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