Agilent Technologies N8900 series User manual


Agilent
N8900 Series Autoranging
System DC Power Supply
Operating and Service Guide

Agilent N8900 Series Autoranging
System DC Power Supply
Operating and Service Guide
This document includes user,service, and programming information for the Agilent N8900 Series Autoranging System
DC Power Supply. If you have feedback on this document, please contact Agilent at www.agilent.com/find/n8900-
docfeedback.
Preliminary Information
Legal and Safety Information
Models and Options
Specifications and characteristics
Operating Information
Introduction to the Instrument
Installing the Instrument
Getting Started
Using the Power Supply
Front Panel Menu Reference
SCPI Programming Information
Introduction to the SCPI Language
Commands by Subsystem
Command Quick Reference
SCPI Error Messages

Service Information
Performance Verification - pending
Calibration Procedure - pending
Contact Agilent Technologies
You can contact Agilent Technologies for warranty, service, or technical support.
lIn the United States: [phone]
lIn Europe: 31 20 547 2111
lIn Japan: 0120-421-345
Use www.agilent.com/find/assist for information on contacting Agilent worldwide, or contact your Agilent Technologies
Representative.
Version 1, December 2013
© Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2013
Manual part number N8900-90901
2 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Legal and Safety Information
Legal and Safety Information
Legal Notices
Safety Notices
Safety Symbols
Legal Notices
© Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2013
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and international copyright laws.
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
550 Clark Drive, Suite 101
Budd Lake, New Jersey 07828 USA
Software and Documentation Revisions
For the latest firmware revision go to the product page at www.agilent.com/find/N8900.
You can download the latest version of this document at www.agilent.com/find/n8900-doc. The latest version is also
available for mobile devices at www.agilent.com/find/n8900-mobilehelp.
The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only
in accordance with the terms of such license.
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided "as is," and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future
editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express
or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information
contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the
material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.
Certification
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at time of shipment from the factory. Agi-
lent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Insti-
tute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute's calibration facility, and to the calibration
facilities of other International Standards Organization members
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as "Commercial computer software" as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a "commercial
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 3

Legal and Safety Information
item" as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as "Restricted computer software" as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987) or any
equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Tech-
nologies’ standard commercial license terms, and non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will
receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users
will receive no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2)
(November 1995), as applicable in any technical data.
Technical Support
If you have questions about your shipment, or if you need information about warranty, service, or technical support,
contact Agilent Technologies.
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 stand-
ards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability of the cus-
tomer’s failure to comply with the requirements.
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES All models generate voltages in excess of 60 VDC, with some
models rated at up to 1,500 VDC! Ensure that all instrument connections, load wiring,
and load connections are either insulated or covered so that no accidental contact
with lethal output voltages can occur.
General
The equipment is for industrial use. It is not applicable for IT mains supply systems.
Equipment operators are subject to all applicable safety regulations. Along with the warning and safety notices in this
manual, all relevant safety, accident prevention, and environmental regulations must also be followed. In particular,
the operators of the equipment:
lMust be informed of the relevant safety requirements.
lMust have read and understood the operating manual before using the equipment.
lMust use the designated and recommended safety equipment.
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 operating instructions.
Environmental Conditions
Environmental condition are described under Common Characteristics.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken. All connections must be made with the unit turned off, and must be per-
formed by qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved. Improper actions can cause fatal injury as well as
equipment damage.
4 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Legal and Safety Information
Note the instrument's external markings described under "Safety Symbols". Only operate the product at the rated
mains voltage and phase as stipulated on the input label.
Ground the Instrument
This product is provided with protective earth terminals. To minimize shock hazard, the instrument must be connected
to the AC 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 pro-
tective earth terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in injury or death.
External Voltage Sources
Do not connect voltage sources to the output of the power supply with voltage ratings that are greater than the nom-
inal voltage rating of the supply. Under no circumstances can you connect an external voltage with reversed polarity to
the output terminal. Equipment damage will result.
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 Agi-
lent Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.
Fuses
The instrument contains an internal fuse, which is not customer accessible.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that are not functioning correctly, appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured
against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.
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.
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 5

Legal and Safety Information
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not cor-
rectly 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.
Safety Symbols
Direct current
Alternating current
Frame or chassis terminal
Standby supply. Unit is not completely disconnected from AC mains when switch is off.
Caution, risk of electric shock
Caution, refer to accompanying documents
Earth ground terminal
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.
The TUV mark is a registered trademark of the European community.
The C-tick mark is a registered trademark of the Spectrum Management Agency of
Australia. This signifies compliance with the Australian EMC Framework regulations
under the terms of the Radio Communications Act of 1992.
South Korean Class A EMC Declaration
This equipment is Class A suitable for professional use and is for use in electromagnetic
environments outside of the home.
6 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Legal and Safety Information
Contains one or more of the 6 hazardous substances above the maximum con-
centration value (MCV), 40 Year EPUP.
1SM1-A This text indicates that the instrument is an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1
Class A product (CISPER 11, Clause 4).
ICES/NMB-
001
This text indicates product compliance with the Canadian Interference- Causing Equip-
ment Standard (ICES-001).
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 7

Models and Options
Models and Options
Model Ratings
5 kW Models Voltage Current AC mains
N8920A
N8921A
N8923A
N8924A
N8940A
N8941A
N8943A
N8944A
80 V
200 V
500 V
750 V
80 V
200 V
500 V
750 V
170 A
70 A
30 A
20 A
170 A
70 A
30 A
20 A
208 VAC
208 VAC
208 VAC
208 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
10 kW Models Voltage Current AC mains
N8925A
N8926A
N8928A
N8929A
N8930A
N8945A
N8946A
N8948A
N8949A
N8950A
80 V
200 V
500 V
750 V
1000 V
80 V
200 V
500 V
750 V
1000 V
340 A
140 A
60 A
40 A
30 A
340 A
140 A
60 A
40 A
30 A
208 VAC
208 VAC
208 VAC
208 VAC
208 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
15 kW Models Voltage Current AC mains
N8931A
N8932A
N8934A
N8935A
N8937A
N8951A
N8952A
N8954A
N8955A
N8957A
80 V
200 V
500 V
750 V
1500 V
80 V
200 V
500 V
750 V
1500 V
510 A
210 A
90 A
60 A
30 A
510 A
210 A
90 A
60 A
30 A
208 VAC
208 VAC
208 VAC
208 VAC
208 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
400 VAC
Accsssories/Options
Accessory/Option Number Description
Pending
8 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Specifications and Characteristics
Specifications and Characteristics
Specifications
Supplemental Characteristics (typical)
Common Characteristics (typical)
Unless otherwise noted, specifications are warranted over the ambient temperature range of 0°C to 45°C after a 30-
minute warm-up period. Specifications apply from >2% to 100% of rated voltage and from >1% to 100% of rated cur-
rent, measured at the output terminals with local sensing (sense terminals not connected).
Supplemental characteristics are not warranted but are descriptions of performance determined either by design or by
type testing. All supplemental characteristics are typical unless otherwise noted.
Specifications and characteristics are subject to change without notice.
Specifications
Specification 5 kW N8920A
N8940A
N8921A
N8941A
N8923A
N8943A
N8924A
N8944A
DC Ratings
Voltage:
Current:
Power:
0 - 80 V
0 - 170 A
5 kW
0 - 200 V
0 - 70 A
5 kW
0 - 500 V
0 - 30 A
5 kW
0 - 750 V
0 - 20 A
5 kW
Output ripple & noise1
CV rms:
CV peak-to-peak:
16 mV
200 mV
40 mV
300 mV
70 mV
350 mV
200 mV
800 mV
Load regulation
Voltage:
Current:
40 mV
255 mA
100 mV
105 mA
250 mV
45 mA
375 mV
30 mA
Voltage programming &
measurement accuracy2≤ 80 mV ≤ 200 mV ≤ 500 mV ≤ 750 mV
Current programming &
measurement accuracy2≤ 340 mA ≤ 140 mA ≤ 60 mA ≤ 40 mA
Transient response3
Recovery Time:
Settling band:
1.5 ms
0.8 V
1.5 ms
2 V
1.5 ms
5 V
1.5 ms
7.5 V
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 9

Specifications and Characteristics
Specification 10 kW N8925A
N8945A
N8926A
N8946A
N8928A
N8948A
N8929A
N8949A
N8930A
N8950A
DC Ratings
Voltage:
Current:
Power:
0 - 80 V
0 - 340 A
10 kW
0 - 200 V
0 - 140 A
10 kW
0 - 500 V
0 - 60 A
10 kW
0 - 750 V
0 - 40 A
10 kW
0 - 1000 V
0 - 30 A
10 kW
Output ripple & noise1
CV rms:
CV peak-to-peak:
25 mV
320 mV
40 mV
300 mV
70 mV
350 mV
200 mV
800 mV
350 mV
1600 mV
Load regulation
Voltage:
Current:
40 mV
510 mA
100 mV
210 mA
250 mV
90 mA
375 mV
60 mA
500 mV
45 mA
Voltage programming &
measurement accuracy2≤ 80 mV ≤ 200 mV ≤ 500 mV ≤ 750 mV ≤ 1 V
Current programming &
measurement accuracy2≤ 680 mA ≤ 280 mA ≤ 120 mA ≤ 80 mA ≤ 60 mA
Transient response3
Recovery Time:
Settling band:
1.5 ms
0.8 V
1.5 ms
2 V
1.5 ms
5 V
1.5 ms
7.5 V
1.5 ms
10 V
Specification 15 kW N8931A
N8951A
N8932A
N8952A
N8934A
N8954A
N8935A
N8955A
N8937A
N8957A
DC Ratings
Voltage:
Current:
Power:
0 - 80 V
0 - 510 A
15 kW
0 - 200 V
0 - 210 A
15 kW
0 - 500 V
0 - 90 A
15 kW
0 - 750 V
0 - 60 A
15 kW
0 - 1500 V
0 - 30 A
15 kW
Output ripple & noise1
CV rms:
CV peak-to-peak:
25 mV
320 mV
40 mV
300 mV
70 mV
350 mV
200 mV
800 mV
400 mV
2400 mV
Load regulation
Voltage:
Current:
40 mV
765 mA
100 mV
315 mA
250 mV
135 mA
375 mV
90 mA
750 mV
45 mA
Voltage programming &
measurement accuracy2≤ 80 mV ≤ 200 mV ≤ 500 mV ≤ 750 mV ≤ 1.5 V
Current programming &
measurement accuracy2≤ 1.1 A ≤ 420 mA ≤ 180 mA ≤ 120 mA ≤ 60 mA
Transient response3
Recovery Time:
Settling band:
1.5 ms
0.8 V
1.5 ms
2 V
1.5 ms
5 V
1.5 ms
7.5 V
1.5 ms
15 V
1From 20 Hz to 300 kHz for rms noise; from 20 Hz to 20 MHz for peak-to-peak noise
2At 23°C ± 5°C
3Time to recover to within the settling band following a load change from 10% to 90% or 90% to 10 % of full load
10 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Specifications and Characteristics
Supplemental Characteristics (typical)
Characteristic 5 kW N8920A
N8940A
N8921A
N8941A
N8923A
N8943A
N8924A
N8944A
Programming Range
Voltage:
Current:
0 to 81.6 V
0 to 173.4 A
0 to 204 V
0 to 71.4 A
0 to 510 V
0 to 30.6 A
0 to 765 V
0 to 20.4 A
Programming and Meas-
urement Resolution
Voltage:
Current:
4 mV
7 mA
9 mV
3 mA
21 mV
2 mA
31 mV
1 mA
Temperature Coefficient1
Voltage:
Current:
4 mV
8.5 mA
10 mV
3.5 mA
25 mV
1.5 mA
37.5 mV
1 mA
Output response time2
Up, full load:
Down, full load:
Down, no load:
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤ 30 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10
Over-voltage protection range 0 to 88 V 0 to 220 V 0 to 550 V 0 to 825 V
Remote sense compensation
per load lead 2 V 5 V 10 V 18 V
Source regulation2
Voltage:
Current:
16 mV
85 mA
40 mV
35 mA
100 mV
15 mA
150 mV
10 mA
Output ripple & noise3
CC rms: 80 mA 22 mA 16 mA 16 mA
AC Input
Nominal Ratings:
Input Range:
Frequency:
Phase:
Input Current:
Inrush Current:
Power Factor:
Efficiency:
208 VAC for N892xA; 400 VAC for N894xA
± 10 % of nominal rating
50/60 Hz
3-phase
L2, L3 - 32 A for N892xA; L2, L3 - 16 A for N894xA
pending for N892xA; 28 A for N894xA
> 0.99 at nominal input and rated power
87.5 % - 93.5 %
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 11

Specifications and Characteristics
Supplemental Characteristics (typical)
Characteristic 10 kW N8925A
N8945A
N8926A
N8946A
N8928A
N8948A
N8929A
N8949A
N8930A
N8950A
Programming Range
Voltage:
Current:
0 to 81.6 V
0 to 346.8 A
0 to 204 V
0 to 142.8 A
0 to 510 V
0 to 61.2 A
0 to 765 V
0 to 40.8 A
0 to 1020 V
0 to 30.6 A
Programming and Meas-
urement Resolution
Voltage:
Current:
4 mV
14 mA
9 mV
6 mA
21 mV
3 mA
31 mV
2 mA
41 mV
2 mA
Temperature Coefficient1
Voltage:
Current:
4 mV
17 mA
10 mV
7 mA
25 mV
3 mA
37.5 mV
2 mA
50 mV
1.5 mA
Output response time2
Up, full load:
Down, full load:
Down, no load:
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤ 30 s / 40 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
Over-voltage protection
range 0 to 88 V 0 to 220 V 0 to 550 V 0 to 825 V 0 - 1100 V
Remote sense com-
pensation per load lead 2 V 5 V 10 V 18 V 22 V
Source regulation2
Voltage:
Current:
16 mV
170 mA
40 mV
70 mA
100 mV
30 mA
150 mV
20 mA
200 mV
15 mA
Output ripple & noise3
CC rms: 160 mA 44 mA 32 mA 32 mA 22 mA
AC Input
Nominal Ratings:
Input Range:
Frequency:
Phase:
Input Current:
Inrush Current:
Power Factor:
Efficiency:
208 VAC for N892xA; 400 VAC for N894xA
± 10 % of nominal rating
50/60 Hz
3-phase
L1 - 56 A; L2, L3 - 32 A for N892xA; L1 - 28 A; L2, L3 - 16 A for N894xA
pending for N892xA; 49 A for N894xA
> 0.99 at nominal input and rated power
87.5 % - 93.5 %
12 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Specifications and Characteristics
Supplemental Characteristics (typical)
Characteristic 15 kW N8931A
N8951A
N8932A
N8952A
N8934A
N8954A
N8935A
N8955A
N8937A
N8957A
Programming Range
Voltage:
Current:
0 to 81.6 V
0 to 520.2 A
0 to 204 V
0 to 214.2 A
0 to 510 V
0 to 91.8 A
0 to 765 V
0 to 61.2 A
0 to 1530 V
0 to 30.6 A
Programming and Meas-
urement Resolution
Voltage:
Current:
4 mV
21 mA
9 mV
9 mA
21 mV
4 mA
31 mV
3 mA
61 mV
2 mA
Temperature Coefficient1
Voltage:
Current:
4 mV
25.5 mA
10 mV
10.5 mA
25 mV
4.5 mA
37.5 mV
3 mA
75 mV
1.5 mA
Output response time2
Up, full load:
Down, full load:
Down, no load:
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤ 30 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
≤ 30 ms
≤ 80 ms
≤10 s
Over-voltage protection
range 0 to 88 V 0 to 220 V 0 to 550 V 0 to 825 V 0 - 1650 V
Remote sense com-
pensation per load lead 2 V 5 V 10 V 18 V 30 V
Source regulation2
Voltage:
Current:
16 mV
255 mA
40 mV
105 mA
100 mV
45 mA
150 mV
30 mA
300 mV
15 mA
Output ripple & noise3
CC rms: 240 mA 66 mA 48 mA 48 mA 26 mA
AC Input
Nominal Ratings:
Input Range:
Frequency:
Phase:
Input Current:
Inrush Current:
Power Factor:
Efficiency:
208 VAC for N893xA; 400 VAC for N895xA
± 10 % of nominal rating
50/60 Hz
3-phase
L1, L2, L3 - 56 A for N893xA; L1, L2, L3 - 28 A for N893xA
pending for N893xA; 49 A max. for N895xA
> 0.99 at nominal input and rated power
87.5 % - 93.5 %
1Per °C, at rated voltage and current
2From 10% to 90% or from 90% to 10% of total voltage excursion
3+/-10% of nominal AC input rating
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 13

Specifications and Characteristics
Common Characteristics (typical)
Characteristic All Models
Command Response Time: < 25 ms
Savable States: 10
Analog Programming
Input range:
Accuracy:
Input impedance:
0 to 5 V or 0 to 10 V (selectable)
Specified instrument accuracy ±0.2% of rating
150 kΩ (referenced to ground)
Computer Interfaces
LXI Core 2011:
USB:
GPIB:
Language:
10/100 Base-T Ethernet (Sockets, VXI-11 protocol, Web user interface)
USB 2.0 (USB-TMC488)
GPIB IEEE 488
SCPI - 1993, IEEE 488.2 compliant
Acoustic Noise Declaration
At maximum fan speed:
At idle
57 dBA for 5kw units; 62 dBA for 10 kW units; 72.6 dBA for 15 kw units
48 dBA for 5kw units; 51 dBA for 10 kW units; 52 dBA for 15 kw units
Regulatory Compliance:
EMC:
Safety:
Complies with European EMC Directive for test and measurement products
Complies with Australian standard and carries C-Tick mark
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada
Complies with European Low Voltage Directive and carries the CE-marking.
Conforms to US and Canadian safety regulations.
Not applicable for IT mains supply systems
Declarations of Conformity for this product may be downloaded from the
Web. Go to http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com and click on “Declar-
ations of Conformity.”
Environmental
Operating environment:
Temperature range:
Relative humidity:
Altitude:
Storage temperature:
Indoor use, installation category II (for AC input), pollution degree 2
0°C to 45°C
80% or less (non-condensing)
Up to 2000 meters
-20°C to 70°C
Negative OutputTerminal
Isolation:
± 300 V from ground for ALL models. This means that you cannot ground
the + output terminal of units rated higher than 300 V.
Fuses: Internal fuses; not customer accessible
Weight: 5 kw models: 19.8 kg. (43.5 lbs.)
10 kw models: 25.5 kg. (56 lbs.)
15 k W models: 33 kg. (72.6 lbs.)
14 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Operating Information
Operating Information
Introduction to the Instrument
Installing the Instrument
Getting Started
Using the Power Supply
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 15

Introduction to the Instrument
Introduction to the Instrument
Agilent N8900 Series at a Glance
Front Panel at a Glance
Front Panel Display at a Glance
Front Panel Keys at a Glance
Rear Panel at a Glance
The Agilent N8900 Series is a family of autoranging system DC power supplies with performance and features that are
optimized for automated test systems. They are available in power levels of 5 kW, 10 kW, and 15 kW. Voltage levels
range from 80 to 1500 V. Current levels range from 20 to 510 A.
The output and system features are described as follows. Refer to the Models and Options section for a description of
the output ratings of the various models.
Output features
lFull programming capability is provided for the entire range of output voltage and current
lParalleling capability for increased output power
lProtection capability includes over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, and other protections
Measurement features
lVoltage, current, and power measurements
lCombined output current of paralleled units
System features
lSave and recall up to 10 instrument states in non-volatile memory
lGPIB (IEEE-488), LAN, and USB remote programming interfaces are built in
lFront panel menu setup for GPIB and LANparameters
lLXI Core 2011 compliant, including a built-in Web server
lSCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
16 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Introduction to the Instrument
Front Panel at a Glance
Front Panel Display at a Glance
Output voltage and current Displays the actual output voltage and current.
Connection status A = analog programming is enabled
M = the paralleled unit is configured as the master
S = the paralleled unit is configured as a slave
Operating status Indicates one of the following:
OFF = the output is off
CV = the output is in constant voltage mode
CC = the output is in constant current mode
CP = the output is limited by the power limit boundary
OV = the output is disabled by the over-voltage protection
OC = the output is disabled by the over-current protection
OT = the output is disabled by the over-temperature protection
INH = the output is disabled because of a signal from the analog control port
PF = the output is disabled because of a low voltage on the AC mains
MSP = the output is disabled by the master/slave protection
UNR = the output is unregulated
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 17

Introduction to the Instrument
Voltage and Current settings Displays the programmed voltage and current settings.
Interface status Indicates the following remote interface activity:
Err = an error has occurred (press Error key to display error message)
Lan = the LAN is connected and has been configured
IO = there is activity on one of the remote interfaces
Front Panel Keys at a Glance
The AC line switch turns the unit on or off (off = 0). The indicator above the
On/Off switch shows the display status. Green indicates normal operation.
Amber indicates that the display is in screen saver mode. It is also on during
the boot-up process. Press any key to exit screen saver mode.
The system keys access the following front panel meter and command
menus:
Meter returns the display to metering mode. Repeatedly press this key to
cycle through the following measurement functions:
Voltage, Current
Voltage, Power
Voltage, Current, Power
Menu accesses the command menu.
Function key is reserved for future use.
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.
The navigation keys do the following:
Arrows let you move around in the command menus.
Select lets you make a selection in the command menus. It also lets you
enter edit mode for editing the numeric parameters.
The output keys do the following:
On/Off enables or disables the output.
Voltage lets you change the voltage setting.
Current lets you change the current setting.
18 Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide

Introduction to the Instrument
The numeric entry keys do the following:
The 0 through 9 keys enter numbers.
The (.) key is the decimal point.
The – key is used to enter a minus sign.
The up/down arrow keys increment or decrement voltage or current settings.
They also select letters in alphabetic entry fields.
The E key enters an exponent. Add the value to the right of the E.
The back arrow key deletes digits as it backspaces over them.
The Enter key enters a value. If you exit a field without pressing the Enter
key, the value is ignored.
Rear Panel at a Glance
GPIB GPIB interface connector
LAN LAN interface connector
Sharing Current sharing connections - for parallel operation
+/–Sense Remote sense connections (if not used, local sensing is internally connected)
–Output; +Output Negative and positive output terminals
AC input AC line input
USB USB interface connector
Analog Analog connector - for analog control
Master/Slave (Group) Master/slave connectors - for grouping paralleled units
For electrical shock protection, always connect the AC input earth ground terminal.
Agilent N8900 Series Operating and Service Guide 19