Agilent Technologies 6631B User manual

USER’S GUIDE
Dynamic Measurement DC Source
Agilent Model 66332A
System DC Power Supply
Agilent Model 6631B, 6632B, 6633B, 6634B
Agilent Part No. 5962-8196
Microfiche Part No. 5962-8197
Printed in USA: August 2000

2
Warranty Information
CERTIFICATION
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at time of shipment from the factory.
Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National
Bureau of Standards, to the extent allowed by the Bureau’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members.
WARRANTY
This Agilent Technologies hardware product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period
of three years from date of delivery. Agilent software and firmware products, which are designated by Agilent for use
with a hardware product and when properly installed on that hardware product, are warranted not to fail to execute
their programming instructions due to defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from date of
delivery. During the warranty period Agilent Technologies will, at its option, either repair or replace products which
prove to be defective. Agilent does not warrant that the operation for the software firmware, or hardware shall be
uninterrupted or error free.
For warranty service, with the exception of warranty options, this product must be returned to a service facility
designated by Agilent. Customer shall prepay shipping charges by (and shall pay all duty and taxes) for products
returned to Agilent for warranty service. Except for products returned to Customer from another country, Agilent shall
pay for return of products to Customer.
Warranty services outside the country of initial purchase are included in Agilent’s product price, only if Customer
pays Agilent international prices (defined as destination local currency price, or U.S. or Geneva Export price).
If Agilent is unable, within a reasonable time to repair or replace any product to condition as warranted, the
Customer shall be entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon return of the product to Agilent.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the
Customer, Customer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the
environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation and maintenance. NO OTHER
WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. AGILENT SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE THE CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. AGILENT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
ASSISTANCE
The above statements apply only to the standard product warranty. Warranty options, extended support contacts,
product maintenance agreements and customer assistance agreements are also available. Contact your nearest
Agilent Technologies Sales and Service office for further information on Agilent’s full line of Support Programs.

3
Safety Summary
The
f
ollowin
g
g
eneral sa
f
et
y
p
recautions must be observed durin
g
all
p
hases o
f
o
p
eration o
f
this instrument.
Failure to com
p
l
y
with these
p
recautions or with s
p
eci
f
ic warnin
g
s elsewhere in this manual violates sa
f
et
y
standards o
f
desi
g
n, manu
f
acture, and intended use o
f
the instrument. A
g
ilent Technolo
g
ies assumes no liabilit
y
f
or the customer’s
f
ailure to com
p
l
y
with these re
q
uirements.
GENERAL
This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth terminal). The protective features of
this product may be impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.
Any LEDs used in this product are Class 1 LEDs as per IEC 825-1.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
This instrument is intended for indoor use in an installation category II, pollution degree 2 environment. It is
designed to operate at a maximum relative humidity of 95% and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. Refer to the
specifications tables for the ac mains voltage requirements and ambient operating temperature range.
BEFORE APPLYING POWER
Verify that the product is set to match the available line voltage, the correct fuse is installed, and all safety
precautions are taken. Note the instrument’s external markings described under "Safety Symbols".
GROUND THE INSTRUMENT
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cover must be connected to an electrical ground. The
instrument must be connected to the ac power mains through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire firmly
connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet. Any interruption of the protective (grounding)
conductor or disconnection of the protective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in
personal injury.
ATTENTION: Un circuit de terre continu est essentiel en vue du fonctionnement sécuritaire de l’appareil.
Ne jamais mettre l'appareil en marche lorsque le conducteur de mise … la terre est d‚branch‚.
FUSES
Only fuses with the required rated current, voltage, and specified type (normal blow, time delay, etc.) should be
used. Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuseholders. To do so could cause a shock or fire hazard.
DO NOT OPERATE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
DO NOT REMOVE THE INSTRUMENT COVER
Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be
made only by qualified service personnel.
Instruments that a
pp
ear dama
g
ed or de
f
ective should be made ino
p
erative and secured a
g
ainst unintended
o
p
eration until the
y
can be re
p
aired b
y
q
uali
f
ied service
p
ersonnel.
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

4
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Direct current
Alternating current
Both direct and alternating current
Three-phase alternating current
Earth (ground) terminal
Protective earth (ground) terminal
Frame or chassis terminal
Terminal is at earth potential. Used for measurement and control circuits designed to be operated
with one terminal at earth potential.
Terminal for Neutral conductor on permanently installed equipment
Terminal for Line conductor on permanently installed equipment
On (supply)
Off (supply)
Standby (supply). Units with this symbol are not completely disconnected from ac mains when
this switch is off. To completely disconnect the unit from ac mains, either disconnect the power
cord or have a qualified electrician install an external switch.
In position of a bi-stable push control
Out position of a bi-stable push control
Caution, risk of electric shock
Caution, hot surface
Caution (refer to accompanying documents)
WARNING The WARNING si
g
n denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
p
rocedure,
p
ractice, or the like,
which, if not correctl
y
p
erformed or adhered to, could result in
p
ersonal in
j
ur
y
. Do not
p
roceed
be
y
ond a WARNING si
g
n until the indicated conditions are full
y
understood and met.
Caution The CAUTION si
g
n denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an o
p
eratin
g
p
rocedure, or the like,
which, if not correctl
y
p
erformed or adhered to, could result in dama
g
e to or destruction of
p
art
or all of the
p
roduct. Do not
p
roceed be
y
ond a CAUTION si
g
n until the indicated conditions are
full
y
understood and met.

5
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014
Manufacturer’s Name and Address
Responsible Party Alternate Manufacturing Site
Agilent Technologies, Inc. Agilent Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd
550 Clark Drive, Suite 101
Budd Lake, New Jersey 07828
USA
Malaysia Manufacturing
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, PH III
11900 Penang,
Malaysia
Declares under sole responsibility that the product as originally delivered
Product Names
a) Mobile Communications DC Source
b) System DC Power Supply
Model Numbers a) 66332A, 66312A, 66311B, 66311D
66309B, 66309D, 66319B, 66319D, 66321B, 66321D
b) 6631B, 6632B, 6633B, 6634B 6611C
6612C, 6613C, 6614C
Product Options This declaration covers all options and customized products based on
the above products.
Complies with the essential requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC (including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE Marking accordingly.
EMC Information ISM Group 1 Class A Emissions
As detailed in Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Certificate of Conformance Number
CC/TCF/00/030 based on Technical Construction File (TCF) HPNJ8, dated
Apr. 25, 2000
Assessed by: Celestica Ltd, Appointed Competent Body
Westfields House, West Avenue
Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent
Straffordshire, ST7 1TL
United Kingdom
Safety Information and Conforms to the following safety standards.
IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN 61010-1:2001
Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1:1992
UL 61010B-1: 2003
This DoC applies to above-listed products placed on the EU market after:
January 1, 2004
Date Bill Darcy/ Regulations Manager
For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor, or
Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Straβe 130, D71034 Böblingen, Germany

6
Acoustic Noise Information
Herstellerbescheinigung
Diese Information steht im Zusammenhang mit den Anforderungen der
Maschinenläminformationsverordnung vom 18 Januar 1991.
* Schalldruckpegel Lp <70 dB(A)
* Am Arbeitsplatz
* Normaler Betrieb
* Nach EN 27779 (Typprüfung).
Manufacturer’s Declaration
This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of the German Sound Emission Directive,
from 18 January 1991.
* Sound Pressure Lp <70 dB(A)
* At Operator Position
* Normal Operation
* According to EN 27779 (Type Test).
Printing History
The edition and current revision of this manual are indicated below. Reprints of this manual containing
minor corrections and updates may have the same printing date. Revised editions are identified by a new
printing date. A revised edition incorporates all new or corrected material since the previous printing
date.
Changes to the manual occurring between revisions are covered by change sheets shipped with the
manual. In some cases, the manual change applies only to specific instruments. Instructions provided on
the change sheet will indicate if a particular change applies only to certain instruments.
This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part
of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without the prior
consent of Agilent Technologies. The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice.
Copyright 1997 Agilent Technologies Edition 1 __________November, 1997
Update 1 __________July, 1999
Update 2 __________January, 2000
Update 3 __________August, 2000

7
Table of Contents
Warranty Information 2
Safety Summary 3
Acoustic Noise Information 6
Printing History 6
Table of Contents 7
QUICK REFERENCE 9
Agilent 66332A Dynamic Measurement DC Source and
Agilent 6611C-6614C System DC Power Supply 9
The Front Panel - At a Glance 10
Front Panel Number Entry 11
Front Panel Annunciators 12
Immediate Action Keys 12
Front Panel Menus - At a Glance 13
SCPI Programming Commands - At a Glance 14
The Rear Panel - At a Glance 15
GENERAL INFORMATION 17
Document Orientation 17
Safety Considerations 18
Options and Accessories 18
Description 19
Capabilities 19
Front Panel Controls 19
Remote Programming 19
Output Characteristic 20
INSTALLATION 21
Inspection 21
Damage 21
Packaging Material 21
Items Supplied 21
Cleaning 21
Location 22
Bench Operation 22
Rack Mounting 22
Input Connections 23
Connect the Power Cord 23
Output Connections 23
Wire Considerations 23
Current Ratings 23
Voltage Drops 24
Multiple Load Connections 24
Remote Sense Connections 25
Sense Leads 25
Stability 26
OVP Considerations 26
Fast/Normal Operation 27
Inductive Loading 27
Capacitive Loading 27
INH/FLT Connections 28
Controller Connections 30
GPIB Interface 30
RS-232 Interface 30

8
TURN-ON CHECKOUT 31
Introduction 31
Using the Keypad 31
Checkout Procedure 31
In Case of Trouble 34
Error Messages 34
Line Fuse 34
FRONT PANEL OPERATION 35
Introduction 35
Front Panel Description 35
System Keys 37
Function Keys 38
Immediate Action Keys 38
Scrolling Keys 38
Metering Keys 39
Output Control Keys 40
Entry Keys 41
Examples of Front Panel Programming 42
1 - Setting the Output Voltage and Current 42
2 - Querying and Clearing Output Protection 43
3 - Making Front Panel Measurements 43
4 - Programming the Digital Output Port 45
5 - Programming the Output Relay (option 760 only) 46
6 - Setting the GPIB Address and RS-232 Parameters 46
7 - Saving and Recalling Operating States 47
SPECIFICATIONS 49
Specifications 49
Supplemental Characteristics 49
VERIFICATION AND CALIBRATION 53
Introduction 53
Equipment Required 53
Test Setup 53
Performing the Verification Tests 54
Turn-On Checkout 54
Voltage Programming and Measurement Accuracy 55
Current Programming and Measurement Accuracy 55
Performing the Calibration Procedure 59
Front Panel Calibration Menu 59
Front Panel Calibration 59
Calibration Error Messages 62
Changing the Calibration Password 62
Calibration Over the GPIB 63
ERROR MESSAGES 65
LINE VOLTAGE CONVERSION 69
Open the Unit 69
Configure the Power Transformer 69
Install the Correct Line Fuse 69
Close the Unit 70
INDEX 71

9
1
Quick Reference
Agilent 66332A Dynamic Measurement DC Source and
Agilent 6631B/6632B/6633B/6634B System DC Power
Supplies
The Agilent 66332A is a 100 Watt, high performance dc power supply that provides dynamic
measurement and analysis of voltage and current waveforms. It is designed to simplify the testing of
digital cellular and mobile phones. For example, data acquired using its dynamic measurement capability
can be used in determining the battery operating time of digital wireless communications products.
The Agilent 6631B/6632B/6633B/6634B are 100 Watt, high performance dc power supplies with output
current measurement capability in the microampere range. They are well suited for testing portable
battery-powered products.
Additionally, the combination of bench-top and system features in these dc sources provide versatile
solutions for your design and test requirements.
Convenient bench-top features
♦Up to 100 Watts output power
♦Easy to use knob for voltage and current settings
♦Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent front panel display
♦Excellent load and line regulation; low ripple and noise
♦Measurement capability down to microampere levels
♦Current sinking up to the maximum rated output current
♦Instrument state storage
♦Portable case
Flexible system features
♦GPIB (IEEE-488) and RS-232 interfaces are standard
♦SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
♦Triggered acquisition of digitized output current and voltage waveforms (Agilent 66332A only)
♦I/O setup easily done from the front panel

1 – Quick Reference
10
The Front Panel - At a Glance
j14-character display
shows output
measurements and
programmed values.
kAnnunciators
indicate operating
modes and status
conditions.
lRotary control
sets voltage, current,
and menu parameters.
Use and
to set the resolution;
then adjust the value
with the knob.
mOptional front
panel output
connectors.
66XXA Dynamic Measurement DC Source
0-20V / 02A
CV CC Unr Dis OCP Prot Cal Shift Rmt Addr Err SRQ
240 VDC
Max
+_
+
-
LINE
On
Off
SYSTEM FUNCTION ENTRY OUTPUT
Local
Error
Address
Save
Recall
Shift
Input
Meter
OV
Voltage
OCP
Current
Cal
Output
Prot Clear
Protect
Output
on/off
7
4
1
0
8
5
2
.
9
6
3
-
Clear
Entry
Back
space
Enter
1 2 3
56 7 8
4
nTurns the dc source
on and off.
oSystem keys:
♦return to Local
mode
♦set the GPIB
address
♦set the RS-232
interface
♦display SCPI
error codes
♦save and recall
instrument states.
pFunction keys:
♦enable/disable
output
♦select metering
functions
♦program voltage
and current
♦set and clear
protection
functions
♦and
scroll through the
front panel menu
commands.
qEntry keys:
♦enter values
♦increment or
decrement values
♦and
select front panel
menu parameters.
♦and
select a digit in
the numeric entry
field.
ÊÉ
Ê
É
ËÌ
ô

Quick Reference – 1
11
Front Panel Number Entry
Enter numbers from the front panel using one of the following methods:
Use the arrow keys and knob to change voltage or current settings
NOTE The output must be ON to see the displayed values change in Meter mode.
Use the Function keys and knob to change the displayed settings
Use the Arrow keys to edit individual digits in the displayed setting
Increments the flashing digit
Decrements the flashing digit
Moves the flashing digit to the right
Moves the flashing digit to the left
Enters the value when editing is complete
Use the Function keys and Entry keys to enter a new value
NOTE If you make a mistake, use the Backspace key to delete the number, or press the Meter
key to return to meter mode.

1 – Quick Reference
12
Front Panel Annunciators
CV The output is operating in constant voltage mode.
CC The output is operating in constant current mode.
Unr The output is unregulated.
Dis The output is OFF. Press the Output On/Off key to turn the
output on.
OCP The over-current protection state is ON. Press the OCP key to
turn over-current protection off.
Prot Indicates that the output has been disabled by one of the
protection features. Press the Prot Clear key to clear the
protection condition.
Cal Calibration mode is ON. Scroll to the Cal Off command and
press the Enter key to exit the calibration mode.
Shift The Shift key has been pressed.
Rmt The selected Remote programming interface (either GPIB or
RS-232) is active. Press the Local key to return the unit to
front panel control.
Addr The interface is addressed to talk or listen.
Err There is an error in the SCPI error queue. Press the Error key
to view the error code.
SRQ The interface is requesting service.
Immediate Action Keys
A toggle switch that turns the output of the dc source on
or off.
Activates front panel control when the unit is in remote
mode (unless a Lockout command is in effect).
Resets the protection circuit and allows the unit to
return to its last programmed state.
A toggle switch that enables or disables overcurrent
protection.
Output
On/Off
Local
Prot ClrShift
OCPShift

Quick Reference – 1
13
Front Panel Menus - At a Glance
ADDRESS 7 Sets the GPIB Address
INTF GPIB Selects an interface (GPIB or RS232)
BAUDRATE 300 Selects baud rate (300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600)
PARITY NONE Selects message parity (NONE, EVEN, ODD, MARK, SPACE)
FLOW NONE Selects flow control (XON-XOFF, RTS-CTS, DTR-DSR, NONE)
LANG SCPI Selects language (SCPI or COMP)
*RCL 0 Recalls instrument state
*SAV 0 Saves present instrument state
ERROR 0 Displays errors in SCPI error queue
12.000V 0.204A Measures output voltage and current
12.500V MAX Measures peak output voltage1
1.000V MIN Measures minimum output voltage1
12.330V HIGH Measures the high level of a voltage pulse waveform1
0.080V LOW Measures the low level of a voltage pulse waveform1
12.000V RMS Measures rms voltage1
0.350A MAX Measures peak output current1
0.050A MIN Measures minimum output current1
0.400A HIGH Measures the high level of a current pulse waveform1
0.012A LOW Measures the low level of a current pulse waveform1
0.210A RMS Measures rms current1
VOLT 20.000 Sets the output voltage
CURR 2.000 Sets the output current
OC -- -- -- -- Protection status (example shows overcurrent tripped)
*RST Places the dc source in the factory-default state
PON:STATE RST Select the power-on state command (RST or RCL0)
PROT:DLY 0.08 Sets the output protection delay in seconds
RI LATCHING Sets the remote inhibit mode (LATCHING, LIVE, or OFF)
DFI OFF Sets the discrete fault indicator state (ON or OFF)
DFI:SOUR OFF Selects the DFI source (QUES, OPER, ESB, RQS, or OFF)
PORT RIDFI Sets the output port functions (RIDFI or DIGIO)
DIGIO 7 Sets and reads the I/O port value (0 through 7)
RELAY ON Sets the output relay state (ON or OFF) 2
RELAY NORM Sets the output relay polarity (NORM or REV)2
VOLT:PROT 22 Sets overvoltage protection level
CURR:RANG HIGH Sets current range (HIGH, LOW, or AUTO)
CURR:DET ACDC Sets current measurement detector (ACDC or DC)1
CAL ON Accesses calibration menu (See User’s Guide).
Use and to select menu parameters. Use to exit any menu and return to metering mode.
1Not available on Agilent 6631B - 6634B or in Compatibility mode. 2Not available on Agilent 6631B.
Address
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
Recall
SaveShift
ErrorShift
Meter
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
Voltage
Current
Protect
Output
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
ô
OV
Shift
Shift Input
ô
Cal
Shift
Meter
ËÌ

1 – Quick Reference
14
SCPI Programming Commands - At a Glance
NOTE Some [optional] commands have been omitted for clarity. Refer to the Programming
Guide for a complete description of all programming commands.
ABORt SENSe
CALibrate :CURRent :RANGe <n>
:CURRent [:SOURce] [:POSitive] :DETector ACDC | DC1
:NEGative :FUNCtion “VOLT” | “CURR”1
:MEASure :LOWRange :SWEep :OFFSet :POINts <n>1
:AC1:POINts <n>
:DATA <n> :TINTerval <n>
:LEVel P1 | P2 | P3 | P4 :WINDow HANN | RECT
:PASSword <n> [SOURce:]
:SAVE CURRent [:LEVel] [:IMMediate] <n>
:STATe <bool> [, <n>] :TRIGgered <n>
:VOLTage [:DC] :PROTection :STATe <bool>
:PROTection DIGital :DATA <n>
DISPlay :FUNCtion RIDF | DIG
[:STATe] <bool> VOLTage [:LEVel] [:IMMediate] <n>
:MODE NORMal | TEXT :TRIGgered <n>
:TEXT <display_string> :ALC :BANDwidth? | :BWIDth?
INITiate :PROTection <n>
[:IMMediate] :SEQuence[1|21] STATus
:NAME TRANsient | ACQuire1:PRESet
:CONTinuous :SEQuence[1], <bool> :OPERation [:EVENt]?
:NAME TRANsient, <bool> :CONDition?
MEASure | FETCh2:ENABle <n>
:ARRay :CURRent?1:NTRansition <n>
:VOLTage?1:PTRansition <n>
[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]? :QUEStionable [:EVENt]?
:ACDC?1:CONDition?
:HIGH?
1:ENABle <n>
:LOW?
1:NTRansition <n>
:MAX?
1:PTRansition <n>
:MIN?
1SYSTem
:VOLTage [:DC]? :ERRor?
:ACDC?1:LANGuage SCPI | COMPatibility
:HIGH?
1:VERSion?
:LOW?
1:LOCal
:MAX?
1:REMote
:MIN?
1:RWLock
OUTPut TRIGger
[:STATe] <bool> [,NORelay] :SEQuence2 | :ACQuire [:IMMediate]1
:DFI [:STATe] <bool> :COUN t :CURRent <n>1
:SOURce QUES | OPER | ESB | RQS | OFF :VOLTage <n>1
:PON :STATe RST | RCL0 :HYSTeresis:CURRent <n>1
:PROTection :CLEar :VOLTage <n>1
:DELay <n> :LEVel :CURRent <n>1
:RELay [:STATe] <bool>3:VOLTage <n>1
:POLarity NORM | REV3:SLOPe :CURRent POS | NEG | EITH1
:RI :MODE LATCHing | LIVE | OFF :VOLTage POS | NEG | EITH1
:SOURce BUS | INTernal1
[:SEQuence1 | :TRANsient] [:IMMediate]
1Not available on Agilent 6631B - 6634B :SOURce BUS
2 Fetch commands not available on Agilent 6631B – 6634B :SEQuence1 :DEFine TRANsient
3Not available on Agilent 6631B :SEQuence2 :DEFine ACQuire1

Quick Reference – 1
15
The Rear Panel - At a Glance
jGPIB (IEEE-488)
interface connector
kRS-232 interface
connector
lINH/FLT (remote
INHibit / internal
FauLT) connector.
Connector plug is
removable.
mOutput and
Remote sense
terminal block.
32
1
5
6
7
4
nFast/Normal switch oFuse holder pPower cord
connector (IEC 320)
Use the front panel Address menu to
♦Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see chapter 4 in User’s Guide)
♦Select the GPIB bus address (see chapter 4 in User’s Guide)
♦Configure the RS-232 interface (see chapter 4 in User’s Guide)

17
2
General Information
Document Orientation
This manual describes the operation of the Agilent Model 66332A Dynamic Measurement DC Source
and the Agilent Model 6631B/6632B/6633B/6634B System DC Power Supply. Unless otherwise noted,
both units will be referred to by the description "dc source" throughout this manual. The following
documents are shipped with your dc source:
♦a User’s Guide (this document), contains installation, checkout, and front panel information
♦a Programming Guide, contains detailed GPIB programming information
♦an Agilent VXIplug&play instrument driver, for Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0
The following Getting Started Map will help you find the information you need to complete the specific
task that you want to accomplish. Refer to the table of contents or index of each guide for a complete list
of the information contained within.
Getting Started Map
Task Where to find information
Installing the unit
Line voltage connections
Computer connections
Load connections
User’s Guide
Checking out the unit
Verifying proper operation
Using the front panel
Calibrating the unit
User’s Guide
Using the front panel
Front panel keys
Front panel examples
User’s Guide
Using the programming interface
GPIB interface
RS-232 interface
User’s Guide
Programming Guide
Programming the unit using SCPI (and Compatibility)
commands
SCPI commands
SCPI programming examples
Compatibility language
Programming Guide
Installing the VXIplug&play instrument driver
NOTE: The driver must be installed on your pc to access
the on-line information. Drivers are available on the web at
www.agilent.com/find/drivers.
Programming Guide

2 – General Information
18
Safety Considerations
This dc source 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 dc source and review this guide for safety warnings and instructions.
Safety warnings for specific procedures are located at appropriate places in the guide.
Options and Accessories
Table 2-1. Options
Option Description
100 100 Vac nominal, 50/60 Hz
120 120 Vac nominal, 50/60 Hz
220 220 Vac nominal, 50/60 Hz
230 230 Vac nominal, 50/60 Hz
020 Front panel output binding posts
760 Isolation and polarity reversal relays (not available on Agilent 6631B)
1CM Rack mount kit (p/n 5062-3974)
1CP Rack mount kit with handles (p/n 5062-3975)
Accessory Rack slide kit (p/n 1494-0060)
0BN Service manual with extra operating manuals
1Support rails are required when rack mounting units. Use E3663A support rails for Agilent rack cabinets, and
E3664A for non-Agilent rack cabinets.
Table 2-2. Accessories
Item Part Number
GPIB cables
1.0 meter (3.3 ft) 10833A
2.0 meters (6.6 ft) 10833B
4.0 meters (13.2 ft) 10833C
0.5 meters (1.6 ft) 10833D
RS-232 cable 34398A
(9-pin F to 9-pin F, 2.5 meter, null modem/printer cable with
one 9-pin M to 25-pin F adapter
RS-232 adapter kit (contains 4 adapters) 34399A
9-pin M to 25-pin M for pc or printer
9-pin M to 25-pin M for pc or printer
9-pin M to 25-pin M for modem
9-pin M to 9-pin M for modem

General Information – 2
19
Description
Both the Agilent 66332A Dynamic Measurement DC Source and the Agilent
6631B/6632B/6633B/6634B System DC Power Supply combine two instruments in one unit. It includes
a dc source, which produces dc output with programmable voltage and current amplitude, and a highly
accurate voltage and current meter, with the capability to measure very low-level currents. Additionally,
the Agilent 66332A Dynamic Measurement DC Source has the ability to measure and characterize output
voltage and current of pulse or ac waveforms.
Capabilities
♦Output Voltage and Current control with 12-bit programming resolution
♦Extensive measurement capability:
dc voltage and current.
rms and peak voltage and current (Agilent 66332A only).
16-bit measurement resolution (low range accurate down to 2 microamperes).
Triggered acquisition of digitized current and voltage waveforms (Agilent 66332A only).
♦Front panel control with 14-character vacuum fluorescent display, keypad, and rotary control for
voltage and current settings.
♦Built-in GPIB and RS-232 interface programming with SCPI command language.
♦Non-volatile state storage and recall.
♦Over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, and RI/DFI protection features.
♦Extensive selftest, status reporting, and software calibration.
Front Panel Controls
The front panel has both rotary (RPG) and keypad controls for setting the output voltage and current. The
panel display provides digital readouts of a number of output measurements. Annunciators display the
operating status of the dc source. System keys let you perform system functions such as setting the GPIB
address and recalling operating states. Front panel Function keys access the dc source function menus.
Front panel Entry keys let you select and enter parameter values. Refer to chapter 5 for a complete
description of the front panel controls.
Remote Programming
NOTE: When shipped, Agilent 6631B/6632B/6633B/6634B units are set to the Compatibility
programming language; Agilent 66332A units are set to the SCPI programming
language.
To change the programming language from Compatibility to SCPI, press the front panel
Address key, use ôto scroll to the LANG command, press Ì
to select SCPI, then
press Enter. Refer to the Programming Guide supplied with your dc source for further
information about remote programming.
The dc source may be remotely programmed via the GPIB bus and/or from an RS-232 serial port. GPIB
programming is with SCPI commands (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments), which make
the dc source programs compatible with those of other GPIB instruments. Compatibility commands are
also included to make the dc source compatible with the Agilent 6632A, 6633A, and 6634A Series dc

2 – General Information
20
power supplies (refer to appendix D in the the Programming Guide). Dc source status registers allow
remote monitoring of a wide variety of dc source operating conditions.
Output Characteristic
The dc source’s output characteristic is shown in the following figure. The output of the dc source may be
adjusted to any value within the boundaries shown.
Output
Voltage
Output
Current
Imax
Vmax
ISET-ISET
VSET
CC operating line
CV operating line
0
1
2
+
-
-Imax
Figure 2-1. Dc Source Output Characteristic
The dc source can operate in either constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) over the rated output
voltage and current. Although the dc source can operate in either mode, it is designed as a constant
voltage source. This means that the unit turns on in constant voltage mode with the output voltage rising
to its Vset value. There is no command for constant current operation. The only way to turn the unit on in
constant current mode is by placing a short across the output and then enabling or turning the output on.
Note that the dc source cannot be programmed to operate in a specific mode. After initial turn-on, the
operating mode of the unit will be determined by the voltage setting, the current setting, and the load
resistance. In figure 2-1, operating point 1 is defined by the load line traversing the positive operating
quadrant in the constant voltage region. Operating point 2 is defined by the load line traversing the
positive operating quadrant in the constant current region.
Figure 2-1 also shows a single range −two quadrant capability. This means that the dc source is capable
of sourcing as well as sinking current over the output voltage range from zero volts to the rated
maximum. The negative quadrant is identical to the positive quadrant. However, the negative current
cannot be set independently; it tracks the value programmed for the positive current. Thus, if the positive
current is set to 1 A, the negative current is also set to 1 A.
NOTE: If you attempt to operate the dc source beyond its output ratings, the output of the unit
will become unregulated. This is indicated by the UNR annunciator on the front panel.
The output may also become unregulated if the ac input voltage drops below the
minimum rating specified in Appendix A.
Appendix A documents the dc source’s specifications and supplemental characteristics.