Stahl-electronics BS Series, BSA Series User Manual

BS / BSA Series

Multichannel Precision Voltage Source

BS-Series_Voltage_Source_v2_60.doc

16. Nov. 2016

User Manual

Rev. 2.60

BS and BSA versions +/-0.1V to +/-15V range

www.stahl-electronics.com

Electronics for Science and Research, Kellerweg 23, 67582 Mettenheim, Germany

BS and BSA Bias Supply Series and User Manual, Rev 2.60

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General Information and Overview………………….………………………….. 3

1.1 Purpose and Description of the Device…………………………….. 3

1.2 Functional Principle and Block Diagram………………………. 3

1.3 Device Variety……………………………………………………… 4

2. Safety Hints ………………………………….…………………………………… 4

3. Installation ……………………………………………………………………..… 5

3.1 Mechanical and Electrical Installation……………………………… 5

3.2 Software Installation……………………………………………… .. 6

3.2.1 USB-Driver…………………………………………………. 6

3.2.2 LabVIEWTMControl Program………………………………. 8

3.2.3 Self-Written Code…………………………………………… 9

4. Operation and Control Elements ……………………………………………….. 10

4.1 Elements on the Front Plate………………………………………… 10

4.2 Control Software…………………………………………………… 11

4.3 Output Characteristics …………………………………………….. 13

5. Floating Ground Option…………………………………………………………. 14

6. Maintenance………………………………………….…………………………. 14

7. Special Functions, Cryo Supplies, PID Loop…………………………………………. 15

7.1 Manual Voltage Control……………………………………………. 15

7.2 PID Loop for Cryo Amplifiers……………………………………... 16

7.3 Output Voltage Limitation…………………………………………. 18

8. Specifications……………………………………………………………………. 19

9. Fluctuation Data…………………………………………………………………. 21

9.1 BSA Series……………………………….……………………………. 21

9.2 BS Series…….………………………….……………………………. 22

10. Output Connector Pinout (SubD)…………………….……………………………. 24

Appendix…………………………………………………………………………… 25

User-Defined Remote-Control and List of Commands ……………..………… 25

Declaration of Conformity ………………………………………………………… 29

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1. General Information and Overview

1.1 Purpose and Description of the Device

BS and BSA Series devices provide precise and stable DC voltages up to +/-14V (depending on device
version) for biasing and for general purposes. Unlike DC power supplies, the outputs currents are
limited to small values, and the outputs are optimized for high short and long term stability, low noise
and low temperature drift. The device is housed in a standard 19-inch rack-mount case. User control of
the device is accomplished by PC control programs, utilizing a standard USB connection (USB 2.0
compatible). The programmed voltages and measured output currents are displayed on the front LCD
display. BS and BSA devices differ mainly with respect to the internal voltage resolution (BS: 16Bits,
BSA: 19 Bits). On both version the measured output voltages and currents can be read back, which
allows the devices to be used as source-meter units.

1.2 Functional Principle and Block Diagram

The following picture displays the internal structure. A USB interface receives commands from a PC,
which are translated into output voltages on 8, 10 or 16 channels. Voltages and corresponding output
currents are displayed on the front display. In case an output is not able to establish the desired
voltage, or if a current overload occurs, indicators on the user interface will signal a malfunction. All
outputs can deliver both voltage and current polarities, negative as positive (4-quadrant operation).

Fig. 1.1: Illustration of internal structure (simplified, BS version)

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1.3 Device Variety

The following devices are currently members of the BS and BSA series device family.
For higher voltage ranging up to 1000V please refer to HV series, see manufacturers homepage.

designation derivate description

-14 16 channel +/-14V supply, 16Bit resolution

-10 16 channel +/-10V supply, 16Bit resolution

BS 1-16

-5 16 channel +/-5V supply, 16Bit resolution

-14 10 channel +/-14V supply, 16Bit resolution

-10 10 channel +/-10V supply, 16Bit resolution

-5 10 channel +/-5V supply, 16Bit resolution

BS 1-10

- 100mV 10 channel +/-100mV supply, 16Bit resolution

-14 8 channel +/-14V supply, 16Bit resolution

-10 8 channel +/-10V supply, 16Bit resolution

BS 1-8

-5 8 channel +/-5V supply, 16Bit resolution

BS 1-10 cryo

cryogenic amplifier biasing supply +/-5V

8 ch., 2 cryogenic amplifier PID loops

-14 2 channel +/-14V supply, 19Bit resolution

-10 2 channel +/-10V supply, 19Bit resolution

BSA 2

-5 2 channel +/-5 supply, 19Bit resolution

other variants are available on request

2. Safety Hints

Observe installation, operation,
and safety instructions

Prior to operation, thoroughly review all safety, installation, and

operating instructions accompanying this equipment.
Rear side switch turns device
completely off

If the device is not in use for a longer time, it is recommended to

turn the mains switch at the rear side off, otherwise the device will

not be completely separated from the mains supply.
This equipment must be
connected to earth safety
ground

This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the

power cord. To avoid electrical hazard, the grounding conductor

must be connected to protective earth ground.
Do not modify the unit Do not make electrical or mechanical modifications to this unit,

which are not authorized by the manufacturer.
Do not operate in wet/damp
conditions

To avoid electric shock hazard, do not operate this product in wet or

damp conditions. Protect the device from humidity or direct water

contact.
Disconnect power before
servicing

To avoid electric shock, disconnect the main power by removing

the power cord prior to any servicing.
Do not block chassis
ventilation openings

Slots and openings in the chassis are provided for ventilation

purposes to prevent overheating of the equipment.

Case vents should continuously be cleared in order to ensure proper

operation and to prevent overheating. If mounted in a rack, please

allow 2cm clearance at the top cover with respect to the next device

above. By means of software, the internal temperature sensor can

be read out. A temperature over 55°C indicates inad

equate air

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ventilation. Additionally a second sensor can be read out in the

display’s protocol mode (see section 4.1).

Beware of external magnetic
fields

As it is common for most electronic devices, external magnetic

fields can impair, damage or even destroy a device. A maximum

external field strength of 5mT is admissible and must never be

exceeded. This holds for static as well as alternating fields. If in

doubt, check possible external field e.g. with a hall probe before

switching the device on. In case an external field strength of 5mT is

exceeded, once or permanently, the device may overheat or cause

excessive power consumption.
Operate carefully with respect
to risk of electrical shock

In case the floating ground input is used, the internally produced

voltage adds up to the externally applied. Voltages above +/-

100VDCtherefore may appear at the outputs which are harmful in

case of direct touch with the human body, or which may endanger

other sensitive devices.
Routinely cleaning from dust After long operation, or operation in a dusty environment it is

strongly recommended to have the internal parts of the device

cleaned by the manufacturer, or an appropriately qualified

workshop in order to ensure proper operation and reduce the hazard

of overheating.
Only operate with working air
fan

The ventilation fan located at the rear side of the device always

needs to work to ensure proper cooling. Please refer to section 6.
No outdoor operation Outdoor operation of the device is not admissible.

3. Installation

3.1. Mechanical and Electrical Installation

Positioning: Sufficient air cooling should be provided to the device. Rack mounting into a standard
19” rack is as well possible as resting the device on a table. Case vents must be cleared (fan inlet and
air outlet at rear side), in order to prevent overheating or thermal drifts. If in doubt about the
sufficiency of air ventilation, provide a software readout of the internal temperature sensor for regular
inspection, e.g. every 2 minutes. Alternatively the temperature of a second sensor can be read by
switching the display to the protocol mode (see section 4.1, below).

Fig. 3.1 Keep air vents always clear to ensure ventilation

Connecting to mains power:
Connect the device to the mains power supply by using an appropriate power cord, being properly
wired and providing a grounded outlet. The power cord must be suited with respect to possible load
currents and should be rated to at least 1A current.

Cabling of voltage outputs:
Always provide appropriate cabling to the device, shielded cables are preferable to ensure avoidance
of external noise pickup. In case the reference ground is floated always be aware about the potential

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hazard of high electrical voltages to human beings and sensitive objects of all kind (see also safety
hints in section 2).

USB connection:
Use a standard type-A-B connection cable (USB 2.0 standard) to connect the device to the control
computer. After connecting to a PC under Windows, the “Found New Hardware Wizard” should open
(see next section for detailed description), regardless if the device is already switched on or not, since
the corresponding receiver inside the device is powered by the USB bus itself and therefore
autonomous. Cable length can be prolongated using an appropriate USB hub or repeater.

3.2. Software installation

3.2.1 USB-Driver

The device uses the USB bus for connecting to a control PC. After proper cabling of the USB
connection (see section before) the “Found New Hardware Wizard” under Windows should open up.
Depending on the Windows version allow a few seconds to automatically identify the connected
device and install drivers, or follow the described steps below. The automatic or manual installation
will install the USB-CDM drivers from FTDI Ltd., which is the manufacturer of the USB bus interface
circuitry.
The supplied installation CD provides suitable drivers for operation under Windows XP. Latest
drivers, also for different other operating systems (Linux, Mac OS, other Windows versions) can be
downloaded from http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm. Note that the device appears as a RS232­controlled device, communicating with standard settings (9600 Baud, 8N1 protocol, no handshake) or
115200 Baud (see also appendix).

Execute the following steps after start of the “Found New Hardware Wizard”:

In this screen activate the last button “No, not this time” and continue with “Next”.
In the following window choose “Install from a list or specific location” => “Next”

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Afterwards choose “Search for driver in these locations” and “Include this location in the search”.
Browse now to the provided Installation CD and select the appropriate path with the USB drivers.

Click “OK” and “Finish” to complete the first driver installation.

After a few seconds the first window will show up again (“Found New Hardware Wizard”). This is
because the drivers come in two separate parts, which both have to be installed. Go through the
installation steps in the same way as before. After completion, the USB drivers are ready for use and
Windows indicates this by showing “Device Ready” (or similar) in the lower right screen corner for a
couple of seconds.
Windows usually recommends to restart Windows now, but normally one can skip this point.
Nevertheless note that the PC should be restarted before installing any other piece of hardware or
software.

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3.2.2 LabVIEWTMcontrol program

A LabVIEWTMbased control program is used to operate the device. Its operation is described in
section 4.2. Its installation assumes that the LabVIEWTMdevelopment environment in Version 8.2 or
higher is available on the target PC (if this is not the case, please see below). Copy the path containing
the LabVIEWTMsource code VI’s from the installation CD to a proper place of your choice on a local
drive. To start it, double-clicking on the file

“ControlPanel.vi” in the path “ui” (“User Interface”) the control panel for HV and BS Series devices
will open, which can immediately be started by clicking on the

start-arrow in the upper left corner.
For details see also section 4.2.

In case that the LabVIEWTMdevelopment software in version 8.2 or higher is not available on the PC,
which controls the device, there is a second option. The “LabVIEWTMrun time engine” can be
installed from the installation CD and the application program (containing the control software for the
HV-Series and BS-Series devices) can be run subsequently as stand-alone program. In this case
modifications of the control software or implementation in own programs are not possible but the
completed software can be used unchanged in the version as it is. Please contact manufacturer for
more details and possibilities, in case any changes of the program are desired.
To install, launch the LabVIEWTMRuntime Installer Wizard, and follow the instructions.

RuntimeEngine File
Icon

You will be requested to choose an
installation directory and location for
unzipping the required files.

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Furthermore (in case not installed before) the National Instruments VISA drivers need to be

installed, which enable the LabVIEWTMsoftware easy access to the PCs hardware resources.
After completion of these two installations, the control program can be run in the
executable file version without having the LabVIEWTMdevelopment environment installed.

3.2.3 Self-written Code

In order to access the device by self-written program code, simple commands in plain text style
(ASCII) can be used to set voltages, query the status of the device, retrieve voltages and currents and
so on. These commands are described in the appendix (see end of this manual), are easy to learn, and
can be sent through own programs (apart from LabVIEWTM) via e.g. C++, Python, BASIC or
Pascal/Delphi dialects. The physical connection to the device needs to be established beforehand, like
described above, section 3.2.1 .