Voltech DC1000A User manual

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 1
VOLTECH INSTRUMENTS
DC1000A Precision DC Bias Current Source
User Manual

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 2
Voltech DC1000A
Precision DC Current Source
User Manual
Thank you for choosing the Voltech DC1000A.
This DC current source should give you many years of reliable use.
Should you experience any difficulty during the set up or use of your Voltech product, please do not
hesitate to contact either your local supplier or one of our main offices.
www.voltech.com
 Voltech Instruments 2015. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form, or by means, electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise
without prior written permission of Voltech.
98-102 issue 3 - 14 JUN 2016
Voltech Instruments Ltd
66 Innovation Drive • Milton Park
Abingdon • Oxfordshire •
OX14 4RQ
UK
Phone [phone]
Email [e-mail]
Voltech Instruments Inc.
12851 Banyan Creek Drive
Fort Myers,
FL 33908
USA
Phone [phone]
Email [e-mail]

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1. WHAT IS THE DC1000A? .................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2. WHY USE A DC1000A FOR MY TESTING? ................................................................................................................ 6
1.3. WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.4. HEALTH & SAFETY .............................................................................................................................................. 9
1.4.1. Health and Safety – English ..................................................................................................................... 9
1.4.2. Hygiène et sécurité - Français ................................................................................................................ 10
1.4.3. Gesundheit und Sicherheit – Deutsch .................................................................................................... 11
1.4.4. Salud y Seguridad - Español ................................................................................................................... 12
1.4.5. Salute e sicurezza - Italiano ................................................................................................................... 13
1.4.6. Gezondheid en veiligheid - Nederlands ................................................................................................. 14
1.4.7. Sundhed og sikkerhed - Dansk ............................................................................................................... 15
1.4.8. Hälsa och säkerhet – Svenska ................................................................................................................ 16
1.4.9. Terveys ja turvallisuus – suomi .............................................................................................................. 17
1.4.10. Zdraví a bezpečnost – čeština ................................................................................................................ 18
1.4.11. Munkavédelem - Magyar ...................................................................................................................... 19
1.4.12. Bezpieczeństwo i higiena pracy - Polski ................................................................................................. 20
1.4.13. Sağlık ve Güvenlik Bilgileri - Türkçe ....................................................................................................... 21
1.5. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 22
1.5.1 Safety Precautions - English ...................................................................................................................... 22
1.5.2 Mesures de sécurité - Français ................................................................................................................. 22
1.5.3 Sicherheitsvorkehrungen – Deutsch ......................................................................................................... 23
1.5.4 Precauciones de Seguridad - Español ....................................................................................................... 23
1.5.5 Precauzioni di sicurezza - Italiano ............................................................................................................. 24
1.5.6 Veiligheidsvoorzorgen - Nederlands ......................................................................................................... 24
1.5.7 Sikkerhedsforanstaltninger - dansk .......................................................................................................... 25
1.5.8 Säkerhetsföreskrifter – svenska ................................................................................................................ 25
1.5.9 Varotoimenpiteet – suomi ........................................................................................................................ 26
1.5.10 Bezpečnostní opatření – čeština ............................................................................................................ 26
1.5.11 Biztonsági óvintézkedések - Magyar ..................................................................................................... 27
1.5.12 Środki ostrożności BHP - Polski .............................................................................................................. 27
1.5.13 Güvenlik Tedbirleri - Türkçe ................................................................................................................... 28
1.6. PACKAGE CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 29
1.7. ACCESSORIES ................................................................................................................................................... 30
2. GETTING STARTED ................................................................................................................................ 32
2.1. FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................ 32
2.2. REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................. 34
3. USING THE DC1000A WITH A LCR METER ............................................................................................... 36
3.1. CONNECTING MULTIPLE DC1000AS WITH A LCR METER ........................................................................................ 39
3.2. FACTORS TO CONSIDER TO INSURE PROPER MEASUREMENTS WITH A DC1000A AND LCR METER .................................. 41
3.3. CONNECTING A PC TO CONTROL A DC1000A AND LCR METER WITH RS232 ............................................................. 42
3.4. CONNECTING A PC TO CONTROL LCR METER WITH GPIB AND DC1000A WITH RS232 ............................................... 43
4. USING THE DC1000A WITH AN ATI TRANSFORMER TESTER ..................................................................... 44
4.1. CONNECTING THE DC1000A WITH AN ATI (NO PC) ............................................................................................... 44
4.2. CONNECTING MULTIPLE DC1000AS WITH AN ATI (NO PC) ..................................................................................... 45

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 4
5. USING THE DC1000A WITH AN AT5600 AND SAFETY SYSTEM .................................................................. 46
5.1. CONNECTING THE DC1000A WITH AN AT5600 AND SAFETY SYSTEM ........................................................................ 46
5.2. CONNECTING MULTIPLE DC1000A’S WITH AN AT5600 AND SAFETY SYSTEM ............................................................. 47
6. USING THE DC1000A WITH A VOLTECH AT5600 OR ATI AND PC .............................................................. 50
6.1. CONNECTING THE DC1000A WITH AN AT5600 OR ATI AND PC............................................................................... 50
6.2. AT COMPENSATION .......................................................................................................................................... 51
6.3. USING IR, HPDC, HPAC, DCRT, ACRT, DCVB, ACVB TESTS (HIGH VOLTAGE TESTS) ................................................ 52
6.4. USING ILK, SURG, MAGI, STRW, WATT, VOC TESTS ......................................................................................... 53
6.5. PROGRAMMING THE AT TESTS USING THE AT EDITOR ............................................................................................. 54
6.5.1. LSBX – Inductance with External Bias (Series Circuit) ............................................................................ 54
6.5.2. LPBX – Inductance with External Bias (Parallel Circuit) ......................................................................... 56
6.5.3. ZBX – Impedance with External Bias ..................................................................................................... 58
6.5.4. Editor – High Terminal Conflict .............................................................................................................. 60
7. RS232 COMMUNICATION...................................................................................................................... 61
7.1. PIN OUT ......................................................................................................................................................... 61
7.1. COMMANDS .................................................................................................................................................... 61
8. STATUS CODES ..................................................................................................................................... 65
8.1. ERROR CODES .................................................................................................................................................. 65
8.2. CORRECTING STATUS CODE ERRORS ..................................................................................................................... 65
9. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 67
9.1. ACCURACY ....................................................................................................................................................... 67
9.2. POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE ................................................................................................................................... 68
9.3. ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 68
9.4. DIMENSIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 68
9.5. INTERFACES ..................................................................................................................................................... 68
9.6. SAFETY INTERLOCK ............................................................................................................................................ 68
9.7. VARIABLE SPEED COOLING FAN ........................................................................................................................... 68
10. SERVICE AND CALIBRATION .................................................................................................................. 69
11. APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................ 70
11.1. HP4284A MEASUREMENT COMPENSATION WITH A DC1000A ................................................................................ 70
11.2. THE DC1000A - HOW IT WORKS........................................................................................................................ 72
11.2.1. Basic Theory .......................................................................................................................................... 72
11.2.2. Causes of Error ...................................................................................................................................... 72
11.2.3. The Solution ........................................................................................................................................... 75
11.2.4. Advantages ............................................................................................................................................ 77
12. SAFETY AND EMC COMPLIANCE ............................................................................................................ 78

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 5

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 6
1. Introduction
1.1. What is the DC1000A?
The DC1000A is a DC Bias current source that can generate between 0 and 25A. Up to
twenty (20) DC1000A’s can simply be joined together in parallel to produce up to 500A.
The DC1000A can be used with almost any LCR meter and with the AT-series
transformer testers – these products have specific programs for testing using the
DC1000A (LPBX, LSBX, and ZBX).
1.2. Why use a DC1000A for my testing?
The DC1000A is used to characterize wound components that are intended for use in
high current DC power supplies and DC-to-DC converters.
It is used to apply a DC current through the component to be tested, allowing an LCR
meter or Voltech AT-series product to measure the inductance of the component while
the DC bias current is applied.
Unlike a regular DC power supply; the DC1000A minimizes the load (and hence any
measurement errors) on the measuring instrument without the need for additional output
inductors. Regular loading would cause gross errors in the measurement and severely
limit the possible test signal amplitude.
It also maintains an accurate current under variable resistive loads so regular
adjustments are not required.
Additionally, unlike other DC Bias sources from other manufacturers, the Voltech
DC1000A can be used with almost any LCR meter, making it unique amongst all DC
Bias Current Sources. Our patented technique allows the DC1000A to constantly
monitor and trim the current applied, regardless of the LCR model used, making it truly
universal.
This provides the fastest and most reliable DC current testing solution.

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 7
1.3. Warranty
The product is warranted free from material defects in workmanship and/or materials
at the time of delivery to the Customer and that for a period of one year (12 months)
from such time Voltech will repair or replace any Product which does not comply with
this warranty PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT the Company’s liability under this
warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement of affected Products and is
conditional upon the Customer:-
1. Notifying the Company promptly of any such material defect and in any
event within such period of one year;
2. Returning to the Company the affected Products properly and adequately
packed, carriage or postpaid, within fourteen days of such notification;
3. Having ensured that the Products have not been tampered with, repaired,
modified or altered in any way; and
4. Ensuring that the Products are protected from harm or otherwise properly
cared for and are retained in the possession of the Purchaser.
In the event of a failure as above Voltech will
1. At it’s discretion, repair or replace the faulty unit free-of-charge for a unit
returned to an authorized service center
2. Pay all return shipment charges from the Voltech service center to the
customer.
3. Re-calibrate the unit before dispatch. A certificate of calibration will be issued
as a matter of course.

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 8
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from unauthorized modification
or misuse, or operation outside specification of instrument. No other warranty is expressed
or implied.
Whilst every care has been taken in compiling the information in this publication Voltech
Instruments cannot accept legal liability for any inaccuracies contained herein. Voltech
Instruments has an intensive program of design and development which may well alter
product specification, and reserve the right to alter specification without notice and
whenever necessary to ensure optimum performance from its product range.
It shall be deemed to exclude all other warranties and conditions whether express or
implied and whether arising by common law statute or otherwise.
Voltech reserve the right to waive this benefit in any event where it is clear upon
inspection that the cause of the failure is due to customer misuse.
Voltech will be the sole arbiter in these circumstances.
Because software is inherently complex and may not be completely free of errors, you are
advised to verify your work. In no event will Voltech be liable for direct, indirect, special,
incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of or inability to use software
or documentation, even if advised of the possibility of such damage. In particular, Voltech
is not responsible for any lost profits or revenue, loss of use of software, loss of data, cost
of substitute software, claims by third parties, or for other similar costs. In no case shall
Voltech's liability exceed the amount of the license fee.
Current Full terms of business can be viewed on Voltech’s website (www.voltech.com) by
selecting “Terms of Business’ at the bottom of the home page

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 9
1.4. Health & Safety
1.4.1. Health and Safety – English
Electrical devices can constitute a safety hazard.
It is the responsibility of the user to ensure the compliance of the installation with
any local acts or bylaws in force.
Only qualified personnel should install this equipment, after reading and
understanding this user’s manual.
These operating instructions should be adhered to. If in any doubt, please contact
your supplier.
PLEASE NOTE:
This equipment is supplied under warranty conditions in
force at the time of purchase from your supplier.
Contact your supplier for details. Any attempt to disable or
modify the unit will render any warranty agreement invalid.
The contents of this user manual are believed to be
accurate at the time of printing. The manufacturer, however,
reserves the right to change the content, product
specification, and performance criteria without notice.
No liability is accepted for the inappropriate, negligent, or incorrect set-up of the
instrument by the user, either by manual or automated means.
CHECK YOUR LINE INPUT VOLTAGE SETTING BEFORE
CONNECTING TO SUPPLY.
A Use a flat-headed screwdriver to pull the fuse drawer
out.
B: Rotate the gray voltage selector to select the correct
voltage for your location

DC1000A User Manual (98-102 issue 3) 10
1.4.2. Hygiène et sécurité - Français
Les appareils électriques peuvent constituer un danger pour la sécurité.
Il incombe à l'utilisateur de vérifier la conformité de l'installation aux lois locales
ou arrêtés municipaux en vigueur.
Seul le personnel qualifié doit installer cet équipement, après avoir lu et assimilé
le manuel de l'utilisateur.
Ces consignes d'utilisation doivent être suivies. En cas de doute, veuillez
contacter votre fournisseur.
REMARQUE :
Cet équipement est fourni dans les conditions de garantie
en vigueur au moment de l'achat auprès de votre
fournisseur.
Pour toutes précisions, contactez votre fournisseur. Toute
tentative de désactiver ou de modifier l'appareil annulera le
contrat de garantie.
Le contenu de ce manuel de l'utilisateur est censé être exact au moment de l'impression.
Toutefois, le fabricant se réserve le droit de modifier le contenu, les caractéristiques du
produit ainsi que les critères de performance sans préavis.
Voltech décline toute responsabilité quant à l'installation inappropriée, négligente ou
incorrecte de l'instrument par l'utilisateur, par des moyens manuels ou automatisés.
VÉRIFIEZ LA TENSION D'ENTRÉE DE VOTRE LIGNE AVANT DE
BRANCHER L'APPAREIL SUR L'ALIMENTATION.
A Utilisez un tournevis à lame plate afin de sortir le
tiroir du fusible.
B: Faites tourner le sélecteur de tensions gris afin de
sélectionner la tension appropriée à votre site.