Tektronix PS2520 User manual

User Manual
PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G
Programmable Power Supplies
070-9196-01

Copyright Tektronix, Inc. 1995. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and
pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070–1000
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

WARRANTY
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If any such product
proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the
defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in
exchange for the defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the
performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the
defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges
prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to
a location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer
shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for
products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other
than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage
resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; or c) to service a
product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such
modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THIS
PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE
DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY.
TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS
ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

EC Declaration of Conformity
We Tektronix Holland N.V.
Marktweg 73A
8444 AB Heerenveen
The Netherlands
declare under sole responsibility that the
PS2520G Programmable Power Supply
meets the intent of Directive 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic
Compatibility and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/ECC for Product Safety.
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specifications as listed
in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC:
EN 55011 Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions
EN 50081-1 Emissions:
EN 60555-2 AC Power Line Harmonic Emissions
EN 50082-1 Immunity:
IEC 801-2 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity
IEC 801-3 RF Electromagnetic Field Immunity
IEC 801-4 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity
IEC 801-5 Power Line Surge Immunity
“...conformity with the following standards:
following the provisions of the Directives of the Council of the
European Union:
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC: Amended by 93/68/EEC.”

EC Declaration of Conformity
We Tektronix Holland N.V.
Marktweg 73A
8444 AB Heerenveen
The Netherlands
declare under sole responsibility that the
PS2521G Programmable Power Supply
meets the intent of Directive 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic
Compatibility and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/ECC for Product Safety.
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specifications as listed
in the Official Journal of the European Communities:
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC:
EN 55011 Class A Radiated and Conducted Emissions
EN 50081-1 Emissions:
EN 60555-2 AC Power Line Harmonic Emissions
EN 50082-1 Immunity:
IEC 801-2 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity
IEC 801-3 RF Electromagnetic Field Immunity
IEC 801-4 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity
IEC 801-5 Power Line Surge Immunity
“...conformity with the following standards:
following the provisions of the Directives of the Council of the
European Union:
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC: Amended by 93/68/EEC.”

PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual i
Table of Contents
General Safety Summary iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preface vii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product Description 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Procedure 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Basics 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Functional Overview 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making a Control Setting 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting the Output 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Protection Levels 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the OVP 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resetting the OVP 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the OCP 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Voltage and Current Limits 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Keypad to Set Limits 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Voltage and Current Steps 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Outputs 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Referencing Outputs to Ground 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Independent Operation 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master/Slave Operation 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enabling the Outputs 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sensing the Output Level 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storing and Recalling Settings 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storing a Setting 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recalling an Individual Setting 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storing and Recalling a Sequence of Settings 22. . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the GPIB Address 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A: Specifications 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B: Maintenance 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C: Replaceable Parts 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual
List of Figures
Figure 1: Changing the Line Voltage Setting 2. . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2: Replacing the Line Fuse 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3: Front Panel Features 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4: Rear Panel Features 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 5: SHIFT control 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 6: Isolated-Ground Connection 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 7: Examples of Independent Output Connections 13. .
Figure 8: Connecting Power Supplies in Series 14. . . . . . . . . .
Figure 9: Examples of External Series Connections 15. . . . . .
Figure 10: Connecting Power Supplies in Parallel 16. . . . . . . .
Figure 11: Examples of External Parallel Connections 17. . . .
Figure 12: Series-Tracking Operation 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 13: Parallel-Tracking Operation 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 14: Output On/Off Button 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 15: Connecting the Auxiliary Sense Inputs 21. . . . . . . .
List of Tables
Table 1: Maximum Output in Series and Para Modes 18. . . .
Table 2: Operating Characteristics 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3: Electrical Characteristics 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4: Environmental Characteristics 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 5: Physical Characteristics 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 6: Troubleshooting Steps 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 7: Error Messages 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 8: Standard Accessories 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 9: Optional Accessories 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 10: Accessory Power Cords 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual iii
General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent
damage to this product or any products connected to it.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
Injury Precautions
Use Proper Power Cord
To avoid fire hazard, use only the power cord specified for this
product.
Avoid Electric Overload
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not apply a voltage to a
terminal that is outside the range specified for that terminal.
Ground the Product
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must
be connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the
input or output terminals of the product, ensure that the product is
properly grounded.
Do Not Operate Without Covers
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not operate this product
with covers or panels removed.
Use Proper Fuse
To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse type and rating specified for
this product.

General Safety Summary
iv PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual
Do Not Operate in Wet/DampConditions
To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product in wet or damp
conditions.
Do Not Operate in Explosive Atmosphere
To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not operate this product in an
explosive atmosphere.
Avoid Exposed Circuitry
To avoid injury, remove jewelry such as rings, watches, and other
metallic objects. Do not touch exposed connections and components
when power is present.
Product Damage Precautions
Use Proper Power Source
Do not operate this product from a power source that applies more
than the voltage specified.
Use Proper Voltage Setting
Before applying power, ensure that the line selector is in the proper
position for the power source being used.
Provide Proper Ventilation
To prevent product overheating, provide proper ventilation.
Do Not Operate With SuspectedFailures
If you suspect there is damage to this product, have it inspected by
qualified service personnel.

General Safety Summary
PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual v
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms in This Manual
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the Product
These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you
read the marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as
you read the marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
Symbols on the Product
The following symbols may appear on the product:
DANGER
High Voltage Protective Ground (Earth)Terminal ATTENTION Referto
Manual
Double
Insulated

General Safety Summary
vi PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual
Certifications and Compliances
CSA Certified Power Cords
CSA Certification includes the products and power cords appropriate
for use in the North America power network. All other power cords
supplied are approved for the country of use.

PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual vii
Preface
This manual provides installation and operating instructions for the
PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521, and PS2521G Programmable Power
Supplies. The manual is organized as follows:
HGetting Started lists the product features, and describes how to
install the power supply.
HOperating Basics provides an overview of the front and rear
panel and details each operating task step by step. This section
also provides a practical example of each control setting.
HThe Appendices list product specifications and other reference
information.
Refer to the PS2520G and PS2521G Programmer Manual
(070-9197-XX) for information on how to set up and use the
PS2520G and PS2521G Programmable Power Supplies over the
IEEE-488 General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB).

Preface
viii PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual

PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual 1
Getting Started
This section describes the features of the PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521,
and PS2521G Programmable Power Supplies.
Be sure to set up your power supply using the installation instruc-
tions at the end of this section.
Product Description
The PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521, and PS2521G are programmable
DC power supplies. All four power supplies have the following
features:
HThree outputs allow independent, series, or parallel operation
HAutomatic series or parallel tracking
HEasy to set, push-button controls
HData entry using the keypad, up/down keys
HFour-digit displays for both voltage and current
HOvervoltage and overcurrent protection
HDisplay readouts for memory, output, and error code display
HPrecision digital-to-analog converter for high resolution
HHigh stability, low drift output
HMemory storage and recall
HAutomatic sequencing with timer
HDiagnostic self-test at power on
In addition, the PS2520G and PS2521G power supplies include a
GPIB interface that allows you to program and operate the power
supply from a remote location over the General Purpose Interface
Bus (GPIB).
For a complete list of specifications, refer to Appendix A: Specifica-
tions on page 27.

Getting Started
2PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual
Installation
Use the following installation procedure to properly configure and
turn on the power supply for the first time:
1. Check the line voltage setting on the rear panel. If the line
voltage setting does not match the line voltage of your area,
change the line voltage setting as shown in Figure 1.
Pry open cover with
flat-blade screwdriver.
Remove cam drum,
rotate to correct
selection, and reinsert.
Figure 1: Changing the Line Voltage Setting

Getting Started
PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual 3
CAUTION. To avoid damaging the instrument, make sure the line
voltage setting and fuse type match the line voltage of your area.
2. Identify the fuse and replace it if necessary with the type
specified in Appendix C: Replaceable Parts on page 37. See
Figure 2 to replace the fuse.
Pull fuse drawer out and
replace fuse.
Reinsert drawer and
close cover.
Figure 2: Replacing the Line Fuse
3. Place the power supply on a level surface. Leave at least 10 cm
(4 in) clearance around the cabinet for cooling.
4. Connect the power cord to the connector on the rear of the power
supply and plug the other end into a wall receptacle.

Getting Started
4PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual
5. Turn the power on. The display indicators will flash briefly. The
voltage and current readouts show the output settings. You should
also hear the cooling fan running whenever the power is on.
The power supply performs a diagnostic self test at power on. If the
diagnostic self test detects a problem, the unit displays an error code
number in the form “Err –xxx.” If you encounter an error code, refer
to Troubleshooting on page 32.
General Procedure
Use the following general procedure to connect one or more of the
power supply outputs to a load. This procedure allows you to use the
power supply safely. More information about each step is in
Operating Basics on page 5.
1. Turn the power supply off and remove any connections on the
outputs.
2. Turn the power supply on.
3. Select the output you want to configure. Refer to Selecting the
Output on page 7.
4. Set the protection levels for the selected output. Refer to Setting
the Protection Levels on page 8.
5. Set the voltage and current limit for the selected output. Refer to
Setting Voltage and Current Limits on page 9.
6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for the remaining outputs.
7. Turn the power supply supply off.
8. Connect the output(s) to the load(s). Refer to Connecting the
Outputs on page 11.
9. Turn the power supply on.
10.Enable the outputs. Refer to Enabling the Outputs on page 20.

PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual 5
Operating Basics
This section describes how to use the front panel controls and how to
make connections to the power supply.
Functional Overview
Figure 3 illustrates the front panel features of the PS2520, PS2520G,
PS2521, and PS2521G Programmable Power Supplies.
Memory Volts
readout
Amperes
readout
Power
switch Output connectors KeypadOutput
controls
Figure 3: Front Panel Features

Operating Basics
6PS2520, PS2520G, PS2521 & PS2521G User Manual
Figure 4 illustrates the rear panel features.
Power
connector
Linevoltage
setting
Sense
selector Fuse
access
Cooling
fan
GPIB
interface
(PS2520Gand
PS2521Gonly)
Power output and sense
input connectors
Figure 4: Rear Panel Features
Making a Control Setting
The front-panel controls allow you to set or program the amount of
voltage, current, and protection for each output. To make a control
setting you must press specific control buttons in the correct
sequence. To enter a number, for example, you must select the
function, enter the number, and then press return ( ). This manual
presents an entry sequence of this type in the following form:
Press (function) →(number) →(return )