Xantrex GPIB-XT, GPIB-HPD User Guide

Internal GPIB Interface
for XT/HPD Series
Programmable DC
Power Supplies

GPIB-XT
GPIB-HPD

Operating Manual

Operating Manual for

Internal GPIB Interface
for XT 60 Watt and
HPD 300 Watt Series

Programmable DC
Power Supplies

Limited

Warranty

What does this warranty cover and how long does it last?

This Limited Warranty is provided by Xantrex Technology, Inc. (“Xantrex”) and
covers defects in workmanship and materials in your GPIB Interface Card. This
warranty lasts for a Warranty Period of 5 years from the date of purchase at point of
sale to you, the original end user customer.

What will Xantrex do?

Xantrex will, at its option, repair or replace the defective product free of charge,
provided that you notify Xantrex of the product defect within the Warranty Period,
and provided that Xantrex through inspection establishes the existence of such a
defect and that it is covered by this Limited Warranty.

Xantrex will, at its option, use new and/or reconditioned parts in performing
warranty repair and building replacement products. Xantrex reserves the right to use
parts or products of original or improved design in the repair or replacement. If
Xantrex repairs or replaces a product, its warranty continues for the remaining
portion of the original Warranty Period or 90 days from the date of the return
shipment to the customer, whichever is greater. All replaced products and all parts
removed from repaired products become the property of Xantrex.

Xantrex covers both parts and labor necessary to repair the product, and return
shipment to the customer via a Xantrex-selected non-expedited surface freight
within the contiguous United States and Canada. Alaska and Hawaii are excluded.
Contact Xantrex Customer Service for details on freight policy for return shipments
outside of the contiguous United States and Canada.

How do you get service?

If your product requires troubleshooting or warranty service, contact your merchant.
If you are unable to contact your merchant, or the merchant is unable to provide
service, contact Xantrex directly at:

Phone: [phone]

Toll Free North America: 1 800 667 8422

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

ii Operating Manual for GPIB for XT/HPD Series Power Supply

Direct returns may be performed according to the Xantrex Return Material
Authorization Policy described in your product manual. For some products, Xantrex
maintains a network of regional Authorized Service Centers. Call Xantrex or check
our website to see if your product can be repaired at one of these facilities.

In any warranty claim, dated proof of purchase must accompany the product and the
product must not have been disassembled or modified without prior written
authorization by Xantrex.

Proof of purchase may be in any one of the following forms:

• The dated purchase receipt from the original purchase of the product at point of

sale to the end user, or

• The dated dealer invoice or purchase receipt showing original equipment

manufacturer (OEM) status, or

• The dated invoice or purchase receipt showing the product exchanged under

warranty

What does this warranty not cover?

This Limited Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear of the product or costs
related to the removal, installation, or troubleshooting of the customer’s electrical
systems. This warranty does not apply to and Xantrex will not be responsible for any
defect in or damage to:

a. the product if it has been misused, neglected, improperly installed, physically

damaged or altered, either internally or externally, or damaged from improper
use or use in an unsuitable environment;

b. the product if it has been subjected to fire, water, generalized corrosion,

biological infestations, and high input voltage from lightning strikes;

c. the product if repairs have been done to it other than by Xantrex or its authorized

service centers (hereafter “ASCs”);

d. the product if it is used as a component part of a product expressly warranted by

another manufacturer;

e. the product if its original identification (trade-mark, serial number) markings

have been defaced, altered, or removed.

Release 1.1 iii

Disclaimer Product

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDED
BY XANTREX IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR XANTREX PRODUCT AND IS, WHERE
PERMITTED BY LAW, IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS,
GUARANTEES, REPRESENTATIONS, OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCT,
HOWEVER ARISING (WHETHER BY CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, PRINCIPLES
OF MANUFACTURER’S LIABILITY, OPERATION OF LAW, CONDUCT, STATEMENT
OR OTHERWISE), INCLUDING WITHOUT RESTRICTION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OR CONDITION OF QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED UNDER
APPLICABLE LAW TO APPLY TO THE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION
TO THE PERIOD STIPULATED UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.

IN NO EVENT WILL XANTREX BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES
HOWEVER ARISING WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT INCLUDING WITHOUT
RESTRICTION ANY ECONOMIC LOSSES OF ANY KIND, ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO
PROPERTY, ANY PERSONAL INJURY, ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY ARISING FROM OR
AS A RESULT OF MISUSE OR ABUSE, OR THE INCORRECT INSTALLATION,
INTEGRATION OR OPERATION OF THE PRODUCT.

Exclusions If this product is a consumer product, federal law does not allow an exclusion of

implied warranties. To the extent you are entitled to implied warranties under federal
law, to the extent permitted by applicable law they are limited to the duration of this
Limited Warranty. Some states and provinces do not allow limitations or exclusions
on implied warranties or on the duration of an implied warranty or on the limitation
or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation(s) or
exclusion(s) may not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal
rights. You may have other rights which may vary from state to state or province to
province.

iv Operating Manual for GPIB for XT/HPD Series Power Supply

Information WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, UNLESS

SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO BY IT IN WRITING, XANTREX
a. MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY

OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN MANUALS OR
OTHER DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED BY IT IN CONNECTION WITH THE
PRODUCT; AND

b. ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSSES, DAMAGES,

COSTS OR EXPENSES, WHETHER SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF
SUCH INFORMATION.

THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK.

WARNING:

Limitations

on Use

Please refer to your product user manual for limitations on uses of the product.
Specifically, please note that this power supply is not intended for use in connection
with life support systems and Xantrex makes no warranty or representation in
connection with any use of the product for such purposes.

Xantrex Technology, Inc.
8999 Nelson Way
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5A 4B5

Information

About Your

Power

Supply

Please record the following information when you first open your Power Supply
package:

Model Number ______________________________________________

Serial Number ______________________________________________

Purchased From ______________________________________________

Purchase Date ______________________________________________

Release Release 1.1 (2002-06)

Copyright © 2002 Xantrex Technology Inc. All rights reserved.

Printed in Canada

Release 1.1 v

Power

!

!

Supply

Safety

WARNING—High Energy and High Voltage

Exercise caution when using and calibrating a power supply. High energy levels
can be stored at the output voltage terminals on a power supply in normal
operation. In addition, potentially lethal voltages exist in the power circuit and on
the output and sense connectors of a power supply with a rated output greater
than 40 V. Filter capacitors store potentially dangerous energy for some time after
power is removed.

CAUTION

Operate the power supply in an environment free of flammable gases or fumes.
To ensure that the power supply’s safety features are not compromised, use the
power supply as specified in this manual and do not substitute parts or make any
unauthorized modifications. Contact the service technician for service and repair
help. Repairs must be made by experienced service technicians only.

Warnings,

Cautions,

and Notes

Warnings, cautions, and notes are defined and formatted in this manual as shown
below.

WARNING

Describes a potential hazard which could result in injury or death, or, a procedure
which, if not performed correctly, could result in injury or death.

CAUTION

Describes a procedure which, if not performed correctly, could result in damage
to data, equipment, or systems.

Note

Describes additional operating information which may affect the performance of the
equipment.

vi Operating Manual for GPIB for XT/HPD Series Power Supply

About This Manual

This technical manual is for the internal GPIB interface, a microprocessor-controlled
option card for XT and HPD Series DC output power supplies. This manual provides
you with descriptions and specifications, user options, and configuration
instructions, in addition to a command set which enables you to manage the power
supply from an external source. Error messages and calibration procedures are also
included.

This manual is designed for the user who is familiar with basic electrical theory
especially as it applies to the operation of power supplies. This implies a recognition
of Constant Voltage and Constant Current operation modes and the control of input
and output power, as well as the observance of safe techniques while effecting supply
or pin connections and any changes in switch settings. The user should also have
experience with a computer-based communications software package.

Refer to your power supply manual for installation, configuration, and operating
procedures for your power supply.

Main Sections

Section 1 Features and Specifications Describes the power supply and lists

its features and specifications.

Section 2 Installation and Configuration Gives basic setup procedures.

Describes inspection, cleaning, shipping, and storage procedures. Includes
additional options for configuring the GPIB interface for operation.

Section 3 Operation Lists the complete command set, status registers, and error

codes.

Section 4 Calibration Provides detailed procedures for voltage and current

mode calibration as well as over voltage protection (OVP) calibration. Includes
calibration for programming and readback accuracy.

Manual Revisions

The current release of this manual is listed below. Updates may be issued as an
addendum.

Release 1.1 (2002-06)

Release 1.1 vii

About This Manual

viii Operating Manual for GPIB for XT/HPD Series Power Supply

Contents

About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Section 1.

Features and

Specifications

Section 2.

Installation

and

Configuration

Section 3. Operation

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Features and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Programmable Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Readback Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Basic Setup Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

OVP Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

IEEE-488 Primary Address Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Remote/Local Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Remote/Local Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

LOC Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Local Mode Disable Jumper J95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

IEEE-488 Controller Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Power On Service Request (PON SRQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

User Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Connector J7 User Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

J7 Cable Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

GPIB Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Multiline Control Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Device Clear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Device Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Parallel Poll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Service Request. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Serial Poll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Manual Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Command Format and Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Command Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Command Terminators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Command Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Accumulated Status, Status, and Fault Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Release 1.1 ix

Contents

Diagnostic LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Section 4.

Calibration

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Voltage Mode Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Voltage Calibration Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Voltage Program Calibration Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Voltage Readback Calibration Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Current Mode Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Current Calibration Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Current Program Calibration Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Current Readback Calibration Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Over Voltage Protection (OVP) Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

x

Operating Manual for GPIB for XT/HPD Series Power Supply

Section 1. Features and Specifications

Description

The internal GPIB interface card allows you to operate your power supply from a
computer controller via the IEEE-488 communications bus. See Figure 1.1, “Sample
Configuration using GPIB Interface”.

The GPIB interface allows complete remote programming of your power supply,
including status reporting, settings query, and interrupt generation with
user-designated fault conditions. Both the voltage and current output are precisely
programmed directly in volts and amps with 16-bit resolution. Additionally, the
built-in DVM and current shunt measure the actual power supply output and provide
16-bit readback. The programming command set is easy-to-use and includes
software calibration commands. The interface card comes standard with several
protection features such as programmable over voltage protection, foldback, load
isolation signal, and soft limits.

Figure 1.1 Sample Configuration using GPIB Interface

Release 1.1 11

Features and Specifications

Features and Functions

Features and Functions

Features • 16-bit programming and readback of voltage and current

• Programmable soft limits for voltage and current

• Programmable over voltage protection with reset

• Easy-to-use, self-documenting command set

• Isolated user-programmable signals such as fault, polarity, isolation, and

auxiliary signals

• LED status signals: error, addressed, service request, over voltage protection,

and remote operation

• Foldback in CV or CC mode with reset

• Software calibration

Programmable

Functions

Readback

Functions

• Output voltage and current

• Soft limits for voltage and current

• Overvoltage protection

• Output enable/disable

• Maskable fault interrupt

• Hold and trigger

• User-programmable output relay signals

• Actual measured voltage and current

• Voltage and current settings

• Soft voltage and current limits

• Overvoltage protection setting

• Present and accumulated power supply status

• Programming error codes

• Fault codes

• Power supply model and version identification

• Firmware revision levels

12 Operating Manual for GPIB for XT/HPD Series Power Supply

Features and Specifications

Specifications

The specifications in this section are warranted at 25°C ±5°C unless otherwise
specified. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Table 1.1 Specifications for XT 60 W Series Supply with GPIB Interface Installed

Models 7-6 15-4 20-3 30-2 60-1 120-0.5 250-0.25

Program Resolution

Voltage
Current
OVP

Program Accuracy
Voltage

Current

OVP

Readback Resolution

Voltage
Current

Readback Accuracy

Voltage

Current

1. Apply accuracy specifications according to the following voltage program accuracy example:
Set a model XT 15-4 power supply to 10 volts.
The expected result will be within the range of 10 volts ± 20mV ± 0.1% of the set voltage of 10 volts.

1

1

1.1mV

1.0mA

1.0mV

10mV
±0.1%
110mA
±0.15%
70mV

1.1mV

1.0mA

10mV
±0.15%
110mA
±0.15%

2.4mV

0.6mA

2.4mV

20mV
±0.1%
70mA
±0.15%
150mV

2.4mV

0.6mA

10mV
±0.1%
70mA
±0.15%

3.1mV

0.5mA

3.1mV

20mV
±0.15%
50mA
±0.15%
200mV

3.1mV

0.5mA

10mV
±0.1%
50mA
±0.15%

4.7mV

0.3mA

4.7mV

30mV
±0.15%
40mA
±0.15%
300mV

4.7mV

0.3mA

15mV
±0.1%
40mA
±0.15%

9.3mV

0.2mA

9.3mV

200mV
±0.15%
26mA
±0.2%
600mV

9.3mV

0.2mA

35mV
±0.15%
26mA
±0.2%

17mV

0.1mA
17mV

400mV
±0.15%
13mA
±0.2%

1.2V

17mV

0.1mA

70mV
±0.15%
13mA
±0.2%

34mV

0.08mA
34mV

800mV
±0.15%
7mA
±0.2%

2.4V

34mV

0.08mA

140mV
±0.15%
7mA
±0.2%

Specifications

Release 1.1 13

Features and Specifications

Specifications

Table 1.2 Specifications for HPD 300 W Series Supply with GPIB Interface Installed

Models 15-20 30-10 60-5

Program Resolution

Voltage
Current
OVP

Program Accuracy
Voltage

Current

OVP

Readback Resolution

Voltage
Current

Readback Accuracy

Voltage

Current

1. Apply accuracy specifications according to the following voltage program accuracy example:
Set a model HPD 15-20 power supply to 10 volts.
The expected result will be within the range of 10 volts ± 60mV ± 0.1% of the set voltage of
10 volts.

2.4mV

2.8mA

2.4mV

1

60mV
±0.1%
75mA
±0.12%

1.5V

2.4mV

2.8mA

1

45mV
±0.3%
75mA
±0.12%

4.7mV

1.4mA

4.7mV

70mV
±0.1%
50mA
±0.12%
3V

4.7mV

1.4mA

90mV
±0.3%
40mA
±0.12%

9.3mV

0.7mA

9.3mV

90mV
±0.12%
25mA
±0.1%
6V

9.3mV

0.7mA

175mV
±0.3%
25mA
±0.1%

14 Operating Manual for GPIB for XT/HPD Series Power Supply

Section 2. Installation and Configuration

!

Introduction

To use this product, you must have the following equipment:

• a compatible model of DC output power supply

• IEEE-488 connector and cable

• computer with an IEEE-488 interface card

• Computer-based communications software package

The GPIB interface is usually installed in a power supply at the factory. Your local
distributor or service center can also install the interface, especially for use in a
previously-purchased supply already on site. The GPIB interface card will be
calibrated and configured with default settings. You will need to configure the supply
for your system using the “Basic Setup Procedure” on page 18. Refer also to
Figure 2.1, pg. 16, Figure 2.2, pg. 16 and Figure 2.3, pg. 17 for drawings of the front
panel, the interface subplate, and the GPIB interface printed circuit board (PCB).

Initial Inspection

CAUTION

If you remove the unit's cover, use proper static control techniques to avoid damage
to static-sensitive components on the printed circuit board.

On first receiving your unit, perform a quick physical check.

• Ensure each package contains a power supply with its GPIB interface board

installed, and manuals for the power supply and the GPIB interface. Any
additional parts shipped with the power supply will be identified in the supply's
documentation.

• Inspect the unit for any signs of physical damage such as scratches, cracks, or

broken switches, connectors, or displays.

• Check the printed circuit board and components if you suspect internal damage.

If the unit is damaged, save all packing materials and notify the carrier immediately.
For additional information, please see the section titled, “Returning Power Supplies
to the Manufacturer” in the manual shipped with your complete unit.

Release 1.1 15

Installation and Configuration

Initial Inspection

Over Voltage Protection (OVP) LED

Figure 2.1 Power Supply Front Panel with GPIB Interface Installed

Remote Mode (REM) LED

Service Request (SRQ) LED

OVP Potentiometer

Error (ERR) LED

Addressed (ADR) LED

0

1

SW1 Switch:

1 Remote Mode Selection
2 Power ON Request (PON SRQ) Selection
4-8 A1-A5 Primary Address Selection

J8 IEEE Port

J7 User Signal Connector

Figure 2.2 Power Supply Rear Panel with GPIB Interface Installed

16 Operating Manual for GPIB for XT/HPD Series Power Supply