Agilent Technologies E3646A/47A User manual

User’s Guide
Part Number: E3646-90001
October 2007.
For Warranty information, refer to the back of the manual.
© Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2000 – 2007
All Rights Reserved.
Agilent E364xA Dual Output
DC Power Supplies
Agilent Technologies

The Agilent Technologies E3646A/E3647A (30 watt) and E3648A/E3649A
(50 watt) are high performance dual-output dual range programmable DC
power supplies with 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
• Dual-output dual range
• Output on/off
• High accuracy and high resolution
• Excellent load and line regulation
• Low ripple and noise
• Overvoltage protection
• Five Operating states storage
• Tracking operation
• Easy-to-use controls
• Remote voltage sensing
• Front and Rear output terminals
• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
• Error messages available 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 physical adjustments
Agilent Technologies E364xA
Dual Output DC Power Supplies

2
The Front Panel at a Glance
1 Output1 selection Key
2Output2 selection Key
3Low voltage range selection Key
4High voltage range selection Key
5Overvoltage protection Key
6Display limit Key
7Resolution selection Keys
8Voltage / Current adjust selection Key
9 Knob
10 Output On / Off Key
11 I/O Configuration Menu / Secure Key
12 View Menu / Calibrate Key
13 State Storage Menu / Local Key
14 Stored state Recall/Reset Menu
15 Tracking enabling/disabling Key

3
Front-Panel Menu/Key Reference
This section gives an overview of the front-panel keys/menus. The menus are
designed to automatically guide you through all parameters required to
configure a particular function or operation.
1 Output1 selection key Select the output1 voltage and current to be controlled and
monitored on the display.
2 Output2 selection key Select the output2 voltage and current to be controlled and
monitored on the display.
3 Low voltage range selection key Selects the low voltage range and allows its full
rated output to the output terminals.
4 High voltage range selection key Selects the high voltage range and allows its full
rated output to the output terminals.
5 Overvoltage protection key Enables or disables the overvoltage protection function,
sets trip voltage level, and clears the overvoltage condition.
6 Display limit key Shows voltage and current limit values on the display and allows
the knob adjustment for setting limit values.
7 Resolution selection keys Move the flashing digit to the right or left. Adjust the
scrolling speed of the text being displayed in the View menu.
8 Voltage/Current adjust selection key Selects the knob control function for voltage
or current adjustment.
9 Knob Increases or decreases the value of the flashing digit by turning clockwise or
counter clockwise.
10 Output On/Off key Enables or disables the power supply output. This key toggles
between on and off.
11 I/O Configuration / Secure key3Configures the power supply for remote interfaces
/ or secures or unsecures the power supply for calibration.
12 View menu / Calibrate key2Views the error codes and the text of the error message,
calibration string, and system firmware revision / or enables calibration mode.
13 State storage menu / Local key1Stores up to five power supply’s states and assigns
a name to each of the storage locations / or returns the power supply to local mode
from remote interface mode.
14 Stored state Recall menu Recalls a stored operating state from location ‘‘1’’ through
‘‘5’’ and resets the power supply to the power-on state (*RST command).
15 Tracking enabling/disabling key Enable / disable the track mode of the outputs.
1
The key can be used as the ‘‘ Local ’’ key when the power supply is in the remote
interface mode.
2
You can enable the ‘‘calibration mode’’ by holding down this key when you turn on the
power supply.
3
You can use it as the ‘‘Secure’’ or ‘‘Unsecure’’ key when the power supply is in the
calibration mode.

4
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 output and voltage range using the output selection keys
and voltage range selection keys after turning on the power supply.
2Press 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 key again.
4Set the knob to current control mode by pressing 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 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.
Note All front panel keys and controls can be disabled with remote interface commands.
The power supply 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.
++
Low
High
Or
1
2
Or
Display
Limit
Display
Limit
Current
Voltage
On/Off
Output

5
Display Annunciators
Adrs Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.
Rmt Power supply is in remote interface mode.
8V*/35V** Shows the low voltage range is selected.
20V*/60** Shows the high voltage range is selected.
OUT1 The output1 is selected for front-panel or remote operation.
OUT2 The output2 is selected for front-panel or remote operation.
OVP1 The output1 overvoltage protection function is enabled when the
OVP1 annunciator turns on or the overvoltage protection circuit has
caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.
OVP2 The output2 overvoltage protection function is enabled when the
OVP2 annunciator turns on or the overvoltage 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 56 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.
TRACK The output1 and output2 are in track mode.
To review the display annunciators, hold down key as you turn on
the power supply.
Display
Limit
*For E3646A/48A models. **For E3647A/49A models.

6
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 address (see chapter 3).
• Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see chapter 3).
1AC inlet
2Power-line fuse-holder assembly
3Power-line module
4Output 1 Rear output terminals
5Output 2 Rear output terminals
6 GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector
7RS-232 interface connector
I/O
Config

7
In This Book
Quick Start Chapter 1 helps you get familiar with a few of the power supply’s
the front panel feature.
General Information Chapter 2 contains a general description of your
power supply. This chapter also provides instructions for installation of your
power supply and the output connections.
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.
Tutorial Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linear power supplies and
gives specific details on the operation and use of your power supply.
Specifications Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.
Service Information Contains guidelines to return your power supply to
Agilent Technologies for servicing, procedures for verification & calibration,
and component locator diagram.
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 power supply fails within one year 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.

8

9
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Preliminary Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Output Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
Voltage Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
Current Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20
Line Voltage Conversion- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21
To Rack Mount the Instrument - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23
Chapter 2 General Information
Safety Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27
Safety and EMC Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27
Options and Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Options- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Description - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31
Initial Inspection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31
Cooling and Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31
Output Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32
Current Ratings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32
Voltage Drops - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33
Load Consideration- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33
Remote Voltage Sensing Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34
Multiple Loads- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36
Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features
Front-Panel Operation Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 39
Constant Voltage Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40
Constant Current Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 42
Tracking Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 44
View Menu Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45
Changing Display Mode- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45
Viewing the Errors- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46
Viewing the Firmware Revision - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46
Viewing the Calibration String - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
Configuring the Remote Interface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48
GPIB Configuration- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48
RS-232 Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
Storing and Recalling Operating States - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50

10
Contents
Contents
Programming Overvoltage Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 52
Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit - - - - - - - - 52
Checking OVP Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 53
Clearing the Overvoltage Condition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 53
Disabling the Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56
Disconnecting the Output Using an External Relay- - - - - - - - 56
System-Related Operations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57
State Storage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57
Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58
Error Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58
Firmware Revision Query - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59
SCPI Language Version - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59
GPIB Interface Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 60
RS-232 Interface Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61
RS-232 Configuration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61
RS-232 Data Frame Format - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61
Connection to a Computer or Terminal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62
RS-232 Troubleshooting- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 63
Calibration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 64
Calibration Security- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 64
To Unsecure for Calibration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 65
To Secure Against Calibration- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 66
Calibration Count- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 67
Calibration Message- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 68
Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference
SCPI Command Summary- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 71
Simplified Programming Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77
Using the APPLy Command- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77
Using the Low-Level Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77
Reading a Query Response - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 78
Selecting a Trigger Source- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 78
Power Supply Programming Ranges- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79
Using the APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 80
Output Setting and Operation Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 81
Triggering- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 87
Trigger Source Choices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 87
Triggering Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 89
System-Related Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 90
State Storage Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93
Calibration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 94
Interface Configuration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 97

11
Contents
Contents
The SCPI Status Registers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
What is an Event Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
What is an Enable Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
What is a Multiple Logical Output? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
SCPI Status System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 100
The Questionable Status Register- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 101
The Standard Event Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103
The Status Byte Register- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104
Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL - - - - - - - - - - 105
Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ - - - - - - - - - - - 106
To Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed - 107
Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer - - 107
Status Reporting Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 108
An Introduction to the SCPI Language - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 111
Command Format Used in This Manual- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 112
Command Separators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 113
Using the MIN and MAX Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 113
Querying Parameter Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 114
SCPI Command Terminators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 114
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 114
SCPI Parameter Types - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 115
Halting an Output in Progress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 116
SCPI Conformance Information- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 117
IEEE-488 Conformance Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 120
Chapter 5 Error Messages
Execution Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 123
Self-Test Errors- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 129
Calibration Errors- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 130
Chapter 6 Application Programs
Example Program for C and C++- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 135
Example Program for Excel 97 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 139
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Overview of this Power Supply Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 147
Output Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 149
Unregulated State - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 151
Unwanted Signals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 151
Extending the Voltage and Current Range - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 153
Series Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 153

12
Contents
Contents
Parallel Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 153
Remote Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 154
Chapter 8 Specifications
Performance Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 159
Supplemental Characteristics- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161
Appendix Service Information
Operating Checklist- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167
Is the Power Supply Inoperative? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167
Does the Power Supply Fail Self-Test? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167
Types of Service Available - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168
Standard Repair Service (worldwide)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168
Express Exchange (U.S.A. only) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168
Repacking for Shipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 169
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 170
Surface Mount Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 170
To Replace the Power-Line Fuse - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 170
Troubleshooting Hints- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171
Unit Reports Errors 740 to 750 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171
Unit Fails Self-Test- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171
Bias Supplies Problems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171
Self-Test Procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 172
Power-On Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 172
Complete Self-Test- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 172
General Disassembly- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 174
Recommended Test Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 175
Test Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 176
Operation Verification and Performance Tests - - - - - - - - - - - - - 176
Measurement Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 177
Setup for Most Tests - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 177
Current-Monitoring Resistor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 177
General Measurement Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 178
Electronic Load - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 178
Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 178
Constant Voltage (CV) Verifications- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 179
Constant Voltage Test Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 179
Voltage Programming and Readback Accuracy - - - - - - - - - - 179
CV Load Effect (Load Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 180
CV Source effect (Line Regulation)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 181
CV PARD (Ripple and Noise) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 182
Load Transient Response Time- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 184

13
Contents
Contents
Constant Current (CC) Verifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 185
Constant Current Test Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 185
Current Programming and Readback Accuracy - - - - - - - - - 185
CC Load Effect (Load Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 186
CC Source Effect (Line Regulation)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 187
CC PARD (Ripple and Noise) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 188
Common Mode Current Noise - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 189
Performance Test Record for Your Power Supply - - - - - - - - - - 190
CV Performance Test Record - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 190
CC Performance Test Record- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 191
Calibration Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 192
Agilent Technologies Calibration Services- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 192
Calibration Interval - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 192
To Unsecure the Power Supply Without the Security Code 192
General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 193
Front Panel Voltage and Current Calibration- - - - - - - - - - - - 194
Calibration Record for Your Power Supply- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 198
Calibration Error Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 199
Schematics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 200
Component Locator (top) for main board assembly - - - - - - 201
Component Locator (bottom) for main board assembly - - 202
Component Locator (top & bottom) for digital
board assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 203
Component Locator for front panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 204
Index - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 205

14
Contents
Contents

1
Quick Start

16
Quick Start
One of thefirst things you will wantto do with your power supply is to become
acquainted with the front panel. The exercises in this chapter prepare the
power supply for use and help you get familiar with some of its front-panel
operations.
This chapter is intended for both the experienced and the inexperienced user
because it calls attention to certain checks that should be made prior to
operation.
Throughout this chapter the key to be pressed is shown in the left margin.

Chapter 1 Quick Start
Preliminary Checkout
17
1
Preliminary Checkout
The following steps help you verify that the power supply is ready for use.
1 Check the list of supplied items.
Verify that you have received the following items with your power supply. If
anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office.
One power cord for your location.
This User’s Guide.
Quick Reference Guide.
Certificate of Calibration.
2 Connect the power cord and turn on the power supply.
The front-panel display will light up briefly while the power supply performs
its power-on self-test . The GPIB address is also displayed. To review the power-
on display with all annunciators turned on, hold down as you turn on
the power supply. If the power supply does not turn on properly, see page 20.
3 Perform a complete self-test.
The complete self-test performs a more extensive set of tests than those
performed at power-on. Hold down as you turn on the power supply and
hold down the key until you hear a long beep . The self-test will begin when
you release the key following the beep.
Ifthe self-test fails, see the Service Information for instructions on returning
the power supply to Agilent Technologies for service.
Note The power supply is shipped from the factory with a power-line cord that has a plug
appropriate for your location. Your power supply is equipped with a 3-wire grounding
type power cord; the third conductor being the ground. The power supply is grounded
only when the power-line cord is plugged into an appropriate receptacle. Do not
operate your power supply without adequate cabinet ground connection.
Display
Limit
Display
Limit

Chapter 1 Quick Start
Output Checkout
18
Output Checkout
The following procedures check to ensure that the power supply develops its
rated outputs and properly responds to operation from the front panel. For
complete performance and verification tests, refer to the Service Information .
Note: If an error has been detected during the output checkout procedures,
the
ERROR annunciator will turn on. See "Error Messages" starting on page
121 in chapter 5 for more information.
Voltage Output Checkout
The following steps verify basic voltage functions with no load.
1 Turn on the power supply.
The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the outputs are
disabled (the
OFF annunciator turns on); its output1 and low voltage range are
selected. The annunciator
OVP1 , OVP2 , CV , OUT1 , and low voltage range
indication annunciator turn on (for example,
8V annunciator turns on for the
E3646A model); and the knob is selected for voltage control.
2 Enable the outputs.
The OFF annunciator turns off and the CV annunciator turns on. Notice that
the display is in the meter mode. ‘‘Meter mode’’ means that the display shows
the actual output voltage and current.
3 Check that the front-panel voltmeter properly responds to knob
control for both low and high voltage range.
Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise to check that the voltmeter
responds to knob control and the ammeter indicates nearly zero. The flashing
digit can be adjusted by turning the knob.
4 Ensure that the voltage can be adjusted from zero to the full rated
value by adjusting the knob.
1
You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the
right or left when setting the voltage.
Power
On/Off
Output
1

Chapter 1 Quick Start
Output Checkout
19
1
Current Output Checkout
The following steps check basic current functions with a short across the
power supply’s output.
1 Turn on the power supply.
Make sure that the output is disabled. The OFF annunciator is on
2 Connect a short across (+) and (-) output terminals with an insulated
test lead.
Use a wire size sufficient to handle the maximum current (See " Table 2-1 Wire
Rating " on page 32 in chapter 2).
3 Enable the output.
The CV or CC annunciator turns on depending on the resistance of the test
lead. Notice that the display is in the meter mode.
4 Adjust the voltage limit value to 1.0 volt.
Set the display to the limit mode (the Limit annunciator will be flashing).
Adjust the voltage limit to 1.0 volt to assure CC operation. The
CC annunciator
will turn on. To go back to normal mode, press the key again or let the
display time out after several seconds.
5 Set the knob to the current control to check that the front-panel
ammeter properly responds to knob control.
Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise when the display is in the meter
mode (the
Limit annunciator is off). Check that the ammeter responds to knob
control and the voltmeter indicates nearly zero (the voltmeter will show the
voltage drop caused by the test lead). The flashing digit can be adjusted by
turning the knob.
6 Ensure that the current can be adjusted from zero to the full rated
value.
7 Turn off the power supply and remove the short from the output
terminals.
1
You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the
right or left when setting the current.
Power
On/Off
Output
Display
Limit
Display
Limit
Current
Voltage
1