Agilent Technologies E3633A User manual

User’s Guide
Part Number: E3634-90001
May 2013.
For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory information,
see the pages behind the Index.
© Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1998–2013
All Rights Reserved.
Agilent E3633A and E3634A
DC Power Supplies
Agilent Technologies

The Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A are high performance 200 watt single-
output dual range programmable DC power supplies with both GPIB and RS-232
interfaces. The combination of bench-top and system features in these power supplies
provides versatile solutions for your design and test requirements.
Convenient bench-top features
• Single-output dual range
• Easy-to-use knob control settings
• Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent display meters
• High accuracy and high resolution
• Remote voltage sensing
• Overvoltage and overcurrent protection
• Output on/off
• Excellent load and line regulation and low ripple and noise
• Operating states storage
• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
• Front and Rear output terminals
• Retrieving/Scrolling error messages on the display
Flexible system features
• GPIB (IEEE-488) and RS-232 interfaces are standard
• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
• I/O setup easily done from front-panel
• Software calibration, no internal adjustments required
Agilent E3633A and E3634A
DC Power Supplies

ii
The Front Panel at a Glance
1 8V/20A range selection key (E3633A)
25V/7A range selection key (E3634A)
220V/10A range selection key (E3633A)
50V/4A range selection key (E3634A)
3Overvoltage protection key
4Overcurrent protection key
5Display limit key
6Recall operating state key
7 Store operating state/Local key
8Error/Calibrate key
9I/O Configuration/Secure key
10 Output On/Off key
11 Control knob
12 Resolution selection keys
13 Voltage/current adjust selection key

iii
1 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range selection key Selects the 8V/20A or 25V/7A
range and allows the full rated output to 8V/20A or 25V/7A.
2 20V/10A* or 50V/4A** range selection key Selects the 20V/10A or
50V/4A range and allows the full rated output to 20V/10A or 50V/4A.
3 Overvoltage protection key Enables or disables the overvoltage protection
function, sets trip voltage level, and clears the overvoltage condition.
4 Overcurrent protection key Enables or disables the overcurrent protection
function, sets trip current level, and clears the overcurrent condition.
5 Display limit key Shows voltage and current limit values on the display and
allows knob adjustment for setting limit values.
6 Recall operating state key Recalls a previously stored operating state from
location ‘‘1’’, ‘‘2’’, or ‘‘3’’.
7 Store operating state / Local key1Stores an operating state in location ‘‘1’’,
‘‘2’’, or ‘‘3’’ / or returns the power supply to local mode from remote interface
mode.
8 Error / Calibrate key2Displays error codes generated during operation, self-
test and calibration / or enables calibration mode (the power supply must be
unsecured before performing calibration). See Service Guide for more details
on calibration.
9 I/O Configuration / Secure key3Configures the power supply for remote
interfaces / or secure or unsecure the power supply for calibration. See
Service Guide for more details on how to secure or unsecure the power supply.
10 Output On/Off key Enables or disables the power supply output. This key
toggles between on and off.
11 Control knob Increases or decreases the value of the blinking digit by turning
clockwise or counter clockwise.
12 Resolution selection keys Move the blinking digit to the right or left.
13 Voltage/current adjust selection key Selects the knob control function for
voltage or current adjustment.
1The key can be used as the ‘‘Local’’ key when the power supply is in the remote
interface mode.
2You can enable the ‘‘calibration mode’’ by holding down this key when you turn on
the power supply.
3You can use it as the ‘‘Secure’’ or ‘‘Unsecure’’ key when the power supply is in the
calibration mode.
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model

iv
Front-Panel Voltage and Current Limit Settings
You can set the voltage and current limit values from the front panel using the
following method.
1Select the desired range using the range selection keys after turning on the
power supply.
2Press the key to show the limit values on the display.
3Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution
selection keys and change the blinking digit value to the desired voltage limit
by turning the control knob. If the display limit times out, press the key
again.
4Set the knob to current control mode by pressing the key.
5Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution
selection keys and change the blinking digit value to the desired current limit
by turning the control knob.
6Press the key to enable the output. After about 5 seconds, the display
will go to output monitoring mode automatically to display the voltage and
current at the output or the display will go to output monitoring mode
immediately by pressing the key again.
Note All front panel keys and controls can be disabled with remote interface commands.
The Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A must be in "Local" mode for the front panel
keys and controls to function.
Use the voltage/current adjust selection key, the resolution selection keys,
and the control knob to change the voltage and current limit values.
Display
Limit
Display
Limit
Voltage
Current
Output
On/Off
Output
On/Off

v
Display Annunciators
Adrs Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.
Rmt Power supply is in remote interface mode.
8V Shows the 8V/20A range is selected. (Agilent E3633A model)
20V Shows the 20V/10A range is selected. (Agilent E3633A model)
25V Shows the 25V/7A range is selected. (Agilent E3634A model)
50V Shows the 50V/4A range is selected. (Agilent E3634A model)
OVP The overvoltage protection function is enabled when the
annunciator turns on or the overvoltage protection circuit has
caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.
OCP The overcurrent protection function is enabled when the
annunciator turns on or the overcurrent protection circuit has
caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.
CAL The power supply is in calibration mode.
Limit The display shows the limit values of voltage and current.
ERROR Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected and
the error bit has not been cleared.
OFF The output of the power supply is disabled (See page 52 for more
information).
Unreg The output of the power supply is unregulated (output is neither CV
nor CC).
CV The power supply is in constant voltage mode.
CC The power supply is in constant current mode.
To review the display annunciators, hold down key as you turn on
the power supply.
Display
Limit

vi
The Rear Panel at a Glance
Use the front-panel key to:
• Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see chapter 3).
• Set the GPIB bus address (see chapter 3).
• Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see chapter 3).
1Power-line voltage setting
2Power-line fuse-holder assembly
3AC inlet
4Power-line module
5GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector
6RS-232 interface connector
7Rear output terminals
I/O
Config

vii
In This Book
General Information Chapter 1 contains a general description of your power supply.
This chapter also provides instructions for checking your power supply, connecting
to ac power, and selecting power-line voltage.
Initial Operation Chapter 2 ensures that the power supply develops its rated outputs
and properly responds to operation from the front panel.
Front-Panel Operation Chapter 3 describes in detail the use of front-panel keys
and how they are used to operate the power supply from the front panel. This chapter
also shows how to configure the power supply for the remote interface and gives a
brief introduction to the calibration features.
Remote Interface Reference Chapter 4 contains reference information to help you
program the power supply over the remote interface. This chapter also explains how
to program for status reporting.
Error Messages Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear as you are
working with the power supply. Each listing contains information to help you diagnose
and solve the problem.
Application Programs Chapter 6 contains some remote interface applications to
help you develop programs for your application.
Tut or ia l Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linear power supplies and gives
specific details on the operation and use of the Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A
power supplies.
Specifications Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.
If you have questions relating to the operation of the power supply, call
1-800-829-4444 in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent
Technologies Sales Office.
If your Agilent E3633A or Agilent E3634A fails within 3 years of purchase,
Agilent will repair or replace it free of charge. Call 1-800-258-5165 ("Express
Exchange") in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent Technologies
Sales Office.

viii
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Agilent Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or description at the
Web address below.
http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm
Note If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your local Agilent
representative.

ix
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 General Information
Safety Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
Safety and EMC Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
Options and Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Description- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16
Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
Initial Inspection- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
Cooling and Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
Input Power Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
Power-Line Cord - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
Power-Line Voltage Selection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
Chapter 2 Initial Operation
Preliminary Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27
Power-On Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
Voltage Output Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
Current Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation
Front-Panel Operation Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Constant Voltage Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36
Constant Current Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 38
Storing and Recalling Operating States - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40
Programming Overvoltage Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 42
Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit - - - - - - - - - 42
Checking OVP Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 43
Clearing the Overvoltage Condition- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 43
Programming Overcurrent Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46
Setting the OCP Level and Enable the OCP Circuit - - - - - - - - - 46
Checking OCP Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
Clearing the Overcurrent Condition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Front and Rear Terminals - - - - - - - 49
CV Regulation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Output Rating - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Output Noise - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Stability - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50
Remote Voltage Sensing Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Rear Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 51