Please review the following safety precautions before operating our equipment.
General information
The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated
instrumentations.
This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the
safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance
information carefully before using the product. Refer to this manual for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product may be impaired.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
Protection from electric shock
Operators of this instrument must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure
that operators are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections
must be exposed to potential human contact.
Under these circumstances personnel must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If the
circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 volts, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.
Definition of users
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment is operated
within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
This product should only be used as intended. Users must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper
use of the instrument. Users must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Service is only to be performed by qualified service personnel.
Safety symbols and terms
Connect to safety earth ground using the wire recommended in the user manual.
This symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should refer to the operating instructions
located in the manual.
Certification
We certify that this product met its published specifications at time of shipment from the factory.
Features .................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 The Front Panel .......................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 The Rear Panel ......................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Setting the Voltage .................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4 Setting the Current.................................................................................................................................... 14
3.5 Save and Recall Operation ....................................................................................................................... 14
3.6 Menu Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 15
3.6.1 Menu Description .......................................................................................................................... 15
3.6.2 Menu Function .............................................................................................................................. 17
3.8 Remote Sense and digital port functions .................................................................................................. 22
3.9 Digital Volt Meter (DVM) ........................................................................................................................ 23
3.10 Milliohm Meter ...................................................................................................................................... 24
You can mount the power supply in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using the IT-E151 rack mount kit.
Note: Remove the carrying handle and the two plastic ears before rack-mounting the instrument. To
remove the handle, grasp the handle on the side, pull outwards and rotate it to a special position
where the arrow on the handle and the arrow on the plastic ears are in opposite directions. Now you
can pull the handle outwards. After removing the handle, you can remove the two plastic ears with a
screw driver.
To rack mount a single instrument, order rack mount kit IT-E151
To rack mount two instruments (models 9120A, 9121A, 9122A, 9123A, 9124 only) side-by-side,
order rack mount kit IT-E151, In this case you don’t need to use the front cover panel.
3. Front-panel Operation
So far we have covered the quick start chapter which briefly introduced the front panel operation and how to
check basic voltage and current functionality. This chapter describes in detail how to operate the instrument
manually via the front-panel keys.
This chapter is divided into the following sections:
Front-Panel Operation Overview
Setting the Voltage
Setting the Current
Save/Recall Operation
Menu Operation
On/Off Operation
Remote Sense and digital port functions
mΩ Meter
Digital Voltage Meter
If you have created several list files, you can call the list file that you need by “Call ListFile” function in the
menu. Press
+
two times to exit menu operation. And then press
to run the file that you called. Press
+
+
to stop running.
to set it, press
Continuous mode: Once the trigger signal is received, the programmed list will be executed once. Once
finished, the instrument will pause until the next trigger signal is received.
Step mode: The power supply will advance to the next step only after it receives a trigger signal.
(Note: In this mode, list step timing parameter will not be prompted for user input or it will be ignored if
controlled with remote commands because the delay between steps will be dependent on trigger instead.)
Digital I/O
When the digital port of the power supply mode is in DIGITAL I/O mode and the power supply is configured for
remote operation, you can send SCPI command (DIGital:INPut[:STATe?] and DIGital:OUTPut[:STATe?])to
read and set the state of the output and input port.
NOTE: Digital output is not available for models 9150, 9151, 9152, and 9153.
Remote voltage sensing is used to maintain good 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. By connecting the
supply for remote voltage sensing, voltage is sensed at the load rather than at the supply's output terminals. This
will allow the supply to automatically compensate for the voltage drop in the load leads and improve regulation.
You must set remote sense mode before you start remote test function.
+,- Output pins
For Models 9120A, 9121A, 9122A, 9123A, 9124: These pins are identical to the output terminals in the front.
For Models 9150, 9151, 9152, 9153: These pins are the same as remote sense pins.
INH Inhibit Input pin
This pin has multiple functions:
a) When “Port Mode” in the menu is set to “Trigger”, “INH” pin is configured as trigger input. For models
9150, 9151, 9152, and 9153, “TRIN” pin is configured as trigger input.
b) When “Port Mode” in the menu is set to “RI/DFI”, “INH” pin can be used to turn the power supply output
on/off. For models 9150, 9151, 9152, and 9153, “TRIN” pin is used instead.
LATCHING: When the level of INH port changes from high to low, the output of power supply turns off.
_
DVM
DUT
LIVE: The output state of power supply changes according to the level of the INH port. If the level
of INH is TTL High, the output is on. If the level at pin INH is TTL Low, the output of the
power supply is off.
OFF: The level state of INH does not affect the output state of the power supply.
c) When “Port Mode” in the menu is set to “DIGITAL I/O”, “INH” pin functions as a digital input pin. For
models 9150, 9151, 9152, and 9153, “TRIN” pin is used for digital input. For digital output, “FLT” is used.
Digital output is not available for models 9150 to 9153. The status of the pin can be read via SCPI command.
FLT:Fault Output pin
(Available for models 9120A, 9121A, 9122A, 9123A, 9124 only)
This pin has multiple functions:
a) When “Port Mode” in the menu is set to “Trigger”, FLT has no function.
b) When “Port Mode” in the menu is set to “RI/DFI”, the FLT pin can be used to determine the reason of a power
supply fault.
The status of FLT can be derived from bits QUES, OPER, ESB, RQS or it can be disabled
QUES: The output level of FLT reflects the state of the QUES bit. When the QUES bit is 1, FLT output a
Low signal, otherwise, if QUES bit is 0, FLT goes High.
OPER: The output level of FLT reflects the of the OPER bit.
ESB: The output level of FLT reflects the state of the ESB bit.
RQS: The output level of FLT reflects the state of the RQS bit.
OFF: The output level of FLT remains high.
c) When “Port Mode” in menu is set to “DIGITAL I/O”, FLT functions as an output pin. The status of the port
can be programmed via SCPI command.
3.9 Digital Volt Meter (DVM)
The power supply provides a built-in Digital Volt meter which can measure DC volts in a range from 0 - 40V.
The connectors are in the rear panel. The voltage value is displayed on the bottom left field of the display.
To measure voltages, connect the leads as shown here:
NOTE: The DVM integrated inside these power supplies is an added feature for the convenience of
monitoring voltages of a setup being powered by the same power supply with the DVM. It is not meant to
be used as a standalone measuring unit. Due to the input of the DVM being partially integrated to the
internal circuitry of the power supply, and the DVM not having a floating reference, there are limitations
on the applications it can be used for. For example, it cannot be used to measure negative voltages (only
positive voltage, 0-40VDC), it cannot measure a dry cell battery, and it cannot measure a voltage source
with isolated GND.
Shift
Shift
+
_
DVM
_
POWER SUPPLY
Load
By default, the power supply is in DVM mode. Press
and mΩ Meter mode.
followed by V/mΩ to toggle between Voltmeter
3.10 Milliohm Meter
The instrument is also equipped with a Milliohm Meter which can accurately measure resistance up to 10 Ω.
To protect the resistor, make sure to select an appropriate power range before connecting it to the power supply.
To measure resistance, connect the resistor as shown below:
To measure resistance:
1) Enable Ohmmeter mode: Press
2) Press
measuring.
followed by 0.1 W /1 W /10 W to select an appropriate range for the resistor you are
followed by V/mΩ(Display will show ---.—mΩ Range 0.1 W)
Connect this
side to your
computer’s
GPIB
interface
(GPIB cable
not included)
Power Supply
Connect this
connector to
DB9 TTL
connector of
power supply
(serial cable
included)
Connect external
AC power
adapter
(included)
Recommended power up sequence:
Connect the IT-E135 adapter to your computer and to the power supply as indicated in the above figure. Connect
the external power adapter. Both TX and RX LED should be lit (provided the power supply is turned off)
Turn on power supply. The TX and RX LEDs will turn off
For maximum throughput, set the baudrate to 38400. Set parity to NONE (default setting). Set address to the
desired GPIB instrument address.
Note: The RX LED and TX LEDs will flicker to indicate activity on the GPIB bus. The RX LED indicates a
write command (from controller’s perspective), the TX LED will indicate data transmission from power supply
to GPIB controller.
4.2 Communication between Power Supply and PC
Before putting the instrument into remote operation, make sure that the baud rate, parity bit and communication
address settings on the power supply and computer side are identical, otherwise communication will not be
possible.
1. Address Range is 0 to 30. Default setting is 0.
2. Baud rate: 4800,9600,19200 and 38400 are selectable, default setting is 9600
3. Parity and Data bits:None/8 bits (default setting)
The DB9 connector in the rear panel of the power supply provides a TTL level signal .It can be connected to a
standard PC interface via the IT-E132B isolated converter/adapter.
Flow Control
There are no hardware flow controls for sending and receiving commands to the power supply.
The average time it takes to both send and receive every command is approximately 200ms. In
the case of more complex commands, more time may be required to complete transmission.
Note: Configuration of address parameter
Communication via USB (virtual com): Setting of the address is optional. It is not required to
communicate with the instrument. The address can be set from the front panel and is stored in non
volatile memory. This feature is useful when communicating via USB, and connecting several
instruments, e.g. via a USB hub. In this scenario, Windows assigns a virtual COM port to each
device which is unknown prior to establishing communications with the instrument (could be
different each time). In this case, the user can correlate each virtual COM port randomly assigned
by Windows with a user defined address.
Communication via GPIB: Setting of the address value is mandatory and corresponds to GPIB
instrument address according to GPIB/IEEE-488 conventions. Valid values are 0 – 30.
Operation status register
The power supply is calculating new calibration parameter.
The power supply is waiting for a trigger signal.
The power supply is in constant voltage condition.
The power supply is in constant current condition.
Show the input level condition of RI
0
1
2
OV
OT
UNR
Quest condition register
Over voltage
Over temperature
The output of the power supply is unregulated.
0
2
3
4
5
7
OPC
QYE
DDE
EXE
CME
PON
Standard event status register
Operation of power supply is completed.
Query error. Data of output array is missing.
Device-dependent error. Data stored in register is missing or error occurs in
preliminary checkout.
Execution error. Command parameter overflows or the condition is not right.
Command error. Syntax or semantic error occurs when receiving information.
Power on. It is 1when power supply is reset.
3
QUES
Status byte register
If a quest enable condition changes, QUES is 1.
[SOURce:]
SYSTem
: SENSe [:STATe] {<bool>}
[:STATe]?
PORT
:FUNCtion {<TRIGger|RIDFi|DIGital>}
: FUNCtion?
RI
:MODE {<OFF|LATChing|LIVE>}
:MODE?
DFI
:SOURce {<OFF|QUES|OPER|ESB|RQS>}
:SOURce?
DIGital
:OUTPut[:STATe] {<bool>}
:INPut[:STATe]?
SENSe
:RESistance:
:RANGe {LOW | MIDdle | HIGH>}
:RANGe?
Trigger Command
TRIGger
[:IMMediate]
:SOURce {<source>}
SCPI Condition Register
You can obtain the state of the power supply and read parameters from the operation register. The different states
of the power supply can be read from 7 condition registers. These registers are status byte register, standard event
register, quest condition register and operation status register. The status byte register stores the information of 3
other registers. The following table provides the details on each register’s meaning.
When all commands sent to the instrument prior to this command have been executed, OPC of the standard event
status register will be set to 1.
Command syntax: *OPC
Parameter: None
Query syntax: *OPC?
Return parameter: <NR1>
*PSC
This command controls whether or not the power supply sends when it is reset.
1 OR ON: When power supply is reset, operation event enable register, query event enable register and
standard event status register are allreset.
0 OR OFF: The data of status byte register, operation event enable register, quest event enable register and
standard event status enable register is stored in nonvolatile register, and is recalled when
power supply is reset.
Bit map of the standard event status enable register
*TRG
When the power supply’s trigger source is set to Bus command, this command will generate a trigger signal. Its
function is identical to the [SYSTem:]TRIGger command.
Command syntax: *TRG
Parameter: None
Reference command: TRIG TRIG:SOUR
*SAV
This command saves the operating parameters of the power supply to non volatile memory. The parameters
include constant current, constant voltage, maximum voltage value and step voltage values.
Command syntax: *SAV<NRf>
Parameter: 1~50
Example: *SAV 3
Reference command: *RCL
*RCL
This command recalls the parameter saved with the *SAV command.
Command syntax: *RCL<NRf>
Parameter: 1~50
Example: *RCL 3
Reference command: *SAV
Essential SCPI Commands
SYSTem:ERRor[:NEXT]?
This command queries the error code and error information of the power supply.
(0) No error
(1) Too many numeric suffices in Command Spec
(10) No Input Command to parse
(14) Numeric suffix is invalid value
(16) Invalid value in numeric or channel list, e.g. out of range
(17) Invalid number of dimensions in a channel list
(20) Parameter of type Numeric Value overflowed its storage
(30) Wrong units for parameter
(40) Wrong type of parameter(s)
(50) Wrong number of parameters
(60) Unmatched quotation mark (single/double) in parameters
(65) Unmatched bracket
(70) Command keywords were not recognized
(80) No entry in list to retrieve (number list or channel list)
(90) Too many dimensions in entry to be returned in parameters
(101) Command Execution error
(100) Too many command
This command sets the power supply output on or off.
Command syntax: OUTPut[:STATe] <bool>
Parameter: 0|1|ON|OFF
*RST value: OFF
Query syntax: OUTPut:STATe?
Return parameter: 0|1
Usage:
If output timer is required, send command OUTPUT:TIMER ON first, then set OUTPUT ON. These two
commands must be set in this order to function properly.
OUTPut:TIMer[:STATe]
This command sets the output timer state of the power supply.
Command syntax: OUTPut:TIMer[:STATe] <bool>
Parameter: 0|1|ON|OFF
*RST value: OFF
Query syntax: OUTPut:TIMer[:STATe]?
Return parameter: 0|1
Usage:
To start Timer
- First, set OUTPUT:TIMER ON, then set OUTPUT ON.
To end Timer
- Set OUTPUT:TIMER OFF to turn timer off.
To check timer status
- Send command OUTPUT:TIMER?
OUTPut:TIMer:DATA
This command sets the time of the output timer. The unit is in SECOND and decimal fractions cannot be
used for this command.
This command sets the current value of the power supply.
Command syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent [:LEVel] <NRf>
Parameter: MIN TO MAX|MIN|MAX
Unit: A mA
*RST value: MIN
Example: CURR 3A, CURR 30mA, CURR MAX, CURR MIN
Query syntax: [SOURce:]CURRent [:LEVel]?
Parameter: [MIN|MAX]
Example: CURR? , CURR? MAX, CURR? MIN
Return parameter: <NR2>
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]
This command sets the voltage value of the power supply.
Command syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel] <NRf>
Parameter: MIN TO MAX|MIN|MAX
Unit: V mV kV
*RST value: MAX
Query syntax: [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]?
Parameter: [MIN|MAX]
Return parameter: <NR2>
List File Commands
List file operations can be executed using standard SCPI commands. The commands must be executed in a
certain order to successfully complete a list file.
Below is an example that demonstrates how to set a list in continuous mode with correct command order.
LIST:MODE CONT
LIST:STEP ONCE
LIST:COUNT 2
LIST:VOLT 1,2
LIST:VOLT 2,4
LIST:UNIT SECOND
LIST:WID 1,1
LIST:WID 2,2
LIST:NAME ‘TEST’
LIST:SAVE 1
MODE LIST
Note: Be sure to specify LIST:AREA prior to using a set of list commands similar to above.
For details on setting values for each commands, refer to the descriptions below.
[SOURce:]LIST:MODE
This command sets the trigger condition for executing the list file
CONTinious List operation is continuous mode.
STEP List operation is step mode.
When setting to LIST:STEP REPEAT, the list would run repeatedly for an indefinite amount of time.
Below is an example set of commands to setup a repeated list properly:
*IDN?
PORT:FUNCTION TRIGGER
OUTPUT:TIMER OFF
OUPUT OFF
LIST AREA 4
LIST:COUNT 2
LIST:UNIT SECOND
TRIGGER:SOURCE BUS
LIST:VOLTAGE 1,5
LIST:VOLTAGE 2,1
LIST:WIDTH 1,4
LIST:WIDTH 2,2
LIST:MODE CONT
LIST:STEP REPEAT
LIST:NAME ‘MX’
LIST:SAVE 1
MODE LIST
OUTPUT ON
TRIGGER
[SOURce:]LIST:COUNt
This command sets the number of steps for the list operation.
This command sets the minimum step time. Decimal fractions are not allowed for this command. Units are in
seconds or milliseconds, which are set using LIST:UNIT command (see LIST:UNIT). Set units first before
using this command.
Command syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:WIDth <NR1>
Parameter: MIN TO MAX|MIN|MAX
Unit: S mS
Example: LIST:WID 1, 100;
Query syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:WIDth?
Parameter: None
Example: LIST:WID? 1;
Return parameter: <NR1>
[SOURce:]LIST:NAME
This command sets the name for the list file. Make sure the file name does not exceed 8 characters.
Command syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:NAME <name>
Parameter: <SRD>
Example: LIST:NAME ‘TEST’;
Query syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:NAME?
Return parameter: <SRD>
[SOURce:]LIST:AREA
This command divides up the storage area for the list file in one of the 4 ways listed below.
1.1 group per store area, 400 steps
2.2 groups per storage area, each group contains 200 steps.
4.4 groups per storage area, each group has 100 steps.
8.8 groups of storage area, each group has 50 steps.
Command syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:AREA <NR1>
Parameter: 1|2|4|8
Example: LIST:AREA 1
Query syntax: [SOURce:]LIST:AREA?
Return parameter: <NR1>
[SOURce:]LIST:SAVe
This command saves the list file to a register (non volatile memory). The memory can be written
approximately 0.1 million times.
Command syntx:[SOURce:]LIST:SAVe <NR1>
Parameter: 1~8
Example: LIST:SAV 1
[SOURce:]LIST:RCL
This command can recall the list file saved before from the register.
Warranty Service: Please go the support and service section on our website to obtain a RMA #. Return the
product in the original packaging with proof of purchase to the address below. Clearly state on the RMA the performance problem
and return any leads, probes, connectors and accessories that you are using with the device.
Non-Warranty Service: Please go the support and service section on our website to obtain a RMA #.
Return the product in the original packaging to the address below. Clearly state on the RMA the performance problem and return
any leads, probes, connectors and accessories that you are using with the device. Customers not on an open account must include
payment in the form of a money order or credit card. For the most current repair charges please refer to the service and support
section on our website.
Return all merchandise to B&K Precision Corp. with pre-paid shipping. The flat-rate repair charge for Non-Warranty Service does
not include return shipping. Return shipping to locations in North America is included for Warranty Service. For overnight
shipments and non-North American shipping fees please contact B&K Precision Corp.
Include with the returned instrument your complete return shipping address, contact name, phone number and description
of problem.
LIMITED THREE-YEAR WARRANTY
B&K Precision Corp. warrants to the original purchaser that its products and the component parts thereof, will be free from defects
in workmanship and materials. for a period of three years from date of purchase.
B&K Precision Corp. will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective product or component parts. Returned product
must be accompanied by proof of the purchase date in the form of a sales receipt.
To obtain warranty coverage in the U.S.A., this product must be registered by completing a warranty registration form on our
website within fifteen (15) days of purchase.
Exclusions: This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized
alterations or repairs. The warranty is void if the serial number is altered, defaced or removed.
B&K Precision Corp. shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limitation damages resulting from loss of
use. Some states do not allow limitations of incidental or consequential damages. So the above limitation or exclusion may no t
apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state-to-state.