Agilent Technologies Video Gaming Accessories E3633A User Manual

User’s Guide  
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The Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A are high performance 200 watt single-  
output dual range programmable DC power supplies with both GPIB and RS-  
232 interfaces. The combination of bench-top and system features in these  
power supplies provides versatile solutions for your design and test  
requirements.  
Convenient bench-top features  
• Single-output dual range  
• Easy-to-use knob control settings  
• Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent display meters  
• High accuracy and high resolution  
• Remote voltage sensing  
• Overvoltage and overcurrent protection  
• Output on/off  
• Excellent load and line regulation and low ripple and noise  
• Operating states storage  
• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet  
• Front and Rear output terminals  
• Retrieving/Scrolling error messages on the display  
Flexible system features  
• GPIB (IEEE-488) and RS-232 interfaces are standard  
• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility  
• I/O setup easily done from front-panel  
• Software calibration, no internal adjustments required  
Agilent E3633A and E3634A  
DC Power Supplies  
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The Front Panel at a Glance  
1 8V/20A range selection key (E3633A)  
25V/7A range selection key (E3634A)  
2 20V/10A range selection key (E3633A)  
50V/4A range selection key (E3634A)  
3 Overvoltage protection key  
7 Store operating state/Local key  
8 Error/Calibrate key  
9 I/O Configuration/Secure key  
10 Output On/Off key  
11 Control knob  
4 Overcurrent protection key  
5 Display limit key  
6 Recall operating state key  
12 Resolution selection keys  
13 Voltage/current adjust selection key  
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1 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range selection key Selects the 8V/20A or 25V/7A  
range and allows the full rated output to 8V/20A or 25V/7A.  
2 20V/10A* or 50V/4A** range selection key Selects the 20V/10A or  
50V/4A range and allows the full rated output to 20V/10A or 50V/4A.  
3 Overvoltage protection key Enables or disables the overvoltage protection  
function, sets trip voltage level, and clears the overvoltage condition.  
4 Overcurrent protection key Enables or disables the overcurrent protection  
function, sets trip current level, and clears the overcurrent condition.  
5 Display limit key Shows voltage and current limit values on the display and  
allows knob adjustment for setting limit values.  
6 Recall operating state key Recalls a previously stored operating state from  
location ‘‘1’’, ‘‘2’’, or ‘‘3’’.  
7 Store operating state / Local key1 Stores an operating state in location ‘‘1’’,  
‘‘2’’, or ‘‘3’’ / or returns the power supply to local mode from remote interface  
mode.  
8 Error / Calibrate key2 Displays error codes generated during operation, self-  
test and calibration / or enables calibration mode (the power supply must be  
unsecured before performing calibration). See Service Guide for more details  
on calibration.  
9 I/O Configuration / Secure key3 Configures the power supply for remote  
interfaces / or secure or unsecure the power supply for calibration. See  
Service Guidefor more detailson how to secure or unsecure the power supply.  
10 Output On/Off key Enables or disables the power supply output. This key  
toggles between on and off.  
11 Control knob Increases or decreases the value of the blinking digit by turning  
clockwise or counter clockwise.  
12 Resolution selection keys Move the blinking digit to the right or left.  
13 Voltage/current adjust selection key Selects the knob control function for  
voltage or current adjustment.  
1The key can be used as the ‘‘Local’’ key when the power supply is in the remote  
interface mode.  
2You can enable the ‘‘calibration mode’’ by holding down this key when you  
turn on the power supply.  
3You can use it as the ‘‘Secure’’ or ‘‘Unsecure’’ key when the power supply is  
in the calibration mode.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
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Front-Panel Voltage and Current Limit Settings  
You can set the voltage and current limit values from the front panel using the  
following method.  
Use the voltage/current adjust selection key, the resolution selection keys,  
and the control knob to change the voltage and current limit values.  
1 Select the desired range using the range selection keys after turning on the  
power supply.  
Display  
Limit  
2 Press the  
key to show the limit values on the display.  
3 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution  
selection keys and change the blinking digit value to the desired voltage limit  
Display  
Limit  
by turning the control knob. If the display limit times out, press the  
again.  
key  
Voltage  
Current  
4 Set the knob to current control mode by pressing the  
key.  
5 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution  
selection keys and change the blinking digit value to the desired current limit  
by turning the control knob.  
Output  
6 Press the  
will go to output monitoring mode automatically to display the voltage and  
key to enable the output. After about 5 seconds, the display  
On/Off  
current at the output or the display will go to output monitoring mode  
immediately by pressing the  
Output  
On/Off  
key again.  
N o t e  
All front panel keys and controls can be disabled with remote interface commands.  
The Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A must be in "Local" mode for the front panel  
keys and controls to function.  
4
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Display Annunciators  
Adrs  
Rmt  
8V  
Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.  
Power supply is in remote interface mode.  
Shows the 8V/20A range is selected. (Agilent E3633A model)  
Shows the 20V/10A range is selected. (Agilent E3633A model)  
Shows the 25V/7A range is selected. (Agilent E3634A model)  
Shows the 50V/4A range is selected. (Agilent E3634A model)  
20V  
25V  
50V  
OVP  
The overvoltage protection function is enabled when the  
annunciator turns on or the overvoltage protection circuit has  
caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.  
OCP  
The overcurrent protection function is enabled when the  
annunciator turns on or the overcurrent protection circuit has  
caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.  
CAL  
The power supply is in calibration mode.  
Limit  
The display shows the limit values of voltage and current.  
ERROR Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected and  
the error bit has not been cleared.  
OFF  
The output of the power supply is disabled (See page 52 for more  
information).  
Unreg  
The output of the power supply is unregulated (output is neither CV  
nor CC).  
CV  
CC  
The power supply is in constant voltage mode.  
The power supply is in constant current mode.  
Display  
Limit  
To review the display annunciators, hold down  
the power supply.  
key as you turn on  
5
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The Rear Panel at a Glance  
1 Power-line voltage setting 5 GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector  
2 Power-line fuse-holder assembly 6 RS-232 interface connector  
3 AC inlet  
4 Power-line module  
7 Rear output terminals  
I/O  
Config  
Use the front-panel  
key to:  
• Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see chapter 3).  
• Set the GPIB bus address (see chapter 3).  
• Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see chapter 3).  
6
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In This Book  
General Information Chapter 1 contains a general description of your  
powersupply. This chapteralso providesinstructionsfor checkingyourpower  
supply, connecting to ac power, and selecting power-line voltage.  
Initial Operation Chapter 2 ensures that the power supply develops its rated  
outputs and properly responds to operation from the front panel.  
Front-Panel Operation Chapter 3 describes in detail the use of front-panel  
keys and how they are used to operate the power supply from the front panel.  
This chapter also shows how to configure the power supply for the remote  
interface and gives a brief introduction to the calibration features.  
Remote Interface Reference Chapter 4 contains reference information to  
help you program the power supply over the remote interface. This chapter  
also explains how to program for status reporting.  
Error Messages Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear as you  
are working with the power supply. Each listing contains information to help  
you diagnose and solve the problem.  
Application Programs Chapter 6 contains some remote interface  
applications to help you develop programs for your application.  
Tutorial Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linearpower supplies and  
gives specific details on the operation and use of the Agilent E3633A and  
Agilent E3634A power supplies.  
Specifications Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.  
If you have questions relating to the operation of the power supply, call  
1-800-452-4844 in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent  
Technologies Sales Office.  
If your Agilent E3633A or Agilent E3634A fails within three years of purchase,  
Agilent will repair or replace it free of charge. Call 1-800-258-5165 ("Express  
Exchange") in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent Technologies  
Sales Office.  
7
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Contents  
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Contents  
Using the APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 80  
Using the APPLy Command- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 83  
10  
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Contents  
What is an Event Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 102  
What is an Enable Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 102  
Using the MIN and MAX Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 115  
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1
General Information  
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General Information  
This is the User’s guide for your Agilent E3633A and E3634A DC power  
supplies. Unless otherwise stated, the information in this manual applies to  
both two models.  
This chapter provides a general description of your power supply. This chapter  
also contains instructions for initial inspection, location and cooling for bench  
and rack operation, selecting the power-line voltage, and connecting your  
power supply to ac power.  
Safety Considerations  
This power supply is a Safety Class I instrument, which means that it has a  
protective earth terminal. That terminal must be connected to earth ground  
through a power source with a 3-wire ground receptacle.  
Before installation or operation, check the power supply and review this  
manual for safety markings and instructions. Safety information for specific  
procedures is located at the appropriate places in this manual. See also  
‘‘Safety’’ at the beginning of this manual for general safety information.  
Safety and EMC Requirements  
This power supply is designed to comply with the following safety and EMC  
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) requirements:  
• IEC 1010-1(1990)/EN 61010-1(1993) + A2 (1995): Safety Requirements for  
Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use  
• CSA C22.2 No.1010.1-92: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for  
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use  
• EN50082-1(1992):  
IEC 1000-4-2(1995): Electrostatic Discharge Requirements  
IEC 1000-4-3(1995): Radiated Electromagnetic Field Requirements  
IEC 1000-4-4(1995): Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Requirements  
EN61000-4-5(1995): Surge Requirements  
EN61000-4-6(1995): Conducted Radio Frequency Immunity Requirements  
EN61000-4-8(1993): Magnetic Field Requirements  
EN61000-4-11(1994): Voltage dips, short, interruption and var Requirement  
• Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC  
• EMC Directive 89/336/EEC  
14  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Options and Accessories  
1
• EN 55011(1991) Group 1, Class A/CISPR 11(1990): Limits and Methods of  
Radio Interference Characteristics of Industrial, Scientific, and Medical  
(ISM) Radio - Frequency Equipment  
Options and Accessories  
Options  
Option ‘‘0E3’’ and ‘‘0E9’’ determine which power-line voltage is selected at the  
factory. The standard unit is configured for 115 Vac 10%, 47-63 Hz input  
voltage. For more information about changing the power-line voltage setting,  
Option Description  
0E3  
0E9  
1CM  
910  
230 Vac 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage  
100 Vac 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage  
Rack mount kit (Agilent part number 5063-9243)  
Extra manual set (same language as the selected language manual  
set when you order the power supply)*  
Accessories  
The accessories listed below may be ordered from your local Agilent  
Technologies Sales Office either with the power supply or separately.  
Agilent No. Description  
10833A  
10833B  
34398A  
GPIB cable, 1 m (3.3 ft.)  
GPIB cable, 2 m (6.6 ft.)  
RS-232, 9 pin (f) to 9 pin (f), 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) cable; plus 9 pin (m) to  
25 pin (f) adapter  
34399A  
RS-232 adapter kit (contains 4 adapters):  
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with PC or printer  
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (f) for use with PC or printer  
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with modem  
9 pin (m) to 9 pin (m) for use with modem  
*To order a separate set of English User’s guide and Service guide, order  
Agilent part number E3634-90000.  
15  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Description  
Description  
The Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A DC power supplies feature a  
combination of programming capabilities and linear power supply  
performancethatmakesthemidealforpowersystemsapplications.Thepower  
supply is programmable locally from the front panel or remotely over the GPIB  
and RS-232 interfaces. This power supply has two ranges, allowing more  
voltage at a lower current. An output range needed is selected from the front  
panel or over the remote interfaces.  
Operational features include:  
• Dual range of single-output: 8V/20A and 20V/10A (Agilent E3633A),  
25V/7A and 50V/4A (Agilent E3634A)  
• Constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) operation  
• Overvoltage protection (OVP) and overcurrent protection (OCP)  
• Three storage locations (1 to 3) for user-defined operating states  
• Automatic turn-on self-test  
• Remote sensing for load voltage at the front or rear panel terminals  
• User calibration from the front panel or over the remote interfaces  
The front panel operation permits:  
• Easy-to-use of knob control  
• Output range selection  
• Enabling or disabling OVP and OCP features  
• Setting the OVP and OCP trip levels  
• Clearing OVP and OCP conditions  
• Setting and displaying the voltage and current limit values  
• Saving and recalling operating states  
• Returning the power supply to local mode from remote interface mode  
• Retrieving/Scrolling error messages on the display  
• Calibrating the power supply, including changing the calibration secure  
code  
• Configuring the power supply for remote interfaces  
• Enabling or disabling the output  
16  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Description  
1
When operated over the remote interface, the power supply can be both a  
listener and a talker. Using an external controller, you can instruct the power  
supply to set the output and to send the status data back over the GPIB or  
RS-232. Capabilities include the following features:  
• Voltage and current programming  
• Voltage and current readback  
• Present and stored status readback  
• Programming syntax error detection  
• Complete self-test  
The front-panel VFD (Vacuum-Fluorescent Display) includes:  
• Displaying actual values of output voltage and current (meter mode)  
• Or displaying the limit values of voltage and current (limit mode)  
• Checking the operating status from the annunciators  
• Checking the type of error from the error codes (messages)  
Connections to the power supply’s output and to chassis ground are made to  
binding posts on the front panel and to the rear output terminals.  
W a r n i n g  
Floating the power supply output more than 60 Vdc from the chassis presents an  
electric shock hazard to the operator. Do not float the outputs more than 60 Vdc  
when metal shorting bars without insulation are used to connect the (+) output to the  
(+) sense and the (-) output to the (-) sense terminals.  
17  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Description  
W a r n i n g  
Outputs can be floated to maximum of 240 Vdc provided that the metal shorting bars  
without insulation are either replaced with insulated conductors or they are removed  
from the terminals so there is no operator access to the output conductors without  
insulation. All field wiring insulation must be adequate for the voltage present.  
The power supply is shipped with a detachable, 3-wire grounding type power  
cord. The ac line fuse is an extractor type on the rear panel. The power supply  
can be calibrated from the front panel directly or with a controller over the  
GPIB or RS-232 interface using calibration commands. Correction factors are  
stored in nonvolatile memory and are used during output programming.  
Calibration from the front panel or a controller eliminate the need to remove  
the top cover or even the need to remove the power supply from your system  
cabinet. You can guard against unauthorized calibration by using the “Secured”  
calibration protection function.  
18  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Installation  
1
Installation  
Initial Inspection  
When you receive your power supply, inspect it for any obvious damage that  
may have occurred during shipment. If any damage is found, notify the carrier  
and the nearest Agilent Sales Office immediately. Warranty information is  
shown in the front of this manual.  
Keep the original packing materials in case the power supply hasto be returned  
toAgilentTechnologiesinthe future. Ifyoureturnthe powersupply forservice,  
attach a tag identifying the owner and model number. Also include a brief  
description of the problem.  
Mechanical Check  
This check confirms that there are no broken keys or knob, that the cabinet  
and panel surfaces are free of dents and scratches, and that the display is not  
scratched or cracked.  
Electrical Check  
Chapter 2 describes an initial operation procedure which, when successfully  
completed, verifies to a high level of confidence that the power supply is  
operating in accordance with its specifications. Detailed electrical verification  
procedures are included in the Service Guide.  
Cooling and Location  
Cooling  
The power supply can operate without loss of performance within the  
temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C, and with derated output current from  
40 °C to 55 °C. A fan cools the power supply by drawing air through the rear  
panel and exhausting it out the sides. Using an Agilent rack mount will not  
impede the flow of air.  
Bench Operation  
Your power supply must be installed in a location that allows sufficient space  
at the sides and rear of the power supply for adequate air circulation. The  
rubber bumpers must be removed for rack mounting.  
19  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Installation  
Rack Mounting  
The power supply can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using one  
of three optional kits available. A rack-mounting kit for a single instrument is  
available as Option 1CM (P/N 5063-9243). Installation instructions and  
hardware are included with each rack-mounting kit. Any Agilent System II  
instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside the Agilent E3633A  
or E3634A DC power supply.  
Remove the front and rear bumpers before rack-mounting the power supply.  
To remove the rubber bumper, stretch a corner and then slide it off.  
To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9243.  
20  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Installation  
1
To rack mount two instrument side-by-side, order lock-link kit 5061-9694  
and flange kit 5063-9214.  
To install one or two instruments in a sliding support shelf, order shelf  
5063-9256, and slide kit 1494-0015.  
21  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Input Power Requirements  
Input Power Requirements  
You can operate your power supply from a nominal 100 V, 115 V, or 230 V single  
phase ac power source at 47 to 63 Hz. An indication on the rear panel shows  
the nominal input voltage set for the power supply at the factory. If necessary,  
you can change the power-line voltage setting according to the instructions on  
the next page.  
Power-Line Cord  
The power supply is shipped from the factory with a power-line cord that has  
a plug appropriate for your location. Contact the nearest Agilent Sales and  
Service Office ifthe wrong power-line cord isincluded with your power supply.  
Your power supply is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type power cord; the  
third conductor being the ground. The power supply is grounded only when  
the power-line cord is plugged into an appropriate receptacle. Do not operate  
your power supply without adequate cabinet ground connection.  
Power-Line Voltage Selection  
Power-line voltage selection is accomplished by adjusting two components:  
power-line voltage selector and power-line fuse on the power-line module of  
the rear panel. To change the power-line voltage, proceed as follows:  
22  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Input Power Requirements  
1
1 Remove the power cord. Remove the  
fuse-holder assembly with a flat-blade  
screwdriver from the rear panel.  
2 Install the correct line fuse. Remove  
the power-line voltage selector from the  
power-line module.  
100 or 115 Vac, 6.3 AT fuse  
230 Vac, 3.15 AT fuse  
4 Replace the power-line voltage selector  
and the fuse-holder assembly in the rear  
panel.  
3 Rotate the power-line voltage selector  
until the correct voltage appears.  
100, 115, or 230 Vac  
23  
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Chapter 1 General Information  
Input Power Requirements  
24  
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2
Initial Operation  
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Initial Operation  
There are three basic tests in this chapter. The automatic power-on test  
includes a self-test that checks the internal microprocessors and allows the  
user visually to check the display. The output check ensures that the power  
supply develops its rated outputs and properly responds to operation from the  
front panel. For complete performance and/or verification tests, refer to the  
Service Guide.  
This chapter is intended for both the experienced and the inexperienced user  
because it calls attention to certain checks that should be made prior to  
operation.  
Throughout this chapter the key to be pressed is shown in the left margin.  
26  
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Chapter 2 Initial Operation  
Preliminary Checkout  
Preliminary Checkout  
The following steps help you verify that the power supply is ready for use.  
1 Check the list of supplied items.  
2
Verify that you have received the following items with your power supply. If  
anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office.  
One power cord for your location.  
This User’s Guide.  
One Service Guide.  
Certificate of Calibration.  
2 Verify the power-line voltage setting on the rear panel.  
The power-line voltage is set to the proper value for your country when the  
power supply is shipped from the factory. Change the voltage setting if it is not  
correct. The settings are: 100, 115, or 230 Vac.  
3 Verify that the correct power-line fuse is installed.  
The correct fuse is installed for your country when the power supply is shipped  
from the factory. For 100 or 115 Vac operation, you must use a 6.3 AT fuse. For  
230 Vac operation, you must use a 3.15 AT fuse.  
4 Connect the power-line cord and turn on your power supply.  
The front-panel display will light up and a power-on self-test occurs  
automatically when you turn on the power supply.  
need to change the power-line voltage or the power-line fuse.  
To replace the 6.3 AT fuse, order Agilent part number 2110-1030.  
To replace the 3.15 AT fuse, order Agilent part number 2110-1031.  
27  
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Chapter 2 Initial Operation  
Power-On Checkout  
Power-On Checkout  
The power-on test includes an automatic self-test that checks the internal  
microprocessors and allows the user visually to check the display. You will  
observe the following sequence on the display after pressing the front panel  
power switch to on.  
1 The front-panel display will light up briefly while the instrument  
performs its power-on self-test.  
To review the power-on display with all annunciators turned on, hold down  
Display  
key as you turn on the power supply.  
Limit  
2 The GPIB address or RS-232 is also displayed for about one second.  
ADDR 05 (or RS-232)  
The GPIB address is set to ‘‘5’’ when the power supply is shipped from the  
factory for remote interface configuration. If this is not the first time the power  
supply is turned on, a different interface (RS-232) or a different GPIB address  
may appear.  
need to change the remote interface configuration.  
3 The 8V”* or “25V”**, “OVP”, “OCP” and “OFF” annunciators are on.  
All others are off.  
The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled  
(the OFF annunciator turns on); the 8/20A* or 25V/7A** range is selected (the  
8V* or 25V** annunciator turns on); and the knob is selected for voltage  
control. Notice that the OVP and OCP annunciator also turn on.  
Output  
On/Off  
4 Enable the outputs.  
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 8V* or 25V**, OVP, OCP, and CV  
annunciators are lit. The blinking digit can be adjusted by turning the knob.  
Notice that the display is in the meter mode. ‘‘Meter mode’’ means that the  
display shows the actual output voltage and current.  
N o t e  
If the power supply detects an error during power-on self-test, the ERROR  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
28  
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Chapter 2 Initial Operation  
Output Checkout  
Output Checkout  
The following procedures check to ensure that the power supply develops its  
rated outputs and properly responds to operation from the front panel. For  
complete performance and verification tests, refer to the Service Guide.  
2
For each step, use the keys shown on the left margins.  
Voltage Output Checkout  
The following steps verify basic voltage functions with no load.  
Power  
1 Turn on the power supply.  
The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled  
(the OFF annunciator turns on); the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range is selected (the  
8V* or 25V** annunciator turns on); and the knob is selected for voltage  
control.  
Output  
On/Off  
2 Enable the outputs.  
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 8V* or 25V**, OVP, OCP, and CV  
annunciators are lit. The blinking digit can be adjusted by turning the knob.  
Notice that the display is in the meter mode. ‘‘Meter mode’’ means that the  
display shows the actual output voltage and current.  
3 Check that the front-panel voltmeter properly responds to knob  
control for the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range.  
Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise to check that the voltmeter  
responds to knob control and the ammeter indicates nearly zero.  
1
4 Ensure that the voltage can be adjusted from zero to the full rated  
value.  
Adjust the knob until the voltmeter indicates 0 volts and then adjust the knob  
until the voltmeter indicates ‘‘8.0 volts’’* or ‘‘25.0 volts’’**  
1You can use the resolution selection keys to move the blinking digit to the  
right or left when setting the voltage.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
29  
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Chapter 2 Initial Operation  
Output Checkout  
Current Output Checkout  
The following steps check basic current functions with a short across the  
power supply’s output.  
Power  
1 Turn on the power supply.  
The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled  
(the OFF annunciator turns on); the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range is selected (the  
8V* or 25V** annunciator turns on); and the knob is selected for voltage  
control.  
2 Connect a short across (+) and (-) output terminals with an insulated  
test lead.  
Use a wire size sufficient to handle the maximum current (See "Table 7-1 Wire  
Output  
On/Off  
3 Enable the output.  
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 8V* or 25V**, OVP, and OCP  
annunciators are lit. The CV or CC annunciator turns on depending on the  
resistance of the test lead. The blinking digit can be adjusted by turning the  
knob. Notice that the display is in the meter mode. ‘‘Meter mode’’ means that  
the display shows the actual output voltage and current.  
Display  
Limit  
4 Adjust the voltage limit value to 1.0 volt.  
Set the display to the limit mode (theLimit annunciator will be blinking). Adjust  
the voltage limit to 1.0 volt to assure CC operation. The CC annunciator will  
turn on. To go back to normal mode, press the Display key again or let the display  
time out for several seconds .  
Limit  
Voltage  
Current  
5 Set the knob to the current control to check that the front-panel  
ammeter properly responds to knob control.  
Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise when the display is in the meter  
mode (the Limit annunciator is off). Check that the ammeter responds to knob  
control and the voltmeter indicates nearly zero (the voltmeter will show the  
voltage drop caused by the test lead).  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
30  
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Chapter 2 Initial Operation  
Output Checkout  
1
6 Ensure that the current can be adjusted from zero to the full rated  
value.  
Adjust the knob until the ammeter indicates 0 amps and then until the ammeter  
indicates 20.0 amps* or 7.0 amps**.  
2
7 Turn off the power supply and remove the short from the output.  
1You can use the resolution selection keys to move the blinking digit to the  
right or left when setting the current.  
N o t e  
If an error has been detected during the output checkout procedures, the ERROR  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
31  
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Chapter 2 Initial Operation  
Output Checkout  
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3
Front-Panel Operation  
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Front-Panel Operation  
So far you have learned how to install your power supply and perform initial  
operation. During the initial operation, you were briefly introduced to  
operating from the front panel as you learned how to check basic voltage and  
current functions. This chapter will describe in detail the use of these front-  
panel keys and show how they are used to accomplish power supply operation.  
• Front-Panel Operation Overview, on page 35  
• Constant Voltage Operation, starting on page 36  
• Constant Current Operation, starting on page 38  
• Storing and Recalling Operating States, starting on page 40  
• Programming Overvoltage Protection, starting on page 42  
• Programming Overcurrent Protection, starting on page 46  
• Remote Voltage Sensing at the front and rear panel, starting on page 49  
• Disabling the Output, on page 52  
• Disabling the Output Using an External Relay, on page 53  
• Knob Locking, on page 53  
• System-Related Operations, starting on page 54  
• Remote Interface Configuration, starting on page 58  
• GPIB Interface Configuration, on page 63  
• RS-232 Interface Configuration, starting on page 64  
• Calibration Overview, starting on page 68  
Throughout this chapter the key to be pressed is shown in the left margin.  
N o t e  
during front-panel operation.  
34  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Front-Panel Operation Overview  
Front-Panel Operation Overview  
The following section describes an overview of the front-panel keys before  
operating your power supply.  
• The power supply is shipped from the factory configured in the front-panel  
operation mode. At power-on, the power supply is automatically set to  
operate in the front-panel operation mode. When in this mode, the front-  
panelkeyscanbe used. Whenthepowersupplyisinremoteoperationmode,  
you can return to front-panel operation mode at any time by pressing the  
Store  
(Local) key if you did not previously send the front-panel lockout  
command. A change between front-panel and remote operation modes will  
not result in a change in the output parameters.  
Local  
3
• The power supply has two output ranges. This feature allows more voltage  
at a lower current or more current at a lower voltage. The desired output  
range is selected from the front panel or over the remote interfaces. The 8V  
or 20V for the E3633A and 25V or 50V for the E3634A annunciator indicates  
the presently selected range.  
Display  
Limit  
• When you press key (the Limit annunciator blinks), the display of the  
power supply goes to the limit mode and the present limit values will be  
displayed. In this mode, you can also observe the change of the limit values  
when adjusting the knob. If you press the  
Display  
Limit  
key again or let the display  
time-out after several seconds, the power supply will return the display to  
the meter mode (the Limit annunciator turns off). In this mode, the actual  
output voltage and current will be displayed.  
• The output of the power supply can be enabled or disabled from the front  
panel by pressing key. When the output is off, the OFF annunciator  
turns on and the output is disabled.  
Output  
On/Off  
• The display provides the present operating status of the power supply with  
annunciators and also informs the user of error codes. For example, the  
power supply is operating in CV mode in the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range and  
controlled from the front panel, then the CV and 8V* or 25V** annunciators  
will turn on. If, however, the power supply is remotely controlled, the Rmt  
annunciator will also turnon, and whenthe power supply is being addressed  
over GPIB interface, the Adrs annunciator will turn on. See “Display  
Annunciators’ on page 5 for more information.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
35  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Constant Voltage Operation  
Constant Voltage Operation  
To set up the power supply for constant voltage (CV) operation, proceed as  
follows.  
• Front-panel operation:  
1 Connect a load to the output terminals.  
With power-off, connect a load to the (+) and (-) output terminals.  
Power  
2 Turn on the power supply.  
The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled  
(the OFF annunciator turns on); the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range is selected (the  
8V* or25V**annunciator turns on);and the knob is selectedfor voltagecontrol.  
50V,4A  
Press 20V,10A * or  
50V/4A** range before proceeding to the next step. The 20V* or 50V**  
** key to operate the power supply in the 20V/10A* or  
annunciator turns on.  
Display  
Limit  
3 Set the display to the limit mode.  
Notice that the Limit annunciator blinks, indicating that the display is in the  
limit mode. When the display is in the limit mode, you can see the voltage and  
current limit values of the power supply.  
In constant voltage mode, the voltage values between the meter and  
limit modes are the same, but the current values are not. Moreover, if the  
display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the change of current limit  
value when adjusting the knob. We recommend that you should set the  
display to “limit” mode to see the change of current limit value in the  
constant voltage mode whenever adjusting the knob.  
1
Voltage  
Current  
4 Adjust the knob for the desired current limit.  
Check that the Limit annunciator still blinks. Set the knob forcurrent control.  
The second digit of the ammeter will be blinking. The blinking digit can be  
changed using the resolution selection keys and the blinking digit can be  
adjusted by turning the knob. Adjust the knob to the desired current limit.  
1You can use the resolution selection keys to move the blinking digit to the  
right or left when setting current.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
36  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Constant Voltage Operation  
1
Voltage  
Current  
5 Adjust the knob for the desired output voltage.  
Check that the Limit annunciator still blinks. Set the knob forvoltage control.  
The second digit of the voltmeter will be blinking. Change the blinking digit  
using the resolution selection keys and adjust the knob to the desired output  
voltage.  
Display  
Limit  
6 Return to the meter mode.  
Display  
Press  
the meter mode. Notice that the Limit annunciator turns off and the display  
key or let the display time-out after several seconds to return to  
Limit  
shows “OUTPUT OFF” message.  
Output  
On/Off  
3
7 Enable the output.  
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 8V* (or 25V**) or 20V* (or 50V**), OVP,  
OCP and CV annunciators are lit. Notice that the display is in themeter mode.  
In the meter mode, the display shows the actual output voltage and current.  
Refer to “Programming Overvoltage Protection” and “Programming  
Overcurrent Protection” sections, starting on page 42 and page 46 for more  
information on OVP and OCP annunciators.  
8 Verify that the power supply is in the constant voltage mode.  
If you operate the power supply in the constant voltage (CV) mode, verify that  
the CV annunciator is lit. If the CC annunciator is lit, choose a higher current  
limit.  
N o t e  
During actual CV operation, if a load change causes the current limit to be exceeded,  
the power supply will automatically crossover to the constant current mode at the  
preset current limit and the output voltage will drop proportionately.  
• Remote interface operation:  
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX}  
VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}  
OUTPut ON  
Set the current  
Set the voltage  
Enable the output  
1You can use the resolution selection keys to move the blinking digit to the  
right or left when setting voltage.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
37  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Constant Current Operation  
Constant Current Operation  
To set up the power supply for constant current (CC) operation, proceed as  
follows.  
• Front-panel operation:  
1 Connect a load to the output terminals.  
With power-off, connect a load to the (+) and (-) output terminals.  
Power  
2 Turn on the power supply.  
The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled  
(the OFF annunciator turns on); the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range is selected (the  
8V* or25V**annunciator turns on);and the knob is selectedfor voltagecontrol.  
20V,10A  
To operate the power supply in the 20V/10A* or 50V/4A** range, press  
50V,4A  
*
or  
annunciator turns on.  
** key before proceeding to the next step. The 20V* or 50V**  
Display  
Limit  
3 Set the display to the limit mode.  
Notice that the Limit annunciator blinks, indicating that the display is in the  
limit mode. When the display is in the limit mode, you can see the voltage and  
current limit values of the selected supply.  
In constant current mode, the current values between the meter mode  
and limit mode are the same, but the voltage values are not. Moreover, if  
the display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the change of voltage  
limit value when adjusting the knob. We recommend that you should set  
the display to “limit” mode to see the change of voltage limit value in the  
constant current mode whenever adjusting the knob.  
1
4 Adjust the knob for the desired voltage limit.  
Check that the Limit annunciator still blinks and the second digit of voltmeter  
blinks to indicate the knob is selected for voltage control. The blinking digit  
can be changed using the resolution keys and the blinking digit can be adjusted  
by turning the knob. Adjust the knob for the desired voltage limit.  
1You can use the resolution selection keys to move the blinking digit to the  
right or left when setting the voltage.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
38  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Constant Current Operation  
1
Voltage  
Current  
5 Adjust the knob for the desired output current.  
Check that the Limit annunciator still blinks. Set the knob for currentcontrol.  
The second digit of the ammeter will be blinking. Change the blinking digit  
using the resolution selection keys and adjust the knob to the desired output  
current.  
Display  
Limit  
6 Return to the meter mode.  
Display  
Press  
meter mode. Notice that the Limit annunciator turns off and the display shows  
key or let the display time-out after several seconds to return the  
Limit  
“OUTPUT OFF” message.  
Output  
On/Off  
3
7 Enable the output.  
The OFF annunciator turns off and the 8V* (or 25V**) or 20V* (or 50V**), OVP,  
OCP and CC annunciators are lit. Notice that the display is in the meter mode.  
In the meter mode, the display shows the actual output voltage and current.  
Refer to “Programming Overvoltage Protection” and “Programming  
Overcurrent Protection” sections, starting on page 42 and page 46 for more  
information on OVP and OCP annunciators.  
8 Verify that the power supply is in the constant current mode.  
If you operate the power supply in the constant current (CC) mode, verify that  
the CC annunciator is lit. If the CV annunciator is lit, choose a higher voltage  
limit.  
N o t e  
During actual CC operation, if a load change causes the voltage limit to be exceeded,  
the power supply will automatically crossover to constant voltage mode at the preset  
voltage limit and the output current will drop proportionately.  
• Remote interface operation:  
VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}  
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX}  
OUTPut ON  
Set the voltage  
Set the current  
Enable the output  
1You can use the resolution selection keys to move the blinking digit to the  
right or left when setting the current.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
39  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Storing and Recalling Operating States  
Storing and Recalling Operating States  
You can store up to three different operating states in non-volatile memory.  
This also enables you to recall the entire instrument configuration with just a  
few key presses from the front panel.  
The memory locations are supplied with the reset states from the factory for  
front-panel operation. Refer to the description of *RST command, starting on  
page 96 in chapter 4 for more information. The following steps show you how  
to store and recall an operating state.  
• Front-panel operation:  
1 Set up the power supply for the desired operating state.  
The storage feature “remembers” output range selection, the limit value  
settings of voltage and current, output on/off state, OVP and OCP on/off state,  
and OVP and OCP trip levels.  
Store  
2 Turn on the storage mode.  
Three memory locations (numbered 1, 2 and 3) are available to store the  
operating states. The operating states are stored in non-volatile memory and  
are remembered when being recalled.  
STORE 1  
This message appears on the display for approximately 3 seconds.  
3 Store the operating state in memory location “3”.  
Turn the knob to the right to specify the memory location 3.  
STORE 3  
To cancel the store operation, let the display time-out after about 3 seconds  
or pressany other functionkey exceptthe  
Store  
key. Thepowersupply returns  
to the normal operating mode and to the function pressed.Save the operating  
state.  
40  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Storing and Recalling Operating States  
Store  
4 Save the operating state.  
The operating state is now stored. To recall the stored state, go to the following  
steps.  
DONE  
Recall  
5 Turn on the recall mode.  
Memory location “1” will be displayed in the recall mode.  
3
RECALL 1  
This message appears on the display for approximately 3 seconds.  
6 Recall the stored operating state.  
Turn the knob to the right to change the displayed storage location to 3.  
RECALL 3  
Recall  
Ifthis setting isnotfollowed within 3 secondswith  
key stroke, the power  
supply returns to normal operating mode and will not recall the instrument  
state 3 from memory.  
Recall  
7 Restore the operating state.  
The power supply should now be configured in the same state as when you  
stored the state on the previous steps.  
DONE  
This message appears on the display for approximately 1 second.  
• Remote interface operation:  
*SAV {1|2|3}  
*RCL {1|2|3}  
Store an operating state to a specified location  
Recall a previously stored state from a specified location  
41  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Programming Overvoltage Protection  
Programming Overvoltage Protection  
Overvoltage protection guards the load against output voltages that reach a  
specified value greater than the programmed protection level. It is  
accomplished by shorting the output via an internal SCR when the trip level is  
set to equal or greater than 3 volts, or by progamming the output to 1 volt when  
the trip level is set to less than 3 volts.  
The following steps show how to set the OVP trip level, how to check OVP  
operation, and how to clear overvoltage condition.  
• Front-panel operation:  
Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit  
Power  
1 Turn on the power supply.  
The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled  
(the OFF annunciator turns on); the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range is selected (the  
8V* or 25V** annunciator turns on); and the knob is selected for voltage control.  
Output  
On/Off  
2 Enable the output.  
The OFF annunciator turns off and the display will go to the meter mode.  
Over  
Voltage  
3 Enter the OVP menu and set the trip level.  
LEVEL 22.0V (E3633A)  
LEVEL 55.0V (E3634A)  
You will see the above message on the display when you enter the OVP menu.  
Adjust the control knob for the desired OVP trip level.  
Note that you cannot set the trip levels to lower than 1.0 volt.  
Over  
Voltage  
4 Enable the OVP circuit.  
OVP ON  
Over  
Voltage  
You will see the above message after pressing  
key.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
42  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Programming Overvoltage Protection  
Over  
Voltage  
5 Exit the OVP menu.  
CHANGED  
The “CHANGED” message is highlighted for a second to show that the new  
OVP trip level is now in effect. If the OVP settings are not changed, “NO  
CHANGE” will be displayed. The power supply will exit the OVP menu and the  
display will return to the meter mode. Check that the OVP annunciator turns  
on.  
3
Checking OVP Operation  
To check OVP operation, raise the output voltage to near the trip point. Then  
very gradually increase the output by turning the knob until the OVP circuit  
trips. This will cause the power supply output to drop to near zero, the OVP  
annunciator to blink, and the CC annunciator to turn on. The “OVP TRIPPED”  
message also appears on the display.  
Clearing the Overvoltage Condition  
When the OVP condition occurs (the “OVP TRIPPED” message is shown on  
the display), the OVP annunciator blinks. When it was caused by an external  
voltage source such as a battery, disconnect it first. Clear the overvoltage  
condition by adjusting output voltage level or by adjusting OVP trip level.  
The following steps show how to clear the overvoltage condition and get back  
to normal mode operation. In the following steps, the display will go back to  
“OVP TRIPPED” if you let the display time out after about several seconds.  
• Adjust output voltage level  
Display  
Limit  
1 Lower the output voltage level.  
Display  
Limit  
Lower the output voltage level below the OVP trip point after pressing  
key. The OVP and Limit annunciators are blinking.  
Over  
Voltage  
2 Move to the clear mode.  
OVP CLEAR  
Over  
Voltage  
Press  
key twice to move to the OVP CLEAR mode. The “OVP ON”  
message appears on the display. Turn the knob to the right until the above  
message appears on the display.  
43  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Programming Overvoltage Protection  
Over  
Voltage  
3 Clear the overvoltage condition and exit this menu.  
Over  
Now, when you press  
key again, the “DONE” message is displayed for a  
second and the OVP annunciatorwillnotblinkany more. The outputwill return  
Voltage  
to meter mode.  
• Adjust OVP trip level  
Over  
Voltage  
1 Raise the OVP trip level.  
Over  
Press  
key and turn the knob to raise the OVP trip level.  
Voltage  
Over  
Voltage  
2 Move to the OVP CLEAR mode.  
OVP CLEAR  
Over  
Voltage  
Press  
key to move to the OVP CLEAR mode. The “OVP ON” message  
appears on the display. Turn the knob to the right until the above message  
appears on the display.  
Over  
Voltage  
3 Clear the overvoltage condition and exit this menu.  
Over  
Now, when you press  
key again, the “DONE’’ message is displayed for  
a second and the OVP annunciator will not blink any more. The output will  
Voltage  
return to the meter mode.  
• Remote interface operation:  
VOLT:PROT {<voltage>|MIN|MAX} Set the OVP level  
VOLT:PROT:STAT {OFF|ON)  
VOLT:PROT:CLE  
Disable or enable the OVP circuit  
Clear the tripped OVP circuit  
N o t e  
The power supply’s OVP circuit contains a crowbar SCR, which effectively shorts the  
output of the power supply whenever the overvoltage condition occurs. If external  
voltage source such as a battery is connected across the output, and the overvoltage  
condition inadvertently occurs, the SCR will continuously sink a large current from  
the source; possibly damaging the power supply. To avoid this a diode must be  
connected in series with the output as shown in Figure 3-1 on next page.  
44  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Programming Overvoltage Protection  
3
Figure 3-1. Recommended Protection Circuit for Battery Charging  
45  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Programming Overcurrent Protection  
Programming Overcurrent Protection  
Overcurrent protection guards the load against output currents that reach a  
specified value greater than the programmed protection level. It is  
accomplished by programming the output current to zero.  
The following steps show how to set the overcurrent protection trip level, how  
to check OCP operation and how to clear overcurrent condition.  
• Front-panel operation:  
Setting the OCP Level and Enable the OCP Circuit  
Power  
1 Turn on the power supply.  
The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled  
(the OFF annunciator turns on); the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range is selected (the  
8V* or25V**annunciator turns on);and the knob is selectedfor voltagecontrol.  
Output  
On/Off  
2 Enable the output.  
The OFF annunciator turns off and the display will go to the meter mode.  
Over  
Current  
3 Enter the OCP menu and set the trip level.  
LEVEL 22.0 A(E3633A)  
LEVEL 7.5 A (E3634A)  
You will see the above message on the display when you enter the OCP menu.  
Adjust the knob for the desired OCP trip level.  
Over  
Current  
4 Enable the OCP circuit.  
OCP ON  
Over  
Current  
You will see the above message after pressing the  
key.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
46  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Programming Overcurrent Protection  
Over  
Current  
5 Exit the OCP menu.  
CHANGED  
The “CHANGED” message is displayed for a second to show that the new OCP  
trip level is now in effect. If the OCP settings are not changed, “NO CHANGE”  
will be displayed. The power supply will exit the OCP menu and the display  
will return to the meter mode. Check that the OCP annunciator turns on.  
Checking OCP Operation  
3
To check OCP operation, raise the output current to near the trip point. Then  
very gradually increase the output by turning the knob until the OCP circuit  
trips. This will cause the power supply’s output current to drop to zero and the  
OCP annunciator to blink. The “OCP TRIPPED” message also appears on the  
display.  
Clearing the Overcurrent Condition  
When the OCP condition occurs (the “OCP TRIPPED” message is shown on  
the display), the OCP annunciator blinks. When it was caused by external  
voltage sources such as a battery, disconnect it first. Clear the overcurrent  
condition by adjusting output current level or by adjusting OCP trip level.  
The following steps show how to clear the overcurrent condition and get back  
to normal mode operation. In the following steps, the display will go back to  
“OCP TRIPPED” if you let the display time out after about several seconds.  
• Adjust output current level  
Display  
Limit  
1 Lower the output current level.  
Display  
Voltage  
key,  
Current  
Press  
key and set the knob for current control by pressing  
then lower the output current level below the OCP trip point.  
Limit  
Over  
Current  
2 Move to the clear mode.  
OCP CLEAR  
Over  
Current  
Press  
key twice to move to the OCP CLEAR mode. The “OCP ON”  
message appears on the display. Turn the knob to the right until the above  
message appears on the display.  
47  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Programming Overcurrent Protection  
Over  
Current  
3 Clear the overcurrent condition and exit this menu.  
Over  
Now, when you press  
key again, the “DONE’’ message is displayed for  
Current  
a second and the OCP annunciator will not blink any more. The output will  
return to meter mode. The knob is selected for current control.  
Notice that the power supply is operated in the constant current (CC) mode.  
• Adjust OCP trip level  
Over  
Current  
1 Raise the OCP trip level.  
Over  
Press  
key and turn the knob to raise the OCP trip level.  
Current  
Over  
Current  
2 Move to the OCP CLEAR mode.  
OCP CLEAR  
Press the key to move to the OCP CLEAR mode. The “OCP ON” message  
appears on the display. Turn the knob to the right until the above message  
appears on the display.  
Over  
Current  
3 Clear the overcurrent condition and exit this menu.  
Over  
Now, when you press  
key again, the “DONE’’ message is displayed for  
Current  
a second and the OCP annunciator will not blink any more. The output will  
return to the meter mode.  
• Remote interface operation:  
CURR:PROT {<current>|MIN|MAX} Set the OCP level  
CURR:PROT:STAT {OFF|ON}  
CURR:PROT:CLE  
Disable or enable the OCP circuit  
Clear the tripped OCP circuit  
48  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Front and Rear Terminals  
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Front and Rear Terminals  
Remote voltage sensing is used to maintain regulation at the load and reduce  
the degradation of regulation that would occur due to the voltage drop in the  
leads between the power supply and the load.  
By connecting the power supply for remote voltage sensing, voltage is sensed  
at the load rather than at the power supply’s output terminals. This will allow  
the power supply to automatically compensate for the voltage drop in  
applications with long lead lengths as well as to accurately read back the  
voltage directly across the load.  
3
Whenthepowersupplyisconnectedforremotesensing,the OVPcircuitsenses  
the voltage at the sensing points (load) and not the output terminals.  
CV Regulation  
The voltage load regulation specification in chapter 8 applies at the output  
terminals of the power supply. When remote sensing, add 5 mV to this  
specification for each 1 V drop between the positive sensing point and (+)  
output terminal due to the change in load current. Because the sense leads are  
partofthe power supply’sfeedback path, keep the resistance ofthe sense leads  
at or below 0.5 9 per lead to maintain the above specified performance.  
Output Rating  
The rated output voltage and current specifications in chapter 8 apply at the  
output terminals of the power supply. With remote sensing, any voltage  
dropped in the load leads must be added to the load voltage to calculate  
maximum output voltage. The performance specifications are not guaranteed  
when the maximum output voltage is exceeded. If the excessive demand on  
the power supply forces the power supply to lose regulation, the Unreg  
annunciator will turn on to indicate that the output is unregulated.  
Output Noise  
Any noise picked up on the sense leads also appears at the output of the power  
supply and may adversely affect the voltage load regulation. Twist the sense  
leads to minimize external noise pickup and run them parallel and close to the  
load leads. In noisy environments it may be necessary to shield the sense leads.  
Ground the shield at the power supply end only. Do not use the shield as one  
of the sense conductors.  
49  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Front and Rear Terminals  
Stability  
Using remote sensing under certain combinations of load lead lengths and  
large load capacitances may cause your application to form a filter, which  
becomes part of the voltage feedback loop. The extra phase shift created by  
this filter can degrade the power supply’s stability, resulting in poor transient  
response or loop instability. In severe cases, it may cause oscillations. To  
minimize this possibility, keep the load leads as short as possible and twist  
them together. As the sense leads are part of the power supply’s programming  
feedback loop, accidental open-connections of sense or load leads during  
remote sensing operation have various unwanted effects. Provide secure and  
permanent connections.  
Remote Voltage Sensing Connections  
Connections between the power supply sensing and output terminals should  
be removed, and using shielded two-wire cable, the power supply sensing  
terminals should be connected to the load as shown in Figure 3-2. Do not use  
the shield as one of the sensing conductors and the other end should be left  
unconnected. Connect one end of the sensing lead shield to the chassis ground  
(^) only. Opening a sensing lead causes the power supply output voltage to  
decrease at the load leads. Observe polarity when connecting the sensing leads  
to the load.  
For local voltage sensing connections, the (+) and (-) sense terminals must be  
connected to the (+) and (-) output terminals respectively.  
N o t e  
When you make the remote voltage sensing connections at the front or rear panel  
terminals, make sure to disconnect all the connections to the load and sense leads  
at the other end terminals. Do not make the sensing connections at both front and  
rear terminals at the same time. It will cause to damage the power supply seriously.  
Figure 3-2. Remote Voltage Sensing Connections  
50  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Front and Rear Terminals  
Remote Voltage Sensing at the Rear Panel  
External sense terminals are also available on the back of the power supply  
that allow the rear outputvoltages to be sensed atthe load, which compensates  
for impedance losses in the load wiring. The front panel binding posts are  
paralleled with the rear output terminals.  
The rear output terminals accept wires sizes from AWG 22 to AWG 10.  
To minimize the possibility of instability on the output, keep load leads as short  
as possible and bundle or twist the leads tightly together to minimize  
inductance.  
3
Figure 3-3. Rear local sensing connections  
N o t e  
For rear local voltage sensing connections, the front shorting bars must be removed  
first and connect the sense wires as shown in Figure 3-3.  
51  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Disabling the Output  
Disabling the Output  
The output of the power supply can be disabled or enabled from the frontpanel.  
When the power supply is in the “Off” state, the OFF annunciator turns on and  
the output is disabled. The OFF annunciator turns off when the power supply  
returns to the “On” state. When the output is disabled, the voltage value is 0  
volts and the current value is 0.02 amps.  
The output state is stored in volatile memory; the output is always disabled  
when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
While the output is disabled, the range selection keys, the control knob,  
resolution selection keys, and adjust selection key are still working. If the  
display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the changes of output  
voltage and current settings on the display when turning the knob. To see  
or check the changes when the outputs are disabled, the display should be  
in the limit mode.  
• Front-panel operation:  
Output  
On/Off  
You can disable the output by pressing  
output “Off” and “On” states.  
key. This key toggles between  
• Remote interface operation:  
OUTP {OFF|ON}  
Disable or enable the output  
52  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Disabling the Output Using an External Relay  
Disabling the Output Using an External Relay  
When the output of the power supply is turned off, it is implemented by setting  
the output to 0 volts and 0.02 amps. This gives a zero output voltage without  
actually disconnecting the output. To disconnect the output an external relay  
must be connected between the output and the load. A TTL signal of either low  
true or high true is provided to control an external relay. This signal can only  
becontrolledwiththeremote commandOUTPut:RELay{OFF|ON}. TheTTL  
output is available on the RS-232 connection pin 1 and pin 0.  
When the OUTPut:RELay state is “ON”, the TTL output of pin 1 is high  
3
(4.5 V) and pin 9 is low (0.5 V). The levels are reversed when the  
OUTPut:RELay state is “OFF”.  
N o t e  
N o t e  
TTL output of pin 1 or pin 9 of the RS-232 connector is available only after installing  
two jumpers inside the power supply. See the Service Guide for more information.  
Do not use the RS-232 interface if you have configured the power supply to output  
relay control signals. Internal components on the RS-232 circuitry may be damaged.  
Knob Locking  
The control knob can be locked to prevent from any unwanted changes  
occurring during an experiment, or when you leave the power supply  
unattended. To lock the knob, move the blinking digit to the right or left using  
<
>
the resolution selection key  
or  
until the blinking digit disappears.  
Notice that the knob and front panel keys are disabled when in the remote  
interface mode.  
53  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
System-Related Operations  
System-Related Operations  
This section gives information on topics such as self-test, error conditions, and  
front-panel display control. This information is not directly related to setting  
up the power supply but is an important part of operating the power supply.  
Self-Test  
A power-on self-test occurs automatically when you turn on the power supply.  
This test assures you that the power supply is operational. This test does not  
perform the extensive set of tests that are included as part of the complete self-  
test described below. If the power-on self-test fails, the ERROR annunciator  
turns on.  
• A complete self-test performs a series of tests and takes approximately 2  
seconds to execute. If all tests pass, you can have a high confidence that the  
power supply is operational.  
• If the completeself-test is successful, “PASS” is displayed on the front panel.  
If the self-test fails, “FAIL” is displayed and the ERROR annunciator turns  
on. See the Service Guide for instructions on returning the power supply to  
Agilent Technologies for service.  
• Front-panel operation:  
Recall  
To perform the complete front panel self-test, hold down the  
turn on the power supply and hold down the key until you hear a long beep.  
key as you  
The self-test will begin when you release the key following the beep.  
• Remote interface operation:  
*TST?  
Returns “0” if the complete self-test passes or “1” if it fails.  
54  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
System-Related Operations  
Error Conditions  
When the front-panel ERROR annunciator turns on, one or more command  
syntax or hardware errors have been detected. A record of up to 20 errors can  
be stored in the power supply’s error queue. See chapter 5 “Error Messages”,  
starting on page 123 for a complete listing of the errors.  
• Errorsare retrieved infirst-in-first-out(FIFO)order. Thefirsterror returned  
is the first error that was stored. Errors are cleared as you read them over  
the remote interface. When you have read all errors from the queue, the  
ERROR annunciator turns off. The power supply beeps once each time an  
error is generated.  
• If more than 20 errors have occurred when you operate the power supply  
over the remote interface, the last error stored in the queue (the most recent  
error) is replaced with -350, “Too many errors”. No additional errors are  
stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no errors have occurred  
when you read the error queue, the power supply responds with +0, “No  
error” over the remote interface or “NO ERRORS” from the front panel.  
3
• The error queue is cleared when power has been off or after a *CLS(clear  
status) command has been executed. The *RST(reset) command does not  
clear the error queue.  
• Front-panel operation:  
Store  
Press  
(Local) key to return to front-panel operation mode if the power  
supplyLioscainl remote operation mode.  
3: ERR -102  
Error  
If the ERROR annunciator is on, press  
knob to scroll through the error numbers. Press  
key to view the errors. Use the  
>
key to increase or decrease the scrolling  
to view the text of the  
<
>
error message. Press  
or  
speed of the text on the display. All errors are cleared when you exit the menu  
or let the display time out for about 30 seconds.  
• Remote interface operation:  
SYSTem:ERRor?  
Read and clear one error from the error queue  
Errors have the following format (the error string may contain up to 80  
characters).  
-102, ‘‘Syntax error’’  
55  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
System-Related Operations  
Display Control  
For security reasons, you may want to turn off the front-panel display. From  
the remote interface, you can display a 12-character message on the front  
panel.  
• The display can be enabled / disabled from the remote interface only.  
• When the display is turned off, outputs are not sent to the display and all  
annunciators are disabled except the ERROR annunciator. Front-panel  
operation is otherwise unaffected by turning off the display.  
• The display state is stored in volatile memory; the display is always enabled  
when power has been off, after a remote interface reset, or after returning  
to local from remote.  
• You can display a message on the front panel by sending a command from  
the remote interface. The power supply can display up to 12 characters of  
the message on the front panel; any additional characters are truncated.  
Commas, periods, and semicolons share a display space with the preceding  
character, and are not considered individual characters. When a message is  
displayed, outputs are not sent to the display.  
• Sending a message to the display from the remote interface overrides the  
display state; this means that you can display a message even if the display  
is turned off.  
• The display state is automatically turned on when you return to the local  
(Local) key to return to the local state  
Store  
(front panel) operation. Press  
from the remote interface.  
Local  
• Remote interface operation:  
DISP {OFF|ON}  
Disable / enable the display  
DISP:TEXT <quoted string>  
DISP:TEXT:CLE  
Display the string enclosed in quotes  
Clear the displayed message  
The following statement shows how to display a message on the front panel  
from a Agilent Technologies controller.  
‘‘DISP:TEXT HELLO’ ’’  
56  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
System-Related Operations  
Firmware Revision Query  
The power supply has three microprocessors for control of various internal  
systems. You can query the power supply to determine which revision of  
firmware is installed for each microprocessor.  
• You can query the firmware revision from the remote interface only.  
• The power supply returns four fields separated by commas and the fourth  
field is a revision code which contains three numbers. The first number is  
the firmware revision number for the main processor; the second is for the  
input/output processor; and the third is for the front-panel processor.  
• Remote interface operation:  
3
*IDN? Returns  
‘‘HEWLETT-PACKARD,E3633A,0,X.X-X.X-X.X’’ (E3633A)  
‘‘HEWLETT-PACKARD,E3634A,0,X.X-X.X-X.X’’ (E3634A)  
Be sure to dimension a string variable with at least 40 characters.  
SCPI Language Version  
The power supply complies with the rules and regulations of the present  
version of SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments). You  
can determine the SCPI version with which the power supply is in compliance  
by sending a command from the remote interface.  
You can query the SCPI version from the remote interface only.  
• Remote interface operation:  
SYST:VERS?  
Query the SCPI version  
Returns a string in the form “YYYY.V” where the “Y’s” represent the year of the  
version, and the “V” represents a version number for that year (for example,  
1996.0).  
57  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Remote Interface Configuration  
Remote Interface Configuration  
Before you can operate the power supply over the remote interface, you must  
configure the power supply for the remote interface. This section gives  
information on configuring the remote interface. For additional information  
on programming the power supply over the remote interface, See "Remote  
Remote Interface Selection  
The power supply is shipped with both a GPIB (IEEE-488) interface and an RS-  
232 interface on the rear panel. Only one interface can be enabled at a time.  
The GPIB interface is selected when the power supply is shipped from the  
factory.  
The remote interface can be selected from the front-panel only.  
• The interface selection is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not  
change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
• If you select the GPIB interface, you must select a unique address for the  
power supply. The current address is displayed momentarily on the front  
panel when you turn on the power supply.1  
• Your GPIB bus controller has its own address. Be sure to avoid using the  
bus controller’s address for any instrument on the interface bus. Agilent  
Technologies controllers generally use address “21”.  
• If you enable the RS-232 interface, you must select the baud rate and parity  
to be used. “RS-232” is displayed momentarily on the front panel when you  
turn on the power supply if you have selected this interface.2  
1Refer to "GPIB Interface Configuration" starting on page 63 for more information  
on connecting the power supply to a computer over the GPIB interface.  
2Refer to "RS-232 Interface Configuration"starting on page 64 for more information  
on connecting the power supply to a computer over the RS-232 interface.  
58  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Remote Interface Configuration  
GPIB Address  
Each device on the GPIB (IEEE-488) interface must have a unique address.  
You can set the power supply’s address to any value between 0 and 30. The  
current address is displayed momentarily on the front panel when you turn on  
the power supply. The address is set to “05” when the power supply is shipped  
from the factory.  
The GPIB address can be set from the front-panel only.  
• The address is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when  
power has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
• Your GPIB bus controller has its own address. Be sure to avoid the bus  
controller’s address for any instrument on the interface bus. Agilent  
Technologies controllers generally use address “21”.  
3
Baud Rate Selection (RS-232)  
You can select one of six baud rates for RS-232 operation. The rate is set to  
9600 baud when the power supply is shipped from the factory.  
The baud rate can be set from the front-panel only.  
• Selectone ofthe following:300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 baud. The factory  
setting is 9600 baud.  
• The baud rate selection is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not  
change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
Parity Selection (RS-232)  
You can select the parity for RS-232 operation. The power supply is configured  
for no parity and 8 data bits when shipped from the factory.  
The parity can be set from the front-panel only.  
• Select one of the following: None (8 data bits, factory setting), Even (7 data  
bits), or Odd (7 data bits). When you set the parity, you are indirectly setting  
the number of data bits.  
• The parity selection is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change  
when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
59  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Remote Interface Configuration  
To Set the GPIB Address  
To configure the power supply for the GPIB interface, proceed as follows:  
I/O  
Config  
1 Turn on the remote configuration mode.  
GPIB / 488  
You will see the above message on the front-panel display if the power supply  
has not been changed from the factory setting. If “RS-232” appears, choose  
“GPIB / 488” by turning the knob to the right.  
I/O  
Config  
2 Move to the GPIB address setting mode.  
ADDR  
05  
The address is set to “05” when the power supply is shipped from the factory.  
Notice that a different GPIB address may appear if the power supply has been  
changed from the factory setting.  
3 Turn the knob to change the GPIB address.  
The displayed address is changed when turning the knob to the right or left.  
I/O  
Config  
4 Save the change and turn off the I/O configuration mode.  
CHANGE SAVED  
Theaddressisstoredinnon-volatilememory,anddoesnotchangewhenpower  
has been off or after a remote interface reset. The power supply displays a  
message to show that the change is now in effect. If the GPIB address is not  
changed, “NO CHANGE” will be displayed for one second.  
N o t e  
To exit the I/O configuration mode without any further changes, press the “I/O  
Config” key until the “NO CHANGE” message is displayed.  
60  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Remote Interface Configuration  
To Set the Baud Rate and Parity (RS-232)  
To configure the power supply for the RS-232 interface, proceed as follows:  
I/O  
Config  
1 Turn on the remote configuration mode.  
GPIB / 488  
You will see the above message on the display if the power supply has not been  
changed from the factory setting.  
Notice that if you changed the remote interface selection to RS-232 before,  
“RS-232” message will be displayed.  
3
2 Choose the RS-232 interface.  
RS-232  
You can choose the RS-232 interface by turning the knob to the left.  
I/O  
Config  
3 Move to the RS-232 interface setting mode and select the baud rate.  
9600 BAUD  
The rate is set to 9600 baud when the power supply is shipped from the factory.  
Choose from one of the following by turning the knob to the right or left: 300,  
600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 baud.  
I/O  
Config  
4 Save the change and choose the parity.  
NONE 8 BITS  
The power supply is configured for 8 data bits with no parity when shipped  
from the factory. Choose from one of the following by turning the knob to the  
right or left: None 8 Bits, Odd 7 Bits, or Even 7 Bits. When you set parity, you  
are indirectly setting the number of the data bits.  
61  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Remote Interface Configuration  
I/O  
Config  
5 Save the change and turn off the I/O configuration mode.  
CHANGE SAVED  
The RS-232 baud rate and parity selections are stored in non-volatile memory,  
and does not change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
The power supply displays a message to show that the change is now in effect.  
Ifthe baudrateand theparity are notchanged, “NOCHANGEwillbe displayed  
for one second.  
N o t e  
To exit the I/O configuration mode without any further changes, press the “I/O  
Config” key until the “NO CHANGE” message is displayed.  
62  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
GPIB Interface Configuration  
GPIB Interface Configuration  
The GPIB connector on the rear panel connects your power supply to the  
computer and other GPIB devices. Chapter 1 lists the cables that are available  
from Agilent Technologies. A GPIB system can be connected together in any  
configuration (star, linear, or both) as long as the following rules are observed:  
• The total number of devices including the computer is no more than 15.  
• The total length of all the cables used is no more than 2 meter times the  
number of devices connected together, up to a maximum of 20 meters.  
3
N o t e  
IEEE-488 states that you should exercise caution if your individual cable lengths  
exceed 4 meters.  
Do not stack more than three connector blocks together on any GPIB  
connector. Make sure that all connectors are fully seated and that the lock  
screws are firmly finger tightened.  
63  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
RS-232 Interface Configuration  
RS-232 Interface Configuration  
You connect the power supply to the RS-232 interface using the 9-pin (DB-9)  
serial connector on the rear panel. The power supply is configured as a DTE  
(Data Terminal Equipment) device. For all communications over the RS-232  
interface, the power supply uses two handshake lines: DTR (Data Terminal  
Ready, on pin 4) and DSR (Data Set Ready, on pin 6).  
The following sections contain information to help you use the power supply  
over the RS-232 interface. The programming commands for RS-232 are  
explained on page 101.  
RS-232 Configuration Overview  
Configure the RS-232 interface using the parameters shown below. Use the  
front-panel key to select the baud rate, parity, and number of data bits  
(see page 59 for more information to configure from the front panel).  
I/O  
Config  
• Baud Rate: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 baud (factory setting)  
• Parity and Data Bits: None / 8 data bits (factory setting)  
Even / 7 data bits, or  
Odd / 7 data bits  
• Number of Start Bits: 1 bit (fixed)  
• Number of Stop Bits: 2 bits (fixed)  
RS-232 Data Frame Format  
A character frame consists of all the transmitted bits that make up a single  
character. The frame is defined as the characters from the start bit to the last  
stop bit, inclusively. Within the frame, you can select the baud rate, number of  
data bits, and parity type. The power supply uses the following frame formats  
for seven and eight data bits.  
64  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
RS-232 Interface Configuration  
Connection to a Computer or Terminal  
To connect the power supply to a computer or terminal, you must have the  
properinterfacecable. MostcomputersandterminalsareDTE(DataTerminal  
Equipment) devices. Since the power supply is also a DTE device, you must  
use a DTE-to-DTE interface cable. These cables are also called null-modem,  
modem-eliminator, or crossover cables.  
The interface cable must also have the proper connector on each end and the  
internal wiring must be correct. Connectors typically have 9 pins (DB-9  
connector) or 25 pins (DB-25 connector) with a “male” or “female” pin  
configuration. A male connector has pins inside the connector shell and a  
female connector has holes inside the connector shell.  
3
If you cannot find the correct cable for your configuration, you may have to  
use a wiring adapter. If you are using a DTE-to-DTE cable, make sure the  
adapter is a “straight-through” type. Typicaladapters include gender changers,  
null-modem adapters, and DB-9 to DB-25 adapters.  
The cable and adapter diagrams shown below can be used to connect the  
power supply to most computers or terminals. If your configuration is different  
than those described, order the Agilent 34399A Adapter Kit. This kit contains  
adapters for connection to other computers, terminals, and modems.  
Instructions and pin diagrams are included with the adapter kit.  
DB-9 Serial Connection If your computer or terminal has a 9-pin serial  
port with a male connector, use the null-modem cable included with the  
Agilent 34398A Cable Kit. This cable has a 9-pin female connector on each  
end. The cable pin diagram is shown below.  
65  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
RS-232 Interface Configuration  
DB-25 Serial Connection If your computer or terminal has a 25-pin serial  
port with a male connector, use the null-modem cable and 25-pin adapter  
included with the Agilent 34398A Cable Kit. The cable and adapter pin  
diagram are shown below.  
DTR / DSR Handshake Protocol  
The power supply is configured as a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) device  
and uses the DTR (Data Terminal Ready) and DSR (Data Set Ready) lines of  
the RS-232 interface to handshake. The power supply uses the DTR line to send  
a hold-off signal. The DTR line must be TRUE before the power supply will  
accept data from the interface. When the power supply sets the DTR line  
FALSE, the data must cease within 10 characters.  
To disable the DTR/DSR handshake, do not connect the DTR line and tie the  
DSR line to logic TRUE. If you disable the DTR/DSR handshake, also select a  
slower baud rate to ensure that the data is transmitted correctly.  
The power supply sets the DTR line FALSE in the following two cases:  
1 When the power supply’s input buffer is full (when approximately 100  
characters have been received), it sets the DTR line FALSE (pin 4 on the RS-  
232 connector). When enough characters have been removed to make space  
in the input buffer, the power supply sets the DTR line TRUE, unless the  
second case (see next) prevents this.  
2 When the power supply wants to “talk” over the interface (which means that  
it has processed a query) and has received a <new line> message terminator,  
it will set the DTR line FALSE. This implies that once a query has been sent to  
the power supply, the bus controller should read the response before  
attempting to send more data. It also means that a <new line> must terminate  
the command string. After the response has been output, the power supply sets  
the DTR line TRUE again, unless the first case (see above) prevents this.  
66  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
RS-232 Interface Configuration  
The power supply monitors the DSR line to determine when the bus controller  
is ready to accept data over the interface. The power supply monitors the DSR  
line (pin 6 on the RS-232 connector) before each character is sent. The output  
is suspended if the DSR line is FALSE. When the DSR line goes TRUE,  
transmission will resume.  
The power supply holds the DTR line FALSE while output is suspended. A form  
of interface deadlock exists until the bus controller asserts the DSR line TRUE  
to allow the power supply to complete the transmission. You can break the  
interface deadlock by sending the <Ctrl-C> character, which clears the  
operation in progress and discards pending output (this is equivalent to the  
IEEE-488 device clear action).  
3
For the <Ctrl-C> character to be recognized reliably by the power supply  
while it holds DTR FALSE, the bus controller must first set DSR FALSE.  
RS-232 Troubleshooting  
Here are a few things to check if you are having problems communicating over  
the RS-232 interface. If you need additional help, refer to the documentation  
that came with your computer.  
• Verify that the power supply and your computer are configured for the same  
baud rate, parity, and number of data bits. Make sure that your computer is  
set up for 1 start bit and 2 stop bits (these values are fixed on the power  
supply).  
• Make sure to execute the SYSTem:REMote command to place the power  
supply in the remote mode.  
• Verify that you have connected the correct interface cable and adapters.  
Even if the cable has the proper connectors for your system, the internal  
wiring may be incorrect. The Agilent 34398A Cable Kit can be used to  
connect the power supply to most computers or terminals.  
• Verify that you have connected the interface cable to the correct serial port  
on your computer (COM1, COM2, etc).  
67  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Calibration Overview  
Calibration Overview  
This section gives an overview of the calibration features of the power supply.  
For more detailed discussion of the calibration procedures, see the Service  
Guide.  
Calibration Security  
This feature allows you to enter a security code to prevent accidental or  
unauthorized calibrations of the power supply. When you first receive your  
power supply, it is secured. Before you can calibrate the power supply, you  
must unsecure it by entering the correct security code.  
• The security code is set to “HP003633”* or “HP003634”** when the power  
supply is shipped from the factory. The security code is stored in non-  
volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a  
remote interface reset.  
• To secure the power supply from the remote interface, the security code  
may contain up to 12 alphanumeric characters as shown below. The first  
character must be a letter, but the remaining characters can be letters or  
numbers. You do not have to use all 12 characters but the first character  
must always be a letter.  
A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (12 characters)  
• To secure the power supply from the remote interface so that it can be  
unsecured from the front panel, use the eight-character format shown  
below. The first two characters must be “H P” and the remaining characters  
must be numbers. Only the last six characters are recognized from the front  
panel, but all eight characters are required.  
To unsecure the power supply from the front panel, omit the “H P” and enter  
the remaining numbers as shown on the following pages.  
H P_ _ _ _ _ _ (6 characters)  
If you forget your security code, you can disable the security feature by  
adding a jumper inside the power supply, and then entering a new code.  
See the Service Guide for more information.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
68  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Calibration Overview  
To Unsecure for Calibration You can unsecure the power supply for  
calibration either from the front panel or over the remote interface.  
The power supply is secured when shipped from the factory, and the security  
code is set to “HP003633”* or “HP003634”**  
• Front-Panel Operation:  
SECURED  
If the power supply is secured, you will see the above message for one second  
by holding  
Error  
(Calibrate) key for 5 seconds when you turn on the power  
(Secure) key after the  
supply. To uCnalsiberacteure the power supply, press  
“CAL MODE” message is displayed in the calibration mode, enter the security  
I/O  
Config  
3
Secure  
I/O  
Config  
code using the knob and resolution selection keys, and then press the  
(Secure) key.  
Secure  
000000 CODE  
I/O  
Config  
When you press  
(Secure) key to save the change, you will see the  
Secure  
message below for one second if the security code is correct. The unsecured  
setting is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when power has  
been off or after a remote interface reset. To exit the calibration mode, turn  
the power off and on.  
UNSECURED  
Notice that if the security is incorrect, the power supply displays an  
“INVALID” message for a second and returns to the code entering mode for  
you to enter the correct code.  
• Remote Interface Operation:  
CAL:SEC:STAT {OFF|ON},<code> Secure or unsecure the power supply  
To unsecure the power supply, send the above command with the same code  
used to secure. For example,  
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, HP003633’’ (E3633A)or  
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, HP003634’’ (E3634A)  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Calibration Overview  
To Secure Against Calibration You can secure the power supply against  
calibration either from the front panel or over the remote interface. The power  
supply is secured when shipped from the factory, and the security code is set  
to “HP003633”* or “HP003634”**.  
Be sure to read the security code rules on page 68 before attempting to secure  
the power supply.  
• Front-Panel Operation:  
UNSECURED  
If the power supply is unsecured, you will see the above message for one  
second by holding  
Error  
(Calibrate) key for 5 seconds when you turn on the  
(Secure) key after the  
power supply. To seCcaulibrraete the power supply, press  
“CAL MODE” message is displayed in the calibration mode, enter the security  
I/O  
Config  
Secure  
I/O  
Config  
code using the controlknobandresolutionselectionkeys, andthenpress  
(Secure) key.  
Secure  
Notice that you should omit the “HP” and enter the remaining numbers as  
shown below.  
000000 CODE  
I/O  
Config  
When you press  
(Secure) key to save the change, you will see the  
Secure  
message below. The secured setting isstored in non-volatilememory, and does  
not change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset. To exit  
the calibration mode, turn the power off and on.  
SECURED  
• Remote Interface Operation:  
CAL:SEC:STAT {OFF|ON},<code> Secure or unsecure the power supply  
To secure the power supply, send the above command with the same code as  
used to unsecure. For example,  
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT ON, HP003633’’ (E3633A) or  
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT ON, HP003634’’ (E3634A)  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
70  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Calibration Overview  
To Change the Security Code To change the security code, you must first  
unsecure the power supply, and then enter a new code.  
Be sure to read the security code rules on page 68 before attempting to secure  
the power supply.  
• Front-Panel Operation:  
To change the security code, first make sure that the power supply is  
unsecured. Press  
I/O  
Config  
(Secure) key after the “CAL MODE” message is  
displayed in the calSibecruaretion mode, enter the new security code using the control  
knob and resolution selection keys, then press  
I/O  
Config  
(Secure) key.  
Secure  
Changing the code from the front panel also changes the code required from  
the remote interface.  
3
• Remote Interface Operation:  
CAL:SEC:CODE <new code>  
Change the security code  
To change the security code, first unsecure the power supply using the old  
security code. Then, enter the new code. For example,  
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, HP003633*or HP003634**’’ Unsecure withold code  
‘‘CAL:SEC:CODE ZZ001443’’  
Enter new code  
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT ON, ZZ001443’’  
Secure with new code  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
71  
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Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation  
Calibration Overview  
Calibration Count  
You can determine the number of times that your power supply has been  
calibrated. Your power supply was calibrated before it left the factory. When  
you receive your power supply, read the count to determine its initial value.  
The calibration count feature can be performed from the remote interface  
only.  
• The calibration countisstoredinnon-volatile memory, anddoes notchange  
when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
• The calibration count increments up to a maximum of 32,767 after which it  
wraps-around to 0. Since the value increments by one for each calibration  
point, a complete calibration will increase the value by 5 counts.  
• Remote Interface Operation:  
CAL:COUN?  
Query the number of times of calibration  
Calibration Message  
You can use the calibration message feature to record calibration information  
about your power supply. For example, you can store such information as the  
last calibration date, the next calibration due date, the power supply’s serial  
number, or even the name and phone number of the person to contact for a  
new calibration.  
You can record and read information in the calibration message from the  
remote interface only.  
• The power supply should be unsecured before sending a calibration  
message.  
• The calibration message may contain up to 40 characters.  
• The calibration message is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not  
change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
• Remote Interface Operation:  
CAL:STR <quoted string>  
Store the cal message  
The following command string shows how to store a calibration message.  
‘‘CAL:STR CAL 12-05-98’ ’’  
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4
Remote Interface Reference  
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Remote Interface Reference  
• SCPI Command Summary, starting on page 75  
• Simplified Programming Overview, starting on page 80  
• Using the APPLy Command, on page 83  
SCPI  
• Output Setting and Operation Commands, on page 84  
• Triggering Commands, starting on page 91  
• System-Related Commands, starting on page 94  
• Calibration Commands, starting on page 98  
• RS-232 Interface Commands, on page 101  
• The SCPI Status Registers, starting on page 102  
• Status Reporting Commands, starting on page 110  
• An Introduction to the SCPI Language, starting on page 113  
• Halting an Output in Progress, on page 118  
SCPI  
• SCPI Conformance Information, starting on page 119  
• IEEE-488 Conformance Information, on page 122  
If you are a first-time user of the SCPI language, you may want to refer to  
these sections to become familiar with the language before attempting to  
program the power supply.  
SCPI  
74  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
SCPI Command Summary  
SCPI Command Summary  
This section summarizes the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable  
Instruments) commands available to program the power supply over the  
remote interface. Refer to the later sections in this chapter for more complete  
details on each command.  
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used for SCPI  
command syntax.  
• Square brackets ([ ]) indicate optional keywords or parameters.  
• Braces ({ }) enclose parameters within a command string.  
• Triangle brackets (< >) indicate that you must substitute a value or a code  
for the enclosed parameter.  
• A vertical bar ( | ) separates one of two or more alternative parameters.  
4
First-time SCPI users, see page 113.  
SCPI  
75  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
SCPI Command Summary  
Output Setting and Measurement Commands  
APPLy {<voltage>|DEF|MIN|MAX}[,{<current>|DEF|MIN|MAX}]  
APPLy?  
[SOURce:]  
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]{<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}  
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]  
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]  
{<numeric value> |DEFault}  
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}  
CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX}  
CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]  
CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel] {<current>|MIN|MAX}  
CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}  
CURRent:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}  
CURRent:PROTection:STATe?  
CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?  
CURRent:PROTection:CLEar  
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]  
{<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}  
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]  
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]  
{<numeric value>|DEFault}  
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}  
VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}  
VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]  
VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}  
VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}  
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}  
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?  
VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?  
VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar  
VOLTage:RANGe {P8V*|P20V*|P25V**|P50V**|LOW|HIGH}  
VOLTage:RANGe?  
MEASure  
:CURRent[:DC]?  
[:VOLTage][:DC]?  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
76  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
SCPI Command Summary  
Triggering Commands  
INITiate[:IMMediate]  
TRIGger[:SEQuence]  
:DELay {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}  
:DELay?  
:SOURce {BUS|IMM}  
:SOURce?  
*TRG  
System-Related Commands  
DISPlay[:WINDow]  
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}  
[:STATe]?  
4
:TEXT[:DATA] <quoted string>  
:TEXT[:DATA]?  
:TEXT:CLEar  
SYSTem  
:BEEPer[:IMMediate]  
:ERRor?  
:VERSion?  
OUTPut  
:RELay[:STATe] {OFF|ON}  
:RELay[:STATe]?  
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}  
[:STATe]?  
*IDN?  
*RST  
*TST?  
*SAV {1|2|3}  
*RCL {1|2|3}  
77  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
SCPI Command Summary  
Calibration Commands  
CALibration  
:COUNt?  
:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>  
:CURRent:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}  
:CURRent:PROTection  
:DAC:ERRor  
:SECure:CODE <new code>  
:SECure:STATe {OFF|ON},<code>  
:SECure:STATe?  
:STRing <quoted string>  
:STRing?  
:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>  
:VOLTage:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}  
:VOLTage:PROTection  
Status Reporting Commands  
STATus:QUEStionable  
:CONDition?  
[:EVENt]?  
:ENABle <enable value>  
:ENABle?  
SYSTem:ERRor?  
*CLS  
*ESE <enable value>  
*ESE?  
*ESR?  
*OPC  
*OPC?  
*PSC {0|1}  
*PSC?  
*SRE <enable value>  
*SRE?  
*STB?  
*WAI  
78  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
SCPI Command Summary  
RS-232 Interface Commands  
SYSTem  
:LOCal  
:REMote  
:RWLock  
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands  
*CLS  
*ESR?  
*ESE <enable value>  
*ESE?  
*IDN?  
*OPC  
*OPC?  
4
*PSC {0|1}  
*PSC?  
*RST  
*SAV {1|2|3}  
*RCL {1|2|3}  
*STB?  
*SRE <enable value>  
*SRE?  
*TRG  
*TST?  
*WAI  
79  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Simplified Programming Overview  
Simplified Programming Overview  
This section gives an overview of the basic techniques used to program the  
power supply over the remote interface. This section is only an overview and  
does not give all of the details you will need to write your own application  
programs. Refer to the remainder of this chapter and also chapter 6,  
“Application Programs”, for more details and examples. Also refer to the  
programming reference manual that came with your computer for details on  
outputting command strings and entering data.  
Using the APPLy Command  
The APPLycommand provides the most straightforward method to program  
the power supply over the remote interface. For example, the following  
statement executed from your computer will set the power supply to an output  
of 3 V rated at 1 A:  
‘‘APPL 3.0, 1.0’’  
Using the Low-Level Commands  
Although the APPLycommand provides the most straightforward method to  
program the power supply, the low-level commands give you more flexibility  
to change individual parameters. For example, the following statements  
executed from your computer will set the power supply to an output of 3 V  
rated at 1 A:  
‘‘VOLT 3.0’’  
‘‘CURR 1.0’’  
Set output voltage to 3.0 V  
Set output current to 1.0 A  
80  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Simplified Programming Overview  
Reading a Query Response  
Only the query commands (commands that end with “ ? ” ) will instruct the  
power supply to send a response message. Queries return either output values  
or internal instrument settings. For example, the following statements  
executed from your computer will read the power supply’s error queue and  
print the most recent error:  
dimension statement  
‘‘SYST:ERR?’’  
Dimension string array (80 elements)  
Read error queue  
bus enter statement  
print statement  
Enter error string into computer  
Print error string  
Selecting a Trigger Source  
The power supply will accept a ‘‘bus’’ (software) trigger or an immediate  
internal trigger as a trigger source. By default, the ‘‘BUS’’ trigger source is  
selected. If you want the power supply to use an immediate internal trigger,  
you must select ‘‘IMMediate’’. For example, the following statements  
executed from your computer will set to an output of 3 V/1 A immediately:  
4
‘‘VOLT:TRIG 3.0’’  
‘‘CURR:TRIG 1.0’’  
‘‘TRIG:SOUR IMM’’  
‘‘INIT’’  
Set the triggered voltage level to 3.0 V  
Set the triggered current level to 1.0 A  
Select the immediate trigger as a source  
Cause the trigger system to initiate  
81  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Simplified Programming Overview  
Power Supply Programming Ranges  
The SOURce subsystem requires parameters for programming values. The  
available programming value for a parameter varies according to the desired  
output range of the power supply. The following table lists the programming  
values available and MINimum, MAXimum, DEFault and reset values of the  
Agilent E3633A and E3634A power supplies.  
Refer to this table to identify programming values when programming the power  
supply.  
Table 4-1. Agilent E3633A Programming Ranges  
0 - 8V/20A Range  
0 - 20V/10A Range  
Voltage  
Programming Range  
MAX Value  
0 V to 8.24V  
8.24 V  
0 V  
0 V to 20.60 V  
20.60 V  
0 V  
MIN Value  
DEFault Value  
*RST Value  
0 V  
0 V  
0 V  
Current  
Programming Range  
MAX Value  
0 A to 20.60 A  
20.60 A  
0 A  
0 A to 10.30 A  
10.30 A  
0 A  
MIN Value  
DEFault Value  
*RST Value  
20 A  
10 A  
20.00 A  
Table 4-2. Agilent E3634A Programming Ranges  
0 - 25V/7A Range  
0 - 50V/4A Range  
Voltage  
Programming Range  
MAX Value  
0 V to 25.75V  
25.75 V  
0 V  
0 V to 51.5 V  
51.5 V  
0 V  
MIN Value  
DEFault Value  
*RST Value  
0 V  
0 V  
0 V  
Current  
Programming Range  
MAX Value  
0 A to 7.21 A  
7.21 A  
0 A  
0 A to 4.12 A  
4.12 A  
0 A  
MIN Value  
DEFault Value  
*RST Value  
7.0 A  
4.0 A  
7.00 A  
82  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Using the APPLy Command  
Using the APPLy Command  
The APPLy command provides the most straightforward method to program  
the power supply over the remote interface. You can select the output voltage  
and current in one command.  
APPLy {<voltage>| DEF | MIN | MAX}[,{<current>| DEF | MIN | MAX}]  
This command is combination of VOLTage and CURRent commands. As long  
as the newly programmed values are within the presently selected range, the  
output voltage and current are changed as soon as the command is executed.  
The APPLy command changes the power supply’s output to the newly  
programmed values only if the programmed values are valid within the  
presently selected range. An execution error will occur if the programmed  
values are not valid within the selected range.  
You can substitute ‘‘MINimum’’, ‘‘MAXimum’’, or ‘‘DEFault’’ in place of a  
specific value for the voltage and current parameters. MIN selects the lowest  
values of ‘‘0’’ volts and ‘‘0’’ amps. MAX selects the highest values allowed for  
the selected range.  
4
The default values of voltage and current are ‘‘0’’ volts and ‘‘20’’* or ‘‘7’’** amps  
regardless of the presently selected range. For more details of parameters, see  
Table 4-1 for the Agilent E3633A model and Table 4-2 for the Agilent E3634A  
model.  
If you specify only one parameter of the APPLy command, the power supply  
regards it as voltage setting value.  
APPLy?  
This command queries the power supply’s present voltage and current setting  
values and returns a quoted string. The voltage and current are returned in  
sequence as shown in the sample string below (the quotation marks are  
returned as part of the string).  
‘‘8.00000,20.00000’’* or ‘‘25.00000,7.00000’’**  
In the above string, the first number 8.00000 is the voltage setting value and  
the second number 20.00000 is the current setting value.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
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Output Setting and Operation Commands  
Output Setting and Operation Commands  
This section describes low-level commands used to program the power supply.  
Although the APPLy command provides the most straightforward method to  
program the power supply, the low-level output setting commands give you  
more flexibility to change the individual parameters.  
CURRent{<current>|MINimum | MAXimum|UP|DOWN}  
This command programs the immediate current level of the power supply. The  
immediate level is the current value of the output terminals.  
The CURRent command changes the output of the power supply to the newly  
programmed value regardless of the output range presently selected.  
You can substitute ‘‘MINimum’’ or ‘‘MAXimum’’ in place of a specific value for  
the current parameter. MIN selects the lowest current values of ‘‘0’’ amps. MAX  
selects the highest current values allowed for the selected range.  
This command also increases or decreases the immediate current level using  
the ‘‘UP’’ or ‘‘DOWN’’ parameter by a predetermined amount. The command  
CURRent:STEP sets the amount of increase or decrease. Notice that a new  
increment setting will cause an execution error -222 (Data out of range) when  
the maximum or the minimum rated current is exceeded.  
CURRent  
Example  
The following program segments show how to use the CURR UP or  
CURR DOWN command to increase or decrease the output current with the  
CURR:STEP command.  
‘‘CURR:STEP 0.01’’  
‘‘CURR UP’’  
Set the step size to 0.01 A  
Increase the output current  
Set the step size to 0.02 A  
Decrease the output current  
‘‘CURR:STEP 0.02’’  
‘‘CURR DOWN’’  
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Output Setting and Operation Commands  
CURRent? [MINimum | MAXimum]  
This query returns the presently programmed current level of the power  
supply. CURR?MAXand CURR? MINreturn the highest and lowest  
programmable current levels for the selected range.  
CURRent:STEP {<numeric value>|DEFault}  
This command sets the step size for current programming with the CURRent  
UPand CURRentDOWNcommands. See the example in the previous page.  
To set the step size to the minimum resolution, set the step size to ‘‘DEFault’’.  
The minimum resolution of the step size is approximately 0.32 mA (E3633A)  
and 0.13 mA (E3634A) respectively. The CURR:STEP? DEFreturns the  
minimum resolutionofyourinstrument. Theimmediatecurrentlevelincreases  
or decreases by the value of the step size. For example, the output current will  
increase or decrease 10 mA if the step size is 0.01.  
This command is useful when you program the power supply to the allowed  
minimum resolution. At *RST, the step size is the value of the minimum  
resolution.  
4
CURRent:STEP? {DEFault}  
This query returns the value of the step size currently specified. The returned  
parameter is a numeric value. ‘‘DEFault’’ gives the minimum resolution of the  
step size in unit of amps.  
CURRent:TRIGgered {<current>| MINimum | MAXimum}  
This command programs the pending triggered current level. The pending  
triggered current level is a stored value that is transferred to the output  
terminals when a trigger occurs. A pending triggered level is not affected by  
subsequent CURRentcommands.  
CURRent:TRIGgered? [MINimum | MAXimum]  
This query returns the triggered current level presently programmed. If no  
triggered level is programmed, the CURRentlevel is returned. CURR  
:TRIG? MAXand CURR:TRIG? MINreturn the highest and lowest  
programmable triggered current levels.  
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Output Setting and Operation Commands  
CURRent:PROTection {<current>|MINimum|MAXimum}  
This command sets the current level at which the overcurrent protection  
(OCP) circuit will trip. If the peak output current exceeds the OCP level, then  
the output current is programmed to zero. The Questionable Status register  
‘‘OC’’ bit is set (see page 103). An overcurrent condition can be cleared with  
the CURR:PROT:CLEcommand after the condition that caused the OCP trip  
is removed.  
CURRent:PROTection? {MINimum|MAXimum}  
This query returns the overcurrent protection trip level presently programmed.  
CURR:PROT? MAXand CURR:PROT? MINreturn the maximum and minimum  
programmable overcurrent trip levels.  
CURRent:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}  
This command enables or disables the overcurrent protection function of the  
power supply. An overcurrent condition can be cleared with the  
CURR:PROT:CLEcommand after the condition that caused the OCP trip is  
removed. At *RST, this value is set to ‘‘ON’’.  
CURRent:PROTection:STATe?  
This query returns the state of the overcurrent protection function. The  
returned parameter is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).  
CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?  
This query returns a ‘‘1’’ if the overcurrent protection circuit is tripped and not  
cleared or a ‘‘0’’ if not tripped.  
CURRent:PROTection:CLEar  
This command causes the overcurrent protection circuit to be cleared. After  
this command, the output current is restored to the state it was in before the  
current protection tripped and the OCP trip level remains unchanged to the  
value presently programmed. Before sending this command, lower the output  
current below the trip OCP point, or raise the OCP trip level above the output  
setting. Note that the overcurrent condition caused by an external source  
must be removed first before proceeding this command.  
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Output Setting and Operation Commands  
VOLTage {<voltage>| MINimum | MAXimum|UP|DOWN}  
This command programs the immediate voltage level of the power supply. The  
immediate level is the voltage value of the output terminals.  
The VOLTagecommand changes the output of the power supply to the newly  
programmed value regardless of the output range presently selected.  
You can substitute ‘‘MINimum’’ or ‘‘MAXimum’’ in place of a specific value for  
the voltage parameter. MINselects the lowest voltage values of ‘‘0’’ volts. MAX  
selects the highest voltage values allowed for the selected range.  
This command also increases or decreases the immediate voltage level using  
the ‘‘UP’’ or ‘‘DOWN’’ parameter by a predetermined amount. The command  
VOLTage:STEPsets the amount of increase or decrease. Notice that a new  
increment setting will cause an execution error -222 (Data out of range) when  
the maximum or the minimum rated voltage is exceeded.  
VOLTage  
Example  
The following program segments show how to use the VOLT UPor  
VOLT DOWNcommand to increase or decrease the output voltage with the  
VOLT:STEPcommand.  
4
‘‘VOLT:STEP 0.01’’  
‘‘VOLT UP’’  
Set the step size to 0.01 V  
Increase the output voltage  
Set the step size to 0.02 V  
Decrease the output voltage  
‘‘VOLT:STEP 0.02’’  
‘‘VOLT DOWN’’  
VOLTage? [MINimum | MAXimum]  
This query returns the presently programmed voltage level of the power  
supply. VOLT? MAXand VOLT? MINreturn the highest and lowest  
programmable voltage levels for the selected range.  
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Output Setting and Operation Commands  
VOLTage:STEP {<numeric value>|DEFault}  
This command sets the step size for voltage programming with the VOLT UP  
and VOLT DOWNcommands. See the above example in the previous page.  
To set the step size to the minimum resolution, set the step size to ‘‘DEFault’’.  
The minimum resolution of the step size is approximately 0.36 mV (E3633A)  
and 0.95 mV (E3634A) respectively. The VOLT:STEP? DEFreturns the  
minimumresolution ofyour instrument. The immediate voltage levelincreases  
or decreases by the value of the step size. For example, the output voltage will  
increase or decrease 10 mV if the step size is 0.01.  
This command is useful when you program the power supply to the allowed  
minimum resolution. At *RST, the step size is the value of the minimum  
resolution.  
VOLTage:STEP? {DEFault}  
This query returns the value of the step size currently specified. The returned  
parameter is a numeric value. ‘‘DEFault’’ gives the minimum resolution step  
size in unit of volts.  
VOLTage:TRIGgered {<voltage>| MINimum | MAXimum}  
This command programs the pending triggered voltage level. The pending  
triggered voltage level is a stored value that is transferred to the output  
terminals when a trigger occurs. A pending triggered level is not affected by  
subsequent VOLTagecommands.  
VOLTage:TRIGgered? [MINimum | MAXimum]  
This query returns the triggered voltage level presently programmed. If no  
triggered level is programmed, the VOLTlevel is returned. VOLT:TRIG? MAX  
and VOLT:TRIG? MINreturn the highest and lowest programmable triggered  
voltage levels.  
VOLTage:PROTection {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}  
This command sets the voltage levelatwhich the overvoltage protection (OVP)  
circuit will trip. If the peak output voltage exceeds the OVP level, then the  
power supply output is shorted by an internal SCR. The Questionable Status  
register ‘‘OV’’ bit is set (see page 103). An overvoltage condition can be cleared  
with the VOLT:PROT:CLEcommand after the condition that caused the OVP  
trip is removed.  
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Output Setting and Operation Commands  
VOLTage:PROTection? {MINimum|MAXimum}  
This query returns the overvoltage protection trip level presently programmed.  
VOLT:PROT? MAXand VOLT:PROT? MINreturn the maximum and minimum  
programmable overvoltage trip levels.  
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}  
This command enables or disables the overvoltage protection function. An  
overvoltage condition can be cleared with the VOLT:PROT:CLEcommand  
after the condition that caused the OVP trip is removed. At *RST, this value is  
set to ‘‘ON’’.  
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?  
This query returns the state of the overvoltage protection function. The  
returned parameter is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).  
VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?  
This query returns a ‘‘1’’ if the overvoltage protection circuit is tripped and not  
cleared or a ‘‘0’’ if not tripped.  
4
VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar  
This command causes the overvoltage protection circuit to be cleared. After  
this command, the output voltage is restored to the state it was in before the  
protection feature occurred and the OVP trip level remains unchanged to the  
value presently programmed. Before sending this command, lower the output  
voltage below the trip OVP point, or raise the OVP trip level above the output  
setting. Notethattheovervoltageconditioncaused by anexternal sourcemust  
be removed first before proceeding this command.  
VOLTage:RANGe {P8V|P20V||LOW|HIGH}  
or {P25V|P50V|LOW|HIGH}  
(For E3633A model)  
(For E3634A model)  
This command selects an output range to be programmed by the identifier. For  
example, when 8V/20A* range is selected, the maximum programmable  
voltage and current are limited to 8.24 volts and 20.60 amps. When 20V/10A*  
range is selected, the maximum programmable voltage and current are  
limited to 20.60 volts and 10.30 amps. See page 82 for more details of the  
programming ranges of the Agilent E3634A model. ‘‘P20V’’* or ‘‘HIGH’’ is the  
identifier for the 20V/10A* range and ‘‘P8V’’* or ‘‘LOW’’ is for the 8V/20A* range.  
At *RST, the 8V/20A* or 25V/7A** range is selected.  
*For Agilent E3633A Model **For Agilent E3634A Model  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Output Setting and Operation Commands  
VOLTage:RANGe?  
This query returns the currently selected range. The returned parameter for  
the Agilent E3633A is ‘‘P20V’’ (HIGH) or ‘‘P8V’’ (LOW) and the parameter for  
the Agilent E3634A is ‘‘P50V’’ (HIGH) or ‘‘P25V’’ (LOW).  
MEASure:CURRent?  
This command queries the current measured across the current sense resistor  
inside the power supply.  
MEASure[:VOLTage]?  
This command queries the voltage measured at the sense terminals of the  
power supply.  
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Triggering Commands  
Triggering Commands  
The power supply’s triggering system allows a change in voltage and current  
when receiving a trigger, to select a trigger source, and to insert a trigger.  
Triggering the power supply is a multi-step process.  
• First, you must specify the source from which the power supply will accept  
the trigger. The power supply will accept a bus (software) trigger or an  
immediate trigger from the remote interface.  
• Then, you can set the time delay between the detection of the trigger on the  
specified trigger source and the start of any corresponding output change.  
Notice that the time delay is valid for only the bus trigger source.  
• Finally, you must provide an INITiatecommand. If the IMMediate  
source is selected, the selected output is set to the triggered level  
immediately. But if the trigger source is the bus, the power supply is set to  
the triggered level after receiving the Group Execute Trigger (GET) o*rTRG  
command.  
4
Trigger Source Choices  
You must specify the source from which the power supply will accept a trigger.  
The trigger is stored in volatile memory; the source is set to bus when the power  
supply has been off or after a remote interface reset.  
Bus (Software) Triggering  
• To select the bus trigger source, send the following command.  
TRIG:SOUR BUS  
• To trigger the power supply from the remote interface (GPIB or RS-232)  
after selecting the bus source, send the *TRG(trigger) command. When the  
*TRGis sent, the trigger action starts after the specified time delay if any  
delay is given.  
• You can also trigger the power supply from the GPIB interface by sending  
the IEEE-488 Group Execute Trigger (GET) message. The following  
statement shows how to send a GET from a Agilent Technologies controller.  
TRIGGER 705(group execute trigger)  
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Triggering Commands  
• To ensure synchronization when the bus source is selected, send the *WAI  
(wait) command. When the *WAIcommand is executed, the power supply  
waitsforallpending operationsto completebeforeexecuting anyadditional  
commands. For example, the following command string guarantees that the  
first trigger is accepted and is executed before the second trigger is  
recognized.  
TRIG:SOUR BUS;*TRG;*WAI;*TRG;*WAI  
• You can use the *OPC?(operation complete query) command or the *OPC  
(operation complete) command to signal when the operation is complete.  
The *OPC?command returns ‘‘1’’ to the output buffer when the operation  
is complete. The *OPCcommand sets the ‘‘OPC’’ bit (bit 0) in the Standard  
Event register when the operation is complete.  
Immediate Triggering  
• To select the immediate trigger source, send the following command.  
TRIG:SOUR IMM  
• When the IMMediateis selected as a trigger source, an INITiate  
command immediately transfers the VOLT:TRIGor CURR:TRIGvalue to  
VOLTor CURRvalue. Any delay is ignored.  
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Triggering Commands  
Triggering Commands  
INITiate  
This command causes the trigger system to initiate. This command completes  
one full trigger cycle when the trigger source is an immediate and initiates the  
trigger subsystem when the trigger source is bus.  
TRIGger:DELay {<seconds>| MINimum | MAXimum}  
This command sets the time delay between the detection of an event on the  
specified trigger source and the start of any corresponding trigger action on  
the power supply output. Select from 0 to 3600 seconds. MIN= 0 seconds.  
MAX= 3600 seconds. At *RST, this value is set to 0 seconds.  
TRIGger:DELay?  
This command queries the trigger delay.  
TRIGger:SOURce {BUS | IMMediate}  
This command selects the source from which the power supply will accept a  
trigger. The power supply will accept a bus (software) trigger or an internal  
immediate trigger. At *RST, the bus trigger source is selected.  
4
TRIGger:SOURce?  
This command queries the present trigger source. Returns ‘‘BUS’’ or ‘‘IMM’’.  
*TRG  
This command generates a trigger to the trigger subsystem that has selected a  
bus (software) trigger as its source (TRIG:SOUR BUS). The command has  
the same effect as the Group Execute Trigger (GET) command. For RS-232  
operation, make sure the power supply is in the remote interface mode by  
sending the SYST:REMcommand first.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
System-Related Commands  
System-Related Commands  
DISPlay {OFF | ON}  
This command turns the front-panel display off or on. When the display is  
turned off, outputs are not sent to the display and all annunciators are disabled  
except the ERROR annunciator.  
The display state is automatically turned on when you return to the local mode.  
Press  
Store  
(Local) key to return to the local state from the remote interface.  
Local  
DISPlay?  
This command queries the front-panel display setting. Returns ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or  
‘‘1’’ (ON).  
DISPlay:TEXT <quoted string>  
This command displays a message on the front panel. The power supply will  
display up to 12 characters in a message; any additional characters are  
truncated. Commas, periods, and semicolons share a display space with the  
preceding character, and are not considered individual characters.  
DISPlay:TEXT?  
This command queries the message sent to the front panel and returns a quoted  
string.  
DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar  
This command clears the message displayed on the front panel.  
OUTPut {OFF | ON}  
This command enables or disables the outputs of the power supply. When the  
output is disabled, the voltage value is 0 V and the current value is 1 mA.  
At *RST, the output state is OFF.  
OUTPut?  
Thiscommandqueriestheoutputstate ofthepower supply. The returned value  
is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
System-Related Commands  
OUTPut:RELay {OFF | ON}  
Thiscommandsetsthe stateoftwoTTL signalsonthe RS-232 connector. These  
signals are intended for use with an external relay and relay driver. The TTL  
output is available on the RS-232 connector pin 1 and pin 9. When the  
OUTPut:RELay state is ‘‘ON’’, the TTL output of pin 1 is high (4.5 V) and pin  
9 is low (0.5 V). The levels are reversed when the OUTPut:RELay state is  
‘‘OFF’’. At *RST, the OUTPut:RELay state is OFF.  
N o t e  
N o t e  
TTL output of pin 1 or pin 9 of the RS-232 connector is available only after installing  
two jumpers inside the power supply. See the Service Guide for more information.  
Do not use the RS-232 interface if you have configured the power supply to output  
relay control signals. Internal components on the RS-232 circuitry may be damaged.  
OUTPut:RELay?  
This command returns the state of the TTL relay logic signals. See also  
OUTP:REL command.  
4
SYSTem:BEEPer  
This command issues a single beep immediately.  
SYSTem:ERRor?  
This command queries the power supply’s error queue. When the front-panel  
ERROR annunciator turns on, one or more command syntax or hardware  
errors have been detected. Up to 20 errors can be stored in the error queue.  
See ‘‘Error Messages’’ for a complete listing of the errors in chapter 5.  
• Errorsare retrieved infirst-in-first-out(FIFO)order. Thefirsterror returned  
is the first error that was stored. When you have read all errors from the  
queue, the ERROR annunciator turnsoff. The power supply beepsonce each  
time an error is generated.  
• If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error stored in the queue (the  
most recent error) is replaced with -350, ‘‘Too many errors’’. No additional  
errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no errors have  
occurred when you read the error queue, the power supply responds with  
+0, ‘‘No error’’.  
• The error queue is cleared when power has been off or after a *CLS (clear  
status) command has been executed. The *RST (reset) command does not  
clear the error queue.  
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System-Related Commands  
SYSTem:VERSion?  
This command queries the power supply to determine the present SCPI  
version. The returned value is of a string in the form YYYY.V where the ‘‘Y’s’’  
represent the year of the version, and the ‘‘V’’ represents a version number for  
that year (for example, 1996.0).  
*IDN?  
This query command reads the power supply’s identification string. The power  
supply returns four fields separated by commas. The first field is the  
manufacturer’s name, the second field is the model number, the third field is  
not used (always ‘‘0’’), and the fourth field is a revision code which contains  
three numbers. The first number is the firmware revision number for the main  
power supply processor; the second is for the input/output processor; and the  
third is for the front-panel processor.  
The command returns a string with the following format (be sure to dimension  
a string variable with at least 40 characters):  
HEWLETT-PACKARD,E3633A or E3634A,0,X.X-X.X-X.X  
*RST  
This command resets the power supply to its power-on state as follows:  
Command  
CURR  
E3633A state  
E3634A state  
20 A  
7 A  
0.32 mA (typical value) 0.13 mA (typical value)  
CURR:STEP  
CURR:TRIG  
CURR:PROT  
CURR:PROT:STAT  
DISP  
20 A  
22.0 A  
ON  
7 A  
7.5 A  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
0
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
0
OUTP  
OUTP:REL  
TRIG:DEL  
TRIG:SOUR  
VOLT  
BUS  
0 V  
BUS  
0 V  
0.36 mV (typical value) 0.95 mV (typical value)  
VOLT:STEP  
VOLT:TRIG  
VOLT:PROT  
VOLT:PROT:STAT  
VOLT:RANG  
0 V  
0 V  
22.0 V  
ON  
55.0 V  
ON  
P8V (Low)  
P25V (Low)  
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System-Related Commands  
*TST?  
This query performs a complete self-test of the power supply. Returns ‘‘0’’ if  
the self-test passes or ‘‘1’’ or any non-zero value if it fails. If the self-test fails,  
an error message is also generated with additional information on why the test  
failed.  
*SAV { 1 | 2 | 3 }  
This command stores the present state of the power supply to the specified  
location in non-volatile memory. Three memory locations (numbered 1, 2 and  
3) are available to store operating states of the power supply. The state storage  
feature ‘‘remembers’’ the states or values of the following commands:  
CURR, CURR:STEP, CURR:TRIG, CURR:PROT, CURR:PROT:STAT  
DISP, OUTP, OUTP:REL, TRIG:DEL, TRIG:SOUR, VOLT,  
VOLT:STEP, VOLT:TRIG, VOLT:PROT, VOLT:PROT:STAT, and  
VOLT:RANG  
To recall a stored state, you must use the same memory location used  
previously to store the state.  
4
*RCL { 1 | 2 | 3 }  
This command recalls a previously stored state. To recall a stored state, you  
must use the same memory location used previously to store the state.  
N o t e  
DISP {OFF|ON}can be stored and recalled in remote interface mode only. Going  
to local mode automatically sets the display state to ON.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Calibration Commands  
Calibration Commands  
See chapter 3 ‘‘Calibration Overview’’, starting on page 68 for an overview  
of the calibration features of the power supply. For more detailed discussion  
of the calibration procedures, see the Service Guide.  
N o t e  
When you calibrate the power supply, you should not set the OVP and OCP to ON  
state in order to prevent OVP or OCP from tripping.  
CALibration:COUNt?  
This command queries the power supply to determine the number of times it  
hasbeencalibrated.Yourpowersupply wascalibratedbeforeitleftthefactory.  
When you receive your power supply, read the count to determine its initial  
value. Since the value increments by one for each calibration point, a complete  
calibration will increase the value by 5 counts.  
CALibration:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>  
This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output  
state is ON. It enters a current value that you obtained by reading an external  
meter. You must first select the minimum calibration level (CAL:CURR:LEV  
MIN) for the value being entered. You must then select the middle and  
maximum calibration levels (CAL:CURR:LEV MIDand CAL:CURR:LEV MAX  
) for the value being entered. Three successive values must be selected and  
entered. The power supply then computes new calibration constants. These  
constants are then stored in non-volatile memory.  
CALibration:CURRent:LEVel {MINimum | MIDdle|MAXimum}  
This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output  
state is ON. It sets the power supply to a calibration point that is entered with  
CAL:CURRcommand. During calibration, three pointsmust be entered and the  
low-end point (MIN) must be selected and entered first.  
CALibration:CURRent:PROTection  
This command calibrates the overcurrent protection circuit of the power  
supply. It takes about 10 seconds to execute the command. The calibration  
must be unsecured and the output shorted before calibrating the overcurrent  
protection. The power supply automatically performs the calibration and  
stores the new overcurrent constant in nonvolatile memory. Notice that  
current calibration precedes before sending this command.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Calibration Commands  
CALibration:DAC:ERRor  
This command corrects the differential nonlinearity error of the internal DAC  
without an external meter. You must send this command before calibrating the  
voltage. It takes about 30 seconds to execute the command.  
CALibration:SECure:CODE <new code>  
This command enters a new security code. To change the security code, first  
unsecure the power supply using the old security code. Then, enter the new  
code. The calibration code may contain up to 12 characters over the remote  
interface but the first character must always be a letter.  
CALibration:SECure:STATe {OFF | ON},<code>  
This command unsecures or secures the power supply for calibration. The  
calibration code may contain up to 12 characters over the remote interface.  
CALibration:SECure:STATe?  
This command queries the secured state for calibration of the power supply.  
The returned parameter is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).  
4
CALibration:STRing <quoted string>  
This command records calibration information about your power supply. For  
example, you can store such information as the last calibration date, the next  
calibration due date, or the power supply’s serial number. The calibration  
message may contain up to 40 characters. The power supply should be  
unsecured before sending a calibration message.  
CALibration:STRing?  
This command queries the calibration message and returns a quoted string.  
CALibration:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>  
This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output  
state is ON. It enters a voltage value that you obtained by reading an external  
meter. You must first select the minimum calibration level (CAL:VOLT:LEV  
MIN) for the value being entered. You must then select the middle and  
maximum calibration levels(CAL:VOLT:LEVMIDand CAL:VOLT:LEV MAX)  
for the value being entered. Three successive values must be selected and  
entered. The power supply then computes new voltage calibration constants.  
These constants are then stored in non-volatile memory.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Calibration Commands  
CALibration:VOLTage:LEVel {MINimum | MIDdle|MAXimum}  
This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output  
state is ON. It sets the power supply to a calibration point that is entered with  
CAL:VOLTcommand. During calibration, three pointsmustbe enteredandthe  
low-end point (MIN) must be selected and entered first.  
CALibration:VOLTage:PROTection  
This command calibrates the overvoltage protection circuit of the power  
supply. It takes about 10 seconds to execute the command. The calibration  
mustbeunsecuredandtheoutputbeopenedbeforecalibratingtheovervoltage  
protection circuit. The power supply automatically performs the calibration  
and stores the new overvoltage constant in nonvolatile memory. Notice that  
voltage calibration precedes before sending this command.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
RS-232 Interface Commands  
RS-232 Interface Commands  
Use the front-panel ‘‘I/O Config’’ key to select the baud rate, parity, and the  
number of data bits (see chapter 3 ‘‘Remote Interface Configuration’’,  
starting on page 58).  
SYSTem:LOCal  
This command places the power supply in the local mode during RS-232  
operation. All keys on the front panel are fully functional.  
SYSTem:REMote  
This command places the power supply in the remote mode for RS-232  
operation. All keys on the front panel, except the ‘‘Local’’ key, are disabled.  
It is very important that you send the SYST:REM command to place the  
power supply in the remote mode. Sending or receiving data over the  
RS-232 interface when not configured for remote operation can cause  
unpredictable results.  
4
SYSTem:RWLock  
This command places the power supply in the remote mode for RS-232  
operation. This command is the same as the SYST:REM command except that  
all keys on the front panel are disabled, including the ‘‘Local’’ key.  
Ctrl-C  
This command clears the operation in progress over the RS-232 interface and  
discards any pending output data. This is equivalent to the IEEE-488 device  
clear action over the GPIB interface.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
The SCPI Status Registers  
The SCPI Status Registers  
All SCPI instruments implement status registers in the same way. The status  
system records various instrument conditions in three register groups: the  
Status Byte register, the Standard Event register, and the Questionable Status  
register groups. The status byte register records high-level summary  
information reported in the other register groups. The diagram on the  
subsequent pages illustrates the SCPI status system used by the power supply.  
What is an Event Register?  
An event register is a read-only register that reports defined conditions within  
the power supply. Bits in an event register are latched. Once an event bit is set,  
subsequent state changes are ignored. Bits in an event register are  
automatically cleared by a query of that register (such as *ESR? or  
STAT:QUES:EVEN?) or by sending the *CLS (clear status) command. A reset  
(*RST) or device clear will not clear bits in event registers. Querying an event  
registerreturnsadecimalvaluewhichcorrespondstothe binary-weightedsum  
of all bits set in the register.  
What is an Enable Register?  
An enable register defines which bits in the corresponding event register are  
logically ORed together to form a single summary bit. Enable registers are both  
readable and writable. Querying an enable register will not clear it. The *CLS  
(clear status) command does not clear enable registers but it does clear the  
bits in the event registers. To enable bits in an enable register, you must write  
a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits you  
wish to enable in the register.  
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The SCPI Status Registers  
SCPI Status System  
4
Binary Weight  
0
2 = 1  
1
2 = 2  
2
2 = 4  
3
2 = 8  
4
2 = 16  
5
2 = 32  
6
2 = 64  
7
2 = 128  
8
2 = 256  
9
2 = 512  
10  
2
2
2
2
2
2
= 1024  
= 2048  
= 4096  
= 8192  
= 16384  
= 32768  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
103  
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The SCPI Status Registers  
The Questionable Status Register  
The Questionable Status register provides information about voltage and  
current regulation. Bit 0 is set when the voltage becomes unregulated, and bit  
1 is set if the current becomes unregulated. For example if the power supply  
momentarily goes to constant current mode when the power supply is  
operating as a voltage source (constant voltage mode), bit 0 is set to indicate  
that the voltage output is not regulated.  
The Questionable Status register also provides information that the power  
supply has an overtemperature condition and that the overvoltage and  
overcurrent protection circuits have tripped. Bit 4 reports an overtemperature  
condition of the fan, bit 9 reports that the overvoltage protection circuit has  
tripped, and bit 10 reports that the overcurrent protection circuit has tripped.  
To read the register, send STATus:QUEStionable?.  
Table 4-3. Bit Definitions - Questionable Status Register  
Bit  
Decimal  
Value  
Definition  
0
Voltage  
1
2
0
The power supply is/was in the constant current mode.  
The power supply is/was in the constant voltage mode.  
Always set to 0.  
1
Current  
2-3  
4
Not Used  
Overtemperature 16  
The fan has a fault condition.  
5-8  
9
Not Used  
0
Always set to 0.  
Over Voltage  
Over Current  
512  
1024  
0
The overvoltage protection circuit has tripped.  
The overcurrent protection circuit has tripped.  
Always set to 0.  
10  
11-15 Not Used  
The Questionable Status Event register is cleared when:  
• You execute the *CLS(clear status) command.  
• You query the event register using STAT:QUES? (Status Questionable  
Event register) command.  
For example, 16 is returned when you have queried the status of the  
questionable event register, the temperature condition is questionable.  
The Questionable Status Enable register is cleared when:  
• You execute STAT:QUES:ENAB 0command.  
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The SCPI Status Registers  
The Standard Event Register  
The Standard Event register reports the following types of instrument events:  
power-on detected, command syntax errors, command execution errors, self-  
testor calibration errors, query errors, or when an *OPC command is executed.  
Any or all of these conditions can be reported in the standard event summary  
bit (ESB, bit 5) of Status Byte register through the enable register. To set the  
enable register mask, you write a decimal value to the register using the *ESE  
(Event Status Enable) command.  
An error condition (Standard Event register bit 2, 3, 4, or 5) will always  
record one or more errors in the power supply’s error queue. Read the  
error queue using the SYST:ERR? command.  
Table 4-4. Bit Definitions – Standard Event Register  
Bit  
Decimal  
Value  
Definition  
0
OP  
C
Operation Complete. All commands prior to and  
including an *OPC command have been executed.  
4
1
0
1
2
Not Used  
QYE  
Always set to 0.  
Query Error. The power supply tried to read the output  
buffer but it was empty. Or, new command line was  
receivedbefore a previousquery had been read. Or, both  
the input and output buffers are full.  
4
3
4
5
DDE  
Device Error. A self-test or calibration error occurred  
(see error numbers 601 through 750 in chapter 5).  
8
EXE  
Execution Error. An execution error occurred (see error  
numbers -211 through -224 in chapter 5).  
16  
CME  
CommandError.Acommandsyntaxerroroccurred(see  
error numbers -101 through -178 in chapter 5).  
32  
0
6
7
Not Used  
Always set to 0.  
P
ON  
Power On. Power has been turned off and on since the  
last time the event register was read or cleared.  
128  
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The SCPI Status Registers  
The Standard Event register is cleared when:  
• You execute the *CLS(clear status) command.  
• You query the event register using the *ESR?(Event Status register)  
command.  
For example, 28 (4 + 8 + 16) is returned when you have queried the status of  
the Standard Event register, QYE, DDE, and EXE conditions have occurred.  
The Standard Event Enable register is cleared when:  
• You execute the *ESE 0command.  
• You turn on the power and have previously configured the power supply  
using the *PSC 1command.  
• The enable register will not be cleared at power-on if you have previously  
configured the power supply using the *PSC 0command.  
The Status Byte Register  
The Status Byte summary register reports conditions from the other status  
registers. Query data that is waiting in the power supply’s output buffer is  
immediately reported through the “Message Available” bit(bit 4) ofStatus Byte  
register. Bits in the summary register are notlatched. Clearing an event register  
will clear the corresponding bits in the Status Byte summary register. Reading  
all messages in the output buffer, including any pending queries, will clear the  
message available bit.  
Table 4-5. Bit Definitions – Status Byte Summary Register  
Bit  
Decimal  
Value  
Definition  
0-2  
3
Not Used  
0
Always set to 0.  
QUES  
One or more bits are set in the questionable status  
register (bits must be “enabled” in the enable register).  
8
4
5
MAV  
ESB  
16  
32  
Data is available in the power supply output buffer.  
One or more bits are set in the standard event register  
(bits must be “enabled” in the enable register).  
6
7
RQS  
64  
0
The power supply is requesting service (serial poll).  
Always set to 0.  
Not Used  
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The SCPI Status Registers  
The Status Byte Summary register is cleared when:  
• You execute the *CLS(clear status) command.  
• Querying the Standard Event register (*ESR?command) will clear only bit  
5 in the Status Byte summary register.  
For example, 24 (8 + 16) is returned when you have queried the status of the  
Status Byte register, QUES and MAV conditions have occurred.  
The Status Byte Enable register (Request Service) is cleared when:  
• You execute the *SRE 0command.  
• You turn on the power and have previously configured the power supply  
using the *PSC 1command.  
• The enable register will not be cleared at power-on if you have previously  
configured the power supply using *PSC 0.  
Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL  
You must configure your bus controller to respond to the IEEE-488 service  
request (SRQ) interrupt to use this capability. Use the Status Byte enable  
register (*SREcommand) to select which summary bits will set the low-level  
IEEE-488 service requestsignal. When bit 6 (requestservice) is set in the Status  
Byte, an IEEE-488 service request interrupt message is automatically sent to  
the bus controller. The bus controller may then poll the instruments on the bus  
to identify which one requested service (the instrument with bit 6 set in its  
Status Byte).  
4
The request service bit is cleared only by reading the Status Byte using an  
IEEE-488 serial poll or by reading the event register whose summary bit is  
causing the service request.  
To read the Status Byte summary register, send the IEEE-488 serial poll  
message. Querying the summary register will return a decimal value which  
corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits set in the register. Serial  
poll will automatically clear the “request service” bit in the Status Byte  
summary register. No other bits are affected. Performing a serial poll will not  
affect instrument throughput.  
C a u t i o n  
The IEEE-488 standard does not ensure synchronization between your bus controller  
program and the instrument. Use the *OPC?command to guarantee that commands  
previously sent to the instrument have completed. Executing a serial poll before a  
*RST, *CLS,or other commands have completed can cause previous conditions  
to be reported.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
The SCPI Status Registers  
Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte  
The *STB?(Status Byte query) command is similar to a serial poll but it is  
processed like any other instrument command. The *STB?command returns  
the same result as a serial poll but the “request service” bit (bit 6) is not cleared.  
The *STB?command is not handled automatically by the IEEE-488 bus  
interface hardware and will be executed only after previous commands have  
completed. Polling is not possible using the *STB?command. Executing the  
*STB?command does not clear the Status Byte summary register.  
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV)  
You can use the Status Byte “message available” bit (bit 4) to determine when  
data is available to read into your bus controller. The power supply  
subsequently clears bit 4 only after all messages have been read from the  
output buffer.  
To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ  
1 Send a device clear message to clear the power supply’s output buffer (e.g.,  
CLEAR 705).  
2 Clear the event registers with the *CLS(clear status) command.  
3 Set up the enable register masks. Execute the *ESEcommand to set up the  
Standard Event register and the *SREcommand for the Status Byte.  
4 Send the *OPC?(operation complete query) command and enter the result to  
ensure synchronization.  
5 Enable your bus controller’s IEEE-488 SRQ interrupt.  
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The SCPI Status Registers  
To Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed  
1 Send a device clear message to clear the power supply’s output buffer (e.g.,  
CLEAR 705).  
2 Clear the event registers with the *CLS(clear status) command.  
3 Enable the “operation complete” bit (bit 0) in the Standard Event register by  
executing the *ESE 1command.  
4 Send the *OPC?(operation complete query) command and enter the result to  
ensure synchronization.  
5 Execute your command string to program the desired configuration, and then  
execute the *OPC(operation complete) command as the last command. When  
the command sequence is completed, the “operation complete” bit (bit 0) is  
set in the Standard Event register.  
6 Use a serial poll to check to see when bit 5 (standard event) is set in the Status  
Byte summary register. You could also configure the power supply for an  
SRQ interrupt by sending *SRE 32(Status Byte enable register, bit 5).  
4
Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer  
Generally, it is best to use the “operation complete” bit (bit 0) in the Standard  
Event register to signal when a command sequence is completed. This bit is  
set in the register after an *OPCcommand has been executed. If you send  
*OPCafter a command which loads a message in the power supply’s output  
buffer (query data), you can use the “operation complete” bit to determine  
when the message is available. However, if too many messages are generated  
before the *OPCcommand executes (sequentially), the output buffer will fill  
and the power supply will stop processing commands.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Status Reporting Commands  
Status Reporting Commands  
See diagram ‘‘SCPI Status System’’, on page 103 in this chapter for detailed  
information of the status register structure of the power supply.  
SYSTem:ERRor?  
This query command reads one error from the error queue. When the front-  
panel ERROR annunciator turns on, one or more command syntax or hardware  
errors have been detected. A record of up to 20 errors can be stored in the  
power supply’s error queue. See ‘‘Error Messages’’ for a complete listing of the  
errors in chapter 5.  
• The first error returned is the first error that was stored. When you have  
read all errors from the queue, the ERROR annunciator turns off. The power  
supply beeps once each time an error is generated.  
• If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error stored in the queue (the  
most recent error) is replaced with -350, ‘‘Too many errors’’. No additional  
errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no errors have  
occurred when you read the error queue, the power supply responds with  
+0, ‘‘No error’’.  
• The error queue is cleared when power has been off or after a *CLS (clear  
status) command has been executed. The *RST (reset) command does not  
clear the error queue.  
• All errors are cleared when you exit the menu or let the display time out for  
about 30 seconds.  
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?  
This command queries the Questionable Status condition register to check CV  
or CC mode of the power supply. The power supply returns a decimal value  
which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits in the register. These  
bits are not latched. If ‘‘0’’ is returned, the power supply is in output off or  
unregulated state. If ‘‘1’’ is returned, the power supply is in the CC operating  
mode and if ‘‘2’’ is returned, the power supply is in the CV operating mode. If  
‘‘3’’ is returned, the power supply is in failure.  
STATus:QUEStionable?  
This command queries the Questionable Status event register. The power  
supply returns a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum  
of all bits in the register. These bits are latched. Reading the event register  
clears it.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Status Reporting Commands  
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value>  
This command enables bits in the Questionable Status enable register. The  
selected bits are then reported to the Status Byte.  
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?  
This command queries the Questionable Status enable register. The power  
supplyreturnsa binary-weighteddecimalrepresentingthe bitssetinthe enable  
register.  
*CLS  
This command clears all event registers and Status Byte register.  
*ESE<enable value>  
This command enables bits in the Standard Event enable register. The selected  
bits are then reported to the Status Byte.  
*ESE?  
This command queries the Standard Event enable register. The power supply  
returns a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all  
bits in the register.  
4
*ESR?  
This command queries the Standard event register. The power supply returns  
a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits in  
the register.  
*OPC  
This command sets the ‘‘Operation Complete’’ bit (bit 0) of the Standard Event  
register after the command is executed.  
*OPC?  
This command returns ‘‘1’’ to the output buffer after the command is executed.  
*PSC { 0 | 1 }  
(Power-onstatusclear.) Thiscommandclearsthe StatusByteand theStandard  
Event register enable masks when power is turned on (*PSC 1). When  
*PSC 0is in effect, the Status Byte and Standard Event register enable masks  
are not cleared when power is turned on.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Status Reporting Commands  
*PSC?  
This command queries the power-on status clear setting. The returned  
parameter is ‘‘0’’ (*PSC 0) or ‘‘1’’ (*PSC 1).  
*SRE <enable value>  
This command enables bits in the Status Byte enable register.  
*SRE?  
This command queries the Status Byte Enable register. The power supply  
returns a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all  
bits set in the enable register.  
*STB?  
ThiscommandqueriestheStatusBytesummaryregister.The*STB?command  
is similar to a serial poll but it is processed like any other instrument command.  
The *STB?command returns the same result as a serial poll but the ‘‘Request  
Service’’ bit (bit 6) is not cleared if a serial poll has occurred.  
*WAI  
This command instructs the power supply to wait for all pending operations  
to complete before executing any additional commands over the interface.  
Used only in the triggered mode.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
An Introduction to the SCPI Language  
An Introduction to the SCPI Language  
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is an ASCII-  
based instrument command language designed for test and measurement  
instruments. Refer to ‘‘Simplified Programming Overview’’, starting on page 80  
for an introduction to the basic techniques used to program the power supply  
over the remote interface.  
SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical structure, also known as a tree  
system. In this system, associated commands are grouped together under a  
common node or root, thus forming subsystems. A portion of the SOURce  
subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system.  
[SOURce:]  
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}  
CURRent? [MIN|MAX]  
CURRent:  
4
TRIGgered {<current>|MIN|MAX}  
TRIGgered?{MIN|MAX}  
VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}  
VOLTage? [MIN|MAX]  
VOLTage:  
TRIGgered {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}  
TRIGgered? {MIN|MAX}  
SOURceis the root keyword of the command, CURRentand VOLTageare  
second-level keywords, and TRIGgeredis third-level keywords. A colon (:)  
separates a command keyword from a lower-level keyword.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
An Introduction to the SCPI Language  
Command Format Used in This Manual  
The format used to show commands in this manual is shown below:  
CURRent {<current>|MINimum|MAXimum|UP|DOWN}  
The command syntax shows most commands (and some parameters) as a  
mixture of upper- and lower-case letters. The upper-case letters indicate the  
abbreviated spelling for the command. For shorter program lines, send the  
abbreviated form. For better program readability, send the long form.  
For example, in the above syntax statement, CURRand CURRENTare both  
acceptable forms. You can use upper- or lower-case letters. Therefore,  
CURRENT, curr, and Currare all acceptable. Other forms, such as CURand  
CURREN, will generate an error.  
Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices for a given command string. The  
braces are not sent with the command string.  
A vertical bar ( | ) separates multiple parameter choices for a given command  
string.  
Triangle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed  
parameter. For example, the above syntax statement shows the current  
parameter enclosed in triangle brackets. The brackets are not sent with the  
command string. You must specify a value for the parameter (such as ‘‘CURR  
0.1”).  
Some parameters are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ). The brackets indicate  
that the parameter is optional and can be omitted. The brackets are not sent  
with the command string. If you do not specify a value for an optional  
parameter, the power supply chooses a default value.  
Some portions ofcommandsare enclosedinsquare brackets( []). The brackets  
indicate that this portion of the command is optional. Most optional portions  
of the command are not shown in the command description. For the full  
command showing all the options, see ‘‘SCPI Command Summary’’, starting  
A colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a lower-level keyword. You  
must insert a blank space to separate a parameter from a command keyword.  
If a command requires more than one parameter, you must separate adjacent  
parameter using a comma as shown below:  
‘‘SOURce:CURRent:TRIGgered’’  
‘‘APPLy 3.5,1.5’’  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
An Introduction to the SCPI Language  
Command Separators  
A colon ( : ) is used to separate a command keyword from a lower-level  
keyword as shown below:  
‘‘SOURce:CURRent:TRIGgered’’  
Asemicolon(;)isusedtoseparatetwocommandswithin the samesubsystem,  
and can also minimize typing. For example, sending the following command  
string:  
‘‘SOUR:VOLT MIN;CURR MAX’’  
... is the same as sending the following two commands:  
‘‘SOUR:VOLT MIN’’  
‘‘SOUR:CURR MAX’’  
Use a colon and a semicolon to link commands from different subsystems.  
For example, in the following command string, an error is generated if you do  
not use the colon and semicolon:  
‘‘DISP:TEXT:CLE;:SOUR:CURR MIN’’  
4
Using the MIN and MAX Parameters  
You can substitute MINimumor MAXimumin place of a parameter for many  
commands. For example, consider the following command:  
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX}  
Instead of selecting a specific current, you can substitute MINimumto set the  
current to its minimum value or MAXimumto set the current to its maximum  
value.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
An Introduction to the SCPI Language  
Querying Parameter Settings  
You can query the value of most parameters by adding a question mark (?) to  
the command. For example, the following command sets the output current  
to 5 amps:  
‘‘CURR 5’’  
You can query the value by executing:  
‘‘CURR?’’  
You can also query the minimum or maximum value allowed with the present  
function as follows:  
‘‘CURR? MAX’’  
‘‘CURR? MIN’’  
C a u t i o n  
If you send two query commands without reading the response from the first, and then  
attempttoreadthesecondresponse, youmayreceivesomedatafromthefirstresponse  
followed by the complete second response. To avoid this, do not send a query  
command without reading the response. When you cannot avoid this situation, send  
a device clear before sending the second query command.  
SCPI Command Terminators  
A command string sent to the power supply must terminate with a <new line>  
character. The IEEE-488 EOI (end-or-identify) message is interpreted as a  
<new line> character and can be used to terminate a command string in place  
of a <new line> character. A <carriage return> followed by a <new line> is  
also accepted. Command string termination will always reset the current SCPI  
command path to the root level. The <new line> character has the ASCII  
decimal code of 10.  
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands  
The IEEE-488.2 standard defines a set of common commands that perform  
functions like reset, self-test, and status operations. Common commands  
always begin with an asterisk ( * ), are four to five characters in length, and  
may include one or more parameters. The command keyword is separated  
from the first parameter by a blank space. Use a semicolon ( ; ) to separate  
multiple commands as shown below:  
‘‘*RST; *CLS; *ESE 32; *OPC?”  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
An Introduction to the SCPI Language  
SCPI Parameter Types  
The SCPIlanguage definesseveraldifferentdataformats tobeused inprogram  
messages and response messages.  
Numeric Parameters Commands that require numeric parameters will  
accept all commonly used decimal representations of numbers including  
optional signs, decimal points, and scientific notation. Special values for  
numericparameterslikeMINimum,MAXimum,andDEFaultarealsoaccepted.  
You can also send engineering unit suffixes (V, A or SEC) with numeric  
parameters. Ifonly specific numeric valuesare accepted, the power supply will  
automatically round the input numeric parameters. The following command  
uses a numeric parameter:  
CURR {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}  
Discrete Parameters Discrete parameters are used to program settings that  
have a limited number of values (like BUS, IMM). Query responses will always  
return the short form in all upper-case letters. The following command uses  
discrete parameters:  
4
TRIG:SOUR {BUS|IMM}  
Boolean Parameters Boolean parameters represent a single binary  
condition that is either true or false. For a false condition, the power supply  
will accept ‘‘OFF’’ or ‘‘ 0 ’’. For a true condition, the power supply will accept  
‘‘ON’’ or ‘‘ 1 ’’. When you query a boolean setting, the power supply will always  
return ‘‘ 0 ’’ or ‘‘ 1 ’’. The following command uses a boolean parameter:  
DISP {OFF|ON}  
String Parameters String parameters can contain virtually any set of ASCII  
characters. A string must begin and end with matching quotes; either with a  
single quote or with a double quote. You can include the quote delimiter as part  
of the string by typing it twice without any characters in between. The  
following command uses a string parameter:  
DISP:TEXT <quoted string>  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
Halting an Output in Progress  
Halting an Output in Progress  
You can send a device clear at any time to stop an output in progress over the  
GPIB interface. The status registers, the error queue, and all configuration  
statesare left unchanged when a device clear message is received. Device clear  
performs the following actions.  
• The power supply’s input and output buffers are cleared.  
• The power supply is prepared to accept a new command string.  
• The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB  
interface using Agilent BASIC.  
CLEAR 705  
IEEE-488 Device Clear  
• The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB  
interface using the GPIB Command Library for C or QuickBASIC.  
IOCLEAR (705)  
For RS-232 operation, sending the <Ctrl-C> character will perform the  
same operation as the IEEE-488 device clear message. The power  
supply’s DTR (data terminal ready) handshake line is set true following  
a device clear message. See ‘‘DTR/DSR Handshake Protocol’’, on page 66  
in chapter 3 for further details.  
N o t e  
All remote interface configurations can be entered only from the front panel. See  
‘‘Remote Interface Configuration’’ in chapter 3 to configure for GPIB or RS-232  
interface before operating the power supply remotely.  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
SCPI Conformance Information  
SCPI Conformance Information  
The Agilent E3633A and E3634A DC Power Supplies conform to the ‘1996.0’  
version of the SCPI standard. Many of the commands required by the standard  
are accepted by the power supply but are not described in this manual for  
simplicity or clarity. Most of these non-documented commands duplicate the  
functionality of a command already described in this manual.  
SCPI Confirmed Commands  
The following table lists the SCPI-confirmed commands that are used by the  
power supply.  
DISPlay  
[:WINDow][:STATe] {OFF|ON}  
[:WINDow][:STATe]?  
[:WINDow]:TEXT[:DATA] <quoted string>  
[:WINDow]:TEXT[:DATA]?  
[:WINDow]:TEXT:CLEar  
4
INITiate[:IMMediate]  
MEASure  
:CURRent[:DC]?  
[:VOLTage][:DC]?  
OUTPut  
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}  
[:STATE]?  
[SOURce]  
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}  
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]  
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement] {<numeric value>|DEFault}  
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}  
:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX}  
:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]  
:CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel] {<current>|MIN|MAX}  
:CURRent:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}  
:CURRent:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}  
:CURRent:PROTection:STATe?  
:CURRent:PROTection:TRIPped?  
:CURRent:PROTection:CLEar  
119  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
SCPI Conformance Information  
SCPI Confirmed Commands (continued)  
[SOURce]  
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}  
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]  
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement] {<numeric value>|DEFault}  
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}  
:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}  
:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]  
:VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}  
:VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}  
:VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}  
:VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?  
:VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?  
:VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar  
:VOLTage:RANGe {P8V|P20V|LOW|HIGH}  
:VOLTage:RANGe {P25V|P50V|LOW|HIGH}  
:VOLTage:RANGe?  
(For E3633A model)  
(For E3634A model)  
STATus  
:QUEStionable:CONDition?  
:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?  
:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value>  
:QUEStionable:ENABle?  
SYSTem  
:BEEPer[:IMMediate]  
:ERRor?  
:VERSion  
TRIGger  
[:SEQuence]:DELay {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}  
[:SEQuence]:DELay?  
[:SEQuence]:SOURce{BUS|IMM}  
[:SEQuence]:SOURce?  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
SCPI Conformance Information  
Device Specific Commands  
The following commands are device-specific to the Agilent E3633A and Agilent  
E3634A power supplies. They are not included in the ‘1996.0’ version of the  
SCPI standard. However, these commands are designed with the SCPI  
standard in mind and they follow all of the command syntax rules defined by  
the standard.  
Non-SCPI Commands  
APPLy {<voltage>|DEF|MIN|MAX>}[,{<current>|DEF|MIN|MAX}]  
APPLy?  
CALibration  
:COUNt?  
:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>  
:CURRent:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}  
:CURRent:PROTection  
:DAC:ERRor  
:SECure:CODE <new code>  
:SECure:STATe {OFF|ON},<code>  
:SECure:STATe?  
4
:STRing <quoted string>  
:STRing?  
:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>  
:VOLTage:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}  
:VOLTage:PROTection  
OUTPut  
:RELay[:STATe] {OFF|ON}  
:RELay[:STATE]?  
SYSTem  
:LOCal  
:REMote  
:RWLock  
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Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference  
IEEE-488 Conformance Information  
IEEE-488 Conformance Information  
Dedicated Hardware Lines  
IEEE-488 Common Commands  
ATN  
IFC  
REN  
SRQ  
Attention  
*CLS  
Interface Clear  
Remote Enable  
*ESE <enable value>  
*ESE?  
Service Request Enable *ESR?  
*IDN?  
*OPC  
Addressed Commands  
*OPC?  
*PSC {0|1}  
*PSC?  
DCL  
EOI  
GET  
GTL  
LLO  
SDC  
SPD  
SPE  
Device Clear  
End or Identify  
*RST  
Group Execute Trigger  
Go To Local  
*SAV {1|2|3}  
*RCL {1|2|3}  
*SRE <enable value>  
*SRE?  
Local Lockout  
Selected Device Clear  
Serial Poll Disable  
Serial Poll Enable  
*STB?  
*TRG  
*TST?  
*WAI  
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5
Error Messages  
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Error Messages  
Errors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO) order. The first error returned  
is the first error that was stored. Errors are cleared as you read them over the  
remote interface. When you have read all errors from the queue, the ERROR  
annunciator turns off and the errors are cleared. The power supply beeps once  
each time an error is generated.  
If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error stored in the queue (the  
most recent error) is replaced with -350, ‘‘Too many errors’’. No additional  
errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no errors have  
occurred when you read the error queue, the supply responds with +0, ‘‘No  
error’’ over the remote interface or ‘‘NO ERRORS’’ from the front panel.  
The error queue is cleared by the *CLS(clear status) command or when power  
is cycled. The errors are also cleared when you read the queue.  
The *RST(reset command) command does not clear the error queue.  
• Front-panel operation:  
Store  
Press  
supply is in remote operation mode.  
(Local) key to return to front-panel operation mode if the power  
Local  
3: ERR -102  
Error  
If the ERROR annunciator is on, press  
key to view the errors. Use the  
>
knob to scroll through the error numbers. Press  
to view the text of the  
key to decrease or increase the scrolling  
speed of the text on the display. All errors are cleared when you exit the menu  
<
>
error message. Press  
or  
Error  
by pressing the  
key or let the display time out for about 30 seconds.  
• Remote interface operation:  
SYSTem:ERRor?  
Read and clear one error from the error queue  
Errors have th5e following format (the error string may contain up to 80  
characters).  
-102, ‘‘Syntax error’’  
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Chapter 5 Error Messages  
Execution Errors  
Execution Errors  
-101  
-102  
-103  
Invalid character  
An invalid character was found in the command string. You may have inserted  
a character such as #, $, or % in the command keyword or within a parameter.  
Example: OUTP:STAT #ON  
Syntax error  
Invalid syntaxwasfound in the command string. You may have inserteda blank  
space before or after a colon in the command header, or before a comma.  
Example: VOLT:LEV ,1  
Invalid separator  
An invalid separator was found in the command string. You may have used a  
comma instead of a colon, semicolon, or blank space - or you may have used  
a blank space instead of a comma.  
Example: TRIG:SOUR,BUS or APPL 1.0 1.0  
-104  
Data type error  
The wrong parameter type was found in the command string. You may have  
specified a number where a string was expected, or vice versa.  
5
-105  
-108  
GET not allowed  
A Group Execute Trigger (GET) is not allowed within a command string.  
Parameter not allowed  
More parameters were received than expected for the command. You may  
have entered an extra parameter, or you added a parameter to a command that  
does not accept a parameter.  
Example: APPL? 10  
-109  
Missing parameter  
Fewer parameters were received than expected for the command. You omitted  
one or more parameters that are required for this command.  
Example: APPL  
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Chapter 5 Error Messages  
Execution Errors  
-112  
-113  
Program mnemonic too long  
A command header was received which contained more than the maximum 12  
characters allowed.  
Undefined header  
A command was received that is not valid for this power supply. You may have  
misspelled the command or it may not be a valid command. If you are using  
the shortformofthe command, remember thatitmay containup tofour letters.  
Example: TRIGG:DEL 3  
-121  
Invalid character in number  
An invalid character was found in the number specified for a parameter value.  
Example: *ESE #B01010102  
-123  
-124  
Numeric overflow  
A numeric parameter was found whose exponent was larger than 32,000.  
Too many digits  
A numeric parameter was found whose mantissa contained more than 255  
digits, excluding leading zeros.  
-128  
-131  
Numeric data not allowed  
A numeric parameter was received but a character string was expected.  
Example: DISP:TEXT 123  
Invalid suffix  
A suffix was incorrectly specified for a numeric parameter. You may have  
misspelled the suffix.  
Example: TRIG:DEL 0.5 SECS  
-134  
-138  
Suffix too long  
A suffix for a numeric parameter contained too many characters.  
Suffix not allowed  
A suffix was received following a numeric parameter which does not accept a  
suffix.  
Example: STAT:QUES:ENAB 18 SEC(SEC is not a valid suffix).  
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Chapter 5 Error Messages  
Execution Errors  
-141  
Invalid character data  
Either the character data element contained an invalid character or the  
particular element received was not valid for the header.  
-144  
-148  
Character data too long  
The character data element contained too many characters.  
Character data not allowed  
A discrete parameter was received but a character string or a numeric  
parameter was expected. Check the list of parameters to verify that you have  
used a valid parameter type.  
Example: DISP:TEXT ON  
-151  
-158  
Invalid string data  
An invalid character string was received. Check to see if you have enclosed  
the character string in single or double quotes.  
Example: DISP:TEXT ON  
String data not allowed  
A character string was received but is not allowed for the command. Check  
the list of parameters to verify that you have used a valid parameter type.  
Example: TRIG:DELzero’  
5
-160 to -168  
-170 to -178  
-211  
Block data errors  
The power supply does not accept block data.  
Expression errors  
The power supply does not accept mathematical expressions.  
Trigger ignored  
A Group Execute Trigger (GET) or *TRGwas received but the trigger was  
ignored. Make sure that the trigger source should be selected to the bus and  
the trigger subsystem should be initiated by INIT[:IMM]command.  
-213  
Init ignored  
An INITiatecommand was received but could not be executed because a  
measurement was already in progress. Send a device clear to halt a  
measurement in progress and place the power supply in the ‘‘idle’’ state.  
127  
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Chapter 5 Error Messages  
Execution Errors  
-221  
-222  
Settings conflict  
Indicates that a legal program data element was parsed but could not be  
executed due to the current device state.  
Data out of range  
A numeric parameter value is outside the valid range for the command.  
Example: TRIG:DEL -3  
-223  
-224  
Too much data  
A character string was received but could not be executed because the string  
length was more than 40 characters. This error can be generated by the  
CALibration:STRingcommand.  
Illegal parameter value  
A discrete parameter was received which was not a valid choice for the  
command. You may have used an invalid parameter choice.  
Example: DISP:STAT XYZ(XYZ is not a valid choice).  
-330  
-350  
Self-test failed  
The power supply’scomplete self-testfailed from the remote interface (*TST?  
command). In addition to this error, more specific self-test errors are also  
reported. See also ‘‘Self-Test Errors’’, starting on page 130.  
Too many errors  
The error queue is full because more than 20 errors have occurred. No  
additional errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. The error  
queue is cleared when power has been off, or after a *CLS(clear status)  
command has been executed.  
-410  
-420  
Query INTERRUPTED  
A command was received which sends data to the output buffer, but the output  
buffer contained data from a previous command (the previous data is not  
overwritten). The output buffer is cleared when power has been off, or after a  
*RST(reset) command has been executed.  
Query UNTERMINATED  
The power supply was addressed to talk (i.e., to send data over the interface)  
but a command has not been received which sends data to the output buffer.  
For example, you may have executed an APPLycommand (which does not  
generate data) and then attempted an ENTERstatement to read data from the  
remote interface.  
128  
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Chapter 5 Error Messages  
Execution Errors  
-430  
-440  
Query DEADLOCKED  
A command was received which generates too much data to fit in the output  
buffer and the input buffer is also full. Command execution continues but all  
data is lost.  
Query UNTERMINATED after indefinite response  
The *IDN? command must be the last query command within a command  
string.  
Example: *IDN?;:SYST:VERS?  
Isolator UART framing error  
Isolator UART overrun error  
RS-232 framing error  
501  
502  
511  
512  
513  
514  
RS-232 overrun error  
RS-232 parity error  
Command allowed only with RS-232  
There are three commands which are only allowed with the RS-232 interface:  
SYSTem:LOCal, SYSTem:REMote, and SYSTem:RWLock.  
5
521  
522  
550  
Input buffer overflow  
Output buffer overflow  
Command not allowed in local  
You should always execute the SYSTem:REMote command before sending  
other commands over the RS-232 interface.  
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Chapter 5 Error Messages  
Self-Test Errors  
Self-Test Errors  
The following errors indicate failures that may occur during a self-test. Refer  
to the Service Guide for more information.  
601  
602  
603  
604  
605  
606  
607  
608  
624  
625  
626  
630  
631  
632  
Front panel does not respond  
RAM read/write failed  
A/D sync stuck  
A/D slope convergence failed  
Cannot calibrate rundown gain  
Rundown gain out of range  
Rundown too noisy  
Serial configuration readback failed  
Unable to sense line frequency  
I/O processor does not respond  
I/O processor failed self-test  
Fan test failed  
System DAC test failed  
Hardware test failed  
130  
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Chapter 5 Error Messages  
Calibration Errors  
Calibration Errors  
The following errors indicate failures that may occur during a calibration.  
Refer to the Service Guide for more information.  
701  
Cal security disabled by jumper  
The calibration security feature has been disabled with a jumper inside the  
power supply. When applicable, this error will occur at power-on to warn you  
that the power supply is unsecured.  
702  
703  
Cal secured  
The power supply is secured against calibration.  
Invalid secure code  
An invalid calibration security code was received whenattempting to unsecure  
or secure the power supply. You must use the same security code to unsecure  
the power supply as was used to secure it, and vice versa. The security code  
may contain up to 12 alphanumeric characters. The first character must be a  
letter.  
704  
705  
Secure code too long  
A security code was received which contained more than 12 characters.  
5
Cal aborted  
A calibration in progress is aborted when you press any front-panel key, send  
a device clear, or change the local/remote state of the instrument.  
708  
712  
Cal output disabled  
Calibration is aborted by sending OUTP OFFcommand during calibrating a  
output.  
Bad DAC cal data  
The specified DAC calibration values (CAL:VOLTor CAL:CURR) are out of  
range. Note thatthe newcalibrationconstantsare notstoredinthe non-volatile  
memory.  
713  
Bad readback cal data  
The specified readback calibration values (CAL:VOLTor CAL:CURR) are out  
of range. Note that the new calibration constants are not stored in the non-  
volatile memory.  
131  
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Chapter 5 Error Messages  
Calibration Errors  
714  
715  
716  
717  
Bad OVP cal data  
The overvoltage protection calibration constant is out of range. Note that the  
new calibration constants are not stored in the non-volatile memory.  
Bad OCP cal data  
The overcurrent protection calibration constant is out of range. Note that the  
new calibration constants are not stored in the non-volatile memory.  
Bad DAC DNL error correction data  
Invalid data measured during the calibration for DAC differential nonlinearity  
error correction.  
Cal OVP or OCP status enabled  
Overvoltage protection status or overcurrent protection status is enabled. You  
must set both overvoltage and overcurrent protection status to OFF before and  
during the calibration.  
718  
Gain out of range for Gain Error Correction  
The slope of the DAC gain is out of range. Hardware fails.  
740  
741  
742  
743  
744  
745  
746  
747  
748  
749  
750  
Cal checksum failed, secure state  
Cal checksum failed, string data  
Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 0  
Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 1  
Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 2  
Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 3  
Cal checksum failed, DAC cal constants  
Cal checksum failed, readback cal constants  
Cal checksum failed, GPIB address  
Cal checksum failed, internal data  
Cal checksum failed, DAC DNL error correction data  
132  
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6
Application Programs  
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Application Programs  
This chapter contains two application programs over the remote interface to  
help you develop programs for your own application. Chapter 4, “Remote  
Interface Reference,” starting on page 73, lists the syntax for the SCPI  
(Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) commands available to  
program the power supply.  
Ò
The examples in this chapter have been tested on a PC running Windows 3.1,  
Ò
Ò
Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0. The examples are written for use over  
GPIB (IEEE 488) or RS-232. But the examples for use over the RS-232 interface  
do not work with Windows 3.1. These examples require a VISA (Virtual  
Instrument Software Architecture) driver for use with your GPIB interface  
Ò
card in your PC. You should have the “visa.dll” for Windows 3.1 or  
Ò
Ò
visa32.dll” for Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 in your c:\windows\system  
directory to have the examples in this chapter run properly. The examples step  
through voltages and make corresponding current readings to characterize a  
power diode.  
134  
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Chapter 6 Application Programs  
Example Program for C and C++  
Example Program for C and C++  
The following C programming example shows you how to send and receive  
formatted I/O. This example programming shows you how to use the SCPI  
commands for the instrument with the VISA functionality and does include  
error trapping. For more information on non-formatted I/O and error trapping,  
refer to the Agilent VISA Users Guide.  
Ò
The following C programming example was written in Microsoft Visual C++  
version 1.52 using project type “QuickWin application’’, and using the large  
memory model and C++ version 4.x or 5.0 using project type “Windows 32  
Ò
application’’. Be sure to move the visa.lib (Windows 3.1) or visa32.lib  
Ò
(Windows 95/NT)” and “visa.h” file to the lib and include development  
directory. These are usually found in the c:\vxipnp\win(win95 or winnt)\lib\msc  
or c:\vxipnp\win (win95 or winnt)\include directory.  
Diode.c  
/*Diode.C  
This example program steps the power supply through 11 voltages and measures the current  
response. It prints the voltage step and the current response as a table. Note that the  
GPIB address is the default address from the factory for the power supply.*/  
#include <visa.h>  
#include <stdio.h>  
#include <string.h>  
#include <time.h>  
#include <conio.h>  
#include <stdlib.h>  
ViSession  
ViSession  
defaultRM;  
/* Resource manager id  
*/  
*/  
power_supply;  
/* Identifies power supply  
int  
bGPIB = 1;  
ErrorStatus;  
/* Set the number to 0 for use with the RS-232 */  
/* VISA Error code  
long  
char  
char  
*/  
commandString[256];  
ReadBuffer[256];  
6
void  
void  
void  
void  
delay(clock_t wait);  
SendSCPI(char* pString);  
CheckError(char* pMessage);  
OpenPort();  
void main()  
{
double  
char  
voltage;  
/* Value of voltage sent to power supply  
/* String returned from power supply  
/* Value of current output of power supply  
*/  
*/  
*/  
Buffer[256];  
current;  
double  
Continued on next page  
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Chapter 6 Application Programs  
Example Program for C and C++  
OpenPort();  
/* Query the power supply id, read response and print it */  
sprintf(Buffer,"*IDN?");  
SendSCPI(Buffer);  
printf("Instrument identification string:\n  
%s\n\n",Buffer);  
SendSCPI("*RST");  
/* Set power-on condition  
*/  
*/  
*/  
SendSCPI("Current 2");  
SendSCPI("Output on");  
/* Set current limit to 2A  
/* Turn output on  
printf("Voltage  
Current\n\n");  
/* Print heading  
*/  
/*Step from 0.6 to 0.8 volt in 0.02 steps */  
for(voltage = 0.6; voltage <=0.8001; voltage +=0.02)  
{
printf("%.3f",voltage);  
/* Display diode voltage*/  
/* Set output voltage */  
ErrorStatus = viPrintf(power_supply,"Volt %f\n",voltage);  
if(!bGPIB)  
delay(500);/* 500 msec wating for RS-232 port*/  
CheckError("Unable to set voltage");  
/* Measure output current */  
ErrorStatus = viPrintf(power_supply,"Measure:Current?\n");  
CheckError("Unable to write device");  
delay(500);  
/* Allow output to wait for 500 msec */  
/* Retrieve reading */  
ErrorStatus = viScanf(power_supply,"%lf",&current);  
CheckError("Unable to read voltage");  
printf("%6.4f\n",current);  
/* Display diode current */  
}
SendSCPI("Output off");  
ClosePort();  
/* Turn output off */  
}
/* Build the address required to open commnuication with GPIB card or RS-232.*/  
/* The address format looks like this: "GPIB0::5::INSTR". */  
/* To use the RS-232 interface using COM1 port, change it to "ASRL1::INSTR"  
/* address format */  
*/  
void OpenPort()  
{
char  
char  
char  
GPIB_Address[3];  
COM_Address[2];  
VISA_address[40];  
/* Complete VISA address sent to card */  
if(bGPIB)  
strcpy(GPIB_Address,"5");  
else  
strcpy(COM_Address,"1");  
/* Select GPIB address between 0 to 30*/  
/* Set the number to 2 for COM2 port */  
Continued on next page  
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Chapter 6 Application Programs  
Example Program for C and C++  
if(bGPIB){ /* For use with GPIB 7 address, use "GPIB::7::INSTR" address format */  
strcpy(VISA_address,"GPIB::");  
strcat(VISA_address,GPIB_Address);  
strcat(VISA_address,"::INSTR");  
}
else{  
/* For use with COM2 port, use "ASRL2::INSTR" address format  
*/  
strcpy(VISA_address,"ASRL");  
strcat(VISA_address,COM_Address);  
strcat(VISA_address,"::INSTR");  
}
/* Open communication session with the power supply */  
ErrorStatus = viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM);  
ErrorStatus = viOpen(defaultRM,VISA_address,0,0,&power_supply);  
CheckError("Unable to open port");  
if(!bGPIB)  
SendSCPI("System:Remote");  
}
void  
SendSCPI(char* pString)  
char* pdest;  
{
strcpy(commandString,pString);  
strcat(commandString,"\n");  
ErrorStatus = viPrintf(power_supply,commandString);  
CheckError("Can’t Write to Driver");  
if (bGPIB == 0)  
delay(1000);  
/* Unit is milliseconds */  
pdest = strchr(commandString, ’?’); /* Search for query command  
if( pdest != NULL ){  
*/  
ErrorStatus = viScanf(power_supply,"%s",&ReadBuffer);  
CheckError("Can’t Read From Driver");  
strcpy(pString,ReadBuffer);  
6
}
}
void ClosePort()  
{
/* Close the communication port */  
viClose(power_supply);  
viClose(defaultRM);  
}
Continued on next page  
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Chapter 6 Application Programs  
Example Program for C and C++  
void CheckError(char* pMessage)  
{
if (ErrorStatus VI_SUCCESS){  
printf("\n %s",pMessage);  
ClosePort();  
exit(0);  
}
}
void delay(clock_t wait)  
{
clock_t goal;  
goal = wait + clock();  
while( goal > clock() ) ;  
}
End of Program  
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Chapter 6 Application Programs  
Example Program for Excel 97  
Example Program for Excel 97  
Thissectioncontainstheexample programwrittenusing ExcelMacros(Visual  
Ò
Basic for Applications) to control your Agilent E3633A or Agilent E3634A.  
With Excel you can take the value of a cell in a spread sheet, send it to the  
power supply, and then record the response on the worksheet. The example  
on the following pages characterizes a component across the terminals of the  
power supply. This example reads 11 voltages from a worksheet, programs  
the power supply to that voltage, and then reads the current. The value of  
current is recorded next to the voltage on the spread sheet.  
Example  
program result  
The following table shows the result of the example program starting on page  
139 for characterizing a diode. (Agilent Part number: 1901-1214, Manufacturer  
Ò
Part number: MUR160, Motorola Co.)  
6
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Chapter 6 Application Programs  
Example Program for Excel 97  
To write an Excel macro you must first open a module in Excel. Go to the View  
menu, choose Toolbars, and then select Control Toolbox. The Control Toolbox  
dialog box appears. Select the Command button in the dialog box. Click cell  
A1 and drag across the cell B3. The “CommandButton1” box is created. To  
change the button name, click the right mouse button on that button and then  
select Properties. The Properties dialog box appears. In the Properties dialog,  
change the “(name)” and “caption” to “Diode”. To try the example for  
characterizing a diode, type “Voltages” in cell A4 and “Current” in cell B4. In  
cell A5 type 0.6. Fill in the cells A5 to A15 in 0.02 increments so that cell A15  
contains 0.8.  
To enter the “Diode” macro example in this section, go to the View menu,  
choose Toolbars, and then Visual Basic Editor icon. The “Code window”  
appears. Then type the text as shown on page 139 into the “[Moudle1 (code)]”  
Ò
window. To enter the declaration for Windows 95/NT, go to the Insert menu,  
choose Module. The “Module window” appears. Then type the text as shown  
starting on page 141. This module will configure all of the overhead required  
to communicate with the power supply over the interface. Choose the  
preferred interface by setting “bGPIB=” to “True” or “False” and change the  
GPIB address or RS-232 port in the routine “OpenPort( )’’ contained in the  
module.  
To run the macro, return back to the Excel window and select the Run Macro  
button in the dialog box and choose the macro name, and then click on the  
Run button . The power supply will reset to power on condition and then step  
through the voltages in the worksheet. After each step the current is measured,  
and recorded in the worksheet.  
Make any changes necessary to suit your application in the “Diode’’ module.  
You must enter the information in the modules exactly as shown or error will  
be generated. If several system errors occur while attempting to run a macro,  
you may have to reboot your PC to get the GPIB port or RS-232 port to work  
properly.  
Ò
To use the example with Window 3.1, you will need to modify the declarations at  
the top of the module. Change ‘visa32.dll’ to ‘visa.dll’ in all declarations.  
N o t e  
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Chapter 6 Application Programs  
Example Program for Excel 97  
Diode Macro  
'"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""  
' This is the subroutine first executed. Modify this routine to suit  
' your needs. To change the GPIB address, go to the module OpenPort, and  
' change the variable GPIB_Address = "5” to the required GPIB address.  
' To change the RS-232 port, go to the moudle OpenPort, and change the  
' variable COM_Address = "1” to the required port  
'"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""  
Global defaultRM As Long  
Global power_supply As Long ' Identifies power supply  
Global bGPIB As Boolean ' A flag using of GPIB or RS-232  
' Resource manager id for VISA GPIB  
Global ErrorStatus As Long ' VISA Error code  
Sub Diode_Click()  
Range("B5:B15").ClearContents  
Dim I As Integer  
bGPIB = True  
OpenPort  
' To use RS-232, set the bGPIB to False  
SendSCPI "*RST"  
' Set power-on condition  
SendSCPI "Output on" ' Turn on the output  
For I = 5 To 15  
SendSCPI "Volt " & Str$(Cells(I, 1))  
Cells(I, 2) = Val(SendSCPI("Meas:Current?"))  
Next I  
SendSCPI "Output off" ' Turn off the output  
ClosePort  
End Sub  
Private Function OpenPort()  
Dim GPIB_Address As String  
Dim COM_Address As String  
If bGPIB Then  
GPIB_Address = "5"  
Else  
' Select GPIB address between 0 to 30  
' Set the number to 2 for COM2 port  
COM_Address = "1"  
End If  
6
ErrorStatus = viOpenDefaultRM(defaultRM)  
If bGPIB Then  
' Open the VISA session  
ErrorStatus = viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB0::" & GPIB_Address & "::INSTR", _  
0, 1000, power_supply)  
Else  
ErrorStatus = viOpen(defaultRM, "ASRL" & COM_Address & "::INSTR", _  
0, 1000, power_supply)  
SendSCPI "System:Remote"  
End If  
CheckError "Unable to open port"  
End Function  
Continued on next page  
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Chapter 6 Application Programs  
Example Program for Excel 97  
'*********************************************************************************  
' This routine send a SCPI command string to the GPIB port or RS-232 port.  
' If the command contains a question mark, the response is read, and returned  
'**********************************************************************************  
Private Function SendSCPI(command As String) As string  
Dim commandString As String  
Dim ReturnString As String  
Dim crlfpos As Integer  
' Command passed to power supply  
' Store the string returned  
' Location of any nul’s in Read Buffer  
' Buffer used for returned string  
' Number of characters sent/returned  
' The instrumented by linefeed  
Dim ReadBuffer As String * 512  
Dim actual As Long  
commandString = command & Chr$(10)  
ErrorStatus = viWrite(power_supply, ByVal commandString, Len(commandString), _  
actual)  
CheckError "Can’t Write to Device"  
If bGPIB = False Then  
delay 0.5  
End If  
If InStr(commandString, "?") Then  
ErrorStatus = viRead(power_supply, ByVal ReadBuffer, 512, actual)  
CheckError "Can’t Read From Device"  
ReturnString = ReadBuffer  
crlfpos = InStr(ReturnString, Chr$(0))  
If crlfpos Then  
ReturnString = Left(ReturnString, crlfpos - 1)  
End If  
SendSCPI = ReturnString  
End If  
End Function  
Private Function ClosePort()  
ErrorStatus = viClose(power_supply)  
ErrorStatus = viClose(defaultRM)  
End Function  
Private Function delay(delay_time As Single)  
Dim Finish As Single  
Finish = Timer + delay_time  
Do  
Loop Until Finish <= Timer  
End Function  
Private Function CheckError(ErrorMessage As String)  
If ErrorStatus < VI_SUCCESS Then  
Cells(5, 2) = ErrorMessage  
ClosePort  
End  
End If  
End Function  
End of Program  
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Example Program for Excel 97  
Declaration for Windows 3.1  
'************************************************************************************  
' This routine requires the file VISA.dll. It typically resides in the  
' c:\windows\system directory. Additional declations for VISA.DLL are usally in file  
' visa.bas under c:\vxipnp\win31\include directory on your PC. This routine uses the  
' VTL Library to send commands to an instrument. A description of these and additional  
' VTL commands are contained in the Hewlett Packard Visa Transition Library book  
' Agilent Part Number E2094-90002.  
'************************************************************************************  
Declare Function viOpenDefaultRM Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#141" (viDefaultRM As Long) As Long  
DeclareFunctionviOpenLib"VISA.DLL"Alias"#131"(ByValviDefaultRMAsLong,ByVal viDesc  
As String, ByVal mode As Long, ByVal timeout As Long, vi As Long) As Long  
Declare Function viClose Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#132" (ByVal vi As Long) As Long  
Declare Function viRead Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#256" (ByVal vi As Long, ByVal Buffer As  
String, ByVal count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long  
Declare Function viWrite Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#257" (ByVal vi As Long, ByVal Buffer As  
String, ByVal count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long  
Declare Function viClear Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#260" (ByVal vi As Long) As Long  
Declaration for Windows 95/NT 4.0  
'************************************************************************************  
' Additional declations for VISA32.DLL are usally in file visa32.bas under  
' c:\vxipnp\win95(or winNT)\include directory on your PC. Also see the VISA manual  
'************************************************************************************  
Declare Function viOpenDefaultRM Lib "visa32.dll" (instrumentHandle As Long) As Long  
Declare Function viOpen Lib "visa32.dll" (ByVal instrumentHandle As Long, _  
ByVal viDesc As String, ByVal mode As Long, ByVal timeout As Long, _  
vi As Long) As Long  
6
Declare Function viClose Lib "visa32.dll" (ByVal vi As Long) As Long  
Declare Function viWrite Lib "visa32.dll" (ByVal vi As Long, ByVal Buffer As String, _  
ByVal count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long  
Declare Function viRead Lib "visa32.dll" (ByVal vi As Long, ByVal Buffer As String, _  
ByVal count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long  
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Example Program for Excel 97  
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Tutorial  
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Tutorial  
The Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A are high performance instruments  
capable of delivering clean dc power. But to take full advantage of the  
performance characteristics designed into the power supply, certain basic  
precautions must be observed when connecting it for use on the lab bench or  
as a controlled power supply. This chapter describes basic operation of linear  
power supplies and gives specific details on the operation and use of the  
Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A DC power supplies:  
• Overview of Agilent E3633A and AgilentE3634A Operation, starting on page  
147  
• Output Characteristics, starting on page 149  
• Connecting the Load, starting on page 153  
• Extending the Voltage and Current Range, on page 157  
• Remote Programming, starting on page 158  
• Reliability, on page 160  
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Overview of Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A Operation  
OverviewofAgilentE3633AandAgilentE3634AOperation  
The basic design technique, which has not changed over the years, consists of  
placing a control element in series with the rectifier and load device. Figure  
7-1 shows a simplified schematic of a series regulated supply with the  
phase-controlled pre-regulator described as a power switch and the series  
element depicted as a variable resistor. The phase-controlled pre-regulator  
minimizes the power dissipated at the series element by maintaining the  
voltage drop across the series element at a low and constant. Feedback control  
circuits continuously monitor the output and adjust the series resistance to  
maintain a constant output voltage. Because the variable resistance of Figure  
7-1 is actually one or more power transistor operating in the linear (class A)  
mode, supplies with this type of regulator are often called linear power  
supplies. Linear power supplies have many advantages and usually provide the  
simplest most effective means of satisfying high performance and low power  
requirements.  
Figure 7-1. Diagram of Simple Series Power Supply  
This power supply has two ranges, allowing more voltage at a lower current.  
To maintain the voltage across the pre-regulator efficient in accordance with  
the demands imposed by the dc output voltage and current of the supply, this  
power supply also uses the pre-regulator which is controlled by transformer  
tap switching before the rectifier bridge in the Figure 7-1. This is one of several  
techniques using semiconductors for preregulation to reduce the power  
dissipated across the series element.  
7
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Overview of Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A Operation  
In terms of performance, a linear regulated supply has a very precise regulating  
properties and responds quickly to variations of the line and load. Hence, its  
line and load regulation and transient recovery time are superior to supplies  
using other regulation techniques. The power supply also exhibits low ripple  
and noise, is tolerant of ambient temperature changes, and with its circuit  
simplicity, has a high reliability.  
The Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A contain a linear regulated power  
supply. It is controlled by a control circuit that provides voltages to program  
the outputs. The power supply sends back to the control circuits a voltage  
representing the output at the terminals. The control circuits receive  
information from the front panel and send information to the display. Similarly  
the control circuits ‘’talk’’ to the remote interface for input and output with the  
GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. The remote interface is at earth ground and  
optically isolated from the control circuit and the power supply.  
OPTICAL  
ISOLATION  
GPIB  
+
-
POWER  
SUPPLY  
OUTPUT  
CONTROL  
DISPLAY  
RS-232  
Figure 7-2. Block Diagram of the Power Supply Showing the Optical Isolation  
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Output Characteristics  
Output Characteristics  
An ideal constant-voltage power supply would have a zero output impedance  
at all frequencies. Thus, as shown in Figure 7-3, the voltage would remain  
perfectly constant in spite of any changes in output current demanded by the  
load.  
Figure 7-3. Ideal Constant Voltage  
Power Supply  
Figure 7-4. Ideal Constant Current  
Power Supply  
The ideal constant-current power supply exhibits an infinite output impedance  
at all frequencies. Thus as Figure 7-4 indicates, the ideal constant-current  
power supply would accommodate a load resistance change by altering its  
output voltage by just the amount necessary to maintain its output current at  
a constant value.  
The output of the E3633A and E3634A power supplies can operate in either  
constant-voltage (CV) mode or constant-current (CC) mode. Under certain  
fault conditions, the power supply can not operate in either CV or CC mode  
and becomes unregulated.  
7
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Output Characteristics  
Figure 7-5 shows the operating modes of the output of the Agilent E3633A and  
AgilentE3634Apowersupplies.Theoperatingpointofonesupplywillbeeither  
above or below the line RL = RC. This line represents a load where the output  
voltage and the output current are equal to the voltage and current setting.  
When the load RL is greater than RC, the output voltage will dominate since  
the current will be less then the current setting. The power supply is said to be  
in constant voltage mode. The load at point 1 has a relatively high resistance  
value (compared to RC), the output voltage is at the voltage setting, and the  
output current is less than the current setting. In this case the power supply is  
in the constant voltage mode and the current setting acts as a current limit.  
Figure 7-5. Output Characteristics  
When the load RL is less than RC, the output current will dominate since the  
voltage will be less than the set voltage. The power supply is said to be in  
constant current mode. The load at point 2 has a relatively low resistance, the  
output voltage is less than the voltage setting, the output current is at the  
current setting. The supply is in constant current mode and the voltage setting  
acts as a voltage limit.  
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Output Characteristics  
Unregulated State  
If the power supply should go into a mode of operation that is neither CV or  
CC, the powersupply isunregulated. Inthismode the outputisnotpredictable.  
The unregulated condition may be the result of the ac line voltage below the  
specifications. The unregulated condition may occur momentarily. For  
example when the output is programmed for a large voltage step; the output  
capacitor or a large capacitive load will charge up at the current limit setting.  
During the ramp up of the output voltage the power supply will be in the  
unregulated mode. During the transition from CV to CC as when the output is  
shorted, the unregulated state may occur briefly during the transition.  
Unwanted Signals  
An ideal power supply has a perfect dc output with no signals across the  
terminals or from the terminals to earth ground. The actual power supply has  
finite noise across the output terminals, and a finite current will flow through  
any impedance connected from either terminal to earth ground. The first is  
called normal mode voltage noise and the second common mode current  
noise. Figure 7-6 shows the simplified diagram of common mode and normal  
mode sources of noise.  
Normal mode voltage noise is in the form of ripple related to the line frequency  
plus some random noise. Both of these are of very low value in the Agilent  
E3633A and Agilent E3634A. Careful lead layout and keeping the power supply  
circuitry away from power devices and other noise sources will keep these  
values low.  
Common mode noise can be a problem for very sensitive circuitry that is  
referenced to earth ground. When a circuit is referenced to earth ground, a low  
level line—related ac current will flow from the output terminals to earth  
ground. Any impedance to earth ground will create a voltage drop equal to the  
current flow multiplied by the impedance. To minimize this effect, the output  
terminal can be grounded at the output terminal. Alternately, any impedances  
to earth ground should have a complementary impedance to earth ground to  
cancel any generated voltages. If the circuit is not referenced to earth ground,  
common mode power line noise is typically not a problem.  
The output will also change due to changes in the load. As the load increases  
the output current will cause a small drop in the output voltage of the power  
supply due to the output impedance R. Any resistance in the connecting wire  
will add to this resistance and increase the voltage drop. Using the largest  
possible hook up wire will minimize the voltage drop. Using the remote sense  
leads at the load will compensate for lead resistance in the load leads.  
7
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Output Characteristics  
(E3633A)  
(E3634A)  
Figure 7-6. Simplified Diagram of Common Mode and Normal Mode  
Sources of Noise  
When the load changes very rapidly, as when a relay contact is closed, the  
inductance in the hook up wire and in the power supply output will cause a  
spike to appear at the load. The spike is a function of the rate of change of the  
load current. When very rapid changes in load are expected, a capacitor with  
a low series resistance, in parallel with the power supply, and close to the load  
is the best way to minimize these voltage spikes.  
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Connecting the Load  
Connecting the Load  
Output Isolation  
The output of the power supply is isolated from chassis ground. Any output  
terminal may be grounded, or an external voltage source may be connected  
between any terminal output and ground. However, output terminals must be  
kept within 60 Vdc when metal shorting bars without insulation are used to  
connect the (+) output to the (+) sense and the (-) output and the (-) sense  
terminals or 240 Vdc of ground when metal shorting bars without insulation  
are either replaced with insulated conductors or they are removed from the  
terminals so there is no operator access to the output conductors without  
insulation. A chassis ground terminal is provided on the front panel for  
convenience.  
Multiple Loads  
When connecting multiple loads to the power supply, each load should be  
connected to the output terminals using separate connecting wires. This  
minimizes mutual coupling effects between loads and takes full advantage of  
the low output impedance of the power supply. Each pair of wires should be  
as short as possible and twisted or shielded to reduce lead inductance and  
noise pick-up. If a shield is used, connect one end to the power supply ground  
terminal and leave the other end disconnected.  
If cabling considerations require the use of distribution terminals that are  
located remotely from the power supply, connect output terminals to the  
distribution terminals by a pair of twisted or shielded wires. Connect each load  
to the distribution terminals separately.  
Table 7-1 Wire Rating  
AWG  
10  
40  
12  
25  
14  
20  
16  
13  
18  
10  
20  
7
22  
5
24  
26  
28  
Suggested  
maximum  
Current(amps)*  
3.5  
2.5  
1.7  
m9/ft  
1.00  
3.3  
1.59 2.53 4.02 6.39 10.2 16.1 25.7 40.8 64.9  
5.2 8.3 13.2 21.0 33.5 52.8 84.3 133.9 212.9  
m9/m  
*Single conductor in free air at 30 °C with insulation  
7
W a r n i n g  
To satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be heavy enough not to overheat while  
carrying the short-circuit output current of the power supply.  
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Connecting the Load  
Remote Voltage Sensing  
Normally, a power supply operating in the constant voltage mode achieves its  
optimum line and load regulations, its lowest output impedance, drift, and  
ripple and noise, and its fastest transient recovery performance at the power  
supply output terminals. If the load is separated from the output terminals by  
any lead length, some of these performance characteristics will be degraded  
at the load terminals - usually by an amount proportional to the impedance of  
the load leads compared with the output impedance of the power supply.  
With remote voltage sensing, a feature included in the Agilent E3633A and  
E3634A power supplies, it is possible to connect the input of the voltage  
feedback amplifier directly to the load terminals so that the regulator performs  
its function with respect to the load terminals rather than with respect to the  
power supply output terminals. Thus, the voltage at the power supply output  
terminals shifts by whatever amount is necessary to compensate for the  
voltage drop in the load leads, thereby maintaining the voltage at the load  
terminals constant.  
Figure 7-7. Regulated Power Supply with Remote Sensing  
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Connecting the Load  
Load Consideration  
Capacitive Loading  
In most cases, the power supply will be stable for almost any size load  
capacitance. Large load capacitors may cause ringing in the power supply’s  
transientresponse. Itispossible thatcertaincombinationsofloadcapacitance,  
equivalent series resistance, and load lead inductance will result in instability.  
If this occurs, the problem may often be solved by either increasing or  
decreasing the total load capacitance.  
A large load capacitor may cause the power supply to cross into CC or  
unregulated mode momentarily when the output voltage is reprogrammed.  
The slew rate of the output voltage will be limited to the current setting divided  
by the total load capacitance (internal and external).  
Table 7-2. Slew Rate  
Internal  
Capacitance  
Internal Bleed  
Resistor  
Slew Rate at No Load and  
Full Scale Currnet Setting  
470 uF x 2 ea  
3 K9  
0.44 V/msec  
Inductive loading  
Inductive loads present no loop stability problems in constant voltage mode.  
In constant current mode, inductive loads form a parallel resonance with the  
power supply’s output capacitor. Generally this will not affect the stability of  
the power supply, but it may cause ringing of the current in the load.  
Pulse Loading  
In some applications the load current varies periodically from a minimum to  
a maximum value. The constant currentcircuit limitsthe output current. Some  
peak loading exceeding the current limit can be obtained due to the output  
capacitor. To stay within the specifications for the output, the current limit  
should be set greater than the peak current expected or the supply may go into  
CC mode or unregulated mode for brief periods.  
7
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Connecting the Load  
Reverse Current Loading  
An active load connected to the power supply may actually deliver a reverse  
current to the supply during a portion of its operating cycle. An external source  
can not be allowed to pump current into the supply without risking loss of  
regulation and possible damage. These effects can be avoided by preloading  
the output with a dummy load resistor. The dummy load resistor should draw  
at least the same amount of current from the supply as the active load may  
deliver to the supply. The value of the current for the dummy load plus the  
value of the current the load draws from the supply must be less than the  
maximum current of the supply.  
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Extending the Voltage and Current Range  
Extending the Voltage and Current Range  
The power supply may be able to provide voltages and currents greater than  
its rated maximum outputs if the power-line voltage is at or above its nominal  
value. Operation can be extended up to 3% over the rated output without  
damage to the power supply, but performance can not be guaranteed to meet  
specificationsinthisregion.Ifthepower-linevoltage ismaintainedintheupper  
end of the input voltage range, the power supply will probably operate within  
its specifications. The power supply is more likely to stay within specifications  
if only one of the voltage or current outputs is exceeded.  
Series Connections  
Series operation of two or more power supplies can be accomplished up to the  
output isolation rating of any one supply to obtain a higher voltage than that  
available from a single supply. Series connected power supplies can be  
operated with one load across both power supplies or with a separate load for  
each power supply. The power supply has a reverse polarity diode connected  
across the output terminals so that if operated in series with other power  
supplies, damage will not occur if the load is short-circuited or if one power  
supply is turned on separately from its series partners.  
When series connection is used, the output voltage is the sum of the voltages  
of the individual power supplies. The current is the current of any one power  
supply. Each of the individual power supplies must be adjusted in order to  
obtain the total output voltage.  
Parallel Connections  
Two or more power supplies being capable of CV/CC automatic cross over  
operation can be connected in parallel to obtain a total output current greater  
than that available from one power supply. The total output current is the sum  
of the output currents of the individual power supplies. The output of each  
power supply can be set separately. The output voltage controls of one power  
supply should be set to the desired output voltage; the other power supply  
should be set for a slightly higher output voltage. The supply with the higher  
output voltage setting will deliver its constant current output, and drop its  
output voltage until it equals the output of the other supply, and the other  
supply will remain in constant voltage operation and only deliver that fraction  
of its rated output current which is necessary to fulfill the total load demand.  
7
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Remote Programming  
Remote Programming  
During remote programming a constant-voltage regulated power supply is  
called upon to change its output voltage rapidly. The most important factor  
limiting the speed of output voltage change is the output capacitor and load  
resistor.  
Figure 7-8. Speed of Response - Programming Up (Full Load)  
The equivalent circuit and the nature of the output voltage waveform when the  
supply is being programmed upward are shown in Figure 7-8. When the new  
output is programmed, the power supply regulator circuit senses that the  
output is less than desired and turns on the series regulator to its maximum  
value IL, the current limit or constant current setting.  
This constant current IL charges the output capacitor CO and load resistor RL  
parallel. The output therefore rises exponentially with a time constant RLCL  
towards voltage level ILRL , a value higher than the new output voltage being  
programmed.  
When this exponential rise reaches the newly programmed voltage level, the  
constant voltage amplifier resumes its normal regulating action and holds the  
output constant. Thus, the rise time can be determined approximately using  
the formula shown in Figure 7-8.  
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Remote Programming  
If no load resistor is attached to the power supply output terminal, then the  
output voltage will rise linearly at a rate of CO/IL when programmed upward,  
and TR = CO(E2 -E1 )/IL, the shortest possible up-programming time.  
Figure 7-9. Speed of Response - Programming Down  
Figure 7-9 shows that when the power supply is programmed down, the  
regulator senses that the output voltage is higher than desired and turns off  
the series transistors entirely. Since the control circuit can in no way cause the  
series regulator transistors to conduct backwards, the output capacitor can  
only be discharged through the load resistor and internal current source (IS).  
The output voltage decays linearly with slope of IS/CO with no load and stops  
falling when it reaches the new output voltage which has been demanded. If  
full load is connected, the output voltage will fall exponentially faster.  
Sinceup-programmingspeedisaidedby theconductionoftheseriesregulating  
transistor, while down programming normally has no active element aiding in  
the discharge of the output capacitor, laboratory power supplies normally  
program upward more rapidly than downward.  
7
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Chapter 7 Tutorial  
Reliability  
Reliability  
Reliability of electronic semiconductor equipment depends heavily on the  
temperature of the components. The lower the temperature of the  
components, the better the reliability. The Agilent E3633A and Agilent E3634A  
power supplies incorporate circuitry to reduce the internal power dissipation  
of the power supply and therefore reduce the internal heat of the power supply.  
Maximum internal power dissipation occurs at maximum current. The internal  
power dissipation further increases as the output voltage is lowered. A fan  
internal to the power supply is essential to keep internal temperatures low. To  
assist in cooling the power supply, the sides and rear of the power supply  
should be kept clear.  
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8
Specifications  
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Specifications  
The performance specifications are listed in the following pages.  
Specifications are warranted in the temperature range of 0 to 40°C with a  
resistive load. Supplemental characteristics, which are not warranted but  
are descriptions of performance determined either by design or testing. The  
Service Guide contains procedures for verifying the performance  
specifications.  
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Chapter 8 Specifications  
Performance Specifications  
Performance Specifications  
Table 1-1. Performance Specifications  
Parameter  
Agilent E3633A  
Agilent E3634A  
Output Ratings  
(@ 0 °C - 40 °C)  
Low Range  
High Range  
Voltage  
0 to +8 V/0 to 20 A 0 to +25 V/0 to 7 A  
0 to +20 V/0 to 10 A 0 to +50V/0 to 4 A  
0.05% + 10 mV  
[1]  
Programming Accuracy  
12 months (@ 25 °C 5 °C),  
(% of output + offset)  
Current  
0.2% + 10 mA  
[1]  
Readback Accuracy  
Voltage  
Current  
0.05% + 5 mV  
0.15% + 5 mA  
12 months (over GPIB and  
RS-232 or front panel with  
respecttoactualoutput@25°C  
5 °C), (% of output + offset)  
Ripple and Noise  
Normal mode <0.35 mV rms and <0.5 mV rms and  
3 mV p-p  
(with outputs ungrounded, or voltage  
with either output terminal  
grounded, 20 Hz to 20 MHz)  
3 mV p-p  
Normal mode  
<2 mA rms  
current  
Common mode  
current  
<1.5 uA rms  
Load Regulation,  
(% of output + offset)  
Voltage  
Current  
Voltage  
Current  
<0.01% + 2 mV  
<0.01% + 250 uA  
<0.01% + 2 mV  
<0.01% + 250 uA  
3 mV  
Line Regulation,  
(% of output + offset)  
Programming Resolution Voltage  
1 mV  
1 mA  
0.5 mV  
1 mA  
Current  
0.5 mA  
Readback Resolution  
Front Panel Resolution  
Voltage  
Current  
Voltage  
Current  
1.5 mV  
0.5 mA  
1 mV  
1 mA (< 10A), 10mA (³ 10A)  
[1]Accuracy specifications are after an 1-hour warm-up with no load and  
calibration at 25 °C.  
8
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Chapter 8 Specifications  
Performance Specifications  
Transient Response Time  
Less than 50 msec for output to recover to within 15 mV following a change in  
output current from full load to half load or vice versa  
Command Processing Time  
Average time for output voltage to begin to change after receipt of digital data  
when the power supply is connected directly to the GPIB or RS-232 is less than  
100 msec  
OVP and OCP Accuracy, (% of output + offset)  
OVP  
OCP  
0.5% + 0.5 V  
0.5% + 0.5 A  
Activation time : Average time for output to start to drop after OVP or OCP  
condition occurs.  
OVP  
OCP  
<1.5 msec when the trip voltage is equal or greater than 3 V  
<10 msec when the trip voltage is less than 3 V  
<10 msec  
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Chapter 8 Specifications  
Supplemental Characteristics  
Supplemental Characteristics  
Table 1-2. Supplemental Characteristics  
Parameter  
Agilent E3633A  
Agilent E3634A  
Output Programming Range Low Range  
(maximum programmable values)  
0 to +8.24 V/  
0 to 20.6 A  
0 to +25.75 V/  
0 to 7.21 A  
High Range  
0 to +20.6 V/  
0 to 10.3 A  
0 to +51.5V/  
0 to 4.12 A  
OVP  
OCP  
1
V
to  
to  
0
A
Voltage Programming  
Speed: Maximum time required  
for output voltage to settle within  
1% of its total excursion (for  
resistive load). Excludes  
command processing time.  
Full Load No Load Full Load No Load  
Up  
95 msec 45 msec 80 msec 100 msec  
30 msec 450 msec 30 msec 450 msec  
Down  
Remote Sensing Capability  
Voltage drop  
Up to 0.7 V per each lead  
Load regulation Add 5 mV to spec for each 1-volt change in the + output  
lead due to load current changes.  
Load voltage  
Subtract voltage drop in load leads from specified output  
voltage rating.  
Temperature Coefficient, (% of output + offset)  
Maximum change in output/readback per °C after a 30-minute warm-up  
Voltage  
Current  
0.01% + 3 mV  
0.02% + 3 mA  
Stability, (% of output + offset)  
Following 1 hour warm-up, change in output over 8 hours under constant load,  
line, and ambient temperature  
Voltage  
Current  
0.02% + 1 mV  
0.1% + 1 mA  
8
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Chapter 8 Specifications  
Supplemental Characteristics  
Output Voltage Overshoot  
During turn-on or turn-off of ac power, output plus overshoot will not exceed  
1 V if the output control is set to less than 1 V. If the output control is set to  
1 V or higher, there is no overshoot.  
Programming Language  
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)  
State Storage Memory  
Three (3) user-configurable stored states  
Recommended Calibration Interval  
1 year  
Output Terminal Isolation (maximum, from chassis ground)  
60 Vdc when connecting shorting conductors without insulation to the  
(+) output to the (+) sense and the (-) output and the (-) sense terminals.  
240 Vdc when connecting insulated shorting conductors to the (+) output  
to the (+) sense and the (-) output and the (-) sense terminals.  
AC Input Ratings (selectable via rear panel selector)  
std  
115 Vac 10%, 47 to 63 Hz  
230 Vac 10%, 47 to 63 Hz  
100 Vac 10%, 47 to 63 Hz  
opt 0E3  
opt 0E9  
Maximum Input Power  
700 VA with full load  
Cooling  
Fan cooled  
Operating Temperature  
0 to 40 °C for full rated output. At higher temperatures, the output current is  
derated linearly to 50% at 55 °C maximum temperature.  
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Chapter 8 Specifications  
Supplemental Characteristics  
Storage Temperature  
-20 to 70 °C for storage environment.  
Environmental Conditions  
Designed for indoor use in an installation category II, pollution degree 2  
environment. Designed to operate at a maximum relative humidity of 95 %  
and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters.  
Dimensions*  
213 mmW x 133 mmH x 348 mmD (8.4 x 5.2 x 13.7 in)  
*See below for detailed information.  
Weight  
Net  
9.5 kg (21 lb)  
12 kg (26 lb)  
Shipping  
Figure 8-1. Dimensions of Agilent E3633A and E3634A Power Supplies  
8
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Chapter 8 Specifications  
Supplemental Characteristics  
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Index  
If you have questions relating to the operation of the power supply,  
call 1-800-452-4824 in the United States, or contact your nearest  
Agilent Technologies Sales Office.  
commands(calibration)  
CALibration:COUNt?98  
CALibration:CURRent:LEVel  
commands(RS-232 Interface)  
Ctrl-C 101  
A
AC input ratings 166  
accessories 15  
activation time 164  
active load 156  
address, GPIB 58  
annunciators, display 5  
application programs 134  
asterisk ( * ) 116  
SYSTem:LOCal 101  
SYSTem:REMote 101  
SYSTem:RWLock 101  
CALibration:CURRent:PRO-  
Tection98  
CALibration:CURRent[:DATA]  
CALibration:DAC:ERRor99  
CALibration:SECure:CODE99  
CALibration:SECure:STATe99  
CALibration:SECure:STATe?  
CALibration:STRing99  
CALibration:STRing?99  
CALibration:VOLTage:LEVel  
commands(status reporting)  
*CLS 111  
*ESE 111  
*ESE? 111  
*ESR? 111  
*OPC 111  
*OPC? 111  
*PSC { 0 | 1 } 111  
*PSC? 112  
*SRE 112  
*SRE? 112  
*STB? 112  
*WAI 112  
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDi-  
tion? 110  
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle  
STATus:QUEStionable:EN-  
ABle? 111  
STATus:QUEStionable? 110  
SYSTem:ERRor? 110  
B
basic tests  
output checkout 29, 30, 31  
power-on test 28  
preliminary checkout 27  
battery charging 45  
baud rate selection (RS-232) 59  
baud rate setting 61  
bus controller, interrupt 108  
CALibration:VOLTage:PRO-  
Tection100  
CALibration:VOLTage[:DATA]  
commands(output setting and  
measurement)  
APPLy 83  
C
C programming example 135  
calibration 68  
APPLy? 83  
CURRent84  
disable security code 68  
factory security code 69  
Front-Panel Operation 69  
interval (recommended) 166  
Remote Interface Operation 69  
secure 68  
CURRent:PROTection86  
CURRent:PROTection:CLEar86  
CURRent:PROTection:STATe86 commands(system-related)  
CURRent:PROTection:STATe?  
CURRent:PROTec-  
tion:TRIPped?86  
CURRent:PROTection?86  
CURRent:STEP85  
CURRent:STEP?85  
CURRent:TRIGgered85  
CURRent:TRIGgered?85  
CURRent?85  
MEASure90  
MEASure:CURRent?90  
VOLTage87  
VOLTage:PROTection88  
VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar89  
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe89  
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?  
VOLTage:PROTec-  
tion:TRIPped?89  
VOLTage:PROTection?89  
VOLTage:RANGe89  
VOLTage:RANGe?90  
VOLTage:STEP88  
VOLTage:STEP?88  
VOLTage:TRIGgered88  
VOLTage:TRIGgered?88  
VOLTage?87  
*IDN? 96  
*RCL { 1 | 2 | 3 } 97  
*RST 96  
*SAV { 1 | 2 | 3 } 97  
*TST? 97  
DISPlay {OFF | ON} 94  
DISPlay:TEXT 94  
DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar 94  
DISPlay:TEXT? 94  
DISPlay? 94  
OUTPut {OFF | ON} 94  
OUTPut:RELay {OFF | ON} 95  
OUTPut:RELay? 95  
OUTPut? 94  
security code 68  
unsecure 68  
calibration commands 98  
character frame 64  
checkout  
current output 30  
power-on checkout 28  
preliminary 27  
voltage output 29  
colon 115  
command format 114  
command processing time 164  
command separators  
colon 115  
semicolon 115  
command syntax 114  
SYSTem:BEEPer 95  
SYSTem:ERRor? 95  
SYSTem:VERSion? 96  
commands(triggering)  
*TRG 93  
INITiate 93  
TRIGger:DELay 93  
TRIGger:DELay? 93  
TRIGger:SOURce 93  
TRIGger:SOURce? 93  
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common commands (IEEE-488.2) 116  
common mode current noise 151  
connection to a computer or terminal  
DB-25 Serial Connection 66  
DB-9 Serial Connection 65  
GPIB connector 63  
connections(power supplies)  
parallel connections 157  
series connections 157  
null-modem adapters 65  
RS-232 cable 15  
wiring adapter 65  
F
feedback control circuits 147  
firmware revision query 57  
first-in-first-out (FIFO) order 124  
float voltage  
with insulation 18  
without insulation 17  
front panel  
internal bleed resistor 155  
internal capacitance 155  
K
key descriptions (front panel) 3  
keyword(s)  
annunciators 5  
key descriptions 3  
layout 2  
connector  
GPIB 63  
lower-level 113  
root 113  
second-level 113  
third-level 113  
knob locking 53  
RS-232 (serial) 64  
operation overview 35  
front panel resolution 163  
fuse rating 27  
constant current (CC) mode 149, 150  
constant current operation 38, 39  
constant voltage (CV) mode 149, 150  
constant voltage operation 36, 37  
cooling 19, 166  
G
GPIB  
L
limit mode 35  
line fuse (100, 115, or 230 Vac) 27  
line regulation 163  
load capacitors 155  
coupling effects 153  
current limit 38  
bus address 59  
bus controller 59  
connector 63  
D
deadlock 67  
device specific commands 121  
dimensions of power supply 167  
disabling output 52  
interface configuration 63  
GPIB address  
load consideration  
capacitive loading 155  
inductive loading 155  
pulse loading 155  
factory setting 28  
setting GPIB Address 60  
display control (front panel) 56  
distribution terminals 153  
down-programming response 159  
DSR (Data Set Ready) 66  
DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) 66  
DTR (Data Terminal Ready) 66  
DTR/DSR handshake protocol 66  
dummy load resistor 156  
reverse current loading 156  
load regulation 163  
local voltage sensing connections  
at the front panel 50  
at the rear panel 51  
locking control knob 53  
loop stability 155  
low-level commands 80  
H
halting an output 118  
hierarchical structure 113  
I
ideal constant-current power supply  
ideal constant-voltage power supply  
ideal power supply 151  
IEEE-488  
conformance information 122  
IEEE-488.2  
E
M
macro 140  
memory locations (1-3) 97  
message available bit (MAV) 108  
meter mode 28  
MIN and MAX Parameters 115  
multiple loads 153  
mutual coupling effects 153  
enable register? 102  
environmental conditions 167  
error conditions 55  
error messages 124  
error queue 124  
common commands 116  
initial inspection  
error string 124  
error trapping 135  
errors  
calibration 131  
electrical check 19  
mechanical check 19  
input power (maximum) 166  
input power requirements 22  
installation 19  
N
noise  
excution 125  
self-test 130  
event register 102  
example program for C and C 135  
example program for Excel 97 139  
Excel Macros 139  
external voltage source 153  
common mode 152  
normal mode 152  
non-SCPI commands 121  
non-volatile memory 40  
interface cable  
Agilent 34399A adapter Kit 65  
DB-25 connector 65  
DB-9 connector 65  
gender changers 65  
GPIB cable 15  
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Index  
conformance information 119  
device-specific 121  
O
R
rack-mounting  
for a single instrument 20  
in a sliding support shelf 21  
two instrument side-by-side 21  
rack-mounting kit  
OCP(Overcurrent Protection)  
checking OCP operation 47  
clearing overcurrent condition 47  
enable the OCP circuit 46  
remote interface operation 48  
setting the OCP level 46  
trip level setting 46  
operating temperature 166  
output buffer 106  
output characteristics 149  
output impedance 149  
output Isolation 153  
language introduction 113  
non-SCPI commands 121  
status registers 102  
version 57, 119  
version query 57  
adapter kit 20  
filler panel 21  
flange kit 21  
lock-link kit 21  
shelf 21  
slide kit 21  
SCPI parameters  
Boolean 117  
Discrete 117  
Numeric 117  
String 117  
scrolling speed, error text 124  
self-test  
complete 54  
power-on 54  
to perform 54  
semicolon 115  
series element 147  
series operation, connection 157  
series regulated supply 147  
series resistance 147  
service request (SRQ) interrupt 107  
shorting bars 51  
slew rate 155  
speed of response  
down programming 159  
up-programming 158  
square brackets 75  
readback accuracy 163  
readback resolution 163  
rear output terminals 51  
rear panel  
output programming range 165  
output ratings 163  
output setting and operation commands  
GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connec-  
tor 6  
layout 6  
output state (on,off) 52  
output terminal isolation 166  
output voltage overshoot 166  
OVP (Overvoltage Protection)  
checking OVP Operation 43  
clearing overvoltage condition 43  
enabling OVP 42  
output terminals 6  
RS-232 interface connector 6  
recalling operating states 40  
reliability 160  
remote interface selection 58  
remote programming 158  
remote sensing capability 165  
remote voltage sensing  
at the front panel 49  
at the rear terminals 49  
connections 50  
remote interface operation 44  
setting OVP level 42  
trip level setting 42  
OVP and OCP accuracy 164  
stability 155, 165  
standard event register 105  
start bits (RS-232) 64  
State Storage Memory 166  
status byte query (*STB) 108  
status byte summary register 106  
status reporting commands 110  
stop bits (RS-232) 64  
storage temperature 167  
storing operating states 40  
subsystems 113  
P
resister  
enable register 102  
event register 102  
parallel connections 157  
parameter types (SCPI) 117  
parity selection (RS-232) 59  
performance specifications 163  
phase-controlled pre-regulator 147  
power dissipation 160  
power-line cord 22  
Power-line voltage selection 22  
power-on self-test 28  
preliminary checkout 27  
pre-regulator 147  
programming accuracy 163  
programming language 166  
programming ranges (voltage/current)  
event status enable command 105  
questionable status 104  
questionable status enable 104  
questionable status event 104  
standard event 105  
status byte 106  
status byte summary 106  
reverse current 156  
reverse polarity diode 157  
ripple and noise 163  
RS-232  
supplemental characteristics 165  
system-related commands 94  
T
Configuration 64  
temperature coefficient 165  
transformer tap switching 147  
transient response time 164  
tree system 113  
Data Frame Format 64  
interface selection 58  
troubleshooting 67  
programming resolution 163  
triangle brackets 75  
trigger source  
bus (software) 81  
immediate internal trigger 81  
Trigger Source Choices  
Bus (Software) Triggering 91  
Q
query data 106  
query response reading 81  
questionable status register 104  
S
SCPI  
command terminators 116  
confirmed commands 119, 120  
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Index  
U
unregulated state (condition) 151  
up-programming response 158  
V
variable resistor 147  
vertical bar 75  
VFD 17  
VISA 134  
VISA functionality 135  
visa.dll 134  
visa32.dll 134  
Visual Basic 139  
voltage limit 36  
voltage programming speed 165  
voltage spikes 152  
W
weight of power supply 167  
wire rating 153  
wires sizes 51  
172  
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Warranty Service  
Exclusive Remedies  
Safety Information  
Copyright© 1998 - 2000  
Agilent Technologies  
All Rights Reserved.  
For warranty service or  
repair, this product must be  
returned to a service facility  
designated by Agilent.  
To the extent allowed by  
local law, the remedies pro-  
vided herein are the Buyer’s  
sole and exclusive remedies.  
Agilent shall not be liable for  
any direct, indirect, special,  
incidental, or consequential  
damages (including lost  
profit or data), whether  
based on warranty, contract,  
tort, or any other legal the-  
ory.  
Do not install substitute  
parts or perform any  
unauthorized modification  
to the product. Return the  
product to an HP Sales and  
Service Office for service  
and repair to ensure that  
safety features are main-  
tained.  
Printing History  
Edition 1, November 1998  
Edition 2, April 2000  
For products returned to  
Agilent for warranty service,  
the Buyer shall prepay ship-  
ping charges to Agilent and  
Agilent shall pay shipping  
charges to return the prod-  
uct to the Buyer. However,  
the Buyer shall pay all ship-  
ping charges, duties, and  
taxes for products returned  
to Agilent from another  
country.  
New editions are complete  
revisions of the manual.  
Update packages, which are  
issued between editions,  
may contain additional  
information and replace-  
ment pages which you  
merge into the manual. The  
dates on this page change  
only when a new edition is  
published.  
Safety Symbols  
Warning  
Notice  
Calls attention to a proce-  
dure, practice, or condition,  
that could possibly cause  
bodily injury or death.  
The information contained  
in this document is subject  
to change without notice.  
Limitation of Warranty  
To the extent allowed by  
local law, Agilent makes no  
warranty of any kind with  
regard to this material,  
including, but not limited to,  
the implied warranties of  
merchantability and fitness  
for a particular purpose.  
Caution  
The foregoing warranty  
shall not apply to defects  
resulting from improper or  
inadequate maintenance by  
the Buyer, Buyer-supplied  
products or interfacing,  
unauthorized modification  
or misuse, operation outside  
of the environmental specifi-  
cations for the product, or  
improper site preparation or  
maintenance.  
Trademark Information  
Calls attention to a proce-  
dure, practice, or condition  
that could possibly cause  
damage to equipment or per-  
manent loss of data.  
Windows, Windows 95, and  
Windows NT are registered  
trademarks of Microsoft  
Corp.  
Certification  
Agilent Technologies  
To the extent allowed by  
local law, Agilent shall not  
be liable for errors con-  
tained herein or for inciden-  
tal or consequential  
damages in connection with  
the furnishing, performance,  
or use of this material. No  
part of this document may  
be photocopied, repro-  
duced, or translated to  
another language without  
the prior written consent of  
Agilent.  
certifies that this product  
met its published specifica-  
tions at the time of ship-  
ment. Agilent further  
Earth ground symbol.  
The design and implementa-  
tion of any circuit on this  
product is the sole responsi-  
bility of the Buyer. Agilent  
does not warrant the  
Buyer’s circuitry or malfunc-  
tions of Agilent products  
that result from the Buyer’s  
circuitry. In addition, Agilent  
does not warrant any dam-  
age that occurs as a result of  
the Buyer’s circuit or any  
defects that result from  
certifies that its calibration  
measurements are trace-  
able to the United States  
National Institute of Stan-  
dards and Technology (for-  
merly National Bureau of  
Standards), to the extent  
allowed by that organiza-  
tion’s calibration facility,  
and to the calibration facili-  
ties of other International  
Standards Organization  
members.  
Chassis ground symbol.  
Restricted Rights  
The Software and Documen-  
tation have been developed  
entirely at private expense.  
They are delivered and  
licensed as “commercial  
computer software” as  
defined in DFARS 252.227-  
7013 (Oct 1988), DFARS  
252.211-7015 (May 1991), or  
DFARS 252.227-7014 (Jun  
1995), as a “commercial  
item” as defined in FAR  
2.101(a), or as “restricted  
computer software” as  
defined in FAR 52.227-19  
(Jun 1987) (or any equiva-  
lent agency regulation or  
contract clause), whichever  
is applicable. You have only  
those rights provided for  
such Software and Docu-  
mentation by the applicable  
FAR or DFARS clause or the  
Agilent standard software  
agreement for the product  
involved.  
!
Buyer-supplied products.  
Warranty  
Refer to the manual for  
specific Warning or Caution  
information to avoid per-  
sonal injury or equipment  
damage.  
To the extent allowed by  
local law, Agilent makes  
no other warranty,  
expressed or implied,  
whether written or oral  
with respect to this prod-  
uct and specifically dis-  
claims any implied  
warranty or condition of  
merchantability, fitness  
for a particular purpose  
or satisfactory quality.  
This Agilent product is war-  
ranted against defects in  
materials and workmanship  
for a period of three years  
from date of shipment.  
Duration and conditions of  
warranty for this product  
may be superseded when  
the product is integrated  
into (becomes a part of)  
other Agilent products.  
During the warranty period,  
Agilent will, at its option,  
either repair or replace  
products which prove to be  
defective. The warranty  
period begins on the date of  
delivery or on the date of  
installation if installed by  
Agilent.  
Hazardous voltages may be  
present.  
Warning  
No operator serviceable  
parts inside. Refer servicing  
to service-trained personnel.  
For transactions in Austra-  
lia and New Zealand: The  
warranty terms contained in  
this statement, except to the  
extent lawfully permitted,  
do not exclude, restrict, or  
modify and are in addition  
to the mandatory statutory  
rights applicable to the sale  
of this product.  
Warning  
For continued protection  
against fire, replace the line  
fuse only with a fuse of the  
specified type and rating.  
Manual Part Number: E3634-90001  
Printed: April 2000 Edition 2  
Printed in Korea  
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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY  
according to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014  
Manufacturer’s Name:  
Agilent Technologies, Inc.  
Manufacturer’s Address:  
345-15, Kasan-dong, Kumchon-ku,  
Seoul 153-023 Korea  
declares, that the products  
Product Name:  
DC Power Supply  
E3633A and E3634A  
All Options  
Model Numbers:  
Product Options:  
conforms to the following Product Specifications:  
Safety:  
EMC:  
IEC 1010-1:1990+A1:1992 / EN 61010-1:1993+A2:1995  
EN 61326-1 : 1997  
CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991 Group 1 Class A  
EN 61000-4-2 (1995) / IEC 61000-4-2 (1995)  
EN 61000-4-3 (1996) / IEC 61000-4-3 (1995)  
ENV 50204 (1995)  
- Criteria A  
- Criteria A  
EN 61000-4-4 (1995) / IEC 61000-4-4 (1995)  
EN 61000-4-5 (1995) / IEC 61000-4-5 (1995)  
EN 61000-4-6 (1996) / IEC 61000-4-6 (1996)  
EN 61000-4-8 (1993) / IEC 61000-4-8 (1993)  
- Criteria A  
- Criteria A  
- Criteria A  
- Criteria A  
EN 61000-4-11 (1994) / IEC 61000-4-11 (1994) - Criteria C  
Supplementary Information: The products herewith comply with the requirements of the  
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and carry the “CE”  
mark accordingly.  
Seoul, Korea  
November 1, 1999  
Quality Manager  
European Contact for regulatory topics only: Hewlett-Packard GmbH, HQ-TRE, Herrenberger Strabe 110-140,  
D-71034 Böbligen (FAX: +49-7031-143143).  
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