Höcherl & Hackl PL Programming Manual

Höcherl & Hackl GmbH Tel.: (+49) 9963 94301 - 0 Industriestr. 13 Fax: (+49) 9963 94301 - 84 D-94357 Konzell eMail: support@hoecherl-hackl.com Internet: http://www.hoecherl-hackl.com Manual Version: PL 08 08

Manual Version: PL 08 08----21 E

Manual Version: PL 08 08Manual Version: PL 08 08

21 E

21 E21 E

Höcherl & Hackl

Höcherl & HacklHöcherl & Hackl

Electronic Loads Series

Electronic Loads Series PL

Electronic Loads Series Electronic Loads Series

Programming

ProgrammingProgramming

Contents

ContentsContents

0000 General Information

General Information ................................

General InformationGeneral Information

1111 IEEE 488 Int

IEEE 488 Interface

IEEE 488 IntIEEE 488 Int

1.1 Setting the IEEE 488 device address .............................................................. 3

1.2 Data format for IEEE 488 .............................................................................3

2222 RS 232 Interface

RS 232 Interface................................

RS 232 InterfaceRS 232 Interface

2.1 Setting the RS232 Interface........................................................................... 4

2.2 Data format for RS232................................................................................. 5

3333 H&H System Bus

H&H System Bus................................

H&H System BusH&H System Bus

4444 Sub Addresses

Sub Addresses................................

Sub AddressesSub Addresses

5555 SCPI Syntax

SCPI Syntax................................

SCPI SyntaxSCPI Syntax

5.1 Common Commands ..................................................................................8

5.2 Device Dependent Commands ..................................................................... 8

5.2.1

5.2.1.1 Indention ..........................................................................................................8

5.2.1.2 Aliases..............................................................................................................8

5.2.2

5.2.3

5.2.4

5.2.5

5.2.5.1 Numeric Values <NRf> ....................................................................................9

5.2.5.2 Units and Multipliers .......................................................................................10

5.2.5.3 Numerical Values and Extreme Values <num> ................................................10

5.2.5.4 Boolean Parameter .........................................................................................10

5.2.5.5 Text ................................................................................................................11

5.2.6

5.2.7

6666 Command Overview

Command Overview................................

Command OverviewCommand Overview

6.1 Common Commands ................................................................................13

6.2 Device Dependent Commands of the Series PL ............................................14

7777 Commands

Commands –––– Detailled Description

Commands Commands

7.1 Common Commands ................................................................................17

7.2 Device Dependent Commands ................................................................... 19

7.2.1

erface ................................

erfaceerface

................................................................

Header............................................................................................... 8

White Space........................................................................................ 9

Long and Short Format, Upper and Lower Case .................................... 9

Optional Keywords.............................................................................. 9

Parameter........................................................................................... 9

The Semicolon .................................................................................. 11

Queries ............................................................................................ 12

First Steps ......................................................................................... 19

................................................................

Detailled Description ................................

Detailled Description Detailled Description

GmbH

GmbH GmbH

PL

PLPL

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....................... 3333

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.......................... 3333

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............................. 4444

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............................. 6666

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................................ 6666

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......................13

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.... 8888

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13

1313

17

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7.2.2

7.2.3

7.2.4

7.2.5

7.2.6

7.2.7

7.2.8

7.2.9

7.2.10 Subsystem POWer............................................................................. 36

7.2.11 Subsystem RESistance ........................................................................ 38

7.2.12 Subsystem SETup...............................................................................41

7.2.13 Subsystem STATus ............................................................................. 43

7.2.14 Subsystem SYSTem............................................................................49

7.2.15 Subsystem TRANsient......................................................................... 52

7.2.16 Subsystem TRIGger............................................................................58

7.2.17 Subsystem VOLTage.......................................................................... 59

8888 Remote Calibration

Remote Calibration................................

Remote CalibrationRemote Calibration

8.1 Calibration of Current Setting and Current Measurement..............................62

8.2 Resistance Setting Calibration..................................................................... 63

8.3 Voltage Measurement Calibration............................................................... 65

8.4 Calibration Verification .............................................................................. 66

9999 The Software Tools of Series PL

The Software Tools of Series PL................................

The Software Tools of Series PLThe Software Tools of Series PL

Subsystem CALibration ...................................................................... 20

Sub System CHANnel|INSTrument...................................................... 21

Subsystem CURRent...........................................................................23

Subsystem GTL..................................................................................26

Subsystem INPut|OUTPut................................................................... 27

Subsystem MEASure .......................................................................... 28

Subsystem MODE|FUNCtion ............................................................. 29

Subsystem PCYCle............................................................................. 31

7.2.13.1 Questionable Status ........................................................................................45

7.2.13.2 Operation Status.............................................................................................46

7.2.13.3 Standard Event Status......................................................................................47

7.2.13.4 Status Byte ......................................................................................................48

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60

6060

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67

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0000 General Inform

General Informaaaation

General InformGeneral Inform

tion

tion tion

Activation and Deactivation

Activation and DeactivationActivation and Deactivation About 5s after the activation the device is ready to receive data from the IEEE 488- or RS 232 interface. Data sent before this wait, is not guaranteed to be recognized.

After deactivating the device, another wait of about 5 s has to take place, until the device can be reactivated.

1111 IEEE 488 Interface

IEEE 488 Interface

IEEE 488 InterfaceIEEE 488 Interface

Setting the Interface Parameters

Setting the Interface ParametersSetting the Interface Parameters The IEEE488/RS232 Interface Adapter is set using the DIP switches at the back of the device.

The switch for setting the IEEE 488 device address is located near the IEEE 488 interface connector.

1.1

1.1 Setting the IEEE 488 device

Setting the IEEE 488 device

1.11.1

Setting the IEEE 488 device Setting the IEEE 488 device address

address

addressaddress

For the Setting of the IEEE 488 device address the binary system is used.

A2

A4

A3

A1

A5CRLF

Switch Value A1 1 A2 2 A3 4 A4 8 A5 16

IEEE 488

13

1

EOI

ON

ERR

SRQ

24

12

LI

REM

TA

To set a particular address, the switch setting has to be determined according the combination of this values.

Example: Address 10 Switches A4 and A2 are ON

After the delivery the IEEE 488 address is set to "7".

1.2

1.2 Data format for IEEE 488

Data format for IEEE 488

1.21.2

Data format for IEEE 488Data format for IEEE 488

Using the IEEE 4888 interface any ASCII codes may be sent to the device.

Receiving data, the IEEE 488 interface expects one of the following combinations:

DB

DB DB+LF

DB DB EOI

EOI EOI

DB+LF DB+LF

DB+LF

DB+LF DB+LF

EOI

EOI EOI

DB = Data Byte, LF = Line Feed, EOI = End or Identify

Apart from the 5 address switches there are three other switches (CR, LF, EOI) to set the termination characters, that the device will use for sending (Talk). Before the delivery all end signals are activated (ON).

In this configuration the device sends required measuring values in the following format:

SD.DDDDDDESDD<CR><LF>

SD.DDDDDDESDD<CR><LF>SD.DDDDDDESDD<CR><LF> EOI

EOI

EOIEOI S: Sign, + or D: Numerical Data E: Exponent <CR> Carriage Return (13 dec.) <LF> Line Feed (10 dec.) <EOI> End Or Identify Line

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With the last activated end signal (CR or LF) the line will be set to EOI, if the switch "EOI" is "ON". If no termination character is activated and EOI is "ON", the EOI line will be set to the last data byte. If no termination character and no EOI are activated, the reading from the device must be terminated depending on the number of the expected data (not recommended).

The following LEDs signalize the state of the IEEE 488 interface:

Name Description REM Remote LI Listen TA Talk SRQ Service Request ERR Error

Function Description Remote Interface is remote

controlled

Listen Interface receives

data Talk Interface sends data Service Request The user has to

intervene Error Error

Note: When several devices are controlled by the system bus the RS232 default settings (see below) must be made at all devices even when the data transmission to the PC happens by IEEE488 bus.

Note:

Note:Note:

If the device has got an IEEE488 interface the system bus input may not be connected. H&H therefore prevents connecting the system bus input in this case.

2222 RS 232 Interface

RS 232 Interface

RS 232 InterfaceRS 232 Interface

2.1

2.1 Setting the RS232 Inte

Setting the RS232 Interrrrface

2.12.1

Setting the RS232 InteSetting the RS232 Inte

face

faceface

The switches for the configuration of the RS323 interface is seated diagonal underneath the Sub-D-Port labelled "RS 232".

RS 232

5

1

6

9

B2

S

O/E

DL B1

P

ON

Ex-works the device's RS232 interface has got the following settings:

9600 Baud, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No Parity

Note: These settings must be made at all devices when they are controlled using the system bus.

The switches B1 to B2 determine the baud rate:

Baud Rate

Baud Rate B1

Baud RateBaud Rate

B1 B2

B1B1

B2

B2B2 1200 On On 2400 Off On 4800 On Off 9600 Off Off

The switch DL determines the data length.

Data Length

Data Length DL

Data LengthData Length

DL

DL DL 7 data bits On 8 data bits Off

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The switch S determines how many stop bits are used:

Stop Bits

Stop Bits S

Stop BitsStop Bits 1 On 2 Off

The switch P determines, whether the parity is tested:

Parity

Parity P

ParityParity Parity on Off Parity off On

The switch O/E determines, how the parity bit is interpreted:

Parity

Parity O/E

ParityParity odd On even Off

Note: The PL series loads do not support Odd Parity! That means the O/E switch must be kept in off position (even).

For the RS232 communication the

For the RS232 communication the For the RS232 communication the RS232 connectors have to b

RS232 connectors have to be set as

RS232 connectors have to bRS232 connectors have to b shown in the following figure:

shown in the following figure:

shown in the following figure:shown in the following figure:

S

S S

P

P P

O/E

O/E O/E

e set as

e set as e set as

2.2

2.2 Data format for RS232

Data format for RS232

2.22.2

Data format for RS232Data format for RS232

The RS232 interface expects the code <LF> (ASCII: 10dec.) as termination character.

For the measuring data query via RS232 the termination character <LF> is sent.

K-SRS 9-9: Nine conductor cable, 1:1 wiring, with SUB-D female connectors.

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3333 H&H System Bus

H&H System Bus

H&H System BusH&H System Bus

The following sections describe the data transmission via the H&H system bus.

This aspect is only relevant for controlling several devices via DS system bus. For a single device this aspect is irrelevant for the understanding of the device functions. Skip to chapter 5.

Using the H&H system bus, upto 999 devices can be controlled via one common IEEE488/RS232 interface.

#2

#1

PL924

IEEE 488

PL306

RS 232

#3

PL612

#999

PL312

....

H&H

System Bus

4444 Sub Addresses

Sub Addresses

Sub AddressesSub Addresses

Single Addressing

Single AddressingSingle Addressing

To distinguish the devices for the programming, every device is assigned a sub address.

Beginning with number 1 upto 999, maximal 999 devices can be connected to the H&H system bus.

To program a particular device, the corresponding sub address has to be used as prefix. To tell the device, that this is a sub address the strings "CHANnel" or "INSTrument" are used as prefix for the number.

Example for activating the device input:

CHAN 3;INP ON

CHAN 3;INP ONCHAN 3;INP ON The device with the sub

CHAN 22;INP ON

CHAN 22;INP ONCHAN 22;INP ON The device with the sub

Note: When several devices are controlled by the system bus the RS232 default settings (see above) must be made at all devices even when the data transmission to the PC happens by IEEE488 bus.

The data that are sent via IEEE488/RS232 interface from the controlling computer will be transformed within the interface into the format of the H&H system bus and sent serially through all devices.

Measuring values that originate at the devices and are received at the DS system bus are transferred via IEEE488 or RS232 interface to the controlling computer.

If several commands will be sent to one device, the sub address has to be specified only once at the beginning of the command string.

Example for the current programming of the load current 1 A when activating the device input:

CHAN 3;CURR 1;INP ON

CHAN 3;CURR 1;INP ON or

CHAN 3;CURR 1;INP ON CHAN 3;CURR 1;INP ON CHAN 3;:CURR 1;:INP ON

CHAN 3;:CURR 1;:INP ON

CHAN 3;:CURR 1;:INP ONCHAN 3;:CURR 1;:INP ON The device with the sub address 3 sets 1A and activates the input.

A string mustn’t be longer than 256 characters. Within the string the sub address from further devices may be contained.

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address 3 is activated

address 22 is activated

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Example: CHAN 1;:INP ON;:CHAN 2;INP OFF

CHAN 1;:INP ON;:CHAN 2;INP OFF

CHAN 1;:INP ON;:CHAN 2;INP OFFCHAN 1;:INP ON;:CHAN 2;INP OFF Device #1 Input on Device #2 Input off

If a device has been addressed and accepted its own sub address, this state is preserved until the next device will be addressed.

Commands are executed on the addressed device, until the addressing of the first device is cancelled through the addressing of another device.

Example: CHAN 3;INP ON

CHAN 3;INP ON

CHAN 3;INP ONCHAN 3;INP ON Device #3 Input on #3 is addressed CURR 1.2

CURR 1.2

CURR 1.2CURR 1.2 Device #3 1.2 A INP OFF

INP OFF Device #3 Input off

INP OFFINP OFF CHAN 7;INP ON

CHAN 7;INP ON

CHAN 7;INP ONCHAN 7;INP ON Device #7 Input on #3 is de-addressed #7 is addressed CURR 0.15

CURR 0.15

CURR 0.15CURR 0.15 Device #7 0.15 A

Group Addressing

Group AddressingGroup Addressing

When using several devices it’s usual that some devices have to get the same settings.

Programming all devices using the single addressing is very elaborate.

The group addressing is a comfortable method to have a specified group of devices executing the same commands.

Example: CHAN 3:15;INP ON

CHAN 3:15;INP ON

CHAN 3:15;INP ONCHAN 3:15;INP ON Device 3 to Device 15 Input on

CHAN 20:50;INP OFF

CHAN 20:50;INP OFFCHAN 20:50;INP OFF Device 20 to Device 50 Input off

Attention!

Attention!Attention!

The sub addresses have to be used in

The sub addresses have to be used in The sub addresses have to be used in ascending order.

ascending order.

ascending order.ascending order.

Wrong: CHAN 8:3 Right: CHAN 3:8

Analog to the single addressing the addressing state is preserved for a group, until single devices or other groups are re-addressed.

The group addressing is not allowed for commands querying an answer of the device (for example measuring functions), because the measuring data can collide. For queries with group addressing no data are sent from the devices.

System Add

System Addressing

System AddSystem Add

To address all connected devices, the system address 0 is provided.

If the system address is specified for a command, this command will be executed by all devices connected to the H&H system bus. This is especially useful, if all devices have to be reset.

Example:

CHAN 0;*RST

CHAN 0;*RST System Reset

CHAN 0;*RSTCHAN 0;*RST

The group addressing is not allowed for commands querying an answer of the device (for example measuring functions), because the measuring data can collide. For queries with group addressing no data are sent from the devices.

ressing

ressingressing

CHAN 8:3

CHAN 8:3CHAN 8:3 CHAN 3:8

CHAN 3:8CHAN 3:8

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5.2.1.1

5.2.1.1 Indention

5555 SCPI Syntax

SCPI Syntax

SCPI SyntaxSCPI Syntax

The SCPI Standard (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) includes a standardized command set for programming devices, independent of device type and manufacturer. In this way the device dependent commands are unified.

5.1

5.1 Common Commands

Common Commands

5.15.1

Common CommandsCommon Commands

Common Commands are device independent commands, that are defined in the standard IEEE488.2. They include an asterisk (*) and three letters with optional parameter. Query commands are built by postfixing a question mark.

Examples: *RST Reset *ESE 9 Set Bits 0 and 3 in ESE *IDN? Read identification string

5.2

5.2 Device Dependent Co

Device Dependent Com-

5.25.2

Device Dependent CoDevice Dependent Co mands

mands

mandsmands

5.2.1

5.2.1 Header

5.2.15.2.1

The device dependent commands are hierarchically structured. A command contains a so called Header as well as one or more parameters, separated by a white space from the header.

The header contains one or more keywords, that are separated by a colon (:).

Header

HeaderHeader

m-

m-m-

5.2.1.15.2.1.1

The levels of the command hierarchy are identified by indention to the right. The deeper the level, the more it is indented to the right.

Example: Command System CURRent :

CURRent [:LEVel] [:IMMediate] <num> [:IMMediate]? :TRIGgered <num> :TRIGgered? :RANGe <num> :AUTO <Boolean> :RANGe?

To set a triggered current of 10A, the following string has to be sent to a device:

CURR:TRIG 10

5.2.1.2

5.2.1.2 Aliases

5.2.1.25.2.1.2

For some commands there are several keywords with identical effect. These keywords are shown in the command syntax within one line, separated through a vertical bar (|).

In a command string only one of the alternative keywords may be specified. The result of the command is not dependent of using a particular alternative.

Example: Command System INPut:

INPut|OUTPut [:STATe] [:STATe]? <Boolean>

The command INPut ON has the same result as

OUTP ON or OUTP 1

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Indention

IndentionIndention

Aliases

AliasesAliases

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In the parameter field of the syntax the vertical bar (|) describes allowed parameters.

5.2.2

5.2.2 White Space

5.2.25.2.2

White Space

White SpaceWhite Space

"White Space" includes all characters with ASCII code from 0 to 9 dec. and from 11 to 32 dec. The character LineFeed (10dec) is no white space. It determines the end of the string.

White Space is used to separate the parameters from the header. Several white space characters may be combined. When splitting the header in the single keywords, white spaces before and after the separating colon (:) are ignored.

5.2.3

5.2.3 Long and Short Format,

5.2.35.2.3

Long and Short Format,

Long and Short Format, Long and Short Format, UUUUppppper and Lower Case

per and Lower Case

per and Lower Case per and Lower Case

Keywords are provided in long and short format (if the word contains more than four characters). Both formats are allowed. All other abbreviations are not supported and result in a syntax error.

This manual shows the short form in upper case, to allow a distinction. The remaining string, that builds in combination with the short form the long form, is appended to the short form.

The device doesn’t distinguish between upper case and lower case letters.

To program a triggered current of 5A there are several methods:

CURRENT:TRIG 5 curr:triggered 5 Curr:TRig 5

but not: CURR:TRIGGER 5

For shortest possible execution times you should use the short form.

5.2.4

5.2.4 Optional Keywords

5.2.45.2.4

Optional Keywords

Optional KeywordsOptional Keywords

In some command systems it is possible to use certain keywords optionally in the header, to guarantee SCPI conformity. These words are marked using brackets ([]). Pay attention to the fact, that the command string can be considerably shortened by omitting the optional keywords.

Example:

Load Current 10A CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate] 10 can be reduced to: CURR 10

5.2.5

5.2.5 Parameter

5.2.55.2.5

Parameter

ParameterParameter

For most commands parameters have to be appended to the header (separated through white space). Depending on the recognized header the device expects a certain parameter type: Numeric, Boolean, String

If a command needs several parameters, they are separated by comma (,).

Example: TRANsient:MODE PULSe,5

5.2.5.1

5.2.5.1 Numeric Values <NRf>

5.2.5.15.2.5.1

Numeric Values <NRf>

Numeric Values <NRf>Numeric Values <NRf>

Numeric values may be provided in every common decimal format: as integer, float or engineering format. In the syntax the dummy <NRf> is used for numerical values.

Example

(Resistance 0.558 Ohm):

RESistance 55.8E-2 RES .558

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5.2.5.2

5.2.5.2 Units and Multipl

5.2.5.25.2.5.2

For the most numerical values the unit can be specified (suffix).

In front of the unit a multiplier can be set. Common multiplier for electronic loads are:

Mnemonic Definition Multiplier M Milli 10-3 K Kilo 103 MA Mega 106

For the physical dimension the following units are supported for electronic loads: Dimension Unit Description Current A

Resistance OHM

Power W

Voltage V

Time S

*)

To distinguish between the multipliers "Milli"(10-3) and "Mega" (106), the abbreviations "M" for Milli and "MA" for Mega are used. One exception is the resistance unit. There is no unit for "Milliohm". The unit "MOHM" always means MagaOhm!

Example (Load Current 520mA):

CURRENT 520MA CURRENT:IMM 0.52

5.2.5.3

5.2.5.3 Numerical Value

5.2.5.35.2.5.3

For the most commands that use a numeric value as parameter, the values MIN and MAX can be specified.

Units and Multipliiiiers

Units and MultiplUnits and Multipl

ers

ersers

Ampere

MA

Milliampere

Ohm KOHM MOHM

Kiloohm

Megohm (!) *)

Watt MW KW

Milliwatt

Kilowatt

Volt MV

Millivolt

Second MS

Numerical Values and

Numerical ValueNumerical Value Extreme Values <num>

Extreme Values <num>

Extreme Values <num>Extreme Values <num>

Millisecond

s and

s and s and

MIN describes the smallest possible value for a parameter (mostly 0).

MAX describes the highest possible value for a parameter.

As dummy for a numeric parameter, that can contain MIN and MAX, the syntax uses <num>.

Example: Set maximal current: CURRent MAX

MIN and MAX must not be followed by a suffix.

The minimal and maximal value of a numeric parameter can be determined by query. To do so, a white space as well as MIN or MAX are appended after the question mark.

Example: Determine the maximal load current: CURR? MAX results for PL312: +2.047500E+01

5.2.5.4

5.2.5.4 Boolean Parameter

5.2.5.45.2.5.4

For some commands a boolean parameter has to be provided, for example to switch the device input: INPut ON

Boolean parameters can take two logic values. The logic value "TRUE" is represented by the parameter ON or the numeric value 1. The state "FALSE" is represented by the parameter OFF or 0.

For programming a boolean parameter it doesn’t matter, whether the numeric form or the text form is used:

The command

INPut ON has the same result as INPut 1

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Boolean Parameter

Boolean ParameterBoolean Parameter

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For the query of boolean states always the boolean numeric values are returned.

Example: INPut? (Result: 1)

5.2.5.5

5.2.5.5 Text

5.2.5.55.2.5.5

Text parameter obey the syntax rules for keywords and provide a short and a long form. The separation from the header is realized by white spaces.

Example: TRANsient:MODE CONTinuous

For the query of text parameters the short form is returned.

Example: TRANsient:MODE? Result (ex.): CONT

5.2.6

5.2.6 The Semicolon

5.2.65.2.6

There are several possibilities to combine commands in one command string.

A semicolon (;) at the end of the first command returns to the last colon (:), and another command of the same hierarchical level of a command system can be appended.

Example: The two single commands

CURRent:IMMediate 15 and CURRent:TRIGgered 10

can be combined to one string: CURRent:IMMediate 15;TRIGgered 10

Using the semicolon only one level of the hierarchical system can be rolled back.

Text

TextText

The Semicolon

The SemicolonThe Semicolon

The beginning of the hierarchy (root level) is reached by appending a colon to the semicolon (;:).

Example:

CURR:LEV:IMM 15;TRIG 10;:INP ON

If the first command has got only one hierarchical level, the colon behind the semicolon can be omitted, because one semicolon switches back to the root level in such a case.

Example: CURR 15;:INP ON has the same result as CURR 15;INP ON For MODE:RES;:INP ON the characters ;: have to be specified. When the end of a character string is reached, an automatic change to the root level happens. The string end is recognized in one of the following cases:

Operating Mode IEEE488 (see 1.2):

• Character <CR> (13dec.)

• Character <LF> (10dec.)

• EOI

Operating Mode RS232:

• Character <LF> (10dec.)

Some Examples:

CURR:LEV:IMM 10<LF>

TRAN:RTIME 2.0;

FTIME 0.5;

STAT ON;:

INPUT ON<LF>

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5.2.7

5.2.7 Queries

5.2.75.2.7

For most commands there is a corresponding query, that determines the actual setting. For the query a question mark (?) is appended to the header.

Example: Determine the actual set point for the load current:

CURRent? Result (example) +1.000000E+01

The numeric value that is sent from the device is presented in the exponential format with sign, one digit before the comma, as default six digits after the comma, exponent, sign, two exponent digits. The number of digits after the comma can be changed (see Subsystem SETUP).

The device never sends units appended to the numeric values.

To determine the minimum and maximum numeric value the question mark is followed by a white space and MIN or MAX. The result is a numeric value without unit.

Example: Determine the maximum current CURRent? MAX Result for PL312: +2.047500E+01

A command string may only include one query. The result for this query must be read before the next query can be sent to the device.

Queries

QueriesQueries

Query Commands for the Opera

Query Commands for the Operatttting

Query Commands for the OperaQuery Commands for the Opera Mode RS232

Mode RS232

Mode RS232Mode RS232

For the data transmission over the serial interface RS232 the wait time between the sending of the query command and the reading of the data has to amount at least to

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200ms

200ms.

200ms200ms

ing

ing ing

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6666 Command Overview

Command Overview

Command OverviewCommand Overview

6.1

6.1 Common Commands

Common Commands

6.16.1

Common CommandsCommon Commands

Co

Commmmmand

mand PPPPaaaarameter

CoCo

mandmand

*CLS

*CLS Clear Status

*CLS*CLS *ESE

*ESE <NRf> Set Bits in Std Event Status Enable Register

*ESE*ESE *ESE?

*ESE? Read Std Event Status Enable Register

*ESE?*ESE? *ESR?

*ESR? Read Std Event Status Register

*ESR?*ESR? *IDN?

*IDN? Identify Device

*IDN?*IDN?

*OPC

*OPC Operation Complete Event Bit Command

*OPC*OPC *OPC?

*OPC? Operation Complete Query

*OPC? *OPC? *RST

*RST Device Reset

*RST*RST *SRE

*SRE <NRf> Set Bits in Service Request Enable Register

*SRE*SRE *SRE?

*SRE? Read Service Request Enable Register

*SRE?*SRE? *STB?

*STB? Read Status Byte

*STB?*STB? *TRG

*TRG Trigger Command

*TRG*TRG *TST?

*TST? Selftest Query

*TST?*TST? *WAI

*WAI Wait until all commands have been executed

*WAI*WAI

rameter Description

rameterrameter

Description Duration

DescriptionDescription

Returns: "Manufacturer, Model, Serial Number, Firmware"

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DurationDuration

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6.2

6.2 Device Dependent

Device Dependent Commands of the Series PL

6.26.2

Device Dependent Device Dependent

Command

Command Param

CommandCommand CALibration? Query calibration state CHANnel|INSTrument [:NSELect|SELect] :STATE

CHANnel|INSTrument? CURRent [:LEVel] [:IMMediate] [:IMMediate]? :TRIGgered :TRIGgered? :PROTection [:LEVel] :TRIPped? :RANGe :AUTO :RANGe? GTL Change to manual control INPut|OUTPut [:STATe] [:STATe]? MEASure :CURRent [:DC]? :POWer [:DC]? :VOLTage [:DC]? MODE|FUNCtion :CURRent [:DC] :RESistance [:DC] :POWer [:DC] MODE|FUNCtion? PCYCle :CURRent

:RESistance

:TIME

:MODE

:MODE? :STATe :STATe?

Commands of the Series PL

Commands of the Series PLCommands of the Series PL

Parameeeeter

ter Unit

ParamParam

terter

<num> [MIN|MAX] <num> [MIN|MAX]

<NRf>

<num> <Boolean> [MIN|MAX]

CONTinuous| PULSe,<NRf>

(1)

Unit

Description

Unit Unit

[A|MA]

[OHM| KOHM| MOHM] [S|MS]

Description Dur

DescriptionDescription

Sub/Group Address Device Response enable/ disable Query Sub address

Set Load Current Query Set Point Load Current Triggered Load Current Query Load Current Trig. Val.

Current Protection for P-Mode Query Current Protection Activity Fixed Current Range Autorange on|off Query Current Range

Load Input on|off Query the state of the load input

Query current measuring value

Query power measuring value

Query voltage measuring value

Op. Mode Constant Current

Op. Mode Constant Resistance

Op. Mode Constant Power Query actual Operating Mode Programmable Curve Fill table row (Par1) with current value (Par2). Fill table row (Par1) with resistance value (Par2)

Fill table row (Par1) with time value (Par2) Continuous waveform or fixed number of cycles Query waveform mode Output waveform on|off Query the state of the waveform output

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Duraaaation

tion

DurDur

tiontion

62ms

120ms

110ms 120ms

70ms

36ms

54ms

52ms

84ms

75ms

42ms

47ms 46ms

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POWer [:LEVel] [:IMMediate]

[:IMMediate]? :RANGe :AUTO :RANGe? RESistance [:LEVel] [:IMMediate]

[:IMMediate] ? :TRIGgered

:TRIGgered? :RANGe

:AUTO :RANGe? SETup :ADDRess :DIGits :SAVE STATus :OPERation [:EVENt]? :CONDition? :ENABle :ENABle? :QUEStionable [:EVENt]? :CONDition? :ENABle :ENABle? :PRESet SYSTem :ERRor? :PROTection [:LEVel] [:LEVel]? :STATe :TRIPped? :VERSion?

<num>

[MIN|MAX] <num> <Boolean> [MIN|MAX]

<num>

[MIN|MAX] <num>

<Boolean> [MIN|MAX]

<NRf>

[MW|W| KW]

[OHM| KOHM| MOHM]

[S|MS]

Set Constant Power

Query Set Point Power Fixed Power Range Autorange on|off Query Power Range

Set Constant Resistance

Query Set Point Resistance Triggered Resistance

Query Value Resistance Trigger Fixed Resistance Range

Autorange On|Off Query Resistance Range

New Device Subaddress Number digits after comma Save new settings

Query Operation Event Reg. Query Op. Condition Reg. Set Operation Enable Bits Query Op. Enable Register

Query Ques. Event Reg. Query Ques. Condition Reg. Set Ques. Enable Bits Query Ques. Enable Register Status Reset

Read last Error Message

Set SW-Watchdog Time Query SW-Watchdog Time Software-Watchdog on|off Query Watchdog State Query SCPI Version

140ms

120ms

70ms

75ms

110ms

58ms

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TRANsient :XCURrent :XCURrent? :YCURrent :YCURrent? :XTIMe

:XTIMe?

:YTIMe

:YTIMe?

:RTIMe :RTIMe? :FTIMe :FTIMe? :MODE

:MODE? :STATe :STATe?

TRIGger [:SEQuence] :SOURce :SOURce? VOLTage :RANGe?

Comment

To distinguish between the multipliers "Milli"(10-3) and "Mega" (106), the abbreviations "M" for Milli and "MA" for Mega are used. One exception is the resistance unit. There is no unit for "Milliohm". The unit "MOHM" always means MagaOhm!

(1)

:

[MIN|MAX]

<num>

[MIN|MAX]

<num> [MIN|MAX] <num> [MIN|MAX] CONTinuous | PULSe,<NRf> | TOGGle

BUS|EXTernal

[MIN|MAX]

[A|MA]

[S|MS]

Set first load current Query first load current Set second load current Query second load current Set setting duration for the first load current Query setting duration for the first load current Set setting duration for the second load current Query setting duration for the second load current Set Rise Time Query Rise Time Set Fall Time Query Fall Time continuous change, specified number or single change

Query dyn. operating range dyn. load change on|off Query state dyn. operating mode

Set Trigger Source Query Trigger Source

Query Voltage Range

75ms

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*OPC

7777 Commands

Commands ––––

Commands Commands DDDDeeeetail

tailed Description

ed Description

tailtail

ed Description ed Description

7.1

7.1 Common Co

Common Commands

7.17.1

Common CoCommon Co

*CLS

*CLS*CLS

Clear Status

Clear Status deletes the contents of the

Clear StatusClear Status following status registers: Questionable Status Event, Operation Status Event, Standard Event, Statusbyte Register. All other status registers (Condition, Enable) remain unchanged. The output buffer is deleted.

*ESE 0...255

*ESE 0...255*ESE 0...255

Event Status Enable sets the standard register Event Status Enable

Event Status Enable Register to

Event Status EnableEvent Status Enable

the specified value (see chapter 11).

*ESE?

*ESE?*ESE?

Reads the contents of the standard register Event Status Enable decimal integer (see chapter 11).

****ESR?

Reads the contents of the standard register Event Status Registers decimal integer and deletes it.

*IDN?

*IDN?*IDN?

Identification Query

Identification Query queries the device

Identification QueryIdentification Query identification and reads a string with the following contents back: Manufacturer, Device Name, Serial Number, Firmware Version. If no serial number is provided, 0 is used.

The response of an electronic load of the series PL could be: HOECHERL&HACKL,PL312,0,PL_1

Event Status Enable back as

Event Status EnableEvent Status Enable

ESR?

ESR?ESR?

Event Status Registers back as

Event Status RegistersEvent Status Registers

mmands

mmandsmmands

*OPC*OPC

Operation Complete

Operation Complete sets bit 0 in the

Operation CompleteOperation Complete Event Status Register, if all commands ahead have been executed. (Comment: Bit 0 in the Event Status Register is always high for electronic loads, because the commands aren’t executed in the overlapped mode, but always sequential.)

*OPC?

*OPC?*OPC?

Operation Complete Query

Operation Complete Query writes the

Operation Complete QueryOperation Complete Query message '1' into the output buffer, if all commands ahead have been executed. (Comment: The command execution of the electronic loads from H&H happens sequentially. The response is always '1'.)

*RST

*RST*RST

Reset

Reset resets the device to its standard

ResetReset settings. For the electronic loads of the series PL these are:

CHANnel:STATe ON CURRent 0 CURRent:TRIGgered 0 INPut OFF MODE:CURRent PCYCle:CURRent <row>,0 PCYCle:MODE CONTinuous PCYCle:STATe OFF PCYCle:TIME <row>,0 (<row>: 0...255) POWer 0 POWer:TRIGgered 0 RESistance MAX RESistance:TRIGgered MAX SYSTem:PROTection:STATe OFF SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVel] 60s TRANsient:FTIMe 0 TRANsient:MODE CONTinuous TRANsient:RTIMe 0 TRANsient:STATe OFF TRANsient:XCURrent 0 TRANsient:XTIMe 0 TRANsient:YCURrent 0 TRANsient:YTIMe 0

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TRIGger:SOURce BUS

*SRE 0...2

*SRE 0...255

*SRE 0...2*SRE 0...2

Sets the register Service Request Enable to the specified value.

*SRE?

*SRE?*SRE?

Reads the contents of the register Service Request Enable

Request Enable back als decimal inte-

Request EnableRequest Enable ger.

*STB?

*STB?*STB?

Reads the contents of the Status Byte back als decimal integer.

*TRG

*TRG*TRG

Trigger

Trigger triggers actions, that are waiting

TriggerTrigger for a trigger event, if TRIGer:SOURce is set to BUS.

*TST?

*TST?*TST?

Selftest

Selftest Query

SelftestSelftest device and returns a decimal integer. A return value of non 0 identifies an error.

*WAI

*WAI*WAI

Wait to Continue

Wait to Continue allows the execution of

Wait to ContinueWait to Continue following commands, after all commands ahead have been executed. (Comment: The command execution in the electronic loads from H&H happens sequential. This command has been implemented for SCPI conformity.)

55

5555

Service Request Enable

Service Request EnableService Request Enable

Service

Service Service

Status Byte

Status Byte Status Byte

Query triggers the selftest of the

QueryQuery

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7.2

7.2 Device Dependent Co

Device Dependent Com-

7.27.2

Device Dependent CoDevice Dependent Co mands

mands

mandsmands

7.2.1

7.2.1 First Steps

7.2.17.2.1

The main command systems for the programming of the electronic loads of series PL are

- CURRent

- INPut

- MEASure

- MODE

- RESistance

The default settings after a Reset of the device are MODE:CURRent;:INPut OFF;:CURRent 0;:RESistance MAX.

To set a particular load (for example

12.5 A) in the operating mode constant current, specify the load current and activate the device input:

CURR 12.5;:INP ON

To set a particular load in the operating mode resistance (for example 1Ω), specify the desired resistance value and change into the operating mode resistance (assumption: the input is acti-

vated):

RES 1;:MODE:RES

If you change back to the operating mode constant current using

MODE:CURR

the last valid current value is set, in our example 12.5A.

The measuring values for current, voltage and power are queried using the following commands:

MEAS:CURR? MEAS:VOLT? MEAS:POW?

The device provides the required measuring value in exponential format:

First Steps

First StepsFirst Steps

m-

m-m-

Sign, 1 digit before the comma, decimal

SD.DDDDDDESDD

separator, 6 digits after the comma, 'E', sign, 2 digits for the exponent.

Comment: In the operating mode RS232 a wait of about 200ms has to be added between sending a query and reading of the return value.

The following sections describe the command systems in alphabetic order.

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7.2.2

7.2.2 Subsystem CALibr

7.2.27.2.2

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand CALibration? Query Calibration State

CALibration?

CALibration?CALibration?

Query of the calibration state of the device.

Subsystem CALibraaaation

Subsystem CALibrSubsystem CALibr

tion

tiontion

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

Return value <Boolean>:

1 (calibration error) 0 (calibration ok)

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Comment

CommentComment

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7.2.3

7.2.3 Sub System C

7.2.37.2.3

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand CHANnel|INSTrument

[:NSELect|SELect] :STATE

CHANnel|INSTrument?

The sub system CHANnel is provided to distinguish between the devices when operating several devices with common IEEE488 address or via the RS232 interface (see chapters 3 and 4).

Before the delivery of a device of the series PL the sub address is set to 0. That means, it acts as single device, that needs not to be addressed with the command CHANnel <NRf>.

If one or more devices have been ordered as system (i.e. at least one device has got a system bus input), the sub addresses are assigned beginning with 1 (if not specified otherwise) and are also specified at the front panel.

If a device is used as single device (standard), the sub system CHANnel is not relevant.

Instead of the keyword CHANnel the keyword INSTrument may be used.

CHANnel[:NSELect|SELect]

CHANnel[:NSELect|SELect] CHANnel[:NSELect|SELect] <0...9

<0...999>[:1...999]

<0...9<0...9

Addresses a device via the H&H system bus. If only one numeric parameter follows the header, the sub address stored in the device has to match exactly with the parameter, so that following commands can be executed.

Sub System CHA

Sub System CSub System C

99>[:1...999]

99>[:1...999]99>[:1...999]

HANNNNnel|INSTrument

nel|INSTrument

HAHA

nel|INSTrumentnel|INSTrument

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

<NRf>[:<NRf>]

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

Example:

CHANnel 5

addresses a device with the sub address

5.

The parameter 0 addresses all devices connected to the DS system bus.

Example: CHAN 0;*RST System Reset

If the first parameter is followed by a colon and a further numeric parameter, all devices are addressed, where the subaddress is greater/equal the first parameter and smaller/equal the second parameter.

Example:

CHAN 6:10;:INP ON

The devices 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 activate the load input

Comment: For group and system addressing measuring and query commands are not allowed. No device sends data back, if it has been addressed using system or group addressing.

One exception is the query command CHANnel|INSTrument? (see following sections).

CHANnel:STATe ON|1|OFF|0

CHANnel:STATe ON|1|OFF|0CHANnel:STATe ON|1|OFF|0

Prevents that the actual addressed device answers to query commands.

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Comment

CommentComment

Sub/Group Address Device Response enable/ disable Query Subaddress

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This command can be useful to determine an unknown sub address (see next example).

CHANnel?

CHANnel?CHANnel?

Queries the sub address of the actual addressed device.

This command is useful to determine an unknown device address. There are two possibilities:

Example 1: Determine the unknown subaddress of a device:

All devices except the one with the unknown address are disconnected from the system bus, so that only the corresponding device is connected to the bus.

Send query command CHAN 0;CHAN? and read address. (For RS232 there has to be a wait of 200ms between reading and writing.)

This practice may be not possible because of the wiring. In this case the command CHANnel:STATe can be used:

Example 2: Determine the unknown sub address of a device:

The devices with known address are prevented using the command CHAN-

nel:STATe OFF to answer to a read command.

- Deactivate devices with known sub address (group addressing is useful!), so that only the unknown device is enabled, for example:

CHAN 1:5;CHAN:STAT OFF;:CHAN 7; CHAN:STAT OFF

- Send command CHAN 0;CHAN?, read the address (Returns for example 6).

- Activate all other devices using the command

CHAN:STAT ON

or just shut off and on.

Comment: A read command is not possible in combination with group or system addressing. The only exception is determining the device address. If not all devices except one have been deactivated with CHAN:STAT OFF before executing CHAN?, a data collision in the interface and a break down of the system interface can result.

How to change the subaddress of a device is described with the subsystem SETup.

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7.2.4

7.2.4 Subsystem CURRent

7.2.47.2.4

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand CURRent

[:LEVel] [:IMMediate] [:IMMediate]?

:TRIGgered :TRIGgered? :MODE

:MODE? :PROTection [:LEVel] :TRIPped? :RANGe :AUTO :RANGe?

The command system CURRent is used for the setting and querying the load current set point.

The devices of the series PL provide only one setting range in all operating modes. The command CURRent:RANGe <num> is implemented for conformity reasons.

CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]

CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate] CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate] <<<<num

num>>>>

numnum

Sets a new load current. If the device is in the operating mode current, the new value will be set immediately, if it is within the valid range. The setting range is specified in the technical data of the particular device type. When exceeding the allowed scope a "Data out of range"-Error is triggered, that is read using SYSTem:ERRor?. In this case the last valid setting value is kept.

If the device is not in the operating mode constant current, the new setting value is saved and set when changing

Subsystem CURRent

Subsystem CURRentSubsystem CURRent

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

<num>

[MIN|MAX]

<num>

[MIN|MAX]

FIXed|PCYCle|

TRANsient

<NRf>

<num>

[MIN|MAX]

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

[A|MA]

Comment

CommentComment

Set Load Current Query Set Point for the Load Current Triggered Load Current Query Load Current Trigger Value Set static trigger current or start PCYC or TRAN function Query current mode

Current Protection for P Mode Query Current Protection Activity Fixed Current Range Autorange on|off Query Current Range

into the operating mode current (using MODE:CURRent). As parameters all numeric values within the current range of the particular model are allowed. The specific numeric parameters MIN and MAX are allowed.

Examples:

CURR:LEV 15.23 CURRent:IMM 0 CURR MAX

As decimal separator the device expects a point (.), no comma!

CURRent[:LEVel][IMMediate]?

CURRent[:LEVel][IMMediate]?CURRent[:LEVel][IMMediate]?

Queries the actual set point in the operating mode current. A numeric value in exponential format is returned: SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

The highest or smallest possible setting value is queried appending a white

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space and the parameter MIN or MAX to the question mark.

Examples:

CURR? (Response for example: +1.850000E+01) CURR? MAX

(Answer from PL312: +2.047500E+01)

CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered

CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered <num>

<num>

Sets a new value for the triggered load current. When exceeding the allowed value range the error "Data out of range" is triggered, that can be read with SYS- Tem:ERRor? In this case the last valid setting is kept.

The trigger event is defined using the command TRIGger:SOURce. If the trigger event takes place and the operating mode constant current is set, the device sets the programmed trigger load current.

Allowed parameters are all numeric values within the current range of the particular device type. The special numeric values MIN and MAX are allowed.

Examples: Set 0A at Trigger

CURR:TRIG 0.0 CURRent:LEVEL:TRIGGERED 0 CURR:TRIG MIN

The device expects a point (.) as decimal separator, no comma!

CURRent[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?

CURRent[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?CURRent[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?

Queries the triggerable set point for operating mode current. The return value is a numeric value in exponential form:

SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

The highest or lowest possible value is queried by appending a question mark and the parameters MIN or MAX.

Examples: CURR:TRIG? (Ret. after *RST: +0.000000E+00) CURR:LEVEL:TRIG? MAX (Response of PL312: +2.047500E+01)

CURRent:MODE

CURRent:MODE CURRent:MODE FIXed|PCYCle|TRANsient

FIXed|PCYCle|TRANsient

FIXed|PCYCle|TRANsientFIXed|PCYCle|TRANsient

(Firmware Rev. PL_13 or higher!) Determines if the static trigger current (CURRent:TRIGger) or a programmed current waveform (PCYCLE or TRANSIENT) shall be set when a trigger event occurs. After power-on CURRent:MODE FIXed is set.

Example:

CURR:MODE FIX

See also Subsystems PCYCle, TRANsient and TRIGger.

CURRent:MODE?

CURRent:MODE?CURRent:MODE?

Query current trigger mode. The return value is the short form of the corresponding parameters (FIX, PCYC, TRAN).

Example: CURR:MODE? (Response after

CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]

CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel] CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel] <NRf>

<NRf>

Sets current protection for the softwarecontrolled operation mode POWer

D: Digit,

power-on: FIX)

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(available with firmware version PL_6 or higher). This function is also software-controlled and therefore limited in speed.

When a current limitation is set using the command CURR:PROT <NRf> and the device is working in constant power operation, the device won’t exceed the programmed current even when the input voltage falls as much so that the programmed power setting can not be realized.

Example: Current limitation 12A CURR:PROT 12

The command CURR:PROT:TRIP? queries if the device is limiting the current at the moment (see below).

The current limitation function is only available for constant power mode, not for constant resistance mode since this is done by hardware in PL series devices.

If no current limitation shall be done anymore just set the maximum value as current limitation parameter or reset the device (*RST). The parameters MIN and MAX are not available for this command.

CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?

CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?

This command queries if the device currently is limiting the load current (available with firmware version PL_6 or higher).

Gives as answer 1 (active, current is limited) or 0 (inactive, nominal power/current setting).

Example: Query after Reset CURR:PROT:TRIP? (Response: 0)

CURRent:RANGe <num>

CURRent:RANGe <num>CURRent:RANGe <num>

Sets the setting range for the operating mode current. The devices of the series PL support only one setting range and this command is implemented for conformity reasons. It’s not required.

The numeric parameter has to be within the current range of the particular device type (technical data). The special numeric parameters MIN and MAX are allowed.

Examples:

CURR:RANG 10 CURRENT:RANGE MAX

CURRent:RANGe:AUTO

CURRent:RANGe:AUTO CURRent:RANGe:AUTO ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0ON|1|OFF|0

Is implemented only for conformity reasons and is not required. The setting range of the series PL is fixed.

Example:

CURR:RANG:AUTO ON

CURRent:RANGe?

CURRent:RANGe?CURRent:RANGe?

Queries the current range. The return value is a numeric value in exponential form. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

The highest or lowest possible value is queried by appending a white space and the parameters MIN or MAX to the question mark (for the series PL the values for MIN and MAX are identical, because only one range is used.)

Examples: CURR:RANG? (Response of PL312: +2.000000E+01) CURR:RANGE? MAX (Response of PL312: +2.000000E+01)

D: Digit,

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7.2.5

7.2.5 Subsystem GTL

7.2.57.2.5

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand GTL Change to manual operat-

GTL

GTLGTL

Goto Local. Changes into the manual operating mode. The LED "Remote" goes out. When a new command arrives in the device, it changes back to the remote controlled mode.

Subsystem GTL

Subsystem GTLSubsystem GTL

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

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Comment

CommentComment

ing mode.

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7.2.6

7.2.6 Subsystem INPut|OUTPut

7.2.67.2.6

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand INPut|OUTPut

[:STATe] [:STATe]?

The subsystem INPut|OUTPut activates and deactivates the load input of the electronic load.

INPut|OUTPut[:STATe]

INPut|OUTPut[:STATe] INPut|OUTPut[:STATe] ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0ON|1|OFF|0

Load Input on|off.

Example:

INP ON Activate load INP OFF Deactivate load

The load is activated using a limited rise time with smooth switch-on. After max. 200 ms the set point is reached.

Subsystem INPut|OUTPut

Subsystem INPut|OUTPutSubsystem INPut|OUTPut

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

The deactivation switches the input without delay high resistive (>50 kΩ).

The voltage be measured also for deactivated load input.

INPut[:STATe]?

INPut[:STATe]?INPut[:STATe]?

Queries the state of the load input. The return value is 1, if the input is activated. The return value is 0, if the input is deactivated.

Example:

INP? (Response for activated input:

1)

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Comment

CommentComment

Load Input on| off Query the state of the load input

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7.2.7

7.2.7 Subsystem MEASure

7.2.77.2.7

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand MEASure

:CURRent [:DC]? :POWer [:DC]? :VOLTage [:DC]?

Apart from the settings for the different load states the device offers the possibility to measure voltage, current and power as well as an external signal, and to pass the measuring values to a controlling computer. The measurement is independent of the setting circuit and takes place via a 13 Bit A-D converter.

Using the commands for the measurings the device can be caused to provide a measurement value for output.

The device needs about 300 ms to prepare the data.

The command string may only include one query command. The answer for this query command has to be read before the next query command can be sent to the device.

The return value is a numeric value without unit in exponential form: SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

MEASure:CURRent[:DC]?

MEASure:CURRent[:DC]?MEASure:CURRent[:DC]?

Subsystem MEASure

Subsystem MEASureSubsystem MEASure

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

D: Digit,

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

Measure actual load current.

Example: MEAS:CURR? (answer for example

MEASure:POWer[:DC]?

MEASure:POWer[:DC]?MEASure:POWer[:DC]?

Measure actual power.

Example: MEAS:POW? (answer for example

MEAS

MEASure:VOLTage[:DC]?

ure:VOLTage[:DC]?

MEASMEAS

ure:VOLTage[:DC]?ure:VOLTage[:DC]?

Measure actual input voltage.

Example: MEAS:VOLT? (answer for example

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Comment

CommentComment

Query current measuring value Query power measuring value Query voltage measuring value

+1.550700E+01)

+1.155000E+02)

1.155000E+02)

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7.2.8

7.2.8 Subsystem MODE|FUNCtion

7.2.87.2.8

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand MODE|FUNCtion

:CURRent [:DC] :RESistance [:DC]

:POWer [:DC] MODE|FUNCtion?

The devices of the series PL can be operated in the modes constant current and constant resistance.

A remote controlling for constant power is possible, because the device controls the load current depending of the input voltage.

The operating mode is changed by sending the corresponding commands and the programmed value for this mode is set.

If nothing has been programmed for this operating mode, the default value is set.

The default mode after activation is CURRent.

MODE:CURRent[:DC]

MODE:CURRent[:DC]MODE:CURRent[:DC]

Change to operating mode constant current and set the last programmed value.

Example: MODE:CURR

Subsystem MODE|FUNCtion

Subsystem MODE|FUNCtionSubsystem MODE|FUNCtion

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

MODE:POWer[:DC]

MODE:POWer[:DC]MODE:POWer[:DC]

Changes to the operating mode constant power and set the last programmed value.

Example: MODE:POW

MODE:RESistance[:DC]

MODE:RESistance[:DC]MODE:RESistance[:DC]

Change to the operating mode constant resistance and set the last programmed value.

Example: MODE:RES

Comment: For system variants (front panel only with LEDs, without control elements) the device switches from the operating mode resistance apparently into the operating mode current. This is hardware dependent. It happens for RES settings, that exceed a value of about

In this case the LED CC at the front panel is highlighted, not CR, if the operating mode resistance is set. If the RESinstance value is under the limit Umax/Imax the LED CR is highlighted. If you are not sure, query the actual operating mode using the command MODE?

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Comment

CommentComment

Operating Mode Constant Current Operating Mode Constant Resistance Operating Mode Constant Power Query actual operating mode

Umax/Imax

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MODE?

MODE?MODE?

Queries the actual operating mode. The return value is a abbreviation for the particular operating mode

Example: MODE? (Response for ex-

ample: RES)

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Electronic Loads Series PL Programming Manual

7.2.9

7.2.9 Subsystem PCYCle

7.2.97.2.9

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand PCYCle

:CURRent

:RESistance

:TIME

:MODE

:MODE? :STATe

:STATe?

The devices of the series PL can be programmed with any waveform (programmable load cycle) by setting the particular times to the corresponding values in tabular form. At the activation all table values are preset to 0.

This function is valid in the operating modes current (CURR) and resistance (RES).

If the curve shall be started by a trigger event you have to define on one hand the trigger source (see TRIGger:SOURce) and on the other hand you must set the mode of the respective operating mode to PCYCle, e.g.:

CURR:MODE PCYC

(see subsystems CURR, RES)

PCYCle:CUR

PCYCle:CURRent <0...255>,

PCYCle:CURPCYCle:CUR <num>

<num>

Sets the current setting value <num> at a specified position <NRf>. There are the same rules for the setting the values as in the command system CURRent.

Subsystem PCYCle

Subsystem PCYCleSubsystem PCYCle

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

<

NRf>,<num>

CONTinuous| PULSe,<NRf>

Rent <0...255>,

Rent <0...255>, Rent <0...255>,

Unit Command

UnitUnit

[A|MA]

[OHM|KOhm |MOHM]

[S|MS]

PCYCle:RESistance <0...255>,

PCYCle:RESistance <0...255>, PCYCle:RESistance <0...255>, <num>

<num>

Sets the resistance setting value <num> at a specified position <NRf>. There are the same rules for the setting values as in the command system RESistance.

PCYCle:TIME <0...255>,<num>

PCYCle:TIME <0...255>,<num>PCYCle:TIME <0...255>,<num>

Sets the setting time <num> at a specified position <NRf>. The device recognizes the end of the table as soon as the time value = 0 is read.

Example: Programming of a step function as shown in the following figure:

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Command

CommandCommand programmable waveform

Set table row (Par1) to current value (Par2) Set table row (Par1) to resistance value (Par2)

Set table row (Par1) to time value (Par2) Continuous waveform or fixed number of cycles

Query waveform mode Output of the waveform on|off Query the output state

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PCYCle:MODE

PCYCle:MODE PCYCle:MODE CONTinuous|PULSe,

CONTinuous|PULSe,<<<< 0..65535

CONTinuous|PULSe,CONTinuous|PULSe,

0..65535>>>>

0..65535 0..65535

This command allows to select between a continuous repetition of the programmed load cycle (CONTinuous) or a fixed number of cycles (PULS,0...65535).

Example follows.

The table for this function looks like that: Time in sec. Setting value (in A) 1 1 2 2

0.5 6.5

1.5 5.5 Commands to PL:

PCYC:CURR 0,1 PCYC:TIME 0,1 PCYC:CURR 1,2 PCYC:TIME 1,2 PCYC:CURR 2,6.5 PCYC:TIME 2,0.5 PCYC:CURR 3,5.5 PCYC:TIME 3,1.5

or:

PCYC:CURR 0,1;TIME 0,1; CURR 1,2;TIME 1,2; CURR 2,6.5;TIME 2,0.5; CURR 3,5.5;TIME 3,1.5

PCYCle:STATe ON|1|OFF|0

PCYCle:STATe ON|1|OFF|0 PCYCle:STATe ON|1|OFF|0

The parameter ON activates the output of the programmed curve. Depending on the set MODE the curve will be repeated continuously or the defined number of cycles is executed.

PCYCle:STATe ON

A curve that has been started in the continuous mode, is stopped with the parameter OFF: PCYCle:STATe OFF

Example 1: The programmed curve form shall be executed continuously, until the command for stop is sent. Afterwards the last programmed static setting is automatically set.

PCYC:STAT ON PCYC:STAT OFF

CURR

Cycle 1 Cycle 2

...

Cycle n

t

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Example 2: The programmed load current course shall be executed two times and then stop automatically. After the cyclus end the last static setting value is used.

PCYC:MODE PULS,2

PCYC:STAT ON

CURR

Cstat

Cycle 1 Cycle 2

Example 3: External triggered waveform A pre-defined PCycle can also be started

by an external trigger signal. To do this, the trigger source must be defined and the mode of the concerning operating mode must be set to PCYCLE. Rectangular current 15A/1s, 0A/2s triggered by external TTL signal:

The started waveform can be stopped with PCYCle:STATe OFF before its normal end.

Cstat

t

MODE:CURR CURR 5 CURR:MODE PCYC PCYC:CURR 0,15.0 PCYC:CURR 1,0 PCYC:TIME 0,1.0 PCYC:TIME 1,2.0 PCYC:MODE CONT TRIG:SOUR EXT INP ON

The command PCYC:STAT OFF stops waveform generating.

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PCYCle:MODE?

PCYCle:MODE?PCYCle:MODE?

Queries the actual output mode of the programmable waveform.

Supplies as answer the abbreviation of the corresponding parameter, i.e. CONT or PULS.

Example: PCYC:MODE? Response for exam-

PCYCle:STATe?

PCYCle:STATe?PCYCle:STATe?

Queries the actual output mode of the programmable curve form.

Supplies as answer the numeric value of the parameter, i.e. 0 (for not active) or 1 (for "curve active").

Example: PCYC:STAT? Answer for example:

Attention:

Attention:Attention:

For the programming of a waveform the following aspects have to be observed:

• Setting interval for time values The times are programmed in seconds, if the suffix MS (Millisecond) is not appended to the numeric value. The resolution of the time interval amounts to 5ms The longest setting time amounts to 21474830s

21474830s.

21474830s21474830s

• First value in the table The row numbering in the table begins with 0 (not with 1!). If there are no table values for row 1, the curve will not be executed for the command "PCYC:STAT ON".

5ms.

5ms5ms

ple:CONT

0

• Selected Mode When starting the waveform the device does not change automatically into the right mode. That is, if you have programmed a RESistance curve, you have to change into the RES mode, before you execute the command PCYCle:STATe ON (and keep it). Otherwise the device sets wrong values.

Example: Command suite for a square-wave function in the operating mode resistance (1s 10Ω, 1s 1Ω) with statical value of 5Ω:

MODE:RES

MODE:RES Operating Mode

MODE:RESMODE:RES

INP ON

INP ON Input on

INP ONINP ON RES 5

RES 5

RES 5RES 5 PCYC:TIME

PCYC:TIME

PCYC:TIME PCYC:TIME 0,1;TIME 1,1

0,1;TIME 1,1

0,1;TIME 1,10,1;TIME 1,1 PCYC:RES

PCYC:RES

PCYC:RES PCYC:RES 0,10;RES 1,1

0,10;RES 1,1

0,10;RES 1,10,10;RES 1,1 PCYC:STAT ON

PCYC:STAT ON Starting the square-

PCYC:STAT ONPCYC:STAT ON

.

. . .

.

. . PCYC:STAT OFF

PCYC:STAT OFF Stopping the square-

PCYC:STAT OFFPCYC:STAT OFF

• Measuring deactivated: While outputting a waveform the device is busy calculating the times and settings. The input of measuring values is deactivated. No measuring values can be required from the device, while the programmed waveforms are output from the device.

Resistance

5 Ω 1s for each setting

first value 10Ω, second value 1Ω

wave function

wave function, the static value 5Ω is reset.

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7.2.10

7.2.10 Subsystem POWer

7.2.107.2.10

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand POWer

[:LEVel] [:IMMediate] [:IMMediate]? :RANGe :AUTO :RANGe?

The command system POWer sets and queries the power set point. The loads of the series PL don’t support the operating mode constant power as hardware facility, but using this remote controlling it can be realized. The device determines the input voltage and sets the current corresponding to the power.

In this mode a current protection can be set which is software controlled (Firmware version PL_6 or higher is required). Have a look at the command CURR:PROT in CURR sub system.

The subsystem POWer is almost identical with the subsystem CURRent, with the exception, that power values can’t be triggered.

The devices of the series PL provide only one setting range in all operating modes. The command POWer:RANGe <num> has been implemented only because of conformity reasons.

POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate]

POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate] <<<<num

POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate] POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate]

Sets a new power value. If the device operates in the mode power, the new value will be set immediately, provided that it is contained in the valid scope. The setting range is specified in the technical data of the particular device type. When exceeding the allowed scope the error "Data out of range" is triggered

Subsystem POWer

Subsystem POWerSubsystem POWer

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

<num> [MIN|MAX] <num> <Boolean> [MIN|MAX]

num>>>>

numnum

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

[MW|W|KW]

and can be read with SYSTem:ERRor?. In this case the last valid setting is kept.

If the device doesn’t operate with constant power the new setting is saved and set when changing into the operating mode power (using MODE:POWer). Allowed parameters are all numeric values within the power range of the particular device type. The special numeric parameters MIN and MAX are allowed.

Examples:

POW:LEV 150.23 POWer:IMM 0 POW MAX

The device expects a point (.) as decimal separator, no comma!

POWer[:LEVel][IMMediate]?

POWer[:LEVel][IMMediate]?POWer[:LEVel][IMMediate]?

Queries the actual set point of the operating mode power. The return value is a numerical value in exponent form: SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

The highest or lowest possible setting is determined appending a white space and the parameters MIN or MAX to the question mark.

Examples:

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Comment

CommentComment

Set Constant Power Query Power Set Point Fixed Power Range Autorange on|off Query Power Range

D: Digit,

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POW? (Response for example:

POW? MAX (Response from

POWer:RANGe <num>

POWer:RANGe <num>POWer:RANGe <num>

Sets the setting range in the operating mode power. The devices of the series PL support only one setting range, but this command is implemented for conformity reasons, though it is not required.

The numeric parameter has to be contained in the power range of the particular device type (technical data). The special numeric parameters MIN and MAX are allowed.

Examples:

POWer:RANG 100 POW:RANGE MAX

POWer:RANGe:AUTO

POWer:RANGe:AUTO POWer:RANGe:AUTO ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0ON|1|OFF|0

Is only implemented for conformity reasons and is not required. The series PL supports a fixed setting range.

Example:

POW:RANG:AUTO ON

POWer:RANGe?

POWer:RANGe?POWer:RANGe?

Queries the power range. A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

+1.850000E+01)

PL312: +3.071250E+02)

D: Digit,

The highest or lowest possible setting is determined appending a white space and the parameters MIN or MAX to the question mark (for the series PL the values MIN and MAX are identical, because only one range is supported).

Examples: POW:RANG? (Response from

PL312: +3.000000E+02)

POW:RANGE? MAX (Response from

PL312: +3.000000E+02)

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Electronic Loads Series PL Programming Manual

7.2.11

7.2.11 Subsystem RESistance

7.2.117.2.11

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand RESistance

[:LEVel] [:IMMediate]

[:IMMediate] ? :TRIGgered

:TRIGgered? :MODE

:MODE? :RANGe

:AUTO :RANGe?

The command system RESistance sets and queries the resistance set point.

The devices of the series PL support only one setting range in all operating modes. The command RESistance:RANGe <num> is implemented for conformity reasons.

RESistance[:LEVel][:IMMediate]

RESistance[:LEVel][:IMMediate] RESistance[:LEVel][:IMMediate] <<<<num

num>>>>

numnum

Sets a new resistance. If the device operates in the mode resistance, the new value will be set immediately, provided that it is contained in the valid scope. The setting range is specified in the technical data of the particular device type. When exceeding the valid scope the error "Data out of range" is triggered and can be read with SYSTem:ERRor? In this case the last valid setting value is kept.

If the device doesn’t operate in the mode constant resistance, the new setting value is saved and set when

Subsystem RESistance

Subsystem RESistanceSubsystem RESistance

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

<num>

[MIN|MAX] <num>

[MIN|MAX] FIXed|PCYCle

<num>

<Boolean> [MIN|MAX]

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

[OHM|KOHM | MOHM]

changing into the operating mode resistance (using MODE:RESistance). All numeric values within the resistance range of the particular device type are allowed as parameters. The special numeric parameters MIN and MAX are allowed.

Examples:

RES:LEV 15.23 RESistance:IMM 0 RES MAX

The device expects a point (.) as decimal separator, no comma!

Comment: For system variants (front panel only with LEDs, without control elements) the device switches from the operating mode resistance apparently into the operating mode current. This is hardware dependent. It happens for RES settings, that exceed a value of about

In this case the LED CC at the front panel is highlighted, not CR, if the operating mode resistance is set.

Comment

CommentComment

Set constant resistance

Query resistance set point Triggered Resistance

Query trigger value resistance Set fixed trigger resistance or start waveform at trigger Query resistance mode Fixed resistance range

Autorange on|off Query resistance range

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Umax/Imax

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If the RESinstance value is under the limit Umax/Imax the LED CR is highlighted.

If the RESistance value is smaller than the limit Umax/Imax, the LED CR at the front panel is highlighted. If you’re not sure the actual operating mode can be queried using the command MODE?.

RESi

RESisssstance[:LEVel][IMMediate]?

tance[:LEVel][IMMediate]?

RESiRESi

tance[:LEVel][IMMediate]?tance[:LEVel][IMMediate]?

Queries the actual set point in the operating mode resistance. A numeric value in exponent form is returned: SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

The highest or lowest possible setting is determined appending a white space and the parameters MIN or MAX to the question mark.

Examples:

RES? (Response for example:

RES? MAX

RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered

RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered <num>

<num>

Sets a new value for the triggered resistance. When exceeding the allowed scope the error "Data out of range" is triggered and can be read with SYSTem:ERRor? In this case the last valid setting is kept.

The trigger event is defined using the command TRIGger:SOURce. If the trigger event happens and the operating mode constant resistance is set, the device sets the programmed trigger resistance.

D: Digit,

+1.850000E+01)

(Response: +9.900000E+37)

All numeric values within the resistance range of the particular device type are allowed as parameters. The special numeric parameters MIN and MAX are allowed.

Examples: set for trigger 10Ω

RES:TRIG 10.0 RESistance:LEVEL:TRIGGERED 1.0E1

The device expects a point (.) as decimal separator, no comma!

RESi

RESisssstance[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?

tance[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?

RESiRESi

tance[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?tance[:LEVel][TRIGgered]?

Queries the triggerable set point in the operating mode resistance. A numeric value in exponent form is returned: SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

The highest or lowest possible setting is determined appending a white space and the parameters MIN or MAX to the question mark.

Examples:

RESistance:TRIG? (Response after

RES:LEVEL:TRIG? MIN

RESistance:MODE FIXed|PCYCle

RESistance:MODE FIXed|PCYCleRESistance:MODE FIXed|PCYCle

(Firmware Rev. PL_13 or higher!) Determines if the static trigger resistance (RESistance:TRIGger) or a programmed waveform (PCYCle:RESistance) shall be set when a trigger event occurs. After power-on RESistance:MODE FIXed is set.

Example:

RES:MODE PCYC

See also Subsystems PCYCle and TRIGger.

D: Digit,

*RST:

+9.900000E+37)

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RESistance:MODE?

RESistance:MODE?RESistance:MODE?

Query resistance trigger mode. The return value is the short form of the corresponding parameters (FIX, PCYC).

Example: RES:MODE? (Response after

RESistance:RANGe <num>

RESistance:RANGe <num>RESistance:RANGe <num>

Sets the setting range in the operating mode resistance. The devices of the series PL support only one setting range, but the command is provided for conformity reasons. The command is not required.

The numeric parameter has to be contained in the resistance range of the particular device type (technical data). The special numeric parameters MIN and MAX are allowed. Examples:

RESistance:RANG 10 RES:RANGE MAX

power-on: FIX)

RESis

RESistance:RANGe:AUTO

tance:RANGe:AUTO

RESisRESis

tance:RANGe:AUTO tance:RANGe:AUTO

ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0ON|1|OFF|0

Is implemented only for conformity reasons and is not required. The setting range of the series PL is fixed.

Example:

RES:RANG:AUTO ON

RESistance:RANGe?

RESistance:RANGe?RESistance:RANGe?

Queries the resistance range. In contrast to the operating mode current the range will be determined by the smallest possible value, because the resistance range is open, i.e. it is infinite.

A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

The highest or lowest possible setting is determined appending a white space and the parameters MIN or MAX to the question mark (for the series PL MIN and MAX are identical, because only one range is provided.)

Examples:

RES:RANG? RES:RANGE? MAX

D: Digit,

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7.2.12

7.2.12 Subsystem SETup

7.2.127.2.12

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand SETup

:ADDRess :DIGits

:SAVE

The subsystem SETup modifies device dependent settings.

SETup:ADDRess <0...999>

SETup:ADDRess <0...999>SETup:ADDRess <0...999>

Defines a new subaddress (see chapters 3 and 4).

Before the delivery of a device of the series PL the sub address 0 is set. That means, it is a single device, that hasn’t to be addressed using the command CHANnel <NRf>.

If one or more devices have been ordered as system (i.e. at least one device has got a system bus input) the subaddresses are assigned beginning with 1 (if not specified otherwise), and are also specified at the front panel.

This subaddress is changed using the command SETup:ADDRess <NRf>.

How to determine the subaddress of a device is described in the section about the subsystem CHANnel.

Example 1: Change sub address from 1 to 2

CHAN 1;:SET:ADDR 2

The new sub address has to be saved in the EEPROM of the device (see following sections).

Subsystem SETup

Subsystem SETupSubsystem SETup

Parameter Uni

ParameterParameter

<NRf>

Unitttt Comment

UniUni

Comment

CommentComment

New device sub address Number of digits after the decimal point Save new settings

Example 2: Three single devices with sub address 0 shall be connected to a system with sub addresses 1, 2, and 3.

Connect a device with IEEE488/RS232 interface to the control computer. Connect the SysBus output from this device to the SysBus input of the next device and the SysBus output of the second to the SysBus input of the third device.

Set all three devices to sub address 3:

CHAN 0;SET:ADDR 3;SAVE

Disconnect the third device from the SysBus. Set the two remaining devices to sub address 2:

CHAN 0;SET:ADDR 2;SAVE

Disconnect the second device from the SysBus. Set the remaining device to sub address 1: CHAN 0;SET:ADDR 1;SAVE

SETup:DIGits <0...9>

SETup:DIGits <0...9>SETup:DIGits <0...9>

Determines the new number of digits after the decimal point for transitions from the device to the controlling computer (for example measuring values).

The default setting for the digits after the comma is 6.

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Example: 4 digits after the comma

SET:DIG 4

SETup:SAVE

SETup:SAVESETup:SAVE

Saves the new settings in the EEPROM. After deactivation and reactivation of the device the changed values are valid.

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7.2.13

7.2.13 Subsystem STATus

7.2.137.2.13

Subsystem STATus

Subsystem STATusSubsystem STATus

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Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand STATus

:OPERation [:EVENt]? :CONDition? :ENABle :ENABle? :QUEStionable [:EVENt]? :CONDition? :ENABle :ENABle? :PRESet

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

<NRf>

Comment

CommentComment

Query Operation Event Reg. Query Op. Condition Reg. Set Operation Enable Bits Query Op. Enable Register

Query Ques. Event Reg. Query Ques. Condition Reg. Set Ques. Enable Bits Query Ques. Enable Register Status Reset

The subsystem STATus determines special states in the devices and sets the relevant values for the status byte.

The contents of a status register is represented by a decimal number that is built using the weights of the set bits:

Bit Weight Bit Weight

0 1 8 256 1 2 9 512 2 4 10 1024 3 8 11 2048 4 16 12 4096 5 32 13 8192 6 64 14 16384 7 128 15 32768

After the activation of the device all bits of all status registers are FALSE - except in the Standard Event Register (see following sections).

The status model of the series PL contains the following groups:

- Questionable Status

- Operation Status

- Standard Event Status

- Status Byte

•••• Condition Register

Condition Register

Condition Register Condition Register Represents the state of particular signals. The bit state of a Condition Register is not changed by reading it. A state/error is active, if the corresponding bit is TRUE. If the condition is no longer valid, the bit in the corresponding Condition Register is set to 0.

•••• Event Register

Event Register

Event Register Event Register Saves information about particular states. Every bit of an Event Register corresponds to a bit in the Condition Register (for Questionable Status and Operation Status) or directly to special events (Standard Event Status). An event, i.e. a bit in the Event Register, is set to TRUE, when the corresponding condition has changed from FALSE to TRUE. The event is set until the corresponding Event Register has been read. After reading all bits in the Event Registers are reset.

•••• Enable Register

Enable Register

Enable Register Enable Register Determines which bits of the corresponding Event Registers are combined to a total bit using OR.

Moreover one distinguishes:

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The Enable Register acts as filter for the corresponding Event Register.

QUESTIONABLE STATUS

QUESTIONABLE STATUSQUESTIONABLE STATUS

Condition

0

VOLT

POW TEMP

WD

10 10 10 11 12 13

n.u.

14

n.u.

15

n.u.

OPERATION STATUS

OPERATION STATUSOPERATION STATUS

Condition

n.u. n.u.

TRG

n.u.

n.u. PCYC TRAN

10 11 12 13

n.u.

14

n.u.

15

n.u.

OPC

QYE DDE

EXE

CME

PON

1 2 3 4 5n.u. 6n.u. 7 8 9

0CAL 1n.u. 2n.u. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

CURR

STANDARD EVENT STATUS

STANDARD EVENT STATUSSTANDARD EVENT STATUS

STAT:QUES

Event0Enable

0 1 1 2

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

15

STAT:OPER

Event

Enable

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Event

Enable

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 7

*ESR?

*ESE <NRf> *ESE?

:COND? :EVEN? :ENAB <NRF> :ENAB?

R

QUES

O . g o

l

:COND? :EVEN? :ENAB <NRF> :ENAB?

R O

OPER

. g o

l

R O

ESB

. g o

l

The bit state of an Enable Register is not changed by reading it.

Data

Queue

not empty

Status Byte

Status ByteStatus Byte

0 1 2

QUES

3 4 5 6

OPER

7

*STB?

SYST:ERR?

ERR

Queue

not empty

MAV

SRQ Enable

SRQ EnableSRQ Enable

0 1

ERR

2 3

MAV

4

ESB

5

MSS

6 7

*SRE <NRf> *SRE?

R

MSS

O . g o

l

Error Queue

Error QueueError Queue

Output Queue

Output QueueOutput Queue

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7.2.13.1

7.2.13.1 Questionable Status

7.2.13.17.2.13.1 The Questionable Status Register inform

about particular error or overload states.

Bit Value Meaning VOLT 1 Input voltage error. Is set in the operating mode POWer, if a pro-

CURR 2 Current Error. Is set in the operating mode POWer, if the programmed

POW 8 Power Error. Is set in the operating mode POWer, if the programmed

TEMP 16 Over Temperature. Is set, if the power unit provides an overload signal. WD 512 Watchdog. Is set, if an activated software watchdog has shut down the

STAT

STATSTAT

Queries the contents of the Questionable Status Condition Register. Return value is an integer decimal value that describes the actual state of the protection facilities.

The decimal value is coded corresponding to the table.

Example: STAT:QUES:COND? Response: 27

STAT

STATSTAT

Queries the contents of the Questionable Status Event Register. Return value is an integer decimal value that determines, whether a Questionable Status has been active since the last reading of the Event Register. A bit in the Event Register is not automatically deleted, if the event is no more valid, but stays TRUE, until the Event Register is read. After reading the Event Register the bit is reset to 0.

Example: STAT:QUES? Response: 27

Questionable Status

Questionable StatusQuestionable Status

grammed power can’t be set or if the power unit provides an overload signal.

power can’t be set or if the power unit provides an overload signal.

load input.

us

:QUES

tionable

:QUES:QUES

:QUES

:QUES:QUES

tionable

tionabletionable

tionable

tionabletionable

usus

us

usus

:COND

:COND:COND

[:EVEN

[:EVEN[:EVEN

ition

itionition

tttt

]?

]?]?

Example: The overload signal from the power unit sets the bits 0, 1, 3 and 4. Decimal value: 1+2+8+16=27.

????

STAT

us

:QUES

STATSTAT

usus

:QUES:QUES

<0...65535>

<0...65535><0...65535>

Sets the bit pattern for the Questionable Status Enable Register, that is determined by the decimal parameter.

Determines, which bits from the Questionable Event Register are relevant for the interpretation of the QUES sum bit.

Example: Set bits TEMP and WD

STAT:QUES:ENAB 528

STAT

us

:QUES

STATSTAT

usus

:QUES:QUES

Queries the contents of the Questionable Status Enable Register. Returned is the decimal value, that has been programmed.

Example: STAT:QUES:ENAB? Response: 528

If no value has been programmed for the Enable Register, the device returns 0.

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tionable

:ENAB

le

:ENAB:ENAB

:ENAB

:ENAB:ENAB

le

lele

le

lele

tionabletionable

tionable

tionabletionable

????

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7.2.13.2

7.2.13.2 Operation Status

7.2.13.27.2.13.2 The Operation Status Registers provide information about the operating state of the electronic load.

Bit Value Meaning CAL 1 Calibration. Is set, if the device is in the calibration mode. This mode is

TRG 32 Trigger (reserved). PCYC 256 Programmable Cycles. Is set, if the device executes a programmed wave-

TRAN 512 Transient Mode. Is set, if the device executes a programmed dynamic

STAT

STATSTAT

Queries the contents of the Operation Status Condition Register. Return value is an integer decimal value that describes the actual state of the electronic load.

The decimal value can be coded corresponding the table.

Example: STAT:OPER:COND? Response: 256

STAT

STATSTAT

Queries the contents of the Operation Status Event Register. Return value is an integer decimal value that determines, whether an Operation Status has been active since the last reading of the Event Register. A bit in the Event Register is not automatically deleted if the event is no more valid, but stays TRUE until the Event Register is read. After reading the Event Register the bit is reset to 0.

Example: STAT:OPER? Response: 256

Operation Status

Operation StatusOperation Status

us

:OPER

usus

:OPER:OPER

us

:OPER

usus

:OPER:OPER

reserved and not possible in the normal operating of the load.

form.

function with defined rise and fall times.

ation

:COND

ationation

ation

ationation

:COND

:COND:COND

[:EVEN

[:EVEN[:EVEN

ition

itionition

tttt

]?

]?]?

????

STAT

us

:OPER

STATSTAT

usus

:OPER:OPER

<0...65535>

<0...65535><0...65535>

Sets the bit pattern for the Parameter Operation Status Enable Register, that is determined by the decimal parameter.

Determines which bits from the Operation Event Register are relevant for the interpretation of the OPER sum bit.

Example: Set Bits PCYC and TRAN

STAT:QUES:ENAB 528

STAT

us

:OPER

STATSTAT

usus

:OPER:OPER

Queries the contents of the Operation Status Enable Register. Returned is the decimal value (as integer), that has been programmed.

Example: STAT:QUES:ENAB? Response: 528

If no value has been programmed for the Enable Register, the device returns 0.

STATus:PRESet

STATus:PRESetSTATus:PRESet

Resets the Questionable Status Enable and the Operation Status Enable Register to 0.

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ation

:ENAB

le

ationation

ation

ationation

:ENAB:ENAB

:ENAB

:ENAB:ENAB

lele

le

????

lele

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7.2.13.3

7.2.13.3 Standard Event Status

7.2.13.37.2.13.3

The Standard Event Status Register contains information about the standard events, that are defined in the standard

Standard Event Status

Standard Event StatusStandard Event Status

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IEEE 488.2.

Bit Value Meaning OPC 1 Operation Complete. The device has executed all pending commands.

For the devices of the series PL this bit is always TRUE, because the com-

mands are executed serially and not in overlapped mode. QYE 4 Query Error. Errors in the range from –400 to –499 can set this bit. DDE 8 Device Dependent Error. Errors in the range from –399 to –300 can set

this bit. EXE 16 Execution Error. Errors in the range from –299 to –200 can set this bit. CME 32 Command Error. Errors in the range from –199 to –100 can set this bit. PON 128 Power On. Shows, that a read has taken place since the last change from

OFF → ON.

For reading the Standard Event Status Register the common command *ESR?

*ESR?

*ESR? *ESR?

is used.

The command *ESE <0...255>

*ESE <0...255>

*ESE <0...255>*ESE <0...255> sets the bit pattern in the Standard Event Status Enable Registerthat is determined by the decimal parameter.

Determines which bits from the Standard Event Register are relevant for the interpretation of the ESB sum bit.

Example: Set Bit CME

*ESE 32

*ESE?

*ESE?*ESE? queries the contents of the Standard Event Status Enable Registers. The decimal value (as integer) that has been programmed is returned. Example:

*ESE? Response: 32

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7.2.13.4

7.2.13.4 Status Byte

7.2.13.47.2.13.4

In the Status Byte Register the Status Events of all Status Registers are combined. The status byte is read using the command *STB?

*STB?

*STB?*STB?

Bit Value Meaning ERR 4 Error. An error in the

QUES 8 Questionable. An en-

MAV 16 Message Available. ESB 32 Event Status Bit. An

MSS 64 Master Summary Status.

OPER 128 Operation. An enabled

The status byte is reset to 0 after the reading.

Status Byte

Status ByteStatus Byte

range –499 to –100 has

happened.

abled Questionable

Event has happened.

enabled Standard Event

has happened.

Reserved.

Operation Event has

happened.

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7.2.14

7.2.14 Subsystem SYSTem

7.2.147.2.14

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand SYSTem

:ERRor? :PROTection [:LEVel] [:LEVel]? :STATe :TRIPped? :VERSion?

SYSTem:ERRor?

SYSTem:ERRor?SYSTem:ERRor?

Queries the last error message. The device saves an error, until it has been read from the Error Queue. After reading the error it is deleted from the queue. If there are several errors without reading the queue, the error messages are

Message

Message Meaning

MessageMessage "0, No error" All commands could be executed correctly. "102, Syntax Error" In a command string was an unknown error. "103, Invalid separator" A separator hasn’t been recognized, for example a ':'

"-110, Command header error" Invalid keyword. "-200, Execution error" Execution error. Is used, if none of the codes from

"-220, Parameter error" Invalid parameter, for example a number, was ex-

"-221, Settings conflict" A command/parameter was correct, but couldn’t be

"-222, Data out of range" A parameter is not contained in a valid range, for

"-223, Too much data" The device has received more data than can be pro-

"-224, Illegal parameter value" For some commands only special parameters can be

"-300, Device specific error" A device state has been recognized, that can’t be set. "-340, Calibration failed" Reserved. "-350, Queue overflow" There have been more errors than can’t be saved in

Subsystem SYSTem

Subsystem SYSTemSubsystem SYSTem

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

<NRf>

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

[S|MS]

Meaning

MeaningMeaning

between two keywords was expected, but a ';' was provided.

–201 to –294 offers a useful error description.

pected, but not provided as parameter.

executed because of the actual device state.

example "RES 0".

ceeded.

used. None of this parameters has been recognized, for example "TRAN:MODE CONT|PULS,<NRf>|TOGG".

the error queue. The "oldest" errors have been deleted from the queue and can’t no longer be read.

Comment

CommentComment

Read last error message

Set SW-Watchdog time Query SW-Watchdog time Software-Watchdog on|off Query Watchdog state Query SCPI version

saved in the queue. The new error is written to the beginning of the queue and the oldest error is deleted from the queue. This is determined by the error code –350.

The series PL supports the following error messages:

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"-360, Communication error" Data transmission error, for example Framing Error

"-363, Input buffer overrun" There have been sent more characters to the device,

SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVEL]

SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVEL] SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVEL] <0

<0...3275>

...3275>

<0<0

...3275>...3275>

Sets the device intern timer to the specified value, provided in seconds (resolution: 50 ms).

The devices of the series PL provide a watchdog-like software function, that sets the electronic load in a secure operating mode, if the controlling computer breaks down or if the controlling software is not correctly handled.

Secure operating mode means: If the device didn’t receive a command from the controlling computer for a longer time (default value or programmed value), it deactivates the load input.

The watched time is defined using the command

SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVel] <NRf>

The parameter specifies the watched time interval, represented in seconds.

Example see following sections.

SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVel]?

SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVel]?SYSTem:PROTection[:LEVel]?

Queries the programmed watchdog time in seconds. A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

D: Digit,

(Start/Stopbits faulty), Parity Error

than can be contained in the command data buffer.

SYSTem:PROTection:STATe

SYSTem:PROTection:STATe SYSTem:PROTection:STATe ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0

ON|1|OFF|0ON|1|OFF|0

Activates/deactivates the software watchdog.

If the watchdog is activated (SYST:STAT ON) and the programmed time has been expired without a command being received from the controlling computer, the electronic load deactivates the load input and the watchdog gets deactivated. All other settings of the device are kept. This state can be queried from the Questionable Status Register.

The load input as well as the watchdog can be reactivated.

The command

SYST:PROT:STAT OFF

deactivates the watching of the programmed time, i.e. the load keeps the activated device input in its state, despite the programmed seconds have expired.

Example The input shall be deactivated, if there was no data for 15 minutes:

SYST:PROT 900;PROT:STAT ON

Attention!

Attention!Attention! An activated watchdog gets deactivated, if you start a modulation (subsystem TRAN). The watchdog has to be reactivated after executing the modulation. A continuous free programmed waveform (subsystem PCYC) doesn’t affect the software watchdog.

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SYSTem:PROTection:TRIPped?

SYSTem:PROTection:TRIPped?SYSTem:PROTection:TRIPped?

Queries the trigger state of the software watchdog.

Return value is a boolean number (0 or

1):

0: Watchdog has not been triggered 1: Watchdog has deactivated the load

input.

Example: SYST:PROT:TRIP? Response: 0

SYSTem:VERSion?

SYSTem:VERSion?SYSTem:VERSion?

Queries the SCPI version, that the device conforms.

Example: SYST:VERS? Response: 1995.0

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7.2.15

7.2.15 Subsystem TRA

7.2.157.2.15

Subsystem TRANNNNsient

Subsystem TRASubsystem TRA

sient

sientsient

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Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand TRANsient

:XCURrent :XCURrent? :YCURrent :YCURrent? :XTIMe

:XTIMe?

:YTIMe

:YTIMe?

:RTIMe :RTIMe? :FTIMe :FTIMe? :MODE

:MODE? :STATe :STATe?

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

[MIN|MAX]

<num>

[MIN|MAX]

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

[A|MA]

[S|MS]

[S|MS] [MIN|MAX] CONTinuous | PULSe,<NRf> | TOGGle

Comment

CommentComment

Set first load current Query first load current Set second load current Query second load current Determine the setting time for the first load current Query the setting time for the first load current Determine the setting time for the second load current Query the setting time for the second load current Set rise time Query rise time Set fall time Query fall time Continuous change defined number or single change Query dyn. operating mode dyn. load change on|off Query state of the dyn. operating mode

The electronic loads of the series PL are able to execute dynamic load changes with settable rise and fall times.

A dynamic check is only possible in the operating mode constant current.

For the programming of a dynamic load change the following inputs are required (the order is required!):

1. First load value XCURrent

XCURrent (is set

XCURrentXCURrent

at the beginning of the load change)

2. Setting time XTIMe

XTIMe (in seconds) for

XTIMeXTIMe

the first load value XCUR

3. Second load value YCURrent

4. Setting time YTIMe

YCURrent

YCURrentYCURrent

YTIMe (in seconds) for

YTIMeYTIMe

the second load value YCUR

5. Rise time RTIMe

RTIMe (in seconds) from

RTIMeRTIMe

the highest to the lowest load value

If rise and fall time shall be programmed, the two levels XCUR and YCUR must have been programmed. If an other value for XCUR and/or YCUR is set, the rise time (RTIM) and fall time (FTIM) have to be set again.

If the curve shall be started by a trigger event you have to define on one hand the trigger source (see TRIGger:SOURce) and on the other hand you must set the mode of the respective operating mode to TRANsient, e.g.:

CURR:MODE TRAN

(see subsystem CURR)

the lowest to the highest load value

6. Fall time FTIMe

FTIMe (in seconds) from

FTIMeFTIMe

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TRANsient:XCURrent <NRf>

TRANsient:XCURrent <NRf>TRANsient:XCURrent <NRf>

Determines the first load value for the dynamic function. For the setting value <NRf> the same rules are valid as for constant current values (CURRent <NRf>).

Example: first load value 20A

TRAN:XCUR 20

TRANsient:XCURrent?

TRANsient:XCURrent? [MIN|MAX]

TRANsient:XCURrent? TRANsient:XCURrent?

Queries the first load set point.

A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign(),

E: Exponent

TRANsient:YCURrent <NRf>

TRANsient:YCURrent <NRf>TRANsient:YCURrent <NRf>

Determines the second load value for the dynamic function. For the setting value <NRf> the same rules are valid as for constant current values (CURRent <NRf>).

Example: second load value 0A TRAN:XCUR MIN

TRANsient:YCURrent?

TRANsient:YCURrent? [MIN|MAX]

TRANsient:YCURrent? TRANsient:YCURrent?

Queries the second load set point.

A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

TRANsient:XTIMe <0.006...130>

TRANsient:XTIMe <0.006...130>TRANsient:XTIMe <0.006...130>

Determines the duration of the first load value for the dynamic function, specified in seconds (resolution: 2ms).

Example: for 500ms TRAN:XTIM 0.5 or

D: Digit,

first load value shall be kept

[MIN|MAX]

[MIN|MAX][MIN|MAX]

[MIN|MAX]

[MIN|MAX][MIN|MAX]

TRAN:XTIM 500MS

TRANsient:XTIMe? [MIN|MAX]

TRANsient:XTIMe? [MIN|MAX]TRANsient:XTIMe? [MIN|MAX]

Queries the first load time.

A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign(),

E: Exponent

TRANsient:YTIMe <0.006..

TRANsient:YTIMe <0.006...130>

TRANsient:YTIMe <0.006..TRANsient:YTIMe <0.006..

Determines the duration of the second load value for the dynamic function, specified in seconds (resolution: 2ms).

Example: the second load value shall be kept for 100ms

TRAN:XTIM 0.1 or TRAN:XTIM 100MS

TRANsient:YTIMe? [MIN|MAX]

TRANsient:YTIMe? [MIN|MAX]TRANsient:YTIMe? [MIN|MAX]

Queries the second load time.

A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

TRANsient:RTIMe <0...20>

TRANsient:RTIMe <0...20>TRANsient:RTIMe <0...20>

Determines the rise time for the dynamic function, specified in seconds (resolution: 2ms).

Example: Rise time 20ms

TRAN:RTIM 20E-3 or TRAN:RTIM 20MS

TRANsient:RTIMe? [MIN|MAX]

TRANsient:RTIMe? [MIN|MAX]TRANsient:RTIMe? [MIN|MAX]

Queries the rise time.

A numeric value in exponent form is returned.

D: Digit,

.130>

.130>.130>

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SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

TRANsient:FTIMe <0...20>

TRANsient:FTIMe <0...20>TRANsient:FTIMe <0...20>

Determines the fall time for the dynamic function, specified in seconds (resolution: 2ms).

Example: Rise time 20ms

TRAN:RTIM 20E-3 or TRAN:RTIM 20MS

TRANsient:FTIMe? [MIN|MAX]

TRANsient:FTIMe? [MIN|MAX]TRANsient:FTIMe? [MIN|MAX]

Queries the fall time.

A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

TRANsient:MODE CONT

TRANsient:MODE CONTiiiinuous

TRANsient:MODE CONTTRANsient:MODE CONT |PULSe,<0...65535>|TOGGle

|PULSe,<0...65535>|TOGGle

|PULSe,<0...65535>|TOGGle|PULSe,<0...65535>|TOGGle

Defines the output mode for the modulation curve and has to be set before starting (default: CONTinuous).

Allowed parameters:

TRAN:MODE CONT

(the started curve is executed until a stop command is received)

TRAN:MODE PULS,n

(the started curve is executed n times (n=[0...65535]); afterwards the last static value is set)

TRAN:MODE TOGG

(after starting only a rise or a fall is executed. The setting value remains XCUR or YCUR until the next start – that means another change – or until the stop command has been received)

TRANsient:MODE?

TRANsient:MODE?TRANsient:MODE?

D: Digit,

nuous

nuousnuous

Queries the dynamic operating mode. The return value is an abbreviation of the set parameters: CONT, PULS or TOGG.

Example: TRAN:MODE? Response: CONT

TRANsient:STATe ON|1

TRANsient:STATe ON|1|OFF|0

TRANsient:STATe ON|1TRANsient:STATe ON|1

Starts or stops the dynamic operating mode.

Example: Start

TRAN:STAT ON

At the beginning of the load change CX is always executed. This is valid for a continuous, defined number of and single load changes.

TRANsient:STATe?

TRANsient:STATe?TRANsient:STATe?

Queries the operating state of the dynamic operating mode.

Return value is a boolean number (0 or

1):

0: dynamic operating mode not active 1: dynamic operating mode active

Example: TRAN:STAT? Response: 0

Example 7.13.1

Example 7.13.1Example 7.13.1 Programming of a continuous load change course with the following characteristics: first load value: 6A, time: 50ms second load value: 2A, time: 20ms rise time: 70ms, fall time: 30ms

Command string for PL:

MODE:CURR;:INP ON; :TRAN:XCUR 6;YCUR 2;XTIM .05;YTIM .02;RTIM .07;FTIM .03;MODE CONT;

|OFF|0

|OFF|0|OFF|0

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STAT ON

After the device has calculated the setting values and times the modulation

TRAN:STAT ON

C

XCUR

Cstat

YCUR

RTIM

TRANsient:MODE CONTinuous

TRANsient:MODE CONTinuousTRANsient:MODE CONTinuous

XTIM

FTIM

Starting from the static load current C

stat

the rising current edge is set upto the first load value XCURrent. It rests until XTIMe is expired. Afterwards the current gets linear reduced to the value YCURent within the fall time FTIMe and rests, until YTIMe is expired.

This process is repeated, until it is stopped by the command TRANsient:STATe OFF The static current C

is reset.

stat

YTIM

is started and the following current course results:

TRAN:STAT OFF

Cstat

t

Example 7.13.2

Example 7.13.2Example 7.13.2 A dynamic curve shall be executed two times. We program the curve from example 7.13.1 with exchanged X and Y current.

Command string for PL:

MODE:CURR;:INP ON; :TRAN:XCUR 2;YCUR 6;XTIM .05;YTIM .02;RTIM .07;FTIM .03;MODE PULS,2; STAT ON

After the device has calculated the setting values and times the modulation is started and the following current course results:

TRAN:STAT ON

C

YCUR

Cstat

XCUR

FTIM RTIM

TRANsient:MODE PULSe,2

TRANsient:MODE PULSe,2TRANsient:MODE PULSe,2

XTIM

Cycle 1

YTIM

Cycle 2

Cstat

t

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After the given number of load changes is executed, the last programmed static current is set. The execution of a particular pulse number can be stopped using the command

TRAN:STAT OFF

Example 7.13.3

Example 7.13.3Example 7.13.3 Using the parameters from example

7.13.1 the two load levels with corre-

sponding rise and fall times shall be alternated. Command String for PL:

TRAN:XCUR 6;YCUR 2;XTIM .05;YTIM .02 ;RTIM .07;FTIM .03;MODE TOGG;STAT ON

As soon as the command TRAN:STAT ON is received, the device executes the rising or falling change to the first load level XCURrent and rests there:

TRAN:STAT ON

C

XCUR

Cstat

YCUR

RTIM FTIM

TRA

TRANsient:MODE TOGGle

Nsient:MODE TOGGle

TRATRA

Nsient:MODE TOGGleNsient:MODE TOGGle

TRAN:STAT ON

t

At the next start of TRANsient:STATe ON the change is executed for the other

The command TRANsient:STATe OFF

sets the last static current. load value, YCURrent. After the next start follows a change to XCURrent etc. ______________________________________________________________________________

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Attention:

Attention:Attention:

For the programming of dynamic load changes the following aspects have to be observed:

• Setting interval for times The times are specified as seconds, except when the suffix MS (Milliseconds) is appended to the numeric value. The resolution of the dynamic times amounts to 2ms

• Selected Mode When starting the waveform the device doesn’t switch automatically to the operating mode current. That means: The device must be in the operating mode current, before you can execute the command TRANsient:STATe ON (and keep it). Otherwise the device sets wrong values.

• Measuring deactivated: While outputting a waveform the device is busy calculating the times and settings. The input of measuring values is deactivated. No measuring values can be required from the device, while the programmed waveforms are output.

In the dynamic operating mode the communication with the device should be reduced as far as possible, because this could mean a delay of the setting times.

• Programming of long edge times

Values for rise and fall time, that lie in the range of several seconds, the device has to calculate very much setting values. This process can take several seconds, depending on the programmed time.

2ms.

2ms2ms

Commands, that arrive while this process at the device, will be executed after the calculations.

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7.2.16

7.2.16 Subsystem TRIGger

7.2.167.2.16

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand TRIGger

[:SEQuence] :SOURce :SOURce?

The subsystem TRIGger defines and queries the actual trigger resource.

That means, an event is determined, for which the command

CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered <NRf> or RESistance[:LEVel]:TRIGgered <NRf>

activates a programmed trigger value or a dynamic action is started, respectively.

At the activation of the device, the trigger resource BUS is set.

TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce

TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce BUS|EXTernal

BUS|EXTernal

BUS|EXTernalBUS|EXTernal

Sets the trigger resource for triggered setting values in the operating modes current and resistance.

Using

TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce BUS

the electronic load waits for a trigger signal from the controlling bus.

The trigger signal is produced by

• the Common Command *TRG (for IEEE 488 and RS232)

• the IEEE 488 multi channel message GET

GET

GETGET (Group Execute Trigger, only for IEEE

488)

Using

TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce EXTernal

the electronic load waits for a trigger signal from the Analog I/O Port at the back panel.

Subsystem TRIGger

Subsystem TRIGgerSubsystem TRIGger

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

BUS|EXTernal

*TRG

*TRG*TRG

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

Comment

CommentComment

Set Trigger Resource Query Trigger Resource

As external trigger a TTL signal has to be set at pin 3 (/TRG_IN) against pin 1 (GND_EXT) of the Analog I/O Port.

The external trigger event is activated by a changing trigger signal from low to high, i.e. the rising edge.

TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce?

TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce?TRIGger[:SEQUence]:SOURce?

Query the active trigger resource.

The return value is the abbreviation of the corresponding parameter.

Example:

TRIG:SOUR? Response: BUS TRIG:SOUR EXT TRIG:SOUR? Response: EXT

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7.2.17

7.2.17 Subsystem VOLTage

7.2.177.2.17

Command

Command Parameter

CommandCommand VOLTage

:RANGe?

The subsystem VOLTage for the series PL queries only the input voltage range, because there is no operating mode "constant voltage".

VOLTage:RANGe?

VOLTage:RANGe?VOLTage:RANGe?

Queries the voltage range. A numeric value in exponent form is returned. SD.DDDDDDESDD S: Sign,

E: Exponent

The highest or lowest possible setting is determined appending a white space and the parameters MIN or MAX to the question mark (for the series PL MIN and MAX are identical, because only one range is provided).

Examples: VOLT:RANG? (Response from PL312: +1.200000E+02) VOLT:RANGE? MAX (Response from PL312: +1.200000E+02)

Subsystem VOLTage

Subsystem VOLTageSubsystem VOLTage

Parameter Unit

ParameterParameter

[MIN|MAX]

D: Digit,

Unit Comment

UnitUnit

Comment

CommentComment

Query voltage range

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Programming Manual

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8888 Remote Calibration

Remote Calibration

Remote CalibrationRemote Calibration

The following sections describe the calibration using the interface mode.

We recommend to copy the following pages and enter the values when calibrating, to produce a calibration log.

The tools for the calibration (voltmeter, measuring shunt) must have an accuracy of at least 0.1%.

ATTENTION: Before the remote calibration the calibration process described in the hardware part of this manual (chapter “Service”) has to be executed! The remote calibration can be executed separately for every operating mode (8.1, 8.2 and 8.3), but has to be completed in every operating mode, for example from "CAL:CSTAT ON" to "CAL:CSTAT OFF". After finishing SET:SAVE has to be executed.

Conventions:

Bold Fa

Bold Face

ce Command to elec-

Bold FaBold Fa

cece

Checkbox

______________ enter a value

tronic load PLxxx

Italics Comment

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Höcherl & Hackl GmbH Electronic Loads Series PL Programming Manual

Calibration Log for Electronic Loads PL in Remote Ope

Calibration Log for Electronic Loads PL in Remote Operrrration

Calibration Log for Electronic Loads PL in Remote OpeCalibration Log for Electronic Loads PL in Remote Ope

Device Type

Serial Number

Date of Calibration

Inspector

Organisation

Programming Manual

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ation

ationation

Used Measurement Tools

61

Höcherl & Hackl GmbH

2222

Printed

Ci

r-

Electronic Loads Series PL Programming Manual

8.1

8.1 Calibration of Current Se

Calibration of Current Settttting and Current Measurement

8.18.1

Calibration of Current SeCalibration of Current Se

Set Operating Mode C: MODE:CURR Set Current 0: CURR 0 Input on: INP ON Start Current Calibration Process: CAL:CSTAT ON

Connect input voltage. Connect the oscilloscope at GATE against GNDA. Set the measured voltage at the printed circuit board 2224-4 using P1 to the changeover point.

2222

Front Panel

Now the device determines automatically the offset for the current measuring.

Set maximum current: CURR MAX Measure real current (I Program real value: CAL:VAL <I

Set maximum current again: CURR MAX

Now the corrected current has been set. The device determines automatically the correcting factor for the current measurement.

Check the current setting by external measurement.

Measured Current:__________________________

Finish current calibration: CAL:CSTAT OFF Save correcting factor in the EEPROM: SET:SAVE

2222

5555

4444

----

1111

4444

).

real

ting and Current Measurement

ting and Current Measurementting and Current Measurement

MODE:CURR

MODE:CURRMODE:CURR CURR 0

CURR 0CURR 0 INP ON

INP ONINP ON CAL:CSTAT ON

CAL:CSTAT ONCAL:CSTAT ON

cuit Board 224-4, P1 in centre

CURR MAX

CURR MAXCURR MAX

CAL:VAL <I

CAL:VAL <ICAL:VAL <I

CURR MAX

CURR MAXCURR MAX

CAL:CSTAT OFF

CAL:CSTAT OFFCAL:CSTAT OFF SET:SAVE

SET:SAVESET:SAVE

>>>> (<I

real

realreal

numeric value)

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> is the measured

real

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Höcherl & Hackl GmbH Electronic Loads Series PL Programming Manual

8.2

8.2 Resistance Setting Calibration

Resistance Setting Calibration

8.28.2

Resistance Setting CalibrationResistance Setting Calibration

Programming Manual

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Set Operating Mode R: MODE:RES Input on: INP ON

MODE:RES

MODE:RESMODE:RES INP ON

INP ONINP ON

Activate RES Calibration Mode: CAL:RSTAT ON

CAL:RSTAT ON

CAL:RSTAT ONCAL:RSTAT ON

Device Type

Device Type RRRR

Device TypeDevice Type

RRRR

set1

set1set1

set2

set2set2

PL 306 0.1 2.5 PL 312 0.35 11 PL 324 1 25 PL 340 2.7 100 PL 606 0.1 1 PL 612 0.16 5 PL 624 0.5 20 PL 640 2 50 PL 906 0.07 0.8 PL 912 0.1 2.8 PL 924 0.35 15 PL 940 1 30

a)

a) Set "low" resistance (use a value for <R

a)a) RES <R

Calculate the real resistance value using voltage (U R

= U

/ I

real

from the table):

set1>

RES <R

RES <RRES <R

>>>>

set1

set1set1

) and current (I

real

):

Program the real resistance value: CAL:VAL <R

CAL:VAL <R

CAL:VAL <RCAL:VAL <R

real

realreal

>

> (<R

> >

> is calculated real numeric value)

real

Now the device calculates the correcting factor for the setting in operating mode R using R<Umax/Imax.

Set the same resistance again: RES <R Now the corrected resistance must have been set.

RES <R

RES <RRES <R

set1

set1set1

>>>>

Check the setting of the resistance by measuring voltage and current.

Measured Voltage: ____________________

Measured Current: ____________________

Calculated Resistance: ____________________

Allowed tolerance: ±5% of set value, ±0.5% of current range

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Höcherl & Hackl GmbH Electronic Loads Series PL Programming Manual

b)

b) Set "high" resistance (take the value for <R

b)b) RES <R

RES <R

RES <RRES <R

from the table):

set2>

>>>>

set2

set2set2

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Calculate the real resistance from current and voltage: R

= U

/ I

real

Program real resistance value: CAL:VAL <R

CAL:VAL <R

CAL:VAL <RCAL:VAL <R

>>>> (<R

real

realreal

> is the calculated real

real

numeric value)

Now the device calculates the correcting factor for the setting in the operating mode R for the high resistance range.

Set the same resistance again: RES <R

RES <R

RES <RRES <R

set2

set2set2

>>>>

Now the corrected resistance must have been set. Check the resistance setting by measuring voltage and current.

Measured Voltage: __________________

Measured Current: __________________

Calculated Resistance: __________________

Allowed Tolerance: ±5% of setting value, ±0.5% of current range

Finish RES calibration process: CAL:RSTAT OFF Save the correcting factors in the EEPROM: SET:SAVE

CAL:RSTAT OFF

CAL:RSTAT OFFCAL:RSTAT OFF

SET:SAVE

SET:SAVESET:SAVE

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Höcherl & Hackl GmbH Electronic Loads Series PL Programming Manual

8.3

8.3 Voltage Measurement Calibration

Voltage Measurement Calibration

8.38.3

Voltage Measurement CalibrationVoltage Measurement Calibration

Programming Manual

Programming ManualProgramming Manual

!!!!!!! Pay attention to right order !!!!!!!

Set current mode: MODE:CURR Reset current value to 0: CURR 0 Activate voltage calibration mode: CAL:VSTAT ON Change to "voltage mode": MODE:VOLT

MODE:CURR

MODE:CURRMODE:CURR CURR 0

CURR 0CURR 0 CAL:VSTAT ON

CAL:VSTAT ONCAL:VSTAT ON MODE:VOLT

MODE:VOLTMODE:VOLT

Make a short circuit between the input terminals.

Program voltage=0: VOLT 0

VOLT 0

VOLT 0VOLT 0

The device now determines the offset for the voltage measurement.

First

First, program maximum input voltage:

FirstFirst

VOLT MAX

VOLT MAXVOLT MAX

Th

Then

en remove short circuit from input terminals and connect exact nominal voltage.

ThTh

enen

Device Type

Device Type UUUU

Device TypeDevice Type

nom

nomnom

PL 306 60V PL 312 120V PL 324 240V PL 340 400V PL 606 60V PL 612 120V PL 624 240V PL 640 400V PL 906 60V PL 912 120V PL 924 240V PL 940 400V

The device now determines the correcting factor for the voltage measurement.

Finish voltage calibration procedure:

CAL:VSTAT OFF

CAL:VSTAT OFFCAL:VSTAT OFF Save correcting factors in EEPROM: SET:SAVE

SET:SAVE

SET:SAVESET:SAVE

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8.4

8.4 Calibration Verifica

Calibration Verification

8.48.4

Calibration VerificaCalibration Verifica

Switch device off, wait a few seconds, switch device on again.

Input on: INP ON

Program several current settings, measure current external and verify the setting:

verify corresponding measurement data: MMMMEAS:CURR? MEAS:VOLT?

Change to R-mode: MODE:RES Program several resistance settings and verify current and voltage: RES <xxx>

MEAS:VOLT?

tion

tiontion

INP ON

INP ONINP ON

CURR <xxx>

CURR <xxx> (<xxx> is numeric value)

CURR <xxx>CURR <xxx>

EAS:CURR?

EAS:CURR?EAS:CURR?

MEAS:VOLT?

MEAS:VOLT?MEAS:VOLT?

MODE:RES

MODE:RESMODE:RES

RES <xxx> (<xxx> is numeric value)

RES <xxx>RES <xxx>

MEAS:CURR?

MEAS:CURR?MEAS:CURR?

MEAS:VOLT?

MEAS:VOLT?MEAS:VOLT?

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9999 The Software Tools of Series PL

The Software Tools of Series PL

The Software Tools of Series PLThe Software Tools of Series PL

This manual includes a CD ROM on which several programs for remote control of electronic H&H loads are stored.

Please read the readme file.

The software documentation is found in the corresponding directory DOCUMENTATION.

The most actual software versions are available for download in our internet sites

http://www.hoecherl-hackl.com

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Höcherl & Hackl GmbH Electronic Loads Series PL Programming Manual

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Your distributor:

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Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual