Agilent Technologies Low-Profile Modular Power System Series N6700 User’s Guide
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Safety Notices The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings or instructions elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements. General Do not use this product in any manner not specified by the manufacturer.
In this Book Specific chapters in this manual contain the following information: Quick Reference – Chapter 1 is a quick reference section that helps you quickly become familiar with your Agilent N6700 Modular Power System. It describes the differences between the various modules in the power system. Installation – Chapter 2 describes how to install your power system. It describes how to connect various loads to the output. It discusses remote sensing as well as parallel and series operation.
Contents 1 – Quick Reference .............................................................................................................................. 7 The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance.......................... 8 The Front Panel – At a Glance ........................................................................ 11 The Rear Panel – At a Glance ......................................................................... 11 Front Panel Display – At a Glance ...........................
External Data Logging ...................................................................................... 91 System-Related Operations ............................................................................. 95 A – Specifications................................................................................................................................ 99 Agilent N6700B, N6701A, N6702A MPS Mainframes .............................. 100 B – Using the Digital Port....................................
1 Quick Reference The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance.......................... 8 The Front Panel – At a Glance ........................................................................ 11 The Rear Panel – At a Glance ......................................................................... 11 Front Panel Display – At a Glance ................................................................. 12 Front Panel Keys – At a Glance ...................................................................
1 Quick Reference The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System is a configurable, one rackunit (1U) platform that lets you mix and match power modules to create a power system optimized for your test system requirements. Agilent N6700–N6702 MPS mainframes are available in power levels of 400 W, 600 W, and 1,200 W. Up to four power modules can be installed in each mainframe.
Quick Reference Output autoranging capability 1 Available on Agilent N676xA and N675xA power modules. Autoranging supplies the maximum rated power over a continuous range of voltage and current settings. Output On/Off sequencing A turn-on/turn-off delay capability for each output allows output on/off sequencing. Remote voltage sensing Two remote sensing terminals are provided for each output. When shipped, the remote sense jumpers are included in a separate bag. See Chapter 2.
1 Quick Reference Model Differences Feature DC Power High-Performance Precision N673xB, N674xB, N677xA N675xA N676xA 50 W output rating N6731B – N6736B N6751A N6761A 100 W output rating N6741B – N6746B N6752A N6762A 300 W output rating N6773A – N6777A N6753A, N6754A N6763A, N6764A N6755A, N6756A N6765A, N6766A Option 761 Option 761 Option 761 Option 760 Option 760 Option 760 ● ● (● = available) 500 W output rating Output disconnect relays Output disconnect/polarity reversal r
Quick Reference 1 The Front Panel – At a Glance Display Turns off after 1 hour of inactivity. Press any key to restore the display. Navigation keys Move the cursor to a menu item. Select the highlighted menu item. Output keys Turn the outputs on or off. Enter voltage or current. N6700A Modular Power System 20.007V o - 1 CV 4.004A Set: 20.000V 5.500A Meter Menu On/Off Channel Back Voltage Help Error Sel Current 7 8 9 4 5 6 1 2 3 0 .
1 Quick Reference Front Panel Display – At a Glance Single-channel view Voltage measurement Bar indicates output polarity is reversed Current measurement Press the Meter key to toggle between views Operating status (CV = constant voltage) Multiple-channel view Voltage and current settings Interface status (IO = activity on interface) Voltage and Current measurements Press the Meter key to toggle between views The highlighted channel is the active channel Grouped-channel view Channels 2 through
Quick Reference Operating status indicators 1 OFF = the output is off CV = the output is in constant voltage mode CC = the output is in constant current mode CP+ = the output is limited (or disabled) by the positive power limit CP– = the output is limited (or disabled) by the negative power limit VL+/– = the output is in positive or negative voltage limit mode CL+/– = the output is in positive or negative current limit mode OV = the output is disabled by the over-voltage protection OV– = the output is dis
1 Quick Reference Front Panel Menu Reference NOTE Menu commands that appear grayed-out on the front panel are either not available for the power module, or are password protected. Menu Command Control Description Output Voltage Programs voltage setting, limits, and ranges. Current Programs current setting, limits, and ranges. Mode Programs output priority mode on Models N678xA SMU. Sequence Advanced Measure Transient Delay Programs Turn-on /Turn off delay.
Quick Reference Menu Command System IO Control Description LAN USB ActiveSettings Displays the LAN interface settings that are presently active. Config IP Configures the IP addressing of the instrument. Name Configures the Dynamic DNS and NetBIOS naming service. Domain Configures the Domain Name. DNS Configures the DNS server. TCP Configures the TCP keepalive function. Reset Resets the LAN interface settings to the factory-shipped state.
1 Quick Reference SCPI Command Summary Subsystem Commands NOTE Some [optional] commands have been included for clarity. All settings commands have a corresponding query. Not all commands apply to all models.
Quick Reference SCPI Command Description FETCh[:SCALar] (continued) :POWer [:DC]? (@chanlist) :VOLTage [:DC]? (@chanlist) :ACDC? (@chanlist) :HIGH? (@chanlist) :LOW? (@chanlist) :MAXimum? (@chanlist) :MINimum? (@chanlist) :ARRay :CURRent [:DC]? (@chanlist) :POWer [:DC]? (@chanlist) :VOLTage [:DC]? (@chanlist) :ELOG , (@chanlist) Returns the instantaneous output current Returns the instantaneous output power Returns the instantaneous output voltage Returns the most recent external data log records F
1 Quick Reference SCPI Command OUTPut [:STATe] [,NORelay], (@chanlist) :COUPle [:STATe] :CHANNel [ {,}] :DOFFset :MAX :DOFFset? :DELay :FALL , (@chanlist) :RISE , (@chanlist) :PMODe VOLTage | CURRent, (@chanlist) :TMODe HIGHZ | LOWZ, (@chanlist) :INHibit :MODE LATChing | LIVE | OFF :PON :STATe RST | RCL0 :PROTection :CLEar (@chanlist) :COUPle :DELay , (@chanlist) :OSCillation , (@chanlist) :WDOG [:STATe] :DELay :RELay :POLarity NORM
Quick Reference SCPI Command SENSe (continued) :SWEep :OFFSet :POINts , (@chanlist) :POINts , (@chanlist) :TINTerval , (@chanlist) :RESolution RES20 | RES40, (@chanlist) :VOLTage [:DC]:RANGe [:UPPer] , (@chanlist) :AUTO , (@chanlist) :WINDow [:TYPE] HANNing | RECTangular, (@chanlist) [SOURce:] CURRent [:LEVel] [:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] , (@chanlist) :TRIGgered [:AMPLitude] , (@chanlist) :LIMit [:POSitive] [:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] , (@chanlist) :COUPle , (
1 Quick Reference SCPI Command [SOURce:]LIST:TOUTput (continued) :DWELl {,}, (@chanlist) :POINts? (@chanlist) :STEP ONCE | AUTO, (@chanlist) :TERMinate :LAST , (@chanlist) :TOUTput :BOSTep [:DATA] {,}, (@chanlist) :POINts? (@chanlist) :EOSTep [:DATA] {,}, (@chanlist) :POINts? (@chanlist) :VOLTage [:LEVel] {,}, (@chanlist) :POINts? (@chanlist) Sets the list of dwell times Returns the number of dwell list points Specifies how the list responds to trigger
Quick Reference SCPI Command STATus :OPERation [:EVENt]? (@chanlist) :CONDition? (@chanlist) :ENABle , (@chanlist) :NTRansition , (@chanlist) :PTRansition , (@chanlist) :PRESet :QUEStionable [:EVENt]? (@chanlist) :CONDition? (@chanlist) :ENABle , (@chanlist) :NTRansition , (@chanlist) :PTRansition , (@chanlist) SYSTem :CHANnel [:COUNt]? :MODel? (@chanlist) :OPTion? (@chanlist) :SERial? (@chanlist) :COMMunicate :RLSTate LOCal | REMote | RWLock :TCPip:CONTrol? :ERRor? :GROup :CA
1 Quick Reference Common Commands Command Description Command Description *CLS *ESE *ESR? *IDN? *LRN *OPC *OPT? *RCL Clear status Standard event status enable Return event status register Return instrument identification Returns a sequence of SCPI commands Enable "operation complete" bit in ESR Return option number Recalls a saved instrument state *RDT? *RST *SAV *SRE *STB? *TRG *TST? *WAI Return output channel descriptions Reset Saves an instrument state Set service request
2 Installation General Information .......................................................................................... 24 Inspecting the Unit ........................................................................................... 25 Installing the Unit.............................................................................................. 26 Connecting the Line Cord ................................................................................ 30 Connecting the Outputs ...................
2 Installation General Information Models Agilent Model Description N6700B / N6701A / N6702A 400 W / 600 W / 1200W MPS Mainframe - without power modules N6710B / N6711A / N6712A Build-to-order Modular Power System – mainframe with installed power modules N6731B / N6741B 50 W / 100 W 5 V DC Power Module N6732B / N6742B 50 W / 100 W 8 V DC Power Module N6733B / N6743B / N6773A 50 W / 100 W / 300 W 20 V DC Power Module N6734B / N6744B / N6774A 50 W / 100 W / 300 W 35 V DC Power Module N6735B /
Installation 2 Items Supplied Mainframe Items Description Part Number Power Cord A power cord suitable for your location. Call Agilent Sales & Support Office Ferrite Core Installs on power cord to reduce common mode currents. Agilent 9170-2131 Digital Connector plug 8-pin connector for connecting signal lines to the digital port. Agilent 1253-6408 Phoenix Contact MC 1,5/8-ST-3,5 Product Reference CD-ROM Includes drivers and documentation.
2 Installation Installing the Unit Safety Considerations This power system is a Safety Class 1 instrument, which means it has a protective earth terminal. That terminal must be connected to earth ground through a power source equipped with a ground receptacle. Refer to the Safety Summary page at the beginning of this guide for general safety information. Before installation or operation, check the power system and review this guide for safety warnings and instructions.
Installation 2 Power Module Installation NOTE CAUTION The information in this section applies if you have purchased an N6700 mainframe without the power modules installed, or if you are adding a power module to the mainframe. Turn the mainframe off and disconnect the power cord before installing or removing power modules. Observe all standard electrostatic discharge precautions before handling electronic components. Modules must be installed next to one another, starting with slot 1.
2 Installation Step 3. Use a T10 Torx driver and install the screws at each end of the power module. Because the RFI strips apply upward pressure, continue pushing down on the module until the screws are tight. Step 4. Replace the blower cover when finished. Carefully fit the spring clips under the lip of the power modules. Rack Installation CAUTION You cannot use support rails for rack mounting your instrument. Support rails would block the airflow needed for cooling.
Installation 2 Step 2. Install the two front ears and the two rear extender supports on the instrument as shown in the figure. Use six M3 x 8mm screws (a) for the front ears and four M3 x 6mm screws (b) for the extender supports. If the standard extender supports are either too short or too long, use the longer supports (c). Cut the supports if required (d). Step 3. Install the two rear ears on the back of the instrument rack as shown in the figure. Use four plain 10-32 screws to install the rear ears.
2 Installation Connecting the Line Cord WARNING FIRE HAZARD Use only the power cord that was supplied with your instrument. Using other types of power cords may cause overheating of the power cord, resulting in fire. SHOCK HAZARD The power cord provides a chassis ground through a third conductor. Be certain that your power outlet is of the three-conductor type with the correct pin connected to earth ground. Connect the power cord to the IEC 320 connector on the rear of the unit.
Installation 2 Connecting the Outputs WARNING SHOCK HAZARD Turn off AC power before making rear panel connections. All wires and straps must be properly connected with the terminal block screws securely tightened. Disconnect the connector plug to make your wire connections. The 8A connector plug accepts wires sizes from AWG 14 to AWG 30. The 12A connector plug accepts wires sizes from AWG 12 to AWG 30. The 20A connector plug accepts wires sizes from AWG 10 to AWG 24.
2 Installation Wire Size WARNING FIRE HAZARD Select a wire size large enough to carry short-circuit current without overheating (refer to the table below). To satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be heavy enough not to overheat while carrying the shortcircuit output current of the unit. Agilent Model N678xA SMU wiring requirements are described on the following page. Along with conductor temperature, you must also consider voltage drop when selecting wire sizes.
Installation 2 Agilent N678xA SMU Wiring Requirements Because of the effect of wire inductance, the wire length information given in the previous table does not apply to Agilent Models N678xA SMU. NOTE To minimize the effect of wire inductance, the following table describes the allowable load lead and wire length for several common output wire types. Using longer (or shorter) wire lengths than those indicated in the table may cause output oscillation.
2 Installation To minimize inductance, the width (w) of the traces should be at least as great as the thickness of the dielectric (h). It is better to make the traces much wider than this minimum requirement in order to minimize the DC resistance. w h Low Bandwidth Mode with Remote or Local Sensing All previously stated wiring requirements still apply in Low bandwidth mode except for the following.
Installation 2 Multiple Loads If you are using local sensing and are connecting multiple loads to one output, connect each load to the output terminals using separate connecting wires as shown in the following figure.
2 Installation Remote Sense Connections WARNING SHOCK HAZARD Turn off AC power before making or changing rear panel connections. Remote sensing improves the voltage regulation at the load by monitoring the voltage there instead of at the output terminals. This allows the power system to automatically compensate for the voltage drop in the load leads. Remote sensing is especially useful for CV operation with load impedances that vary or have significant lead resistance.
Installation 2 Open Sense Leads The sense leads are part of the output's feedback path. Connect them in such a way so that they do not inadvertently become open circuited. The power system includes protection resistors that reduce the effect of open sense leads during remote-sensing operation. If the sense leads open during operation, the power system returns to the local sensing mode, with the voltage at the output terminals approximately 1% higher than the programmed value.
2 Installation Parallel Connections Only connect outputs that have identical voltage and current ratings in parallel. Agilent Models N678xA SMU cannot be connected in parallel. CAUTION Connecting outputs in parallel provides a greater current capability than can be obtained from a single output. The following figures show how to connect two outputs in parallel. The figure on the left illustrates local sensing.
Installation 2 Grouping the Outputs Once outputs have been connected in parallel, they can be configured or “grouped” to act as a single, higher-power channel. This applies when programming via the front panel or using SCPI commands. How to group output channels that have been connected in parallel is discussed in Chapter 4 under “System-Related Operations”. If you are not grouping output channels, first program both outputs to the desired output voltage.
2 Installation Series Connections WARNING SHOCK HAZARD Floating voltages must not exceed 240 VDC. No output terminal may be more than 240 VDC from chassis ground. CAUTION Only connect outputs that have identical voltage and current ratings in series. Agilent Models N678xA SMU and N6783A–x cannot be connected in series. To prevent currents from damaging the power system when the load is connected, always turn series-connected outputs on and off together.
Installation OUTPUT 3 OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 3 + + OUTPUT 1 + + +S +LS -LS -S +S +LS -LS -S SENSE JUMPERS INSTALLED 2 +S +LS -LS -S +S +LS -LS -S SENSE JUMPER INSTALLED TWIST LEADS + TWIST LEADS + LOAD LOAD WITH LOCAL SENSING WITH REMOTE SENSING Setting the Outputs Outputs connected together in series cannot be grouped. To program outputs connected in series, first program the current limit of each output to the total desired current limit point.
2 Installation Additional Load Considerations Response Time with an External Capacitor When programming with an external capacitor, voltage response time may be longer than that for purely resistive loads.
Installation 2 created by the low side of the scope probe, which is connected to the load circuit common and also to the scope’s chassis. For this and similar cases, the following steps by order of preference, will help mitigate common mode current spikes appearing at the output when the power system is turned on or off by the AC line switch: 1 Install the ferrite core on the power cord as described under "Snap-On Core". This inserts impedance in the current path.
2 Installation Agilent N6781A Auxiliary Voltage Measurement Input The auxiliary voltage measurement input is located on the rear panel of the Agilent N6781A. It is primarily used for battery voltage rundown measurements, but it is also suitable for general purpose DC measurements between ± 20 VDC. As shown in the following figure, auxiliary voltage measurements cannot be made on test points that are at a greater potential than ± 20 VDC from Common.
3 Getting Started Turning the Unit On .......................................................................................... 46 Selecting an Output Channel .......................................................................... 46 Entering an Output Voltage Setting ............................................................... 46 Entering a Current Limit Setting ..................................................................... 47 Enabling the Output ..............................................
3 Getting Started Turning the Unit On After you have connected the line cord, turn the unit on with the front panel power switch. The front panel display will light up after a few seconds. A power-on self-test occurs automatically when you turn the unit on. This test assures you that the instrument is operational. If the selftest fails, the front panel Err indicator comes on. Press the Error key to display the list of errors on the front panel. Refer to the Service Guide for further information.
Getting Started 3 Entering a Current Limit Setting Method 1 – Use the Navigation and Arrow Keys Navigation Keys Use the left and right navigation keys to navigate to the setting that you wish to change. In the display below, channel 1’s current setting is selected. Enter a value using the numeric keypad. Then press Enter. Sel Arrow Keys You can also use the arrow keys to adjust the value up or down and switch between + and − limits on Models N678xA SMU.
3 Getting Started Using the Front Panel Menu The front panel command menu lets you access most of the power system’s functions. The actual function controls are located at the lowest menu level. Briefly: Press the Menu key to access the command menu. Press the navigation keys to move across the menu commands. Press the center (Sel) key to select a command and move down to the next level in the menu.
Getting Started Sel 4 3 The command menu is now at the function control level. This is the lowest level in this path. Use the navigation keys to highlight the OVP Level control as shown below. Enter the desired over-voltage level using the numeric keypad. Then press Enter. 4 Enter Channel NOTE Press the Channel key at any time to select a different output channel. This can save time because you can directly access the OVP control of each channel without having to navigate through the menu levels.
3 Getting Started Connecting to the Interfaces The Agilent N6700 MPS supports GPIB, LAN, and USB interfaces. All three interfaces are live at power-on. Connect your interface cable to the appropriate interface connector. Information on configuring the interfaces is found later in this chapter. The front panel IO indicator comes on whenever there is activity on the remote interfaces. The front panel Lan indicator comes on when the LAN port is connected and configured.
Getting Started 6 3 You can now use Interactive IO within the Connection Expert to communicate with your instrument, or you can program your instrument using the various programming environments. USB Interface NOTE For detailed information about USB interface connections, refer to the Agilent Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces Connectivity Guide, located on the Automation-Ready CD that is shipped with your product.
3 Getting Started Connecting to a Site LAN A site LAN is a local area network in which LAN-enabled instruments and computers are connected to the network through routers, hubs, and/or switches. They are typically large, centrally-managed networks with services such as DHCP and DNS servers. NOTE 1 If you have not already done so, install the Agilent IO Libraries Suite from the Automation-Ready CD that is shipped with your product. 2 Connect the instrument to the site LAN.
Getting Started NOTE 1 If you have not already done so, install the Agilent IO Libraries Suite from the Automation-Ready CD that is shipped with your product. 2 Connect the instrument to the computer using a LAN crossover cable. Alternatively, connect the computer and the instrument to a standalone hub or switch using regular LAN cables. Make sure your computer is configured to obtain its address from DHCP and that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled.
3 Getting Started Viewing the Active LAN Settings To view the currently active LAN settings, press the Menu key, then use the navigation keys to select: System\IO\LAN\ActiveSettings. The currently active settings for the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway may be different from the front panel configuration menu settings - depending on the configuration of the network. If the settings are different, it is because the network has automatically assigned its own settings.
Getting Started Default Gateway 3 This value is the IP Address of the default gateway that allows the instrument to communicate with systems that are not on the local subnet, as determined by the subnet mask setting. A value of 0.0.0.0 indicates that no default gateway is defined. Name Select Name to configure the hostname of the instrument. If you want to change the hostname, you should do so before you connect the instrument to the network.
3 Getting Started DNS Select DNS to configure the Domain Name System (DNS) setup of the instrument. DNS is an internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. It is also needed for the instrument to find and display its hostname assigned by the network. Obtain DNS server from DHCP Select this item to obtain the DNS server address from DHCP. You must have enabled DHCP in the IP menu.
Getting Started 3 Communicating Over the LAN The Agilent IO Libraries Suite along with instrument drivers for specific programming environments can be used to communicate with your power system. You can also communicate with your power system using its built-in Web server, the Telnet utility, or sockets. These latter methods are a convenient way to communicate with the power system without using I/O libraries or drivers.
3 Getting Started 3 Click on the Browser Web Control button in the navigation bar on the left to begin controlling your instrument. 4 For additional help about any of the pages, click on the Help with this Page button. If desired, you can control access to the Web server using password protection. As shipped from the factory, no password is set. To set a password, click on the View & Modify Configuration button. Refer to the on-line help for additional information about setting a password.
Getting Started 3 Securing the Interfaces Enable/Disable the USB, LAN, and Web Server The USB interface, LAN interface, and the Web server are enabled when shipped. To enable or disable the USB interface from the front panel, press the Menu key and select System\Admin\USB. Enable USB Check this box to enable the USB. Uncheck this box to disable the USB. To enable or disable the LAN interface or Web server, press the Menu key and select the following menu commands: System\Admin\LAN.
3 Getting Started Factory-shipped non-volatile LAN settings Get IP Address Automatic Dynamic DNS naming service Enabled IP Address 169.254.67.0 NetBIOS naming service Enabled Subnet Mask 255.255.0.0 Domain name Blank Default Gateway 0.0.0.
4 Operating the Power System Programming the Output ................................................................................. 62 Synchronizing Output Steps ............................................................................ 68 Programming Output Lists............................................................................... 72 Making Measurements .................................................................................... 77 Using the Digitizer..................................
4 Operating the Power System Programming the Output Select a Channel View Front Panel: SCPI Command: Press the Meter key to toggle between single-channel and multiple-channel view. To select single-channel view: DISP:VIEW METER1 To set multiple-channel view: DISP:VIEW METER4 Select an Output Channel Front Panel: SCPI Command: Press the Channel key to select an output channel. Enter the selected channel(s) in the command’s parameter list.
Operating the Power System 4 Set the Output Current Front Panel: SCPI Command: Press the Current key. To set output 1 to 1 A: CURR 1,(@1) To set all outputs to 2 A: CURR 2,(@1:4) Enter a value and press Select. For models with multiple ranges, you can select a lower range if you need better output resolution. Front Panel: SCPI Command: Press the Current key. To select the lower range, program a value that falls within the range: CURR:RANG 1,(@1) Select a lower range and press Select.
4 Operating the Power System Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select Output\Mode. To set output 1 to current priority: FUNC CURR,(@1) Select either Voltage priority or Current priority and press Select. NOTE When switching between Voltage priority and Current priority, the output is turned off and the output settings revert to their Power-on or RST values. Refer to Appendix E for information about voltage and current priority mode operation.
Operating the Power System 4 Sequence Multiple Outputs Turn-on and turn-off delays control the power-up and power-down sequencing of the output channels in relation to each other. Front Panel: SCPI Command: Press the Channel key to select an output. Then select Output\Sequence\Delay. To program a 50 millisecond turn-on delay for output 1 and a 100 millisecond turn-on delay for output 2: OUTP:DEL:RISE .05,(@1) OUTP:DEL:RISE .1,(@2) Select either Turn-on or Turn-off.
4 Operating the Power System Front Panel: SCPI Command: Not Available To leave the relays closed when output 1 is turned off: OUTP OFF,NOR,(@1) To leave the relays open when output 1 is turned on: OUTP ON,NOR,(@1) If you have Option 760 installed, you can also reverse the polarity of the output and sense terminals. Note that this command briefly turns the output off while the output and sense terminal polarities are switched.
Operating the Power System 4 If capacitive loads cause the output to oscillate on the default (Low bandwidth) or any of the other bandwidth settings, a protection function will detect the oscillation and latch the output off. The condition is annunciated by the OSC status bit. At power-on the oscillation protection function is enabled.
4 Operating the Power System Synchronizing Output Steps The transient system lets you step the output voltage and current up or down in response to triggered events. To generate a triggered output step you must: 1. Enable the output to respond to trigger commands. 2. Set the voltage or current trigger levels. 3. Select the transient trigger source. 4. Initiate the trigger system and provide a trigger signal.
Operating the Power System 4 Select the Transient Trigger Source NOTE An immediate trigger command either from the front panel or over the bus will generate an immediate trigger regardless of the trigger source. Unless you are using the front panel menu or a TRIGger:TRANsient command to trigger the output, select a trigger source from the following: Bus Selects GPIB device trigger, *TRG, or (Group Execute Trigger). Pin Selects a pin on the external port connector as the trigger source.
4 Operating the Power System It takes a few milliseconds for the instrument to be ready to receive a trigger signal after receiving the INITiate:TRANsient command. If a trigger occurs before the trigger system is ready for it, the trigger will be ignored. You can test the WTG_tran bit in the operation status register to know when the instrument is ready to receive a trigger after being initiated.
Operating the Power System 4 You can test the TRAN_active bit in the operation status register to know when the transient trigger system has returned to the idle state. Front Panel: SCPI Command: Not Available To query the TRAN_active bit (bit 6): STAT:OPER:COND?(@1) If a bit value of 64 is returned in the query, the TRAN_active bit is true, and the transient action is NOT complete. When the TRAN_active bit is false, the transient action is complete.
4 Operating the Power System Programming Output Lists NOTE The Output List function described in this section is not available on all models. Refer to the Test Extensions feature under “Model Differences” in chapter 1, The List Function Either output voltage or output current or both, may be listcontrolled. For Agilent Models N678xA SMU, only the parameters associated with one of the priority modes (either voltage priority or current priority) may be list controlled.
Operating the Power System 4 Program an Output Pulse or Pulse Train The following procedure shows how to generate an output pulse train using the List function. Trigger 0 Pulse width 1 Off time List Count = 1+additional pulses Step 1. Set the voltage or current function for which you want to generate a pulse to List mode. This example programs a voltage pulse. Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select Transient\Mode. Set the voltage mode to List. Press Select.
4 Operating the Power System Step 5. To generate a pulse train, you can simply repeat the pulse as needed. For example, to program a pulse train of 50 pulses, use: Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select Transient\List\Repeat. To program output 1, use LIST:COUN 50, (@1) Enter the number of list repetitions (50) and Press Select. Step 6.
Operating the Power System 4 Program an Arbitrary List The following procedure shows how to generate the list of voltage changes as illustrated in the following figure. Trigger 0 1 2 3 4 5 List Count = 1 List Count = 2 Step 1. Set the function, voltage or current, for which you want to generate a list to List mode. This example programs a voltage list. Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select Transient\Mode. Set the Voltage mode to List. Press Select.
4 Operating the Power System Front Panel: Select Transient\List\Pace. SCPI Command: LIST:STEP AUTO, (@1) Select Dwell-paced. Press Select. In a trigger-paced list, the list advances one step for each trigger received. To enable trigger-paced lists, select Trigger-paced on the front panel menu. (Set the LIST:STEP command to ONCE.) The dwell time associated with each step determines the minimum time that the output remains at the step.
Operating the Power System 4 Making Measurements Each output channel has its own measurement capability. The output voltage and current is measured by acquiring a number of samples at the selected time interval, applying a window function to the samples, and averaging the samples. The power-on time interval is 20.48 microseconds. The output window function is Rectangular. Use the following commands to make a simple measurement: Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select the Meter key.
4 Operating the Power System Simultaneous Voltage and Current Measurements Some models have simultaneous voltage and current measurement capability (Refer to Chapter 1, “Model Differences”). In this case BOTH voltage and current can be acquired on any measurement. Front Panel: SCPI Command: Not available.
Operating the Power System 4 Using the Digitizer NOTE The Digitizer functions described in this section are not available on all models. Refer to the Test Extensions feature under “Model Differences” in chapter 1. The digitizer function lets you access the enhanced voltage and current measurement capabilities of the power system. You can: NOTE Specify a measurement function and range. Adjust the measurement sample rate. Select a measurement window that can attenuate AC noise.
4 Operating the Power System Seamless Measurements Seamless voltage and current measurement autoranging is available on Agilent Models N6781A and N6782A. This enables a wide dynamic measurement range with no data lost across ranges. Autoranging does not include the 10 μA range, which must be selected manually.
Operating the Power System 4 Time interval values from 10.24 up to 20.48 microseconds are rounded to the nearest 10.24-microsecond increment. Values above 20.48 microseconds are rounded to the nearest 20.48-microsecond increment when the resolution is set to RES20. Values above 20.48 microseconds are rounded to the nearest 40.96-microsecond increment when the resolution is set to RES40.
4 Operating the Power System Front Panel: SCPI Command: Not Available To measure the high level of a pulse: MEAS:VOLT:HIGH?(@1) MEAS:CURR:HIGH?(@1) To measure the low level of a pulse: MEAS:VOLT:LOW?(@1) MEAS:CURR:LOW?(@1) To measure the maximum value: MEAS:VOLT:MAX?(@1 MEAS:CURR:MAX?(@1) To measure the minimum value: MEAS:VOLT:MIN?(@1) MEAS:CURR:MIN?(@1) To measure power: MEAS:POW?(@1) Power can only be measured on power modules with simultaneous measurement capability (see chapter 1, “Model Differen
Operating the Power System 4 Synchronizing Digitizer Measurements Use the measurement trigger system to synchronize the acquisition of measurements with a Bus, Transient, or an external trigger. Then use FETCh commands to return voltage or current information from the acquired data. Briefly, to make a triggered measurement: Select the measurement function to trigger. Adjust the measurement to capture pre-trigger data. Select the trigger source.
4 Operating the Power System To offset the beginning of the acquisition buffer relative to the acquisition trigger, use: Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select Measure\Sweep. To offset the measurement on channel 1 by 100 points use: Enter an offset value and press Select. SENS:SWE:OFFS:POIN 100,(@1) When the value is 0, all values are taken after the trigger. Values greater than 0 can be used to program a delay time from the receipt of the trigger until the values entered into the buffer are valid.
Operating the Power System 4 Initiate the Measurement Trigger System Next, you must initiate or enable the measurement trigger system. When the power system is turned on, the trigger system is in the idle state. In this state, the trigger system is disabled, ignoring all triggers. The INITiate commands enable the trigger system to receive triggers.
4 Operating the Power System The following commands return the trigger system to the idle state: Front Panel: Select Measure\Control. SCPI Command: ABOR:ACQ (@1) Then select the Abort control. Fetch the Measurement After a trigger is received and the data acquisition completes, the trigger system will return to the idle state. When this occurs, you can use FETCh queries to return the measurement data.
Operating the Power System 4 Using the Protection Functions Each output has independent protection functions. A front panel status indicator will turn on when a protection function has been set. Protection functions are latching, which means that they must be cleared once they have been set. As explained under “Couple Output Protection” you can configure the instrument so that when a protection fault occurs on one output, ALL outputs will be turned off.
4 Operating the Power System Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select Protect\OVP. To set an OVP of 10 V for output 1: VOLT:PROT 10,(@1,2) For Models N678xA SMU: VOLT:PROT:REM 10,(@1,2) Enter a value in the OVP level box and press Select. For J01 units, enter a value in the Tracking OVP Offset box and check the Enable box. Then press Select.
Operating the Power System 4 Factors that influence how long the settings change or output load change may last include: difference between old output value and new output value, the current limit setting, and the load capacitance in CV mode or load inductance in CC mode. The delay required must be determined empirically; the power module programming-response time characteristics may be used as guidelines.
4 Operating the Power System Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select Protect\Wdog To enable the output watchdog timer: OUTP:PROT:WDOG ON Check Enable Watchdog to enable the watchdog timer. Enter a value in the Watchdog Delay box and press Select. To set the output watchdog timer to 600 seconds: OUTP:PROT:WDOG:DEL 600 Set the Oscillation Protection NOTE This information applies to Agilent Models N678xA SMU only.
Operating the Power System 4 External Data Logging NOTE The external data log function is only available on mainframes with firmware revision D.01.09 and up. It cannot be programmed from the front panel. The power system has an external data logger (ELOG) function that lets you log voltage and current measurements from all four outputs directly to an internal FIFO (first-in, first-out) buffer. Note that this buffer is only large enough to hold about 20 seconds of accumulated measurements.
4 Operating the Power System If a power module has simultaneous measurements (see chapter 1, “Model Differences”), you can enable BOTH voltage and current measurements on the same output channel. Power modules that do not have simultaneous measurement capability cannot externally log both voltage and current. Some power modules also have multiple measurement ranges. Selecting a lower measurement range provides greater measurement accuracy, provided that the measurement does not exceed the range.
Operating the Power System 4 102.4 microseconds: 204.8 microseconds: 409.6 microseconds: 409.
4 Operating the Power System Initiate and Trigger the Data Logger When the power system is turned on, the trigger system is in the Idle state. In this state, the trigger system is disabled, ignoring all triggers. The INITiate command enables the measurement system to receive triggers.
Operating the Power System 4 System-Related Operations Self-Test A power-on self-test occurs automatically when you turn on the power system. This test assures you that the instrument is operational. If the self-test is successful, the power system will continue to operate normally. If the self-test fails, the front panel Err indicator comes on. Press the Error key to display the list of errors on the front panel. Refer to the Service Guide for further information. Front Panel: Cycle AC power.
4 Operating the Power System Output Groups Output grouping does not apply to Agilent Models N678xA SMU. NOTE Output channels can be configured or “grouped” to create a single output with higher current and power capability. Almost all instrument functionality is supported by grouped channels, including voltage and current programming, measurements, status, step and list transients. The following conditions apply for grouped channels: Up to four output channels can be grouped per mainframe.
Operating the Power System 4 Front Panel Keys Lockout You can lock the front panel keys to prevent unwanted control of the instrument from the front panel. This is the most secure way of locking the front panel keys because you need a password to unlock the front panel. The lockout setting is saved in non-volatile memory so that the front panel remains locked even after AC power is cycled.
4 Operating the Power System Front Panel Display Screen Saver The power system has a front panel screen saver that significantly increases the life of the LCD display by turning it off during periods of inactivity. The delay can be set from 30 to 999 minutes in 1 minute increments. As shipped from the factory, the screen saver comes on one hour after activity on the front panel or interface has ceased.
Appendix A Specifications Agilent N6700B, N6701A, N6702A MPS Mainframes .............................. 100 This appendix lists the supplemental characteristics of the Agilent N6700 Modular Power System. A dimensional line drawing of the mainframe is included at the end of the chapter. Supplemental characteristics are not warranted but are descriptions of performance determined either by design or type testing. All supplemental characteristics are typical unless otherwise noted.
Appendix A Specifications Agilent N6700B, N6701A, N6702A MPS Mainframes Supplemental Characteristics N6700B, N6701A, N6702A Maximum Power Available for Modules: (sum of total module output power) 400 W (for N6700B mainframes) 600 W (for N6701A mainframes) 1200 W (for N6702A mainframes) Internal Flash Memory: 8 Mbyte Protection Response Characteristics: INH input 5 µs from receipt of inhibit to start of shutdown Fault on coupled outputs < 10 µs from receipt of fault to start of shutdown Command Proc
Specifications Appendix A Supplemental Characteristics (continued) N6700B, N6701A, N6702A Environmental Conditions Operating environment Indoor use, installation category II (for AC input), pollution degree 2 Temperature range 0°C to 55°C (output current is derated 1% per °C above 40°C ambient temperature) Relative humidity Up to 95% Altitude Up to 2000 meters Storage temperature -30°C to 70°C Acoustic Noise Declaration: This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of the German So
Appendix A Specifications Outline Diagram 549.7 mm 21.64" N6700B/ N6701A 560.2 mm 22.06" N6700B/ N6701A 598.0 mm 23.54" N6702A 608.5 mm 23.96" N6702A 25.4 mm 1.00" 432.5 mm 17.03" 482.6 mm 19.00" 44.45 mm 1.75" = AIRFLOW . 425.45 mm 16.
Appendix B Using the Digital Port Digital Control Port ......................................................................................... 104 Configuring the Digital Control Port............................................................. 105 A Digital Control Port consisting of seven I/O pins is provided to access various control functions. Each pin is user-configurable.
Appendix B Using the Digital Port Digital Control Port An 8-pin connector and a quick-disconnect connector plug are provided on each instrument for accessing the five digital control port functions. TIGHTEN SCREWS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I + INSERT WIRES Output trigger signal, or Input trigger signal Signal Common The digital control connector accepts wires sizes from AWG 14 to AWG 30. Note that wire sizes smaller than AWG 24 are not recommended.
Using the Digital Port Appendix B Configuring the Digital Control Port Bi-directional Digital I/O Each of the seven pins can be configured as general purpose bidirectional digital inputs and outputs. The polarity of the pins can also be configured. Pin 8 is the signal common for the digital I/O pins.
Appendix B Using the Digital Port Digital Input Each of the seven pins can be configured as digital input only. The polarity of the pins can also be configured. Pin 8 is the signal common for the digital input pins. The pin status reflects the true condition of the external signal that is applied to the pin. The pin state is not affected by the value of the binary output word. To configure the pins for digital input only: Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select System\IO\DigPort\Pins.
Using the Digital Port Appendix B Fault Output Pins 1 and 2 can be configured as a fault-output pair. The polarity of pin 1 can also be configured. Pin 1 is the Fault output; pin 2 is the common for pin 1. Note that pin 2 must also be connected to pin 8. The Fault Output function enables a fault condition on any channel to generate a fault signal on the Digital Control port.
Appendix B Using the Digital Port Fault/Inhibit System Protection The following figure illustrates some ways that you can connect the Fault/Inhibit pins of the connector.
Appendix C Power Allocation Power Limit Operation ................................................................................... 110 Module Power Allocation .............................................................................. 111 This appendix discusses the power allocation function. For the majority of Agilent N6700 Modular Power System configurations, full power is available from all installed power modules.
Appendix C Power Allocation Power Limit Operation Mainframe Power Limit If the combined power drawn from all of the power modules exceeds the mainframe’s power rating, a power fault protection event will occur. This causes ALL outputs to turn off and remain off until a protection clear command is given. This is explained in chapter 4 under “Clear Output Protection Functions”. A status bit (PF) will indicate that a power fault protection event has occurred.
Power Allocation Appendix C For Agilent Models N678xA SMU, the power limit function does not apply. Module Power Allocation The following commands program the module power limit function: Front Panel: SCPI Command: Select Output\Advanced\Power. To set a power limit on output 1: POW:LIM 100,(@1) Enter a power limit for each output. To query the power limits that are set, send: Front Panel: Select Output\Advanced\Power.
Appendix D Output On/Off Synchronization Synchronizing Output Turn-on Delays ......................................................... 114 Synchronizing Multiple Mainframes ............................................................ 117 Operation .......................................................................................................... 118 This appendix discusses output on/off synchronization.
Appendix D Output On/Off Synchronization Synchronizing Output Turn-on Delays All N6700 Power Modules that are installed in an Agilent N6700 mainframe exhibit a minimum delay offset that applies from the time that a command to turn on the output is received until the output actually turns on. If you specify a user-programmed turn-on delay, this delay will be added to the minimum delay offset, resulting in a turn-on delay that is actually longer than the one you programmed.
Output On/Off Synchronization Appendix D By setting the common delay offset to be greater than or equal to the largest minimum delay offset, you can synchronize the programmed turn-on delays as shown in the following example.
Appendix D Output On/Off Synchronization 2. Specify which Output Channels will be Synchronized Select the output channels that will be synchronized. Front Panel: SCPI Command: In the front panel menu, select To specify a channel or channels: OUTP:COUP:CHAN 1,2,3,4 Output\Sequence\Couple. Check which channels will be coupled. To remove a channel, uncheck the box. 3. Specify the Turn-On Delays for each Output Channel Turn-on delays can be specified for all coupled output channels.
Output On/Off Synchronization Appendix D Synchronizing Multiple Mainframes The output turn-on synchronization function can be used across multiple mainframes that have coupled output channels. Each mainframe that will be synchronized must have at least one coupled channel. Note that cross-frame synchronization must be enabled for any mainframe that contains synchronized output channels. Procedure 1.
Appendix D Output On/Off Synchronization Mainframe #1 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mainframe #2 7 I 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mainframe #3 7 I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I ON Couple OFF Couple Common Only two of the digital connector pins on each mainframe can be configured as “ONCouple” and “OFFCouple” on each synchronized mainframe. The designated pins will function as both an input and an output, with a negative transition on one pin providing the synchronization signal to the other pins.
Appendix E Source Operating Modes Single Quadrant Operation ............................................................................ 120 Agilent N678xA Multi-Quadrant Operation ................................................ 122 This appendix discusses the difference between constant voltage and constant current operating modes, multiple output quadrant operation, and other advanced source functions.
Appendix E Source Operating Modes Single Quadrant Operation The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System can operate in either constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) over the rated output voltage and current. Constant voltage mode is defined as an operating mode in which the dc source maintains its output voltage at the programmed voltage setting in spite of changes in load, line, or temperature.
Source Operating Modes Appendix E Autoranging NOTE Autoranging only applies to Agilent N675xA and N676xA power modules. The following figure illustrates the autoranging output characteristic of the Agilent N675xA and N676xA power modules. Point 3 shows a situation in which the voltage and current settings are such that the operating locus is limited by the maximum output power boundary of the output. Depending on the power module, this may be greater than the output power rating of the module.
Appendix E Source Operating Modes Agilent N678xA Multi-Quadrant Operation Agilent Models N678xA SMU can be operated in either voltage or current priority mode. They can source as well as sink output power. Note that Agilent Models N6781A and N6782A operate only in the + Voltage quadrants. Voltage Priority Mode In voltage priority mode, the output voltage should be programmed to the desired positive or negative value. A positive current limit value should also be set.
Source Operating Modes Appendix E When the output current reaches either the positive or negative current limit, the unit no longer operates in constant voltage mode and the output voltage is no longer held constant. Instead, the power supply will now regulate the output current at its current limit setting. Either a LIM+ (positive current limit), or LIM− (negative current limit) status flag is set to indicate that a current limit has been reached.
Appendix E Source Operating Modes The heavy solid line illustrates the locus of possible operating points as a function of the output load. As shown by the vertical portion of the line, the output current remains regulated at its programmed setting as long as the output voltage remains within the positive or negative voltage limit setting. A CC (constant current) status flag indicates when the output voltage is within the limit settings.
Index A D Admin menu, password ................................................... 59 airflow ................................................................... 26, 29, 102 All ......................................................................................... 64 allocation, power ............................................................. 110 autoranging....................................................................... 121 auxiliary voltage measurement ......................................
Appendix E Source Operating Modes front panel menu exiting ............................................................................. 49 using ................................................................................ 48 G GPIB interface .................................................................... 50 address ........................................................................... 50 ground earth ................................................................................
Source Operating Modes state .............................................................................. 108 step .................................................................................. 68 turn-off ............................................................................ 67 turn-on delay.................................................................. 65 output trigger enable.............................................................................. 68 generate..........................
Appendix E Source Operating Modes returning voltage data.................................................. 82 setting ....................................................................... 46, 62 slew rate ......................................................................... 64 voltage priority ................................................................. 122 128 W Warning ................................................................................. 3 watchdog timer ........................
