PowerTek MC642 User manual

MC642 Programmable Resistance Decade
Operation manual

Content
1 FIGURES
...................................................................................................................................................................................5
TABLES...................................................................................................................................................................6
1. BASIC INFORMATION....................................................................................................................................7
2. PREPARATION FOR USE................................................................................................................................7
2.1. INSPECTING PACKAGE CONTENTS, SELECTING THE INSTALLATION LOCATION..............................................................7
2.2. POWER ON...................................................................................................................................................7
2.3. WARM-UP TIME.................................................................................................................................................8
2.4. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.........................................................................................................................................8
3. DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................................................9
3.1. FRONT PANEL....................................................................................................................................................9
3.2. REAR PANEL....................................................................................................................................................11
4. OPERATION.....................................................................................................................................................12
4.1. CONNECTION AND DISCONNECTION OF OUTPUT TERMINALS......................................................................................12
4.2. WIRES CONNECTION..........................................................................................................................................12
4.3. SETTING THE FUNCTION.....................................................................................................................................12
4.4. SETTING THE VALUE OF OUTPUT SIGNAL...............................................................................................................19
4.5. PARAMETER SETTINGS (SETTINGS MENU)..............................................................................................................20
4.6. PRESET MENU..................................................................................................................................................20
4.7. MAIN MENU....................................................................................................................................................21
4.8. CALIBRATION MODE..........................................................................................................................................23
5. PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION TEST....................................................................................................26
6. REMOTE CONTROL......................................................................................................................................27
6.1. RS232 INTERFACE..........................................................................................................................................27
6.2. GPIB INTERFACE (OPTION)...............................................................................................................................28
6.3. LAN INTERFACE (OPTION)................................................................................................................................29
6.4. USB INTERFACE (OPTION)................................................................................................................................30
6.5. COMMAND SYNTAX...........................................................................................................................................31
6.6. SCPI COMMAND TREE....................................................................................................................................32
6.7. STANDARD STATUS DATA STRUCTURES................................................................................................................34
6.8. SCPI STANDARD COMMANDS...........................................................................................................................36
6.9. SCPI COMMANDS...........................................................................................................................................40
6.10. SCPI ERROR CODES......................................................................................................................................65
6.11. COMPATIBLE COMMANDS.................................................................................................................................66
6.12. DEMO PROGRAM............................................................................................................................................68
7. MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................................69
7.1. FUSE REPLACING..............................................................................................................................................69
7.2. EXTERNAL SURFACE CLEANING...........................................................................................................................69
8. MODULE 19” (VERSION MC642-VXX1X).................................................................................................69
9. TECHNICAL DATA.......................................................................................................................................70
10. ORDERING INFORMATION – OPTIONS...............................................................................................73

1 Figures
FIGURE 1 STARTING SCREEN.........................................................................................................................8
FIGURE 2 FRONT PANEL...................................................................................................................................9
FIGURE 3 DISPLAY.............................................................................................................................................9
FIGURE 4 REAR PANEL...................................................................................................................................11
FIGURE 5 RESISTANCE SCREEN..................................................................................................................12
FIGURE 6 PLATINUM SCREEN......................................................................................................................13
FIGURE 7 NICKEL SCREEN............................................................................................................................13
FIGURE 8 USER FUNCTION SCREEN..........................................................................................................14
FIGURE 9 USER FUNCTION LIST..................................................................................................................14
FIGURE 10 NEW USER FUNCTION................................................................................................................15
FIGURE 11 USER FUNCTION POINT EDITING...........................................................................................15
FIGURE 12 USER FUNCTION EDIT................................................................................................................16
FIGURE 13 TIMING SCREEN..........................................................................................................................16
FIGURE 14 TIME SEQUENCE LIST................................................................................................................17
FIGURE 15 NEW SEQUENCE...........................................................................................................................17
FIGURE 16 TIMING SEQUENCE POINT EDITING.....................................................................................18
FIGURE 17 TIMING SEQUENCE EDIT..........................................................................................................18
FIGURE 18 NUMERIC VALUE ENTRY..........................................................................................................19
FIGURE 19 SETTINGS MENU.........................................................................................................................20
FIGURE 20 PRESET MENU..............................................................................................................................20
FIGURE 21 MAIN MENU..................................................................................................................................21
FIGURE 22 PASSWORD ENTRY.....................................................................................................................23
FIGURE 23 CALIBRATION POINT SCREEN................................................................................................25
FIGURE 24 RS232 9 PIN D-SUB MALE CONNECTOR .............................................................................27
FIGURE 25 IEEE488 CONNECTOR.................................................................................................................28
FIGURE 26 LAN CONNECTION 1...................................................................................................................29
FIGURE 27 LAN CONNECTION 2...................................................................................................................29
FIGURE 28 USB CONNECTOR.........................................................................................................................30

FIGURE 29 STATUS REGISTER OVERVIEW...............................................................................................34
FIGURE 30 MODULE 19" RACK, FRONT PANEL.......................................................................................69
Tables
TABLE 1 MC642 CALIBRATION POINTS......................................................................................................24
TABLE 2 VERIFICATION - ALLOWED DEVIATIONS................................................................................26
TABLE 3 RS232 CABLE CONNECTION.........................................................................................................28
TABLE 4 OUTPUT COMMAND STRUCTURE.............................................................................................43
TABLE 5 KEYBOARD CODES......................................................................................................................62
TABLE 6 SCPI ERROR CODES....................................................................................................................65
TABLE 7 MC642 RESISTANCE ACCURACY.................................................................................................71
TABLE 8 MC642 PT SIMULATION ACCURACY..........................................................................................71
TABLE 9 MC642 NI SIMULATION ACCURACY...........................................................................................71
TABLE 10 MC642 FREQUENCY RESPONSE.................................................................................................71

1. Basic information
Programmable resistance decade MC642 is suitable for automated simulation of different resistance
sensors (temperature, pressure, position, force …). Internal design eliminates “zero resistance effect” which
is typical for most resistance decades.
Resistance value is created via appropriate combination of physical resistors. Decade is equipped with
built-in function of direct simulation of most frequent temperature Pt and Ni sensors. Low thermal voltage
relays and stable resistors are used as main parts of the decade. Actual set values are displayed high
resolution TFT display. MC642 is sophisticated instrument with its own re-calibration procedure. The
procedure enables to correct any deviation in resistance without any mechanical adjustment.
Instrument is especially suitable for automatic testing procedures. RS232 line (optionally IEEE488,
USB and Ethernet bus) is used for connecting decade to the computer.
2. Preparation for use
2.1. Inspecting package contents, selecting the installation location
Basic package includes the following items:
!Resistance decade MC642
!RS232 cable
!CD with demo program
!User’s manual
!Test report
The instrument must be powered by 230/115 V – 50/60 Hz mains. Before powering on the
instruments, place it on a level surface. If the instrument was stored out of range of reference temperatures,
let it stabilize for one hour.
2.2. Power on
!Before connecting the instrument to the mains, check the position of the mains voltage selector located
at the rear panel.
!Plug one end of the power cord into the connector located at the rear panel and connect the other end of
the power cord into a wall outlet.
!Switch on the mains switch located at the rear panel. Display is lit.
7Operation manual

Figure 1 Starting Screen
!The instrument performs internal hardware checks for app. 5 seconds.
!After the tests conclude, the instrument is set to “Startup” preset. This preset is
adjustable however, the instrument will always start with OPEN terminals.
2.3. Warm-up time
The instrument works after it is switched on and the initial checks complete. Specified parameters are
only guaranteed after the instrument warms up for 10 minutes.
2.4. Safety precautions
The instrument has been designed according to EN 61010-1:2011. Safety is ensured by the design and
by the use of specific component types.
The manufacturer is not liable for the damage caused by modification of the construction or
replacement of parts with non-original ones.
Safety symbols used on the equipment
Warning, reference to the documentation
8Operation manual

3. Description
3.1. Front panel
Figure 2 Front panel
On the front panel there are located all main control keys, display and output terminals.
1 Output terminals
Four wire output terminals. Measuring (evaluation) circuit can be connected by 2, 3 or 4 wires. Both sides
(red and grey) are floating up to 500Vpk against the case (PE).
2 Ground terminal
Central ground terminal (protective earth) connected to the metal case of the instrument. It is recommended
to connect it to the “grey” output terminals if connected meter is not grounded.
3 Display
Figure 3 Display
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A
B1
C1
B1C2
B1
C3
D1
B1
D2
D3
B1
D4
B1
B2
B1
B1
B1
B3
B1
1 3 4 5 6 8
72

The display is divided into four sections:
A. Information line
!Selected function (RESISTANCE, PLATINUM, …)
!Time
B. Main area
This section displays the set-up values of generated signals and the data related to the decade box status.
The section includes the following types of data:
1. Auxiliary parameters
This section displays auxiliary parameters of actually selected function:
!Temperature standard (PT385, PT3916, …)
!Switching mode (FAST, VIA OPEN, …)
!R0 resistance
2. Main value
There is displayed main value of selected function with the unit. There is displayed also actual
position of cursor ▼▲ if the parameter is in edit mode. Position of cursor can be changed using
keys ◄, ►and parameter can be changed using keys ▲,▼.
3. Output state
There is displayed resistance value connected to the output terminals.
C. Specification
This section displays specification and limits relating to the main value:
1. Specification
This section displays specification of the main value.
2. Maximum voltage
This section displays maximum allowed voltage for the main value.
3. Maximum current
This section displays maximum allowed current for the main value.
D. Soft key labels
The functions of these keys change during operation (depends on selected function and actual display
mode).
4 Soft keys
There are four keys next to the display with variable function. The functions of these keys change during
operation (depends on selected function and actual display mode). These four soft keys appear in main
function window:
Function – Function selection. See chapter 4.3
Settings – Function-specific parameter settings. See chapter 4.5
Preset – One click setup of all function parameters. See chapter 4.6
Menu – General settings and parameters of all functions. See chapter 4.7
10 Operation manual

5 OPER (Operate key)
OPER key connects / disconnects selected value to the output terminals. Connected output terminals are
indicated by the lit LED in the key.
6 SHORT (Short key)
Active SHORT key (LED in the key is ON) replaces the main value with the short circuit. Also the short
circuit must be connected to the output terminals by the OPER key.
7 Cursor keys
Using these keys, the cursor can be controlled within allowed limits on the display. The keyboard includes
two buttons (◄,►) which allow the cursor to be moved to the left or right. When a list is displayed, (◄,
►) buttons skip through pages. Buttons (▲,▼) allow the user to increase or decrease the number at the
cursor position or move across items in a list.
The central SELECT key is used to select value you want to change (like TAB key).
8 Numeric keyboard
The keyboard allows the entry of numeric values on the display. ENTER button is used to confirm the
selection. CANCEL button can be used to cancel the entry.
Colors on display
Common rules are used for applied color of labels and values.
-Red color - displayed value is measured by the instrument. This color isn’t used in all versions.
-Blue color - parameters or values, which can be set-up or modified directly from front panel keyboard
or via Main menu.
-Black color - fix values, labels, notes, parameters which cannot be modified and for other fix text with
general information purpose.
Meaning of soft keys is shown on the right side of display. If there is no description next to the soft key, the
soft key is not active in selected function.
3.2. Rear panel
There are located power cord socket, power line fuse, power line voltage selector 115/230V, interface
connectors RS232 and optionally LAN, USB and IEEE488 on the rear panel.
Figure 4 Rear panel
11 Operation manual

4. Operation
4.1. Connection and disconnection of output terminals
Set value is connected (disconnected) to the output terminals after pressing OPER key. Connected
output terminals are indicated by the lit LED in the key.
Disconnected output terminals can be used for “Open terminals” simulation. “Short circuit” is
simulated after pressing SHORT key. Active SHORT key (LED in the key is ON) replaces the main value
with the short circuit. Also the short circuit must be connected to the output terminals by the OPER key.
4.2. Wires connection
Output resistance is available on R output terminals. Available is 2, 3 and 4-wire connection. Both
sides (red and grey) are floating up to 500Vpk against the case (PE).
Ground terminal is connected to the metal case and to the protective earth (PE).
4.3. Setting the function
Function can be changed after pressing „Function“ soft key. New function is selected using cursor
keys ▲,▼or display soft keys. Selection must be confirmed by pressing SELECT key or „OK“ soft key.
Device supports following functions:
Resistance
Offers direct setting of exact resistance value.
Figure 5 Resistance screen
Editable parameters:
Resistance value: 100 mΩ… 20 MΩ
Switching mode: FAST, SMOOTH, VIA OPEN, VIA SHORT
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Platinum
Offers direct setting of temperature of simulated platinum thermometer.
Figure 6 Platinum screen
Editable parameters:
Temperature: -200 °C … +850 °C (-328 !F … 1562 !F)
R0 value: 10 Ω… 20 kΩ
Temperature standard: PT385 (68), PT385 (90), PT3916, PT3926, PT User
Switching mode: FAST, SMOOTH, VIA OPEN, VIA SHORT
Nickel
Offers direct setting of temperature of simulated nickel thermometer.
Figure 7 Nickel screen
Editable parameters:
Temperature: -60 °C … +300 !C (-76 !F … 572 !F)
R0 value: 10 Ω… 20 kΩ
Switching mode: FAST, SMOOTH, VIA OPEN, VIA SHORT
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User function
Offers simulation of conversion curve defined by a table. User can define more conversion curves. Values
between defined points are linearly interpolated.
Figure 8 User function screen
Editable parameters:
Main value: according to the function
User function: curves defined by the user
Switching mode: FAST, SMOOTH, VIA OPEN, VIA SHORT
Function is defined by table of user values and corresponding resistance values. This table is called „Curve“
and is editable. Maximum number of tables is 64 with each table having up to 100 values. Tables can be
defined via remote control as well. Manual table setup can be done in Menu ! Device ! User function
curve:
Figure 9 User function list
Menu shows a list of all previously defined tables (curves). Curve names can be customized. soft keys on
the right hand side of the panel have these functions:
Edit – edit selected curve. Table can be selected using cursor keys where ◄, ►skip through pages.
Clear –clear all curve data and set it to default (plain) state. Message prompt will appear before final curve
clearance.
Exit – close the curve list and return previous menu.
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Creating a new table
Pressing the Edit soft key upon plain curve opens this submenu:
Figure 10 New user function
Curve name – table name is set using ▲,▼(character selection) and ◄,►(position) cursor keys. Name
may be 8 characters long at most. soft key „A <–> a“ switches between uppercase and lowercase of selected
character. Table name has to be set before proceeding to the next step using SELECT key.
Unit – user function unit abbreviation is set in the same way as table name only it can be just up to two
characters long. Unit abbreviation has to be set before proceeding to the next step using the SELECT key.
Lookup table – a place where you define user function using values in Ω.Table must contain at least two
“user function value → Ω value” points so that a slope of the function can be calculated. Range in user
function mode is given by actual resistance range of the decade. Browsing through the table is done by
▲,▼cursor keys. Editing is done using these contextual soft keys:
Add – create a new point.
Figure 11 User function point editing
Value – user function value in user units. Press the SELECT key to proceed.
Resistance – corresponding Ωvalue. Range is given by the actual resistance range of the
decade.
Edit – show the “Equation” panel for selected point to allow editing.
Delete – delete selected point.
Cancel – deactivate the Lookup Table and allow for curve saving.
Save – closes the table and saves current settings.
Cancel – closes the table and does not save current settings.
15 Operation manual

Editing an existing table
Existing table can be edited in the same way as it can be created. Editable entries (Curve name, Unit,
Lookup table points) are selected using the SELECT key.
Figure 12 User function edit
Timing
Offers simulation of time-varying resistance defined by a table. User can define more time curves.
Figure 13 Timing screen
Editable parameters:
Timing table: table defined by the user
Switching mode: FAST, SMOOTH, VIA OPEN, VIA SHORT
Sequence is defined by table of time intervals and corresponding resistance values, all of which can be
edited. Maximum number of tables is 64 with each table having up to 100 time intervals. Sequence is started
by pressing OPER button or sending OUTP ON command via remote control. Final state of every sequence
is OPEN. Manual table setup can be done in Menu ! Device ! Timings:
16 Operation manual

Figure 14 Time sequence list
Menu shows a list of all sequences. soft keys on the right hand side of the panel have these functions:
Edit – edit selected sequence. Sequence can be selected using cursor keys where ◄, ►skip through pages.
Clear –clear all sequence data and set it to default (plain) state. Message prompt will appear before final
clearance of the sequence.
Exit – close the sequence list and return previous menu.
Creating a new table
Pressing the Edit soft key upon plain sequence opens this submenu:
Figure 15 New sequence
Timing table – table name is set using ▲,▼(character selection) and ◄,►(position) cursor keys. Name
may be 8 characters long at most. soft key „A <-> a“ switches between uppercase and lowercase of selected
character. Table name has to be set before proceeding to the next step using SELECT key.
17 Operation manual

Timing table – a list of values in Ωand their durations in seconds. Browsing through the table is done by
▲,▼cursor keys. Editing is done using these soft keys:
Add – create a new point.
Figure 16 Timing sequence point editing
Duration – duration of selected resistance (from 2 ms to 60 s). Press the SELECT key to
proceed.
Resistance – corresponding Ωvalue. Range is given by the actual resistance range of the
decade.
Edit – show the “Timing edit” panel for selected point to allow editing.
Delete – delete selected point.
Cancel – deactivate the Lookup Table and allow for curve saving.
Save – closes the table and saves current settings.
Cancel – closes the table and does not save current settings.
Editing an existing table
Existing table can be edited in the same way as it can be created. Editable entries (Sequence name, Timing
table points) are selected using the SELECT key.
Figure 17 Timing sequence edit
18 Operation manual

4.4. Setting the value of output signal
Edit mode
Parameters of output signal can be changed in Edit mode. Only parameters displayed in blue color can be
changed. Display can be switched to edit mode in different ways:
- Pressing numeric button
-Pressing SELECT key
- Pressing cursor button
In edit mode is edited value highlighted by blue background. Pressing the SELECT key you can change
among editable (blue) parameters. Edit mode is finished by pressing CANCEL key.
Entry of the value using numeric keyboard
!Use the numeric keyboard to set the desired value. After the first digit is entered, input
box is displayed. In the upper row of the input box is the name of edited parameter. Using soft
keys you can enter the new value in different units.
Figure 18 Numeric value entry
!Enter desired value.
!After the entry is complete press soft key with requested unit or press ENTER key.
ENTER key inputs the value in basic units (Ω, °C, …).
!Instrument sets the new value.
!The value is copied to the appropriate field in the screen and the input box disappears.
Entry of the value using cursor keys
!Press ◄, ►, ▲or ▼key. The display now includes cursor marks which points to the
active digit.
!▲,▼keys can be used to change the value. ◄, ►keys can be used to change the
position of active digit.
!To get to the default screen, press CANCEL key.
Note:
!All parameters have limits (high and low). If the entered value is outside these limits
warning message is displayed („Value too high (low)“) and new value is not accepted.
19 Operation manual

4.5. Parameter settings (settings menu)
Settings menu is displayed after pressing „Settings“ soft key in main function window. It won’t appear in
editing mode so when in editing mode you have to press “Cancel” first.
Figure 19 Settings menu
In settings menu you can edit all available auxiliary parameters of the current function. These settings are
discarded on restart so if you’d like to save them for your next calibration session, use the “Preset” feature.
4.6. Preset menu
Preset menu is displayed after pressing „Preset“ soft key in main function window. It won’t appear in editing
mode so when in editing mode you have to press “Cancel” first.
Figure 20 Preset menu
Presets contain all settings that normally disappear on restart. This includes function parameters for all
functions (see previous chapter), selected function and the main value. Presets doesn’t contain system,
interface or calibration data as well as output state, short state, timing tables and user function tables. Up to a
100 presets can be stored including a special “Startup” preset which is loaded on every device startup. Preset
can be selected using cursor keys where ◄, ►skip through pages.
Save – Save current device settings to selected preset. Preset name can be edited before final saving.
Load – Load selected preset and return to function window defined by the preset.
Clear – Set selected preset to default factory setup.
Exit – Return to main function window.
20 Operation manual