triggering

Triggering Commands

INITiate

Cause the trigger system to initiate. This command completes one full trigger cycle when the trigger source is an immediate and initiates the trigger subsystem when the trigger source is bus.

TRIGger:DELay {<seconds>| MINimum | MAXimum}

Set the time delay between the detection of an event on the specified trigger source and the start of any corresponding trigger action on the power supply output. Select from 0 to 3600 seconds. At

TRIGger:DELay?[MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the trigger delay.

TRIGger:SOURce {BUS | IMMediate}

Select the source from which the power supply will accept a trigger. The power supply will accept a bus (software) trigger or an internal immediate trigger. At

*RST

, this value is set to 0 seconds.

*RST

, the bus trigger source is selected.

= 0 seconds.

MIN

= 3600 seconds.

MAX

TRIGger:SOURce?

Query the present trigger source. Returns ‘‘BUS’’ or ‘‘IMM’’.

*TRG

Generate a trigger to the trigger subsystem that has selected a bus (software) trigger as its source as the Group Execute Trigger (GET) command. For RS-232 operation, make sure the power supply is in the remote interface mode by sending the

SYST:REM

command first.

(TRIG:SOUR BUS)

. The command has the same effect

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

System-Related Commands

DISPlay {OFF | ON}

Turn the front-panel display off or on. When the display is turned off, outputs are not sent to the display and all annunciators are disabled except the annunciator.

The display state is automatically turned on when you return to the local mode. Press (

DISPlay?

Query the front-panel display setting. Returns ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).

DISPlay:TEXT <quoted string>

This command displays a message on the front panel. The power supply will display up to 11 characters in a message; any additional characters are truncated. Commas, periods, and semicolons share a display space with the preceding character, and are not considered individual characters.

DISPlay:TEXT?

Query the message sent to the front panel and returns a quoted string.

Store

Local) key to return to the local state from the remote interface.

Local

ERROR

DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar

Clear the message displayed on the front panel.

OUTPut {OFF | ON}

Enable or disable the outputs of the power supply. When the output is disabled, the voltage value i s 0 V an d the cur rent value is 1 mA . At is OFF.

OUTPut?

Query the output state of the power supply. The returned value is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).

OUTPut:RELay {OFF | ON}

Set the state of two TTL signals on the RS-232 connector pin 1 and pin 9. These signals are intended for use with an external relay and relay driver. At the

OUTPUT:RELay

External Relay’’, on page 54 for more information.

Note Do not use the RS-232 interface if you have configured the power supply to output

relay control signals. Internal components on the RS-232 circuitry may be damaged.

state is OFF. See ‘‘Disconnecting the Output Using an

, the output state

*RST

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

System-Related Commands

OUTPut:RELay?

Query the state of the TTL relay logic signals.

SYSTem:BEEPer

Issue a single beep immediately.

SYSTem:ERRor?

Query the power supply’s error queue. A record of up to 20 errors is stored in the power supply’s error queue. Errors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO) order. The first error returned is the first error that was stored. When you have read all errors from the queue, the

ERROR annunciator turns off and the errors

are cleared. See ‘‘Error Messages’’, starting on page 113 for more details.

SYSTem:VERSion?

Query the power supply to determine the present SCPI version. The returned value is of a string in the form YYYY.V where the ‘‘Y’s’’ represent the year of th e v e r s i o n , an d th e ‘‘ V ’ ’ r e p r e s en ts a ve rs i o n nu m b e r fo r th at y e ar ( f o r exa m p l e ,

1997.0).

SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:RDEVice

:ADDRess {<numeric value>} :ADDRess?

Set or query the bus address of the peripheral device. Changing the address with this does not affect the address of the peripheral device. It does affect the address to which data is sent by the instrument.

*IDN?

Read the power supply’s identification string. The power supply returns four fields separated by commas. The first field is the manufacturer’s name, the second field is the model number, the third field is not used (always ‘‘0’’), and the fourth field is a revision code which contains three numbers. The first number is the firmware revision number for the main power supply processor; the second is for the input/output processor; and the third is for the front-panel processor.

The command returns a string with the following format (be sure to dimension a string variable with at least 40 characters):

Agilent Technologies,E3640A,0,X.X-Y.Y-Z.Z

(E3640A model)

*TST?

Perform a complete self-test of the power supply. Returns ‘‘0’’ if the self-test passes or ‘‘1’’ or any non-zero value if it fails. If the self-test fails, an error message is also generated with additional information on why the test failed.

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

System-Related Commands

*RST

Reset the power supply to its power-on state. The table below shows the state of the power supply after a

RESET

from the Recall menu or

*RST

command

from the remote interface.

Command E3640A

CURR

CURR:STEP

CURR:TRIG

DISP

OUTP

OUTP:REL

TRIG:DEL

TRIG:SOUR

VOLT

VOLT:STEP

VOLT:TRIG

VOLT:PROT

VOLT:PROT:STAT

VOLT:RANG

Note: The voltage and current step sizes listed above are typical value.

E3641A

state

3 A 0.8 A 5 A 1.4 A 8 A 2.2 A

0.052 mA 0.015 mA 0.095 mA 0.026 mA 0.152 mA 0.042 mA

3 A 0.8 A 5 A 1.4 A 8 A 2.2 A

0.35 mV 1.14 mV 0.38 mV 1.14 mV 0.35 mV 1.14 mV

22.0 V 66.0 V 22.0 V 66.0 V 22.0 V 66.0 V

P8V (Low) P35V (Low) P8V (Low) P35V (Low) P8V (Low) P35V (Low)

state

ON ON

OFF OFF

BUS BUS

0 V 0 V

0 V 0 V 0 V 0 V

ON ON

E3642A

state

E3643A

state

E3644A

state

E3645A

state

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

State Storage Commands

The power supply has five storage locations in non-volatile memory to store power supply states. The locations are numbered 1 through 5. You can also as s ig n a na m e to e ac h of th e lo ca t io n s (1 t hr o ug h 5) fo r us e fr o m th e fr o nt pa ne l.

*SAV { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 }

Store (Save) the present state of the power supply to the specified location. Any state previously stored in the same location is overwritten (no error is generated).

• A power-on reset ( stored in memory. Once a state is stored, it remains until it is overwritten or specifically deleted.

• The state storage fe ature ‘‘remembers’’ the states or values of the following commands:

CURR, CURR:STEP, CURR:TRIG, OUTP, OUTP:REL, TRIG:DEL, TRIG:SOUR, VOLT, VOLT:STEP, VOLT:TRIG, VOLT:PROT, VOLT:PROT:STAT,

command) does not affect the configurations

*RST

and

VOLT:RANG

*RCL { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 }

Recall the power supply state stored in the specified storage location. When shipped from the factory, storage locations ‘‘1’’ through ‘‘5’’ are empty.

Note:

DISP {OFF|ON

only. Going to local mode automatically sets the display state to ON.

MEMory:STATe

:NAME { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5} , <quoted name> :NAME? { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

Assign a name to the specified storage location. From the remote interface, you can only recall a stored state using a number (1 through 5). The query returns a quoted string containing the name currently assigned to the specified storage location. If the specified location has no name assigned, an empty string (‘‘ ’’) is returned. The name can contain up to 11 characters. The first character can be a alphanumeric. Blank spaces are not allowed. An error is generated if you specify a name with more than 9 characters. See ‘‘State Storage’’, on page 55 for more information. An example is shown below.

‘‘

MEM:STATE:NAME 1,‘P15V_TEST’

If you do not specify a name (note that the name parameter is optional), no name is assigned to that state. This provides a way to erase a name (however, the stored state is not deleted).

} can be stored and recalled in remote interface mode

:NAME?

’’

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Calibration Commands

See ‘‘Calibration Overview’’, starting on page 62 for an overview of the calibration features of the power supply. An example program for calibration is listed on page 91. For more detailed discussion on the calibration procedures, see the Service Information.

Note When you calibrate the power supply, you should NOT set the OVP to ON state in

order to prevent OVP from tripping.

CALibration:COUNt?

Query the power supply to determine the number of times it has been calibrated. Your power supply was calibrated before it left the factory. When you receive your power supply, read the count to determine its initial value. Since the value increments by one for each calibration point, a complete calibration will increase the value by 3 counts.

CALibration:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>

This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output state is ON. It enters a current value that you obtained by reading an external meter. You must first select the minimum calibration level (

) for the value being entered, then select the middle and maximum

MIN

calibration levels ( value being entered. Three successive values must be selected and entered. The power supply then computes new calibration constants. These constants are then stored in non-volatile memory.

CALibration:CURRent:LEVel {MINimum | MIDdle | MAXimum}

This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output state is ON. It sets the power supply to a calibration point that is entered with

CAL:CURR

low-end point (MIN) must be selected and entered first.

CALibration:SECure:CODE <quoted new code>

Enter a new security code. To change the security code, first unsecure the power supply using the old security code. Then, enter the new code. The calibration code may contain up to 11 characters over the remote interface. See “Calibration Overview” on page 62 for more information.

command. During calibration, three points must be entered and the

CAL:CURR:LEV MID

and

CAL:CURR:LEV MAX

CAL:CURR:LEV

) for the

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Calibration Commands

CALibration:SECure:STATe {OFF | ON},<quoted code>

Unsecure or secure the power supply with a security for calibration.

CALibration:SECure:STATe?

Query the secured state for calibration of the power supply. The returned parameter is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).

CALibration:STRing <quoted string>

Record calibration information about your power supply. For example, you can store such information as the last calibration date, the next calibration due date, or the power supply’s serial number. The calibration message may contain up to 40 characters. The power supply should be unsecured before sending a calibration message.

CALibration:STRing?

Query the calibration message and returns a quoted string.

CALibration:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>

This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output state is ON. It enters a voltage value that you obtained by reading an external meter. You must first select the minimum calibration level (

) for the value being entered. You must then select the middle and

MIN

maximum calibration levels ( for the value being entered. Three successive values must be selected and entered. The power supply then computes new voltage calibration constants. These constants are then stored in non-volatile memory.

CAL:VOLT:LEV MID

a nd

CAL:VOLT:LEV

CAL:VOLT:LEV MAX

)

CALibration:VOLTage:LEVel {MINimum | MIDdle | MAXimum}

This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output state is ON. It sets the power supply to a calibration point that is entered with

CAL:VOLT

low-end point (MIN) must be selected and entered first.

CALibration:VOLTage:PROTection

Calibrate the overvoltage protection circuit of the power supply. It takes about 10 seconds to execute the command. The calibration must be unsecured and the output be opened before calibrating the overvoltage protection circuit. The power supply automatically performs the calibration and stores the new overvoltage constant in nonvolatile memory. Notice that voltage calibration

precedes before sending this command.

command. During calibration, three points must be entered and the

Calibration Example

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Calibration Commands

Enable the output of the power supply.

OUTP ON’’

‘‘

2 Disable the voltage protection function.

VOLT:PROT:STAT OFF’’

‘‘

3 Unsecure the power supply with the secure code before calibration.

CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, ‘<code>’’’

‘‘

4 For voltage calibration, connect a digital voltmeter (DVM) across the

power supply’s output terminals.

5 Set the power supply to low-end (MIN) calibration point.

CAL:VOLT:LEV MIN’’

‘‘

6 Enter the reading you obtained from the DVM.

CAL:VOLT:DATA 0.549’’

‘‘

7 Set the power supply to middle (MID) calibration point.

CAL:VOLT:LEV MID’’

‘‘

8 Enter the reading you obtained from the DVM.

CAL:VOLT:DATA 11.058’’

‘‘

9 Set the power supply to high (MAX) calibration point.

CAL:VOLT:LEV MAX’’

‘‘

10 Enter the reading you obtained from the DVM.

CAL:VOLT:DATA 21.566’’

‘‘

11 Set the power supply to overvoltage protection calibration point.

CAL:VOLT:PROT’’

‘‘

12 For current calibration, connect an appropriate current monitoring

resistor (shunt) across the output terminals and connect the DVM across the shunt resistor.

13 Repeat the steps (5) through (9) by substituting ‘‘CURR’’ for ‘‘VOLT’’ for

current calibration. For example, ‘‘

14 Record calibration information such as next calibration due date or

CAL:CURR:LEV MIN’’

contact person for future reference. The calibration string may contain up to 40 characters.

CALibration:STRing ‘<string>’’’

‘‘

Notice that you should wait for the DVM reading to stabilize for accurate calibration.

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

Interface Configuration Commands

See also "Configuring the Remote Interface" in chapter 3 starting on page 46.

SYSTem:INTerface {GPIB | RS232}

Select the remote interface. Only one interface can be enabled at a time. The GPIB interface is selected when the power supply is shipped from the factory.

SYSTem:LOCal

Place the power supply in the local mode during RS-232 operation. All keys on the front panel are fully functional.

SYSTem:REMote

Place the power supply in the remote mode for RS-232 operation. All keys on the front panel, except the ‘‘

Local’’ key, are disabled while in the remote mode.

It is very important that you send the power supply in the remote mode. Sending or receiving data over the RS-232 interface when not configured for remote operation can cause unpredictable results.

SYSTem:RWLock

Place the power supply in the remote mode for RS-232 operation. This command is the same as the front panel are disabled, including the ‘‘

<Ctrl-C>

Clear the operation in progress over the RS-232 interface and discard any pending output data. This is equivalent to the IEEE-488 device clear action

over the GPIB interface.

SYST:REM

command except that all keys on the

Local’’ key.

command to place the

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status Registers

All SCPI instruments implement status registers in the same way. The status system records various instrument conditions in three register groups: the Status Byte register, the Standard Event register, and the Questionable Status register groups. The status byte register records high-level summary information reported in the other register groups. The diagram on the subsequent pages illustrates the SCPI status system used by the power supply.

What is an Event Register?

An event register is a read-only register that reports defined conditions within the power supply. Bits in an event register are latched. Once an event bit is set, subsequent state changes are ignored. Bits in an event register are automatically cleared by a query of that register (such as

STAT:QUES:EVEN?

(

) or device clear will not clear bits in event registers. Querying an event

*RST

) or by sending the

(clear status) command. A reset

*CLS

*ESR?

What is an Enable Register?

An enable register defines which bits in the corresponding event register are logically ORed together to form a single summary bit. Enable registers are both readable and writable. Querying an enable register will not clear it. The (clear status) command does not clear enable registers but it does clear the bits in the event registers. To enable bits in an enable register, you must write a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits you wish to enable in the register.

*CLS

Operation Complete

Query Error

Device Depenent Error

Execution Error

Command Error

Power On

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status Registers

SCPI Status System

QUEStionable Status

Event Register Enable Registers

Voltage Current Not Used Not Used Temperature Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Overvoltage Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used

STAT:QUES? STAT:QUES:ENAB <value> STAT:QUES:ENAB?

Standard Event

Event Register Enable Registers

OPC Not Used QYE DDE EXE CME Not Used PON

*ESR? *ESE <value> *ESE?

0 1

"OR"

2 3 4

"OR"

Output Buffer

Status Byte

Summary Register Enable Register

Not Used

QUES MAV ESB

RQS

Not Used

Serial Poll(SPOLL) *SRE <value> *STB? *SRE?

3 4 5 6

Binary Weight

20 = 1

= 2

= 4

= 8

= 16

= 32

= 64

= 128

= 256

= 512

= 1024

= 2048

= 4096

= 8192

= 16384

= 32768

"OR"

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status Registers

The Questionable Status Register

The Questionable Status register provides information about voltage and current regulation. Bit 0 is set when the voltage becomes unregulated, and bit 1 is set if the current becomes unregulated. For example if the power supply momentarily goes to constant current mode when the power supply is operating as a voltage source (constant voltage mode), bit 0 is set to indicate that the voltage output is not regulated.

The Questionable Status register also provides information that the power supply has an overtemperature condition and that the overvoltage protection circuits have tripped. Bit 4 reports an overtemperature condition of the fan and bit 9 reports that the overvoltage protection circuit has tripped. To read the register, send

Table 4-3. Bit Definitions - Questionable Status Register

0 Voltage 1 The power supply is/was in the constant current mode.

1 Current 2 The power supply is/was in the constant voltage mode.

2-3 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.

4 Overtemperature 16 The fan has a fault condition.

5-8 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.

9 Over Voltage 512 The overvoltage protection circuit has tripped.

10 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.

11-15 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.

STATus:QUEStionable?

Bit Decimal

Value

Definition

The Questionable Status Event register is cleared when:

• You execute the

• You query the event register using

(clear status) command.

*CLS

STAT:QUES?

(Status Questionable

Event register) command.

For example, 16 is returned when you have queried the status of the questionable event register, the temperature condition is questionable.

The Questionable Status Enable register is cleared when:

• You execute

STAT:QUES:ENAB 0

command.

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status Registers

The Standard Event Register

The Standard Event register reports the following types of instrument events: power-on detected, command syntax errors, command execution errors, selftest or calibration errors, query errors, or when an Any or all of these conditions can be reported in the standard event summary bit (ESB, bit 5) of Status Byte register through the enable register. To set the enable register mask, you write a decimal value to the register using the (Event Status Enable) command.

An error condition (Standard Event register bit 2, 3, 4, or 5) will always record one or more errors in the power supply’s error queue. Read the error queue using the

Table 4-4. Bit Definitions – Standard Event Register

SYST:ERR?

command.

c om m an d i s e xe cu te d.

*OPC

*ESE

Bit Decimal

0OPC

1 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.

2 QYE

3 DDE

4EXE

5CME

6 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.

7PON

Value

128

Operation Complete. All commands prior to and

including an

Query Error. The power supply tried to read the output buffer but it was empty. Or, new command line was

received before a previous query had been read. Or, both the input and output buffers are full.

Device Error. A self-test or calibration error occurred

(see error numbers 601 through 750 in chapter 5).

Execution Error. An execution error occurred (see error numbers -211 through -224 in chapter 5).

Command Error. A command syntax error occurred (see error numbers -101 through -178 in chapter 5).

Power On. Power has been turned off and on since the last time the event register was read or cleared.

*OPC command have been executed.

Definition

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status Registers

The Standard Event register is cleared when:

• You execute the

• You query the event register using the

(clear status) command.

*CLS

(Event Status register)

*ESR?

command.

For example, 28 (4 + 8 + 16) is returned when you have queried the status of the Standard Event register, QYE, DDE, and EXE conditions have occurred.

The Standard Event Enable register is cleared when:

• You execute the

*ESE 0

command.

• You turn on the power and have previously configured the power supply using the

*PSC 1

command.

• The enable register will not be cleared at power-on if you have previously configured the power supply using the

*PSC 0

command.

The Status Byte Register

The Status Byte summary register reports conditions from the other status registers. Query data that is waiting in the power supply’s output buffer is im m ed ia t el y re por te d th r ou gh th e “Me s sa g e Av a il a b l e” bit (bi t 4) of St a tu s By t e register. Bits in the summary register are not latched. Clearing an event register will clear the corresponding bits in the Status Byte summary register. Reading all messages in the output buffer, including any pending queries, will clear the message available bit.

Table 4-5. Bit Definitions – Status Byte Summary Register

Bit Decimal

0-2 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.

3 QUES

4 MAV 16 Data is available in the power supply output buffer.

5ESB

6 RQS 64 The power supply is requesting service (serial poll).

7 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.

Value

One or more bits are set in the questionable status register (bits must be “enabled” in the enable register).

One or more bits are set in the standard event register (bits must be “enabled” in the enable register).

Definition

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status Registers

The Status Byte Summary register is cleared when:

• You execute the

• Querying the Standard Event register ( 5 in the Status Byte summary register.

For example, 24 (8 + 16) is returned when you have queried the status of the Status Byte register, QUES and MAV conditions have occurred.

The Status Byte Enable register (Request Service) is cleared when:

• You execute the

• You turn on the power and have previously configured the power supply using the

• The enable register will not be cleared at power-on if you have previously configured the power supply using

*PSC 1

(clear status) command.

*CLS

*SRE 0

command.

*ESR?

*PSC 0

command) will clear only bit

Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL

You must configure your bus controller to respond to the IEEE-488 service request (SRQ) interrupt to use this capability. Use the Status Byte enable register ( IEEE-488 service request signal. When bit 6 (request service) is set in the Status Byte, an IEEE-488 service request interrupt message is automatically sent to the bus controller. The bus controller may then poll the instruments on the bus to identify which one requested service (the instrument with bit 6 set in its Status Byte).

The request service bit is cleared only by reading the Status Byte using an IEEE-488 serial poll or by reading the event register whose summary bit is causing the service request.

To read the Status Byte summary register, send the IEEE-488 serial poll message. Querying the summary register will return a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits set in the register. Serial poll will automatically clear the “request service” bit in the Status Byte summary register. No other bits are affected. Performing a serial poll will not affect instrument throughput.

command) to select which summary bits will set the low-level

*SRE

Caution The IEEE-488 standard does not ensure synchronization between your bus controller

program and the instrument. Use the *OPC? command to guarantee that commands previously sent to the instrument have completed. Executing a serial poll before a *RST, *CLS, or other commands have completed can cause previous conditions to be reported.

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

The SCPI Status Registers

Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte

The processed like any other instrument command. The t he sa me r es u lt a s a se ri a l p o ll bu t t h e “ r eq ue st s er v ic e” bi t ( bi t 6 ) is n ot cl ea r ed .

The interface hardware and will be executed only after previous commands have completed. Polling is not possible using the

*STB?

(Status Byte query) command is similar to a serial poll but it is

*STB?

command returns

*STB?

command is not handled automatically by the IEEE-488 bus

*STB?

command does not clear the Status Byte summary register.

command. Executing the

Using the Message Available Bit (MAV)

You can use the Status Byte “message available” bit (bit 4) to determine when data is available to read into your bus controller. The power supply subsequently clears bit 4 only after all messages have been read from the output buffer.

To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ

1 Send a device clear message to clear the power supply’s output buffer

CLEAR 705).

(e.g.,

2 Clear the event registers with the *CLS (clear status) command. 3 Set up the enable register masks. Execute the *ESE command to set up

the Standard Event register and the

4 Send the *OPC? (operation complete query) command and enter the

result to ensure synchronization.

5 Enable your bus controller’s IEEE-488 SRQ interrupt.

*SRE command for the Status Byte.

Agilent Technologies E3640-90001 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

The Front Panel at a Glance

Front-Panel Menu/Key Reference

Front-Panel Voltage and Current Limit Settings

Display Annunciators

The Rear Panel at a Glance

In This Book

Contents

Quick Start

Preliminary Checkout

Output Checkout

Voltage Output Checkout

Current Output Checkout

If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On

Line Voltage Conversion

To Adjust the Carrying Handle

To Rack Mount the Instrument

General Information

Safety Considerations

Safety and EMC Requirements

Options and Accessories

Options

Accessories

Description

Installation

Initial Inspection

Cooling and Location

Output Connections

Current Ratings

Voltage Drops

Load Consideration

Remote Voltage Sensing Connections

Multiple Loads

Front-Panel Operation and Features

Front-Panel Operation Overview

Constant Voltage Operation

Constant Current Operation

Configuring the Remote Interface

GPIB Configuration

RS-232 Configuration

Storing and Recalling Operating States

Programming Overvoltage Protection

Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit

Checking OVP Operation

Clearing the Overvoltage Condition

Disabling the Output

Disconnecting the Output Using an External Relay

System-Related Operations

State Storage

Self-Test

Error Conditions

Firmware Revision Query

SCPI Language Version

GPIB Interface Reference

RS-232 Interface Reference

RS-232 Configuration Overview

RS-232 Data Frame Format

Connection to a Computer or Terminal

RS-232 Troubleshooting

Calibration Overview

Calibration Security

To Unsecure for Calibration

To Secure Against Calibration

Calibration Count

Calibration Message

Remote Interface Reference

SCPI Command Summary

Simplified Programming Overview

Using the APPLy Command

Using the Low-Level Commands

Reading a Query Response

Selecting a Trigger Source

Power Supply Programming Ranges

Using the APPLy Command

Output Setting and Operation Commands

Triggering

Trigger Source Choices