Technical data

Optimizing System Throughput
The N3300A Series electronic loads are Agilent Technologies’
fastest electronic loads. In addition, there are many new features
that will allow the system designer to further increase throughput.
Sequences of input settings can be downloaded to the load during
system set-up. Then they can be repetitively accessed during run-
time. The commands execute at maximum speed because there is
no GP-IB interaction, and the commands are already decoded.
Measurement Flexibility
Measurement speed or measurement accuracy can be optimized
for each application. Up to 4096 measurement samples can be
taken and averaged to maximize accuracy and noise rejection. Or
fewer samples can be taken for each measurement, and speed is
enhanced.
Waveform digitization with minimum 10 microsecond sample rate
can be accomplished by using the 4096 wide buffer.
All measurement features apply to both voltage and current, which
are measured with dual simultaneous A/D’s.
Since each module has its own built-in dmm and digitizer, all mod-
ules can be measured simultaneously. System speed is enhanced,
because there is no wait for a multiplexer to switch a dmm or
oscilloscope between inputs.
System or Manual Application
These Agilent electronic loads are suitable for use in large test
systems, small-scale automated testing, and manual use from the
front panel. The easy to read display can be used to monitor
voltage, current, and power readings. Almost all programmable
functions are available from the front panel. Four non-volatile
storage states allow you to easily save settings for later recall.
A complete 50-step list can be stored in each of these four storage
states, along with the immediate settings. RS-232 is standard,
in addition to GP-IB. RS-232 provides an easy way to set up a
test with a desktop computer, without the need for a GP-IB
interface card.
Mainframe Configuration
The Agilent N3300A mainframe has six slots. The 150 watt, 250
watt, and 300 watt modules require one slot each. The 500 watt
and 600 watt modules require two slots each. Any combination of
modules can be used, up to using the full six slots. The half-rack
width mainframe, the Agilent N3301A, has two slots.
Operating Agilent Loads Below the Minimum Input
Voltage Specification
Agilent electronic loads meet all specifications when operated
above 3.0 V; however, the dc operating characteristics also extend
below this minimum-input voltage for static tests. Because of the
FET technology used in the power input circuits, these electronic
loads have a low minimum- input resistance allowing them to sink
high currents even at low voltages.
Figure A shows the operating range of a typical Agilent dc
electronic load. Notice that low-voltage operation, down to zero
volts, is possible at correspondingly-reduced current levels,
depending on the minimum resistance of the load. These electronic
loads, therefore, can be used in many applications that previously
required zero-volt loads.
AGILENT dc ELECTRONIC LOADS 35
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
300 Watts
510203040 5060
Amperes
300 Watts
Volts
10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Figure A
V
I
V
I
V
I
V
T
V
T
V
T
Characterizing
Power Supply Crossover
Power Supply
Start-Up Delay
Power Resistor Emulation
Power Supply Load
Regulation Testing
Battery Capacity
Testing
Capacitor Discharging
Power Supply Load
Transient Response
Power Component
Testing
Pulse Electroplating
Battery Capacity Testing
“Real-life” Load Simulation
Constant Current
Pulse and Dynamic Loading
Constant Voltage
Constant Resistance
Separately Programmable Slew Rate
Analog Programming
Power Supply Testing
Power Component
Testing
Power Supply Load
Transient Response
Current Source Testing
Current Limit Testing
Shunt Regulator
A
B
C
D
G
dc
Electronic
Loads
For more information in the U.S.A. call
1-800-452-4844