Kikusui PLZ164WL User manual

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PART NO. IB021036
Oct. 2015
PLZ164WL
PLZ334WL
Installation and
Preparation
Basic Functions
Advanced Operations
Sequences
External Control
Maintenance
User’s Manual
PLZ-4WL Series Electronic Load
Specifications

2PLZ-4WL
This manual is intended for users of the product or persons
teaching other users on how to operate the product.
The manual assumes that the reader has knowledge about
Power Supply.
• User’s manual (this manual)
User's manual is intended for first-time users of the PLZ-
4WL series. It gives an overview of the PLZ-4WL series and
describes various settings, measurement procedures,
maintenance, safety precautions, etc.
This manual is designed to be read from beginning to end.
You can review this manual when you are confused about
an operation or when a problem occurs.
• The communication interface manual
The communication interface manual describes the content
of the commands.
The interface manual is written for readers with sufficient
basic knowledge of how to control instruments using a
personal computer.
• Quick Reference
The quick reference briefly explains the panel description
and the basic operation of the PLZ-4WL.
• Setup Guide
The setup guide is intended for first-time users of the PLZ-
4WL series. It gives an overview of the PLZ-4WL series,
connecting procedures, safety precautions, etc. Please read
through and understand this guide before operating the
product.
PDF and HTML files are included in the accompanying
CDROM. Adobe Reader 9.2 or later is required to view the
PDF files. Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 or later is required to
view the HTML files.
If you find any incorrectly arranged or missing pages in the
manual, they will be replaced. If the manual gets lost or soiled,
a new copy can be provided for a fee. In either case, please
contact Kikusui distributor/agent, and provide the “Kikusui Part
No.” given on the cover.
The Operation Manual has been prepared with the utmost
care; however, if you have any questions, or note any errors or
omissions, please contact Kikusui distributor/agent.
Product ROM versions that this manual
covers
This manual applies to products with firmware versions 1.0X.
When contacting us about the product, please provide us with:
The model (marked in the top section of the front panel)
The ROM version (see page 16)
The serial number (marked in the rear panel)
Trademark acknowledgements
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/
or other countries.
Other company names and product names used in this
manual are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of
the respective companies.
Copyrights
Reproduction and reprinting of operation manual, whole or
partially, without our permission is prohibited.
Both unit specifications and manual contents are subject to
change without notice.
©2010 Kikusui Electronics Corporation
About PLZ-4WL Series Manual

PLZ-4WL 3
• The PLZ164WL Electronic Load is also referred to as the
PLZ164WL, the PLZ334WL Electronic Load is also referred
to as the PLZ334WL
• The word computer used in the text is a collective term for
personal computers and workstations.
• The following markings are used in this manual.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
ignored, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
ignored, may result in damage to the product or other
property.
Indicates information that you should know.
Explanation of terminology or operation principle.
Indicates reference to detailed information.
>
Indicates menu settings that you select. The menu item to
the left of the > symbol is a higher level menu.
SHIFT+key name
Indicates an operation that requires you to press a key
indicated in blue letters while holding down SHIFT.
Indicates useful information.
The PLZ-4WL Series Electronic Load is a multifunctional
system designed to offer the highest levels of reliability and
safety. The electronic load contains a stable and high-
performance current-control circuit that enables high-speed
load simulations. In addition, its CPU control feature works to
improve operability and multifunctional capability.
The high-precision current settings provide you with sufficient
resolution.
Because the electronic load comes standard with GPIB,
RS232C, and USB communication functions, it can be easily
incorporated into a wide range of test and inspection systems.
PLZ-4WL Series Models
Features
In addition to the high-performance constant-current,
constant-resistance, constant-voltage, and constant-power
modes, the PLZ-4WL Series Electronic Load offers a wide
variety of other features.
High-speed slew rate of 50 A/µs (PLZ334WL)
The rise and fall slew rate of the current when the PLZ-4WL
switches at 2 % to 100 % (20 % to 100 % in M range) of the
rated current in constant current mode is 50 A/µs
(PLZ334WL), which corresponds to fast rise and fall times
of 1.6 µs (for all types).
This allows you to conduct accurate transient-response
tests of DC power supplies and to accurately generate
simulated waveforms for use as dummy loads.
Variable slew rate
In constant current mode, the PLZ-4WL allows configuration
using slew rates (A/µs).
This allows you to optimize the voltage drop caused by the
wire inductance that occurs when a load is switched or to
optimize the transient control of the equipment under test
(such as a constant-voltage power supply).
Higher precision
Higher precision is offered for current settings.
High resolution for minute current settings is provided using
a 3-range configuration. (0.02 mA resolution is possible in
the L range of the PLZ164WL.)
Operability
The PLZ-4WL employs a large LCD.
Measured values of voltage, current, and power at the load
input terminals are indicated at all times. The values are
indicated using larger characters than other sections to
improve visibility.
Coarse and fine adjustments using the rotary knob are
useful for setting values over a wide range.
The easy-to-use memory function enables repetitive tests.
Sequence function
User-defined sequence patterns can be saved to the
internal memory.
Up to 10 normal sequence programs and 1 fast sequence
program can be saved. Normal sequences can contain up
to 256 steps, and the fast sequence can contain up to 1024
steps.
You can edit sequences easily from the large LCD.
Notations used in this manual
WARNING
CAUTION
DESCRIPTION
See
Memo
Model Maximum
Operating Current
Operating
Voltage
Power
PLZ164WL 50 A 0.3 V to 30 V 165 W
PLZ334WL 100 A 0.3 V to 30 V 330 W
Product Overview

4PLZ-4WL
Functions that are useful for battery discharge
testing
You can measure the time from when the load is turned on
until when it is turned off.
You can measure the time from the start of battery
discharge to the cutoff voltage (time measurement) by using
this function in conjunction with undervoltage protection
(UVP).
In voltage measurement, the voltage immediately before the
load turns off is measured. If you use the timer so that the
load turns off after a specified amount of time, you can
measure the closed-circuit voltage after a specified time has
elapsed since the start of battery discharge (voltage
measurement).
Standard-equipped GPIB, RS232C, and USB
interfaces
The PLZ-4WL comes standard-equipped with GPIB,
RS232C, and USB interfaces. It can be easily incorporated
into a wide range of test and inspection systems.
When the interfaces are used with the sequence function, a
variety of systems can be created.
To measure the characteristics of power sources and other
devices that produce energy, a load is required to consume
the energy. A variable resistor can be used as a simple load. A
device in which semiconductor devices such as transistors are
used instead of a variable resistor is referred to as an
“electronic load.” Using semiconductor components, an
“electronic load” can change the current and voltage freely, so
when it is used with a control circuit, it can function as a variety
of different types of loads.
Electronic loads can be used as loads for different types of
circuits, for switching power supplies and other types of DC
power supplies, for testing the characteristics and lifespans of
primary and secondary batteries, and for aging. You can use
the sequence function to create programs that simulate real
load conditions and use these programs to produce varying
loads in tests on devices such as power supplies for printers.
There are AC electronic loads and DC electronic loads. The
PLZ-4WL is a DC electronic load for use with DC circuits.
Basic Operation Modes
The following six operation modes are available on the PLZ-
4WL.
1. Constant current mode (CC mode)
2. Constant resistance mode (CR mode)
3. Constant power mode (CP mode)
4. Constant voltage mode (CV mode)
5. Constant current and constant voltage mode (CC+CV
mode)
6. Constant resistance and constant voltage mode (CR+CV
mode)
Here, we will explain the simplest of the six modes: constant
current (CC) mode.
■ Constant Current Mode Operation
In constant current (CC) mode, the PLZ-4WL operates as a
constant-current load.
The PLZ-4WL sinks the specified current (I) regardless of the
output voltage (V1) of the constant-voltage power supply.
Operating Areas of the PLZ-4WL
As shown in the figure, the PLZ-4WL can be used within the
area enclosed by the constant voltage line defined by the
rated voltage, the constant power line defined by the rated
power, the constant current line defined by the rated current,
and the constant voltage line defined by the minimum
operating voltage (the enclosed area is where specifications
are guaranteed).
The specifications are not guaranteed for input voltages below
0.3 V (the values in the actual operating area). The minimum
operating voltage at which current begins to flow through the
PLZ-4WL is approximately 50 mV. If the input voltage is
gradually increased from 0 V, no current will flow until this
minimum operating voltage is exceeded. If the input voltage
exceeds the minimum operating voltage and a current greater
than or equal to 0.2 % of the range rating (greater than or
equal to 0.2 % of the H range when the PLZ-4WL is set using
the M range) starts flowing, the current can keep flowing even
when the voltage is reduced down to as low as approximately
20 mV.
What Is an Electronic Load?
PLZ-4WL Series
I
V
Constant-voltage
power supply
The current is constant even
when the voltage varies.
Current I
Voltage
V
0
V1
CC setting
0.1 V
3.3 V
30 V
0.1 A
Input current
Input voltage
Operating area where
specifications are
guaranteed
Actual operating
area
165 W
0.3 V
5.5 A 50 A
Logarithmic
scale
Operating area where
specifications are
guaranteed
0
50 mV
20 mV
0
Input current
Input voltage
0.3 V
50 A
Actual operating
area
Example for the PLZ164WL

PLZ-4WL 5
Contents
About PLZ-4WL Series Manual 2
Notations used in this manual 3
Product Overview 3
What Is an Electronic Load? 4
1Installation and
Preparation
Checking the Package Contents 12
Attachment to the rack adapter 13
Connecting the Power Cord 14
Turning the Power On 15
Turning the POWER switch on 15
When the PLZ-4WL does not start
properly 16
Checking the version 16
Turning the POWER switch Off 16
Load wiring 17
Methods for Ensuring Stable Operation 18
Reducing the load wiring inductance 18
Optimizing the response speed 19
Do not apply excessive voltages to the
load input terminals 20
Match the polarities of the load input
terminals and the DUT terminals 20
Connecting to the Load Input Terminals 21
Remote Sensing 24
2Basic Functions
Panel Operation Basics 26
Turning the Load On and Off 27
Turning the load on 27
Turning the load off 28
Operation Modes 29
Constant Current Mode (CC mode) 30
Configuring CC mode 30
Configuring CC+CV mode 31
Constant Resistance Mode (CR) 32
Configuring CR mode 32
Configuring CR+CV mode 33
Constant Voltage Mode (CV mode) 34
Configuring CV mode 34
Constant Power Mode (CP mode) 35
Configuring CP mode 35
Switching 36
Setting the switching level 36
Setting the switching interval 37
Turning the switching function on and off
37
Slew Rate 38
Setting procedure 38
Soft Start 39
Short 40
Turning the short function on and off 40
Locking the Keys 41
Switching from Remote Mode to Local Mode
42
3Advanced Operations
Memory Types 44
ABC Preset Memory 45
Saving settings to ABC preset memory 45
Recalling ABC preset memory entries 46
Setup Memory 47
Saving settings to setup memory 47
Recalling setup memory entries 48
Protection Functions 49
Protection function types 49
Clearing alarms 51
Response Speed 52
Elapsed Time Display and Auto Load-Off
Timer 53
Elapsed time display (Count Time) 53
Auto load-off timer (Cut Off Time) 53
Menu 54
Factory Default Settings (Initialization) 56
4Sequences
Sequence Function 58
Normal sequences and fast sequences
58
Common Sequence Editing Operations 59
How Normal Sequences Work 60
Editing Steps in a Normal Sequence 62
Adding steps 62
Editing steps 62
Deleting steps 63
Sequence Example (Normal Sequence) 64
Editing program 1 65
Setting the steps of program 1 66
Editing program 2 68
Setting the steps of program 2 69
How Fast Sequences Work 70
Editing steps 72
Sequence Example (Fast Sequence) 74
Editing program 11 75
Setting the steps of program 11 76
Executing, Pausing, and Stopping Sequences
77
Executing sequences 77
Pausing a sequence 77
Stopping a sequence 78
When sequences cannot be executed 78

6PLZ-4WL
5External Control
External Control 80
About the J1 connector 81
J1 connector pin arrangement 82
Precautions for high-speed load
simulations 83
Superimposing Constant Current Mode (CC
Mode) 88
Turning the Load On and Off through External
Control 89
Signal Input for turning the load on and off
89
Load-on status signal output 90
Using a Trigger Signal to Control the PLZ-4WL
91
Controlling the Current Range Externally 92
Input for switching the range externally 92
Range status output 92
Alarm Signal 93
Alarm input 93
Alarm release input 93
Alarm status output 93
Monitor Signal Output 94
Trigger signal output 94
Current monitor output 94
6Maintenance
Inspection 96
Internal inspection 97
Backup battery replacement 97
Calibration 98
What gets calibrated? 98
Preparation 99
CC Mode Calibration (Calibration numbers 1,
2, and 3) 100
CV Mode Calibration (Calibration numbers 4
and 5) 102
Ending Calibration 104
Troubleshooting 105
7Specifications
Ratings 108
Constant current (CC) mode 108
Constant resistance (CR) mode 109
Constant voltage (CV) mode 109
Constant (CP) power mode 110
Measurements 110
Switching mode 111
Slew rate 111
Soft start 112
Response 112
Remote sensing 112
Protection function 112
Sequence function 113
Other functions 113
Common specifications 114
General specifications 115
Dimensions 116
Appendix
A Operating Area 118
Basic operation modes 118
How constant current (CC) mode works
119
How constant resistance (CR) mode
works 120
How constant power (CP) mode works
122
How constant voltage (CV) mode works
124
How constant current and constant
voltage (CC+CV) mode works 126
How constant resistance and constant
voltage (CR+CV) mode works 128
Operating areas of each model 130
B Sequence Program Creation
Table132
C Options 134
INDEX135

PLZ-4WL 7
Search by Topic
To solve problems
See "Troubleshooting" on page 105.
• What accessories are included in the package?"Checking the Package Contents" p. 12
• The installation space is limited, so I want to
check the installation conditions.
See the included “Setup Guide”
document, or the electronic version of
the document on the CD-R.
---
• How do I connect the AC power supply? "Connecting the Power Cord" p. 14
• What kind of load wiring should I use? "Load wiring" p. 17
• How do I set the communication conditions
for remote control?
See the “Communication Interface
Manual” on the CD-R.
---
• How do I rack mount the PLZ-4WL? What
kind of parts are needed?
"Attachment to the rack adapter" p. 13
• I want to use the PLZ-4WL in CC mode. "Constant Current Mode (CC mode)" p. 30
• I want to use the PLZ-4WL in CR mode. "Constant Resistance Mode (CR)" p. 32
• I want to add CV mode to CC mode. "Configuring CC+CV mode" p. 31
• How do I set the protection functions to
prevent damage to the DUT?
"Protection Functions" p. 49
• How do I use remote sensing to stabilize the
PLZ-4WL?
"Remote Sensing" p. 24
• How do I check the menu contents? "Menu" p. 54
• How do I reset the PLZ-4WL to its factory
default settings?
"Factory Default Settings (Initialization)" p. 56
• How do I operate the PLZ-4WL at a
specified current? How do I save current
values to the preset memory?
"ABC Preset Memory" p. 45
• How do I edit sequence programs? "Sequences" p. 57
• How do I control the PLZ-4WL using
external voltage?
"External Control" p. 80
• How do I stop a sequence that is being
executed?
"Executing, Pausing, and Stopping
Sequences"
p. 77
• How do I use an external contact to turn the
load on and off?
"Turning the Load On and Off through
External Control"
p. 89
• I want to know about the backup battery’s
replacement period.
"Backup battery replacement" p. 97
• How should I clean the PLZ-4WL? "Cleaning the dust filter" p. 96
• How do I calibrate the PLZ-4WL? "Calibration" p. 98
Preparation
Setup
Operation
Maintenance

8PLZ-4WL
Front Panel
No. Name Function
1POWER switch Flip the switch to the ( ) side to turn the power on. Flip it to the ( ) side to
turn the power off.
p. 15
2REMOTE Connector for expanding functions. –
3TRIG OUT Produces a pulse signal during sequence or switching operation. p. 94
4I MON OUT An output terminal for monitoring the current. p. 94
5Remote sensing
terminals
Terminals for connecting remote sensing wires. p. 24
6DC INPUT The load input terminals for connecting the DUT and the PLZ-4WL. p. 17
7Chassis terminal A terminal connected to the chassis. p. 17
8Air inlet An air inlet for cooling. It has a dust filter. –
9Handle A handle for carrying the PLZ-4WL. –
10 Rotary knob Used to make selections and change settings. p. 26
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
89
17 16
15
10
11
12
13
14
19 18
20
2122
26 2725
2423
0.00mA 0.000V
0.000W
CC
SLEWRATE
0:06:23
0.000 A
0.01 mA/s
SET
H 100A 30V R
C . C
0
.
00
mA
0
.
00
0
V
0
.
000
W
S
LEWRAT
E
0.01
mA
/s
28 29 31 3230
33
34
35
36
37
39
38
Display
See

PLZ-4WL 9
11 CURSOR Up, down, left, and right keys. –
INS key Inserts a step (sequence editing). –
DEL key Deletes a step (sequence editing). –
PREV key Returns to the previous screen (menu settings). –
NEXT key Switches to the next screen (menu settings). –
12 LOCAL key Used to switch to local mode from remote mode. p. 42
LOCK key Used to set the key lock. p. 41
13 ENTER key Used to confirm the input (menu settings). –
ABC key Used to save settings to the preset memory. p. 45
14 SHIFT key Shift key. p. 26
15 RECALL key Used to recall the setup memory. p. 48
STORE key Used to save the setup memory. p. 47
16 C key Used to access preset memory C. p. 45
PAUSE key Pauses the PLZ-4WL during sequence operation. p. 77
17 B key Used to access preset memory B. p. 45
RUN/STOP key Stops the PLZ-4WL during sequence operation. p. 77
18 A key Used to access preset memory A. p. 45
EDIT key Used to edit sequences. p. 57
19 LEVEL key Used to set the switching level to a current or conductance value. p. 36
% key Used to set the switching level to a percentage.
20 FREQ/DUTY key Used to set the switching frequency and duty ratio. p. 37
Th/TL key Used to set the switching time.
21 SW ON key Turns the switching function on and off. p. 37
22 LOAD key Turns the load on and off. p. 27
23 MODE key Switches the operation mode. p. 29
+CV key Adds CV mode (constant voltage) to CC or CR mode. p. 31 , p. 33
24 SET/VSET key Used to set the fundamental settings (current, conductance, voltage, or
power).
–
MENU key Displays the menu setup screen. p. 54
25 RANGE key Switches between the appropriate ranges (current, conductance, voltage,
or power) for the current operation mode.
–
V RANGE key Switches between voltage ranges. –
26 SLEW RATE key Used to set the slew rate. p. 38
SHORT key Turns the short function on and off. p. 40
27 OPP/OCP key Used to set the power at which overpower protection (OPP) is activated or
the current at which overcurrent protection (OCP) is activated.
p. 50
UVP key Used to set the voltage at which undervoltage protection (UVP) is activated. p. 51
28 Current Range Displays the current range. –
29 Voltage range Displays the voltage range.
30 Lock icon Appears when the key lock is enabled. p. 41
31 Remote icon Appears during remote control. –
32 COARSE/FINE icon Indicates whether the rotary knob is set to coarse or fine adjustment. p. 26
33 mA/A Displays the measured current value. –
V Displays the measured voltage value. –
W Displays the measured power value. –
34 Operation status Indicates the operation mode being used or the status.
In CC+CV mode, CC or CV is displayed.
In CR+CV mode, CR or CV is displayed.
p. 29
35 Elapsed time Displays the amount of time that has elapsed since the load was turned on. p. 53
36 Setting Displays the fundamental setting (current, voltage, power, or conductance). –
37 Short icon Appears when the short function is being used. p. 40
38 Multi display Displays settings other than the fundamental setting.
When a value can be set, it is underlined, and the item name is highlighted.
–
39 Set operation mode Displays the set operation mode. –
No. Name Function See

10 PLZ-4WL
Rear Panel
No. Name Function
1Air outlet Vent for cooling the PLZ-4WL. –
2AC INPUT Power inlet. p. 14
3USB USB port for controlling the PLZ-4WL remotely. –
4RS232C RS232C port for controlling the PLZ-4WL remotely. –
5GPIB GPIB cable connector for controlling the PLZ-4WL remotely. –
6J1 connector External control connector p. 80
7Serial number The serial number of the PLZ-4WL. –
1
32
4
6
57
See

Installation and Preparation
This chapter describes how to unpack and
prepare this product before you use it.
1

12 PLZ-4WL
Checking the Package Contents
When you receive the product, check that all accessories are included and that the
accessories have not been damaged during transportation.
If any of the accessories are damaged or missing, contact your Kikusui agent or distributor.
We recommend that you keep all packing materials, in case the product needs to be
transported at a later date.
Accessories
Load input terminal cover (1 pc.) Load input terminal screw set (2 pc.)
Power code (1 pc.)
[M1-100-012]
[M5-101-007]
[M4-100-007]
Load input terminal
cover screws (2 pc.)
[M3-112-018]
[Q1-500-122]
Chassis connection wire (1 pc.)
[91-80-6940]
Setup Guide (1 pc.)
Quick Reference
(Japanese 1sheet, English 1sheet)
CD-ROM (1 pc.)
Plug: NEMA5-15
Rating: 125 Vac/10 A
[85-AA-0003]
Plug: CEE7/7
Rating: 250 Vac/10 A
[85-AA-0005]
Plug: GB1002
Rating: 250 Vac/10 A
[85-10-0790]
oror
The power cord that is provided varies depending on the
destination for the product at the factory-shipment.

PLZ-4WL 13
Checking the Package Contents
1
Installation and Preparation
Attachment to the rack adapter
Before assemble the unit to the rack adapter, remove the handle and the feet. As for the
instruction of mount assembly, please refer to the instruction manual of KRA series.
Install the suitable support angles applying to the used rack system to support the instrument.
In case the unit is disassembled from the rack adapter it is recommended that all the
removed parts are kept in the storage.
Once the unit is disassembled from the rack adapter please attach all the removed parts to
original location of each part.
Removing the handle and feet
1Pull up on the handle cover (two locations).
2Unfasten the M4 flat-head screws (two locations) and remove the entire
handle.
3While pulling down on the feet (there are four of them), use a
screwdriver to loosen their screw pins, and then remove them.
Cover
Handle
Bracket M4 flat-head screw
(M4 × 0.7 × 8)
Rivet
Foot
Screw pin

14 PLZ-4WL
Connecting the Power Cord
This product falls under IEC Overvoltage Category II (energy-consuming equipment supplied
from the fixed installation).
1Check that the POWER switch is off.
2Check whether or not the AC power line is compatible with the input
rating of the product.
The voltage that can be applied is any of the nominal power supply voltages in the
range of 100 Vac to 240 Vac. The frequency is 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
Frequency range: 47 Hz to 63 Hz
3Connect the power cord to the rear-panel AC INPUT.
4Connect the power cord plug to an outlet with a ground terminal.
WARNING
To avoid electric shock, observe the following precautions.
• This product is IEC Safety Class I equipment (equipment with a protective conductor
terminal). Be sure to earth ground the product to prevent electric shock.
• Connect the protective conductor terminal to earth ground.
• Use the supplied power cord to connect to an AC power line.
If the supplied power cord cannot be used because the rated voltage or the plug shape is
incompatible, have a qualified engineer replace it with an appropriate power cord that is 3
m or less in length. If obtaining an appropriate power cord is difficult, consult your Kikusui
agent or distributor.
• A power cord with a plug can be used to disconnect the product from the AC line in an
emergency. Connect the plug to an easily accessible power outlet so that the plug can be
removed from the outlet at any time. Be sure to provide adequate clearance around the
power outlet.
• Do not use the supplied power cord for other devices.
To a properly grounded outlet

PLZ-4WL 15
1
Installation and Preparation
Turning the Power On
Turning the POWER switch on
If the POWER switch is turned on for the first time after purchasing the PLZ-4WL, the PLZ-
4WL starts up using factory default settings. For all other cases, the PLZ-4WL starts up using
the settings that existed when the POWER switch was turned off the last time.
1Check that the POWER switch is turned off ( ).
2Check that the power cord is correctly connected.
3Check that nothing is connected to the DC INPUT (load input terminal)
on the front panel.
4Turn the POWER switch on ( ).
5Check that the display is in the fundamental setting entry condition.
The measured value displayed (section with mA, V, and W unit) indicates coarse zero.
The characters “SET” shown under the measured value is highlighted with an
underline. You can enter the fundamental setting for the selected operation mode.
6Push LOAD.
Check that the LED above the key illuminates.
7Push LOAD again.
Check that the LED above the key turns off.
If an odd sound, odd odor, fire, or smoke occurs around or in the PLZ-4WL, remove the
power plug from the outlet or turn off the power switch.
POWER switch
LOAD key
Load-on indicator LED
Memo
The condition in which
characters “SET” is
highlighted is called the
fundamental setting entry
condition.
Constant current (CC) mode is selected
in this screen, so you can enter the current,
which is the fundamental setting.
0.00 mA 0.000V
0.000W
CC
SLEWRATE
0.500 A
0.01 mA/μs
SET
H 50A 30V

16 PLZ-4WL
Turning the Power On
When the PLZ-4WL does not start properly
This section introduces what measures you can take when the PLZ-4WL does not start
properly. If following the remedy shown here does not solve the problem, contact your Kikusui
agent or distributor.
Checking the version
p. 54 You can check the firmware and ROM versions by selecting “1. Model Info” on the menu
screen.
Turning the POWER switch Off
Flip the POWER switch to the ( ) side to turn the PLZ-4WL off.
The PLZ-4WL saves the panel settings (except the load on/off setting) that were in use
immediately before the POWER switch was turned off. When you turn on the POWER switch,
the PLZ-4WL starts up with the saved settings. If the POWER switch is turned off immediately
after the settings have been changed, the last settings may not be stored.
Nothing is displayed. Make sure that the power cord is connected
properly, and then turn the POWER switch on
again.
Adjusts the contrast of the display.
p. 26
Abnormal current or voltage values are
being displayed.
Turn the PLZ-4WL POWER switch off and then on
again.
--
An alarm has occurred. A protection function has been activated. Eliminate
all the cause of the alarm. p. 49
See
See
See
[ PLZ164WL ]
VERSION
SUB 1.00
MAIN 1.02
Firmware version
ROM version
PREV
Model Information
Example for the PLZ164WL.
CAUTION
After you turn the POWER switch off, wait at least 5 seconds after the fan stops before you
turn the POWER switch back on. Turning the PLZ-4WL on too soon after you turn it off can
cause damage to the inrush current limiter circuit, as well as reduce the life of components
such as the POWER switch and the internal input fuses.

PLZ-4WL 17
1
Installation and Preparation
Load wiring
If the wiring that you use for the load has a high resistance, the voltage will drop significantly
when current flows, and the voltage at the load input terminals may fall below the minimum
operating voltage. Using the following table as a reference, select wiring whose nominal
cross-sectional area is as thick as possible.
A wire’s temperature is determined by the resistive loss based on the current, the ambient
temperature, and the wire’s external thermal resistance. The following table shows the
current capacity of heat-resistant vinyl wires that have a maximum allowable temperature of
60 C when one of the wires is separated and stretched out horizontally in air in an ambient
temperature of 30 C. The current must be reduced under certain conditions, such as when
vinyl wires that have a low heat resistance are used, when the ambient temperature is 30 C
or greater, or when wires are bundled together and little heat is radiated.
WARNING
• Improper use of load wires may lead to fire. Use load wires whose capacity is
adequate for the PLZ-4WL’s rated output current.
• Possible electric shock. Use load wires whose rated voltage meets or exceeds the
PLZ-4WL’s isolation voltage. For details on the PLZ-4WL’s isolation voltage, see
Chap.7 "General specifications".
CAUTION
• Use a load wire with sufficient diameter for the current as well as non-flammable or flame-
resistant cover.
Nominal Cross-
Sectional Area
[mm2]
AWG (Reference Cross-
Sectional Area) [mm2]
Allowable Current1
[A] (Ta = 30C)
1Excerpts from Japanese laws related to electrical equipment.
Kikusui-
Recommended
Current [A]
2 14 (2.08) 27 10
3.5 12 (3.31) 37 –
5.5 10 (5.26) 49 20
8 8 (8.37) 61 30
14 6 (13.3) 88 50
22 4 (21.15) 115 80
30 2 (33.62) 139 –
38 1 (42.41) 162 100
50 1/0 (53.49) 190 –
60 2/0 (67.43) 217 –
80 3/0 (85.01) 257 200
100 4/0 (107.2) 298 –
125 –– 344 –
150 –– 395 300
200 –– 469 –
250 –– 556 –
325 –– 650 –

18 PLZ-4WL
Methods for Ensuring Stable Operation
When you use the PLZ-4WL at a high response speed, it is important to reduce the
inductance of the load wiring and configure the response speed setting appropriately. If the
conditions are not configured appropriately, oscillation and other forms of operational
instability may occur.
Reducing the load wiring inductance
Voltage generated by current changes
The wiring has an inductance of L. If current I changes quickly, a large voltage is induced on
both sides of the wiring. All of this voltage will be applied to the load input terminals of the
electronic load if the impedance of the DUT is low. Voltage E (hereafter referred to as the
generated voltage), which is generated according to the wiring inductance L and the amount
of current change I is expressed as follows:
Generally, a wire’s inductance is approximately 1 µH per meter of wire. If the DUT and the
electronic load are connected using 1 m of wire (total length of the positive and negative
wiring), a change in current of 50 A/µs will generate a voltage of 50 V.
The negative load input terminal provides the reference potential for the external control
signal. The generated voltage may cause the device connected to the external control signal
to malfunction.
When the electronic load is in constant-voltage, constant-resistance, or constant-power
mode, it uses the voltage at the load input terminals to change the load current. So it is easy
for the electronic load to be influenced by the generated voltage.
Large voltage drop caused by current changes during switching
operation
Make the wiring to the DUT as short as possible, and twist it. When the wiring is long or
contains a large loop, its inductance increases, and current changes caused by switching
operations will result in large voltage drops.
If the instantaneous voltage value at the load input terminals drops below the minimum
operating voltage, the recovery response will be delayed significantly. You need to be
especially careful when the slew rate setting is high and when switching operation is
performed at high currents.
EUT
PLZ-4WL
E = L × (ΔI/ΔT)
E: Generated voltage
L: Load wiring inductance
ΔI: Change in current
ΔT: Duration of time over which
the current changes
L
I
ΔI/ΔT
E
Load input terminal
+
-

PLZ-4WL 19
Methods for Ensuring Stable Operation
1
Installation and Preparation
To make sure that the voltage resulting from inductance remains within the range of the
electronic load’s minimum operating voltage and maximum input voltage, make the wiring as
short as possible and twist the wiring, or reduce the slew rate. If it is not necessary to operate
at a high response speed, reduce the slew rate in CC mode, or reduce the response speed in
CR mode.
Current phase lag
Even during DC operation, it is possible for the phase lag of the current to result in unstable
electronic-load control and oscillation. Make the wiring as short as possible, and twist it.
If you only need to use DC operation, connecting a capacitor and a resistor to the load input
terminals can reduce oscillation. Do not exceed the capacitor’s ripple-current rating.
Optimizing the response speed
You can change the response speed in CV mode and CR mode. The wiring inductance can
cause the current to lag the voltage. This can result in unstable control of the PLZ-4WL and
oscillation.
p. 52 To ensure stable operation, reduce the response speed.
Current
Voltage across the
load input terminals
Minimum operating
voltage
This change results in unstable
oscillation and hunting.
ΔT
ΔI
Current
Voltage across
the load input
terminals
Example of waveform
Device
under test
PLZ-4WL Series
Electronic Load
Keep the wire short
100 cm or less
Twist
––
++
R
C
Example: R = 10 Ω, C = 100 µF
See

20 PLZ-4WL
Methods for Ensuring Stable Operation
Do not apply excessive voltages to the load input terminals
The maximum voltage that can be applied to the load input terminals is 30 Vdc. You cannot
use voltages that exceed 30 Vdc. When excessive voltage is applied, the protection functions
are activated. Lower the voltage of the DUT immediately.
Match the polarities of the load input terminals and the DUT
terminals
Connect each load input terminal to the terminal on the DUT with the same polarity.
The protection functions are activated when a reverse voltage of approximately 0.4 V or
greater is applied. If this happens, turn off the DUT immediately.
CAUTION
Do not apply a voltage that is greater than the maximum voltage of 30 Vdc to the load input
terminals. Doing so may damage the product.
100.00A150.00 V
16.50 W
CC
0.000 A
SET
H 50A 30V
SLEWRATE
2.50 mA/μs
ALARM
ENTER
OVP
CAUTION
Connecting the electronic load to the DUT with the polarities reversed can result in the flow
of excessive current and damage to the DUT and the electronic load.
≤30 Vdc
++
0.00 mA 0.000V
0.000W
CC
0.000 A
SET
H 500mA
ALARM
ENTER
SLEWRATE
25.0 μA/μs
Reverse
Device
under test
PLZ-4WL Series
Electronic Load
H 50A 30V