Keysight N8738A User Guide

User’s Guide

Keysight Series N8700
System DC Power
Supply

Legal Notices

© Keysight Technologies 2009 - 2021

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The material contained in this
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subject to being changed, without
notice, in future editions. Further, to
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agreement with warranty terms
covering the material in this document
that conflict with these terms, the
warranty terms in the separate
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Manual Editions

Manual Part Number: N8700-90001
Edition 7, December 2021

Reprints of this manual containing
minor corrections and updates may
have the same printing date. Revised
editions are identified by a new
printing date.

Declaration of Conformity

Declarations of Conformity for this
product and for other Keysight
products may be downloaded from the
Web. Go to

http://www.keysight.com/go/conformi
ty and click on “Declarations of

Conformity.” You can then search by
product number to find the latest
Declaration of Conformity.

Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Directive 2002/96/EC

This product complies with the WEEE
Directive 2002/96/EC) marketing
requirement. The affixed product label
(see below) indicates that you must not
discard this electrical/electronic
product in domestic household waste.

Product Category: With reference to
the equipment types in the WEEE
directive Annex 1, this product is
classified as “Monitoring and Control
instrumentation” product.

Do not dispose in domestic household
waste.
To return unwanted products, contact
our local Keysight office, or see

http://about.keysight.com/en/compan
yinfo/environment/takeback.shtml for

more information.

Certification

Keysight Technologies certifies that
this product met its published
specifications at time of shipment from
the factory. Keysight Technologies
further certifies that its calibration
measurements are traceable to the
United States National Institute of
Standards and Technology, to the
extent allowed by the Institute's
calibration facility, and to the
calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization
members.

Exclusive Remedies

THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN
ARE THE CUSTOMER'S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. KEYSIGHT
TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT,
TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL
THEORY.

Assistance

This product comes with the standard
product warranty. Warranty options,
extended support contacts, product
maintenance agreements and
customer assistance agreements are
also available. Contact your nearest
Keysight Technologies Sales and
Service office for further information on
Keysight Technologies' full line of
Support Programs.

Technologies Licenses

The hardware and or software
described in this document are
furnished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of such license.

Restricted Rights Legend

Software and technical data rights
granted to the federal government
include only those rights customarily
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Keysight provides this customary
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technical data pursuant to FAR 12.211
(Technical Data) and 12.212
(Computer Software) and, for the
Department of Defense, DFARS

252.227-7015 (Technical Data –
Commercial Items) and DFARS

227.7202-3 (Rights in Commercial
Computer Software or Computer
Software Documentation).

Trademarks

Microsoft and Windows are U.S.
registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 3

Safety Notices

Both direct and alternating
current

current

Neutral conductor on
permanently installed
equipment

is off

push switch

shock

documents

CAUTION

WARNING

The following general safety
precautions must be observed during
all phases of operation of this
instrument. Failure to comply with
these precautions or with specific
warnings or instructions elsewhere in
this manual violates safety standards
of design, manufacture, and intended
use of the instrument. Keysight
Technologies assumes no liability for
the customer's failure to comply with
these requirements.

General

Do not use this product in any manner
not specified by the manufacturer. The
protective features of this product may
be impaired if it is used in a manner
not specified in the operation
instructions.

Before Applying Power

Verify that all safety precautions are
taken. Make all connections to the unit
before applying power. Note the
instrument's external markings
described under "Safety Symbols"

Ground the Instrument

This product is a Safety Class I
instrument (provided with a protective
earth terminal). To minimize shock
hazard, the instrument chassis and
cover must be connected to an
electrical ground. The instrument
must be connected to the ac power
mains through a grounded power
cable, with the ground wire firmly
connected to an electrical ground
(safety ground) at the power outlet.
Any interruption of the protective
(grounding) conductor or
disconnection of the protective earth
terminal will cause a potential shock
hazard that could result in personal
injury.

Fuses

The instrument contains an internal
fuse, which is not customer accessible.

Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere

Do not operate the instrument in the
presence of flammable gases or fumes.

Do Not Remove the Instrument
Cover

Only qualified, service-trained
personnel who are aware of the
hazards involved should remove
instrument covers. Always disconnect
the power cable and any external
circuits before removing the
instrument cover.

Do Not Modify the Instrument

Do not install substitute parts or
perform any unauthorized modification
to the product. Return the product to a
Keysight Sales and Service Office for
service and repair to ensure that safety
features are maintained.

In Case of Damage

Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made inoperative
and secured against unintended
operation until they can be repaired by
qualified service personnel

A CAUTION notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in damage to the product or
loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a
until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the

CAUTION notice

indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

Safety Symbols

Direct current

Alternating current

Three phase alternating

Earth (ground) terminal

Protective earth ground
terminal.

Frame or chassis
terminal

Terminal is at earth
potential.

Line conductor on
permanently installed
equipment.

On supply

Off supply

Standby supply. Unit is not
completely disconnected
from ac mains when switch

In position of a bi-stable

Out position of a bi-stable
push switch

Caution, risk of electric

Caution, hot surface

Caution, refer to
accompanying

Do not dispose in domestic
household waste.

4 Series N8700 User’s Guide

In this Book

NOTE

Technologies at one of the following telephone

This User’s Manual contains the operating instructions, installation
instructions, and specifications of the Keysight Technologies Series
N8700 3.3kW and 5kW System DC Power Supplies. Specific chapters in
this manual contain the following information:

 Quick Reference – Chapter 1 is a quick reference section that helps

you quickly become familiar with your Keysight N8700 power supply.

 Installation – Chapter 2 describes how to install your power supply.

It describes how to connect various loads to the output. It discusses
remote sensing as well as parallel and series operation.

 Operating the Power Supply Locally – Chapter 3 describes how to

operate the power supply from the front panel and from the analog
connector on the rear panel. It also includes a turn-on check-out
procedure to verify the unit is operating properly.

 Operating the Power Supply Remotely – Chapter 4 describes how to

configure the remote interfaces. It also gives a brief overview of the
SCPI command structure and basic programming concepts.

 Language Reference – Chapter 5 describes all of the SCPI

programming commands.

 Programming Examples – Chapter 6 provides Visual BASIC example

programs that illustrate some common applications.

 Specifications – Appendix A describes specifications and

supplemental characteristics.

 Verification and Calibration Procedures – Appendix B explains the

verification and calibration procedures.

 Service – Appendix C describes what to do if your unit requires

service.

 Compatibility – Appendix D documents the compatibility commands

of the Keysight 603xA power supplies that are supported by the
Keysight N8700 power supplies.

You can contact Keysight
numbers for warranty, service, or technical support information.
In the United States: [phone]
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or use our Web link for information on contacting Keysight in your
country or specific location:
Or contact your Keysight Technologies Representative.

The web contains the most up to date version of the manual. Go to

http://www.keysight.com/find/N8700 to get the latest version of the

manual.

www.keysight.com/find/assist

Series N8700 User’s Guide 5

Contents

1 Quick Reference ............................................................................................................ 9

2 Installation ................................................................................................................... 17

The Keysight N8700 DC Power Supplies – At a Glance ............... 10

The Front Panel - At a Glance ....................................................... 12

The Rear Panel – At a Glance ........................................................ 14

General Information ....................................................................... 18

Inspecting the Unit ......................................................................... 18

Installing the Unit ........................................................................... 19

Connecting the Line Cord .............................................................. 21

Connecting the Load ...................................................................... 25

Output Voltage Sensing ................................................................. 29

Load Considerations ....................................................................... 30

Parallel Connections ...................................................................... 33

Series Connections ......................................................................... 35

J1 Connector Connections ............................................................ 37

3 Operating the Power Supply Locally ........................................................................... 39

Turn-On Check-Out ....................................................................... 40

Normal Operation ........................................................................... 42

Protection Functions ...................................................................... 43

Output On/Off Controls .................................................................. 46

Analog Programming of Output Voltage and Current .................. 49

4 Operating the Power Supply Remotely ....................................................................... 53

Connecting to the Interfaces ......................................................... 54

SCPI Commands – an Introduction ............................................... 63

5 Language Reference ................................................................................................... 69

SCPI Command Summary ............................................................. 70

Calibration Commands................................................................... 72

Measure Commands ...................................................................... 73

Output Commands ......................................................................... 74

Source Commands ......................................................................... 75

Status Commands .......................................................................... 77

System Commands ........................................................................ 83

Trigger Commands ......................................................................... 85

6 Series N8700 User’s Guide

6 Programming Examples .............................................................................................. 87

Output Programming Example ...................................................... 88

Trigger Programming Example ...................................................... 90

A Specifications .............................................................................................................. 93

Performance Specifications ........................................................... 94

Supplemental Characteristics ........................................................ 95

Outline Diagram ............................................................................. 98

B Verification and Calibration ........................................................................................ 99

Verification ...................................................................................... 99

Calibration .................................................................................... 128

C Service ...................................................................................................................... 131

Types of Service Available ............................................................ 132

Repackaging for Shipment .......................................................... 132

Operating Checklist ...................................................................... 132

Error Messages ............................................................................. 134

Recycling Plastic Components .................................................... 138

D Compatibility ............................................................................................................. 139

Differences – In General ............................................................... 140

Compatibility Command Summary .............................................. 141

Index ................................................................................................................................ 143

Series N8700 User’s Guide 7

1
Quick Reference

The Keysight N8700 DC Power Supplies – At a Glance ............... 10

The Front Panel - At a Glance ....................................................... 12

The Rear Panel – At a Glance ........................................................ 14

This chapter concisely describes the Keysight Technologies Series
N8700 Power Supplies.

This chapter is not meant to describe every operating feature in detail. It
is simply a quick reference guide to quickly become familiar with the
essential components of the power supply. It can also be used as a
memory jogger for experienced users to quickly find a front/rear panel
function.

A quick reference programming command chart is included in the
beginning of chapter 5.

1 Quick Reference

The Keysight N8700 DC Power Supplies – At a Glance

The Keysight Technologies Series N8700 System DC Power Supplies are
general-purpose, 2U (two rack units) high, switching power supplies that
are available with a wide variety of output voltage and current ratings.
There are both 3.3 kW and 5 kW models.

These power supplies are power-factor corrected and have flexible AC
input voltage options. Output voltage and current are continuously
displayed and LED indicators show the complete operating status of the
power supply.

The front panel controls allow the user to set the output parameters,
over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current protection levels, and
preview the settings.

The rear panel includes the necessary connectors to control and monitor
the power supply operation by analog signals or by the built-in remote
communication interfaces.

Output Features

System Features

 Constant voltage/constant current with automatic crossover.
 High-resolution voltage and current front panel controls.
 Accurate voltage and current readback.
 Independent edge-triggered external shut-off, and level-

triggered external enable/disable.

 Parallel operation with active current sharing.
 Remote sensing to compensate for voltage drop in load leads.
 Analog output programming and monitoring.

 Built-in GBIB/LAN/USB interface.
 A built-in Web server that lets you control the instrument

directly from an internet browser on your computer.

 Zero-gap stacking - no ventilation holes at the top and bottom

surface of the power supply.

 Active power factor correction.
 Fan speed control for low noise and extended fan life.

10 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Programmable Functions

3.3 kW Models

Note 1, 2

5 kW Models

Note 1, 2

Model

Voltage
Range

Current
Range

Model

Voltage
Range

Current
Range

 Output voltage and current setting.
 Output voltage and current measurement.
 Output voltage and current trigger setting.
 Output On/Off control.
 Over-current protection setting.
 Over-voltage protection setting and readback.
 Under-voltage limit setting and readback.
 Start-up mode (either last setting or reset mode)
 Status register setting and readback.
 Bus trigger
 Calibration

Model Ratings

Quick Reference 1

N8731A 0 – 8V 0 – 400A N8754A 0 – 20V 0 – 250A
N8732A 0 – 10V 0 – 330A N8755A 0 – 30V 0 – 170A
N8733A 0 – 15V 0 – 220A N8756A 0 – 40V 0 – 125A
N8734A 0 – 20V 0 – 165A N8757A 0 – 60V 0 – 85A
N8735A 0 – 30V 0 – 110A N8758A 0 – 80V 0 – 65A
N8736A 0 – 40V 0 – 85A N8759A 0 – 100V 0 – 50A
N8737A
N8738A
N8739A
N8740A
N8741A
N8742A

0 – 60V
0 – 80V

0 – 55A

0 – 42A
0 – 100V 0 – 33A
0 – 150V 0 – 22A
0 – 300V 0 – 11A
0 – 600V 0 – 5.5A

N8760A
N8761A
N8762A

0 – 150V 0 – 34A
0 – 300V 0 – 17A
0 – 600V 0 – 8.5A

Note 1: Minimum output voltage is ≤ 0.2% of the rated output voltage.
Note 2: Minimum output current is ≤ 0.4% of the rated output current.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 11

1 Quick Reference

1 – VOLTAGE knob

2 – VOLTAGE indicator

3 – DC VOLTS display

-

-

-

-

4 – DC AMPS display

-

-

5 – CURRENT indicator

6 – CURRENT knob

7 – OUT ON indicator

8 – OUT ON button

and AU7. Releasing

1

CV CC

VOLTAGE DC VOLTS DC AMPS CURRENT

PROT FINE LIMIT

/

UVL OCP

/

488

LAN OUT ON

OVP

2

3 4

5

6

7891011

1213

141516171819

The Front Panel - At a Glance

12 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Voltage function: Adjusts the output voltage, the over-voltage protection level, and
the under-voltage limit. If over-voltage protection or under-voltage limits have
been set, you cannot program the output voltage outside those limits. Press the
FINE button to set fine adjustment resolution.

GPIB address: Selects the GPIB address when OCP/488 is pressed and held.
Units purchased with Option NGP do not have a GPIB interface.

Indicates the unit is in constant voltage mode – with output voltage held constant.

Normally displays the voltage measured at the sense terminals.

Indicates the programmed voltage setting when the LIMIT button is pressed.
Indicates either the OVP or UVL setting when the OVP/UVL button is pressed.
Indicates the GPIB address when the OCP/488 button is pressed and held.
Indicates the IP and Ethernet address when e LAN button is pressed and held.

Normally displays the current measured at the output terminals.

Indicates the programmed current setting when the LIMIT button is pressed.
Indicates the IP and Ethernet address when the LAN button is pressed and held.

Indicates the unit is in constant current mode – with output current held constant.

Adjusts the output current. Press the FINE button to set fine adjustment resolution.

Indicates the output is enabled or on.

Output function: Press the OUT ON button to turn the output on or off. Press the
OUT ON button to reset the unit and return the output to on after an OVP or OCP
event.

Start-Up function: Press and hold the OUT ON button to toggle between the Safe­Start and Auto-Restart modes. The display cycles between SAF
the OUT ON button while one of the modes is displayed selects that mode.

Quick Reference 1

9 – LAN indicator

10 – LAN button

, followed by the six segments

11 – OCP indicator

12 – OCP/488 button

13 – OVP/UVL button

voltage protection level

14 – LIMIT button

front panel

15 – LIMIT indicator

16 – FINE button

-

-

17 – FINE indicator

18 – PROT indicator

19 – POWER switch

Indicates the LAN has been configured and is operating normally. Set another unit on
the N8700 unit’s Web home page and the LAN indicator blinks to identify that unit.

View address: Press the LAN button to view the IP and Ethernet address. The display

first scrolls through the four segments of the IP address
of the Ethernet (EA) address. Press any key to turn the address display off.

Reset address: Press and hold the LAN button for three seconds. Pressing the LAN
button again while the message “LAn rES” is displayed resets the LAN configuration
to the factory-shipped settings (see chapter 4 for settings). The display returns to
normal and the configuration is not changed if the LAN button is not pressed again.

Indicates over-current protection is enabled or on.

Enable OCP: Press the OCP/488 button to turn over-current protection on. Press the

OCP/488 button again to turn over-current protection off.

Reset OCP: Press the OUT ON button to enable the output and re-arm over-current
protection following an over-current protection event.

GPIB address: Press and hold the OCP/488 button for three seconds to set the GPIB
address with the Voltage knob.
Units purchased with Option NGP do not have a GPIB interface.

OVP function: Press the OVP/UVL button once to set the over­with the Voltage knob (the display shows OUP). You cannot set the over-voltage
protection lower than about 5% above the present output voltage setting.

UVL function: Press the OVP/UVL button twice to set the under-voltage program­ming limit with the Voltage knob (the display shows UUL). You cannot set the under­voltage protection higher than about 5% below the present output voltage setting.

Limit function: Press the LIMIT button to display the output voltage and current limit.
Settings are shown on the display for five seconds then the display returns to show
the actual output voltage and current.

Lock function: Press and hold the LIMIT button to toggle between ‘Locked’
(LFP) and ‘Unlocked’ front panel (UFP). The display will cycle between LFP and UFP.
Releasing the LIMIT button while one of the modes is displayed selects that mode.
the display indicates rLFP, the front panel has been locked by a remote programming
command.

Indicates the LIMIT button is pressed.

Sets Fine or Coarse adjustment control for the Voltage and Current knobs.
Press the FINE button to set Fine mode; press again to return to Coarse mode.

Fine mode: Knobs operate with high resolution.
Coarse mode: Knobs operate with lower resolution (approximately six turns).

Indicates the unit is in the high resolution ‘Fine’ adjustment mode.

If

Series N8700 User’s Guide 13

Blinks when a fault has occurred.
OVP, OCP, OTP, Enable fail, and AC fail detection will cause the PROT (protection)
indicator to blink.
few seconds after the unit is turned off because of residual

The PROT indicator may blink and the display will indicate AC for a

energy inside the unit.

Turns the power supply on or off.

1 Quick Reference

1 – AC input connector
2 – DC output connector

3 – Analog
programming
connector

4 – SW1 setup switch
5 – Remote Sense
connector

6 – GPIB connector

7 – LAN connector

8 – USB connector

9 – Ground screw & nut

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD The AC power cable provides a chassis ground through
the ground conductor. Be certain that your power source is three­conductor for single-phase models or four-conductor for 3-phase
models with the ground conductor (green/yellow) connected to earth
ground.

1

6 7 8

5 4

3

9

2

8V – 100V

(bus bar)

150V – 600V

(wire clamp)

3-phase VAC

(four-conductor)

2-phase VAC

(three-conductor)

The Rear Panel – At a Glance

Header with mating plug-in connector for both the 3.3 kW and 5 kW output
models.
A 3-conductor plug is provided for single-phase VAC.
A 4-conductor plug is provided for 3-phase VAC.

Wire clamp connector is used for 150V, 300V and 600V models.
Bus bars are used for 8V to 100V models.

Connector for the analog interface. Includes output voltage and current limit
programming and monitoring signals, Shut-Off control (electrical signal),
Enable/Disable control (dry-contact), power supply ok (Power Supply OK)
signal and operation mode (CV/CC) signal. (See next page for details)

Nine-position switch for selecting remote programming and monitoring modes

for Output Voltage, Current Limit and other control functions. (See next page
for details)

Connector for making remote sensing connections for regulating the load
voltage and compensating for wiring voltage drop. (See next page for details)

Connector for connecting to a GPIB interface. See chapter 4 for setup.
Units purchased with Option NGP do not have a GPIB interface.

Connector for connecting to a LAN interface. LINK LED indicates link integrity.

TX LED indicates LAN activity. See chapter 4 for LAN setup.

Connector for connecting to a USB interface. See chapter 4 for setup.

M4x8 screws with nut for making chassis ground connections

14 Series N8700 User’s Guide

J2 Sense Connector

1 – Remote sense (+)
2 – Local sense (+)
3 – Not used
4 – Local sense (–)
5 – Remote sense (–)

1 – Output voltage, voltage
programming

2 – Output current, voltage
programming

3 – Programming range
(voltage/resistance)

4 – Voltage and Current
monitoring range

5 – Shut-Off Logic Select

6 – Not Used

7 – Output voltage, resistive
programming

8 – Output current, resistive
programming

9 – Enable/Disable control

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Quick Reference 1

The factory-shipped configuration is shown in the figure.

SW1 Setup Switch

The factory-shipped setting is Down for all switches.

Down: The output voltage is programmed by the front panel.
Up: The output voltage is programmed by the external voltage signal.

Down: The output current is programmed by the front panel.
Up: The output current is programmed by the external voltage signal.

Down: The remote programming range is: 0 – 5V / 0 – 5KΩ.
Up: The remote programming range is: 0 – 10V / 0 – 10KΩ.

Down: The remote monitoring range is: 0 – 5V.
Up: The remote monitoring range is: 0 – 10V.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 15

Down: OUT OFF = Low (0 – 0.6V) or short; OUT ON = High (2V – 15V) or open.
Up: OUT OFF = High (2V – 15V) or open; OUT ON = Low (0 – 0.6V) or short.

Down: The output voltage is programmed by the front panel.
Up: The output voltage is programmed by the external resistor.

Down: The output current is programmed by the front panel.
Up: The output current is programmed by the external resistor.

Down: The J1 Enable+/Enable– pins are not active.
Up: The J1 Enable+/Enable– pins are active.

1 Quick Reference

Pin 1:

Enable IN

Pin 2, 3:

Chassis Common

Pin 4–7:

Not Used

Pin 8:

Local/Analog

Pin 9:

Voltage Program

Pin 10:

Current Program

Pin 11:

Voltage Monitor

Pin 12:

Common

Pin 13:

CV/CC

Pin 14:

Enable OUT

Pin 15:

Shut Off

Pin 16:

Power Supply OK

Pin 17–20:

Not Used

Pin 21:

Local/Analog
State

Pin 22:

Voltage Prog.
Return

Pin 23:

Current Prog.
Return

Pin 24:

Current Monitor

Pin 25:

Parallel

141516

1718

19

2021

22

23

24

25

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1011

12

13

9

Current Monitor

Current Prog.

Return

Voltage Prog.

Return

Local

/ Analog State

Chassis Common

Enable IN

Voltage Monitor

Common (-

S

)

CV

/

CC

Current Program
Voltage Program
Local / Analog

Parallel

Enable OUT
Shut Off
Power Supply OK

Chassis Common

J1 Analog Programming Connector

The factory-shipped default configuration is Local operation, which does
not require connection to J1.

Connect Pin 1 to Pin 14 to enable the output. Disconnect to disable the
output.

No connection

Signal return for Pin 15 and Pin 16. Connected to chassis.

Input for selecting between front panel or analog programming of output.

Input for voltage or resistance programming of the output voltage.

Input for voltage or resistance programming of the output current.

Output for monitoring the output voltage.

Signal return for Pin 8, Pin11, Pin 13, and Pin 24. Referenced to –S.

Output for constant voltage/constant current mode indication.

Connect Pin 14 to Pin 1 to enable output. Disconnect to disable output.

Input for Shut-Off control of the output. Referenced to Chassis Common.

No connection

Output to indicate power supply status. Referenced to Chassis Common.

Output for indication of local or analog programming mode.

Signal return for Pin 9. Connected internally to pin 12.

Signal return for Pin 10. Referenced to pin 12.

Output for monitoring the output current.

Output for current balancing in parallel operation. Connected internally to
pin 24.

16 Series N8700 User’s Guide

2
Installation

General Information ....................................................................... 18

Inspecting the Unit ......................................................................... 18

Installing the Unit ........................................................................... 19

Connecting the Line Cord .............................................................. 21

Connecting the Load ...................................................................... 25

Output Voltage Sensing ................................................................. 29

Load Considerations ....................................................................... 30

Parallel Connections ...................................................................... 33

Series Connections ......................................................................... 35

J1 Connector Connections ............................................................ 37

This chapter describes how to install your power supply. It discusses
installation, rack mounting, and line cord connections.

This chapter also discusses how to connect your load to the output
terminals. It discusses what you need to know about wire sizes and how
to compensate for voltage drops in the load leads. It also discusses
various loads configurations and how to connect units in series and
parallel.

Before getting started, check the list under “Items Supplied” and verify
that you have received these items with your instrument. If anything is
missing, please contact your nearest Keysight Sales and Service Office.

2 Installation

3.3 kW Models

5 kW Models

Item Description

Item Description

General Information

Models

Items Supplied

N8731A – N8739A N8754A – N8759A
N8740A – N8742A N8760A – N8762A

Accessories

Inspecting the Unit

Power Cord

Strain relief assembly A strain relief assembly for unterminated power cords.
AC input cover

Analog connector A DB25 subminiature connector plug for analog

Shield assembly A safety shield appropriate for the output terminal

Hardware Nuts, washers, and bolts for connecting load leads to

Certificate of
Calibration

N5740A Rack-mount slide kit for installing in system II cabinets

A power cord appropriate for your location.
Units are supplied with unterminated power cords.

A cover for the AC input on which the strain relief
assembly is mounted.

control connections.

connections (either wire clamp or bus bar).

output bus bars (only used for 8V to 100V units).
A certificate of calibration referenced to the serial

number.

When you receive your power supply, inspect it for any obvious damage
that may have occurred during shipment. If there is damage, notify the
shipping carrier and nearest Keysight Sales and Service Office
immediately. Refer to Appendix C for more information.

Until you have checked out the power supply, save the shipping carton
and packing materials in case the unit has to be returned.

18 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Installing the Unit

WARNING

Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gasses or
fumes.

NOTE

WARNING

CONNECTION TO AC SOURCE The power supply must be connected to
the AC mains through a protective device such as a circuit breaker or
fuse with a rating as described under “Connecting the Line Cord”. The
line cord cannot be used as a disconnect device for the power supply.

Safety Considerations

Environment

Installation 2

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

Refer to all WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and NOTES in the “Connecting the
Line Cord” section prior to connecting the unit to an AC source.

The environmental conditions, dimensions of the instrument, as well as
an outline diagram are given in Appendix A. The instrument should only
be operated indoors in a controlled environment. Do not operate the
power supply in an area where the ambient temperature exceeds +40°C.

Keysight N8700 power supplies generate magnetic fields, which may
affect the operation of other instruments. If your equipment is
susceptible to magnetic fields, do not position it adjacent to the power
supply.

Airflow

Fans cool the power supply by drawing air through the front and
exhausting it out the back. The instrument must be installed in a location
that allows sufficient space of at least 10 cm (4 in) at the front and back
of the unit for adequate air circulation.

Bench Installation

Attach the four plastic feet that are supplied with the unit when the
instrument is mounted on a surface or when units are stacked without
rack support. When using the plastic feet, a maximum of three units can
be stacked. You must allow for free airflow into the front of the unit and
out of the back of the unit. (see “Airflow”).

Series N8700 User’s Guide 19

2 Installation

CAUTION

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD To prevent electric shock, unplug the unit before
cleaning.

Rack Installation

Ensure that the screws used to attach the rack slide kit do not penetrate
more than 6 mm into the sides of the unit.

Do not block the air intake at the front, or the exhaust at the rear of the
unit.

The Keysight N8700 power supplies can be mounted in a standard 19­inch rack panel or cabinet. They are designed to fit in two rack units (2U)
of space. To install the power supply in a rack:

1. Use the front panel rack-mount brackets to install the power supply in
the rack.

2. Use a support bracket to provide adequate support for the rear of the
power supply.

3. Rack mount slides can be attached to the unit when installing the unit
in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. Use the Keysight N5740A Rack­Mount Slide Kit and refer to the following figure for assembly
instructions. Use two #10-32 x 3/8 in (max.) screws on each side. To
prevent internal damage, use the specified screw length only.

Cleaning

Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the
external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.

20 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Connecting the Line Cord

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD The power cable provides a chassis ground through
the ground conductor. Be certain that the power cable has the ground
conductor connected to earth ground at the source and instrument AC
input connector.

FIRE HAZARD Use only the power cable that was supplied with your
instrument. Using other types of power cables may cause overheating of
the power cable and result in fire.

WARNING

CONNECTION TO AC SOURCE The power supply must be connected to
the AC mains through a protective device with ratings as follows:
For 3.3 kW models:
At 200 VAC – use a 20 A circuit breaker for 3-phase models,
and a 30 A circuit breaker for single-phase models
At 400 VAC – use a 20A circuit breaker
For 5 kW models:
At 200 VAC – use a 30 A circuit breaker
At 400 VAC – use a 20 A circuit breaker

CAUTION

Connection of either a 3.3 kW or 5 kW power supply to an AC power

Cable Option/Part no.

Description

Rating

Wire Size

Length

Approvals

Installation 2

source must be made by a qualified electrician in accordance with local
electrical codes.

The POWER on/off switch is not the main disconnect device and does
not completely disconnect all circuits from the AC mains. A disconnect
device, either a switch or circuit breaker for permanent or multi-phase
configurations must be provided in the final installation.

The disconnect device must comply with UL/CSA/EN 61010-1
requirements. It shall be in close proximity to the equipment, shall be
easily accessible, and shall be marked as the disconnect device for this
equipment. The disconnect device must be consistent with the ratings
shown in the Warning above.

An Emergency Off (EMO) switch should be considered for bench and for
rack use. It should be positioned for accessibility during normal use.

One of the following unterminated power cables is provided with each
unit. If required, connect an appropriate locking-type power plug to the
end of the power cable.

OPT 831, p/n 8121-1949 3.3kW single-phase 300V, 25 A, 60°C 3 x 10 AWG

OPT 832, p/n 8121-1331 3.3kW single-phase

OPT 861, p/n 8121-1946 3.3kW/5kW 3-phase

(190-240 VAC nominal)

OPT 862, p/n 8121-1948 3.3kW/5kW 3-phase

(380-415 VAC nominal)

Series N8700 User’s Guide 21

250V, 32 A, 60 °C 3 x 4 mm
300V, 25 A, 90 °C 4 x 10 AWG

450V, 20 A, 70 °C 4 x 2.5 mm

Note 1: 2-wire plus one green/yellow safety ground conductor
Not

e 2: 3-wire plus one green/yellow safety ground conductor
e 3: 10 AWG corresponds to 4mm

Not

2

Note1,3

2.5 m UL/CSA

2 Note1

2.5 m Harmonized

Note2,3

2.5 m UL/CSA

2 Note2

2.5 m Harmonized

2 Installation

WARNING

CONNECTION TO AC MAINS Applying incorrect AC mains voltage or
incorrectly wiring to the AC mains will damage the power supply and
void the warranty.

Option 230 units
wired for nominal AC
input
190 – 240 VAC

L

1

L

2

L

3

phase

phasephase

Earth

(

safety ground

)

208 V

Single-phase power supply
attached to 208 V, phase­to-phase distribution.

L1

L2

L3

phase

phasephase

Earth

(safety ground)

Single-phase power supply
attached to 230 V, phase­to-neutral distribution.

230 V

Disconnect

device

Disconnect

device

Option 208 units
wired for nominal AC
input
190 – 240 VAC

Option 400 units
wired for nominal AC
input
380 – 415 VAC

L1

L2

L3

phase

phasephase

Earth

(safety ground)

208 V

3-phase power supply
attached to 208 V, phase­to-phase distribution.

L1

L2

L3

phase

phasephase

Earth

(safety ground)

400 V

3-phase power supply
attached to 400 V, phase­to-phase distribution.

Disconnect

device

Disconnect

device

Single-phase mains connections for 3.3 kW units

3-phase mains connections for 3.3 kW and 5 kW units

22 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Input Connections for 3.3 kW and 5 kW units

Unit

Nominal AC
Input

Input Current @

100% load

Frequency

NOTE

3-phase cable (shown)

The AC input connector is located on the rear panel. It is a 3-terminal
wire clamp for 3.3 kW single-phase units, or a 4-terminal wire clamp for

3.3 kW and 5 kW 3-phase units. Input voltage and current ratings are as
follows:

Installation 2

3.3 kW single-phase 190 – 240 VAC 23 – 24 A max. 50/60 Hz

3.3 kW 3-phase

5 kW 3- phase 190 – 240 VAC 21 – 22 A max. 50/60 Hz

190 – 240 VAC
380 – 415 VAC

380 – 415 VAC 10.5 – 12 A max. 50/60 Hz

13.6 – 14.5 A max. 50/60 Hz

6.8 – 7.2 A max.

The AC input line voltage rating is permanently built into the unit and
cannot subsequently be changed.

Connect the cable to the AC input connector as follows:
1 Strip the outside insulation of the AC cable approximately 10 cm (4

in). Trim the wires so that the green/yellow ground wire is 10 mm
(0.4 in) longer than the other wires. Strip 10 mm (0.4 in) at the end
of each of the wires.

2 Unscrew the base of the strain relief from the wire compression nut.

Place the locknut inside the AC input cover with the flat side of the
nut against the cover. Insert the base through the outside opening of
the AC input cover. Screw the base securely onto the locknut from
the outside. Tighteming torque: 17 in-lb (23 Nm).

3 Slide the wire compression nut over the AC cable. Insert the stripped

wires through the strain relief base until the outer cable jacket is
flush with the inside edge of the base. Place a wrench on the base to
keep it from turning. Now tighten the compression nut to the base
while holding the cable in place. Tightening torque: 14 – 16.2 in-lb
(19 – 22 Nm). Refer to the following figure.

50/60 Hz

Series N8700 User’s Guide 23

has four conductors.

Single-phase cable has
three conductors.

2 Installation

Plug Type:

Wire Size:

Stripping
Length:

Torque:

4 Route the AC wires to the input connector terminals as required. To

connect the wires, loosen the terminal screw, insert the stripped
wire into the terminal, and tighten the screws securely as indicated
in the following figures. Ensure that you have the green/yellow
ground conductor connected to the ground terminal on the
connector. Plug the connector onto the rear panel header and
secure it with the side screws. Screw tightening torque: 10.7 – 13.4
in-lb (1.2 – 1.5 Nm).

or

PC 6/4-STF-10,16 or PC 6/3-STF-10,16 Phoenix

AWG 18 to AWG 8
12 mm (0.5 in.)

10.7 – 13.4 in-lb (1.2 – 1.5 Nm)

5 Route the wires inside the cover to prevent pinching while sliding

the cover towards the rear panel for attachment. Fasten the cover to
the unit using the M3 x 8mm flat head screws provided. Screw
tightening torque: 4.8 in-lb (0.54 Nm). Refer to the following figure.

24 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Connecting the Load

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD Turn off AC power before making rear panel
connections. Wires and straps must be properly connected and screws
securely tightened.

WARNING

FIRE HAZARD To satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be large
enough not to overheat when carrying the maximum short-circuit current
of the power supply. If there is more than one load, then any pair of load
wires must be capable of safely carrying the full-rated current of the
supply.

Paralleled load wires may be required for larger-ampacity power supplies.

AWG

equivalent area

in mm2

nearest Metric

wire size

Ampacity

Note 1

Resistance

(Ω/1000 feet) Note 2

18

0.823

1.0 mm2

14

6.385

16

1.31

1.5 mm2

18

4.016

14

2.08

2.5 mm2

25

2.526

12

3.31

4 mm2

30

1.589

10

5.26

6 mm2

40

0.9994

8

8.37

10 mm2

60

0.6285

6

13.30

16 mm2

80

0.3953

4

21.15

25 mm2

105

0.2486

2

33.62

35 mm2

140

0.1564

1/0

53.48

70 mm2

195

0.0983

2/0

67.43

70 mm2

225

0.0779

3/0

84.95

95 mm2

260

0.0618

Note 1.

Ampacity is based on 30 °C a mbient temperature with the conductor rated at

Temp (°C)

Constant

Temp (°C)

Constant 21-25

1.08

31-35

0.91

26-30

1.00

36-40

0.82

Note 2.

Resistance is nominal at 20 °C wire temperature.

Wire Size

Installation 2

The following factors should be considered when selecting wiring to
connect the load to the power supply:

 Current carrying capacity of the wire
 Insulation rating of the wire should be at least equivalent to the

maximum output voltage of the power supply

 Load wire voltage drop
 Noise and impedance effects of the load wiring

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

60 °C. For ambient temeratures other than 30 °C, multiply the above
ampacities by the following constants:

Series N8700 User’s Guide 25

2 Installation

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD Hazardous voltages may exist at the outputs and the
load connections when using a power supply with a rated output greater
than 60V.

To protect personnel against accidental contact with hazardous
voltages, ensure that the load and its connections have no accessible
live parts. Ensure that the load wiring insulation rating is greater than or
equal to the maximum output voltage of the power supply.

CAUTION

Flat
washers

M10 x 25
bolt

Wire Lug

Hex nut

Spring
washer

Paralleled

wire lugs

Along with conductor temperature, you must also consider voltage drop
when selecting wire sizes. Although the power supply will compensate
for up to 5 volts in each load wire, it is recommended to minimize the
voltage drop to less than 1 volt to prevent excessive output power
consumption from the power supply and poor dynamic response to load
changes.

Load Connections for 8V to 100V Models

Ensure that the load wiring mounting hardware does not short the
output terminals. Heavy connecting cables must have some form of
strain relief to prevent loosening the connections or bending the bus­bars.

1 As shown in the following figure all load wires should be properly

terminated with wire terminal lugs securely attached. DO NOT use
unterminated wires for load connections at the power supply. Attach
the wire terminals to the inside of the bus-bars to ensure enough
space for installing the shield.

26 Series N8700 User’s Guide

2 Install the shield after you have finished connecting the load wires.

Route the load wires through the openings in the back of the shield.

Installation 2

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD Hazardous voltages may exist at the outputs and the
load connections when using a power supply with a rated output greater
than 60V.

To protect personnel against accidental contact with hazardous
voltages, ensure that the load and its connections have no accessible
live parts. Ensure that the load wiring insulation rating is greater than or
equal to the maximum output voltage of the power supply.

Wire Size:

AWG 18 to AWG 10

Stripping Length:

10 mm (0.4 in)

Torque:

4.4 – 5.3 in-lb (0.5 – 0.6 Nm)

Opening for wire sizes
from AWG 4-10.

Opening for wire sizes
from AWG 2-1/0.
(cut-out
has been removed)

Remove this cut-out for
wire sizes AWG 2/0- 3/0.

Remove this cut-out for
bus rail installation.

If necessary, use diagonal cutters and remove the appropriate cut­outs for the larger sized wires as indicated in the following figure.
Secure the shield using the tab on the left side and the M3 x 8mm
flat head screw on the right side. Screw tightening torque: 4.8 - 5.3
in-lb (0.54 – 0.6 Nm).

Load Connections for 150V, 300V and 600V Models

The 150V, 300V and 600V models have a four-terminal wire clamp
output connector. The two left terminals are the positive outputs and the
two right terminals are the negative outputs. The connector
specifications are as follows:

Series N8700 User’s Guide 27

2 Installation

A

Load wires

Negative
(-) output

Positive

(+) output

Load wires

Connect load wires to the power supply output wire clamp connector as
follows:

1 Strip wires back approximately 10 mm (0.4 in).
2 Loosen the connector terminal screws and insert the stripped wires

into the terminal. Tighten the terminal screws securely.

3 Loosen the chassis screw marked A and remove (save).

4 Slide the slotted tab on the protective shield’s left side into the

chassis slot and lock into place. Insert the right side shield screw A
(previously removed) to fix the shield to the chassis. Screw
tightening torque: 4.8 - 5.3 in-lb (0.54 - 0.6 Nm).

5 Route the load wires to the tab at the top of the shield. Ensure the

wire length inside the shield is long enough to provide proper strain
relief.

6 Attach the load wires to the notched shield tab using a tie-wrap or

equivalent as shown in the following figure.

28 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Output Voltage Sensing

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD There is a potential shock hazard at the sense
connector when using a power supply with a rated output greater than
60V. Ensure that the local sense and remote sense wiring insulation
rating is greater than or equal to the maximum output voltage of the
power supply. Ensure that the connections at the load end are shielded
to prevent accidental contact with hazardous voltages.

Plug Type:

Wire Size:

Stripping Length:

Torque:

NOTE

1 Remote sense (+)
2 Local sense (+)
3 Not connected
4 Local sense (-)
5 Remote sense (-)

-

-

Rem.sense

Local sense
Local sense

Rem.sense

+

Load lines, twisted
pair, shortest length
possible.

+V

-V

Load

+

Power
Supply

+

Error
Amp.

Installation 2

Local and remote sense connections are made at the J2 connector. The
connector has a removable plug that makes it easy for you to make your
wire connections. Refer to the following figure for terminal assignments.

The J2 connector plug specifications are as follows:

MC 1.5/5-ST-3.81, Phoenix

AWG 28 to AWG 16

0.28 in. (7 mm)

1.95 – 2.21 in-lb (0.22 – 0.25 Nm)

Local Sensing

The power supply is shipped with the rear panel J2 sense connector
wired for local sensing of the output voltage. With local sensing, the
output voltage regulation is made at the output terminals. This method
does not compensate for voltage drop on the load wires, therefore it is
recommended only for low load current applications or where the load
regulation is less critical. The following figure illustrates the internal
connections of the J2 connector.

If the power supply is operated without the local sense jumpers or
without the remote sense lines connected, it will continue to work, but
the output voltage regulation will be degraded. Also, the OVP circuit

Series N8700 User’s Guide 29

may activate and shut down the power supply.

2 Installation

NOTE

CAUTION

V and

long load leads.

-

-

Rem.sense
Local sense

ocal sense

Rem.sense

+L
+

Sense lines.
Twisted pair or

+V

-V

Load

+

Power
Supply

Load lines. Twisted pair

shortest length possible.

shielded wires.

Remote Sensing

Use remote sensing in applications where load regulation at the load is
critical. Remote sensing allows the power supply to compensate for the
voltage drop in the load leads. See Appendix A under Remote Sense
Compensation for the maximum allowable voltage drop on the load wires.

Remote sensing is especially useful in constant voltage mode with load
impedances that vary or have significant lead resistance. It has no effect
in constant current mode. Because sensing is independent of other
power supply functions it can be used regardless of how the power
supply is programmed. With remote sensing, voltage readback monitors
the load voltage at the remote sense points.

Use twisted or shielded wires to minimize noise pick-up. If shielded wires
are used, the shield should be connected to the ground at one point,
either at the power supply chassis or the load ground. The optimal point
for the shield ground should be determined by experimentation.

To configure the power supply for remote sensing:

 Turn off the power supply.
 Remove the local sense jumpers from the J2 connector.
 Connect the negative sense lead to terminal 5 (-S) and the

positive sense lead to terminal 1 (+S). Make sure that the
connector plug is securely inserted into the connector body.

 Turn on the power supply.

If the power supply is operated with remote sensing and either the
positive or negative load wire is not connected, an internal protection
circuit will activate and shut down the power supply. To resume
operation, turn the power supply off, connect the open load wire, and
turn on the power supply.

Internal components between +V and +Local sense and between –
–Local sense can fail if the voltage drop across the load leads exceeds
the allowable voltage drop on the leads (see Appendix A, Remote Sense
Compensation). This can happen when using excessively

30 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Load Considerations

-

-

Rem.sense
Local sense

ocal sense

Rem.sense

+L
+

Load lines, twisted pair,
shortest length possible.

+V

-V

Load#1

+

Load#3

+

Load#2

+

Power
Supply

-

-

Rem.sense
Local sense

ocal sense

Rem.sense

+L
+

Distribution terminal

+V

+V

-V

-V

Load#1

+

Load#3

+

Load#2

+

Power
Supply

Multiple Loads

Installation 2

The following figure shows multiple loads connected to one power
supply. Each load should be connected to the power supply’s output
terminals using separate pairs of wires. It is recommended that each pair
of wires will be as short as possible and twisted or shielded to minimize
noise pick-up and radiation. The sense wires should be connected to the
power supply output terminals or to the load with the most critical load
regulation requirement.

If remotely located distribution terminals are used, as shown in the
following figure, the power supply output terminals should be connected
to the remote distribution terminals by a pair of twisted and/or shielded
wires. Connect each load to the distribution terminals separately.
Remote voltage sensing is recommended under these circumstances.
Sense either at the remote distribution terminals or, if one load is more
sensitive than the others, directly at the critical load.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 31

2 Installation

CAUTION

continuously sink current from the external

Output Noise and Impedance Effects

To minimize the noise pickup or radiation, the load wires and remote
sense wires should be twisted-pairs to the shortest possible length.
Shielding of sense leads may be necessary in high noise environments.
Where shielding is used, connect the shield to the chassis via a rear
panel ground screw. Even if noise is not a concern, the load and remote
sense wires should be twisted-pairs to reduce coupling, which might
impact the stability of power supply. The sense leads should be
separated from the power leads.

Twisting the load wires reduces the parasitic inductance of the cable,
which could produce high frequency voltage spikes at the load and the
output because of current variation in the load itself.

The impedance introduced between the power supply output and the
load could make the ripple and noise at the load worse than the noise at
the power supply rear panel output. Additional filtering with bypass
capacitors at the load terminals may be required to bypass the high
frequency load current.

Inductive Loads

Inductive loads can produce voltage spikes that may be harmful to the
power supply. A diode should be connected across the output. The diode
voltage and current rating should be greater than the power supply
maximum output voltage and current rating. Connect the cathode to the
positive output and the anode to the negative output of the power
supply.

Where positive load transients such as back EMF from a motor may
occur, connect a surge suppressor across the output to protect the
power supply. The breakdown voltage rating of the suppressor must be
approximately 10% higher than the maximum output voltage of the
power supply.

Battery Charging

If a battery or external voltage source is connected across the output
and the output is programmed below the battery or external voltage
source, the power supply will
source. This could damage the power supply.

To avoid damaging the power supply, insert a reverse blocking diode in
series with the + output connection of the power supply. Connect the
diode’s cathode to the + battery terminal or external voltage source.
Connect the diode’s anode to the + output terminal of the power supply.

32 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Grounding the Output

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD

For models up to 60 VDC rated output, no point on the output shall be
more than ±60 VDC above or below chassis ground.

For models greater than 60 VDC rated output, no point on the Positive
output shall be more than ±600 VDC above or below chassis ground.

For models greater than 60 VDC rated output, no point on the Negative
output shall be more than ±400 VDC above or below chassis ground.

CAUTION

+

V

-

V

+

V

-

V

+S

+LS

-S -LS

PRIMARY

POWER SUPPLY

SECONDARY

POWER SUPPLY

LOAD

J1-25

J1-10

Parallel

Curr Prog

As short as possible

Twisted

pair

J1-8

J1-12

J1-12

J1-23

Common

Curr Prog Rtn

+S

+LS

-S -LS

The output of the power supply is isolated from earth ground. Either
positive or negative voltages can be obtained from the output by
grounding (or "commoning") one of the output terminals. Always use two
wires to connect the load to the output regardless of where or how the
system is grounded.

To avoid noise problems caused by common-mode current flowing from
the load to ground, it is recommended to ground the output terminal as
close as possible to the power supply chassis ground

Installation 2

.

Parallel Connections

Only power supplies that have identical voltage and current ratings can
be connected in parallel.

Up to four units of the same voltage and current rating can be
connected in parallel to provide up to four times the output current
capability. Refer to the following figures for typical connections of
parallel power supplies using either local or remote sensing. The figures
show two units, however, the same connection method applies for up to
four units.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 33

Local Sensing

2 Installation

+S

-S

Twisted pair

+

V

-

V

+

V

-

V

+S-S

+S+LS-S -LS

PRIMARY

POWER SUPPLY

SECONDARY

POWER SUPPLY

LOAD

J1-25

J1-10

Parallel

Curr Prog

As short as possible

Twisted

pair

J1-8

J1-12

J1-12

J1-23

Common

Curr Prog Rtn

+S

-S

Remote Sensing

One of the units operates as a primary and the remaining units are
secondary. The secondary units operate as controlled current sources
following the primary output current. In remote operation, only the
primary unit can be programmed by the computer while the secondary
units may be connected to the computer for voltage, current and status
readback only.

It is recommended that each unit supplies only up to 95% of its current
rating because of the imbalance that may be caused by cabling and
connections voltage drops.

Setting up the Primary Unit

Connect the sensing circuit for either local or remote sensing as shown
in the previous figures. Set the primary unit output voltage to the desired
voltage. Program the current limit to the desired load current limit
divided by the number of parallel units. During operation, the primary
unit operates in constant voltage mode, regulating the load voltage at
the programmed output voltage.

Setting up the Secondary Units

Set the rear panel setup switch SW1 position 2 to its up position. Set
the rear panel setup switch SW1 position 3 to the same position as the
SW1 position 4 of the
secondary unit to J1 pin 25 (Parallel) of the primary unit. Connect J1 pin
23 (Curr Prog Rtn) of the secondary unit to J1 pin 12 (Common) of the
primary unit. Also connect a short between J1 pin 8 and J1 pin 12.

The output voltage of the secondary units should be programmed

34 Series N8700 User’s Guide

HIGHER than the output voltage of the primary unit to prevent
interference with the primary unit’s control. The current limit of each unit
should be programmed to the desired load current limit divided by the
number of parallel units.

primary unit. Connect J1 pin 10 (Curr Prog) of the

Setting the Over-Voltage Protection

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD

For models up to 60 VDC rated output, no point on the output shall be
more than ±60 VDC above or below chassis ground.

For models greater than 60 VDC rated output, no point on the Positive
output shall be more than ±600 VDC above or below chassis ground.

For models greater than 60 VDC rated output, no point on the Negative
output shall be more than ±400 VDC above or below chassis ground.

CAUTION

Setting the Over-Current Protection

Series Connections

Installation 2

The primary unit OVP should be programmed to the desired OVP level.
The OVP of the secondary units should be programmed to a
value than the primary. When the primary unit shuts down, it programs
the secondary unit to zero output voltage. If a secondary unit shuts down
when its OVP is set lower than the primary output voltage, only that unit
shuts down and the remaining secondary units will supply the entire load
current.

Over-current protection, if desired, may only be used with the PRIMARY
unit. When the primary unit shuts down, it programs the secondary units
to zero output voltage.

HIGHER

Only power supplies that have identical voltage and current ratings can
be connected in series.

Two units of the same voltage and current rating can be connected in
series to provide up to two times the output voltage capability. Because
the current is the same through each element in a series circuit, outputs
connected in series must have equivalent current ratings. Otherwise, the
higher rated output could potentially damage the lower rated output by
forcing excessive current through it under certain load conditions. Refer
to the following figures for typical series connections using either local or
remote sensing.

It is recommended that diodes be connected in parallel with each output
to prevent reverse voltage during start up sequence or in case one unit

Series N8700 User’s Guide 35

shuts down. Each diode should be rated to at least the rated output
voltage and output current of the power supply.

2 Installation

Local Sensing

Remote Sensing

Local Sensing

Remote Sensing

CAUTION

ial.

As shown in the following figure, two units of the same voltage and
current rating can be connected in a split-connection series
configuration to provide positive and negative output voltages.

This caution applies when using analog voltage programming with
series-connected power supplies. The analog programming circuits of
these power supplies are referenced to the negative sense (-S) potent
Therefore, the analog voltage circuits used to control each series­connected unit must be separated and floated from each other.

36 Series N8700 User’s Guide

J1 Connector Connections

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD There is a potential shock hazard at the J1 connector
when using a power supply with a rated output greater than 60V. Ensure
that the load wiring insulation rating is greater than or equal to the
maximum output voltage of the power supply.

Mating Plug:

Wire Size:

Extraction tool:

Manual pistol grip
tool:

CAUTION

1415

16

17

18

19

2021

2223

24

25

1

2

3

45

6

7

8

101112

13

9

Current Monitor
Current Prog. Return
Voltage Prog. Return

Local / Analog State

Chassis Common

Enable IN

Voltage Monitor

Common (-S)

CV / CC

Current Program
Voltage Program
Local / Analog

Parallel

Enable OUT

Shut Off

Power Supply OK

Chassis Common

Pins on this side are isolated
from output terminals and are
referenced to chassis ground.

Pins on this side are
referenced to the negative
sense (-S) terminal.

External programming and monitoring signal are located on the J1
connector. The power supply is shipped with a mating plug that makes it
easy for you to make your wire connections. It is essential to use this
plastic-body plug to conform to safety agency requirements. If a shield is
required for the J1 wires, connect the shield to the ground screw located
on the power supply chassis.

Refer to the following figure for the pin assignments. A description of the
pins is given in chapter 1.

Installation 2

The mating plug specifications for the J1 connector are as follows:

AMP part number 745211-2

AWG 26 to AWG 22

AMP part number 91232-1 or equivalent

Pins 12, 22 and 23 of J1 are connected internally to the negative sense
(-S) potential of the power supply. Do not attempt to bias any of these
pins relative to the negative output terminal. Use an isolated,
ungrounded, programming source to prevent ground loops and to
maintain the isolation of the power supply when programming from J1.

Chapter 3 describes how to configure the J1 connector when using it to
program the output voltage and current.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 37

Handle: AMP p/n 58074-1
Head: AMP p/n 58063-1

3
Operating the Power Supply Locally

Turn-On Check-Out ....................................................................... 40

Normal Operation ........................................................................... 42

Protection Functions ...................................................................... 43

Output On/Off Controls .................................................................. 46

Analog Programming of Output Voltage and Current .................. 49

This chapter contains examples on how to operate your power supply
from the front panel. A check-out procedure is included to let you verify
that the power supply is operating properly. Additionally, information
about programming the power supply using the J1 analog programming
connector is also provided.

The simple examples discussed in this chapter show you how to
program:

 output voltage and current functions
 protection functions
 output on/off functions
 safe-start and auto-restart
 analog programming of voltage and current
 front panel locking

Refer to chapters 4 and 5 for information on programming your power
supply using SCPI commands.

3 Operating the Power Supply Locally

WARNING

SHOCK HAZARD Be aware that hazardous voltages can be present on
the output terminals. Do not set the output voltage above 60 VDC
during the turn-on check-out procedure. Check to make sure that the
startup mode is set to Safe-Start (see page 46).

NOTE

CAUTION

e LIMIT

Turn-On Check-Out

Before Turn-On

Ensure that the power supply is configured as follows:

Windows CE instruments (instruments manufactured starting in 2014)
have a different turn-on characteristic than previous units. Windows CE
units may take up to 30 seconds to initialize when they are turned on.

 The unit is connected to the proper AC mains (see chapter 2).
 The POWER switch is in the off position.
 Sense connector pins 1 and 2 are jumpered; sense connector

pins 4 and 5 are jumpered.

 All switches on Connector J2 are in the down position.

Constant Voltage Check

1 Turn the POWER switch on.

After the “OFF” is first displayed, you need to allow a few seconds for the
unit to stabilize before you enable the output with the OUT ON button.
The output voltage and current settings may not be at zero during this
stabilization time. Check that the settings are stable by pressing th
button and verifying that the voltage and current settings indicate zero.

2 Turn the output on by pressing the OUT ON button. The green OUT

ON indicator should be illuminated.

3 The green CV indicator should also be illuminated. If the CC

indicator is illuminated, rotate the current knob until the CV
indicator becomes illuminated.

4 Rotate the voltage knob while observing the DC VOLTS display. The

output voltage should vary while the knob is turned. The voltage
range is from zero to the maximum rated output for the power
supply model.

OVP Check

1 Rotate the voltage knob and set the output voltage of the unit to

50% of its full-scale rating or 30 volts, whichever is lower.

2 Press the OVP/UVL button once so that the DC AMPS display

indicates OUP. The DC VOLTS display shows the OVP level.

3 Use the voltage knob and set the OVP level of the unit to 75% of its

full-scale voltage rating or 40 volts, whichever is lower.

4 Wait a few seconds until the DC VOLTS display returns to show the

output voltage.

40 Series N8700 User’s Guide

UVL Check

Operating the Power Supply Locally 3

5 Use the voltage knob and raise the output voltage of the unit until it

approaches the OVP setting. Check to make sure that the output
voltage cannot be set higher than the OVP setting.

6 Press the OVP/UVL button again. Rotate the voltage knob and reset

the OVP level of the unit to its maximum setting.

1 Press the OVP/UVL button twice so that the DC AMPS display

indicates UUL. The DC VOLTS display shows the UVL level.

2 Use the voltage knob and set the UVL level of the unit to 50% of its

full-scale voltage rating or 30 volts, whichever is lower.

3 Wait a few seconds until the DC VOLTS display returns to show the

output voltage.

4 Use the voltage knob and lower the output voltage of the unit until it

approaches the UVL setting. Check to make sure that the output
voltage cannot be set lower than the UVL setting.

5 Press the OVP/UVL button twice. Rotate the voltage knob and reset

the UVL level of the unit to its minimum setting.

Constant Current Check

1 Turn the POWER switch off. Wait a few seconds until the AC

indicator on the front panel goes out.

2 Use a heavy wire and short the +V and –V output terminals together.
3 Turn the POWER switch on.
4 Turn the output on by pressing the OUT ON button. The green OUT

ON indicator should be illuminated. The green CC indicator should
be also illuminated.

5 Rotate the current knob while observing the DC AMPS display. The

output current should vary while the knob is turned. The current
range is from zero to the maximum rated output for the power
supply model.

OCP Check

1 Rotate the current knob and set the current limit of the unit to about

10% of its full-scale current rating.

2 Press the OCP/488 button. This should trip the OCP protection. The

OCP indicator should be illuminated, the DC VOLTS display should
indicate OCP, and the Alarm indicator should be blinking.

3 Press the OCP/488 button again to cancel OCP protection. The DC

VOLTS display should indicate OFF because the OCP protection is
latched.

4 Press the OUT ON button to reset the OCP protection. The output

should return to its previous setting.

5 Turn the POWER switch off.
6 Remove the short from the +V and –V output terminals.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 41

3 Operating the Power Supply Locally

NOTE

Normal Operation

The power supply has two basic operating modes: constant voltage and
constant current mode. In constant voltage mode, the power supply
regulates the output voltage at the selected value, while the load current
varies as required by the load. In constant current mode, the power
supply regulates the output current at the selected value, while the
voltage varies as required by the load. The mode in which the power
supply operates at any given time depends on the voltage setting,
current limit setting, and the load resistance.

Constant Voltage Mode

When the power supply is operating in constant voltage mode, the CV
indicator on the front panel illuminates.

Adjustment of the output voltage can be made when the output is
enabled (On) or disabled (Off). When the output is enabled, simply rotate
the voltage knob to program the output voltage.

When the output is disabled, press the LIMIT button and then rotate the
voltage knob. The DC VOLTS display will show the programmed voltage
for 5 seconds after the adjustment has been completed and then
indicate OFF.

The voltage knob can be set to coarse or fine resolution. Press the FINE
button to select finer resolution. The FINE indicator turns on.

If you cannot adjust the voltage to the value that you desire, the power
supply may be operating at its current limit. Check the load condition
and the current limit setting. Also, the voltage cannot be programmed

lower than about 5% above the UVL setting, or higher than about 5%

below the OVP setting.

Constant Current Mode

When the power supply is operating in constant current mode, the CC
indicator on the front panel illuminates.

Adjustment of the output current limit can be made when the output is
enabled (On) or disabled (Off). When the output is enabled and in
constant current mode, simply rotate the current knob to program the
current limit. If the output is in constant voltage mode, press the LIMIT
button and then rotate the current knob. The DC AMPS display will show
the programmed current for 5 seconds after the adjustment has been
completed and then indicate the actual output current.

When the output is disabled, press the LIMIT button and then rotate the
current knob. The DC AMPS display will show the programmed current
for 5 seconds after the adjustment has been completed and then go
blank because the output is off.

The current knob can be set to coarse or fine resolution. Press the FINE
button to select finer resolution. The FINE indicator turns on.

42 Series N8700 User’s Guide

CV/CC Mode Crossover

CAUTION

If the power supply is in constant voltage mode and the load current
increases above the current limit setting, the power supply switches to
constant current mode. If the load decreases below the current limit
setting, the power supply switches to constant voltage mode.

CV/CC Signal

Do not connect the CV/CC signal to a voltage source higher than 30
VDC. Always connect the CV/CC signal to the voltage source with a
series resistor to limit the sink current to less than 10mA.

The CV/CC signal available on the J1 connector indicates the operating
mode of the power supply. The CV/CC signal is an open collector output
with a 30V parallel zener at J1 pin 13, referenced to common at J1 pin

12. J1 pin 12 is connected internally to the –S terminal. When the power
supply operates in constant voltage mode, CV/CC output is open. When
the power supply operates in constant current mode, CV/CC signal
output is low (0 - 0.6V), with maximum 10 mA sink current.

Operating the Power Supply Locally 3

Protection Functions

Over-Voltage Protection

The over-voltage protection protects against over-voltage conditions on
the output. If the output voltage attempts to exceed the programmed
limit in response to an analog programming signal or in the event of a
power supply failure, the over-voltage protection circuit will protect the
load by disabling the output. The voltage is monitored at the sense
terminals, thus providing the protection level directly at the load. Upon
detection of an over-voltage condition, the output is disabled, the
display shows OVP, the PROT indicator blinks, and OV is set in the
Questionable Condition status register.

Adjustment of the over-voltage setting can be made when the output is
enabled (On) or disabled (Off). To set the OVP level, press the OVP/UVL
button so that the display indicates OUP. The display will show the OVP
setting. Rotate the voltage knob to adjust the OVP level. The display will
show OVP and the setting value for another five seconds and then return
to its previous state.

The OVP settings are limited at the minimum level to approximately 5%
above the output voltage setting. Attempting to adjust the OVP below
this limit will result in no response to the adjustment attempt. Refer to
Appendix A for the maximum OVP settings.

Use one of the following methods to reset the OVP circuit after it
activates. If the condition that caused the over-voltage shutdown is still
present, the OVP circuit will turn the output off again.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 43

3 Operating the Power Supply Locally

1 Press the OUT ON button to turn the output on.
2 Turn the AC power off, wait a few seconds, and turn it on.
3 Turn the output off, then on again using the Shut Off pin on the J1

4 If the OVP continues to trip, try lowering the output voltage below

Under-Voltage Limit

Under-voltage limit is a protection function that prevents adjustment of
the output voltage below a set limit either from the front panel or remote
interface. It does NOT include protection trip circuitry like the over­voltage protection. The combination of UVL and OVP lets you create a
protection window for sensitive load circuitry.

Setting the UVL can be made when the output is enabled (On) or
disabled (Off). To set the UVL level, press the OVP/UVL button twice, so
that the display shows UUL. The display will show the UVL setting.
Rotate the voltage knob to adjust the UVL level. The display will show
UUL and the setting value for another five seconds and then return to its
previous state.

connector. This only applies in Auto-Restart mode.

the OVP setting, or raising the OVP setting.

The UVL settings are limited at the maximum level to approximately 5%
below the output voltage setting. Attempting to adjust the UVL above
this limit will result in no response to the adjustment attempt. The
minimum UVL setting is zero.

Over-Current Protection

Over-current protection will shut down the power supply output if the
load current reaches the current limit setting. This protection is useful
when the load is sensitive to an over-current condition.

To arm the over-current protection, press the OCP/488 button so that
the OCP indicator illuminates. When armed, a transition from constant
voltage to constant current mode will activate the over-current
protection. When an over-current protection event occurs, the output is
disabled, the display shows OCP, the PROT indicator blinks, and OC is
set in the Questionable Condition status register.

Use one of the following methods to reset over-current protection after
it activates. If the load current is still higher than the current limit
setting, the over-current protection will be activated again.

1 Press the OUT ON button to turn the output on.
2 Turn the AC power off, wait a few seconds, and turn it on.
3 Turn the output off, then on again using the Shut Off pin on the J1

connector. This only applies in Auto-Restart mode.

4 Press the OCP/488 button to cancel over-current protection. The

display will show OFF because OCP protection is latched. Press the
OUT ON button to reset OCP. With this method, the over-current
protection is disabled. If the load current is still higher than the
current limit setting, the power supply will only attempt to limit the
current at the current limit setting.

44 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Over-Temperature Protection

NOTE

The over-temperature protection circuit shuts down the power supply
before the internal components can exceed their safe internal operating
temperature. This can occur if there is a cooling fan failure. When an
OTP condition occurs, the output is disabled, the display shows O7P, the
PROT indicator blinks, and the OT status bit is set in the Questionable
Condition status register. Resetting the OTP circuit can be automatic
(non-latched) or manual (latched) depending on the Safe-Start or Auto­Restart mode.

In Safe-Start mode, the OTP circuit is latched. The display continues to
show O7P and the PROT indicator continues to blink. To reset the OTP
circuit, press the OUT ON button.

In Auto-Restart mode, the OTP circuit is non-latched. The power supply
returns to its last setting automatically when the over-temperature
condition is removed.

Power-Fail Protection

If the AC power stops briefly, but returns before the power supply has
reset, the power-fail protection circuit trips and the PF status bit is set in
the Questionable Condition status register. Resetting the power-fail
protection can be automatic (non-latched) or manual (latched),
depending on the Safe-Start or Auto-Restart mode.

Operating the Power Supply Locally 3

In Safe-Start mode, the output of the power supply is Off, as specified by
the reset state when AC power returns. In Auto-Restart mode, the power
supply recovers its last settings when AC power returns.

Front Panel Lock-Out

The front panel controls can be locked to protect from accidental power
supply parameter change. Press and hold the LIMIT button to toggle
between Locked front panel and Unlocked front panel. The display will
cycle between LFP and UFP. Releasing the LIMIT button while one of the
modes is displayed, selects that mode.

In Unlocked front panel mode, the front panel controls are enabled to
program and monitor the power supply parameters.

In Locked front panel mode, the VOLTAGE and CURRENT knobs, the
OCP/488 button, and the OUT ON button are disabled

The power supply will not respond to attempts to use these controls. The
display will show LFP to indicate that the front panel is locked. The
OVP/UVL button remains active to preview the OVP and UVL setting.
The LIMIT button also remains active to preview the output voltage and
current setting or to unlock the front panel.

This function operates independently of the SCPI SYST:COMM:RLST
command. If the front panel has been locked from the front panel, it
cannot be unlocked by SYST:COMM:RLST. Conversely, if the front panel
has been locked by SYST:COMM:RLST, it cannot be unlocked from the
front panel.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 45

3 Operating the Power Supply Locally

CAUTION

able by pressing the LIMIT

Output On/Off state

UVL level

Output voltage setting

OCP setting

Output current setting

Locked/Unlocked front panel

OVP level

Start-up mode

Output On/Off Controls

The Output On/Off controls turn the power supply output on or off. This
can be done with the front panel OUT ON button or from the rear panel
J1 connector. With the output off, adjustments can be made to the
power supply or the load without shutting off AC power.

OUT ON button

The OUT ON button can be pressed at any time to enable or disable the
power supply output. When the output is disabled, the output voltage
and current go to zero and the display shows OFF.

Safe-Start and Auto-Restart

The power supply can be programmed to have either the last operating
settings (Auto-Restart) or the reset settings (Safe-Start) apply at turn­on. Press and hold the OUT ON button to select between Safe-Start and
Auto-Restart modes. The display continuously cycles between SAF and
AUT every three seconds. Releasing the OUT ON button while one of the
modes is displayed, selects that mode.

In Safe-Start mode, the power supply turns on with the reset settings
(see chapter 5 under “*RST”). The output is disabled and the output
voltage and current are zero. This is the factory default.

After the “OFF” is first displayed, you need to allow a few seconds for the
unit to stabilize before you enable the output with the OUT ON button.
The output voltage and current settings may not be at zero during this
stabilization time. Check that the settings are st
button and verifying that the voltage and current settings indicate zero.

In Auto-Restart mode, the power supply restores the operating settings
that were saved when it was last turned off (see below). The output is
either enabled or disabled according to its last setting.

Output Shut-Off Terminals

Output Shut-Off (SO) terminals are available on the J1 connector to
enable or disable the power supply output.
triggered. J1 pin 15 is the Shut-Off input, and pins 2 and 3, which are
connected internally, are the signal common. All pins are optically
isolated from the power supply output. The Shut-Off input accepts a

2.5V-to-15V signal or an open/short contact to enable or disable the
output. The Shut-Off control logic is selected by SW1 setup switch 5.

This function is edge-

46 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Operating the Power Supply Locally 3

SW1 switch 5

SO Signal Level

Output

Display

NOTE

y not be triggered by every

CAUTION

SW1 switch 9

ENA+/ENA– pins

Output

Display

Prot Indicator

Up

When an on-to-off transition is detected at the Shut-Off input, the Shut­Off function enables or disables the output according to the signal level
or the open/short applied to J1 pin 15. When the output has been
disabled by the Shut-Off function, the display shows SO to indicate the
output is disabled.

To re-enable the output after it has shut down, you must disable the
Shut-Off signal. In Auto-Restart mode, operation resumes automatically.
In Safe-Start mode the Shut-Off function is latched. You must also press
the OUT ON button or send an OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar command to
resume operation.

The Shut-Off function can be used to shut down multiple power supplies
in a daisy-chain fashion as explained later in this chapter. It can also be
used to reset the OVP and OCP as previously described.

Down (default)

Up

Because this function is edge-triggered, it ma
state change. For example, after applying AC power, the output will not
be disabled by the Shut Off function if the Shut-Off input is in the shut­off state. This is because the unit has not detected an on-to-off signal
transition.

Enable/Disable Terminals

To prevent possible damage to the unit, do not connect the Enable + or
Enable – terminals to the positive or negative output terminals.

Enable/Disable terminals are available on the J1 connector to enable or
disable the power supply output.
connect a switch or relay between J1 pins 1 and 14. This function is
activated by SW1 setup switch 9.

These pins disable the output when they are opened. When the output is
disabled, the PROT indicator on the front panel will blink.

2 - 15V or Open
0 – 0.4V or Short Off
2 - 15V or Open
0 – 0.4V or Short On Voltage/Current

This function is level-triggered. Simply

On

Off

Voltage/Current
SO
SO

Series N8700 User’s Guide 47

To re-enable the output after it has shut down, you must short the
Enable + and Enable – terminals. In Auto-Restart mode, operation
resumes automatically. In Safe-Start mode the Enable/Disable function
is latched. You must also press the OUT ON button or send an
OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar command to resume operation.

Down (default)

Not active
Opened
Shorted

On
Off
On

Voltage/Current Off
ENA
Voltage/Current Off

Blinking

3 Operating the Power Supply Locally

Over-temperature protection

Remote interface failure

AC line failure

Output turned off

POWER SUPPLY

#

1

J1-2,3 J1-16 J1-16J1-16J1-15

Supply OK

POWER SUPPLY

#

2

J1-2,3 J1-15

POWER SUPPLY

#3

J1-2,3 J1-15

Shut OffCom

Shut OffSupply OKCom Com

Supply OK Shut Off

Power Supply OK Signal

The Power Supply OK signal on the J1 connector indicates a fault
condition in the power supply. J1 pin 16 is a TTL output signal. Pins 2
and 3, which are connected internally, are the signal common. All pins
are optically isolated from the power supply output. With no fault, Power
Supply OK is high, with a maximum source current of 2mA. When a fault
occurs, Power Supply OK is low, with a maximum sink current of 1mA.
The following faults set this signal low:

Over-voltage protection

Over-current protection

Daisy-Chained Output Shut-down

It is possible to configure a multiple power supply system to shut down
all the units when a fault condition occurs in one of the units. SW1 setup
switch 5 must be in the Down position to enable the daisy-chain
operation. Other switches are unaffected by this setting.

If a fault occurs in one unit, its Power Supply OK signal is set low and its
display will indicate the fault. The other units shut off with their displays
indicating SO. When the fault condition is cleared, all units will recover
according to their Safe-Start or Auto-Restart settings.

The following figure shows three units daisy-chained - the same
connection method can be used with additional units. The Shut Off and
Power Supply OK signals are referenced to Chassis Common (J1 pins 2
and 3).

Enable/Disable signal true

Shut Off signal true

48 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Operating the Power Supply Locally 3

CAUTION

sense terminal. Do not reference these pins to any terminal other than the

NOTE

SW1 switch 1 and 2

J1 pin 8
function

J1 pin 21
signal

Output voltage/
current control

1

14

13

25

10

12

8

9

23

22

+

+

CURRENT LIMIT
PROGRAMMING

OUTPUT VOLTAGE

PROGRAMMING

Analog Programming of Output Voltage and Current

J1 pin 12, pin 22, and pin 23 are internally connected to the negative

negative sense terminal, as it may damage the unit.

In Local mode, the output voltage and current is programmed with the
front panel VOLTAGE and CURRENT knobs or over the remote interface.
In Analog mode, the output voltage and current can be programmed
either by an analog voltage or by resistors connected to the rear panel
J1 connector.

The J1 connector also provides monitoring signals for the output voltage
and output current. The programming range and monitoring signal
range can be selected using the SW1 setup switch.

With analog programming enabled, you cannot program the output
voltage or current using the front panel knobs or the remote interface.
However, you can read back output voltage or current from the front
panel or the remote interface.

Analog Programming Control Terminals

J1 connector pin 8 accepts a TTL signal or an open/short contact switch
(referenced to pin 12) to select between Local or Analog programming of
the output voltage and current. This function is enabled or disabled by
SW1 setup switches 1 and 2.

J1 connector pin 21 is an open collector output that indicates if the
power supply is in Local mode or in Analog mode. To use this output,
connect a pull-up resistor to a voltage source of 30 VDC maximum.
Choose the pull-up resistor so that the sink current will be less than 5mA
when the output is in low state.

Both Down (default)
Either one, or both Up 0 or Short 0~0.6V

No effect

1 or Open Open Local

Open

Local
Analog

Series N8700 User’s Guide 49

3 Operating the Power Supply Locally

CAUTION

source when operating the unit using analog

SW1 switch 3

Voltage Programming
(J1 pin 9)

Current Programming
(J1 pin 10)

Voltage Programming of Output Voltage and Current

To maintain the isolation of the power supply and prevent ground loops,
use an isolated programming
programming.

Voltage programming sources of 0 - 5V or 0 - 10V can be used to
program the output voltage and current limit from zero to full scale.

Set the power supply to analog voltage programming as follows:

1 Make sure that the power supply is turned off.
2 Set SW1 setup switch 1 (for voltage) and 2 (for current) to the Up

3 Set SW1 setup switch 3 to select programming voltage range

4 Make sure that SW1 setup switches 7 and 8 are set Down.
5 Connect a short between J1 pin 8 and J1 pin 12 (see following

6 Connect the programming source to the mating plug of J1 as shown

7 Set the programming sources to the desired levels and turn the

position.

according to the table following these procedure steps.

figure).

in the following figure. Observe the correct polarity for the voltage
source.

power supply on. Adjust the programming sources to change the
power supply output.

The analog control circuits let you set the output voltage and current
limit up to 5% over the model-rated maximum value. The power supply
will operate within the extended range, however it is not recommended
to operate the power supply over its voltage and current rating, and
performance in this region is not guaranteed.

Down (default)
Up 0 – 10V 0 – 10V

0 – 5V

0 – 5V

50 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Operating the Power Supply Locally 3

SW1 switch 3

Voltage Programming
(J1 pin 9)

Current programming
(J1 pin 10)

Resistance Programming of Output Voltage and Current

Resistances of 0 - 5 kΩ or 0 - 10 kΩ can be selected to program the
output voltage and current limit from zero to full scale. Internal current
sources supply a 1 mA current through the external resistors. The
voltage drop across the resistors is used as the programming voltage for
the power supply. To maintain the temperature stability specification of
the power supply, only use resistors that are stable and low noise, with a
temperature coefficient less than 50 ppm.

Set the power supply to resistance programming as follows:

1 Make sure that the power supply is turned off.
2 Set SW1 setup switch 1 (for voltage) and 2 (for current) to the UP

position.

3 Set SW1 setup switch 3 to select programming resistance range

according to the table following these procedure steps.

4 Set SW1 setup switch 7 (for voltage) and 8 (for current) to the Up

position to enable resistance programming.

5 Connect a short between J1 pin 8, J1 pin 12, and J1 pin 23 (see

figure).

6 Connect the programming resistors to the mating plug of J1 as

shown in the following figure. A variable resistor can control the
output over its entire range, or a combination of variable resistor and
series/parallel resistors can control the output over a restricted
portion of its range.

7 Set the programming resistors to the desired resistance and turn the

power supply on. Adjust the resistors to change the power supply
output.

The analog control circuits let you set the output voltage and current
limit up to 5% over the model-rated maximum value. The power supply
will operate within the extended range, however it is not recommended
to operate the power supply over its voltage and current rating, and
performance in this region is not guaranteed.

Down (default) 0 – 5 kΩ 0 – 5 kΩ
Up 0 – 10 kΩ 0 – 10 kΩ

Series N8700 User’s Guide 51

3 Operating the Power Supply Locally

SW1 switch 4

Voltage
range

J1 signal
connection

Signal function

External Monitoring of Output Voltage and Current

The J1 connector also provides analog signals for monitoring the output
voltage and current. Selection of the voltage range between 0 – 5V or 0
– 10V is made by SW1 setup switch 4. The monitoring signals represent
0 to 100% of the power supply output voltage and current rating. The
monitor outputs have a 500Ω series output resistance. Make sure that
the sensing circuit has an input resistance greater than 500 kΩ or the
accuracy will be reduced.

Down (default) 0 – 5V J1 pin 11 Voltage

J1 pin 24 Current

Up

J1 pin 12 is the signal common for J1 pins 11 and 24.

0 – 10V

J1 pin 11 Voltage

J1 pin 24 Current

Monitor

Monitor

Monitor

Monitor

52 Series N8700 User’s Guide

NOTE

4
Operating the Power Supply
Remotely

Connecting to the Interfaces ......................................................... 54

SCPI Commands – an Introduction ............................................... 63

This chapter contains information on how to configure the three remote
interfaces that are provided on the back of the instrument. In most cases
you can connect your power supply to any one of these interfaces and
be up and running with a minimum amount of configuration.

Detailed information on configuring the remote interfaces is included in
the documentation that you receive when you download the Keysight IO
Libraries Suite, which is available at

http://www.keysight.com/find/iosuite.

This chapter also contains a brief introduction to the SCPI Programming
language. SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is
a programming language for controlling instrument functions over the
GPIB. SCPI is layered on top of the hardware-portion of IEEE 488.2. The
same SCPI commands and parameters control the same functions in
different classes of instruments.

4 Operating the Power Supply Remotely

NOTE

Units purchased with Option NGP do not have a GPIB interface.

Connecting to the Interfaces

The Keysight N8700 power supplies support remote interface
communication using a choice of three interfaces: GPIB, USB, and LAN.
All three interfaces are live at power-on.

GPIB Interface

For detailed information about GPIB interface connections, refer to the
documentation that you receive when you download the Keysight IO
Libraries Suite.

The following steps will help you quickly get started connecting your
instrument to the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB). The following
figure illustrates a typical GPIB interface system.

1 If you have not already done so, install the Keysight IO Libraries

Suite.

2 If you do not have a GPIB interface card installed on your computer,

turn off your computer and install the GPIB card.

3 Connect your instrument to the GPIB interface card using a GPIB

interface cable.

4 Use the Connection Expert utility of the Keysight IO Libraries Suite to

configure the installed GPIB interface card’s parameters.

5 The power supply is shipped with its GPIB address set to 5. Use the

front panel menu if you need to change the GPIB address.
a Press and hold the OCP/488 button for about three seconds.

The DC VOLTS display will show the present GPIB address.

b To change the GPIB address, turn the voltage knob until the

desired GPIB address appears in the display. Valid GPIB
addresses are in the range of 0 to 30.

6 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to

communicate with your instrument, or you can program your
instrument using the various programming environments.

54 Series N8700 User’s Guide

USB Interface

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

Operating the Power Supply Remotely 4

For detailed information about USB interface connections, refer to the
documentation that you receive when you download the Keysight IO
Libraries Suite.

The following steps will help you quickly get started connecting your
USB-enabled instrument to the Universal Serial Bus (USB). The following
figure illustrates a typical USB interface system.

1 If you have not already done so, install the Keysight IO Libraries

Suite.

LAN Interface

2 Connect your instrument to the USB port on your computer.
3 With the Connection Expert utility of the Keysight IO Libraries Suite

running, the computer will automatically recognize the instrument.
This may take several seconds. When the instrument is recognized,
your computer will display the VISA alias, IDN string, and VISA
address. This information is located in the USB folder.

The VISA address is: USB0::2391::2055::model-serialnumber::0:INSTR
where 2391 is the Keysight code, 2055 is the N8700 code, model is the
6-character model number, and serialnumber is the 10-character serial
number located on the label on the side of the unit.

4 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to

communicate with your instrument, or you can program your
instrument using the various programming environments.

For detailed information about LAN interface connections, refer to the
documentation that you receive when you download the Keysight IO
Libraries Suite.

The following steps will help you quickly get started connecting and
configuring your instrument on a local area network (LAN). The two
types of local area networks connections that are discussed in this
section are site networks and private networks.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 55

4 Operating the Power Supply Remotely

NOTE

character serial

NOTE

Connecting to a Site LAN

A site LAN is a local area network in which LAN-enabled instruments and
computers are connected to the network through routers, hubs, and/or
switches. They are typically large, centrally-managed networks with
services such as DHCP and DNS servers.

1 If you have not already done so, install the Keysight IO Libraries

Suite.

2 Connect the instrument to the site LAN. Provided that your network

has a DHCP server and uses Dynamic DNS naming service, the
instrument will automatically obtain an IP address from the network.
This may take up to one minute. It will also register its hostname
with the dynamic DNS server. The default hostname can then be
used to communicate with the instrument.

The front panel
been configured. If you are unable to communicate with the
instrument, check that a valid IP address has been assigned. Press
the front panel LAN button to view the IP address.

LAN indicator will come on when the LAN port has

Each Keysight N8700 power supply is shipped with a default hostname
with the format: A-modelnumber-serialnumber where modelnumber is
the instrument’s 6-character model number (e.g. N8741A), and
serialnumber is 5th through the 9th character of the 10­number located on the label on the side of the unit (e.g. H1234 if the
serial number is US24H12345). A-N8741A-H1234 is an example of a
hostname.

3 Use the Connection Expert utility of the Keysight IO Libraries Suite to

add the N8700 power supply and verify a connection. To add the
instrument, you can request the Connection Expert to discover the
instrument. If the instrument cannot be found, you can add the
instrument using the instrument’s hostname.

If this does not work, refer to the chapter on “Troubleshooting
Guidelines” in the Keysight Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces
Connectivity Guide.

4 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to

communicate with your instrument, or you can program your
instrument using the various programming environments. You can
also use the Web browser on your computer to communicate with
the instrument as described under “Using the Web Server” later in
this chapter.

56 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Operating the Power Supply Remotely 4

NOTE

he computer had been connected to

Wait one minute after disconnecting it from the site LAN before connecting it

NOTE

Connecting to a Private LAN:

A private LAN is a network in which LAN-enabled instruments and
computers are directly connected, and not connected to a site LAN.
They are typically small, with no centrally-managed resources.

1 If you have not already done so, install the Keysight IO Libraries

Suite.

2 Connect the instrument to the computer using a LAN crossover

cable. Alternatively, connect the computer and the instrument to a
standalone hub or switch using regular LAN cables.

Make sure your computer is configured to obtain its address from DHCP and
that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled. If t
a site LAN, it may still retain previous network settings from the site LAN.

to the private LAN. This allows Windows to sense that it is on a different
network and restart the network configuration. If you are running Windows
98, you may need to manually release the previous settings.

3 The factory-shipped instrument LAN settings are configured to

automatically obtain an IP address from the network using a DHCP
server, or using AutoIP if a DHCP server is not present. You can
leave these settings as they are. Most Keysight products and most
computers will automatically choose an IP address using auto-IP if a
DHCP server is not present. Each assigns itself an IP address from
the block 169.254.nnn. Note that this may take up to one minute.

The front panel
been configured. If you are unable to communicate with the
instrument, check that a valid IP address has been assigned. Press
the front panel LAN button to view the IP address.

4 Use the Connection Expert utility of the Keysight IO Libraries Suite to

add the N8700 power supply and verify a connection. To add the
instrument, you can request the Connection Expert to discover the
instrument. If the instrument cannot be found, you can add the
instrument using the instrument’s hostname. The default hostname
is described under “Connecting to a Site LAN”.

LAN indicator will come on when the LAN port has

If this does not work, refer to the Troubleshooting sections in the
Connection Expert utility that you received when you downloaded the IO
Libraries Suite.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 57

4 Operating the Power Supply Remotely

NOTE

5 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to

communicate with your instrument, or you can program your
instrument using the various programming environments. You can
also use the Web browser on your computer to communicate with
the instrument as described under “Using the Web Server”.

LAN Communication

The Keysight IO Libraries Suite along with instrument drivers for specific
programming environments can be used to communicate with your
power supply. Your can also communicate with your power supply using
its built-in Web server, the Telnet utility, or sockets. These latter
methods are a convenient way to communicate with the power supply
without using I/O libraries or drivers.

Ethernet Connection Monitoring

Keysight N8700 power supplies that have the LXI label on the front panel
provide Ethernet connection monitoring. With Ethernet connection
monitoring, the instrument’s LAN port is continually monitored, and
automatically reconfigured when the instrument is unplugged for a
minimum of 20 seconds and then reconnected to a network. The front
panel
configured.

LAN indicator will come on when the LAN port is connected and

Using the Web Server

Your power supply has a built-in Web server that lets you control it
directly from an internet browser on your computer. With the Web
server, you can control and configure all of the front panel functions as
well as additional functions such as triggering and the LAN parameters,
which are not available from the front panel.

The built-in Web server only operates over the LAN interface. It requires
Internet Explorer 7+. You also need the Java Plug-in version 7+. This is
included in the Java Runtime Environment.

The Web server is enabled when shipped. To launch the Web server:

1 Open the internet browser on your computer.
2 Select Connections in the Tools menu, under Internet Options. Then

select LAN Settings and make sure that the Bypass proxy server for
local addresses box is checked.

3 Enter the instrument’s hostname into the browser’s Address field to

launch the Web server. The following home page will appear.

4 Click on the Browser Web Control button in the navigation bar on

the left to begin controlling your instrument.

5 For additional help about any of the pages, click on the Help with

this Page button.

If desired, you can control access to the Web server using password
protection. As shipped from the factory, no password is set. To set a
password, refer to the section “Configuring the LAN Parameters”.

58 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Operating the Power Supply Remotely 4

Using Telnet

In an MS-DOS Command Prompt box type: telnet hostname 5024 where
hostname is the N8700 hostname or IP address, and 5024 is the
instrument’s telnet port.

You should get a Telnet session box with a title indicating that you are
connected to the power supply. Type the SCPI commands at the prompt.

Using Sockets

Keysight instruments have standardized on using port 5025 for SCPI
socket services. A
receive ASCII/SCPI commands, queries, and query responses. All
commands must be terminated with a newline for the message to be
parsed. All query responses will also be terminated with a newline. The
power supply allows any combination of up to three simultaneous data
socket and telnet connections to be made.

The socket programming interface also allows a control socket
connection. The control socket can be used by a client to send device
clear and to receive service requests. Unlike the data socket, which uses
a fixed port number, the port number for a control socket varies and
must be obtained by sending the following SCPI query to the data
socket: SYSTem:COMMunicate:TCPip:CONTrol?

After the control port number is obtained, a control socket connection
can be opened. As with the data socket, all commands to the control
socket must be terminated with a newline. All query responses will also
be terminated with a newline.

To send a device clear, send the string “DCL” to the control socket.
When the power supply has finished performing the device clear it
echoes the string “DCL” back to the control socket.

data socket on this port can be used to send and

Service requests are enabled for control sockets using the Service
Request Enable register. Once service requests have been enabled, the
client program listens on the control connection. When SRQ goes true

Series N8700 User’s Guide 59

4 Operating the Power Supply Remotely

IP Address

Configuration

IP Address

(auto-IP). Do not assign a manual (static) IP address within this range.

the instrument will send the string “SRQ +nn” to the client. The “nn” is
the status byte value, which the client can use to determine the source
of the service request.

Configuring the LAN Parameters

To configure the LAN parameters from the instrument’s Web server,
launch the Web server as previously described, and click on the View &
Modify Configuration tab on the left side of the page. Then click on the
Modify Configuration button on the top of the page. The following dialog
lets you modify the LAN parameters:

The configurable LAN parameters are described as follows:

This setting indicates how the instrument will determine its IP Address,
Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway.

If Automatic is selected, the instrument tries to obtain an IP address
from a DHCP server. If a DHCP server is found, the DHCP server
assigns an IP address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway to the
instrument. If no DHCP server is found, the instrument automatically
configures its IP address and Subnet Mask using Dynamically
Configured Link Local Addressing (Auto-IP), which results in an
address in the range 169.254.xxx.yyy.

If Manual is selected, the instrument uses the IP Address, Subnet
Mask, and Default Gateway defined below.

This value is the instrument’s Internet Protocol (IP) address. An IP

Address is four decimal numbers from 0 to 255 separated by periods. It
is required for all IP and TCP/IP communications with the instrument.

Note that the Internet Engineering Task Force reserved the IP address
range of 169.254.1.0 to 169.254.254.255 for link-local addressing

60 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Operating the Power Supply Remotely 4

Subnet Mask

Default

Gateway

DNS Server

Address

Configuration

Preferred

DNS Server

Alternate

DNS Server

Desired

Hostname

Description

mDNS

Enabled

affected bvy the Desired Hostname and Description fields.

Password

12 characters.

NOTE

This value enables the instrument to determine whether a client IP

address is on the same local subnet. When a client IP address is on a
different subnet, all packets must be sent to the Default Gateway. A
value of 0.0.0.0 or 255.255.255.255 disables subnetting.

This value is the IP Address of the default gateway that allows the
instrument to communicate with systems that are not on the local
subnet. This is the default subnet gateway, where packets are sent that
are destined for a device not on the local subnet, as determined by the
subnet mask setting. A value of 0.0.0.0 disables subnetting.

This setting indicates how the instrument will determine its DNS
server, either manually or automatically from a DHCP server.

If Automatic is selected, the instrument tries to obtain a DNS server
address form a DHCOP server.

If Manual is selected, the instrument uses the DNS servers below.

This is the address of the Domain Name System (DNS) server. DNS is
an internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses.
The instrument uses this server to determine and display its hostname.

This is the address of the alternate Domain Name System (DNS)
server.

If Dynamic DNS is available on your network and your instrument uses
DHCP, the Hostname is registered with the Dynamic DNS service at
power-on. If the field is blank, the factory default hostname is restored.
A hostname must start with a letter and may contain upper and lower
case letters, numbers and dashes(-). The Maximum length is 15
characters. The default format is A-<modelnumber>-<digits 5 through
9 of serialnumber>.

This field contains the desired mDNS service name for the instrument,

which makes it easy to identify the device on the network. This
description is also shown on the instrument’s Welcome page. If the
field is blank, the factory default description is restored. Maximum
length is 39 characters.

This enables or disables mDNS service announcements. mDNS is

If a password has been set, you will be prompted for it before going to

the Modify Configuration and Browser Web Control pages. The
password may contain letters, numbers, or underscores (_). Once set,
the password may be disabled by entering the old password, and
leaving the new password fields empty. The password is also cleared
by a LAN Reset from the instrument's front panel. Maximum length is

The configuration parameters on pre-Windows CE instruments
(instruments manufactured before mid-2014) are slightly different than
those described above. For a description of these previous parameters,
access the Modify Configuration dialog; then click on the Help with this

Series N8700 User’s Guide 61

Page button.

4 Operating the Power Supply Remotely

Factory-shipped non-volatile LAN settings

Factory-shipped LAN Settings

The factory-shipped LAN settings documented in the following table are
optimized for connecting your power supply to a site network. They
should also work well for other network configurations.

The factory-shipped settings can be restored by pressing and holding
the front panel LAN button for three seconds. Pressing the LAN button
again while the message “LAn rES” is displayed resets the LAN settings.

Get IP Address
IP Address
Subnet Mask 255.255.0.0 Description Keysight N87xxA

Default Gateway
DNS Server Address

Configuration
Preferred DNS server

Automatic

169.254.57.0 Desired Hostname

0.0.0.0
Automatic

Blank

Alternate DNS server

mDNS Enabled
Password

Blank
A-N87xxA-xxxxx

(serial#)
Enabled
Blank

62 Series N8700 User’s Guide

SCPI Commands – an Introduction

[SOURce:]

CURRent

[:LEVel]

[:IMMediate] <NRf+>

:TRIGgered <NRf+>

:PROTection

:STATe <Bool>

Square Brackets [ ]
[SOURce:]VOLTage means that SOURce: may be omitted.

Angle brackets
< >

Vertical bar |
indicates that either "VOLT" or "CURR" can be used as a parameter.

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is an ASCII­based instrument command language designed for test and
measurement instruments. SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical
structure, also known as a tree system. In this system, associated
commands are grouped together under a common node or root, thus
forming subsystems. Subsystem commands perform specific power
supply functions. A portion of the SOURce subsystem is shown below to
illustrate the tree system.

SOURce is the root keyword of the command, CURRent is a second-level
keyword, LEVel and PROTection are third-level keywords, and
IMMediate, TRIGgered and STATe are fourth-level keywords. Colons (:)
separate higher-level from lower-level keywords.

Operating the Power Supply Remotely 4

Syntax

The following command syntax is used in this manual:

Items within square brackets are optional. The representation

Items within angle brackets are parameter descriptions. For example,
<NR1> indicates a specific form of numerical data.

Vertical bars separate alternative parameters. For example, VOLT | CURR

The syntax characters cannot be included in the command string.

Multiple Commands in a Message

Multiple SCPI commands can be combined and sent as a single message
with one message terminator. There are two important considerations
when sending several commands within a single message:

 Use a semicolon (;) to separate commands within a message.
 There is an implied path that affects how commands are interpreted

by the power supply.

The command path can be thought of as a string that gets inserted
before each keyword within a message. For the first command in a
message, the path is a null string. For each subsequent command the
path is defined as the characters that make up the keywords of the
previous command in the message up to and including the last colon
separator. An example of a message with two commands is:

Series N8700 User’s Guide 63

4 Operating the Power Supply Remotely

OUTPut:STATe ON;PROTection:CLEar

which shows the use of the semicolon separating the two commands,
and also illustrates the command path concept. Note that with the
second command, the leading keyword OUTPut was omitted because
after the OUTPut:STATe ON command, the path became defined as
OUTPut, and thus the second command was interpreted as:

OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar

In fact, it would have been incorrect to include the OUTPut keyword in
the second command, because the result after combining it with the
command path would be:

OUTPut:OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar

which would result in a syntax error.

Commands from Different Subsystems

In order to combine commands from different subsystems, you need to
be able to reset the command path to a null string within a message.
Beginning the command with a colon (:), discards the previous path. For
example, you could clear the output protection and check the status of
the Operation Condition register in one message by using a root specifier
as follows:

Message Unit

OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar;:STATus:OPERation:CONDition?

The following message shows how to combine commands from different
subsystems as well as within the same subsystem.

VOLTage:LEVel 7.5;PROTection 10;:CURRent:LEVel 0.25

Note the use of the optional keyword LEVel to maintain the correct path
within the subsystems, and the use of the root specifier (:) to move
between subsystems.

The simplest SCPI command is a single message unit consisting of a
keyword followed by a message terminator such as newline. The
message unit may include a parameter after the keyword. The parameter
can be numeric or a string.

ABORt<NL>
VOLTage 20<NL>
VOLTage:TRIGgered MINimum<NL>

Colons (:) separate higher-level keywords from lower-level keywords.
Use a blank space to separate parameters from keywords. If a command
requires more than one parameter, use commas to separate adjacent
parameters.

In the previous examples, the upper-case letters indicate the
abbreviated spelling for the keyword. For shorter program lines, you can
send the abbreviated form. For better program readability, you can send

64 Series N8700 User’s Guide

the long form. For example, VOLT and VOLTage are both acceptable
forms. You can use upper- or lower-case letters. Therefore, VOLTAGE,
Volt, and volt are all acceptable. Other forms, such as VOL and VOLTAG,
generate an error.

Queries

You can query the current value of most commands by adding a
question mark to the command (VOLTage?, VOLTage:TRIGgered?). If a
query contains a parameter, place the query indicator at the end of the
last keyword. Observe the following precautions with queries:

 Add a blank space between the query indicator (?) and any

subsequent parameter. (VOLTage:TRIGgered? MAX)

 Set up the proper number of variables for the returned data.
 Read back all the results of a query before sending another

command to the power supply. Otherwise a Query Interrupted error
will occur and the unreturned data will be lost.

Common Commands

Operating the Power Supply Remotely 4

Common commands generally control overall power supply functions,
such as reset, status, and synchronization. All common commands
consist of a three-letter mnemonic preceded by an asterisk: *RST
*IDN? *SRE 8

You can combine common commands with subsystem commands in the
same message. Use semicolons to separate the common command from
the subsystem commands. Common commands do not affect the
command path; you may insert them anywhere in the message.

VOLTage:TRIGgered 10;:INITiate;*TRG
OUTPut OFF;*RCL 2;OUTPut ON

Command Terminators

A terminator informs SCPI that it has reached the end of a command.
Three permitted command terminators are:

 newline (<NL>), which is ASCII decimal 10 or hex 0A.
 end or identify (<END>)
 both of the above (<NL><END>).

In the examples of this guide, the message terminator is assumed.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 65

4 Operating the Power Supply Remotely

Symbol

Response Formats

Parameter Formats

Class

Suffix

Unit

Unit with Multiplier

Common Multipliers

M

Symbol

Response Formats

Parameter Types

Data programmed or queried from the power supply is ASCII. The data
may be numerical or character string.

Numeric Parameters

<NR1>

<NR2> Digits with an explicit decimal point. Example: 27.3
<NR3> Digits with an explicit decimal point and an exponent.

<NRf>

<NRf+>

<Bool>

<SPD> String program data. String parameters enclosed in

Digits with an implied decimal point assumed at the right
of the least-significant digit. Examples: 273

Example: 2.73E+02

Extended format that includes <NR1>, <NR2> and
<NR3>. Examples: 273 27.3 2.73E+02

Expanded decimal format that includes <NRf> and MIN,
MAX. Examples: 273 27.3 2.73E+02 MAX.

MIN and MAX are the minimum and maximum limit
values that are implicit in the range specification for the
parameter.

Boolean Data. Can be numeric (0, 1), or named (OFF,
ON).

single or double quotes.

Suffixes and Multipliers

Current
Amplitude V volt MV (millivolt)
Time S second MS (millisecond)

A

ampere

MA (milliampere)

66 Series N8700 User’s Guide

1E3 K kilo
1E-3
1E-6 U micro

milli

Response Data Types

<CRD>

<AARD>

<SRD>

Character Response Data. Returns discrete parameters.
Only the short form of the parameter is returned.

Arbitrary ASCII Response Data. Permits the return of
undelimited 7-bit ASCII. This data type has an implied
message terminator.

String Response Data. Returns string parameters
enclosed in double quotes.

SCPI Command Completion

OUTPut:STATe

INITiate

VOLTage

OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar

CURRent

*WAI

OUTPut ON;*WAI;:MEASure:VOLTage?

*OPC?

operations have completed. Because it requires your program to read the

proceeding with its program.

*OPC

basis, *OPC allows subsequent commands to be executed.

NOTE

SCPI commands sent to the power supply are processed either
sequentially or in parallel. Sequential commands finish execution before
a subsequent command begins. Parallel commands allow other
commands to begin executing while the parallel command is still
executing.

The following is a list of parallel commands. You should use some form
of command synchronization as discussed in this section before
assuming that these commands have completed.

The *WAI, *OPC, and *OPC? common commands provide different ways
of indicating when all transmitted commands, including any parallel
ones, have completed their operations. Some practical considerations
for using these commands are as follows:

This command prevents the power supply from processing subsequent
commands until all pending operations are completed. For example, the
*WAI command can be used to make a voltage measurement after an
output on command has completed:

Operating the Power Supply Remotely 4

This command places a 1 in the Output Queue when all pending

returned value before executing the next program statement, *OPC? can
be used to cause the controller to wait for commands to complete before

This command sets the OPC status bit when all pending operations have
completed. Since your program can read this status bit on an interrupt

The trigger subsystem must be in the Idle state for the status OPC bit to
be true. As far as triggers are concerned, OPC is false whenever the
trigger subsystem is in the Initiated state.

Device Clear

You can send a Device Clear at any time to abort a SCPI command that
may be hanging up the GPIB interface. Device Clear clears the input and
output buffers of the power supply. The status registers, error queue,
and all configuration states are left unchanged by Device Clear. Device
Clear also prepares the power supply to accept a new command string.
The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB
interface using Keysight BASIC:

CLEAR 705 IEEE-488 Device Clear

Series N8700 User’s Guide 67

5
Language Reference

SCPI Command Summary ............................................................. 70

Calibration Commands................................................................... 72

Measure Commands ...................................................................... 73

Output Commands ......................................................................... 74

Source Commands ......................................................................... 75

Status Commands .......................................................................... 77

System Commands ........................................................................ 83

Trigger Commands ......................................................................... 85

This section gives the syntax and parameters for all the IEEE 488.2 SCPI
Subsystem commands and Common commands used by the power
supply. It is assumed that you are familiar with the material in chapter 4,
which explains the terms, symbols, and syntactical structures used here
and gives an introduction to programming. You should also be familiar
with chapter 3, in order to understand how the power supply functions.

Subsystem commands are specific to functions. They can be a single

command or a group of commands. The groups are comprised of
commands that extend one or more levels below the root. The
subsystem commands are arranged alphabetically according to the
function they perform.

Common commands begin with an * and consist of three letters

(command) or three letters and a ? (query). They are defined by the IEEE

488.2 standard to perform common interface functions. Common
commands are grouped along with the subsystem commands according
to the function they perform.

5 Language Reference

NOTE

SCPI Command

Description

ABORt

Aborts the triggered action

CALibrate

:CURRent[:LEVel]

Calibrates the output current programming

:DATA <NRf>

Enters the calibration value

:DATE <”SPD”>

Sets the calibration date

:LEVel P1 | P2

Advances to the next calibration step

:PASSword <NRf>

Sets the numeric calibration password

:STATE <Bool> [,<NRf>]

Enables/disables calibration mode

:VOLTage[:LEVel]

Calibrates the output voltage programming

INITiate

[:IMMediate][:TRANsient]

Initiates the trigger system

:CONTinuous[:TRANsient]

Enables/disables continuous triggers

[:SCALar]

:CURRent[:DC]?

Returns the measured output current

:VOLTage[:DC]?

Returns the measured output voltage

OUTPut

[:STATe] <Bool>

Enables/disables the specified output

:PON

:STATe RST | AUTO

Programs the Power-On State

:PROTection

:CLEar

Resets latched protection

[SOURce:]

CURRent

[:LEVel]

[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <NRf+>

Sets the output current

:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] <NRf+>

Sets the triggered output current

:STATe <Bool>

Enables/disables over-current protection

VOLTage

[:LEVel]

[:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <NRf+>

Sets the output voltage

:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] <NRf+>

Sets the triggered output voltage

:LIMit

:LOW <NRf+>

Sets the low-voltage limit

:PROTection

[:LEVel] <NRf+>

Sets the over-voltage protection level

SCPI Command Summary

MEASure

Some [optional] commands have been included for clarity. All settings
commands have a corresponding query.

Subsystem Commands

:PROTection

70 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Language Reference 5

SCPI Command

Description

STATus

:OPERation

[:EVENt]?

Returns the value of the operation event register

:CONDition?

Returns the value of the operation condition register

:ENABle <NRf>

Enables specific bits in the Event register

:NTRansition<NRf>

Sets the Negative transition filter

:PTRansition<NRf>

Sets the Positive transition filter

:QUEStionable

[:EVENt]?

Returns the value of the questionable event register

:CONDition?

Returns the value of the questionable condition register

:ENABle <NRf>

Enables specific bits in the Event register

:NTRansition<NRf>

Sets the Negative transition filter

:PTRansition<NRf>

Sets the Positive transition filter

SYSTem

:COMMunicate

:RLSTate LOCal | REMote | RWLock

Specifies the Remote/Local state of the instrument

:ERRor?

Returns the error number and error string

:VERSion?

Returns the SCPI version number

TRIGger

:SOURce BUS

Sets the transient trigger source

Command

Description

*CLS

Clear status

*ESE <NRf>

Standard event status enable

*ESE?

Return standard event status enable

*ESR?

Return event status register

*IDN?

Return instrument identification

*OPC

Enable "operation complete" bit in ESR

*OPC?

Return a "1" when operation complete

*OPT?

Return option number

*RCL <NRf>

Recalls a saved instrument state

*RST

Reset

*SAV <NRf>

Saves an instrument state

*SRE <NRf>

Set service request enable register

*SRE?

Return service request enable register

*STB?

Return status byte

*TRG

Trigger

*WAI

Holds off bus until all device commands done

:PRESet

[:TRANsient][:IMMediate]

Common Commands

Presets all enable and transition registers to power-on

Generates a transient trigger

Series N8700 User’s Guide 71

*TST

Always returns a “0”

5 Language Reference

NOTE

Calibration Commands

CALibrate:CURRent[:LEVel]

CALibrate:DATA <value>

Calibration commands let you enable and disable the calibration mode,
change the calibration password, calibrate current and voltage
programming, and store new calibration constants in nonvolatile
memory.

If calibration mode has not been enabled with CALibrate:STATe, the
calibration commands will generate an error.

This command initiates the calibration of the output current.

This command enters a calibration value that you obtain by reading an
external meter. You must first select a calibration level (with
CALibrate:LEVel) for the value being entered. Data values are entered in
either volts or amperes, depending on which function is being calibrated.

CALibrate:DATE <“date”>
CALibrate:DATE?

This command stores the date the unit was last calibrated. The data
must be of the numeric format “yyyy/mm/dd” where yyyy indicates the
year, mm indicates the month, and dd indicates the day. The query
returns the date.

CALibrate:LEVel P1|P2

This command selects the next point in the calibration sequence.
P1 is the first calibration point,
P2 is the second calibration point.

CALibrate:PASSword <password>

This command lets you change the calibration password. A new
password is automatically stored in nonvolatile memory. If the password
is set to 0, password protection is removed and the ability to enter
calibration mode is unrestricted. The default password is 0 (zero).

72 Series N8700 User’s Guide

CALibrate:STATe ON|OFF [,<password>]
CALibrate:STATe?

This command enables/disables calibration mode. Calibration mode
must be enabled for the power supply to accept any other calibration
commands. The first parameter specifies the enabled or disabled state
On (1) or Off (0). The second parameter is the password.

A password is required if calibration mode is being enabled and the
existing password is not 0. If the password is not entered or is incorrect,
an error is generated and the calibration mode remains disabled. The
query returns only the state, not the password.

The *RST value = Off.

CALibrate:VOLTage[:LEVel]

This command initiates the calibration of the output voltage.

Language Reference 5

Measure Commands

MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?
MEASure[:SCALar]:VOLTage[:DC]?

Measure commands measure the output voltage or current. MEASure
commands acquire new data before returning the reading. Measurement
overflows return a reading of 9.91E+37.

These queries perform a measurement and return the DC output current
in amperes or DC output voltage in volts.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 73

5 Language Reference

Output Commands

OUTPut[:STATe] ON|OFF
OUTPut[:STATe]?

OUTPut:PON:STATe RST|AUTO
OUTPut:PON:STATe?

Output commands enable the output, power-on, and protection
functions.

This command enables or disables the specified output(s). The enabled
state is On (1); the disabled state is Off (0). The state of a disabled output
is a condition of zero output voltage and a zero source current (see
*RST). The query returns 0 if the output is off, and 1 if the output is on.
The *RST value = Off.

This command determines if the power-on state will be determined by
the reset state, or the settings the unit had when it was turned off. RST
programs the unit to the reset state; AUTO programs the unit to the
settings it had when it was turned off. The power-on state information is
saved on non-volatile memory.

Refer to *RST and *RCL under System Commands for details.

OUTPut:PROTection:CLEar

This command clears the latched signals that have disabled the output.
The over-voltage and over-current conditions are always latching. The
over-temperature condition, AC-fail condition, Enable pins, and SO pins
are latching if OUTPut:PON:STATe is RST, and non-latching if
OUTPut:PON:STATe is AUTO.

All conditions that generate the fault must be removed before the latch
can be cleared. The output is then restored to the state it was in before
the fault condition occurred.

74 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Language Reference 5

Model ( I rating)

400A

330A

220A

165A

110A

85A

55A

42A

33A

22A

11A

5.5A

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Model ( I rating)

250A

170A

125A

85A

65A

50A

34A

17A

8.5A

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Source Commands

Source commands program the voltage, current, triggered, and
protection functions.

[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <value>|MIN|MAX
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] <value>|MIN|MAX
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]

These commands set the immediate and the triggered output current.
Values are programmed in amperes. The immediate level is the output
current setting. The triggered level is a stored value that transfers to the
output when a trigger occurs. The *RST values = Min.

Minimum current
Maximum current 420 346.5 231

Minimum current
Maximum current

0

173.25

262.5 178.5

115.5 89.25 57.75 44.1 34.65 23.1 11.55 5.775

0

131.25

89.25 68.25 52.5 35.7 17.85 8.925

[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe ON|OFF
[SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:STATe?

This command enables or disables the over-current protection (OCP)
function. The enabled state is On (1); the disabled state is Off (0). If the
over-current protection function is enabled and the output goes into
constant current operation, the output is disabled and OC is set in the
Questionable Condition status register. The *RST value = Off.

An over-current condition can be cleared with the Output Protection
Clear command after the cause of the condition is removed.

[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <value>|MIN|MAX
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] <value>|MIN|MAX
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]

These commands set the immediate and the triggered output voltage.
Values are programmed in volts. The immediate level is the output
voltage setting. The triggered level is a stored value that transfers to the
output when a trigger occurs. The *RST values = Min.

0

0

The range of values that can be programmed for these commands is
coupled with the voltage protection and the voltage limit low settings.
The maximum value for the immediate and triggered voltage level is
either the value in the following table, or the voltage protection setting
divided by 1.05; whichever is lower. The minimum value is either the
value in the table, or the low voltage setting divided by 0.95; whichever
is higher.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 75

5 Language Reference

Model (V rating)

8V

10V

15V

20V

30V

40V

60V

80V

100V

150V

300V

600V

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

21

42 63 84

Model (V rating)

8V 10V 15V 20V 30V 40V 60V 80V 100V

150V

300V

600V

Model (V rating)

8V 10V 15V 20V 30V 40V 60V 80V 100V

150V

300V

600V

12 18 24 36 44 66 88

Note that triggered values can be programmed outside these limits, but
an error will be generated when the trigger occurs.

Minimum voltage
Maximum voltage

0

8.4 10.5 15.75

31.5

105 157.5 315

0

630

[SOURce:]VOLTage:LIMit:LOW <value>|MIN|MAX
[SOURce:]VOLTage:LIMit:LOW? [MIN|MAX]

This command sets the low voltage limit of the output. When a low
voltage limit has been set, the instrument will ignore any programming
commands that attempt to set the output voltage below the low voltage
limit. The*RST value = Min.

The range of values that can be programmed for this command is
coupled with the immediate voltage level setting. The maximum value
for the low voltage limit is either the value in the following table, or the
immediate voltage setting multiplied by 0.95; whichever is lower. The
minimum setting is the value in the table.

Minimum low limit 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Maximum low limit 7.6 9.5 14.25 19 28.5 38 57 76 95 142 285 570

[SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection:LEVel <value>|MIN|MAX
[SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection:LEVel? [MIN|MAX]

Min. protection limit 0.5 0.5
Max. protection limit 10

This command sets the over-voltage protection (OVP) level of the
output. The values are programmed in volts. If the output voltage
exceeds the OVP level, the output is disabled and OV is set in the
Questionable Condition status register. The*RST value = Max.

The range of values that can be programmed for this command is
coupled with the immediate voltage level setting. The minimum value for
the voltage protection level is either the value in the following table, or
the immediate voltage setting multiplied by 1.05; whichever is higher.
The maximum setting is the value in the table.

An over-voltage condition can be cleared with the Output Protection
Clear command after the condition that caused the OVP trip is removed.

1.0

1.0

2.0

2.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

110

5.0

165

5.0

330

5.0

660

76 Series N8700 User’s Guide

LOGICAL

OR

LOGICAL

OR

PON

CME

EXE

DDE

QYE

OPC

0

2
3
4

5

7

1

4
8

16
32

128

1

4
8

16
32

128

EVENT ENABLE

STANDARD EVENT

STATUS

STATUS BYTE

SERVICE

REQUEST

ENABLE

LOGICAL

OR

SERVICE

REQUEST

GENERATION

8

16

32

128

8

16

32

128

RQS

OPER

MSS

ESB

MAV

QUES

4

5

6

7

UNR

OT

OV

0

4

QUESTIONABLE STATUS

10

CONDITION

LOGICAL

OR

EVENT ENABLE

PTR/NTR

1

16

1024

1

16

1024

1

16

1024

1

16

1024

3

CONDITION

5

8

PTR/NTR EVENT

ENABLE

CV

CC

32

256

OC

1

WTG

OPERATION STATUS

PF

2

4 4

2

4

4

2

2 2

INH

9

512

512

512

512

64

10

1024

256

1024

256

1024

256

1024

OUTPUT BUFFER

QUEUE

NOT

EMPTY

Data
Data

Data

*STB?

*SRE<n>
*SRE?

*ESR?

STAT:QUES:COND?

*ESE<n>
*ESE?

STAT:QUES:PTR |: NT R < n>
STAT:QUES:PTR |: NT R ?

STAT:QUES:EVEN?

STAT:QUES:ENAB <n>
STAT:QUES:ENAB

STAT:OPER:COND?

STAT:OPER:EVEN?

STAT:OPER:ENAB <n>
STAT:OPER:ENAB

STAT:OPER:PTR |: NT R < n>
STAT:OPER:PTR |: NT R ?

32 32

32

ERROR QUEUE

QUEUE

NOT

EMPTY

Err

Err

Err

44

2

ERROR

Status Commands

Language Reference 5

Status commands program the power supply’s status registers. As
shown in the following figure, the power supply has three groups of
status registers; Operation, Questionable, and Standard Event. The
Operation and Questionable status groups each consist of the Condition,
Enable, and Event registers and NTR and PTR filters.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 77

5 Language Reference

Bit Position

Bit Value

Bit Name

STATus:PRESet

STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?

The Standard Event group is programmed with Common commands as
described later in this section. Common commands also control
additional status functions such as the Service Request Enable and the
Status Byte registers.

This command sets all defined bits in the Operation and Questionable
PTR registers. The command clears all defined bits in the Operation and
Questionable NTR and Enable registers.

This query returns the value of the Operation Event register. The Event
register is a read-only register, which stores (latches) all events that are
passed by the Operation NTR and/or PTR filter. Reading the Operation
Event register clears it. The bit configuration of the Operation status
registers is as follows:

15-11 10 9 8 7-6 5 4-0

−

−

CC = The output is in constant current
CV = The output is in constant voltage
WTG = The unit is waiting for a transient trigger

1024
CC

−

−

256
CV

−

−

32
WTG

−

−

STATus:OPERation:CONDition?

This query returns the value of the Operation Condition register. That is a
read-only register, which holds the live (unlatched) operational status of
the power supply.

STATus:OPERation:ENABle <value>
STATus:OPERation:ENABle?

This command and its query set and read the value of the Operational
Enable register. This register is a mask for enabling specific bits from the
Operation Event register to set the operation summary bit (OPER) of the
Status Byte register. This bit (bit 7) is the logical OR of all the
Operational Event register bits that are enabled by the Status Operation
Enable register. The Preset value = 0.

78 Series N8700 User’s Guide

STATus:OPERation:NTR <value>

Bit Position

Bit Value

Bit Name

STATus:OPERation:PTR <value>
STATus:OPERation:NTR?
STATus:OPERation:PTR?

These commands set or read the value of the Operation NTR (Negative­Transition) and PTR (Positive-Transition) registers. These registers serve
as polarity filters between the Operation Condition and Operation Event
registers to cause the following actions:

 When a bit in the Operation NTR register is set to 1, then a 1-to-0

transition of the corresponding bit in the Operation Condition
register causes that bit in the Operation Event register to be set.

 When a bit of the Operation PTR register is set to 1, then a 0-to-1

transition of the corresponding bit in the Operation Condition
register causes that bit in the Operation Event register to be set.

 If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 1, then any

transition of that bit at the Operation Condition register sets the
corresponding bit in the Operation Event register.

 If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 0, then no

transition of that bit at the Operation Condition register can set the
corresponding bit in the Operation Event register.

Language Reference 5

The Preset value are: NTR = 0; PTR = 32767

STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?

This query returns the value of the Questionable Event register. The
Event register is a read-only register, which stores (latches) all events
that are passed by the Questionable NTR and/or PTR filter. Reading the
Questionable Event register clears it. The bit configuration of the
Questionable status registers is as follows:

15-11 10 9 8-5 4 3 2 1 0

−

−

UNR = The output is unregulated
INH = The output is turned off by one of the external J1 inhibit signals
OT = The output is disabled by the over-temperature protection
PF = The output is disabled because AC power has failed
OC = The output is disabled by the over-current protection
OV = The output is disabled by the over-voltage protection

1024 512
UNR INH

STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?

This query returns the value of the Questionable Condition register. That
is a read-only register, which holds the real-time (unlatched)
questionable status of the power supply.

16

−

OT

−

4 2 1

−

PF OC OV

−

Series N8700 User’s Guide 79

5 Language Reference

STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <value>
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?

STATus:QUEStionable:NTR <value>
STATus:QUEStionable:PTR <value>
STATus:QUEStionable:NTR?
STATus:QUEStionable:PTR?

This command and its query set and read the value of the Questionable
Enable register. This register is a mask for enabling specific bits from the
Questionable Event register to set the questionable summary bit (QUES)
of the Status Byte register. This bit (bit 3) is the logical OR of all the
Questionable Event register bits that are enabled by the Questionable
Status Enable register. The Preset value = 0.

These commands set or read the value of the Questionable NTR
(Negative-Transition) and PTR (Positive-Transition) registers. These
registers serve as polarity filters between the Questionable Condition
and Questionable Event registers to cause the following actions:

 When a bit of the Questionable NTR register is set to 1, then a 1-to-

0 transition of the corresponding bit of the Questionable Condition
register causes that bit in the Questionable Event register to be set.

*CLS

 When a bit of the Questionable PTR register is set to 1, then a 0-to-

1 transition of the corresponding bit in the Questionable Condition
register causes that bit in the Questionable Event register to be set.

 If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 1, then any

transition of that bit at the Questionable Condition register sets the
corresponding bit in the Questionable Event register.

 If the same bits in both NTR and PTR registers are set to 0, then no

transition of that bit at the Questionable Condition register can set
the corresponding bit in the Questionable Event register.

The Preset values are: NTR = 0; PTR = 32767

This command causes the following actions on the status system:

 Clears the Standard Event Status, Operation Status Event, and

Questionable Status Event registers

 Clears the Status Byte and the Error Queue
 If *CLS immediately follows a program message terminator (<NL>),

then the output queue and the MAV bit are also cleared.

80 Series N8700 User’s Guide

*ESE

Bit Position

Bit Value

Bit Name

*ESE?

Language Reference 5

This command programs the Standard Event Status Enable register bits.
The programming determines which events of the Standard Event Status
Event register (see *ESR?) are allowed to set the ESB (Event Summary
Bit) of the Status Byte register. A "1" in the bit position enables the
corresponding event.

All of the enabled events of the Standard Event Status Event Register
are logically OR-ed to cause the Event Summary Bit (ESB) of the Status
Byte Register to be set. The query reads the Standard Event The query
reads the Standard Event Status Enable register. The bit configuration of
the Standard Event register is as follows:

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

128

PON

PON = Power-on has occurred
CME = Command error
EXE = Execution error

32 16 8 4

−

CME EXE DDE QUE

−

DDE = Device-dependent error
QUE = Query error
OPC = Operation complete

1

−

OPC

−

*ESR?

*OPC
*OPC?

This query reads the Standard Event Status Event register. Reading the
register clears it. The bit configuration is the same as the Standard
Event Status Enable register (see *ESE).

This command causes the instrument to set the OPC bit (bit 0) of the
Standard Event Status register when the instrument has completed all
pending operations. Pending operations are complete when:

 All commands sent before *OPC have been executed. This includes

overlapped commands. Most commands are sequential and are
completed before the next command is executed. Commands that
affect output voltage, current or state, relays, and trigger actions are
executed in parallel (or overlapped) with subsequent commands
sent to the power supply. The *OPC command provides notification
that all overlapped commands have been completed.

 All triggered actions are completed

*OPC does not prevent processing of subsequent commands, but bit 0
will not be set until all pending operations are completed.

*OPC? causes the instrument to place an ASCII "1" in the Output Queue
when all pending operations are completed. Unlike *OPC, *OPC?
prevents processing of all subsequent commands. It can be used at the
end of a command line so that the program can monitor the bus for data
until it receives the "1" from the Output Queue.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 81

5 Language Reference

Bit Position

6 5 4 3 2

Bit Value

Bit Name

*SRE
*SRE?

*STB?

This command sets the condition of the Service Request Enable
Register. This register determines which bits from the Status Byte
Register are allowed to set the Master Status Summary (MSS) bit and
the Request for Service (RQS) summary bit. A 1 in any Service Request
Enable Register bit position enables the corresponding Status Byte
Register bit and all such enabled bits then are logically OR-ed to cause
Bit 6 of the Status Byte Register to be set.

When the controller conducts a serial poll in response to SRQ, the RQS
bit is cleared, but the MSS bit is not. When *SRE is cleared (by
programming it with 0), the power supply cannot generate an SRQ to the
controller. The query returns the current state of *SRE.

This query reads the Status Byte register, which contains the status
summary bits and the Output Queue MAV bit. Reading the Status Byte
register does not clear it. The input summary bits are cleared when the
appropriate event registers are read. The MAV bit is cleared at power­on, by *CLS' or when there is no more response data available.

*WAI

A serial poll also returns the value of the Status Byte register, except
that bit 6 returns Request for Service (RQS) instead of Master Status
Summary (MSS). A serial poll clears RQS, but not MSS. When MSS is
set, it indicates that the power supply has one or more reasons for
requesting service.

7

128 64 32 16 8 4

OPER MSS

(RQS)

OPER = Operation status summary
MSS = Master status summary
(RQS) = Request for service
ESB = Event status byte summary

This command instructs the power supply not to process any further
commands until all pending operations are completed. Pending
operations are as defined under the *OPC command. *WAI can be
aborted only by sending the power supply a Device Clear command.

ESB MAV QUES ERR

MAV = Message available
QUES = Questionable status
summary
ERR = Error queue not empty

1 − 0

−

−

82 Series N8700 User’s Guide

System Commands

LOCal

The instrument is set to front panel control (front panel keys are active).

REMote

active).

RWLock

The front p
via the remote interface).

SYSTem:COMMunicate:RLSTate LOCal|REMote|RWLock
SYSTem:COMMunicate:RLSTate?

Language Reference 5

System commands control system functions that are not directly related
to output control, measurement, or status functions. Common
commands are also used to control system functions.

This command configures the remote/local state of the instrument
according to the following settings.

The instrument is set to remote interface control (front panel keys are

The remote/local state can also be set by interface commands over the
GPIB and some other I/O interfaces. When multiple remote
programming interfaces are active, the interface with the most recently
changed remote/local state determines the instrument’s remote/local
state.

The remote/local state is unaffected by *RST or any SCPI commands
other than SYSTem:COMMunicate:RLState. At power-on however, the
communications setting always returns to LOCal.

anel keys are disabled (the instrument can only be controlled

SYSTem:COMMunicate:TCPip:CONTrol?

This query returns the control connection port number. This is used to
open a control socket connection to the instrument. Refer to chapter 4
under “Using Sockets” for more information.

SYSTem:ERRor?

This query returns the next error number and its corresponding message
string from the error queue. The queue is a FIFO (first-in, first-out) buffer
that stores errors as they occur. As it is read, each error is removed from
the queue. When all errors have been read, the query returns 0, NO
ERROR. If more errors are accumulated than the queue can hold, the
last error in the queue will be -350, TOO MANY ERRORS (see Appendix
C for error codes).

SYSTem:VERSion?

This query returns the SCPI version number to which the instrument
complies. The returned value is of the form YYYY.V, where YYYY
represents the year and V is the revision number for that year.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 83

5 Language Reference

NOTE

NOTE

*IDN?

*OPT?

*RCL <state>

This query requests the power supply to identify itself. It returns a string
of four fields separated by commas.

<manufacturer>
xxxxxA
0
<A.xx.xx>,<A.xx.xx>

This query requests the unit to identify any installed options. A 0
indicates no options are installed.

This command restores the power supply to a state that was previously
stored in memory locations 0 through 15 with the *SAV command. Note
that you can only recall a state from a location that contains a
previously-stored state.

Manufacturer
Model number followed by a letter suffix
Zero or serial number if available
Firmware revision, power supply revision

All saved instrument states are lost when the unit is turned off.

*RST

This command resets the power supply to a factory-defined state. This
state is defined as follows. Note that *RST also forces an ABORt
command. The *RST settings are as follows:

*SAV <state>

This command stores the present state of the power supply to memory
locations 0 through 15.

All saved instrument states are lost when the unit is turned off.

CAL:STAT Off [SOUR:]CURR:PROT:STAT Off
INIT:CONT Off [SOUR:]VOLT 0
OUTP Off [SOUR:]VOLT:LIM 0
[SOUR:]CURR
[SOUR:]CURR:TRIG 0

0

[SOUR:]VOLT:TRIG
[SOUR:]VOLT:PROT

0
MAXimum

*TST?

Does nothing. This query always returns a zero.

84 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Trigger Commands

ABORt

INITiate[:IMMediate][:TRANsient]

INITiate:CONTinuous[:TRANsient] ON|OFF
INITiate:CONTinuous[:TRANsient]?

Language Reference 5

Trigger commands consist of the Abort, Trigger, and Initiate commands.

Initiate commands initialize the trigger system. Trigger commands

control the triggering of the power supply.

This command cancels any trigger actions in progress and returns the
trigger system to the IDLE state, unless INIT:CONT is enabled. It also
resets the WTG bit in the Status Operation Condition register. ABORt is
executed at power-on and upon execution of *RST.

This command controls the enabling of output triggers. When a trigger is
enabled, a trigger causes the specified triggering action to occur. If the
trigger system is not enabled, all triggers are ignored.

This command continuously initiates output triggers. The enabled state
is On (1); the disabled state is Off (0). When disabled, the trigger system
must be initiated for each trigger with the INITiate command.

TRIGger[:TRANsient][:IMMediate]

If the trigger system has been initiated, this command generates an
immediate output trigger. When sent, the output trigger will:

 Initiate an output change as specified by the CURR:TRIG or

VOLT:TRIG settings.

 Clear the WTG bits in the Status Operation Condition register after

the trigger action has completed.

TRIGger:SOURce BUS
TRIGger:SOURce?

This command selects the trigger source for the output trigger system.
Only BUS can be selected as the trigger source.

*TRG

This command generates a trigger when the trigger source is set to BUS.
The command has the same affect as the Group Execute Trigger (<GET>)
command.

Series N8700 User’s Guide 85

6
Programming Examples

Output Programming Example ...................................................... 88

Trigger Programming Example ...................................................... 90

This chapter contains several example programs to help you develop
programs for your own application. The example programs are for
illustration only, and are provided with the assumption that you are
familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the
tools used to create and debug procedures. See Chapter 5, “Language
Dictionary” for the SCPI command syntax.

You have a royalty-free right to use, modify, reproduce and distribute the
example programs (and/or any modified version) in any way you find
useful, provided you agree that Keysight Technologies has no warranty,
obligations, or liability for any example programs.

The example programs are written in Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 using the
VISA COM IO library. The VISA COM library is available for download, on
your unit’s product page on Keysight.com under Drivers, Firmware, and
Software.

6 Programming Examples

Output Programming Example

This program sets the voltage, current, over-voltage, and the over­current protection. It turns the output on and takes a voltage
measurement. When done, the program checks for instrument errors

Sub main_EZ()
Dim IDN As String
Dim IOaddress As String
Dim ErrString As String

' This variable controls the voltage
Dim VoltSetting As Double

' This variable measures the voltage
Dim measVolt As Double

' This variable controls the current
Dim CurrSetting As Double

' These variables control the over voltage protection settings
Dim overVoltSetting As Double

' These variables control the over current protection
Dim overCurrOn As Long

'These variable are neccessary to initialize the VISA COM.
Dim ioMgr As KeysightRMLib.SRMCls
Dim Instrument As VisaComLib.FormattedIO488

' The following command line provides the program with the VISA name of the
' interface that it will communicate with. It is currently set to use GPIB.
IOaddress = "GPIB0::5::INSTR"

' Use the following line for LAN communication
' IOaddress="TCPIP0::141.25.36.214"

' Use the following line instead for USB communication
' IOaddress = "USB0::2391::1799::N8741A-US00000002"

' Initialize the VISA COM communication
Set ioMgr = New KeysightRMLib.SRMCls
Set Instrument = New VisaComLib.FormattedIO488
Set Instrument.IO = ioMgr.Open(IOaddress)

VoltSetting = 3
CurrSetting = 1.5 ' amps
overVoltSetting = 10
overCurrOn = 1 '1 for on, 0 for off

With Instrument
' Send a power reset to the instrument
.WriteString "*RST"

' Query the instrument for the IDN string
.WriteString "*IDN?"
IDN = .ReadString

' Set the voltage
.WriteString "VOLT" & Str$(VoltSetting)

and gives a message if there is an error.

88 Series N8700 User’s Guide

' Set the over voltage level
.WriteString "VOLT:PROT:LEV " & Str$(overVoltSetting)

' Turn on over current protection
.WriteString "CURR:PROT:STAT " & Str$(overCurrOn)

' Set the current level
.WriteString "CURR " & Str$(CurrSetting)

' Turn the output on
.WriteString "OUTP ON"

' Make sure that the output is on before continuing
.WriteString "*OPC?"
.ReadString

' Measure the voltage
.WriteString "Meas:Volt?"
measVolt = .ReadNumber
MsgBox "Measured Voltage is " & Str$(measVolt)

' Check instrument for any errors
.WriteString "Syst:err?"
ErrString = .ReadString

' give message if there is an error
If Val(ErrString) Then
MsgBox "Error in instrument!" & vbCrLf & ErrString
End If
End With

End Sub

Programming Examples 6

Series N8700 User’s Guide 89

6 Programming Examples

Trigger Programming Example

This example illustrates how to set up and trigger a voltage and current

Sub main_Trig()
Dim IDN As String
Dim IOaddress As String
Dim ErrString As String
Dim msg1 As String

' This variable is used to monitor the status
Dim stat As Long

' This variable controls the voltage
Dim VoltSetting As Double

' This variable measures the voltage
Dim MeasureVolt As Double

' This variable controls the current
Dim CurrSetting As Double

' This variable represents the trigger current setting
Dim trigCurrSetting As Double

' This variable controls the triggered voltage setting
Dim trigVoltSetting As Double

' This constant represents the register value for Waiting for Trigger
Const WTG = 32

' These variables are necessary to initialize the VISA COM
Dim ioMgr As KeysightRMLib.SRMCls
Dim Instrument As VisaComLib.FormattedIO488

' The following line provides the VISA name of the GPIB interface
IOaddress = "GPIB0::5::INSTR"

' Use the following line instead for LAN communication
' IOaddress="TCPIP0::141.25.36.214"

' Use the following line instead for USB communication
' IOaddress = "USB0::2391::1799::N8741A-US00000002"

' Initialize the VISA COM communication
Set ioMgr = New KeysightRMLib.SRMCls
Set Instrument = New VisaComLib.FormattedIO488
Set Instrument.IO = ioMgr.Open(IOaddress)

VoltSetting = 3 ' volts
CurrSetting = 2 ' amps
trigVoltSetting = 5 ' volts
trigCurrSetting = 3 ' amps

With Instrument
' Send a power reset to the instrument
.WriteString "*RST"

' Query the instrument for the IDN string
.WriteString "*IDN?"
IDN = .ReadString

change. The voltage is measured before and after the trigger.

90 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Programming Examples 6

' Set the voltage
.WriteString "VOLT" & Str$(VoltSetting)

' Set the current level
.WriteString "CURR " & Str$(CurrSetting)

' Set the triggered voltage and current levels
.WriteString "VOLT:TRIG " & Str$(trigVoltSetting)
.WriteString "CURR:TRIG " & Str$(trigCurrSetting)

' Turn the output on
.WriteString "OUTP ON"

' Make sure that the output is on
.WriteString "*OPC?"
.ReadString

' Measure the voltage before triggering the change
.WriteString "MEAS:VOLT?"
MeasureVolt = .ReadNumber

' Save the value for later display
msg1$ = "Voltage before trigger = " & Str$(MeasureVolt)

' Initiate the trigger system
.WriteString "INIT"

' Make sure that the trigger system is initiated
Do
.WriteString "STAT:OPER:COND?"
stat = .ReadNumber
Loop Until ((stat And WTG) = WTG)

' Trigger the unit
.WriteString "*TRG"

'Make sure that the trigger is done
.WriteString "*OPC?"
.ReadString

' Measure the voltage after triggering the change
.WriteString "MEAS:VOLT?"
MeasureVolt = .ReadNumber

' Display the measured values
MsgBox msg1$ + Chr$(13) + "Voltage after trigger = " & Str$(MeasureVolt)

' Check instrument for any errors
.WriteString "Syst:err?"
ErrString = .ReadString

' Give message if there is an error
If Val(ErrString) Then
MsgBox "Error in instrument!" & vbCrLf & ErrString
End If
End With

End Sub

Series N8700 User’s Guide 91

Appendix A
Specifications

Performance Specifications ........................................................... 94

Supplemental Characteristics ........................................................ 95

Outline Diagram ............................................................................. 98

This chapter lists the specifications and supplemental characteristics of
the Keysight N8700 power supplies. A dimensional line drawing of the
unit is included at the end of the chapter.

Unless otherwise noted, specifications are warranted over the ambient
temperature range of 0°to 40°C. Sensing is at the rear terminals of the
power supply after a 30-minute warm-up period. Sense terminals are
externally jumpered to their respective output terminals.

Supplemental characteristics are not warranted but are descriptions of
typical performance determined either by design or type testing.

Appendix A Specifications

Model 3.3kW
5kW

N8731A

N8732A

N8733A

N8734A
N8754A

N8735A
N8755A

N8736A
N8756A

N8737A
N8757A

N8738A
N8758A

N8739A
N8759A

N8740A
N8760A

N8741A
N8761A

N8742A
N8762A

DC Output Ratings:

NOTE 1

Output Ripple and Noise:

Load Effect:

Source Effect:

Programming Accuracy:

Measurement Accuracy:

Load Transient Recovery Time:

Performance Specifications

Keysight Models N8731A – N8742A and Models N8754A – N8762A

Voltage 3.3kW 8V 10V 15V 20V 30V 40V 60V 80V 100V 150V 300V 600V
Voltage 5kW
Current 3.3kW
Current 5kW
Power 3.3kW
Power 5kW

NOTE 2

CV p-p

NOTE 2

CV p-p

NOTE 3

CV rms

NOTE 3

CV rms

3.3kW
5kW

3.3kW
5kW

400A 330A 220A 165A 110A

3.2kW 3.3kW 3.3kW 3.3kW 3.3kW 3.4kW 3.3kW 3.36kW 3.3kW 3.3kW 3.3kW 3.3kW

60mV 60mV 60mV 60mV 60mV 60mV 60mV 80mV 100mV 100mV 300mV 500mV

8mV

8mV

8mV

20V

250A 170A 125A

5kW 5.1kW 5kW 5.1kW 5.2kW 5kW 5.1kW 5.1kW 5.1kW

75mV 75mV 75mV 75mV 100mV 100mV 120mV 300mV 500mV

8mV 8mV

10mV 10mV 10mV 10mV 15mV 15mV 25mV 60mV 120mV

30V

40V
85A

8mV

60V
55A
85A

8mV 25mV 25mV 25mV 100mV 120mV

80V
42A
65A

100V 150V 300V 600V

33A
50A

22A
34A

11A
17A

5.5A

8.5A

(change from 10% to 90% of full load)

Voltage 3.3kW
Voltage 5kW
Current 3.3kW
Current 5kW

6.2mV 6.5mV 7.3mV 8mV 9.5mV 11mV 14mV 17mV 20mV 27.5mV 50mV 95mV
8mV 9.5mV 11mV 14mV 17mV 20mV 27.5mV 50mV 95mV

85mA 71mA 49mA 38mA 27mA 22mA 16mA 13.4mA 11.6mA 9.4mA 7.2mA 6.1mA

250mA 170mA 125mA 85mA 65mA 50mA 34mA 17mA 8.5mA

(change from 170-265Vac for 200Vac models, or 342-460Vac for 400Vac models; with constant load)

Voltage 3.3kW 2.8mV 3mV 3.5mV 4mV 5mV 6mV 8mV 10mV 12mV 17mV 32mV 62mV
Voltage 5kW
Current 3.3kW
Current 5kW

Voltage 3.3kW 0.05%+
Voltage 5kW 0.025%+
Current 3.3kW 0.1%+
Current 5kW 0.1%+

42mA 35mA 24mA 18.5mA 13mA 10.5mA 7.5mA 6.2mA 5.3mA 4.2mA 3.1mA 2.6mA

NOTE 1

4mV 5mV 7.5mV 10mV 15mV 20mV 30mV 40mV 50mV 75mV 150mV 300mV

800mA 660mA 440mA 330mA 220mA 170mA 110mA 84mA 66mA 44mA 22mA 11mA

2mV 3mV

125mA 85mA 62.5mA 42.5mA 32.5mA 25mA 17mA 8.5mA 4.3mA

15mV 22.5mV 30mV 45mV 60mV 75mV

750mA 510mA 375mA 255mA 195mA 150mA 102mA 51mA 25.5mA

4mV

6mV

8mV 10mV 15mV 30mV 60mV

112.5mV

225mV 450mV

Voltage 3.3kW 0.1%+ 8mV 10mV 15mV 20mV 30mV 40mV 60mV 80mV 100mV 150mV 300mV 600mV
Voltage 5kW 0.025%+
Current 3.3kW 0.1%+ 1.2A 990mA 660mA 495mA 330mA 255mA 165mA 126mA 99mA 66mA 33mA 16.5mA
Current 5kW 0.1%+

25mV 37.5mV 50mV 75mV 100mV 125mV

750mA 510mA 375mA 255mA 195mA 150mA 102mA 51mA 25.5mA

187.5mV

375mV 750mV

(time for output voltage to recover within 0.5% of its rated output for a load change from 10% to 90% of its rated
output current)

Time 3.3kW
Time 5kW
Output set point

NOTE 1

Minimum voltage is guaranteed to a maximum of 0.2% of the rated output voltage.

Minimum current is guaranteed to a maximum of 0.4% of the rated output current.

NOTE 2

20MHz

NOTE 3

From 5Hz - 1MHz

≤ 1 ms ≤ 1 ms ≤ 1 ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 2ms ≤ 2ms ≤ 2ms

≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 1ms ≤ 2ms ≤ 2ms ≤ 2ms

From 10% to 100% of rated output

94 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Supplemental Characteristics

Model 3.3kW
5kW

N8731A

N8732A

N8733A

N8734A
N8754A

N8735A
N8755A

N8736A
N8756A

N8737A
N8757A

N8738A
N8758A

N8739A
N8759A

N8740A
N8760A

N8741A
N8761A

N8742A
N8762A

Output Response Time:

Command Response Time:

Remote Sense Compensation:

2V 2V 2V 5V 5V 5V 5V 5V 5V 5V

5V 5V 5V 5V 5V 5V 5V

Over-voltage Protection:

Output Ripple and Noise:

Programming Resolution:
Measurement Resolution:

Front Panel Display Accuracy:

Temperature Stability:

Temperature Coefficient:

Keysight Models N8731A – N8742A and Models N8754A – N8762A

Specifications Appendix A

(to settle to within ±1.0% of the rated output, with a resistive load)

Up, full load 3.3kW 0.08s 0.08s 0.08s 0.08s 0.08s 0.08s 0.15s 0.15s 0.15s 0.15s 0.15s 0.25s
Up, full load 5kW
Down, full load 3kW 0.02s 0.1s
Down, full load 5kW
Down, no load .3kW 0.5s
Down, no load 5kW

0.6s

0.1s

0.7s

0.03s 0.03s 0.03s 0.05s 0.05s 0.05s 0.05s 0.05s 0.1s

0.1s 0.16s 0.16s 0.16s 0.3s

0.05s 0.08s 0.08s 0.08s 0.1s

0.8s

0.7s

0.9s

0.8s

1.0s

0.9s

1.1s

1.0s

1.2s

1.2s

0.3s

0.1s

1.5s

1.5s

0.3s

0.1s

2.0s

2.0s

0.3s

0.1s

3.5s

2.5s

0.5s

0.2s

4.0s

3.0s

(add this to the output response time to obtain the total programming time)

100 ms

(the load lead drop reduces the maximum available voltage at the load)

Volts/load lead 3.3kW 2V
Volts/load lead 5kW

Range 3.3kW
Range 5kW

0.5-10 0.5-12 1-18 1-24V 2-36V 2-44V 5-66V 5-88V 5-110V 5-165V 5-330V 5-660V

2V

1-24V 2-36V 2-44V 5-66V 5-88V 5-110V 5-165V 5-330V 5-660V

5V
5V

(for 8V-15V models, from 2V to 100% of rated output; for all other models, from 10% to 100% of

rated output;)

CC rms 3.3kW
CC rms 5kW

Voltage 3.3kW
Voltage 5kW
Current 3.3kW 48mA 39.6mA 26.4mA 19.8mA 13.2mA 10.2mA 6.6mA 5.0mA 4.0mA 2.6mA 1.3mA 0.66mA
Current 5kW

1.3A

0.96mV 1.2mV 1.8mV 2.4mV 3.6mV 4.8mV 7.2mV 9.6mV 12mV 18mV 36mV 72mV

1.2A 880mA 660mA 300mA 200mA 100mA 80mA 70mA 60mA 20mA 10mA

1.0A 460mA 300mA 150mA 120mA 100mA 90mA 30mA 15mA

2.4mV 3.6mV 4.8mV 7.2mV 9.6mV 12mV 18mV 36mV 72mV

30mA 20.4mA 15mA 10.2mA 7.8mA 6.0mA 4.1mA 2.0mA 1.0mA

(4 digits; +% of rated output voltage; \1 count)

Voltage 3.3kW
Voltage 5kW
Current 3.3kW
Current 5kW

40mV 50mV 75mV 100mV 150mV 200mV 300mV 400mV 500mV 750mV 1.5 V 3.0 V

2.0A 1.65A 1.10A 825mA 550mA 425mA 275mA 210mA 165mA 110mA 55mA 27.5mA

100mV 150mV 200mV 300mV 400mV 500mV 750mV 1.5 V 3.0 V

1.25A 850mA 625mA 425mA 325mA 250mA 170mA 85mA 42.5mA

(over 8 hours, after a 30 minute warm-up, with constant line, load, and temperature)

Voltage 3.3kW
Voltage 5kW
Current 3.3kW
Current 5kW

4mV

200mA 165mA 110mA 82.5mA 55mA 42.5mA 27.5mA 21mA 16.5mA 11mA 5.5mA 2.8mA

5mV 7.5mV 10mV 15mV 20mV 30mV 40mV 50mV 75mV 150mV 300mV

10mV 15mV 20mV 30mV 40mV 50mV 75mV 150mV 300mV

125mA 85mA 62.5mA 42.5mA 32.5mV 25mV 17mA 8.5mA 4.3mA

(after a 30 minute warm-up)

Voltage 3.3kW units 100 PPM/°C from rated output voltage
Voltage 5kW units 100 PPM/°C from rated output voltage
Current 3.3kW units 200 PPM/°C from rated output current
Current 5kW units

100 PPM/°C from rated output current

Series N8700 User’s Guide 95

Appendix A Specifications

Supplemental Characteristics (continued)

Model 3.3kW
5kW

N8731A

N8732A

N8733A

N8734A
N8754A

N8735A
N8755A

N8736A
N8756A

N8737A
N8757A

N8738A
N8758A

N8739A
N8759A

N8740A
N8760A

N8741A
N8761A

N8742A
N8762A

Analog Programming and Monitoring:

Vout voltage

0 - 100%, 0-5V or 0-10V, user selectable, Accuracy & linearity = ± 0.5% of rated Vout

Iout voltage

0 - 100%, 0-5V or 0-10V, user selectable, Accuracy & linearity = ± 1% of rated Iout

Vout resistance

0 - 100%, 0-5kW or 0-10kW, user selectable, Accuracy & linearity = ± 1% of rated Vout

Iout resistance

0 - 100%, 0-5kW or 0-10kW, user selectable, Accuracy & linearity = ± 1.5% of rated Iout

Iout monitor

0-5V or 0-10V, user selectable, Accuracy = ± 1%

Vout monitor

0-5V or 0-10V, user selectable, Accuracy = ± 1%

On/Off control

Electrical voltage; 0-0.6V or 2-15V or dry contact, user selectable logic

PS OK signal

TTL high (4-5V) = OK; 0V = FAIL; 500W series resistance

CV/CC signal 3.3kW

CV = TTL high (4-5V) source current 10 mA; CC = TTL low (0-0.6V) sink current 10 mA

CV/CC signal 5kW

Open collector; CV mode: OFF, CC mode: ON, Maximum voltage = 30V; Maximum sink current = 10 mA

Enable/Disable

Dry contact. Open=Off, Short=On. Maximum voltage at terminal = 6V.

Series and Parallel Capability:

Savable states:

Interface Capabilities:

Environmental Conditions:

and

Output Terminal Isolation:

Acoustic Noise Declaration:

Regulatory Compliance:

Parallel operation

Series operation Up to 2 identical units can be connected using external protection diodes (see Output Terminal Isolation)

In volatile memory 16 (in memory locations 0-15)

GPIB
LXI Compliance
USB 2.0
10/100 LAN

Up to 4 identical units can be connected in parallel with single–wire current balancing

SCPI - 1993, IEEE 488.2 compliant interface. Units purchased with Option NGP do not have a GPIB interface
LXI Core 2011 (only applies to units with the LXI label on the front panel)

Requires Keysight IO Library version M.01.01 and up, or 14.0 and up
Requires Keysight IO Library version L.01.01 and up, or 14.0 and up

Environment
Operating temp.
Storage temp.
Operating humidity
Storage humidity
Altitude

Built-in Web server

Indoor use, installation category II (AC input), pollution degree 2
0°C to 40°C @ 100% load
–20°C to 85°C
Up to 90% relative humidity (no condensation)
10% to 95% relative humidity (no condensation)
Up to 3000 meters.

Above 2000m, derate the output current by 2%/100m
Requires Internet Explorer 5+ or Netscape 6.2+

derate the maximum ambient temperature by 1°C/100m.

8V to 60V units No output terminal may be more than ± 60 VDC from any other terminal or chassis ground.
80V to 600V units No Positive output terminal may be more than ± 600 VDC from any other terminal or chassis ground.

No Negative output terminal may be more than ± 400 VDC from any other terminal or chassis ground.

EMC

Safety

Statements provided to comply with requirements of the German Sound Emission Directive, from 18 January 1991:
Sound Pressure Lp <70 dB(A), * At Operator Position, * Normal Operation, * According to EN 27779 (Type Test).
Schalldruckpegel Lp <70 dB(A) * Am Arbeitsplatz, * Normaler Betrieb, * Nach EN 27779 (Typprüfung).

Complies with European EMC Directive for test and measurement products.

● IEC/EN 61326-1

● CISPR 11, Group 1, class A

● AS/NZS CISPR 11

● ICES/NMB-001

Complies with the Australian standard and carries the C-Tick mark.
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

Complies with the European Low Voltage Directive and carries the CE-marking.
Conforms to UL 61010-1 and CSA C22.2 61010-1.

96 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Specifications Appendix A

Supplemental Characteristics (continued)

Model 3.3kW
5kW

N8731A

N8732A

N8733A

N8734A
N8754A

N8735A
N8755A

N8736A
N8756A

N8737A
N8757A

N8738A
N8758A

N8739A
N8759A

N8740A
N8760A

N8741A
N8761A

N8742A
N8762A

AC Input:

Nominal Input

Input Current

Input Range

Input VA

Power Factor

Efficiency

Inrush Current

3.3kW single-phase

3.3kW & 5kW 3-phase

3.3kW & 5kW 3-phase

3.3kW single-phase

3.3kW 3-phase

3.3kW 3-phase
5kW 3-phase

5kW 3-phase

Single-phase models
3-phase,

200V models

3-phase, 400V models

3.3kW units
5kW units

3.3kW units

3.3kW units
5kW units

3.3kW units
5kW units

Single-phase models
3-phase,

200V models

3-phase, 400V models

ALL Models: 190 – 240 Vac; 50/60Hz
200 Vac Models: 190 – 240 Vac; 50/60Hz
400 Vac Models: 380 – 415 Vac; 50/60Hz

ALL Models: 23 – 24A Max @ 100% load

200 Vac Models: 13.6 – 14.5A Max @ 100% load
400 Vac Models: 6.8 – 7.2A Max @ 100% load

200 Vac Models: 21 – 22A Max @ 100% load
400 Vac Models: 10.5 – 12A Max @ 100% load

170 – 265 Vac; 47 – 63 Hz
170 – 265 Vac; 47 – 63 Hz
342 – 460 Vac; 47 – 63 Hz

4000 VA
5800 VA

Single-phase models: 0.99 at nominal input and rated output power
3-phase models: 0.95 at nominal input and rated output power
3-phase models: 0.94 at nominal input and rated output power

82% – 88%
83% – 88%

< 50A
< 50A
< 20A

Series N8700 User’s Guide 97

Appendix A Specifications

482.0+/-1.0mm

8

8.0mm+/-0.3mm

A

60.5mm 92.0mm

92.0mm

42.0mm

442.5+/-1.0mm

497.5mm (150V to 600V models)

Bus-Bar Detail

8V to 100V Models

N8749A

System DC Power Supply

s1

PROT FINE LIMIT UVL OCP/488 LAN OUT ON

VOLTAGE DC VOLTS DC AMPS CURRENT

OVP

AA

423.0+/-1.0mm

5.0mm

30.0mm

50.0mm

10.5mm

40

.

0

m

m

86.0mm+/-0.3mm

Output Cover Detail

8V to 100V Models

80.0mm

108.0mm

39.0mm+/-0.3mm

Outline Diagram

NOTES:
Holes marked “A” are for chassis slide mounting.
Use only screws designated #10-32x0.38” maximum.

98 Series N8700 User’s Guide

NOTE

ating your power supply. If the

within its

Performance

These tests also verify the power supply is properly calibrated.

Calibration
the published specifications. Calibration is recommended annually.

Appendix B
Verification and Calibration

Verification ...................................................................................... 99

Calibration .................................................................................... 128

The verification procedures described in this appendix verify that the
power supply is operating normally and is within published
specifications.

This appendix also includes calibration procedures for the Keysight
N8700 power supplies. Instructions are given for performing the
procedures from a controller over the GPIB, USB, or LAN.

Verification

Perform the verification tests before calibr
power supply passes the verification tests, the unit is operating
calibration limits and does not need to be re-calibrated.

The recommended calibration interval for Keysight N8700 power
supplies is one year.

Verification procedures are of two types:

These procedures verify that the power supply is operating normaly

and meets all of the published specifications listed in Appendix A.

These procedures calibrate the power supply and set operation within

If the power supply fails any of the verification tests, perform the
calibration procedures. If calibration is unsuccessful, return the unit to a
Keysight Technologies repair facility (see Appendix D).

Appendix B Verification and Calibration

Type

Specifications

Recommended Model

kW minimum.

Equipment Required

The equipment listed in the following table, or the equivalent to this
equipment, is required for the calibration and performance tests. Test
records for all models are at the end of this verification section.

Digital Voltmeter Resolution: 10 nV @ 1V; Readout: 8 1/2 digits;

Accuracy: 20 ppm

Current Monitor

Load Resistor
(nominal values)

Electronic Load 150V, 400A, 3.3kW minimum for Models N8731- N8740A

GPIB Controller Full GPIB capabilities - for calibrating over the GPIB

Oscilloscope

RMS Voltmeter

Differential
Amplifier

Differential Probe 100:1/10:1 selectable LeCroy DXC100A or eqivalent

Terminations
Variable-voltage

xfmr or AC source

15A (0.1Ω) 0.04%, TC=4ppm/°C
100A (0.01Ω) 0.04%, TC=4ppm/°C
300A (0.001Ω) 0.04%, TC=4ppm/°C
500A (0.0005Ω) 0.04%, TC=4ppm/°C

For 3.3 kW models:

0.02Ω, 0.03Ω, 0.068Ω, 0.12Ω, 0.27Ω, 0.47Ω, 1.1Ω, 1.9Ω,

3.0Ω, 6.8Ω, 27.3Ω, 109Ω - all resistors 3.5
For 5 kW models:

0.08Ω, 0.176Ω, 0.32Ω, 0.705Ω, 1.23Ω, 2.0Ω, 4.40Ω,

17.6Ω, 70.6Ω - all resistors 5.5 kW minimum.

150V, 250A, 5kW minimum for Models N8754- N8760A
600 V, 300 A, 5kW minimum - optional for models
N8741A, N8742A, N8761A, N8762A

Units purchased with Option NGP do not have a GPIB
interface

Sensitivity: 1 mV: Bandwidth Limit: 20 MHz
Probe: 1:1 with RF tip

True RMS; Bandwidth: 20 MHz; Sensitivity: 100V

Bandwidth: 20 MHz

1 – 50W BNC termination
Power: 3 Phase 24KVA; Range: 180-235V 47 - 63Hz;

360- 440V 47 - 63Hz

Keysight 3458A or equivalent

Guildline 9230/15
Guildline 9230/100
Guildline 9230/300
Guildline 9230/500

Keysight N3300A mainframes
(up to 4); Keysight N3305A
modules (up to 11); Keysight
N3306A modules (up to 9)

Amrel Model PLA-5K-600-300
Keysight 82350B or equivalent

Keysight Infiniium or equivalent

Rhode and Schwartz Model
URE3 or equivalent

LeCroy DA1855A, DA1850A,
or equivalent

Superior Powerstat
1156DT-3Y, 0-280V, 50A,

24.2 KVA or equivalent

100 Series N8700 User’s Guide

Test Records

Test records for each power supply model are provided after the test
procedure sections.

3.3 kW test records are provided followed by the 5 kW test records.