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

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Manual Editions

Manual Part Number: 5969-2908

Fifth Edition, January, 2005

Printed in Malaysia.

Reprints of this manual containing minor

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product met its published specifications

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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: (800) 829-4444

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

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 -

+/-

Back

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.

Quick Reference 1

Series N6700 User’s Guide 11

Front Panel Display – At a Glance

Single-channel View Voltage measurement Current measurement

Press the Meter key

to toggle between

views

Operating mode (CV =

constant voltage mode)

Voltage and Current

settings

Remote interface status

(ALL, SRQ, ERR, IO)

Multiple-channel View Voltage and Current measurements

Press the Meter key

to toggle between

views

The highlighted channel is the active channel

Grouped-channel View Channels 2 through 4 are connected in parallel and have been

configured or grouped to act as a single, higher-power channel

Refer to Chapter 4,

under “System Related

Operations” for more

information

Grouped channels are addressed using the channel number of the

lowest channel in the group

1 Quick Reference

12 Series N6700 User’s Guide

Front Panel Keys – At a Glance

System Keys

Back

Meter

Channel

Help Error

Meter returns the display to metering mode.

Menu accesses the command menu.

Channel selects or highlights a channel to control.

Back backs out of a menu without activating any changes.

Help accesses information about the displayed menu control.

Error displays any error messages in the error queue.

Navigation Keys

Sel

The Arrow keys let you move around in the command menus.

The Select key lets you make a selection in the command menus.

It also lets you enter edit mode for numeric parameters.

Output Keys

On/Off

Voltage

Current

On/Off controls the selected output (or all outputs when ALL is lit).

This key is only active in Single- channel or Multiple-channel view.

Voltage lets you change the voltage setting of the selected channel.

Current lets you change the current setting of the selected channel.

Number Keys

Enter

+/-

45 6

987

The number keys let you enter digits from 0 to 9 and a decimal point.

The minus sign is selected by the +/−key.

The exponent must be added to the right of the E symbol.

The backspace key deletes digits as it backspaces over them.

©ªarrow keys increment or decrement the value in certain fields.

They are also used to select letters in alphabetic entry fields.

The Enter key enters a value. If you exit a field without pressing the

Enter key, the value is ignored.

Quick Reference 1

Series N6700 User’s Guide 13

Front Panel Menu Reference

NOTE Menu commands that appear grayed-out on the display are either not available

for the power module that is being programmed, or are password protected.

Refer to appendix E for information about the front panel menu commands for

firmware revisions prior to B.00.00

Menu Command Control Description

Output Voltage Programs voltage setting and range.

Current Programs current setting and range.

Delay Programs Turn-on /Turn off delay.

Slew Programs voltage slew rate.

Measure Range Selects voltage and current measurement range.

Sweep Specifies measurement points, time interval, and trigger offset.

Window Selects measurement window: Rectangular, Hanning.

Control Lets you abort a measurement in progress.

Transient Mode Selects voltage or current transient mode: Fixed, Step, List.

Step Programs voltage and current step value. Enables step triggers.

List Pace Specifies Dwell or Trigger paced list.

Repeat Specifies number of list repetitions, or specifies continuous list.

Terminate Specifies list settings when the list terminates.

Config Configures list step voltage, current, dwell, and trigger signals.

Reset Aborts the list and resets all list parameters.

TrigSource Specify the trigger source: Bus, Tran 1-4, Pin 1-7.

Control Initiates, Triggers, or Aborts output triggers. Displays trigger state.

Protect OVP Configures over-voltage protection function.

OCP Configures over-current protection function.

Inhibit Configures the external inhibit signal: Off, Latching, Live

Coupling Disables ALL output channels when a protection fault occurs.

Clear Clears output protection. Displays output state.

States Reset Resets the instrument to its reset (*RST) state.

SaveRecall Saves or recalls an instrument state.

PowerOn Selects the power-on state.

System I/O LAN ActiveSettings Displays the LAN interface settings that are presently active.

Config IP Enables/disables DHCP and Auto IP. Also sets LAN addresses.

NameConfigures the Dynamic DNS and NetBIOS naming service.

DomainConfigures the Domain Name.

DNSConfigures the DNS server.

TCPConfigures the TCP keepalive function.

ResetResets the LAN interface settings to the factory-shipped state.

USB Status USB connect string - the instrument’s unique USB identifier.

Identification Displays status, speed, packets received, and packets sent.

1 Quick Reference

14 Series N6700 User’s Guide

Menu Command Control Description

System I/O GPIB Selects the GPIB address.

DigPort Pin 1 Function Specifies the pin function: DigIO, TrigIn, TrigOut, DigIn, FaultOut.