NI PXIe-4154 User manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
NI PXIe-4154
This document contains information for calibrating the NI PXIe-4154 Battery Simulator. For
more information about calibration, visit ni.com/calibration.
Contents
Software Requirements............................................................................................................. 1
Documentation Requirements .................................................................................................. 2
Password................................................................................................................................... 2
Calibration Interval................................................................................................................... 2
Test Equipment......................................................................................................................... 3
Test Conditions......................................................................................................................... 4
Calibration Procedures ............................................................................................................. 5
Initial Setup....................................................................................................................... 5
Verification ....................................................................................................................... 5
Voltage Output Verification ..................................................................................... 6
Current Output Verification...................................................................................... 7
Voltage Measurement Verification .......................................................................... 9
Current Measurement Verification........................................................................... 10
Output Resistance Verification (Channel 0 Only).................................................... 14
Load Regulation Verification ................................................................................... 17
Remote Sense Accuracy Verification....................................................................... 19
Transient Response Verification (Channel 0 Only) ................................................. 20
Adjustment................................................................................................................................ 23
Considerations .......................................................................................................... 24
Adjusting Current Measurement .............................................................................. 25
Adjusting Voltage Output......................................................................................... 26
Adjusting Current Output ......................................................................................... 27
Adjusting Voltage Measurement .............................................................................. 29
Adjusting Output Resistance (Channel 0 Only) ....................................................... 30
Where to Go for Support .......................................................................................................... 31
Software Requirements
Calibrating the NI PXIe-4154 requires installing NI-DCPower version 1.5 or later on a Windows
calibration system. You can download the NI-DCPower instrument driver from ni.com/
drivers. NI-DCPower supports programming an External Calibration in the C and LabVIEW
application development environments (ADEs). When you install NI-DCPower, you only need
to install support for the ADE that you intend to use.

2|ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
LabVIEW support is in the niDCPower.llb file and all calibration functions appear in the
NI-DCPower Calibration palette. For LabWindows™/CVI™users, the NI-DCPower function
panel (niDCPower.fp) provides access to available functions. For a list of related files that you
may need to calibrate your device, refer to the NI-DCPower Readme available from the Start
menu.
Note If you are running Windows 8, you may not have a Start menu. To access NI
programs and documentation, open the Start screen, type the name of the file or folder
you want to access, and select the appropriate icon from the search results.
For example, to access the NI DC Power Supplies and SMUs Help, open the Start
screen, type NI DC Power Supplies and SMUs Help, and select the
appropriate icon from the results. To access device specifications, open the Start
screen, type your device number (for example, 4154), and select the specifications
document for your device. Use this method any time the Start menu is referenced in
this document.
Documentation Requirements
For information about NI-DCPower and the NI PXIe-4154, you can consult the following
documents:
•NI DC Power Supplies and SMUs Getting Started Guide—provides instructions for
installing and configuring NI power supplies and SMUs.
•NI DC Power Supplies and SMUs Help—includes detailed information about the
NI PXIe-4154 and NI-DCPower LabVIEW VI and C function programming references.
•NI PXIe-4154 Specifications—provides the published specification values for the
NI PXIe-4154. Refer to the most recent NI PXIe-4154 Specifications at ni.com/
manuals.
These documents are installed with NI-DCPower. You also can find the latest versions of the
documentation at ni.com/manuals.
Password
The default password is NI.
Calibration Interval
NI recommends a calibration interval of one year for the NI PXIe-4154. Adjust the
recommended calibration interval based on the measurement accuracy demands of your
application.

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |3
Test Equipment
NI recommends that you use the equipment in Table 1 for calibrating the NI PXIe-4154.
Table 1. Recommended Equipment
Equipment
Recommended
Model
Parameter
Measured Minimum Requirements
Two Digital
Multimeters (DMM)
NI PXI-4071 All Parameters Voltage: better than ±50 ppm
accuracy and better than 30 µV
resolution
100 mΩPrecision
Current Shunt
Guildline 9230A-15R
characterized at 5 W,
or Ohm Labs CS10
Current Output and
Measurement
±100 ppm tolerance.
±50 ppm stability.
±5 ppm/°C temperature
coefficient.
Minimum current 10 A.
4-wire kelvin sense.
100 ΩPrecision
Current Shunt
Vishay
Y1453100R000T9L
Current Output and
Measurement
±100 ppm tolerance.
±50 ppm stability.
±5 ppm/°C temperature
coefficient.
Minimum power rating 0.5 W.
External Current
Source
Fluke 5500A
or
Fluke 5520A
Current Measurement Current output of at least 3 A.
Less than 8 µA RMS Normal
Mode Current Noise.
Programmable
Electronic Load with
Dynamic Current
Capability
Agilent N3302A Load Regulation,
Transient Response,
Output Resistance
Constant Current mode with
the ability to sink at least 3 A.
Dynamic mode capable of
doing a 0.1 A to 1.5 A step with
a period of 5 mS and slew rate
of at least 200 mA/µS.
Digital Oscilloscope NI PXI-5124 Transient Response Sampling rate of at least
200 MS/s. Edge triggering
capability.
Two 22.6 ΩResistors Vishay
PTF22R600FYBF
Remote Sense Output 1% tolerance, ¼ W,
±10 ppm/°C
200 ΩResistor Vishay
PTF65200R00AZEB
Remote Sense Output 0.05% tolerance, ¼ W,
±10 ppm/°C
Two 3-Foot, 18 AWG
Cables
Belden 8760-BEL Transient Response 18 AWG, twisted-pair
Front Panel
Connector
Phoenix Contact
Combicon, 5.08 mm,
5 Position Connector
and Backshell Kit
NI P/N 781627-01
All Parameters —

4|ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
Test Conditions
The following setup and environmental conditions are required to ensure NI PXIe-4154 meets
published specifications.
• Keep connections to the device as short as possible. Long cables and wires act as antennas,
picking up extra noise that can affect measurements.
• Verify that all connections to the device, including front panel connections, are secure.
• Ensure that the PXI/PXI Express chassis fan speed is set to HI, that the fan filters are clean,
and that the empty slots contain filler panels. For more information, refer to the Maintain
Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users at ni.com/manuals.
• Keep relative humidity between 10% and 70%, noncondensing.
• Allow a warm-up time of at least 30 minutes after the NI-DCPower driver is loaded. Unless
manually disabled, the NI-DCPower driver automatically loads with the operating system
and enables the device. Allow the recommended warm-up time for all additional test
equipment.
• Perform all measurements using Local Sense unless otherwise noted.
• Perform all measurements with the niDCPower Samples to Average property/attribute set
to 20000.
• Use characterized values in all instances where precision shunt resistance is measured.
• Use shielded copper wire for all cable connections to the device. Use twisted-pair wire to
eliminate noise and thermal offsets. Use separate twisted-pair wires for Output +, Output -,
Sense +, and Sense - pins. Refer to Figure 1 for a connection diagram.
Figure 1. Twisted-Pair Connection
• Plug the chassis and the instrument standard into the same power strip to avoid ground
loops.
Load
+
–
Sense –
Sense +
Output + Twisted Pair
Shield
Output –
NI PXIe-4154

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |5
Calibration Procedures
The calibration process includes the following steps:
1. Initial Setup—Install the device and configure it in Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX).
2. Verification—Verify the existing operation of the device. This step confirms whether the
device is operating within the published specifications prior to adjustment.
3. Adjustment—Adjust the calibration constants of the device. The adjustment procedure
automatically updates the calibration constants, date, and temperature in the EEPROM.
4. Reverification—Repeat the verification procedure to ensure that the device is operating
within the published specifications after adjustment.
Initial Setup
Refer to the NI DC Power Supplies and SMUs Getting Started Guide for information about how
to install the software and hardware and how to configure the device in MAX.
Verification
This section provides information for verifying the following specifications for the
NI PXIe-4154.
Verification tests the following NI PXIe-4154 specifications:
• Voltage output
• Current output
• Voltage measurement
• Current measurement
• Output resistance
• Load regulation
– Voltage load regulation
– Current load regulation
• Remote sense accuracy
• Transient response (Channel 0 only)
Verification of the NI PXIe-4154 is complete only after you have successfully completed all
tests in this section.
Note Limits in the following tables are based upon the October 2010 edition of the
NI PXIe-4154 Specifications. Refer to the most recent NI PXIe-4154 specifications
online at ni.com/manuals. If a more recent edition of the specifications is
available, recalculate the limits based upon the latest specifications.

6|ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
Verification should be performed under the following conditions:
• Adherence to the guidelines listed in the Test Conditions section.
• Ambient temperature is 23 ±5°C.
• Close all calibration sessions before setting the necessary parameters.
Example programs are installed with NI-DCPower or available for download at ni.com/
devzone.
Voltage Output Verification
To verify the voltage output of an NI PXIe-4154, compare a range of requested voltage test
points to the actual voltage measurements at the output using an external DMM. The external
DMM should be zeroed prior to each reading when measuring current output using a 0.1 Ωshunt
and voltage output for 0 V level. Refer to Figure 2 for a connection diagram.
Figure 2. Voltage Verification Connection Diagram
Note Use separate twisted-pair cables for connections from Output + and Output -
to the external DMM. Refer to Figure 1 for a connection diagram.
Refer to Table 2 for a list of voltage test points that you must request and measure with an
external DMM in voltage mode to complete verification. For example, the 6 V range on Channel
0 requires the verification application to separately request 6 V, 4.5 V, 3 V, 1.5 V, and 0 V
outputs from the NI PXIe-4154.
Note After requesting a new voltage, wait one second to take a measurement with
an external DMM to ensure the system has adequate time to settle.
NI PXIe-4154
Sense –
Sense +
Output +
Output –
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |7
Current Output Verification
To verify the current output of an NI PXIe-4154, compare a range of requested current test points
to the measurements of the actual current at the output. Current output is calculated by dividing
the voltage measured across the precision shunt by the actual resistance of the precision shunt.
Refer to Figure 3 for a connection diagram with a 100 mΩprecision shunt. Refer to Figure 4 for
a connection diagram with a 100 Ωprecision shunt.
Figure 3. Current Verification Connection Diagram with 100 mΩPrecision Shunt
Table 2. NI PXIe-4154 Voltage Output Verification Points
Channel Range
Test
Point
Limits of Accuracy Measured
Lower Limit Upper Limit As Found As Left
06V 0 V -0.005 V 0.005 V
1.5 V 1.4944 V 1.5056 V
3 V 2.9938 V 3.0062 V
4.5 V 4.4932 V 4.5068 V
6 V 5.9926 V 6.0074 V
18V 0 V -0.006 V 0.006 V
2 V 1.9932 V 2.0068 V
4 V 3.9924 V 4.0076 V
6 V 5.9916 V 6.0084 V
8 V 7.9908 V 8.0092 V
NI PXIe-4154
Sense –
Sense +
Output +
Output –
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–
Precision
100 mΩ
Shunt
I
1
I
2
S
1
S
2

8|ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
Figure 4. Current Verification Connection Diagram with 100 ΩPrecision Shunt
Note Use separate twisted-pair cables for connections from Output + and Output -
to the external DMM. Refer to Figure 1 for a connection diagram.
Refer to Table 3 for the current test points that you must request and measure for each range to
complete verification. For example, the 30 mA range on Channel 0 requires the verification
application to separately request 30 mA, 22.5 mA, 15.0 mA, 7.5 mA, and 0.1 mA outputs from
the NI PXIe-4154 while setting the voltage level to its maximum value. Take measurements
using the DMM as a voltmeter at each point, dividing by the characterized value of the precision
shunt each time.
Note After requesting a new current, wait one second to take a measurement with
an external DMM to ensure the system has adequate time to settle.
Note Total output current for both channels combined cannot exceed 3.1 A. Thus,
the current test points for each channel—current limits when in Constant Voltage
mode or the current levels when in Constant Current mode—must add up to no more
than 3.1 A.
NI PXIe-4154
Sense –
Sense +
Output +
Output –
Precision
100 Ω
Shunt
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |9
Voltage Measurement Verification
To verify the voltage measurement of an NI PXIe-4154, compare a range of voltage test points
measured with an external DMM to the voltage measured with an NI PXIe-4154. The external
DMM should be zeroed prior to each reading when measuring current output using a 0.1 Ωshunt
and voltage output for 0 V level. Refer to Figure 2 for a connection diagram.
Refer to Table 4 for the list of voltage test points for each range that you must measure and
request with both an external DMM and the NI PXIe-4154. For example, in the 6 V range on
Channel 0, program the NI PXIe-4154 to output 6 V, 4.5 V, 3 V, 1.5 V, and 0 V. Take voltage
measurements at each test point using the DMM. Compare these values to the voltage
measurements taken at each test point using the NI PXIe-4154.
Note After requesting a new voltage, wait one second to take a measurement with
an external DMM and NI PXIe-4154 to ensure the system has adequate time to settle.
Table 3. NI PXIe-4154 Current Output Verification Points
Channel Range
Precision
Shunt
Value
Test
Point
Limits of Accuracy Measured
Lower Limit Upper Limit
As
Found
As
Left
030 mA 100 Ω0.1 mA 0.064880 mA 0.135120 mA
7.5 mA 7.456000 mA 7.544000 mA
15.0 mA 14.947000 mA 15.053000 mA
22.5 mA 22.438000 mA 22.562000 mA
30 mA 29.929000 mA 30.071000 mA
03A 100 mΩ0.01 A 0.006488 A 0.013512 A
0.75 A 0.745600 A 0.754400 A
1.50 A 1.494325 A 1.505675 A
2.25 A 2.242394 A 2.257606 A
3.00 A 2.989900 A 3.010100 A
11.5 A 100 mΩ0.01 A 0.006484 A 0.013516 A
0.35 A 0.345940 A 0.354060 A
0.75 A 0.744925 A 0.755075 A
1.25 A 1.242625 A 1.257375 A
1.50 A 1.491100 A 1.508900 A

10 |ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
The verification limits for voltage measurement depend on the actual voltage measured with an
external DMM, and are expressed as a percentage of DMM reading plus offset voltage. Refer to
Table 4 for more information.
Current Measurement Verification
To verify the current measurement of an NI PXIe-4154, measure a range of current test points
with an external DMM and a precision shunt. Divide the voltage across the precision shunt by
the actual resistance of the precision shunt. Compare these values to the values of the current
measured at the same current test points using the NI PXIe-4154. Refer to Figure 3 or Figure 4
for the configuration to verify current measurements while sourcing. Refer to Figure 5 or
Figure 6 for the configuration to verify current measurement while sinking.
Refer to Table 5 for a list of current test points for each range that you must request and measure
with an external DMM/precision shunt and the NI PXIe-4154 in order to complete verification.
To verify positive currents, use the NI PXIe-4154 channel as a source. For example, in the 1.5 A
range on Channel 1, program the NI PXIe-4154 to output 375 mA, 750 mA, 1.125 A, and 1.5 A
while setting the voltage limit to its maximum value. Use an external DMM/precision shunt and
the NI PXIe-4154 to take a current measurement at each test point. Compare the measured
values against each other.
To verify negative currents, use an external current source to force Channel 0 of the
NI PXIe-4154 to sink current. For example, in the 3 A range on Channel 0, program the
NI PXIe-4154 channel for 0 V output and program the external current source to output 750 mA,
1.5 A, 2.25 A, and 3 A. Channel 0 will be sinking current, so its measurements will be negative
currents. Take a current measurement at each test point using both an external DMM/precision
shunt and the NI PXIe-4154. Compare the measured values against each other.
Table 4. NI PXIe-4154 Voltage Measurement Verification Points
Channel Range
Test
Point
Measured Voltage
Test Limit
Reported Voltage
As
Found
As
Left
As
Found
As
Left
06V 0V 0.025% + 2 mV
1.5 V
3V
4.5 V
6V
18V 0V 0.05% + 2.5 mV
2V
4V
6V
8V

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |11
Note The zero current test point is verified only with the measurement returned by
the NI PXIe-4154. To ensure no current is flowing while taking this zero current
measurement, disconnect all external equipment from the I/O connector and take a
current measurement with the NI PXIe-4154. When you verify zero current test
points this way, the measured current is always zero.
Note After requesting a new current, wait one second to take a measurement with
an external DMM and NI PXIe-4154 to ensure the system has adequate time to settle.
The verification limits for current measurement depend on the actual current measured with an
external DMM, and are expressed as a percentage of DMM reading plus offset current. Refer to
Table 5 for more information.
Figure 5. Current Measurement Verification Connection Diagram
Using External Current Source with 100 mΩPrecision Shunt
NI PXIe-4154
Sense –
Sense +
Output +
Output –
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–
Precision
100 mΩ
Shunt
I
2
S
2
I
1
S
1
External
Current
Source
+
–

12 |ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
Figure 6. Current Measurement Verification Connection Diagram
Using External Current Source with 100 ΩPrecision Shunt
Note Use separate twisted-pair cables for connections from Output + and Output -
to the external DMM or current source. Refer to Figure 1 for a connection diagram.
Table 5. NI PXIe-4154 Current Measurement Verification Points
Channel Range
Precision
Shunt
Value
Test
Point
Measured
Current
Test
Limit
Reported
Current
As
Found
As
Left
As
Found
As
Left
0 30 mA 100 Ω-30 mA 0.04% +
7 µA
-22.5 mA
-15 mA
-7.5 mA
0mA
7.5 mA
15 mA
22.5 mA
30 mA
NI PXIe-4154
Sense –
Sense +
Output +
Output –
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–
Precision
100 Ω
Shunt
External
Current
Source
+
–

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |13
03A 100 mΩ-3 A 0.14% +
0.7 mA
-2.25 A 0.1025% +
0.7 mA
-1.5 A 0.065% +
0.7 mA
-750 mA 0.04% +
0.7 mA
0A 0.04% +
0.7 mA
750 m 0.04% +
0.7 mA
1.5 A 0.065% +
0.7 mA
2.25 A 0.1025% +
0.7 mA
3A 0.14% +
0.7 mA
1 1.5 A 100 mΩ0A 0.12% +
0.35 mA
375 mA 0.12% +
0.35 mA
750 mA 0.17% +
0.35 mA
1.125 A 0.245% +
0.35 mA
1.5 A 0.32% +
0.35 mA
Table 5. NI PXIe-4154 Current Measurement Verification Points (Continued)
Channel Range
Precision
Shunt
Value
Test
Point
Measured
Current
Test
Limit
Reported
Current
As
Found
As
Left
As
Found
As
Left

14 |ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
Output Resistance Verification (Channel 0 Only)
To verify the output resistance of an NI PXIe-4154, compare a range of requested resistance test
points to measurements of the actual resistance at output. Calculate using two external DMMs
and a 100 mΩprecision shunt. Refer to Figure 7 for a connection diagram.
Figure 7. Output Resistance and Load Regulation Verification
Connection Diagram with 100 mΩPrecision Shunt
Note Use twisted-pair cables for connections from Output + and Output - to the
electronic load. Refer to Figure 1 for a connection diagram. Use short wires to jumper
Sense + to Output +, and Sense - to Output -.
Refer to Table 6 for a list of output resistance test points that you must request and measure with
two external DMMs to complete verification. For example, program the verification application
to separately request -0.04 Ω, 0 Ω, 0.25 Ω, 0.5 Ω, 0.75 Ω, and 1 Ωoutputs from the
NI PXIe-4154. Configure the NI PXIe-4154 to output 4 V with a current limit of 3 A.
Note After requesting a new output resistance, wait one second to take a
measurement with the external DMMs to ensure the system has adequate time to
settle.
NI PXIe-4154
Sense –
Sense +
Output +
Output –
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–Precision
100 mΩ
Shunt
I2
S2
I1
S1
Electronic
Load
+
–

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |15
Complete the following steps to calculate the output resistance for each test point.
1. Ensure that Remote Sense is ON.
1. Set the electronic load for 100 mA constant current.
2. Record the DMM voltage at the Output + and Output - terminals of Channel 0 of the
NI PXIe-4154 (V1).
3. Calculate the current (I1). Divide the voltage measured across the 100 mΩprecision shunt
by the characterized value of the 100 mΩprecision shunt.
4. Increase the electronic load to 1 A constant current.
5. Record the DMM voltage at the Output + and Output - terminals of Channel 0 of the
NI PXIe-4154 (V2).
6. Calculate the current (I2). Divide the voltage measured across the 100 mΩprecision shunt
by the characterized value of the 100 mΩprecision shunt.
7. Calculate the output resistance using the following formula:
Output Resistance (Ω) = (V1 - V2) / (I2 - I1)
Note Output resistance is requested by the NI DCPower Output Resistance
Property Node.

16 |ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
.
Table 6. NI PXIe-4154 Output Resistance Verification Points
Channel V Level I Limit
Test
Point
Measured
Voltages
Measured
Currents Limits of Accuracy Calculated Resistance
V1V2I1I2
Lower
Limit
Upper
Limit As Found As Left
04V 3A -40 mΩ-0.04312 Ω-0.03688 Ω
0 Ω-0.003 Ω0.003 Ω
250 mΩ0.24625 Ω0.25375 Ω 500 mΩ0.4955 Ω0.5045 Ω 750 mΩ0.74475 Ω0.75525 Ω
1 Ω0.994 Ω1.006 Ω

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |17
Load Regulation Verification
Load Regulation Verification results are dependent upon voltage and current measurement
accuracy. Any failure of the Voltage Measurement or Current Measurement Verification steps
may result in a failure of the Load Regulation Verification steps.
Voltage Load Regulation
To verify the voltage load regulation of an NI PXIe-4154, use the device in Constant Voltage
mode. Confirm the output voltage change falls within calculated limits while varying the load
current using an electronic load. The external DMM should be zeroed prior to each reading when
measuring current output using a 0.1 Ωshunt and voltage output for 0 V level. Refer to Table 7
for a list of load current values and measurements needed to complete verification. Refer to
Figure 7 for a connection diagram.
Note For Channel 0 of the NI PXIe-4154, ensure that output resistance is set to 0 Ω
during voltage load regulation verification.
Complete the following steps to verify voltage load regulation.
1. Ensure that Remote Sense is ON.
1. Configure the electronic load in constant current mode and set it to Load Current 1, as
shown in the following table.
2. Record the DMM voltage at the Output + and Output - terminals of the NI PXIe-4154 (V1)
in the following table.
3. Calculate the current (I1). Divide the voltage measured across the 100 mΩprecision shunt
by the characterized value of the 100 mΩprecision shunt.
4. Increase the electronic load to Load Current 2, as shown in Table 7.
5. Record the DMM voltage at the Output + and Output - terminals of the NI PXIe-4154 (V2).
Table 7. NI PXIe-4154 Load Regulation Setup
Channel V Range I Range I Limit V Level
Load
Current 1
Load
Current 2
06V 3A 3A 6V 0.03 A 2.7 A
18V 1.5 A 1.5 A 8V 0.015 A 1.35 A
Table 8. NI PXIe-4154 Regulation Verification Points
Channel I1 (A) V1 (V) I2 (A) V2 (V)
Voltage
Change
Limit (V)
Voltage
Change
(V)
0
1

18 |ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
6. Calculate the current (I2). Divide the voltage measured across the 100 mΩprecision shunt
by the characterized value of the 100 mΩprecision shunt.
7. Calculate the voltage change limit using the following formulas:
Channel 0 Voltage Change Limit (V) = ± (I1 - I2) * 0.003
Channel 1 Voltage Change Limit (V) = ± (I1- I2) * 0.001
8. Calculate the Voltage Change. Subtract V1from V2.
The test passes if the Voltage Change is less than or equal to the calculated Voltage Change Limit.
Current Load Regulation
To verify the current load regulation of an NI PXIe-4154, use the device in Constant Current
mode and confirm the output current change falls within calculated limits while varying the load
voltage using an electronic load. Refer to Table 9 for a list of resistance values and
measurements to complete verification. Refer to Figure 7 for a connection diagram.
Note For each test, the units for all current measurements and calculations should
be the same as the I Range unit.
Complete the following steps to verify current load regulation.
1. Ensure that Remote Sense is ON.
1. Configure the electronic load in constant voltage mode and set it to Load Voltage 1. Refer
to the following table.
2. Record the DMM voltage at the Output + and Output - terminals of the NI PXIe-4154 (V1)
in the following table.
Table 9. NI PXIe-4154 Current Load Regulation Verification Points
Channel V Range I Range V Limit I Level
Precision
Shunt
Value
Load
Voltage 1
Load
Voltage 2
06V 3A 6V 1.5 A 100 mΩ5V 2V
6V 30 mA 6V 15 mA 100 Ω4.4 V 2V
18V 1.5 A 8V 0.75 A 100 mΩ7V 2V
Table 10. NI PXIe-4154 Measured Current Load Regulation Verification Points
Channel I1 (A) V1 (V) I2 (A) V2 (V)
Current Change
Limit (A)
Current
Change (A)
0
1

NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments Corporation |19
3. Calculate the current (I1). Divide the voltage measured across the 100 mΩprecision shunt
by the characterized value of the 100 mΩprecision shunt.
4. Decrease the electronic load to Load Voltage 2, as shown in Table 9.
5. Record the DMM voltage at the Output + and Output - terminals of the NI PXIe-4154 (V2).
6. Calculate the current (I2). Divide the voltage measured across the 100 mΩprecision shunt
by the characterized value of the 100 mΩprecision shunt.
7. Calculate the current change limit using the following formula:
Current Change Limit (A) = ±0.0001 * I Range * (V1-V2).
8. Calculate the Current Change. Subtract I1from I2.
The test passes if the Current Change is less than or equal to the calculated Current Change Limit.
Remote Sense Accuracy Verification
To verify the remote sense accuracy of an NI PXIe-4154, use a test circuit of three resistors that
simulate voltage drop between the device and a load. Channels 0 and 1 should be tested
separately, using the same method. Remote sense accuracy validation should be performed only
after successfully validating the voltage and current measurement accuracy and the load
regulation.
Complete the following steps to verify remote sense.
1. Ensure that Remote Sense is ON.
2. Connect a 22.6 Ω(R1), 200 Ω(R2), and 22.6 Ω(R3) resistor in series. The 200 Ωresistor is
the center resistor, as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8. Remote Sense Output Verification Connection Diagram
Note Use separate twisted-pair cables for connections from Output + and Output -
to the load and from Sense + and Sense - to the load. Refer to Figure 1 for a
connection diagram.
NI PXIe-4154
Sense –
Sense +
Output +
Output –
R3
R2
R1
22.6 Ω
200 Ω
22.6 Ω
Load
Voltage
HI Lead
Drop
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–

20 |ni.com |NI PXIe-4154 Calibration Procedure
3. Connect the resistors to the Output + and Output - terminals on the NI PXIe-4154, as shown
in Figure 8. Connect the remote sense leads directly across the 200 Ωresistor (R2).
4. Set the voltage level and current limit to the values listed in Table 12.
5. Measure the Output + Lead Drop with a DMM (HI Lead Drop) from the Output + terminal
of the NI PXIe-4154 to the 200 Ωresistor, as shown in Figure 8.
6. Measure the load voltage with a DMM (Load Voltage) across the 200 Ωresistor where the
sense leads connect, as shown in Figure 8.
7. Calculate the accuracy limit for the load voltage using the following equations and the
V Level listed in Table 12, where V Level and HI Lead Drop are given in volts.
The test passes if the Load Voltage measurement falls within the calculated Load Voltage Limit.
Transient Response Verification (Channel 0 Only)
To verify the transient sense of an NI PXIe-4154, use a digital oscilloscope and a programmable
electronic load with dynamic current capability. Transient response validation should be
performed only after successfully validating the voltage and current measurement accuracy and
the load regulation.
Note Use one 3-foot, 18 AWG twisted-pair cable to connect Output + and Output -
to the electronic load, and another 3-foot, 18 AWG twisted-pair cable to connect
Sense + and Sense - to the electronic load. To ensure signal integrity, the cable shields
should be terminated to the ground. Refer to Figure 1 for a connection diagram.
Complete the following steps to verify transient response.
1. Ensure that Remote Sense is ON.
2. To verify Channel 0 FAST transient response, connect a digital oscilloscope and electronic
load to an NI PXIe-4154. Refer to the following figure for a connection diagram.
Table 11. Load Voltage Equations
Channel Equation
Channel 0 V Level ± [(V Level * 0.04% + 0.005) + (HI Lead Drop * 0.002)] V
Channel 1 V Level ± [(V Level * 0.04% + 0.006) + (HI Lead Drop * 0.002)] V
Table 12. NI PXIe-4154 Remote Sense Output Verification Points
Channel V Range I Range V Level I Limit
Measured Load
Voltage
Limit (V)
HI Lead
Drop (V)
Load
Voltage (V)
06V 3A 6V 0.1 A
18V 1.5 A 8V 0.1 A