Keysight E3633A User manual

Keysight E3633A and E3634A
DC Power Supplies
User’s Guide

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The Keysight E3633A and Keysight E3634A are high performance 200 watt single-
output dual range programmable DC power supplies with both 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
• Single-output dual range
• Easy-to-use knob control settings
• Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent display meters
• High accuracy and high resolution
• Remote voltage sensing
• Overvoltage and overcurrent protection
• Output on/off
• Excellent load and line regulation and low ripple and noise
• Operating states storage
• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
• Front and Rear output terminals
• Retrieving/Scrolling error messages 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 adjustments required
Keysight E3633A and E3634A
DC Power Supplies

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The Front Panel at a Glance
1 8V/20A range selection key (E3633A)
25V/7A range selection key (E3634A)
2 20V/10A range selection key (E3633A)
50V/4A range selection key (E3634A)
3 Overvoltage protection key
4 Overcurrent protection key
5 Display limit key
6 Recall operating state key
7 Store operating state/Local key
8 Error/Calibrate key
9 I/O Configuration/Secure key
10 Output On/Off key
11 Control knob
12 Resolution selection keys
13 Voltage/current adjust selection key

6
1 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range selection key Selects the 8V/20A or 25V/7A
range and allows the full rated output to 8V/20A or 25V/7A.
2 20V/10A* or 50V/4A** range selection key Selects the 20V/10A or
50V/4A range and allows the full rated output to 20V/10A or 50V/4A.
3 Overvoltage protection key Enables or disables the overvoltage protection
function, sets trip voltage level, and clears the overvoltage condition.
4 Overcurrent protection key Enables or disables the overcurrent protection
function, sets trip current level, and clears the overcurrent condition.
5 Display limit key Shows voltage and current limit values on the display and
allows knob adjustment for setting limit values.
6 Recall operating state key Recalls a previously stored operating state from
location ‘‘1’’, ‘‘2’’, or ‘‘3’’.
7 Store operating state / Local key1 Stores an operating state in location ‘‘1’’,
‘‘2’’, or ‘‘3’’ / or returns the power supply to local mode from remote interface
mode.
8 Error / Calibrate key2 Displays error codes generated during operation, self-
test and calibration / or enables calibration mode (the power supply must be
unsecured before performing calibration). See Service Guide for more details
on calibration.
9 I/O Configuration / Secure key3 Configures the power supply for remote
interfaces / or secure or unsecure the power supply for calibration. See
Service Guide for more details on how to secure or unsecure the power supply.
10 Output On/Off key Enables or disables the power supply output. This key
toggles between on and off.
11 Control knob Increases or decreases the value of the blinking digit by turning
clockwise or counter clockwise.
12 Resolution selection keys Move the blinking digit to the right or left.
13 Voltage/current adjust selection key Selects the knob control function for
voltage or current adjustment.
1The key can be used as the ‘‘Local’’ key when the power supply is in the remote
interface mode.
2You can enable the ‘‘calibration mode’’ by holding down this key when you turn on
the power supply.
3You can use it as the ‘‘Secure’’ or ‘‘Unsecure’’ key when the power supply is in the
calibration mode.
*For Keysight E3633A Model **For Keysight E3634A Model

7
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 range using the range selection keys after turning on the
power supply.
2Press the 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 the key
again.
4Set the knob to current control mode by pressing the 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 the 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 or the display will go to output monitoring mode
immediately by pressing the key again.
Note All front panel keys and controls can be disabled with remote interface commands.
The Keysight E3633A and Keysight E3634A 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.
Display
Limit
Display
Limit
Voltage
Current
Output
On/Off
Display
Limit

8
Display Annunciators
Adrs Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.
Rmt Power supply is in remote interface mode.
8V Shows the 8V/20A range is selected. (Keysight E3633A model)
20V Shows the 20V/10A range is selected. (Keysight E3633A model)
25V Shows the 25V/7A range is selected. (Keysight E3634A model)
50V Shows the 50V/4A range is selected. (Keysight E3634A model)
OVP The overvoltage protection function is enabled when the
annunciator turns on or the overvoltage protection circuit has
caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.
OCP The overcurrent protection function is enabled when the
annunciator turns on or the overcurrent 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 52 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.
To review the display annunciators, hold down key as you turn on
the power supply.
Display
Limit

9
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 bus address (see chapter 3).
• Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see chapter 3).
1 Power-line voltage setting
2 Power-line fuse-holder assembly
3 AC inlet
4 Power-line module
5 GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector
6 RS-232 interface connector
7 Rear output terminals
I/O
Config

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In This Book
General Information Chapter 1 contains a general description of your power supply.
This chapter also provides instructions for checking your power supply, connecting
to ac power, and selecting power-line voltage.
Initial Operation Chapter 2 ensures that the power supply develops its rated outputs
and properly responds to operation from the front panel.
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.
Tutor ial Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linear power supplies and gives
specific details on the operation and use of the Keysight E3633A and Keysight
E3634A power supplies.
Specifications Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.
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 Keysight
Technologies Sales Office.
If your Keysight E3633A or Keysight E3634A fails within 3 years of purchase,
Keysight will repair or replace it free of charge. Call 1-800-258-5165 ("Express
Exchange") in the United States, or contact your nearest Keysight Technologies
Sales Office.

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Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Keysight Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or description at the
Web address below.
http://www.keysight.com/go/conformity
Note If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your local Keysight
representative.

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THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

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Contents
Chapter 1 General Information
Safety Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
Safety and EMC Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
Options and Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
Description- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
Initial Inspection- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
Cooling and Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
Input Power Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10
Power-Line Cord - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10
Power-Line Voltage Selection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10
Chapter 2 Initial Operation
Preliminary Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Power-On Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16
Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Voltage Output Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Current Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation
Front-Panel Operation Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23
Constant Voltage Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24
Constant Current Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 26
Storing and Recalling Operating States - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Programming Overvoltage Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit - - - - - - - - - 30
Checking OVP Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31
Clearing the Overvoltage Condition- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31
Programming Overcurrent Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34
Setting the OCP Level and Enable the OCP Circuit - - - - - - - - - 34
Checking OCP Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Clearing the Overcurrent Condition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Front and Rear Terminals - - - - - - - 37
CV Regulation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 37
Output Rating - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 37
Output Noise - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 37
Stability - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 37

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Remote Voltage Sensing Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 38
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Rear Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 39
Disabling the Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40
Disabling the Output Using an External Relay - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 41
Knob Locking- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 41
System-Related Operations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 42
Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 42
Error Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 43
Display Control - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 44
Firmware Revision Query - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45
SCPI Language Version - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45
Remote Interface Configuration- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46
Remote Interface Selection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46
HPIB Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
Baud Rate Selection (RS-232) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
Parity Selection (RS-232) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
To Set the HPIB Address- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48
To Set the Baud Rate and Parity (RS-232) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49
HPIB Interface Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 51
RS-232 Interface Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 52
RS-232 Configuration Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 52
RS-232 Data Frame Format - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 52
Connection to a Computer or Terminal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 53
DTR / DSR Handshake Protocol- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 54
RS-232 Troubleshooting - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55
Calibration Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56
Calibration Security - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56
Calibration Count - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 60
Calibration Message - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 60
Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference
SCPI Command Summary - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 63
Simplified Programming Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 68
Using the APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 68
Using the Low-Level Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 68
Reading a Query Response - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 69
Selecting a Trigger Source - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 69
Power Supply Programming Ranges - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 70
Using the APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 71
Output Setting and Operation Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 72
Triggering Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79
Trigger Source Choices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79

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Triggering Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 81
System-Related Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82
Calibration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 86
RS-232 Interface Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 89
The SCPI Status Registers- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 90
What is an Event Register?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 90
What is an Enable Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 90
SCPI Status System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 91
The Questionable Status Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 92
The Standard Event Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93
The Status Byte Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 94
Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL- - - - - - - - - - - - 95
Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 96
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 96
To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ - - - - - - - - - - - - - 96
To Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed - - - - - 97
Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer - - - - - 97
Status Reporting Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 98
An Introduction to the SCPI Language - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 101
Command Format Used in This Manual - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 102
Command Separators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103
Using the MIN and MAX Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103
Querying Parameter Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104
SCPI Command Terminators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104
SCPI Parameter Types- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105
Halting an Output in Progress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
SCPI Conformance Information- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 107
IEEE-488 Conformance Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 110
Chapter 5 Error Messages
Execution Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 113
Self-Test Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 119
Calibration Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 120
Chapter 6 Application Programs
Example Program for C and C++ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 125
Example Program for Excel 97 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 129
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Overview of Keysight E3633A and Keysight E3634A Operation - 137
Output Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 139
Unregulated State - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 141

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Unwanted Signals- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 141
Connecting the Load - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143
Output Isolation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143
Multiple Loads- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143
Remote Voltage Sensing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 144
Load Consideration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 145
Extending the Voltage and Current Range- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 147
Series Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 147
Parallel Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 147
Remote Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 148
Reliability - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 150
Chapter 8 Specifications
Performance Specifications- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 153
Supplemental Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 155

1
General Information

2
General Information
This is the User’s guide for your Keysight E3633A and E3634A DC power supplies.
Unless otherwise stated, the information in this manual applies to both two models.
This chapter provides a general description of your power supply. This chapter also
contains instructions for initial inspection, location and cooling for bench and rack
operation, selecting the power-line voltage, and connecting your power supply to ac
power.
Safety Considerations
This power supply is a Safety Class I instrument, which means that it has a protective
earth terminal. That terminal must be connected to earth ground through a power
source with a 3-wire ground receptacle.
Before installation or operation, check the power supply and review this manual for
safety markings and instructions. Safety information for specific procedures is located
at the appropriate places in this manual. See also ‘‘Safety’’ at the beginning of this
manual for general safety information.
Safety and EMC Requirements
This power supply is designed to comply with the following safety and EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) requirements:
• Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC)
• EMC Directive (2004/108/EC)
Safety
• IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN 61010-1:2001
• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04
• ANSI/UL61010-1:2004
EMC
• IEC61326-1:2005 / EN61326-1:2006
• Canada: ICES/NMB-001: Issue 4, June 2006
• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004

Chapter 1 General Information
Options and Accessories
3
1
• EN 55011(1991) Group 1, Class A/CISPR 11(1990): Limits and Methods of Radio
Interference Characteristics of Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Radio -
Frequency Equipment.
• ICES/NMB-001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
Options and Accessories
Options
Option 0EM, 0E3, and 0E9 determine which power-line voltage is selected at the
factory. The standard unit is configured for 115 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage.
For more information about changing the power-line voltage setting, see ‘‘Power-
Line Voltage Selection’’, starting on page 10 in this chapter.
Option Description
0EM 115 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
0E3 230 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
0E9 100 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
1CM Rack mount kit (Keysight part number 5063-9243)
0L2 Extra English manual set (local language manual files are included
on the CD-ROM, Keysight part number 5964-8251)
Accessories
The accessories listed below may be ordered from your local Keysight Technologies
Sales Office either with the power supply or separately.
Keysight No.Description
10833A GPIB cable, 1 m (3.3 ft.)
10833B GPIB cable, 2 m (6.6 ft.)
34398A RS-232, 9 pin (f) to 9 pin (f), 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) cable; plus 9 pin (m) to
25 pin (f) adapter
34399A RS-232 adapter kit (contains 4 adapters):
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with PC or printer
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (f) for use with PC or printer
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with modem
9 pin (m) to 9 pin (m) for use with modem

Chapter 1 General Information
Description
4
Description
The Keysight E3633A and Keysight E3634A DC power supplies feature a
combination of programming capabilities and linear power supply performance that
makes them ideal for power systems applications. The power supply is programmable
locally from the front panel or remotely over the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. This
power supply has two ranges, allowing more voltage at a lower current. An output
range needed is selected from the front panel or over the remote interfaces.
Operational features include:
• Dual range of single-output: 8V/20A and 20V/10A (Keysight E3633A),
25V/7A and 50V/4A (Keysight E3634A)
• Constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) operation
• Overvoltage protection (OVP) and overcurrent protection (OCP)
• Three storage locations (1 to 3) for user-defined operating states
• Automatic turn-on self-test
• Remote sensing for load voltage at the front or rear panel terminals
• User calibration from the front panel or over the remote interfaces
The front panel operation permits:
• Easy-to-use of knob control
• Output range selection
• Enabling or disabling OVP and OCP features
• Setting the OVP and OCP trip levels
• Clearing OVP and OCP conditions
• Setting and displaying the voltage and current limit values
• Saving and recalling operating states
• Returning the power supply to local mode from remote interface mode
• Retrieving/Scrolling error messages on the display
• Calibrating the power supply, including changing the calibration secure code
• Configuring the power supply for remote interfaces
• Enabling or disabling the output