Agilent Technologies E4356A User Manual

OPERATING &
PROGRAMMING GUIDE
Agilent Model E4356A
Telecommunications
DC Power Supply
Agilent Part No. 5964-8166
Microfiche No. 5964-8167
Printed in USA: August 1999
CERTIFICATION
Agilent Technologies Company certifies that this product met its published specifications at time of shipment from the factory. Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Bureau of Standards, to the extent allowed by the Bureau’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.
WARRANTY
This Agilent Technologies hardware product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from date of delivery. Agilent Technologies software and firmware products, which are designated by Agilent Technologies for use with a hardware product and when properly installed on that hardware product, are warranted not to fail to execute their programming instructions due to defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from date of delivery. During the warranty period Agilent Technologies Company will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation of the software, firmware, or hardware shall be uninterrupted or error free.
For warranty service, with the exception of warranty options, this product must be returned to a service facility designated by Agilent Technologies. Customer shall prepay shipping charges by (and shall pay all duty and taxes) for products returned to Agilent technologies for warranty service. Except for products returned to Customer from another country, Agilent Technologies shall pay for return of products to Customer.
Warranty services outside the country of initial purchase are included in Agilent Technologies’ product price, only if Customer pays Agilent Technologies international prices (defined as destination local currency price, or U.S. or Geneva Export price).
If Agilent Technologies is unable, within a reasonable time to repair or replace any product to condition as warranted, the Customer shall be entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon return of the product to Agilent Technologies.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the Customer, Customer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation and maintenance. NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE THE CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
ASSISTANCE
The above statements apply only to the standard product warranty. Warranty options, extended support contracts, product maintenance agreements and customer assistance agreements are also available. Contact your nearest Agilent
Technologies Sales and Service office for further information on Agilent Technologies’ full line of Support Programs.

Safety Summary

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies Company assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
GENERAL.
This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth terminal). Any LEDs used in this product are Class 1 LEDs as per IEC 825-l.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
With the exceptions noted, all instruments are intended for indoor use in an installation category II, pollution degree 2 environment. They are designed to operate at a maximum relative humidity of 95% and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. Refer to the specifications tables for the ac mains voltage requirements and ambient operating temperature range.
BEFORE APPLYING POWER.
Verify that the product is set to match the available line voltage and the correct fuse is installed.
GROUND THE INSTRUMENT.
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cabinet must be connected to an electrical ground. The instrument must be connected to the ac power supply mains through a three-conductor power cable, with the third wire firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet. For instruments designed to be hard-wired to the ac power lines (supply mains), connect the protective earth terminal to a protective conductor before any other connection is made. Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury. If the instrument is to be energized via an external autotransformer for voltage reduction, be certain that the autotransformer common terminal is connected to the neutral (earthed pole) of the ac power lines (supply mains).
FUSES.
Only fuses with the required rated current, voltage, and specified type (normal blow, time delay, etc.) should be used. Do not use repaired fuses or short circuited fuseholders. To do so could cause a shock or fire hazard.
DO NOT OPERATE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE.
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
KEEP AWAY FROM LIVE CIRCUITS.
Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be made by qualified service personnel. Do not replace components with power cable connected. Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even with the power cable removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect power, discharge circuits and remove external voltage sources before touching components.
DO NOT SERVICE OR ADJUST ALONE.
Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.
DO NOT EXCEED INPUT RATINGS.
This instrument may be equipped with a line filter to reduce electromagnetic interference and must be connected to a properly grounded receptacle to minimize electric shock hazard. Operation at line voltages or frequencies in excess of those stated on the data plate may cause leakage currents in excess of 5.0 mA peak.
DO NOT SUBSTITUTE PARTS OR MODIFY INSTRUMENT.
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the instrument. Return the instrument to an Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.
Instruments which appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.
Safety Symbol - Definitions
Symbol Description Symbol Description
Direct current Terminal for Line conductor on permanently
installed equipment
Alternating current Caution, risk of electric shock
Both direct and alternating current Caution, hot surface
Three-phase alternating current Caution (refer to accompanying documents)
Earth (ground) terminal In position of a bi-stable push control
Protective earth (ground) terminal Out position of a bi-stable push control
Frame or chassis terminal On (unit)
Terminal for Neutral conductor on
Off (unit)
permanently installed equipment Terminal is at earth potential
(Used for measurement and control circuits designed to be operated with one terminal at earth potential.)
Standby (unit) Units with this symbol are not completely disconnected from ac mains when this switch is off. To completely disconnect the unit from ac mains, either disconnect the power cord or have a qualified electrician install an external switch.
The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
Acoustic Noise Information
Herstellerbescheinigung
Diese Information steht im Zusammenhang mit den Anforderungen der Maschinenläminformationsverordnung vom 18 Januar 1991. * Schalldruckpegel Lp <70 dB(A) * Am Arbeitsplatz * Normaler Betrieb * Nach EN 27779 (Typprufung).
Manufacturer’s Declaration
This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of the German Sound Emission Directive, from 18 January
1991. * Sound Pressure Lp <70 dB(A) *At Operator Position * Normal Operation * According to EN 27779 (Type Test).

Declaration Page

Manufacturer’s Name: Agilent Technologies Company
Manufacturer’s Address: 150 Green Pond Road
declares that the Product
Product Name: Telecommunications DC Power Supply Model Number: ’ E4356A
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
Rockaway, New Jersey 07866 U.S.A.
Safety: IEC 348:1978 / HD 401S1: 1981
EMC: CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991 - Group 1 Class B
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and carries the CE-marking accordingly.
Note 1: The product family was introduced prior to 12/93.
New Jersey August 1999 Location Date Bruce Krueger / Quality Manager
European Contact: Your local Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office or Agilent Technologies GmbH, Department TRE, Herrenberger Strasse 130, D-71034 Boeblingen (FAX:+49-7031-14-3143)
1
IEC 801-2:1991 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 4 kV CD, 8 kV AD IEC 801-3:1984 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 3 V / m IEC 801-4:1988 / EN 50082-1:1992 - 0.5 kV Signal Lines 1 kV Power Lines

Printing History

The edition and current revision of this manual are indicated below. Reprints of this manual containing minor corrections and updates may have the same printing date. Revised editions are identified by a new printing date. A revised edition incorporates all new or corrected material since the previous printing date. Changes to the manual occurring between revisions are covered by change sheets shipped with the manual. In some cases, the changes apply to specific instruments. Instructions provided on the change sheet will indicate if a particular change applies only to certain instruments.
Copyright 1999 Agilent Technologies Company Edition 1 - August, 1999 This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this document
may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without the prior consent of Agilent Technologies Company. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents

Safety Summary 3 Safety Symbol - Definitions 4 Acoustic Noise Information 4 Declaration Page 5 Printing History 5 Table of Contents 6
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION 13
Introduction 13 Safety Considerations 13 Options 14 Accessories 14 Operator Replaceable Parts List 14 Description 15
Front Panel Programming 15 Remote Programming 15 Analog Programming 15
Output Characteristic 16
Output Ranges 16 Downprogramming 16
2 - INSTALLATION 17
Inspection 17
Damage 17 Packaging Material 17 Items Supplied 17
Location and Temperature 18
Bench Operation 18 Rack Mounting 18 Temperature Performance 18
Input Power Source 18
Installing the Power Cord 18
VXI plug&play Power Products Instrument Drivers 20
Downloading and Installing the Driver 20 Accessing Online Help 20
3 - TURN-ON CHECKOUT 21
Introduction 21 Preliminary Checkout 21 Power-On Checkout 21 Using the Keypad 22
Shifted Keys 22 Backspace Key 22
Output Checkout 22
Checking the Voltage Function 22 Checking the Current Function 23
Checking The Save And Recall Functions 24 Determining The GPIB Address 24 In Case Of Trouble 24
Line Fuse 24 Error Messages 25 Selftest Errors 25
Power-On Error Messages 25 Checksum Errors. 26 Runtime Error Messages 26
4 - USER CONNECTIONS 27
Rear Panel Connections 27 Load Wire Selection 27 Analog Connector 27 Connecting the Power supply to the Load 28
Output Isolation 28 Capacitive Loads 28 Inductive Loads 29 Battery Charging 29 Local Voltage Sensing 30 Remote Voltage Sensing 30
Setting Up Remote Sense Operation 30
Connecting the Sense Leads 30 CV Regulation 30 Output Rating 30 Output Noise 30 OVP Considerations 31 Stability 31
Operating Configurations 31
Connecting One Power supply to a Single Load 31 Connecting One Power supply To Multiple Loads 32 Connecting Units in Auto-Parallel 32 Connecting Units in Series 33 External Voltage Control 34
Controller Connections 35
Stand-Alone Connections 35 Linked Connections 35
5 - FRONT PANEL OPERATION 37
Introduction 37 Getting Acquainted 37 Programming The Output 40
Establishing Initial Conditions 40 Programming Voltage 40 Programming Overvoltage Protection 40 Programming Current 41 Programming Overcurrent Protection 42
CV Mode vs. CC Mode 42 Unregulated Operation 42 Saving and Recalling Operating States 43 Turn-On Conditions 43 Setting The GPIB Address 43
Types of Power supply GPIB Addresses 43 Changing the Power supply GPIB Address 44
6 - REMOTE PROGRAMMING 45
Prerequisites for Remote Programming 45 External Documents 45
SCPI References 45 GPIB References 45
GPIB Capabilities of the Power supply 46
Introduction To SCPI 46
Conventions 46
Types of SCPI Commands 46
Traversing the Command Tree 47 Active Header Path 47 The Effect of Optional Headers 47 Moving Among Subsystems 48 Including Common Commands 48 SCPI Queries 48 Value Coupling 48
Types of SCPI Messages 49
Structure of a SCPI Message 49
SCPI Data Formats 51
Numerical Data 51 Boolean Data 51 Character Data 51
SCPI Command Completion 52 Programming Examples 52
Programming Voltage and Current 53 Programming Protection Circuits 53 Changing Outputs by Trigger 53 Saving and Recalling States 53 Writing to the Display 54 Programming Status 54 Detecting Events via SRO 54 Reading Specific Registers 54 Programming the Digital I/O Port 55
System Considerations 55
Setting the GPIB Address 55 Changing the Power supply GPIB Address 55 Assigning the GPIB Address In Programs 56
DOS Drivers 57
Types of Drivers 57 Error Handling 57 Agilent BASIC Controllers 57 Sample Program Code 57
SCPI Confirmed Commands 62 NON-SCPI Commands 62
7 - LANGUAGE DICTIONARY 63
Introduction 63
Parameters 63 Related Commands 63 Order of Presentation 63 Common Commands 63 Subsystem Commands 63
Description Of Common Commands 64
*CLS 64 *ESE 65 *ESR? 65 *IDN? 66 *OPC 66 *OPC? 67 *OPT? 67 *RCL 68 *RST 69
*SAV 69 *SRE 70 *STB? 70 *TRG 71 *TST? 71 *WAI 71
Description Of Subsystem Commands 72
ABOR 72
Calibration Commands 72 Current Subsystem 73
CURR CURR:TRIG 73 CURR:PROT:STAT 73
Digital Subsystem 74
DIG:DATA 74
Display Subsystem 74
DISP 74 DISP:MODE 75 DISP:TEXT 75
Initiate Subsystem 76
INIT INIT:CONT 76
Measure Subsystem 76
MEAS:CURR? MEAS:VOLT? 76
Output Subsystem 77
OUTP 77 OUTP:PROT:CLE OUTP:PROT:DEL 77 OUTP:REL 78 OUTP:REL:POL 78
Status Subsystem 78
STAT:PRES 78 Status Operation Registers 79 STAT:OPER? 79 STAT:OPER:COND? 79 STAT:OPER:ENAB 79 STAT:OPER:NTR STAT:OPER:PTR 79 Status Questionable Registers 80 STAT:OUES? 80 STAT:QUES:COND? 81 STAT:QUES:ENAB 81 STAT:QUES:NTR STAT:QUES:PTR 81
System Commands 82
SYST:ERR? 82 SYST:LANG 82 SYST:VERS? 82
Trigger Subsystem 83
TRIG 83 TRIG:SOUR 83
Voltage Subsystem 83
VOLT VOLT:TRIG 83 VOLT:PROT 84
Command Summary 85 Programming Parameters 86
8 - STATUS REPORTING 87
Power supply Status Structure 87 Operation Status Group 87
Register Functions 87
Register Commands 87
Questionable Status Group 89
Register Functions 89 Register Commands 89
Standard Event Status Group 89
Register Functions 89 Register Commands 89
Status Byte Register 90
The MSS Bit 90 The RQS Bit 90 Output Queue 90 Service Request Enable Register 90
Inhibit/Fault Indicator 90
RI (Remote Inhibit) 90 DFI (Discrete Fault Indicator) 90
Initial Conditions At Power On 90
Status Registers 91 The PON (Power-On) Bit 91
Status Register Programming Examples 91
Determining the Cause of a Service Interrupt 91 Servicing an Operation Status Mode Event 92 Adding More Operation Events 92 Servicing Questionable Status Events 92 Monitoring Both Phases of a Status Transition 92
A - SPECIFICATIONS 93
B - CALIBRATION 97
Introduction 97 Equipment Required 97 General Procedure 97
Parameters Calibrated 97 Test Setup 97
Front Panel Calibration 98
Entering the Calibration Values 98 Saving the Calibration Constants 98 Disabling the Calibration Mode 98 Changing the Calibration Password 98 Recovering From Calibration Problems 100 Calibration Error Messages 100
Calibration Over The GPIB 100
Calibration Example 100
Calibration Language Dictionary 101
CAL:CURR 101 CAL:CURR:LEV 101 CAL:PASS 101 CAL:SAVE 101 CAL:STAT 102 CAL:VOLT 102 CAL:VOLT:LEV 102 CAL:VOLT:PROT 102
BASIC Calibration Program 103
C - VERIFICATION 105
Introduction 105
10
Test Equipment Required 105
List of Equipment 105 Current Monitoring Resistor 105
Performing The Tests 106
General Measurement Techniques 106 Programming the Power supply 106 Order of Tests 106 Turn-on Checkout 106 Voltage Programming and Readback Accuracy 106 Current Programming and Readback Accuracy 107
D - ERROR MESSAGES 109
Power supply Hardware Error Messages 109 Calibration Error Messages 109 System Error Messages 109
E - LINE VOLTAGE CONVERSION 111
F - DIGITAL PORT FUNCTIONS 113
Digital Connector 113 Fault/Inhibit Operation 113 Changing The Port Configuration 115 Digital I/O Operation 116 Relay Link Operation 116
G - COMPATIBILITY LANGUAGE 119
Introduction 119 Parallel Polling 119
INDEX 123 AGILENT SALES AND SUPPORT OFFICES 131
11

General Information

Introduction
The following Getting Started Map will help you find the information you need to complete the specific task that you want to accomplish. Refer to the table of contents or index of each guide for a complete list of the information contained within.
Table 1-1. Getting Started Map
Task Where to find information
General information
Capabilities and characteristics
Installing the unit
Location Line connections
Checking out the unit
Verifying proper operation Using the front panel
Making Connections
Load connections Computer connections Application Information
Using the front panel
Front panel keys Front panel examples
Using the programming interface
GPIB interface
Programming the unit using SCPI (and COMPatibility) commands
SCPI commands SCPI programming examples SCPI language dictionary
Installing the Agilent VXI plug&play instrument driver
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapters 7 and 8 for SCPI commands. Appendix G for COMPatibility commands
Chapter 2
1
NOTE: The driver must be installed on your pc to access the on-line
information. Drivers are available on the web at www.ag.com/go/drivers.

Safety Considerations

This power supply is a Safety Class 1 instrument, which means it has a protective earth terminal. That terminal must be connected to earth ground through a power source equipped with a 3-wire ground receptacle. Refer to the Safety Summary page at the beginning of this guide for general safety information. Before installation or operation, check the power supply and review this guide for safety warnings and instructions. Safety warnings for specific procedures are located at appropriate places in the guide.
General Information 13

Options

Table 1-2. List of Options
Option Description
Standard
200 831 832 834 841 842 844
Input power 230 Vac, nominal Input power 200 Vac, nominal Power cord, 12 AWG, UL listed, CSA certified, without plug Power cord, 4 mm
2
, harmonized, without plug Power cord, 10 AWG, UL listed, CSA certified, without plug Power cord, 12 AWG, UL listed, CSA certified, with NEMA 6-20P 20A/250V plug Power cord, 4 mm
2
, harmonized, with IEC 309 32A/220V plug Power cord, 10 AWG, UL listed, CSA certified, with NEMA L6-30P-30A/250V locking plug
908 Rack mount kit (Agilent 5062-3977) Support rails (E3663A) are required. 909 Rack mount kit with handles (Agilent 5062-3983) Support rails (E3663A) are required.
0BN
Service addendum with extra User’s Guide

Accessories

Table 1-3. List of Accessories
Description Agilent No. Agilent No.
GPIB cable (all models)
0.5 meters (1.6 ft) 10833D
1.0 meter (3.3 ft) 10833A
2.0 meters (6.6 ft) 10833B
4.0 meters ( 13 .2 ft) 10833C Serial link cable 2.0 meters (6.6 ft) 5080-2148 Accessory slide mount kit 1494-0059

Operator Replaceable Parts List

Table 1-4. Operator Replaceable Parts List
Description Agilent Part
Cable assembly, GPIB Cable assembly, serial link Collar, rotary output control Cover, ac input safety Cover, dc output Flatwasher, ac input safety cover Foot, cabinet Fuse, power 25A, 250V (this is an internal fuse). Knob, rotary output control Lockwasher, ac input safety cover Lockwasher, output bus bar, 1/4 spring
Agilent 59510/11A Relay Accessories Agilent Series 667xA Service Manual Agilent E4356A Service Addendum Nut, output bus bar, hex 1/4-20x1/2 Nut, power ground, hex w/lw 3/8x32 Plug, analog connector (7-terminal) Plug, digital connector (4-terminal)
(see Table 1-3) (see Table 1-3) 5040-l700 5040- 1676 5040- 1674 3050-1053 5041-8801 2110-0849
0370-1091 2190-0484 3050-1690
5957-6382 5961-2583 5964-8170 2950-0084 0590-0305 1252-3698 1252-1488
No.
Description Agilent Part
Power cord assembly Rack mount kit Resistor, calibration
Screw, ac input safety cover (M4.0 x 60 mm long) Screw, carrying strap (M5x0.8x10 mm)
Screw, output bus bar, 1/4-20x1/2 Screw, outer cover, (M5 x 0.8 mm) Screw, output sense terminal (M3x0.5x8mm) Slide mount kit Standoff, GPIB
Terminal, crimp, ac power cord L or N terminal Gnd terminal
No.
(see Table 1-2) (see Table 1-2) (Appendix B)
0515-0156
0515-1384
2940-0103 0515-0073 0515-0104
(see Table 1-3) 0380-0643
0362-0681 0362-0207
General Information 14

Description

The Agilent E4356A is a unipolar, GPIB programmable power supply, which is programmable locally from the front panel or remotely via a rear-panel analog control port. Operational features include:
Constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) output over the rated output range.
Built-in overvoltage (OV), overcurrent (OC), and overtemperature (OT) protection.
Automatic turn-on selftest.
Pushbutton nonvolatile storage and recall of up to 5 operating states.
Local or remote sensing of output voltage.
Auto-parallel operation for increased total current.
Series operation for increased total voltage.
Analog input for remote programming of voltage and current.
Voltage output for external monitoring of output current.
User calibration from the front panel.
Front Panel Programming
The front panel has both rotary (RPG) and keypad controls for setting the output voltage and current. The panel display provides digital readouts of the output voltage and current. Other front panel controls permit:
Enabling or disabling the output.
Setting the overvoltage protection (OVP) trip voltage.
Enabling or disabling the overcurrent protection (OCP) feature.
Saving and recalling operating states.
Setting the GPIB address.
Reading GPIB error message codes.
Calibrating the power supply, including changing the calibration protection password.
Remote Programming
The power supply may be remotely programmed via the GPIB bus and/or from an analog input port. GPIB programming is with SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) commands that make the power supply programs compatible with those of other GPIB instruments. (A software Compatibility mode also permits programming in the command set of the Agilent 6030xA Autoranging Series.) In addition to control functions, SCPI programming permits writing to the front panel LCD and complete calibration functions. Power supply status registers permit remote monitoring of the following conditions:
Overvoltage, overcurrent, overtemperature, and unregulated states.
Operating mode (constant voltage or constant current).
State of the RI (remote inhibit) input signal.
Power-on status (PON).
Status of the output queue (QYE).
Pending triggers (WTG).
GPIB interface programming errors (CME, DDE, and EXE).
Calibration state (enabled or disabled).
The status registers can be programmed to generate an output fault signal (FLT) upon the occurrence of one or more selected status events.
Analog Programming
The power supply has an analog port for remote programming. The output voltage and/or current of the power supply may be controlled by individual dc programming voltages applied to this port. The port also provides a monitor output that supplies a dc voltage proportional to the output current.
General Information 15

Output Characteristic

The power supply can operate in either CV (constant voltage) or CC (constant current) over its output voltage and current ratings (see Figure 1-l). Although the power supply can operate in either mode, it is designed as a constant voltage source. This means that the unit turns on in constant voltage mode with the output voltage rising to its Vset value. There is no command for constant current operation. The only way to turn the unit on in constant current mode is by placing a short across the output and then enabling or turning the output on.
Note that the power supply cannot be programmed to operate in a specific mode. After initial turn-on, the operating mode of the unit will be determined by the voltage setting (V operating point 1 is defined by the load line cutting the operating locus in the constant-voltage region. This region defines the CV mode. Operating point 2 is defined by the load line cutting the operating locus in the constant-current region. This region defines the CC mode.
Appendix A lists the specifications and supplemental characteristics.
Vout
80V 70V
), the current setting (Is), and the load impedance (RL). In Figure 1-1,
s
RL1
Vs
RL2
Is
26A 30A
Iout
Figure 1-1. Output Characteristic Curve
Output Ranges
Figure 1-1 shows two output ranges: 80V, 26A and 70V, 30A. The step in the output characteristic indicates that the power supply cannot simultaneously output 80V and 30A. No separate command is required to select a range, the power supply automatically selects one of the operating ranges based on the last parameter (either voltage or current) that is programmed. For example, if you program 80V and 30A, the power supply will select the 70V, 30A range based on the last parameter that was programmed: 30A.
Downprogramming
The power supply can sink current for more rapid down programming in the CV mode. This is an uncharacterized current­sinking area that provides a limited downprogramming capability.
General Information 16
2

Installation

Inspection

Damage
When you receive your power supply, inspect it for any obvious damage that may have occurred during shipment. If there is damage, notify the shipping carrier and the nearest Agilent Sales and Support Office immediately. Warranty information is printed in the front of this guide.
Packaging Material
Until you have checked out the power supply save the shipping carton and packing materials in case the power supply has to be returned to Agilent Technologies. If you return the power supply for service, attach a tag identifying the model number and the owner. Also include a brief description of the problem.
Items Supplied
In addition to this manual, check that the following items in Table 2-1 are included with your power supply (see Table 1-6 for part numbers):
Table 2-1. Items Supplied
Power cord
Analog connector
Digital connector
Serial cable
Output hardware
Guide change page
Your power supply was shipped with a power cord appropriate for your location. The cord may or may not be terminated in a power plug (see "Options" in Chapter 1). If the cord is not included, contact your nearest Agilent Sales and Support Office (see end of this guide ) to obtain the correct cord. These models also include a power input safety cover with strain relief connector. It is required to secure the power cord to the power supply.
A 7-terminal analog plug (see Table 1-4) that connects to the back of the unit. Analog connections are described in Chapter 4.
A 4-terminal digital plug (see Table 1-4) that connects to the back of the unit. Digital connections are described in "Appendix D - Digital Port Functions"
A 2-meter cable (see “Accessories” in Chapter 1) that connects to the control bus (next to the GPIB
connector). This cable is used to serially connect multiple power supplies as described under "Controller Connections" in Chapter 4.
Output hardware (screws with nuts and lockwashers) for securing your load wires to the output bus bars (see Table 1-4).
If applicable, change sheets may be included with this guide. If there are change sheets, make the indicated corrections in this guide.
Installation 17

Location and Temperature

Bench Operation
The Table A-2 in Appendix A gives the dimensions of your power supply. The cabinet has plastic feet that are shaped to ensure self-alignment when stacked with other Agilent System II cabinets. The feet may be removed for rack mounting. Your power supply must be installed in a location that allows sufficient space at the sides and rear of the cabinet for adequate air circulation. Minimum clearances are 1 inch (25 mm) along the sides. Do not block the fan exhaust at the rear of the unit.
Rack Mounting
The power supply can be mounted in a standard l9-inch rack panel or cabinet. Rack mounting kits are available as Option 908 or 909 (with handles). Installation instructions are included with each rack mounting kit.
This power supply requires instrument support rails for non-stationary installations. These are
Temperature Performance
A variable-speed fan cools the unit by drawing air through the sides and exhausting it out the back. Using Agilent rack mount or slides will not impede the flow of air. The temperature performance is as follows:
The unit operates without loss of performance within the temperature range of 0 °C to 45 °C.
normally ordered with the cabinet and are not included with the rack mounting kits.

Input Power Source

Do not apply power to the power supply until directed to do so in Chapter 3.
Check the line label on the rear of your unit and verify that the voltage shown there
Note This product requires single-phase input voltage.
You can operate your unit from a nominal 200 V or a 230 V single-phase power source, or from the line-to-line voltage of a 208-volt, 3-phase source. The proper source is indicated on the rear Ratings" in Table A-2 for the voltage and frequency range for each type of power source.
Note The power source must be a dedicated line with no other devices drawing current from it.
The line fuse is located inside the power supply. Table 1-4 identifies the replacement fuse. See "In Case of Trouble" in Chapter 3 for instructions on fuse replacement.
Installing the Power Cord
corresponds to the nominal line voltage of your power source. If it does not, see Appendix E - "Line Voltage Conversion" for instructions on changing the power supply's line voltage configuration.
label ( , Figure 2-2). See "AC Input
Installation of the power cord must be done by a qualified electrician and in accordance with local electrical codes.
Installation 18
The power cord supplied with power supply may or may not include a power plug (see "Options" in Chapter l) at one end of the cord. Terminating connections and a ground lug are attached to the other end of the cord. See Figure 2-2 and proceed as follows:
1. If they are not already in place, position the strain relief connector connector nut
2. Secure the ground wire
3. For single-phase operation, connect the neutral wire terminal (this line is fused inside the unit).
4. For line-to-line operation from a three-phase source as shown in Figure 2-3, connect one phase to the N input terminal and another phase to the L input terminal (this line is fused inside the unit).
Note The N terminal is not internally grounded.
5. Position the safety cover over the power input terminals and tighten the cover screws screws
on the power cord .
to the chassis earth ground stud.
to the N input terminal and the line wire to the L input
.
), safety cover , rubber boot , and
and strain relief connector
Figure 2-2. Connecting Power Cord
Figure 2-3. Connection to a 3-Phase Line
Installation 19
VXI
plug&play
VXI plug&play Power Products instrument drivers for Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT are now available on the Web at http://www.agilent.com/find/drivers. These instrument drivers provide a high-level programming interface to your Agilent Power Products instrument. VXI plug&play instrument drivers are an alternative to programming your instrument with SCPI command strings. Because the instrument driver’s function calls work together on top of the VISA I/O library, a single instrument driver can be used with multiple application environments.
ñ Agilent VEE ñ Microsoft Visual BASIC ñ Microsoft Visual C/C++ ñ Borland C/C++ ñ National Instruments LabVIEW ñ National Instruments LabWindows/CVI
Power Products Instrument Drivers
Supported Applications System Requirements
The VXI plug&play Power Products instrument driver complies with the following:
ñ Microsoft Windows 95 ñ Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 ñ HP VISA revision F.01.02 ñ National Instruments VISA 1.1
Downloading and Installing the Driver
NOTE: Before installing the VXI plug&play instrument driver, make sure that you have one of the supported
applications installed and running on your computer.
1. Access Agilent Technologies’ Web site at http://www.agilent.com/find/drivers.
2. Select the instrument for which you need the driver.
3. Click on the driver, either Windows 95 or Windows NT, and download the executable file to your pc.
4. Locate the file that you downloaded from the Web. From the Start menu select Run <path>:\agxxxx.exe - where
<path> is the directory path where the file is located, and agxxxx is the instrument driver that you downloaded .
5. Follow the directions on the screen to install the software. The default installation selections will work in most cases. The readme.txt file contains product updates or corrections that are not documented in the on-line help. If you decide to install this file, use any text editor to open and read it.
6. To use the VXI plug&play instrument driver, follow the directions in the VXI plug&play online help under “Introduction to Programming”.
Accessing Online Help
A comprehensive online programming reference is provided with the driver. It describes how to get started using the instrument driver with Agilent VEE, LabVIEW, and LabWindows. It includes complete descriptions of all function calls as well as example programs in C/C++ and Visual BASIC.
ñ To access the online help when you have chosen the default Vxipnp start folder, click on the Start button and select
Programs | Vxipnp | Agxxxx Help (32-bit).
- where Agxxxx is the instrument driver.
Installation 20

Turn-On Checkout

Introduction
Note This chapter provides a preliminary introduction to the power supply front panel. See Chapter 5 - "Front Panel"
for more details.
Successful tests in this chapter provide a high degree of confidence that the power supply is operating properly. For
verification tests, see Appendix C - "Operation Verification”. Complete performance tests are given in the service manual. Do not apply ac power to the power supply until told to do so.

Preliminary Checkout

1. Make certain that the front panel switch is off.
2. Examine the Line Voltage Rating or Line And Fuse Rating label (see Chapter 2 - "Installation" ) Verify that the line voltage rating agrees with your power source. If it does not, see Appendix E - "Line Voltage
Conversion".
3. Check the sense wiring as follows:
Remove the output safety cover and examine the output sense terminals. They should be wired for local sensing as
follows:
1. The +LS sense terminal wired to the +S terminal of the analog connector.
2. The –LS sense terminal wired to the –S terminal of the analog connector.
3. If the power supply is not wired for local sensing, make the above connections, using small-capacity wire (AWG #22 is sufficient).
4. Make sure that there is no load connected to the output terminals or bus bars.
3

Power-On Checkout

1. Connect the power cord to the power supply .
2. Turn the front panel power switch to ON (1).
3. The power supply undergoes a self-test when you turn it on. If the test is normal, the following sequence appears on the LCD:
The GPIB address (factory default is 5). This is then followed by PWR ON INIT for approximately 10 seconds.
4. The display then goes into the meter mode with the Dis annunciator on and all others off. “Meter mode” means that
the VOLTS digits indicate the output voltage and the AMPS digits indicate the output current. These values will be at or near zero.
5. Verify that the power supply fan is on by placing your hand near the rear grill to feel the air flow. You may also be able to hear the fan operating.
6. Press
Note If the power supply detects an error during self-test, the display will show an error message. Go to “In Case of
Trouble” at the end of this chapter.
once. The Dis annunciator will go off and the CV annunciator will go on .
Turn-On Checkout 21

Using the Keypad

Shifted Keys
Some of the front panel keys perform two functions, one labeled in black and the other in blue. You access the blue function by first pressing the blue
to the key’s shifted (blue) function.
key, which is not labeled. When the Shift annunciator is on, you will know you have access
Backspace Key
The key is an erase key. If you make a mistake entering a number and have not yet entered it (have not pressed
), you can delete the number by pressing . You may delete as many numbers as you wish by repeatedly pressing
this key.

Output Checkout

Important When the power supply is turned on, it asserts the state stored in EEPROM memory location 0. For a new
unit, this is the factory default (*RST) state. The following procedures assume that the factory default state is still in location 0 (Turn-On Conditions in Chapter 5 for details).
Checking the Voltage Function
The tests in Table 3-1 check the basic voltage functions with no load connected to the power supply. The VOLTS display will show various readings. Ignore the AMPS display.
Table 3-1. Checking the Voltage Functions (Output Terminals Open)
Procedure Display Explanation
Output Terminals Open or Connected to a Voltmeter
If Dis is on, turn it off by pressing Press key VOLT 0.000
Press
Press 40.00 Enter the voltage. Meter mode displays output voltage. During these
Press several times Voltage decreases several millivolts each time you press the key.*
Press the same number of times
* The number of millivolts change is determined by the voltage programming resolution
Rotate Voltage control first counterclockwise and then clockwise
Press
Press Display shows default OVP (overvoltage protection) trip voltage for
VOLT 40 Program output to 40 volts.
Voltage increases several millivolts each time you press the key.*
of your power supply (see Appendix A -"Supplemental Characteristics"). Control operates similarly to
40.00 Program output to 40 volts.
Default voltage setting. CV annunciator should be on. (If CC annunicator is on, increase the current by pressing
more times until CC turns off and CV turns on.)
tests, there may be a small (relative to full output) AMPS reading that will be ignored.
and keys. The control
is rate sensitive. Turning it more quickly causes a more rapid change in voltage.
your unit (see Appendix A - "Supplemental Characteristics").
one or
Turn-On Checkout 22
Press
Press 0.000 OVP voltage entered is less than the output voltage. This causes the
Press OV - - - - - Shows that the power supply shuts down because the OVP circuit has
Press Return display to meter mode (optional step).
Press
Press Prot Clear
)*
(
OV 30 Program the OVP to 30 volts, which is less than the output voltage.
OVP circuit to trip. The output drops to zero, CV turns off, and Prot turns on.
tripped.
0.000 Program the OVP to 45 volts, which is greater than the output voltage.
Note: You cannot clear an OVP trip until you have first removed the cause of the condition.
40.00
* is the unlabeled blue key.
The OVP circuit is cleared, restoring the output. Prot turns off and CV turns on.
Checking the Current Function
The tests in Table 3-2 check the basic current functions with a short connected across the power supply output. Do not program maximum output currents unless the shorting wire is capable of handling the current (see "Supplemental Characteristics" and Table 4-2). The AMPS display will show various readings. Ignore the VOLTS display.
Table 3-2. Checking the Current Functions (Output Terminals Shorted)
Procedure Display Explanation
Turn off the power supply and connect a #14 AWG or larger wire across the output (+) and (–) terminals. If you intend to test at full-rated output current, use a wire or wires of sufficient size to carry the maximum current of the unit (see
"Supplemental Characteristics" in Chapter l and Table 4-2 in Chapter 4).
Turn on the unit. Meter mode Essentially zero output with Dis annunciator on.
Press
Press
Press
Press several times
Press the same number of times
Rotate the Current control counterclockwise and then clockwise
Press
VOLT 80.00
CURR 1.000
1.000 Dis annunciator turns off, CC annunciator turns on, and AMPS
*Current decreases several milliamperes each time you press the key.
*Current increases several milliamperes each time you press the key.
*The number of milliamperes is determined by the current programming resolution of the
power supply (see "Supplemental Characteristics" in Chapter 1).
Control operates similarly to the and keys. The
You have enabled the overcurrent protection circuit. The circuit then
Program output to 80 volts.
Program output to 1 ampere.
display shows the programmed current.
control is rate sensitive. Turning it more quickly causes a more rapid change in current.
tripped because of the output short. The CC annunciator turns off and the OCP and Prot annunciators come on. Output current is near zero.
Turn-On Checkout 23
Press
Press
Dis annunciator turns on.
You have disabled the overcurrent protection circuit. The OCP
annunciator turns off.
Press ( )**
Press
You have cleared the overcurrent protection circuit. The Prot annunciator turns off.
Dis turns off and CC turns on. The output current is restored.
If you have a shorting wire of sufficient capacity, you may continue testing up to the maximum rated current of the power supply (see "Performance Specifications"). When finished, go to the next step.
Press
Dis turns on and output current drops to zero.
Turn off the power supply and remove the short from the output terminals.

Checking The Save And Recall Functions

Agilent E4356A power supplies have five nonvolatile memory storage locations (0 through 4). Proceed as follows:
Make certain that the output is on (Dis annunciator is off).
Set the voltage output to 5 by pressing .
Save this value to location 1 by pressing .
Return the output voltage to 0 by pressing (This step is based on the fact that a newly shipped power
supply has the *RST parameters stored in location 0 (see "Chapter 5 - Front Panel" for more information).
Press and notice that the output voltage returns to the value stored in location 1.

Determining The GPIB Address

When the power supply is turned on, the display shows ADDR n, where n is the power supply GPIB address. Any time you want to see the address, press
.
The display will indicate ADDR 5, which is the factory default. If the address has been changed, then a different number
will appear (see “Setting the GPIB Address” in “Chapter 5 - Front Panel”).

In Case Of Trouble

Line Fuse
If the power supply appears "dead" with a blank display and the fan not running, first check your power source to be certain line voltage is being supplied to the power supply. If the power source is normal, the power supply line fuse may be defective. If the unit has a defective fuse, replace it only once. If it fails again, investigate the reason for the failure. Proceed as follows:
Hazardous voltage can remain inside the power supply even after it has been turned off. Fuse replacement should be done only by qualified electronics personnel.
Turn-On Checkout 24
l. Turn off the front panel power switch and unplug the line cord from the power source.
2. Remove the power supply dustcover as follows:
3. Observe the input rail LED under the RFI shield (see Figure E-3 in Appendix E). If the LED is on, there is still
4. Connect a dc voltmeter across test points TPl and TP2 (Figure E-3). It may be necessary to remove the RFI shield in
5. Replace the fuse with one of the same type (see Table 1-4 in Chapter l). Do not use a slow-blow type fuse.
6. If you removed it in step b, be sure to replace the RFI shield.
7. Replace the dust cover.
8. Connect the line cord to the power source.
9. Turn on the front panel power switch and check the operation.
The line fuse is located inside the power supply. To change it, proceed as follows:
a. Remove the four screws securing the carrying straps and dustcover. b. Spread the bottom rear of the dustcover and pull it back to disengage it from the front panel. c. Slide the dustcover back far enough to expose the line fuse (1).
hazardous voltage inside the unit. Wait until the LED goes out (this may take several minutes) before proceeding.
order to reach these test points. (The shield is secured by four screws on each side.) When the voltmeter indicates 60 volts or less, it is safe to work inside the power supply.
 Power Fuse ô Line Filter í Rear of Power supply
Figure 3-1. Line Fuse Location
Error Messages
Power supply failure may occur during power-on selftest or during operation. In either case, the display may show an error message that indicates the reason for the failure.
Selftest Errors
When a selftest error occurs, it prevents all front panel operation. The display may show either a power-on error message or a checksum error message.
Power-On Error Messages
Power-on messages appear as: En- - - - - ­ Where "n" is a number listed in Table 3-3. If this occurs, turn the power off and then back on to see if the error persists. It is possible to recover from the EE CHKSUM error (see "Checksum Errors"). If any other message persists, the power supply requires service.
Turn-On Checkout 25
Table 3-3. Power-On Selftest Errors
Error
No.
El E2 E3
E4 E5 E6 E7
Display Failed Test Error
FP RAM FP ROM EE CHKSUM PRI XRAM PRI IRAM PRI ROM GPIB
Front Panel RAM E8 Front Panel ROM checksum E9 EEPROM E10
Primary external RAM Ell Primary internal RAM Primary ROM checksum E12 GPIB R/W to serial poll
No.
Display Failed Test
SEC RAM SEC ROM SEC 5V
TEMP
DACS
Secondary RAM Secondary ROM checksum Secondary 5 V ADC reading Secondary ambient thermistor reading Secondary VDAC/IDAC readback
Checksum Errors.
If the display shows EE CHKSUM, the power supply has detected an EEPROM checksum error. A checksum error can occur due to the following conditions:
Excessive number of write cycles to an EEPROM (see "Nonvolatile Memory Write Cycles" in "Supplemental
Characteristics" tables). This condition, which would appear only after extended use, is not recoverable and requires
service.
Loss of ac input power during a checksum calculation. This condition, which is very unlikely, is recoverable.
You may be able to recover from a checksum error by writing to the EEPROM while the power supply is in the calibration mode. To do this, proceed as follows:
1. Enable the calibration mode by pressing
2. PASWD will appear on the display.
3. Press the number keys corresponding to the password, followed by
Note On new equipment, the calibration password corresponds to the four-digit model number (such as ).
See "Appendix A - Calibration" for more information about the calibration password.
4. Save any operating state (for example, press
5. Turn the power off and then back on.
A normal display free of error messages should appear. If not, the power supply requires service.
.
. The Cal annunciator will go on.
).
Runtime Error Messages
Under unusual operating conditions, the VOLT or AMPS display may show +OL or –OL. This indicates that the output voltage or current is beyond the range of the meter readback circuit. Table 3-4 shows other error messages that may appear at runtime.
Table 3-4. Runtime Errors
Display Meaning
EE WRITE ERR SBUB FULL SERIAL DOWN STK OVERFLOW
Turn-On Checkout 26
EEPROM status timeout Message too long for buffer Failed communication with front Front panel stack overflow
Display Meaning
UART FRAMING UART OVERRUN UART PARITY
UART byte framing error Overfilled UART receive buffer UART byte parity error panel
4

User Connections

Rear Panel Connections

Make application load connections to the output terminals or bus bars, analog connector, and digital connector as shown on the rear-panel drawing for your model power supply. Make controller connections (GPIB and serial link) as shown in Figure 4-6 at the end of this chapter.

Load Wire Selection

Fire Hazard To satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be large enough not to overheat when
Table 4-1 lists the characteristics of AWG (American Wire Gauge) copper wire.
AWG Ampacity
No.
14 25 0.0103 8 60 0.0025 12 30 0.0065 6 80 0.0016 10 40 0.0041 4 105 0.0010
1. Ampacity is based on 30 °C ambient temperature with conductor rated at 60 °C. For ambient temperature other
than 30 °C, multiply the above ampacities by the following constants:
21-25 1.08 41-45 0.71 26-30 1.00 46-50 0.58 31-35 0.91 51-55 0.41 36-40 0.82
2. Resistance is nominal at 75 °C wire temperature.
carrying the maximum short-circuit current of the power supply. If there is more than one load, then any pair of load wires must be capable of safely carrying the full-rated current of the unit.
Table 4-1. Stranded Copper Wire Capacity and Resistance
l
Temp (°C) Constant
Resistance
(/m)
2
AWG Ampacity
No.
NOTES:
Temp (°C) Constant
1
Resistance
(/m)
2

Analog Connector

This connector, which is on the rear panel, is for connecting remote sense leads, external current monitors, and external programming sources. The connector accepts wires sizes from AWG 22 to AWG 12.
 Insert Wires ô Tighten Screws IM Current monitor output. VP Voltage programming input. +IP Differential current programming input. –IP Differential current programming input. ↓P Common for VP and IM signals (referenced to +OUT).
Figure 4-1. Rear Panel Analog Connector
+S + remote sense input. –S –remote sense input.
User Connections 27
Note It is good engineering practice to twist and shield all signal wires to and from the analog and digital connectors

Digital Connector

This connector, which is on the rear panel, is for connecting fault/inhibit, digital I/O, or relay link signals. The connector accepts wires sizes from AWG 22 to AWG 12.
 Insert Wires ô Tighten Screws
Pin No. Fault/Inhibit
1 2 3 4
FLT OUTPUT FLT OUTPUT
INH INPUT
INH COMMON
FUNCTION
1
Digital I/O
OUT 0 OUT 1
IN/OUT 2
COMMON
Relay Link
RLY SEND NOT USED
RLY RTN
COMMON
2
NOTE: Factory default function is FAULT/INHIBIT.
Figure 4-2. Rear Panel Digital Connector

Connecting the Power supply to the Load

Output Isolation
The output of the power supply is isolated from earth ground. Either output terminal may be grounded, or an external voltage source may be connected between either output and ground. However, both output terminals must be kept within ± 240 Vdc of ground. An earth ground terminal is provided on the rear panel for convenience, such as grounding wire shields.
The earth ground terminal on the rear panel is a low-noise signal ground for convenience only. It is not designed to function as a safety ground.
Capacitive Loads
In most cases, the power supply will continue to be stable with additional external load capacitors. However, large load capacitors may cause ringing in the unit’s transient response. It is possible that certain combinations of load capacitance, equivalent series resistance, and load lead inductance will result in instability. If you need help in solving a stability problem, contact an Agilent service engineer through your local Sales and Support Office (see end of this guide).
If the power supply output is rapidly programmed into capacitive loads, the unit may momentarily cross into constant current (CC) mode. This extends the CV programming time and limits the maximum slew rate to the programmed current divided by the total internal and external capacitance. These momentary crossovers into CC mode will not damage the unit.
28
User Connections
 Output Safety Cover ô Analog Connector í– Output Bus Bar ÷ – Local Sense Terminal û + Local Sense Terminal ø+ Output Bus Bar ù Signal Common î Local Sense Jumpers ü Rear Knockouts ê Bottom Knockout Insert screwdriver blade in slot and pry out Bend along joint and break off
WARNING
DO NOT LEAVE UNCOVERED HOLES IN OUTPUT COVER. IF TOO MANY
KNOCKOUTS HAVE BEEN REMOVED, INSTALL A NEW COVER.
Figure 4-3. Rear Panel Output Connections
Inductive Loads
Inductive loads provide no loop stability problems in CV mode. However, in CC mode inductive loads will form a parallel resonance network with the power supply's output capacitor. Generally, this will not affect the stability of the unit, but it may cause ringing of the current in the load. Ringing will not occur if the Q (quality factor) of the parallel resonant network is ≤1.0. Use the following formula to determine the Q of your output.
14 m
L1
Q=
RCxtint eR+
where: C = model-dependent internal capacitance (see below); L = inductance of the load; Rext = equivalent series resistance of the load; R
C=
= model-dependent internal resistance (see below):
int
R
7,000 µF
=
int
If the Q is greater than 0.5, inductive loads will ring with the output capacitance and will be damped according to the following equation:
Battery Charging
The power supply's OVP circuit has a downprogrammer FET that discharges the power supply output whenever OVP trips. If a battery (or other external voltage source) is connected across the output and the OVP is inadvertently triggered or the output is programmed below the battery voltage, the power supply will sink current from the battery. To avoid this, insert a reverse blocking diode in series with the output of the unit. Connect the diode cathode to the + battery terminal and the
diode anode to the output terminal of the unit. The diode may require a heat sink.
User Connections 29
Local Voltage Sensing
Your power supply was shipped set up for local sensing. This means that the unit will sense and regulate its output at the output terminals, not at the load. Since local sensing does not compensate for voltage drops across screw terminals, bus bars, or load leads, local sensing should only be used in applications that require low output current or where load regulation is not critical.
Local sensing is obtained by connecting the +LS sense terminal to the +S analog connector pin and the pin and the –LS
sense terminal to the –S analog connector pin. The power supply is shipped with these connections made.
Note If the sense terminals are left unconnected, the voltage at the bus bars will increase approximately 3 to 5% over the
programmed value. Since it is measured at the sense terminals, the voltage readback will not reflect this increase.
Remote Voltage Sensing
The dashed lines in the wiring diagrams illustrate remote voltage sensing. The remote sense terminals of the power supply are connected directly to the load rather than to the output terminals. This allows the unit to automatically compensate for the voltage drop in the load leads as well as to accurately read back the voltage directly across the load.

Setting Up Remote Sense Operation

Remote sensing is obtained by removing the jumpers connecting the +LS sense terminal to the +S analog connector pin and the –LS sense terminal to the –S analog connector pin. The power supply is shipped with these jumpers connected.
Connecting the Sense Leads
You must connect the positive side of the load to the +S analog connector pin and the negative side of the load to the –S analog connector pin (see Figure 4-1). Connect the sense leads carefully so that they do not become open-circuited. If sense leads are left open during operation, the unit will regulate at the output terminals instead of at the load. Remember to bundle or tie wrap the load leads to minimize inductance and reduce noise pickup.
CV Regulation
The voltage load regulation specification in Table A-1 applies at the output terminals of the power supply. When remote sensing, this specification must be compensated. Add an increment to the voltage load regulation specification as specified by “∆mV” in the equation given under Load regulation in Table A-2.
Output Rating
The rated output voltage and current specification in Table A-1 applies at the output terminals of the power supply. With remote sensing, any voltage dropped in the load leads causes the unit to increase the voltage at the output terminals so it can maintain the proper voltage at the load. When you attempt to operate at the full-rated output at the load, this forces the voltage at the output terminals to exceed the unit's rated output. This will not damage the unit, but may trip the OVP (overvoltage protection) circuit, which senses the voltage at the output bus bars. When operated beyond its rated output, the unit's performance specifications are not guaranteed, although typical performance may be good. If the excessive demand on the unit forces it to lose regulation, the Unr annunciator will 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 load voltage regulation. Be sure to twist the sense leads to minimize external noise pickup and route them parallel and close to the load leads. In noisy environments, it may be necessary to shield the sense leads. Ground the shield only at the power supply. Do not use the shield as one of the sense conductors.
30
User Connections
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