Agilent E3646A User Manual

User’s Guide

Part Number: E3646-90001
January 2000.

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

© Copyright Agilent Technologies 2000

All Rights Reserved.

Agilent E364xA Dual Output
DC Power Supplies

The Agilent Technologies E3646A/E3647A (30 watt) and E3648A/E3649A
(50 watt) are high performance dual-output dual range programmable DC
power supplies with GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. The combination of bench­top and system features in these power supplies provides versatile solutions
for your design and test requirements.

Convenient bench-top features

• Dual-output dual range

• Output on/off

• High accuracy and high resolution

• Excellent load and line regulation

• Low ripple and noise

• Overvoltage protection

• Five Operating states storage

• Tracking operation

• Easy-to-use controls

• Remote voltage sensing

• Front and Rear output terminals

• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet

• Error messages available on the display

Flexible system features

• GPIB (IEEE-488) and RS-232 interfaces are standard

• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility

• I/O setup easily done from front-panel

• Software calibration, no internal physical adjustments

Agilent Technologies E364xA
Dual Output DC Power Supplies

The Front Panel at a Glance

1 Output1 selection Key
2 Output2 selection Key
3 Low voltage range selection Key
4 High voltage range selection Key
5 Overvoltage protection Key
6 Display limit Key
7 Resolution selection Keys
8 Voltage / Current adjust selection Key

2

9 Knob
10 Output On / Off Key
11 I/O Configuration Menu / Secure Key
12 View Menu / Calibrate Key
13 State Storage Menu / Local Key
14 Stored state Recall/Reset Menu
15 Tracking enabling/disabling Key

Front-Panel Menu/Key Reference

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

1 Output1 selection key Select the output1 voltage and current to be controlled and

monitored on the display.

2 Output2 selection key Select the output2 voltage and current to be controlled and

monitored on the display.

3 Low voltage range selection key Selects the low voltage range and allows its full

rated output to the output terminals.

4 High voltage range selection key Selects the high voltage range and allows its full

rated output to the output terminals.

5 Overvoltage protection key Enables or disables the overvoltage protection function,

sets trip voltage level, and clears the overvoltage condition.

6 Display limit key Shows voltage and current limit values on the display and allows

the knob adjustment for setting limit values.

7 Resolution selection keys Move the flashing digit to the right or left. Adjust the

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

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

or current adjustment.

9Knob Increases or decreases the value of the flashing digit by turning clockwise or

counter clockwise.

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

between on and off.

11 I/O Configuration / Secure key

/ or secures or unsecures the power supply for calibration.

12 View menu / Calibrate key2 Views the error codes and the text of the error message,

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

13 State storage menu / Local key

a name to each of the storage locations / or returns the power supply to local mode
from remote interface mode.

14 Stored state Recall menu Recalls a stored operating state from location ‘‘1’’ through

‘‘5’’ and resets the power supply to the power-on state (*RST command).

15 Tracking enabling/disabling key Enable / disable the track mode of the outputs.

3

Configures the power supply for remote interfaces

1

Stores up to five power supply’s states and assigns

1

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

interface mode.

2

You can enable the ‘‘calibration mode’’ by holding down this key when you turn on the

power supply.

3

You can use it as the ‘‘Secure’’ or ‘‘Unsecure’’ key when the power supply is in the

calibration mode.

3

Front-Panel Voltage and Current Limit Settings

You can set the voltage and current limit values from the front panel using the
following method.

Use the voltage/current adjust selection key, the resolution selection keys,
and the control knob to change the voltage and current limit values.

1

Or

2

+

Low

Or

High

+

1 Select the desired output and voltage range using the output selection keys

and voltage range selection keys after turning on the power supply.

Display

2 Press

key to show the limit values on the display.

Limit

3 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution

selection keys and change the blinking digit value to the desired voltage limit
by turning the control knob. If the display limit times out, press key again.

4 Set the knob to current control mode by pressing key.

Vol ta ge

Current

Display

Limit

5 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution

selection keys and change the blinking digit value to the desired current limit
by turning the control knob.

Output

6 Press

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

On/Off

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

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

The power supply must be in "

Local" mode for the front panel keys and controls to

function.

4

Display Annunciators

Adrs Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.
Rmt Power supply is in remote interface mode.
8V*/35V** Shows the low voltage range is selected.
20V*/60** Shows the high voltage range is selected.
OUT1 The output1 is selected for front-panel or remote operation.
OUT2 The output2 is selected for front-panel or remote operation.
OVP1 The output1 overvoltage protection function is enabled when the

OVP1 annunciator turns on or the overvoltage protection circuit has

caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.

OVP2 The output2 overvoltage protection function is enabled when the

CAL The power supply is in calibration mode.
Limit The display shows the limit values of voltage and current.
ERROR Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected and

OFF The output of the power supply is disabled (See page 56 for more

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

CV The power supply is in constant voltage mode.
CC The power supply is in constant current mode.
TRACK The output1 and output2 are in track mode.

OVP2 annunciator turns on or the overvoltage protection circuit has

caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.

the error bit has not been cleared.

information).

nor CC).

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

Display

Limit

the power supply.

*For E3646A/48A models. **For E3647A/49A models.

5

The Rear Panel at a Glance

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

4

Output 1 Rear output terminals

Use the front-panel key to:

I/O

Config

5

Output 2 Rear output terminals

6 GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector
7 RS-232 interface connector

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

• Set the GPIB address (see chapter 3).

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

6

In This Book

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Specifications Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.

Service Information Contains guidelines to return your power supply to

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

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

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

7

8

Contents

Chapter 1 Quick Start

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

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

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

Chapter 2 General Information

Safety Considerations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27

Safety and EMC Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27
Options and Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28

Options- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28

Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Description - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31

Initial Inspection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31

Cooling and Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31
Output Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32

Current Ratings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32

Voltage Drops - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33

Load Consideration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33

Remote Voltage Sensing Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34

Multiple Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36

Contents

Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features

Front-Panel Operation Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 39
Constant Voltage Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40
Constant Current Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 42
Tracking Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 44
View Menu Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45

Changing Display Mode- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45

Viewing the Errors- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46

Viewing the Firmware Revision - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46

Viewing the Calibration String - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
Configuring the Remote Interface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48

GPIB Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48

RS-232 Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Storing and Recalling Operating States - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50

9

Contents

Contents

Programming Overvoltage Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 52

Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit - - - - - - - - 52
Checking OVP Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 53
Clearing the Overvoltage Condition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 53

Disabling the Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56

Disconnecting the Output Using an External Relay - - - - - - - - 56

System-Related Operations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57

State Storage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57
Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58
Error Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58
Firmware Revision Query - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59

SCPI Language Version - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59
GPIB Interface Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 60
RS-232 Interface Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61

RS-232 Configuration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61

RS-232 Data Frame Format - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61

Connection to a Computer or Terminal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62

RS-232 Troubleshooting- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 63
Calibration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 64

Calibration Security - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 64

To Unsecure for Calibration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 65

To Secure Against Calibration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 66

Calibration Count- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 67

Calibration Message - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 68

Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference

10

SCPI Command Summary - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 71
Simplified Programming Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77

Using the

Using the Low-Level Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77

Reading a Query Response - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 78

Selecting a Trigger Source- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 78

Power Supply Programming Ranges- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79
Using the
Output Setting and Operation Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 81
Triggering- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 87

Trigger Source Choices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 87

Triggering Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 89
System-Related Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 90
State Storage Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93
Calibration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 94
Interface Configuration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 97

APPLy Command- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77

APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 80

Contents

The SCPI Status Registers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98

What is an Event Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
What is an Enable Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
What is a Multiple Logical Output? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
SCPI Status System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 100
The Questionable Status Register- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 101
The Standard Event Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103
The Status Byte Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104
Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL - - - - - - - - - - 105
Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ - - - - - - - - - - - 106
To Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed - 107

Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer - - 107
Status Reporting Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 108
An Introduction to the SCPI Language - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 111

Command Format Used in This Manual- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 112

Command Separators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 113

Using the MIN and MAX Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 113

Querying Parameter Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 114

SCPI Command Terminators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 114

IEEE-488.2 Common Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 114

SCPI Parameter Types - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 115
Halting an Output in Progress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 116
SCPI Conformance Information- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 117
IEEE-488 Conformance Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 120

Chapter 5 Error Messages

Contents

Execution Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 123
Self-Test Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 129
Calibration Errors- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 130

Chapter 6 Application Programs

Example Program for C and C++- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 135
Example Program for Excel 97 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 139

Chapter 7 Tutorial

Overview of this Power Supply Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 147
Output Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 149

Unregulated State - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 151

Unwanted Signals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 151
Extending the Voltage and Current Range - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 153

Series Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 153

11

Contents

Contents

Parallel Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 153

Remote Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 154

Chapter 8 Specifications

Performance Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 159
Supplemental Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161

Appendix Service Information

Operating Checklist - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167

Is the Power Supply Inoperative? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167
Does the Power Supply Fail Self-Test? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167

Types of Service Available - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168

Standard Repair Service (worldwide)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168

Express Exchange (U.S.A. only) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168
Repacking for Shipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 169
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 170
Surface Mount Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 170
To Replace the Power-Line Fuse - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 170
Troubleshooting Hints- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171

Unit Reports Errors 740 to 750 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171

Unit Fails Self-Test- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171

Bias Supplies Problems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171
Self-Test Procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 172

Power-On Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 172

Complete Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 172
General Disassembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 174
Recommended Test Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 175
Test Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 176
Operation Verification and Performance Tests - - - - - - - - - - - - - 176
Measurement Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 177

Setup for Most Tests - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 177

Current-Monitoring Resistor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 177

General Measurement Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 178

Electronic Load - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 178

Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 178
Constant Voltage (CV) Verifications- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 179

Constant Voltage Test Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 179

Voltage Programming and Readback Accuracy - - - - - - - - - - 179

CV Load Effect (Load Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 180

CV Source effect (Line Regulation)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 181

CV PARD (Ripple and Noise) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 182

Load Transient Response Time - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 184

12

Contents

Constant Current (CC) Verifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 185

Constant Current Test Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 185
Current Programming and Readback Accuracy - - - - - - - - - 185
CC Load Effect (Load Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 186
CC Source Effect (Line Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 187

CC PARD (Ripple and Noise) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 188
Common Mode Current Noise - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 189
Performance Test Record for Your Power Supply - - - - - - - - - - 190

CV Performance Test Record - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 190

CC Performance Test Record - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 191
Calibration Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 192

Agilent Technologies Calibration Services- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 192

Calibration Interval - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 192

To Unsecure the Power Supply Without the Security Code 192
General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 193

Front Panel Voltage and Current Calibration- - - - - - - - - - - - 194
Calibration Record for Your Power Supply - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 198
Calibration Error Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 199
Replaceable Parts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 200

To Order Replaceable Parts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 200

Schematics and Diagrams - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 200

E3646A/47A/48A/49A Power Supply Assembly - - - - - - - - - - 201

Manufacturer’s List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 202

Contents

13

Contents

Contents

14

1

Quick Start

Quick Start

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

This chapter is intended for both the experienced and the inexperienced user
because it calls attention to certain checks that should be made prior to
operation.

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

16

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Preliminary Checkout

Preliminary Checkout

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

1 Check the list of supplied items.

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

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

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

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

Display

Limit

1

3 Perform a complete self-test.

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

Display

Limit

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

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

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

appropriate for your location. Your power supply is equipped with a 3-wire grounding
type power cord; the third conductor being the ground. The power supply is grounded
only when the power-line cord is plugged into an appropriate receptacle. Do not
operate your power supply without adequate cabinet ground connection.

17

Power

Output

On/Off

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Output Checkout

Output Checkout

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

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

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

the
121 in chapter 5 for more information.

Voltage Output Checkout

The following steps verify basic voltage functions with no load.

1 Turn on the power supply.

The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the outputs are
disabled (the
selected. The annunciator
indication annunciator turn on (for example,
E3646A model); and the knob is selected for voltage control.

2 Enable the outputs.

OFF annunciator turns on); its output1 and low voltage range are

OVP1, OVP2, CV, OUT1, and low voltage range

8V annunciator turns on for the

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

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

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

control for both low and high voltage range.

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

1

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

value by adjusting the knob.

1

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

right or left when setting the voltage.

18

Power

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Output Checkout

Current Output Checkout

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

1 Turn on the power supply.

Make sure that the output is disabled. The

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

test lead.

OFF annunciator is on

1

Output

On/Off

Display

Limit

Vol ta ge

Curren t

Us e a wire size sufficient to handle the maximu m current (S ee "

" on page 32 in chapter 2).

Rating

Table 2-1 Wire

3 Enable the output.

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

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

4 Adjust the voltage limit value to 1.0 volt.

Set the display to the limit mode (the
Ad j ust the vol tage limit to 1.0 volt to assure CC ope r a tion. Th e
will turn on. To go back to normal mode, press the key again or let the

Limit annunciator will be flashing).

Display

Limit

CC annunciator

display time out after several seconds.

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

ammeter properly responds to knob control.

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

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

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

1

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

value.

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

terminals.

1

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

right or left when setting the current.

19

Chapter 1 Quick Start

If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On

If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On

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

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

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

2 Verify the power-line voltage setting.

The line voltage is set to the proper value for your country when the power
supply is shipped from the factory. Change the voltage setting if it’s not correct.
The settings are: 100, 115, or 230 Vac.

3 Verify that the correct power-line fuse is installed.

The correct fuse is installed for your country when the power supply is shipped
from the factory. See the table below to replace the fuse for your power supply.

Model Agilent Part Number Part Description

E3646A/47A 2110-1070 Fuse 2.5A T 125V for 100 and 115 Vac

E3646A/47A 2110-0457 Fuse 1A T 250V for 230Vac

E3648A/49A 2110-0996 Fuse 4A T 250V for 100 and 115 Vac

E3648A/49A 2110-1068 Fuse 2A T 250V for 230 Vac

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

20

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Line Voltage Conversion

Line Voltage Conversion

1

Warning

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

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

1 Remove AC line power.
2 Remove the cover (Refer to General Disassembly on page 174).
3 Set two sections of the line voltage selector switch on the PC board for the

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

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

the correct one if necessary.

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

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

(TOP VIEW)

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

100V

115V

230V

21

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Line Voltage Conversion

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

3 Replace with the correct fuse.

2 Remove the fuse-holder from the
assembly.

4 Replace the fuse-holder assembly in
rear panel.

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

22

Chapter 1 Quick Start

To Rack Mount the Instrument

To Rack Mount the Instrument

You can mount the power supply in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using one
of three optional kits available. Instructions and mounting hardware are
included with each rack-mounting kit. Any Agilent Technologies System II
instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside the Agilent E3646A,
E3647A, E3648A, or E3649A.

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

1

Front Rear (bottom view)

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

To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9243.

23

Chapter 1 Quick Start

To Rack Mount the Instrument

To rack mount two instruments of the same depth side-by-side, order lock-link kit
5061-9694 and flange kit 5063-9214.

To install two instruments in a sliding support shelf, order support shelf 5063-9256,
and slide kit 1494-0015.

24

2

General Information

General Information

This manual describes the operation of the Agilent Technologies Model
E3646A, E3647A, E3648A, and E3649A DC power supplies.

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

• Safety Considerations‚ on page 27

• Options and Accessories‚ on page 28

• Description‚ starting on page 29

• Installation‚ on page 31

• Output Connections‚ on page 32

26

Chapter 2 General Information

Safety Considerations

Safety Considerations

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27

Chapter 2

General Information

Options and Accessories

Options and Accessories

Options

Options 0EM, 0E3, and 0E9 determine which power-line voltage is selected at
the factory. The standard unit is configured for 115 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input
voltage. For more information about changing the power-line voltage setting,
see Line Voltage Conversion on page 21.

Option Description
0EM 115 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage

0E3 230 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
0E9 100 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
1CM Rack mount kit (Agilent part number 5063-9243)
0L2 Extra English manual set (local language manual files are included

on the CD-ROM, Agilent part number 5964-8251)

Accessories

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

Agilent No. Description
10833A GPIB cable, 1 m (3.3 ft.)

10833B GPIB cable, 2 m (6.6 ft.)
34398A RS-232, 9 pin (f) to 9 pin (f), 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) cable; plus 9 pin (m) to

25 pin (f) adapter
34399A RS-232 adapter kit (contains 4 adapters):
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with PC or printer

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

9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with modem

9 pin (m) to 9 pin (m) for use with modem

28

Chapter 2 General Information

Description

Description

This power supply features a combination of programming capabilities and
linear power supply performance that makes it ideal for power systems
applications. The power supply may be programmed locally from the front
panel or remotely over the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. This power supply has
two ranges, allowing more voltage at a lower current or more current at a lower
voltage. The output range is selected from the front panel or over the remote
interfaces.

Operational features include:

• Dual-output dual range

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

• Overvoltage protection (OVP)

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

• Automatic turn-on self-test

• Remote sense at rear panel terminals

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

2

The front panel operation permits:

• Easy-to-use control features

• Output (1 or 2) and output voltage range selection

• Enabling or disabling OVP

• OVP trip level setting and condition clearing

• Setting and displaying the voltage and current limit values

• Operating state storage/recall

• Resetting the power supply to power-on state

• Returning the power supply to local mode from remote mode

• Retrieving/Scrolling error messages on the display

• Changing display mode (V-V, I-I, or V-I display)

• Viewing the errors, calibration string, or system firmware revision

• Enabling or disabling Tracking mode

• Calibrating the power supply, including changing calibration secure code

• Remote interface configuration

• Enabling or disabling the output

29