Frequently Asked Questions - Contents General Topics (for multiple models) Calibration Certificate No Date on Calibration Certificate Calibration Time Interval Line Voltage Options Line Cord Information Single-Phase Power From a 3-Phase Line Switching and Linear Power Products Cooling Requirements Internal Memory Constant Current Operating Mode Current Sinking Down Programming The Difference Between Watts and VA How Watts, VA, Power Factor, and Efficiency are Related The Difference Between P-P Voltage Noise
661xC and 663xB models 6612C: Compatibility With the 6612b 661xC And 663xB: Current Measurement Ranges 661xC And 663xB: Output Transition Time 663xB: Programmable Current Sinking 663xB: Compatibility With the "A" Version Units 40 41 42 43 44 668xA models 668xA: Sharing Current at Low Output in Auto-Parallel Mode 45 68xxA models 68xxA: Programming DC Output Voltage 68xxA: Creating a Trigger Out Signal 47 48 66000A models 66000A: Setting the Dwell Time in List Mode 49 E36xxA models E36xxA: Rack Mounti
Calibration Certificate Question: Do all Power Products ship with a calibration certificate? Answer: Criteria have been established to determine which products get or do not get a calibration certificate from the factory. A product with a product number does not automatically qualify for a calibration certificate. Products which meet the following 3 criteria will ship with a calibration certificate. 1. The product must have published specifications. 2.
No Date on Calibration Certificate Question: Why does Agilent currently ship Power Supplies with calibration certificates that are not dated? Answer: The calibration date is dated on the Certificate of Calibration next to the signature of Electrical Inspector. And the blank Calibration label (sticker) is stapled with the certificate of calibration. There are no components used in Power Products which have a specific shelf life.
Calibration Time Interval Question: How long is the calibration time interval? Answer: Agilent recommends 1 year as the calibration interval for all its power supplies.
Line Voltage Options Question: How do I determine the correct line voltage option to order for my power supply? Answer: Some power products use lots of power, far beyond the range of typical electronic products with which we are familiar. This makes choosing the correct line voltage option more challenging. Also, power distribution systems, regulations, and connection techniques vary greatly among geographic regions as a result of local electrical standards.
Line Cord Information Question: Why doesn’t my power supply come with the right line cord? Answer: Some power products use lots of power, far beyond the range of typical electronic products with which we are familiar. This makes it difficult to identify and provide the correct line cord and plug in all situations. Many times, higher powered products require the help of a site electrician to provide the appropriate power distribution.
Single-Phase Power From a 3-Phase Line Question: Can I operate a power product that requires 220vac single-phase, from a 208vac 3-phase power line? Answer: The figure below shows how you can draw close to the required voltage from a 3-phase power line. This will work satisfactorily when the power line is reasonably close to nominal value. However, it is possible that the power product may not be able to produce full power when the 208 Vac line is at the low end of its tolerance.
Switching and Linear Power Products Question: Which power supplies are switchers, and which are linears? Answer: Some people avoid switching power supplies because they have a poor reputation for performance, specifically high p-p noise on the output, in addition to higher radiated and conducted EMI. However, Agilent pioneered switching supplies such as the 6670 series which offered the performance of linears with the advantages of switchers.
Switcher/Linear Type for Power Supplies MODEL 6010A 6011A 6012B 6015A 6023A 6028A 6030A 6031A 6032A 6033A 6035A 6038A 6114A 6115A 6177C 6181C 6186C 6205C 6209B 6227B 6228B 6253A 6255A 6260B 6268B 6269B 6274B 6281A 6282A 6284A 6286A 6289A 6291A 6294A WATTS 1000 1000 1000 1000 200 200 1000 1000 1000 200 1000 200 40 40 25 25 30 24 32 100 100 120 120 1000 120 2000 900 38 100 60 200 60 200 60 VOLTS 200 20 60 500 20 60 200 20 60 20 500 60 40 100 50 100 300 40/40 320 25/25 50/50 20/20 40/40 10 40 40 60 7.
Cooling Requirements Question: How much cooling do I need for my power supply? Answer: Users frequently rack power supplies into an enclosure to supply power to some remotely located external load. Under these conditions, to properly determine the cooling requirements, the systems integrator needs thermal data from the manufacturer for the specific enclosure in question.
Internal Memory Question: How much volatile or non-volatile memory is available in Agilent Power Products? Answer: The number of store/recall states for power products varies for different series. DC power supply models: 6030A, 6031A, 6032A, 6033A, 6035A and 6038A have 16 volatile memory storage locations available to the user in either Compatible or SCPI language mode. The user cannot pre-define the power on state. 6632A, 6633A and 6634A have no memory available to the user.
Constant Current Operating Mode Question: How do I put the power supply in the constant current mode? Answer: The power supply cannot be "put" into the constant current mode. The output settings of the power supply combined with the ohmic value of the particular load determine whether or not the power supply is in constant current. For example: The power supply inherently resides in the constant voltage mode.
Current Sinking Question: Can Agilent power supplies sink current? Answer: Yes! Sinking, or downprogramming, is the ability of a power supply to pull current into the positive power terminal. Sinking is necessary to discharge the power supply's own output capacitor, or the capacitors that are part of an external load. Sinking is particularly important, for example, in printed circuit board test systems.
Down Programming Question: What is down programming? Answer: When a power supply with current sink capability is programmed to a voltage level less than that actually at the output terminals it will automatically begin to sink current. The downprogrammer can be thought of as an internal load across the power supply's output terminals that helps bring the output voltage down quickly. This is particularly useful in automated test of a device at several voltage or current levels, or in high volume testing.
The Difference Between Watts and VA Question: Why are the required Watts and VA so different? Answer: Watts is a scalar quantity which is frequently used to measure system efficiency. It is the energy supplied by the utility company over a given period of time and is commonly referred to as power. Except for heavy industrial users, the utility company only bills users for the watts consumed. Watts are directly convertible into mechanical work or BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat.
How Watts, VA, Power Factor, and Efficiency are Related Question: How are Watts, VA, Power Factor, and Efficiency related? Answer: "Watts" is a scalar quantity, often referred to as power, and is frequently used in conjunction with measuring system efficiency. Watts is the energy supplied by the utility company over a given period of time to accomplish work for the consumer. Except for heavy industrial consumers, the utility company only bills users for the watts consumed (not VA).
The Difference Between P-P Voltage Noise and RMS Noise Question: What is the difference between voltage P-P noise and RMS noise specifications? Answer: Both Vp-p and Vrms are measures for the unwanted ac components of a dc power supplies output. Peakto-peak noise is measured from the maximum positive point on the waveform to the most negative voltage point.
Current Overshoots Above the Current Limit Setting Question: Why does the power supply allow transient current overshoots above the current limit setting? Answer: Agilent power supplies can operate in either constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) over the rated output voltage and current. However, most are designed as constant voltage sources. This means that these units turn on in constant voltage mode. There is no command for constant current operation.
Driving Inductive Loads Question: How can I drive an inductive load or a large electro-magnet with a power supply? Answer: One of the popular uses of Agilent power supplies is driving large magnets. Magnets are commonly used in several industries including nuclear fusion research and magnetic resonance imaging. However, there are a couple of problems that can arise in these applications. Power supply oscillation can occur when driving an inductive load or magnet.
Remote Sensing Question: How can I offset the voltage drop caused by long cable lengths from my dc power supply to the device under test (DUT)? What is remote (error) sensing? When is it needed? Answer: Normally, Agilent power supplies are delivered configured to deliver their full specs at the output terminals. In some application, where long lead lengths to the DUT are unavoidable, the regulation of the power supply at the DUT can be significantly improved by using remote sensing.
Floating the Output Above Ground Question: Can I “float” the power supply above ground? Answer: The chassis of the power product must always be referenced to earth ground, for safety reasons. However, the output is isolated and may be connected to a point other than ground. It is most common for the output to be connected to circuit common, but in some applications it is advantageous to have the power supply output referenced to some voltage above (or below) ground.
Series/Parallel Output Connections Question: Can I connect dc power supplies in series or in parallel to obtain higher currents or voltages? Answer: Yes, in many cases this can be done, however there are some specific cautions. The resultant voltage for series connections cannot exceed the maximum floating voltage allowed for any of the component power supplies. While this is typically +/-240 volts dc, there are some supplies as low as +/-25 volts dc, and others as high as +/-550 volts dc.
Remote Inhibit Capability Question: I want to put a microswitch on the safety cover so that lifting the cover will program my ATE power supplies to zero volts. Do Agilent power supplies have this capability? Answer: Yes, all of the GPIB programmable supplies in the 603xA, 664xA, 665xA, 667xA and 668xA series as well as the 68xxA series ac sources have this capability called remote inhibit built-in at no extra cost. Remote Inhibit is available as an option at extra cost on the 662xA and 663xA series.
Remote Inhibit is Pulled Low Question: Why is INH pulled low to disable the 66xxA power supply or 68xxA ac source? Answer: It might appear more logical to have a contact opening represent the disabled state in a "fail-safe" manner than contact closure. That way, the source would go into the disabled state in the event that the connector falls off or a wire breaks, or a micro-switch opens. However, the disadvantage of this approach is that it complicates communication between multiple supplies in a system.
Voltage Programming With an External Signal Source Question: Can Agilent power supplies be programmed from 0 to full output voltage using a 0 to 10V signal source? Answer: Yes, many Agilent power supplies feature remote voltage programming or analog programming capability. However, there is a potential danger in analog programming any power supply, especially a high voltage supply.
Superimposing Noise On the Output Question: How can I superimpose noise on the output of a dc power supply? Answer: Agilent power supplies are designed to have the lowest noise that is practically possible. For some application it is desirable to simulate the effect of noise on the output, for example to test system immunity to power line disturbances. Many Agilent power supplies have an analog programming input which can be used to modulate the output with a signal typically 0.0 to 5.0 volts.
Synchronizing Output Turn-On and Turn-Off Question: How can I synchronize different power supply outputs to turn on and off at the same time? Answer: This can be a challenging problem because the products that could potentially be grouped together have been designed over a period of 20 years. The availability of “hooks and handles” varies somewhat by series of products.
Software Driver Information Question: Where can I find a software driver for my Agilent power product? Answer: The VXI plug&play drivers can be found at < http://www.tm.agilent.com/tmo/software/English/PowerSupplyDrivers.html >. Copy this URL into your browser. From this page you may select the driver for the specific product of interest. The plug&play drivers found here will work in the LabView environment, however, if you are also using a National Instruments GPIB card, you will need the VISA library.
Errors When Programming Over the GPIB Question: Why doesn’t my system power supply accept commands over the GPIB? Why do I keep getting an error when I try to communicate with my system power supply over the GPIB? Answer: If you are getting either error 11 or error 113 when you try to send GPIB commands to your system supply, it may be that you are using the wrong command language.
Readback is Intermittently Corrupted or Empty Question: Why is the readback from my power supply intermittently corrupted or empty? Answer: This problem frequently occurs on the second of two queries. While this is most common with the 662xA family of supplies, it can occur on other system power products, but generally only if they are being used in compatible language mode.
603xA: Secondary Address Question: How can you change or view the secondary address in the 6030A, 6031A, 6032A, 6033A, 6035A, or 6038A power supplies? Answer: These products have been retrofitted with SCPI language capability, in addition to the original or compatibility mode. Secondary addressing of these products is only available in SCPI mode. These products are shipped from the factory in the COMPatible Language Mode with their hardware address set to "Adr 5".
603xA: Programming Language Question: How do you change the programming language expected by the the 6030A, 6031A, 6032A, 6033A, 6035A, or 6038A power supplies? Answer: These products are shipped from the factory in their native language (called Compatible Language Mode) with their hardware address set to "Adr 5". The programming language can only be changed to SCPI Mode via a controller by sending the string "SYST:LANGTMSL".
605xA and 606xB: Electronic Loads in Series/Parallel Question: Can I use Agilent Electronic Loads in series and in parallel? Answer: Agilent electronic loads ARE designed to be operated in parallel for more current, but NOT in series for more voltage. Loads are fully protected against damage from current overloads, but will be damaged by voltage above the maximum voltage rating.
605xA and 606xB: Electronic Loads Below 3 Volts Question: Is there a way I can use an 606xB or 605xA Electronic load below 3 volts without derating? Answer: Yes. Use a boost supply in series with the UUT. The load will now meet all its specs with no derating, because it always operates above 3 volts (refer to the figure below). The boost supply can be a low-cost fixed output 3 V or 5 V supply with a current rating at least as high as the maximum peak load current needed.
605xA and 606xB: Electronic Load Power-On State Question: When powered on, what is the wake-up voltage and current setting of the 606xB and the modules installed in the Agilent 605xB Series electronic loads? Answer: The 606xB and the modules installed in the 605xA mainframe have 7 user-definable recall states which allow saving the settings of the load for later recall. One of these states, location 0 is non-volatile; this is called the wake-up state.
605xA and 606xB: Electronic Load Resistance Accuracy Question: How do I determine Resistance Accuracy in the Electronic Load Family? Answer: The 6060B specifications will be used for this example. The resistance accuracy of other models can be determined by substituting the accuracy specifications of the other model in the example below.
605xA and 606xB: Electronic Load Constant Resistance Resolution Question: Why are Agilent Electronic Loads constant resistance resolution speced in ohms on the low resistance range, but in mSiemens on the two higher ranges? Answer: In general, Agilent Electronic Loads are not a conventional "resistor". The loads consist of IC's, capacitors, resistors, FETs, etc. They were designed with two major circuits, a cv and cc circuit. These circuits are used to simulate resistance on the two upper ranges.
605xA and 606xB: Electronic Load Slew Rate Question: What are the units used when setting the slew rate on the electronic loads? Answer: When setting the slew rate from the front panel of the load, the units used are A/us. When setting the slew rate over the GPIB, the units used are also A/s. The range of slew rate that can be programmed varies depending on which output range (high or low input current), and the model.
6612C: Compatibility With the 6612B Question: Does the 6612C have the same programming language as the 6612B version, SCPI or VXI plug&play drivers? Will it interface to other products? How compatible are these? Answer: The short answer is yes! All of the models in this family (661xC) have two command sets: SCPI; and Compatibility (663xA-type). The language format can be changed either by s/w command or from the front panel.
661xC and 663xB: Current Measurement Ranges Question: Do the 661xC and 663xB Series power supplies have more than one current measurement range? What is the current measurement resolution? How do I switch between them? Answer: Yes, these models feature TWO 16-bit current measurement ranges. The high range covers the full output, with an LSB ranging from approximately 20 uA for 1A output to 436 uA for the 10A output. Model 6611C 6612C 6613C 6614C 6631B 6632B 6633B 6634B Max Current 5A 2A 1A 0.
661xC and 663xB: Output Transition Time Question: How fast can the 661xC and 663xB Series supplies respond to a command and generate a full scale output? Answer: The output transition time is comprised of two parts: command processing time (before the output starts to change voltage), and the output programming response time (essentially the time it takes the output to go from 10% of the voltage to 90%). Adding both figures will give a good estimate of the output transition time.
663xB: Programmable Current Sinking Question: Can the current sinking limit be programmed on Agilent power supplies? Answer: In general, current sinking is a fixed value at some percentage of the full scale current output. However, there is an exception for one series of Agilent power supplies. On the 663xB series, the maximum negative current tracks the value programmed for the positive current limit.
663xB: Compatibility With the "A" Version Units Question: Do the 6632B, 6633B and 6634B have the same programming language as the A version, SCPI or VXI plug&play drivers? Will it interface to other products? How compatible are these? Answer: All of the models in this family have two command sets: SCPI; and Compatibility (663xA-type). The language format can be changed either by s/w command or from the front panel. When the unit is turned off, the current language mode is stored in non-volatile memory.
668xA: Sharing Current at Low Output in Auto-Parallel Mode Question: Why don't my 668xA 5 kW power supplies share current at low output current when operated in autoparallel? Answer: It's normal. They will share current at full load. Here's a complete explanation. Using 668xA Series power supplies in auto-parallel, a maximum of five 668xA Series power supplies, with the same model number, may be configured for auto-parallel operation.
Master current = 14.55A Each slave current = -14.55A / 2 = -7.28A Iout = 0A All 668xA power supplies have an output current programmed at ac power-on. The default current value programmed at power-on can be found in table 3-1 of Programming Guide 5960-5597. See *RST and *SAV in the programming guide to change the power-on current value. A current programmed via the rear panel +Ip / -Ip inputs will be summed with a current programmed via the front panel keypad or GPIB.
68xxA: Programming DC Output Voltage Question: How do I program a DC voltage from an AC power source? Answer: DC voltage can only be programmed from AC source models 6811A, 6811B, 6812A, 6812B, 6813A, 6813B, 6841A and 6842A. To program a DC voltage perform the following steps using the front panel keypad. Press [ Shift ] key then [ Output ] key. Display will read "OUTP:COUP AC". Press down triangle on function keypad once, display reads "*RST". press [ Enter ].
68xxA: Creating a Trigger Out Signal Question: How do I create a trigger out signal on the rear of an AC source? Answer: To generate a SINGLE "Trig OUT", use the following key sequences: Press [shift] [Output] keys; Use the function and entry scroll keys to pick {TTLT:STATE "ON"} then press [ENTER] ; Press [Trigger Control] key; Use scroll keys to pick {INIT:IMMED} then press [ENTER]; Press [shift] [Trigger] keys.
66000A: Setting the Dwell Time in List Mode Question: How do I set the dwell time in the List mode on the 66000A series power supplies? Answer: The List mode can contain up to 20 Voltage, Current or Dwell steps if controlled over the GPIB, or up to 8 steps if controlled from the optional keyboard. Each dwell point specifies the time, in seconds, that the output will remain at the corresponding voltage/current combination in the list.
E36xxA: Rack Mounting Question: How do I rack mount the E36XXA manual and programmable power supply? Answer: The following rack mount kits are available (select the appropriate model number): For the E3610A, E3611A, and E3612A: These are three inch manual DC Power Supplies, which were not originally intended to be rack mounted. If you have a need to install one or more in a rack, order rack mount kit 5063-9767.
E36xxA: Setting the Line Voltage Question: How do I change the power-line voltage setting for an E36xxA Series power supply? Answer: Certain model families have different methods for changing the line voltage as listed below. Always make sure that the correct fuse is installed before powering up after changing the line voltage. For more information, see "Line Voltage conversion" in the manual. Also check the manual for the correct fuse values.
E36xxA: Output Control Using Resistors Question: How can I control the output from the E3614A/15A/16A/17A power supplies using resistors? Answer: Remote programming with resistors allows you to control the E3614A/15A/16A/17A output voltage or current by means of remotely varying resistors. The sum of the two programming resistors should be greater than 40 kohms. This disables the voltage control on the front panel.
E36xxA: Making Adjustments With the Output Disabled Question: How do I adjust the voltage or current settings when the Output is disabled on an E36xxA-Series power supply? Answer: When the Output is disabled, press the 'Display Limit' button on the front panel to place the power supply in the limit mode. Then, set the desired limit values for the output voltage and/or current. Press the 'Output Off' button again to enable the power supply's output.
E36xxA: Remote Programming Question: Which of the E36xxA power supplies can be controlled from the remote interface? Answer: The E3631A and E3632A power supplies are fully programmable and you can program them from the RS-232 or GPIB (IEEE-488) interface. Both remote interfaces are included standard with these two power supplies. The Agilent E3614A, E3615A, E3616A, and E3617A power supplies have voltage programming capability.
E36xxA: Software Drivers Question: Are there software drivers available for the E36xxA power supplies? Answer: Yes! There are VXI plug and play drivers that support Agilent VEE, NI Labview, and Labwindows for the E363xA and E364xA families of power supplies. Users of Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition should use the Windows 95 drivers. The drivers are located as follows: E3631A driver: Win 3.x : http://ftp.agilent.com/pub/mpusup/vxipnp/win/supported/e3631a.exe Win 95, NT: http://ftp.agilent.
E36xxA: Internal Memory Question: How much internal memory is available to the user in the E363xA and E364xA power supplies? Answer: The E3631A, E3632A, E3633A, and E3634A have 3 non-volatile recall states for the output parameters, each of which can store the voltage, current limit, and over-voltage protection setting . The E364xA series supplies have similar capabilities. The only difference is that they have 5 non-volatile recall states instead of 3.
E36xxA: Clearing the Contents of Power Supply Memory Question: How can I clear the content of power supply memory for programmable E36xxA power supplies? Answer: There is no way to clear the contents of the store/recall states. They can be overwritten as many times as desired but there is not an explicit way to delete a saved state. The specific details of store/recall operations will differ according to the series of product. For additional details refer to the Users Guide for your specific product.
E36xxA: Reading the Calibration Date Question: How can I read the calibration date for an E363xA or an E364xA power supply? Answer: The calibration message containing the factory calibration date can be retrieved by using the "CALibration:STRing?" command. After the calibration is completed, the date can be changed with the "CALibration:STRing " command. The E364xA family has a way to read the calibration string through the front panel.
E36xxA: Instrument Repair Procedures Question: My E36xxA DC Power Supply is broken; How can I get it fixed? Answer: If your E36xxA fails within three years of the original purchase, Agilent will repair or replace it free of charge. If the instrument fails after the three-year warranty has expired, Agilent will provide a quote to repair or replace it at customers expense. The decision to repair or replace the instrument will be made locally by Agilent.
E3631A and E3632A: Disabling the Control Knob Question: How do I disable the control knob on the Agilent E3631A/32A power supplies? Answer: To disable the front-panel control knob, scroll the flashing digit on the front-panel display to the right or left using the selection keys (<) or (>) until the flashing digit disappears.; Notice that the control knob and all front-panel keys are now disabled while in the remote interface mode.
E3631A and E3632A: Output 'OFF' State Question: What is the voltage/current level when the 3631A is in the output off state? Answer: The answer to this question varies depending on the firmware version installed in the power supply. The firmware revision can be viewed by using the "*IDN?" command. The query returns in the format: "HEWLETT-PACKARD,E3631A,0,1.1-X.X-X.X" (1.1 is the firmware revision) For units with firmware revision 1.4 or less in the output off state, values of less than 0.
E363xA and E364xA: Compatibility With National GPIB I/F Card Question: Will the E363xA and E364xA series supplies work with National Instruments GPIB I/F card for PCs? Answer: Yes, the National Instruments GPIB board is very configurable. However, this can cause some problems. The National Instruments card comes set up with EOI as the termination character. This can cause problems with instruments that use a line feed as the termination character.
E364xA: Fan Cooling Question: Do the E364xA power supplies have fan cooling? Answer: Yes. The fan speed in the E364xA series supplies is controlled automatically for reduced acoustic noise when the ambient temperature and power supply load is such that the full cooling capability is not required.
E364xA: Flashing Digit on the Display Question: How can I eliminate the flashing single digit in the front-panel display? Answer: The flashing digit indicates the digit of the output parameter displayed that can be changed by turning the front panel knob. Use the resolution selection key (<) or (>) to move the flashing digit to the left or right until the flashing stops. Note that the knob, the flashing digit, and the resolution selection are disabled while in the remote interface mode.
E364xA: Settling Time Question: What is the settling time for the E364xA power supplies? Answer: For the E364xA series, Settling Time is defined as the maximum time required for the output voltage to change from 1% to 99% (or vice versa) following receipt of a VOLTage or APPLy command from the GPIB or RS232 interface. The settling time is <90 msec for Agilent E364xA instruments.
E364xA: Bench-Top/System Applications Question: Are these power supplies targeted for bench-top or system applications? Answer: These power supplies have all the features and performance necessary for both bench-top and system ATE applications where throughput is not critical, at a surprisingly low price. These units provide useful features for bench users such as front panel control of all power supply settings, front panel binding posts and small footprints.
E364xA: Returning the Unit to the State it was in Before Power was Removed Question: Can the E364xA be configured to return to the state it was in before line power was removed? Answer: No. The E364xA is NOT capable of recalling the power-down settings. These power supplies are designed to conform to SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments). The SCPI standard states that every source instrument, including power supplies, should be powered on with the output OFF state.
E364xA: Alternative Programming Language Question: Does the E364xA offer any alternative programming languages? Answer: The E364xA's programming language is compatible with SCPI (1998) and IEEE 488.2. No other programming languages are available.
