Agilent Technologies N6751A User manual

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Agilent Technologies
Modular Power System
Series N6700
User’s Guide

2 Series N6700 User’s Guide
Legal Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2003 - 2005
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Manual Part Number: 5969-2908
Fifth Edition, January, 2005
Printed in Malaysia.
Reprints of this manual containing minor
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Series N6700 User’s Guide 3
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. The
protective features of this product may be
impaired if it is used in a manner not
specified in the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are
taken. Make all connections to the unit
before applying power. Note the
instrument's external markings described
under "Safety Symbols"
Ground the Instrument
This product is a Safety Class 1
instrument (provided with a protective
earth terminal). 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.
Fuses
The instrument contains an internal fuse,
which is not customer accessible.
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
Only qualified, service-trained personnel
who are aware of the hazards involved
should remove instrument covers. Always
disconnect the power cable and any
external circuits before removing the
instrument cover.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform
any unauthorized modification to the
product. Return the product to an Agilent
Sales and Service Office for service and
repair to ensure that safety features are
maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made inoperative and
secured against unintended operation
until they can be repaired by qualified
service personnel.
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice
until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or the
like that, if not correctly performed
or adhered to, could result in
personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING notice
until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
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.
Neutral conductor on
permanently installed
equipment
Line conductor on
permanently installed
equipment.
On supply
Off supply
Standby supply. Unit is not
completely disconnected
from ac mains when switch
is off
In position of a bi-stable
push switch
Out position of a bi-stable
push switch
Caution, risk of electric
shock
Caution, hot surface
Caution, refer to
accompanying
description
CAUTION
WARNING

4 Series N6700 User’s Guide
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.
 Getting Started – Chapter 3 describes how to set the voltage,
current, over-voltage protection, and turn on the output. It also
describes how to configure the remote interface.
 Operating the Power System – Chapter 4 describes how to use
the advanced features of the power system using the front panel
menus and the corresponding SCPI commands.
 Introduction to Programming – Chapter 5 gives a brief overview
of the SCPI command structure and basic programming concepts.
 Language Dictionary – Chapter 6 describes all of the SCPI
programming commands.
 Programming Examples – Chapter 7 provides Visual Basic
example programs that illustrate some common applications.
 Specifications – Appendix A describes specifications and
supplemental characteristics.
 Verification and Calibration Procedures – Appendix B explains
the verification and calibration procedures.
 Using the Digital Port – Appendix C describes how to configure
and use the digital port on the back of the instrument.
 Service – Appendix D describes what to do if service is required.
 Compatibility – Appendix E documents the compatibility
commands of the Agilent Series 662xA DC power supplies that
are supported by the Agilent N6700 Modular Power System.
NOTE You can contact Agilent Technologies at one of the following telephone
numbers for warranty, service, or technical support information.
In the United States: [phone]
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or use our Web link for information on contacting Agilent in your country or
specific location: www.agilent.com/find/assist
Or contact your Agilent Technologies Representative.
The web contains the most up to date version of the manual. Go to
http://www.agilent.com/find/N6700 to get the latest version of the manual.

Series N6700 User’s Guide 5
Contents
1 Quick Reference
The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance.......................... 8
The Front Panel - At a Glance......................................................................... 10
The Rear Panel – At a Glance.........................................................................10
Front Panel Display – At a Glance .................................................................11
Front Panel Keys – At a Glance......................................................................12
Front Panel Menu Reference ..........................................................................13
2 Installation
General Information..........................................................................................16
Inspecting the Unit ...........................................................................................17
Installing the Unit..............................................................................................17
Connecting the Line Cord ................................................................................ 19
Connecting the Outputs................................................................................... 20
Remote Sense Connections............................................................................24
Parallel Connections.........................................................................................25
Series Connections...........................................................................................26
3 Getting Started
Turning the Unit On .......................................................................................... 30
Selecting an Output Channel .......................................................................... 30
Entering an Output Voltage Setting............................................................... 30
Entering a Current Limit Setting..................................................................... 31
Enabling the Output..........................................................................................31
Using the Front Panel Menu ...........................................................................32
Connecting to the Interfaces ..........................................................................34
4 Operating the Power System
Programming the Output .................................................................................46
Synchronizing Output Steps............................................................................ 49
Making Measurements....................................................................................52
System Related Operations.............................................................................53
Programming High-Speed Test Extensions..................................................57
5 Introduction to Programming
SCPI Commands................................................................................................ 68
SCPI Messages..................................................................................................70
SCPI Conventions and Data Formats.............................................................72
SCPI Command Completion ............................................................................74

6 Series N6700 User’s Guide
6 Language Dictionary
SCPI Command Summary................................................................................ 76
Calibration Subsystem......................................................................................80
Display Subsystem............................................................................................ 82
Measurement Subsystem................................................................................83
Output Subsystem.............................................................................................86
Source Subsystem ............................................................................................89
Status Subsystem .............................................................................................96
System Commands .........................................................................................103
Trigger Subsystem ..........................................................................................107
7 Programming Examples
Output Programming Example......................................................................110
List Programming Example............................................................................112
Digitizer Programming Example....................................................................114
Appendix A Specifications
Performance Specifications ..........................................................................118
Supplemental Characteristics .......................................................................121
Autoranging Characteristic............................................................................128
Outline Diagram...............................................................................................128
Appendix B Verification and Calibration
Verification .......................................................................................................130
Calibration ........................................................................................................151
Appendix C Using the Digital Port
Digital Control Port .........................................................................................162
Configuring the Digital Control Port.............................................................166
Appendix D Service
Returning an Instrument................................................................................170
Disassembly.....................................................................................................171
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................176
Parts List and Parts Location........................................................................183
Error Messages ...............................................................................................186
Appendix E Compatibility
Differences – In General................................................................................192
Compatibility Command Summary ...............................................................193
Differences in Earlier Agilent N6700A Mainframes..................................197
Index ...........................................................................................................................................................201

Series N6700 User’s Guide 7
1
Quick Reference
The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance.......................... 8
The Front Panel - At a Glance.........................................................................10
The Rear Panel – At a Glance.........................................................................10
Front Panel Display – At a Glance .................................................................11
Front Panel Keys – At a Glance...................................................................... 12
Front Panel Menu Reference ..........................................................................13
This chapter concisely describes the operation of the Agilent N6700
Modular Power System (MPS).
This chapter does not describe every operating feature in detail. It is
simply a quick reference guide to quickly become familiar with the
essential operating features of the power system.
A quick reference programming command chart is included in the
beginning of chapter 6.
NOTE Unless otherwise noted, the Agilent N6700 Modular Power System will also be
referred to as “MPS” and “power system” throughout this manual.

1 Quick Reference
8 Series N6700 User’s Guide
The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System – At a Glance
The Agilent N6700 Modular Power System is a configurable, 1U (rack
unit) high platform that lets you mix and match power modules to
create a power system optimized for your test system requirements.
Up to four power modules can be installed in each Agilent N6700A/B
MPS mainframe. Power modules come in power levels of 50 and 100
Watts, have various voltage and current combinations, and provide
the following output performance levels:
 The N675xA High-Performance, Autoranging DC Power Modules
provide low noise, high accuracy, fast programming times, and
advanced programming and measurement capabilities to speed
test throughput.
 The N676xA Precision DC Power Modules provide precise control
and measurements in the milli- and micro-ampere region with
the ability to simultaneously digitize voltage and current and
capture those measurements into an oscilloscope-like data buffer.
 The N673xA/B and N674xA/B DC Power Modules provide
programmable voltage and current, measurement, and protection
features, making these economical modules suitable for powering
the device-under-test or system resources such as fixture
controls.
The output and system features are described in the following
sections. Not all output features are available on every power
module. The “Model Differences” section describes the features that
apply only to specific power modules.
Output Features
Programmable
voltage and
current
Full programming capability is provided for the entire range of output voltage and
current. Outputs can operate as either constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC)
sources.
Fast command
processing
Command processing time of less than 1 millisecond per command.
Fast up/down
programming
1.5 millisecond response time from 10% to 90% of the output rating for autoranging
and precision power modules. Refer to Appendix A for details.
Fast transient
response
Transient response is less than 100 microseconds for autoranging and precision
power modules. Refer to Appendix A for details.
Low output
noise
Output noise is typically 4 mV peak-to-peak for autoranging and precision power
modules, which is comparable to linear supplies. Refer to Appendix A for details.
Autoranging
capability
Autoranging produces the maximum rated power over a wide and continuous range
of voltage and current settings for autoranging and precision power modules. Refer
to Appendix A for details.
Output On/Off
sequencing
A turn-on/turn-off delay capability for each output allows output on/off sequencing.

Quick Reference 1
Series N6700 User’s Guide 9
Remote voltage
sensing
Two remote sensing terminals are provided for each output. When shipped from the
factory, the remote sense jumpers are included in a separate bag. Refer to Chapter 2
for details.
Voltage
and current
measurements
All power modules can measure their own output voltage and current.
Voltage, current,
and temperature
protection
Each output has over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protection. Over-
voltage and over-current protection are programmable. When activated, the
protection circuits cause the voltage to go to zero, the output to be disabled, and the
protection status to be reported.
System Features
SCPI language The instrument is compatible with the Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments (SCPI).
Choice of three
interfaces
GPIB (IEEE-488), LAN, and USB (mini B) remote programming interfaces are
built in.
Front panel I/O
setup
Menus let you set up GPIB and LAN parameters from the front panel. Refer to
Chapter 3 for details.
Built-in Web
server
A built-in Web server lets you control the instrument directly from an internet
browser on your computer. Refer to Chapter 3 for details.
Real-time status
information
The front panel indicates the status of each output. It also indicates when a
protection shut-down has occurred.
Module
identification
Each module has identifying data stored in non-volatile memory. Information
includes model number, serial number, and options. This information can be
displayed on the front panel.
Model Differences
Feature DC Power Modules (A+B) Autoranging Modules Precision Modules
N6731 -
N6736
N6741 -
N6746
N6751A N6752A N6761A N6762A
Output power rating 50 W1100 W250 W 100 W 50 W 100 W
Autoranging output capability NO NO YES YES YES YES
Precision output and measurement capability NO NO NO NO YES YES
Low voltage output and measurement range NO NO NO NO YES YES
Low current output and measurement range NO NO NO NO YES YES
Simultaneous voltage and current measurement NO NO NO NO YES YES
Output list capability (Test Extensions) NO NO Option Option YES YES
Array readback capability (Test Extensions) NO NO Option Option YES YES
Programmable sample rate (Test Extensions) NO NO Option Option YES YES
1Model N6735A has a maximum output of 40 W.
2Models N6742A and N6745A have a maximum output of 80 W.

1 Quick Reference
10 Series N6700 User’s Guide
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 4.004A
CV Set: 20.000V 5.500A
o -
Menu
3 E
+/-
Back
.
2
0
1
456
987
Sel
Meter
Channel
Help
On/Off
Voltage
Current
1Error Enter
On/Off switch and LED
LED indicates power is on.
Green = normal operation.
Amber = display is screen-
saver mode.
System keys
Toggle between meter mode and the
command menus.
Exit a menu and return to meter mode.
Select an output channel to display.
Numeric entry keys
Enter values.
Increment or decrement
values.
The Rear Panel – At a Glance
GPIB connector
Chassis ground
binding post
3-pin IEC 320 AC
input connector
Power cord requires
ground conductor.
+s + -s +s + -s +s + -s +s + -s
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4-pin output connector.
Includes +/−output and
+/−sense terminals.
8-pin digital control
connector
Connector function is
user-configurable.
(N6700A mainframes
use a 4-pin connector.)
USB connector LAN connector
10/100 Base-T
Left LED indicates
activity. Right LED
indicates link integrity.
WARNING 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.